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China at UN Security Council hopes to keep up momentum for dialogue and talks, notes significant differences in positions of Ukraine, Russia

The People's Republic of China hopes to "keep up the momentum" for dialogue and negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, calls for de-escalation of the situation on the battlefield and notes significant differences in the positions of Ukraine and Russia on key issues for achieving peace, said China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Geng Shuang.

"At present, the Ukraine issue is entering a critical stage for a negotiated settlement. China supports all efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis, welcomes a series of recent engagements and talks between Russia and the US, between Ukraine and the US, and between European countries and the US," he said at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on "Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine" in New York on Friday.

At the same time, China "is pleased to see the continued engagements among relevant parties towards a solution. At the same time, the fighting on the ground has not let up. The ongoing drone and missile attacks exchanged between Russia and Ukraine have caused new civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, which is truly heart-wrenching."

"It also shows that the road to peace is long and arduous, which requires more efforts from all parties together," Shuang added.

In this regard, the representative of China made three points. "First, it is our hope that the parties concerned will show calm and restraint and promote the deescalation on the battlefield as soon as possible," he said.

"We reiterate our call that under no circumstances should civilians and civilian infrastructure be targeted. Parties to the conflict should strictly abide by the international humanitarian law, and effectively protect the safety and security of civilians and civilian infrastructure," Shuang added.

"Second, it is our hope that the parties concerned will meet each other halfway and keep up the momentum of dialogue and negotiations," he said.

"Currently, there is still a considerable gap between the positions and propositions of parties on the key issues towards peace, which all the more requires keeping the faith, sustaining engagement, demonstrating political will, and showing flexibility, aimed at a peace agreement at an early date," China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN said.

"Third, it is our hope that the international community will build consensus and create a favorable environment for a political settlement of the crisis," Shuang added.

"The international community, especially important stakeholders, should step up diplomatic efforts to put an end to the fighting and promote peace talks, and should send more positive signals for dialogue and negotiations," the diplomat said.

He also noted that China is ready to continue cooperating with the international community, "playing a constructive role in facilitating a political settlement of the crisis at an early date."
The County Cork BP & P Association of New York recently celebrated its 24th biennial reunion banquet, at Rochestown Park Hotel in Douglas.

The County Cork Benevolent, Patriotic and Protective Association  to give it its full title  was founded in 1884.

Its website states that the purpose of its formation was to promote unity, goodwill and protection amongst its members and to foster their culture and traditions.

Deborah White, John Doolan and Michelle Fitzgerald, enjoying the County Cork Benevolent, Patriotic and Protective Association dinner dance. Picture: David Keane.

By the final quarter of the 19th century, the population of New York was approximately 1,250,000.

Of that, perhaps 200,000 were Irish immigrants, meaning that about one in every six people in New York City was Irish born.

The conditions in which most immigrants lived were not good, and it was to improve those conditions that the first Corkmens Association was established.

Assistance

At first, the purpose of the association was to look after any members in need of assistance, and it was only open to men who had been born in Cork city.

Some years later, as the association expanded, it opened its doors to anyone born in Co Cork.

Eimear and Cliodhna OBrien at the County Cork Benevolent, Patriotic and Protective Association dinner dance, at the Rochestown Park Hotel. Picture: David Keane.

The association gave its members a sense of community and the opportunity to play traditional Gaelic games.

By 1916, a group of Cork women, who had been watching the association with keen interest, had founded the Cork Ladies Auxiliary, raising funds for local charities and for the Irish Republican Army back home.

The two organisations worked closely together, and they supported each other across the years.

As the decades passed, New York grew, and so, too, did the association.

Roger Gonzalez and Sheila Smith-Gonzalez, at the County Cork Benevolent, Patriotic and Protective Association dinner dance, at the Rochestown Park Hotel. Picture: David Keane.

Many of its members gained prominence in the labour movement, in commerce, in finance, and in government, both local and national.

In 1983, the Cork Ladies Auxiliary was disbanded, its members absorbed as full members of the association.

Honoured

This year, the association honoured two people as outstanding Corkonians, Mary Desmond Power, Grenagh native and former president of the association, and Fianna Fail councillor and former lord mayor of Cork, Tony Fitzgerald.

Presentations were made at the banquet by association president Diarmuid Connolly, who said both honourees had worked tirelessly together to preserve transatlantic ties, adding that the association was very grateful for their work.

Ms Desmond Power said the Cork Association had always been home away from home for her.

I am grateful to my family and friends who have supported me over many years, she said. Surrounded by so many people here in Cork, and in New York, how lucky we are.

Bridge between generations

Mr Fitzgerald said the biennial dinner was more than just a homecoming, rather it was a bridge between generations, between continents, and between the past and the future.

Georgina and Tony Fitzgerald with their grandson Eoin White, enjoying the County Cork Benevolent, Patriotic and Protective Association dinner dance at the Rochestown Park Hotel. Picture: David Keane.

Since 1884, your association has carried the spirit of Cork across the Atlantic, supporting Irish immigrants in New York, while keeping our ties to home, alive and strong, he said.

To be recognised by this community  a community that has done so much to keep our traditions and our culture alive across generations  is something I hold close to my heart.

All of you have carried the spirit and tradition of Cork across the Atlantic for generations, and to include me as part of your story and journey means more to me than words can express.
A Cork senator is calling for government action to tackle racism and is seeking a meeting with the justice minister.

The comments from Labour senator Laura Harmon come after she hosted a second roundtable discussion with members of diverse communities in Cork city in SIPTUs Connolly Hall.

The discussion was organised in a bid to stand against racism following recent racially-aggravated attacks across the country.

The victims of recent racist attacks and all that were affected by it deserve action, not lip service, on this issue, Ms Harmon said.

Ireland needs to see the passing of stronger hate speech legislation and true condemnation of this kind of racist rhetoric.

We in the Labour Party believe in equality and we stand against racism in all its forms, she added.

It is sad to see that recent attacks have left members of the Indian community in Cork fearing for their safety.

Our meetings have seen representatives from the Indian, Pakistani, Sikh community, Romanian, Mexican, African, and Nepalese communities.

I am grateful to these individuals for discussing their very personal experiences with us to inform our work as representatives. I believe it is vital that their voices colour our work on this, Ms Harmon said.

She added that she is aware of how much attention needs to be given to counter the degree of hate being spread in some sections of society and hopes to see more resources made available in schools and beyond.

We need to be having this conversation on all levels of society right now. The importance for grass roots education on equality was highlighted to me at these meetings.

Children must be taught about why racism is wrong and about inclusivity to secure an Ireland free from racism, Ms Harmon said.

This will ensure Ireland is a safe country for all people and those from all backgrounds.
A Cork-based homecare provider has issued a call to the public for up to 1,000 new recruits.

Right at Home, which has a base in Wilton, has announced a new recruitment campaign  seeking up to 1,000 new carers to join their network of employees.

The recruitment drive supports the companys long-term vision to serve over 10,000 clients and employ 5,000 care professionals by 2033.

The Road to 1,000 campaign will create new career opportunities in local communities across Ireland.

Launching this September, the campaign will include a series of informal recruitment events at Right at Homes local offices nationwide.

These drop-in sessions will give people the chance to meet care managers and team members, hear about available roles, and gain insight into building a career in home care.

The roles will be open to individuals across all backgrounds, with the organisation placing a strong emphasis on flexibility, support, and the opportunity to make a genuine difference in peoples lives.

David McKone, managing director of Right at Home Ireland, said caring for others is at the heart of the role, and offers a real chance to make a positive difference every day.

Our carers support people to live safely and independently in their own homes, treating each person with kindness and respect, said Mr McKone.

Its a career that brings connection and meaning, welcoming people from all walks of life.

For more information on upcoming events taking place in Cork, visit: www.rightathome.ie/road-to-1000/.
The number of people living in emergency accommodation in Cork is up by 20% in 12 months, figures described by a leading homelessness charity as record-breaking.

According to the Governments latest homelessness figures, as of the last week of July, there are 663 adults living in emergency accommodation in Cork  up from 553 at the end of July last year, representing a 20% increase.

There are 221 homeless families in the South West region, which covers Cork and Kerry.

That represents a 21% increase on the same time last year, when 183 families were homeless in the region.

Across Cork and Kerry, 103 children are living with their families in emergency accommodation, a 2% increase on last July, when the figure was 101.

The figures, which are provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, do not give a separate breakdown for how many families are in emergency accommodation in Cork alone, or the number of children in such accommodation.

Increase

There were 937 men, women, and children homeless in Cork and Kerry at the end of July, marking a 22% increase on 767 last July.

The July figures mark the seventh consecutive month of increases in homelessness figures in the region.

They come against a national landmark high of homelessness.

A total of 16,058 people nationwide are now living in emergency accommodation.

This includes 5,014 children and 2,343 families who are homeless, the first time the number of homeless children has passed the 5,000 mark.

Deeply Frustrating

Paul Sheehan, head of campaigns and communications at Cork Simon, said the figures were record-breaking and deeply frustrating.

Its just never-ending, and these figures are for July, were not even into the winter months."

Its July and were seeing record numbers stuck in emergency accommodation.

Its very frustrating, and particularly when you see the average rent for Cork, as published by Daft.ie earlier this week, is over 2,000 a month," said Mr Sheehan.

If someone is on the average income, around 45,000 mark, two-thirds is going on housing if theyre depending on the rental market, and thats unsustainable.
Tanaiste Simon Harris has said he is relieved and delighted following the release of an Irishwoman who was kidnapped in Haiti.

Gena Heraty, who is from Westport in Co Mayo, was one of eight hostages  including a three-year-old child  who were kidnapped from an orphanage in Kenscoff on August 3.

Ms Heraty oversees the orphanage, which is run by the humanitarian organisation Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers and Sisters).

It was confirmed on Friday that all of the hostages had been released.

Relieved

Speaking in Copenhagen, Mr Harris said: Can I firstly say, from an Irish perspective, how relieved and delighted I am that the Irish citizen in Haiti was released last night from captivity.

Gena Heraty is an incredible humanitarian worker, she represents the very best of us, someone who has dedicated three decades of her life to looking after vulnerable children in Haiti.

It has been an extraordinarily stressful and worrying time for Genas family, for Genas friends, for Genas colleagues.

The Tanaiste thanked everyone who had worked to secure the release of the hostages.

In a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms Heratys family said they were relieved beyond words.

Grateful

The statement said: 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 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.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has confirmed that an investigation has been launched after locals spotted a white discharge in the water on the north bank of the River Blackwater in Fermoy yesterday.

In a statement, the IFI said a probe is being carried out by their officers and Cork County Council, who attended the scene in Fermoy yesterday.

Cork County Council staff have taken water samples from the discharge point, and is further investigating to try to identify the source of this discharge, the statement read.

At this juncture, it is not thought to be connected to the ongoing multi-agency investigation into fish mortalities on the River Blackwater.

Separately, IFI estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 fish were killed along an 18km stretch of the River Blackwater earlier this month. Local anglers and conservationists insist that more than 40,000 fish died at that time.

Sampling

Diagnostic sampling of affected fish was carried out in Mallow. Last week, the IFI confirmed that deaths of thousands of brown trout were caused by a pollution incident.

In a statement on their website, IFI said that IFI, Cork County Council, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Marine Institute, and Uisce Eireann are working together to advance the ongoing investigation of fish mortalities on the River Blackwater, stating: Potential actions to progress the investigation have been discussed, including testing riverbed sediment, analysis of fish mortalities to identify potential harmful substances, and sampling of macroinvertebrates.

Meanwhile, Jason Corcoran, who owns the Blackwater Trout and Salmon Fishery, said there seems to be no sense of urgency about the new discharge among State bodies.

Substance

He was made aware that there was a substance in the river at 4.30pm on Thursday, and travelled to Fermoy to take footage of it on his phone.

I live about 8km from it, so I jumped into the car and drove straight in, he said.

I took a video of it. It is absolutely crazy.

I have an active trout and salmon fishery in Fermoy, and I have a bed and breakfast in Fermoy, which are all being hugely impacted.

I am practically closed since the incident in Mallow.

To be quite honest, it is my living and my business. Everyone I had booked in since three weeks ago [in the fishery] has cancelled.

Fish kill

Mr Corcoran said people have travelled from all over the world to fish in the River Blackwater, with the recent fish kill causing huge damage to his livelihood.

Everything is gone, he said. I contacted IFI when the fish kill happened, looking for direction, and you are getting zero help from them. They stopped replying to me.

I am a conservationist. I bring people in from all over to go fishing. I have been doing this all my life.

I started this when I was 13, and I am hitting on 50. My dad is at it since 1956. We know what we are talking about.

The river temperature in Fermoy this morning [Friday] is at in and around 16C. The water discharge that was coming out of that drain was at over 24C.

That is fatal for every living thing downstream of that. I was shocked.

Fears

Mr Corcoran said that he fears for the future of various species in the river.

It is very easy to irritate trout. Salmon are very robust, he said. They will look after themselves as long as they are left alone to look after themselves.

Where all of this is happening is in active spawning zones. There is no reproduction rate going to be able to come back in. Salmon are below conservation levels as we speak.
The bill to Munster Technological University (MTU) arising from a February 2023 cyber-attack has risen to 4.2m in direct costs.

According to MTUs 2024 annual report, the university has also received circuit court legal proceedings from a data subject linked to the attack.

The report states it is not yet possible to assess the outcome of this case.

The 4.2m figure is up from 3.5m reported in 2023.

Professional fees under the heading of cyber in 2024 totalled 498,000.

Cork Campus

As a result of the attack, MTUs Cork campus was temporarily closed following the IT breach and phone outages.

The Kerry campuses remained unaffected. A ransom was demanded but MTU refused to engage.

Following the incident, MTU worked closely with the National Cyber Security Centre, the Data Protection Commission, An Garda Siochana, and relevant government departments.

MTU, established in 2021 from the merger of the Institute of Technology Tralee (ITT) and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), said a major body of work is underway to align IT systems with best practices in security, recovery, and data monitoring.

The university said new systems and enhanced controls have been introduced, with KPMG engaged to review and implement measures.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is now in place for all staff and students.

The report also noted that MTUs chief information security officer resigned, and the role has been re-advertised as Head of IT Security.

The cybersecurity team has expanded with a new governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) Manager and a senior cybersecurity analyst.

The report confirmed direct costs from the breach currently stand at 4.2m.

Procurement rule breaches

Separately, MTU disclosed procurement rule breaches totalling 433,000 in spending that did not comply with guidelines.

This was mainly due to international student recruitment, outsourced course delivery, and consumable purchases.

For the year ending August 2024 MTU recorded a surplus of 1.76m, with income of 264.23m and costs of 262.47m.

Staff costs were the universitys largest expense, at 150.98m, as staff numbers increased from 1,786 to 1,864.

MTU president Maggie Cusack received 205,000 in pay, while 27 executive management team members shared 3.1m in remuneration.

Staff earning between 100,000 and 110,000 rose from 92 to 258. Those earning between 110,000 and 120,000 increased from 35 to 48.

Some 18 staff earned between 120,000 and 130,000, four between 130,000 and 140,000, one between 140,000 and 150,000, and one between 200,000 and 210,000.
Irelands largest building contractor, which had been located on the Kinsale Rd since 1967, has moved to a new office at City Gate, Mahon.

The new Cork office was officially opened this week by Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner, Gary McGann, chairman, Sicon Ltd (Sisk Group), and Paul Brown, CEO, Sisk.

The new office was retrofitted over a four-month period and has capacity for over 50 staff.

The company has recently been announced as main contractor for the extension of Center Parcs in Longford Forest, having completed the Dunkettle Interchange upgrade scheme and a Pfizer project in Ringaskiddy over the past 18 months.

In June 2024, Sisk moved over 250 of its staff into its new Irish HQ in Citywest, Dublin.

Roots

Paul Brown, Sisk CEO, said the companys roots are firmly in Cork and the move to Mahon is an investment in its people and a vote of confidence for the wider Munster region.

This move will enable us to support and attract future local talent into the construction sector. Our new office also complements our new HQ retrofit in Dublin, he added.

Additionally, it is a wider commitment by us to be best prepared to support the Governments recent update to the national development plan  a bold vision that ramps up public capital investment to a historic 275.4bn from 2026 to 2035.

Off the back of our successful completion of Dunkettle Interchange, we are positioned to support one of the most ambitious infrastructure programmes in our nations history  and one that we support and are ready to engage upon.

Employs

Commissioner Michael McGrath said construction employs millions across Europe.

Sisk has delivered many vital building projects across Ireland, the UK, and throughout Europe. In doing so, it provides valued employment and contributes to economic growth and urban renewal wherever it works.

Construction is never just about bricks and mortar  its about people, communities, and creating opportunities for future generations.

Sisk employs over 2,500 people across Europe and has been in existence for over 165 years.
It has emerged that within the last week Ukrainians who fled the the war in their homeland and were placed in accommodation in Millstreet, Co Cork have been moved on to new areas.

Earlier this summer some 120 Ukrainians at the Green Glens Arena were told they had to leave the facility by the end of August. At the time residents were distraught at the decision by the Department of Justice to relocate them from the site, and issued an appeal via the media to remain.

Founder of the Greater Chernobyl Cause, Cork woman Fiona Corcoran, has criticised the decision to end the arrangement for Ukrainians that was in place in Millstreet.

They left last Thursday. My heart breaks for them. They were resigned to the fact that they were leaving and going to new homes spread around Kerry, Cork, Waterford etc."

No sense

"It made no sense to me to have them leave. It is a joke to say that it is a cost saving. The left hand doesnt know what the right hand is doing," said Ms Corcoran.

"The majority people of were working in the locality. Paying taxes like you and me. Going to the local schools. Facilities were in place in schools for children with different challenges and so on. When you think of the transportation and administration costs. It just doesnt make sense.

Ms Corcoran said that the decision to move the Ukrainian community from Millstreet was made without any consultation. There is no plan for the reallocation of the accommodation to other persons seeking shelter.

Ms Corcoran adds that there was a huge sense of anxiety among the residents when they received their notice to leave.

Two ladies are battling cancer, while others have heart conditions, autism, and various other concerns.

They were also informed that they had to find homes for their pets. It was deeply distressing.

Desperate not to leave

Speaking in June of this year Valeria Marchenko from Mariupol said that she was desperate not to leave her home of three years in Millstreet.

Even though I didnt speak English at first, I was hired (locally). My husband has been working as a welder for the past three years. I have never met people as kind and generous as those in Ireland. They gave us a home, and we are truly happy to be here," said Ms Marchenko.

"Were glad that we can contribute something in return. We pay our taxes, we work, and were proud to be part of this community. The arena is like a big family, we help and support each other. Please dont take my home away from me.

Ms Marchenko said that when the war broke out in February 2022 her husband was away working and she was living with her mother.

For two months and 16 days, we lived in a basement  without electricity, gas, or Internet. We were completely cut off from the outside world and didnt understand what was happening. We only understood one thing: We could die at any moment.

"On March 8th, my godmother passed away. I took a shovel and dug a grave in our yard. I dont know where I found the strength, but I buried her. I tried to dig deep enough so that the body wouldn't be disturbed by animals," said Ms Marchenko.

Basement

"There was no one left in the city  no doctors, no police, nothing was functioning. When there were fierce battles for access to water, we had to crawl on the ground to reach the sea. There was a stream about 23 kilometres away. When we couldnt cook over a fire, we ate snow. Food was given to the children first. There were around 30 people in the basement.

"I still remember how one young man's leg was torn off when he went out to get food. They tried to save him  they cut away the shrapnel with a kitchen knife and put a burning log or coal on the wound to cauterize it. But sadly, he didnt survive. He remained dead with us in the basement for another five days until we could finally carry him out and bury him," said Ms Marchenko

"During all this time, my husband didnt know whether I was alive or not. He was trying to find me. Some people took money from him in exchange for false information. They even told him I had died.

Ms Marchenko said that her mother was too terrified to even leave the basement.

But when the Russians entered, we left the city. My dad lived in the nearby village of Volodarsk. My mom, my cat, my dog, and I walked 22 kilometres. The city was closed, and my dad didnt know whether I was alive or not. He tried to get into Mariupol five times, but they wouldnt let him in.

"A military bus eventually took us from Volodarsk to Taganrog. From Taganrog, we made our way to Lithuania. My moms husband was waiting for us there. My husbands family was already in Ireland because they had a car and had managed to leave earlier. My husband and I later flew to Ireland," said Ms "Marchenko

Welcomed

"We were welcomed with smiles and kindness. People gave us food, clothes, and housing. I want to say that, throughout this incredibly difficult journey, I didnt meet a single bad person. I am deeply grateful to Ireland and its people.

In a statement issued in June the Department of Justice said that all accommodation contracted by the Department is temporary in nature.

Ukrainian citizens are advised of this when requesting emergency accommodation. As the demand for accommodation for Ukrainian citizens decreases, and they make their own independent arrangements for accommodation, the department is carrying vacancies in commercial contracts. As a result, the department ends contracts on a regular basis in order to ensure value for money and greater oversight of the portfolio," read the statement.

"This means that a number of Ukrainian citizens who are in State-supported accommodation are being moved to other accommodation. Any Ukrainian citizen resident in a property affected will be offered alternative emergency accommodation at a different site if they still require it.

"We need to provide the best we can for all those who come to Ireland fleeing war or oppression in Ukraine and other countries, while balancing this with the requirement to make best possible use of State funds," it added,

"The department has sent updates, through the accommodation providers, to the residents who will be affected, to let them know that the contract is ending with that provider. The department has also informed the residents that if they wish to continue to receive State-funded accommodation, it will be provided in another location.
The number of injured in Zaporizhia as a result of a massive attack by Russian occupiers last night has increased to 28 people, said head of the regional military administration Ivan Fedorov.

"People continue to seek help from doctors. Currently, 28 are injured," he wrote on Telegram on Saturday.

Earlier, it was known about 25 injured and one dead.
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.
Kenneth Fox

Saturday's front pages focus on a range of stories from an Irish army chief warning about a Russian shadow fleet' to over 5,000 children being homeless in the State.

The Irish Times reports that Ireland must focus more on national defence against external threats including espionage, covert Russian vessels and conventional military forces, the newly appointed head of the Defence Forces has said.

The Irish Examiner lead on the number of children who are homeless in Ireland rising to over 5,000 for the first time, on what is being described as a dark and shameful day for Ireland.

The Echo focuses on MEP Billy Kelleher setting his sights on being Fianna Fail's nomination for the presidency.

Saturday's Mail pic.twitter.com/mk79TZSWi8  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) August 29, 2025

Today's front page of The Irish Sun. pic.twitter.com/kruiPqwTtO  The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) August 30, 2025
(Photo: WCC / Suspilne Kyiv)Rescue workers looking for survivors at a five-story residential building in the Darnytsia district in Kyiv, Ukraine, hit by a Russian missile on Aug. 28, 2025.

Russia launched a mass attack on Ukrainian cities overnight on Aug. 28, killing 18, including children, and World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay called for a stop to attacks on Ukraine, urging dialogue, not violence.

"The World Council of Churches is appalled by Russia's escalation of attacks impacting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine," Pillay said.

"Last night, Russia launched a large-scale aerial strike on Ukrainian cities, attacking Kyiv and regions far from the front lines."

It is reported that at least 23 people have been killed in Kyiv, including three children ages 2, 14, and 17.

Russia was found to have fired 629 drones and missiles at Kyiv in the early hours of Aug 28, killing 23 people, in one of the biggest aerial assaults of the war so far that prompted outrage from European leaders, the BBC reported.

Two missiles landed near the EU's offices in central Kyiv.

"According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia launched 598 drones overnight, including Shahed attack drones and decoys, as well as 31 missiles, among them ballistic and cruise missiles," said Pillay.

"While the people of Ukraine and many in the international community have been hoping and praying for signs of an end to this terrible conflict, Russia has exponentially increased its drone and missile attacks in recent months."

Pillay noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin seems intent on destroying hopes for peace.

"The WCC calls on him to stop these attacks and the death and destruction they cause, to engage seriously in dialogue, and to bring Russia's illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine to an end," Pillay said.

WCC statement on Russia's escalation of attacks on Ukraine

The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations issued a strong statement on the "latest Russian terrorist attacks" against Ukrainian cities.

The UCCRC represents more than 95 percent of religious communities in Ukraine.

- 'GENOCIDAL POLICY'

It said, "The dictatorial Russian regime has once again exposed its inhumane nature and its criminal, genocidal policy.

"We strongly condemn the latest terrorist attacks carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukrainian cities and villages, which once again confirm its nature as a terrorist state.

"Any support now extended to the Russian Federation is, in fact, support for murderers and criminals, and carries with it undeniable moral responsibility."

The statement said, "Money earned through business with Russia today is stained with the blood of innocent victims, and that blood cries out to Heaven for just retribution."

Earlier in the week, a Global Prayer for Ukraine took place on Ukraine's Independence Day on Aug. 24, and united more than 500 churches and communities from 44 countries in prayer and solidarity with Ukraine's people standing up against the war of aggression.

An Ecumenical Prayer for Ukraine was held at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day, with the participation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the first lady, Olena Zelenska, and leaders of churches and religious organizations in Ukraine.

Churches from Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Australia, as well as Ukrainian diaspora communities worldwide, took part in the prayer initiative.

Organizers of the prayer reported that, through registration on their website alone, more than 500 churches from 44 countries joined the 24-hour prayer chain, with the actual number of participants even higher.

Besides the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, the prayer initiative for Ukraine was endorsed by Pope Leo XIV of the Roman Catholic Church, the World Council of Churches, the Baptist World Alliance, and numerous other church communities, reaching millions of Christians worldwide.

The Russian Orthdox Church, which supports Putin's war on Ukraine is a member of the World Coucil of Churches.
Intel no longer has to fulfill certain requirements or meet milestones that it was originally supposed to under the CHIPS Act, now that the government is taking a stake in the company. According to the Wall Street Journal, Intel said in a filing that it can now receive funding from the government, as long as it can show that it has already spent $7.9 billion on projects that it agreed to take on under a deal with the Commerce Department last year. Reuters notes that Intel has already spent $7.87 billion on eligible CHIPS Act-funded projects.

In addition, the company doesn't have to share a percentage of the total cumulative cash flow it gets from each project with the Commerce Department anymore. It doesn't have to adhere to some of the CHIPS Act's workflow policy requirements and most other restrictions, as well. However, it still can't use the funds it gets from the government for dividends and to repurchase shares.

If you'll recall, the government recently decided to take a 10 percent stake in Intel instead of proceeding with their original CHIPS Act deal. President Donald Trump previously called for Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign, prompting a meeting between them that led to the new agreement. "He walked in wanting to keep his job and he ended up giving us 10 billion dollars for the United States," Trump said. "So we picked up 10 billion." Intel eventually announced that the US government will "make an $8.9 billion investment in Intel common stock." The purchase will be made up of the $5.7 billion previously earmarked for Intel as part of the CHIPS act, while the rest ($3.2 billion) will be awarded as part of the Secure Enclave program.

Intel CEO David Zinser recently revealed that the company already received $5.7 billion from the government on Wednesday night. The government also previously awarded Intel $2.2 billion in grants under the CHIPS Act, bringing the government's total involvement with the company to $11.1 billion.
In Lviv, circumstances of murder of political figure being established, according to sources, it is Andriy Parubiy

Law enforcement officers are establishing the circumstances of the murder of a public and political figure in Lviv, it is Andriy Parubiy, the former chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, sources in law enforcement agencies told Interfax-Ukraine.

"Today, at about noon, 102 received a report of a shooting in the Sykhiv district of Lviv. As a result of the injuries received, the victim died on the spot. It has been established that the deceased is a well-known public and political figure born in 1971," the National Police said on Telegram on Saturday.
Final update, September 10, 2025, 11:04AM ET: Apple announced new iPhones, Apple Watch and AirPods models on September 9. The full rundown of new releases: the iPhone 17, iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max; the AirPods Pro 3 (with live translation and a heart rate sensor); and the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. The company also confirmed that all of its new operating system upgrades including iOS 26 will be available as free upgrades on September 15. Read the rest of this story below to see how closely the new products aligned with the weeks and months of rumors.

We're now just hours away from setting our eyes on the iPhone 17 lineup. Apple will reveal the newest smartphones during its big September "Awe dropping" iPhone event this afternoon at 1PM ET. The Engadget team will be liveblogging the iPhone event from Cupertino in real-time if you want to follow along. (You can watch the iPhone 17 event on YouTube, too.) The newest phones will come equipped with the latest iOS 26 features preinstalled, along with any new features Apple reveals today. So what can we expect to see? While Apple keeps all the details under lock and key, we actually have a very strong idea as to what we'll be seeing, thanks to leaks from Asian supply chains, case manufacturers and some credible media reports. Oh, and there are plenty of more fanciful rumors, too. Here's our best bet as to what will be coming out of Cupertino next in just a few days.

What are the latest iPhone 17 rumors?

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman is the industry's best-known Apple whisperer, and his event preview offers a tidy overview of what to expect on Tuesday. That includes four new iPhone 17 models, with an all-new superthin model, dubbed the iPhone Air, leading the pack. We'll also likely see the baseline iPhone 17, as well as the usual Pro and big-screen Pro Max models, which will offer the line's best cameras and extras.

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Additionally, expect up to three new Apple Watch models, with the satellite-connected Apple Watch Ultra 3 and a possible new entry-level Apple Watch SE flanking the Apple Watch Series 11. Rounding out the new products should be the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds, which are said to add heart-rate monitoring and a live translation feature.

While all of those reports largely jibe with earlier rumors, Gurman's report includes screen sizes and handset sizes down to the millimeter. In fact, he had previously outlined most of the same expectations in a recent appearance on the Engadget Podcast.

But he's not the only one with exact measurements: Plenty of case makers, including Dbrand, have unveiled their cases for the complete iPhone 17 line (including the 17 Pro case shown above), further solidifying expectations on dimensions and screen sizes for the new models. That said, we're still treating everything as unconfirmed until Apple's official announcements hit on Tuesday.

While we don't expect any big leaps forward on the Apple Intelligence front at Tuesday's event, Gurman's subsequent report notes that Apple is continuing to experiment with AI models from Google, Anthropic and OpenAI, and may license technology from one or more of them ahead of a major Siri upgrade that could arrive as soon as March 2026.

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In addition, supposed battery capacities for the iPhone 17 models have appeared in a Chinese regulatory database, as shared on X by account ShrimpApplePro (via MacRumors). If the numbers are accurate, the iPhone 17 will get a 3.7 percent increase in battery capacity versus last year's model, the 17 Pro will gain a whopping 18.7 percent and the Pro Max gets an 8.6 percent improvement over the already strong 16 Pro Max battery. Not surprisingly, the leak lists the iPhone Air at around 3,100 mAh, or about 16 percent under the capacity of the iPhone 17 number. It will be interesting to see how Apple addresses that power shortfall if and when the company shares these numbers during or after its announcement.

How much will the iPhone 17 cost?

Apple's announced plan to expand US-based manufacturing partners seems to give it at least some shielding from the steepest Trump administration tariffs that have already triggered price increases on everything from PlayStations to Switch consoles to high-end cameras to Sonos speakers. But given that President Trump's trade policies can change from week to week, and Apple's continuing reliance on Asia-based supply chains, price shocks remain an ongoing possibility. The bigger question is: Will Apple absorb any higher costs, or pass them on to consumers?

If prices do creep up, Apple may choose to pair it with an "upgrade." Consider this recent rumor posted by MacRumors from a leaker known as "Instant Digital," suggesting that the default storage of the iPhone 17 line may start at 256GB, doubling the current 128GB baseline. While that could be accompanied by a price increase of $50, Apple could at least pitch it as a "better value." That said, the company doubled the default RAM of its Mac computers from 8GB to 16GB at no extra cost in 2024  but that was before the current Trump tariff cycle started.

Now, on the eve of the iPhone announcement, a report from JPMorgan mixes and matches the rumors above. As recounted in 9to5Mac, the iPhone line's starting prices will still stretch from $799 to $1,199  just as they do now  with the Air possibly getting a $50 increase versus the iPhone Plus model it's replacing, and the 17 Pro costing an additional $100, but including more storage.

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Again, these prices are only projections and haven't been confirmed by Apple.

When will the iPhone 17 series be announced?

As noted above, the date has been confirmed for Tuesday, September 9. That lines up with Apple's traditional schedule, and the earlier report from iphone-ticker.de (via MacRumors).

This generation of Apple smartphones may be the last to be fully released in September, however. There have been hints that the introduction of the iPhone 18 collection in 2026 will be split into a pro-tier announcement in the fall and a standard model announcement the following spring.

What will the new iPhone 17 lineup include?

Design leaks suggest that Apple is building an ultra-thin smartphone, likely to be named the iPhone 17 Air to match Apple's ultralight laptop designation. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in January (and reaffirmed in his September event preview) that the iPhone 17 Air will be equipped with a basic A19 chip and will only have a single camera lens. It will also supposedly use Apple's new in-house modem, which was introduced in February on the iPhone 16e.

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As a guest on the latest Engadget Podcast, Gurman told Engadget's Devindra Hardawar and Igor Bonifacic the rumored iPhone Air will be rough around the edges at first. He believes the 17 Air will "lag in both" when it comes to camera and battery performance. "The battery life is going to be subpar compared to a base-level 17 or Pro model," he says. The ultimate goal, he notes, is to get all the functionality of the Pro models into the Air models.

An investor note from Apple analyst Jeff Pu indicated that the Air will have a titanium frame. If his reports are accurate, the lightweight smartphone will be the only entry in the iPhone 17 lineup to use that metal; the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to be made of aluminum, which is lighter. Other speculation had suggested that the Air would use a blend of aluminum and titanium, so the exact materials may not be known until the official announcement.

Additionally, an August 4 MacRumors report said the internal battery pack of the iPhone Air is just 2.49mm thick  half the thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro battery. The leak was posted on the Korean-language Naver blog, where they show the alleged batteries of the iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro side by side. The same account claimed the 17 Air's battery capacity was a mere 2,800 mAh, MacRumors noted. (That's below the battery capacity of current iPhone 16 models.)

At the very least, it sounds like the iPhone 17 Air won't take away the charging port and rely only on wireless connectivity. Bloomberg said that while Apple had investigated making the iPhone 17 Air without a single port, the company (fortunately) changed plans. He also says that the rumored phone will have a 6.6-inch screen and include the Dynamic Island and Camera Control button.

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On a similar topic, an iPhone 17 Pro production leak appears to have revealed an all-aluminum chassis, according to MacRumors. Originally posted by leaker Majin Bu, the image shows a shell that has a large round hole on the back (where the Apple logo typically is) to allow for MagSafe charging. MacRumors says this could just be a molding but notes that the aluminum frame (versus the current titanium in Pro iPhone models) would yield a significantly lower weight.

That same leaker (Majin Bu), whom MacRumors classifies as a "hit-or-miss leaker," suggests the iPhone 17 Pro will have better wireless signal strength thanks to an updated antenna design. The individual posted a render on X that shows a new antenna system that wraps around the iPhone 17 Pro's supposedly wider rear camera bump. Again, this is a render, not a real-world photo. That said, we can't knock the goal of better wireless reception, so we're hoping this one has a degree of truth to it.

Leaker Majin Bu also claims "TechWoven" cases could be introduced, per a MacRumors report. The cases match the rumored design on the iPhone 17 models, with the wide camera bump. The leaker noted there are two lanyard holes for "convenient and secure carrying," so it could be worn around your neck. The colors would come in grey/black, blue, green, purple and orange. Additionally, he said there will be new Liquid Silicone cases in eight colors, including Deep Orange, Pale Orange, Grass Green, Celadon, Fog Purple, Grey Blue, Dark Blue and Midnight Black. He also recently showed a clear iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max case with the large rear camera bump cutout. The case isn't fully transparent and instead has a white rectangular piece that covers the MagSafe area.

The new Pro iPhones are said to have a full-width "camera island" on the rear, which would mark the first time an Apple model opted for that design. This feature can be seen in the purported iPhone 17 "spotted in the wild." The pics, highlighted on MacRumors, show a black cased iPhone (17 Pro?) with the distinct back panel. Is it the real deal? The dual angles lend a degree of credibility in a social media landscape increasingly polluted with AI-enhanced fakes, but your guess is as good as ours.

Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro models could have the brightest display yet, according to leaker "Instant Digital," MacRumors reports. The goal is to make it "more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods." The article points out that existing 16 Pro models can double their maximum brightness while in direct sunlight, making it easier to see what's on the screen.

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We've also gotten what seems to be a reliable look at what the color lineup will be for the new smartphones. Macworld reported that the iPhone 17 will be available in black, white, steel gray, green, purple and light blue. The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly have four color options: black, white, light blue and light gold. While the Air colors will be less saturated, the visuals for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will go bold. The options for the Pro models are expected to be black, white, gray, dark blue and orange.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes there actually will be a new orange color offered for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, as well as a light blue color for the iPhone 17 Air, he confirmed in his August 24 Power On newsletter.

On July 30, Tom's Guide highlighted an X post from Sonny Dickson  a longtime and generally reliable leaker of unreleased iPhone information  showing "dummy" iPhone 17 models in the new colors that were the source of the aforementioned Macworld story. While these are literally just mock-ups  not real, leaked iPhones  it's interesting to see how the design and color rumors translate into a real-world look and feel.

To add the the rumors, a Weibo leaker known as Digital Chat Station suggests the iPhone 17e will come equipped with a new design that includes the Dynamic Island, MacRumors reports. According to the post, the new phone will have the A19 chip and could have a 6.1-inch OLED display with a front-facing 12-megapixel camera and a rear-facing 48-megapixel camera. However, it's important to note this report refers to the 17e model that would be expected to launch no earlier than February 2026, if it followed the same release pattern as the iPhone 16e.

What will iOS 26 be like?

Apple upended its numbering conventions with WWDC 2025, and will match the name of each new operating system to the year it's released. So when the next wave of iPhones hits, they'll be running on iOS 26.

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On the design side, the smartphone OS introduced during the big developer showcase took a contentious approach dubbed Liquid Glass. Apple has been scaling down the amount of transparency effects in the subsequent beta tests of iOS 26, but it will still have a glass-like visual.

The feature list includes big and small updates. On the more impactful side, the Phone and Photos apps have been redesigned. There will be several features leveraging artificial intelligence, such as live translation capabilities coming to Phone, FaceTime and Messages. Apple is also currently testing a sensitive content warning for child accounts that will freeze FaceTime video if nudity is detected by on-device machine learning tools. And the company is also launching Visual Intelligence, which will use AI to search for elements in an image.

iOS 26 also has a litany of minor, quality of life improvements. Group texts are getting support for polls. And for the slow risers out there, iOS 26 will finally let you escape the tyranny of the nine minute snooze alarm.

The next iOS is now available as a public beta. Here are our initial impressions of the Liquid Glass design and other new features. iOS 26 is compatible with all models back through iPhone 11.

What other products are expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17?

If Apple follows its usual pattern, the iPhone 17 will be announced alongside new Apple Watch products. That would be the Apple Watch Series 11 (if Apple sticks to the same naming scheme), and maybe an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and/or an updated Apple Watch SE. (They'll all run watchOS 26, of course.) As noted above, a new version of the Apple AirPods Pro (which received its last big update in 2022) is expected, and there's a possibility we'll see new AirTags trackers (first released in 2021), though those could be announced later.

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The Apple rumor mill got a big shot in the arm in mid-August thanks to the reported inclusion of product ID numbers in recent beta software builds. Per MacRumors, it's a laundry list of new hardware, including long-rumored product updates like the Apple TV, HomePod mini, new Apple Studio Display monitor and two fresh iPads.

Of course, even if that list is totally accurate, we may not see those products until 2026  if ever. So don't expect all of products to share the stage with the iPhone 17, especially since Apple likes to keep its star performer at the center of attention.

That said, keep in mind that Apple has recently been having Mac-centric announcements in late October (as it did last year to debut new M4 Macs), so there's always the chance of another shoe dropping a few weeks down the road.

Update, September 9, 2025: Noted the iPhone 17 event starts soon (within hours).

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Update, September 8, 2025, 12:22PM ET: Added new rumor about battery capacity in the new iPhone 17 devices.

Update, September 7, 2025, 12:32PM ET: Added Mark Gurman's latest reporting on Apple's possible AI partnerships.

Update, September 6, 2025, 8:45AM ET: Added Mark Gurman's latest full predictions on what's expected at the Tuesday Apple event.

Update, September 4, 2025, 3:23PM ET: Added new rumors about the iPhone 17 Air battery/eSIM, and camera details for the latest lineup.

Update, September 3, 2025, 3:24PM ET: Added new rumor about the increased brightness of the iPhone 17 pro models.

Update, September 2, 2025, 3:56PM ET: Added new details about the potential iPhone 17 lineup prices, and a new Clear Case rumor.

Update, August 30, 2025, 8:45AM ET: Added commentary from Mark Gurman's guest appearance on the Engadget Podcast about the rumored iPhone 17 Air.

Update, August 27, 2025, 5:44PM ET: Added official Apple iPhone 17 event date, and a rumor about its event logo.

Update, August 25, 2025, 5:15PM ET: Added new reports about the iPhone 17 Pro's orange color as well as new rumored Liquid Silicone cases.

Update, August 22, 2025, 11:52AM ET: Added new details about the colors of the rumored TechWoven case.

Update, August 20, 2025, 7:12PM ET: Added new rumor about potential TechWoven case for iPhone 17 series.

Update, August 18, 2025, 6:23PM ET: Added new rumor about the iPhone 17e potentially having the Dynamic Island.

Update, August 15, 2025, 2:05PM ET: Added new rumor about the all-aluminum chassis on the iPhone 17.

Update, August 13, 2025, 10:02PM ET: Added a list of the products that are expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17s.

Update, August 11, 2025, 7:27PM ET: Added a render of a rumored new antenna design for the iPhone 17 Pro.

Update, August 8, 2025, 4:43PM ET: Added new speculation and reports about iPhone 17 pricing.

Update, August 6, 2025, 4:05PM ET: Added latest details about the potential iPhone 17 event date.

Update, August 4, 2025, 5:23PM ET: Added latest battery leaks about the iPhone 17 models.

Update, August 1, 2025, 8:15AM ET: Added new photos showing potential iPhone 17 colors.

Update, July 30, 2025, 11:08AM ET: Added latest leaks and rumors about the iPhone 17, and updated information on the iOS 26 public beta.

Update, July 17, 2025, 4:40PM ET: Added latest information about iOS 26, possible materials for the Air, and the color options for the different models.

Update, March 17, 2025, 2PM ET: Added details about the rumored price and features of the iPhone 17 Air.

Update, April 11, 2025, 3:45PM ET: Added details from Front Page Tech's new video that claims to reveal details from a leaked iOS 19 build.
Actors Channing Tatum, Oscar Isaac, and Zazie Beetz have been cast in "Kockroach," a crime drama adapted from William Lashner's 2007 novel.

The film follows the story of a mysterious stranger who takes on New York's criminal elite, transforming himself into a larger-than-life crime boss in a city where power rules everything.

Matt Ross, director of "Captain Fantastic," will helm the project from a screenplay by Jonathan Ames, known for "Bored to Death." The script has received revisions by Ross himself. Producer Andrew Lazar, whose credits include "American Sniper," is backing the film under his Mad Chance production banner.

The original novel by Lashner, written under the pseudonym Tyler Knox, presents a dark reimagining of Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis." Instead of a human transforming into an insect, "Kockroach" begins with a cockroach waking up in a seedy Times Square hotel in the 1950s to discover he has become human. The character, known as Jerry Blatta, quickly adapts to his new form and rises through the criminal underworld to become a mob boss before venturing into politics.

Critics have described the novel as combining elements of classic crime fiction with dark humor. The New York Times noted the book's setting in the "hard-boiled" atmosphere of 1950s New York, while other reviewers have compared its style to authors like Damon Runyon and Dashiell Hammett.

Principal photography on the film adaptation is scheduled to begin in January in Australia. Black Bear will handle international distribution rights, while CAA Media Finance and Range Select will co-represent U.S. rights. The project will be introduced to fans at the Toronto International Film Festival next week.

Tatum will attend the Toronto festival for the premiere of his upcoming film "Roofman," directed by Derek Cianfrance, where he will also receive the festival's Performer Award. He recently completed work on Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Doomsday." His extensive filmography includes the "Jump Street" and "Magic Mike" franchises, along with dramatic roles in "Foxcatcher," "Dear John," and "The Vow."

Isaac also stars in Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein," which will have its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival before screening in Toronto. His acclaimed career includes performances in "Ex Machina," "Dune," "Inside Llewyn Davis," and the recent "Star Wars" trilogy.

Beetz, an Emmy Award-nominated actress, is best known for her role in FX's hit series "Atlanta." Her film credits include "Deadpool 2," "Joker," and "The Harder They Fall." She will next appear alongside Liev Schreiber and Stephen Graham in an upcoming Apple TV+ series based on the Lars Kepler crime novels.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly in talks with Netflix to produce a documentary marking the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana's death, an expert told the Daily Mail. The project could bring the couple substantial earnings after the mixed reception of their 2020 series, "Harry & Meghan."

The original series became Netflix's most-watched docuseries at the time, drawing 81.6 million views in its first four days, largely due to Meghan openly criticizing the Royal Family and highlighting her early experiences, including how she had to curtsy to the Queen. Their latest project, "With Love, Meghan, "failed to break into Netflix's top ten, featuring segments such as making violet-petal ice cubes while Harry did not appear.

Expert Warns of 'Victimhood' Strategy

An expert explained that the Sussexes' previous success relied heavily on public sympathy. Amanda Platell wrote on the Daily Mail that Harry is "likely to squeeze out every last drop of his victimhood to carry on making the Netflix millions."

The couple's influence has diminished since the first series, and their $100 million Netflix deal has been scaled back, leaving the streaming service with first refusal on future content.

She noted Harry is considering a documentary focused on Diana, which could air around the 30th anniversary of her death in 2027.

The planned project reportedly revisits moments from Harry's childhood, including Diana's funeral, when his uncle Charles Spencer called her "the very essence of compassion, of duty, of style, of beauty" and "the most hunted woman of the modern age."

Meghan will reportedly have a central role in the narrative.

Princess Diana. A woman who's legacy was pure. She was remembered with love and respect. A woman who's legacy was steeped in charity. Fast forward to now, and because of her youngest son, Harry, diana's legacy is slowly vanishing . People who would at one time never talk pic.twitter.com/qXDplAARKC  Lady B (@09steffie) August 24, 2025

Sources claim the series would present Harry as a victim of the royal system while framing Meghan as a rescuer who helped him navigate his trauma.

The expert warned that the project could alarm the Royal Family, noting that unless the Sussexes focus on criticizing the Windsors, they have limited leverage with Netflix or other streaming platforms. Harry's other projects, including a polo docuseries and an Invictus Games documentary, have failed to attract the same attention.

While Harry endured significant personal loss, the source argued that he should avoid repeating public displays of grief. Yet, Platell stressed, "the Royal Family should be quivering with apprehension," as the couple appears poised to monetize past experiences for streaming revenue.
Blake Lively is facing increasing scrutiny in Hollywood as her ongoing legal battle over the 2024 film "It Ends With Us" raises concerns among directors.

Sources told Radar Online her growing "Queen of Mean" reputation has directors "running so scared" they worry she may "never land another big movie role again."

The controversy began when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment involving director and co-star Justin Baldoni.

Baldoni responded with a $400 million defamation countersuit naming Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist. A federal judge dismissed the countersuit, allowing Lively's trial to move forward, scheduled for March 2026.

Insiders suggest Lively's dual role as producer and lead actress on projects like "The Survival List" has intensified concerns over her control on set. "There's a lot of unease," one movie insider said.

"She's undeniably talented, but she's also developed a reputation for being controlling. Directors are questioning whether they want to deal with that kind of drama, or the possibility she may launch legal action against them."

Legal Firestorm

Court filings reveal Lively detailed instances of improvised unwanted kissing, invasion of personal space, and offensive conduct on set, which she claims were followed by a coordinated PR "smear campaign" from Baldoni's team.

According to Lively, the campaign included a proposed $30,000-a-month plan to bury her image online while avoiding visible traces. One Hollywood source noted, "Directors watched 'It Ends With Us' crumble under the weight of controversy. No one wants to end up as the next Justin Baldoni."

Unsealed texts and emails show Baldoni's team discussed controlling the film's narrative and anticipated conflict before release. Lively's legal team has labeled his actions a textbook case of "DARVO" deny, attack, reverse victim and offender.

Blake Lively really tried to erase Justin and Christy Hall from this movie. You know the woman who spent time and care writing the script. It still angers me to watch this because I knew the first time watching it that Justin was being bullied by these women. #justinbaldoni pic.twitter.com/nDEw1MTM0d  TV & Movie Addict  (@TVMovieAddict) August 28, 2025

Focus on Family

Despite the legal turmoil, Lively has taken time for family. She recently celebrated her 38th birthday quietly with Reynolds and their four children, sources say. The actress is using the pause to reconnect with personal life while her career remains under scrutiny.

Her approach to authorship has drawn attention as well.

In a past interview, she admitted, "I need authorship in order to feel fulfilled." Some admire the sentiment, but industry insiders say it "screams 'power struggle.'"

With her trial approaching, Lively's next professional choices are being closely monitored.

"Her next moves are likely to determine whether this reputation as a Hollywood Queen of Mean can be changed," a source said.
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Recent attacks by Russian drones and missiles on Ukraine, which led to numerous civilian casualties and damage to the offices of the EU Delegation and the British Council, call into question the seriousness of Russia's desire for peace, said Acting Deputy Permanent Representative of the US to the UN John Kelley.

"The latest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties and damage to residential areas, the offices of the EU delegation in Kyiv, and the building which houses the British Council, cast doubt on the seriousness of Russias desire for peace. These strikes on civilian areas must stop immediately. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. Russia must decide now to move toward peace," he said at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on "Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine" in New York on Friday.

"In recent weeks, the United States has undertaken exceptional efforts to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end. President Trump met face-to-face with Russian President Putin in Alaska on August 15, the first summit-level meeting between our countries since Russia launched its invasion more than three and a half years ago. President Trump then hosted Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and seven other European leaders at the White House on August 18 to build on the progress made at the Alaska summit," the US representative said.

"The leaders of Russia and Ukraine must agree to meet bilaterally. President Trump has warned of further economic measures that the United States could take if Russia instead chooses to continue this war, measures which could have far-reaching impact on Russias future economic prosperity. The United States calls on the Russian Federation to avoid these consequences by stopping the violence and engaging constructively to end the war," Kelley said.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said that at the request of Ukraine, supported by its partners, the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Friday, August 29. The meeting is taking place in response to the latest deadly wave of Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

On Friday, units of the State Emergency Service eliminated the consequences of the night shelling of Kyiv on the night of August 28, which killed 25 people, including four children.
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Ukraine has received the eighth IRIS-T SLM anti-aircraft missile system as part of military aid from Germany, the delivery took place two weeks ago, reports German Aid to Ukraine.

It is noted that the personnel to work with the system completed several weeks of training last month. Currently, Ukraine has eight IRIS-T SLMs in service.

"This means that Ukraine now has eight IRIS-T SLM fire units at its disposal," the report says.

It is emphasized that one firing unit under optimal conditions is capable of covering an area with a radius of up to 40 km and hitting targets at an altitude of up to 20 km. It usually includes three IRIS-T SLM launchers, a TRML-4D radar, a control point, machines for reloading, maintenance and spare parts. As before in Ukraine, two additional IRIS-T SLS launchers are also integrated into the new unit.

According to the publication, of the four IRIS-T SLM firing units promised by Germany to Ukraine in 2025, two have now been transferred.
For Shazia Iqbal, her debut film Dhadak 2 was not just a love story between a Dalit man and an upper-caste woman. It was always meant to be more. A Hindi adaptation of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal, Dhadak 2 stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri in lead roles. When the director first saw the Tamil film, she realised a lot more could have been said in the world of that story. And Dhadak 2 reflected those changes. One of the most poignant additions to the adaptation was the addition of Priyank Tiwari's character, student activist Shekhar. And the reason was simple. Through him, the director wanted to highlight the importance of colleges in shaping people's worldview and encouraging them to speak up.

She also wanted the film to reflect the broader social and political realities of our time.

In an exclusive conversation with Filmfare, Shazia shared, "Rahul Badwelkar (Dhadak 2 co-writer) and I are big fans of Rang De Basanti. It seems that films like that have somehow disappeared from our mainstream, where we could question bigger things that were happening in the state or country. With Pariyerum Perumal, it felt like this film had the potential of being a full-fledged college film. College is also a place where you step out into the world."



The setting of a university in the film carried a layered meaning for the filmmaker. She continued, "You are still in your shell while you're in your school, and you're very protected by your parents and family. I mean, if you're privileged to be protected. Most of the time, like the Dalit community that we're talking about, they probably are not that protected. There's a scene right in the opening where Nilesh's father warns him against going to college, saying that the people there won't let him study. That's the kind of fear the people in the community would have. We had so much potential for Dhadak 2 to be a full-fledged college film. And college politics is something that is not seen in our films anymore.

It's a shame, actually, because there's so much potential to say so many things."







Dhadak 2 also moves beyond the personal journey of Nilesh to address the political. Through the character of Shekhar, the narrative made a statement about resistance. "It could have been Nilesh's personal story, but with bringing in Shekhar, it felt like we were talking about a larger issue. Personal is political, and that is also stated in the film. Even though Shekhar dies in the film, the issue lives on. He passes the baton on to Nilesh. In his death, Shekhar frees Nilesh. The film ends up saying something bigger than just being an assertion story of a Dalit boy."



With that, the Bebak director also admitted that the film pays a direct homage to Rohith Vemula, the PhD scholar whose tragic suicide in 2016 drew attention to alleged systemic discrimination based on caste. She continued, "And of course, who other than Rohith Vemula to pay homage to? I'm really glad that people are catching on to that. It's not very hidden. It's quite up front, actually. In our small ways, we try to put things in our stories that move us and disturb us about society. That way, we found a place to put Rohith in our film."





Shazia also explained that if someone feels strongly about something, then they should make a film about it and take it to the mainstream. "If you really feel strongly about something, you should make a film about it, and you should say that in the mainstream. There was a Dalit person who told me that they've seen themselves on a big screen in a Hindi film. That message actually meant so much. The journey of staying with a film for more than 3 years was worth it."





Dhadak 2 also stars Zakir Hussain, Saurabh Sachdeva, Deeksha Joshi, Vipin Sharma, Saad Bilgrami and Manjari Pupala, among others.





Also Read: Exclusive: "Highest Purpose of Art Is to Shift Perspectives" - Manjiri Pupala on Dhadak 2
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - THEMAC Resources Group Limited (TSXV: MAC) ("THEMAC" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news release of July 31, 2025, it has entered into an arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") with Tulla Resources Group Pty. Ltd. ("Tulla") pursuant to which Tulla will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") not already owned by Tulla by way of a statutory plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") under the Yukon Business Corporations Act (the "YBCA"). Under the terms of the Arrangement, each holder of Common Shares (a "Shareholder") other than Tulla will receive cash consideration of $0.08 for each Common Share held (the "Consideration"). The Consideration represents approximately a 11% premium to the Company's 20-day volume-weighted average trading price of $0.072 on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") immediately prior to the date hereof. Tulla, a corporation organized under the laws of New South Wales and the controlling shareholder of the Company, currently exercises control or direction over 47,950,000 Shares, representing approximately 60.39% of the Company's outstanding Shares. Upon completion of the Transaction, Tulla will be the sole shareholder of the Company.

Shareholder Meeting Details

A special meeting of Shareholders to consider and, if deemed advisable, approve the Arrangement (the "Special Meeting") is expected to be held on October 7, 2025. In order to be approved by Shareholders at the Special Meeting, the Arrangement will need the approval of at least (i) two-thirds of the votes cast at the Special Meeting by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy, (ii) a simple majority of the votes cast at the Special Meeting by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy excluding, for the purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), Common Shares held by Tulla, Kevin Maloney, Andrew Maloney, Marley Holdings Pty Ltd. and any other person required to be excluded for the purpose of such vote under MI 61-101.

Information regarding how Shareholders can participate in and vote at the Special Meeting will be provided in the information circular that will be sent to Shareholders in connection with the Special Meeting (the "Information Circular"), which will also be posted on the Company's website at www.themacresourcesgroup.com and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The board of directors of the Company (the "Board") has unanimously determined (with Kevin Maloney and Andrew Maloney abstaining) that the Arrangement is in the best interests of the Company and is fair to Shareholders. The determination of the Board was made upon the recommendation of a special committee of independent directors (the "Special Committee") and after consideration of the advice of legal and financial advisors to the Special Committee and the Company.

In addition to the 47,950,000 Common Shares held by Tulla that will be voted in favour of the Arrangement, certain directors, officers and significant Shareholders who hold in the aggregate 14,804,130 Common Shares (the "Locked-Up Shareholders"), representing 18.64% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, have entered into Voting and Support Agreements with Tulla, pursuant to which they have agreed, among other things, to vote their Common Shares in favour of the Arrangement, subject to certain exceptions. 90.78% of the Locked-Up Shareholders are affiliates or associates of Tulla.

Shareholders will have the right to dissent provided for in section 193 of the YBCA and such right of dissent will be further described in the Information Circular.

Additional Transaction Details

The Transaction will be implemented by way of the Arrangement under the YBCA. The Arrangement Agreement includes customary provisions relating to non-solicitation, subject to customary "fiduciary out" provisions that entitle the Company to consider and accept a superior proposal if not matched by Tulla. A copy of the Arrangement Agreement is publicly available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Additional information regarding the terms of the Arrangement Agreement can be found in the Information Circular. Shareholders are urged to read these and other relevant materials when they become available.

The completion of the Transaction remains subject to a number of other conditions including, but not limited to, approval by the Supreme Court of Yukon and TSXV approval, as well as the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions customary in a transaction of this nature. If and when these conditions are satisfied, it is expected that the Transaction will be closed in mid to late October 2025. If the Transaction is completed, the Shares will be delisted from the TSXV and the Company will also apply to the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities to cease to be a reporting issuer in each province in which it is a reporting issuer.

Valuation and Fairness Opinion

The recommendation of the Special Committee that the Board approve the Transaction was based on a multitude of factors, including the financial condition of the Company, the liquidity of the Company's shares, and a comprehensive valuation report and fairness opinion (the "Valuation and Fairness Opinion") of the Company prepared by an independent valuator, Evans & Evans, Inc. ("Evans & Evans"). Based on the valuation work and subject to the conditions, assumptions and qualifications set forth in the Valuation and Fairness Opinion, Evans & Evans is of the opinion that, as of the effective date of the Fairness Opinion (July 29, 2025), the consideration payable under the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the minority Shareholders.

A summary of the Valuation and Fairness Opinion, the factors considered by the Special Committee and the Board, and other relevant background information will be included in the Information Circular.

For more information, please visit www.themacresourcesgroup.com or review the Company's filings on SEDAR+ www.sedarplus.ca.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information. Such statements are based on the current expectations of management of THEMAC. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, future circumstances or events to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the going private transaction. The forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions, which could change materially in the future, including the assumption that the Company is able to effect the privatization using the proposed method, the Company is able to obtain the necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals, the parties are able to satisfy or waive, if waiver is possible, the conditions to completing the transaction. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risk that the necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals are not obtained, the conditions to completing the transaction may not be met, or the transaction may be terminated or renegotiated on different terms. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to above will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

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. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE SECURITIES LEGISLATION.

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/264577

SOURCE: Themac Resources Group Limited
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Right Season Investments Corp. (TSXV:LITT), ("Right Season" or the "Company") announces that it proposes to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 20,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.06 per Unit, for gross proceeds of up to $1,200,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share ("Share") of the Company and six-tenths of one common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder, on exercise, to purchase one Share for a period of forty-eight months following the closing date of the Offering at the exercise price of $0.07 per Share.

Net proceeds from the Offering will be used to pursue potential investment opportunities and for general working capital purposes.

In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay finders' fees and/or issue finders' warrants on the same terms as the Warrants, to eligible parties who have assisted by introducing subscribers to the Offering.

The Company also intends to issue Shares equal to 1.0% of the total of Shares issued in the Offering to an arm's-length third party, as an administrative fee for their assistance with the Offering.

All securities to be issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws and, as applicable, the TSX Venture Exchange hold period. Completion of the Offering remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Units will be offered pursuant to exemptions from the prospectus requirements.

About Right Season Investments Corp.

Right Season Investments Corp. is a Canadian Venture Capital, Investment and Advisory Firm that strives to actively drive innovation and accelerate growth for its shareholders. Right Season invests capital into private and public companies that offer excellent growth opportunities.

Contact:

Kristian Thorlund, CEO

Tel: 1 833 383 9900

Email: investor@rightseasoninvestmentscorp.com

Cautionary and 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) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements in respect of the Offering and use of proceeds. 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. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance and developments to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, that the Company's plans and prospects will vary from those stated in this news release and that the Company may not be able to carry out its business plans as expected. Except as required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information in this news release. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release.

SOURCE: Right Seasons Investments

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/right-season-announces-up-to-1.2-million-non-brokered-private-placem-1067184
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / GLG Life Tech Corporation (TSX:GLG) ("GLG" or the "Company"), a global leader in the agricultural and commercial development of high-quality zero-calorie natural sweeteners, announces financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025. The complete set of financial statements and management discussion and analysis are available on SEDAR and on the Company's website at www.glglifetech.com.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

The Company reported revenues of $2.9 million in the second quarter of 2025, down 22% compared to $3.7 million in revenue for the second quarter of 2024. This 22% decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in unit prices on many of the Company's products, relative to the comparable period in 2024, amidst a highly competitive pricing landscape in the overall stevia market.

Revenue for the first six months of 2025 decreased by 16% to $6.0 million, a $1.1 million decrease compared to $7.1 million for the same period in 2024. This 16% decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in both unit prices (driven by overall market pricing pressures) and units sold for many of the Company's products, relative to the comparable 2024 period.

The Company continues its efforts to closely manage its SG&A expenses, reducing SG&A by $0.1 million or 32% in the second quarter of 2025, compared to the second quarter of 2024, and by $0.4 million or 39% over the first six months of 2025, relative to the 2024 comparable period.

For the three months ended June 30, 2025, the Company had net income attributable to the Company from continuing operations of $23.8 million, an increase in net income of $27.4 million over the comparable period in 2024 (net loss of $3.6 million). For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company had net income attributable to the Company from continuing operations of $20.6 million, an increase in net income of $28.6 million over the comparable period in 2024 (net loss of $8.0 million). These net income figures reflect the final disposition of the Company's former Runhai subsidiary, following the shareholder vote earlier this year to transfer the subsidiary, including the subsidiary's debts and assets.

The Company reported net income per share from continuing operations of $0.62 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to a net loss per share of $0.09 for the second quarter of 2024. The Company reported net income per share from continuing operations of $0.54 for the first six months of 2025, compared to a net loss per share of $0.21 for the first six months of 2024.

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS

2025 AGM Voting Results

The Company held its Annual General and Special Meeting (the "Shareholder Meeting") on May 22, 2025. The shareholders voted in all five nominated directors, with favorable votes for each exceeding 99%. Dr. Luke Zhang continues as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Brian Palmieri continues as Vice Chairman of the Board. Madame Liu Yingchun, Mr. Simon Springett, and Mr. David Bishop continue as directors of the Company. (Mr. David Bishop was added as a fifth director by the Board of Directors on March 27, 2025.)

Disposition of Runhai Facility

One of the matters voted on at the Shareholder Meeting was the transfer of the Company's Anhui Runhai Joint Stock Technology Co., Ltd. ("Runhai") subsidiary to Fengyang Xiaogang Hongzhang Health Industrial Park Co. Ltd ("Xiaogang"). Given that the Company has a long-term exclusive contract manufacturing agreement with Qingdao Honghongyuan Health Industry Technology Co., Ltd. ("HHY") - which is staffed almost entirely by the Company's formerly employed production staff/management and utilizes the Company's formerly owned "Runde" facility to produce products for the Company and its customers, all under the production standards mandated by the Company - Management determined that it would be in the interests of the Company and its shareholders to transfer the Runhai subsidiary to a third party.

As described in particular in the Management Proxy Circular, dated April 28, 2025, and distributed to shareholders, the transfer of the subsidiary (including assets, other than intellectual property rights, and debts) for a nominal amount to a third party both brings net improvement to the Company's balance sheet and reduces the Company's exposure to potentially adverse action that could be taken by the government in China towards foreign-held assets. With shareholder's nearly unanimously approving the transfer (votes for the transfer exceeded 99.99%) at the May 22, 2025, meeting, Management expects to reflect the results of the transfer in its second quarter interim financial filings.

The Company will continue to maintain its production focus through the operations at HHY. Given that the production operations at HHY are in all but name essentially identical to the Company's former production operations at its Runde facility, with HHY committed to adhering to the Company's production requirements, the Company has been able to seamlessly service the needs of its global customers with ample headroom to grow its sales volumes. Opting for a contract manufacturing arrangement with HHY (a purely Chinese entity), instead of maintaining direct ownership of Chinese facilities, has enabled the Company to bring major improvements to its balance sheet and significantly mitigate risk of actions that could be taken by the Chinese government at a time where macroeconomic and geopolitical factors have in recent months become more chaotic.

Company Outlook

In recent years, management focused particularly on mitigating the losses - especially from a cash or EBITDA perspective - that the Company suffered over the last several years and to ameliorate the Company's financial position. As a result of those sustained losses, the Company has lacked the cash necessary to fully fund the business operations and strategic product initiatives. The Company continues to manage its cash flows carefully to mitigate risk of insolvency and Management's efforts have been successful in improving the Company's performance, particularly its cash flows, with the Company regularly producing positive EBITDA (on the other hand, interest charges, most of which continue to be accrued rather than paid, continue to have significant impact on the Company's income statement and balance sheet). As a result of these efforts, management has been successful in improving the Company's cash flows. Nevertheless, without an infusion of cash in the months ahead, the Company may not be able to realize its strategic plans and could eventually cease to be a going concern.

A factor that has continued to contribute to the Company's financial situation is the competitive price pressure in the stevia market over the last few years that has reduced mainstream "Reb A" products (such as Reb A 80 and Reb A 97) to the lowest price levels in years; less mainstream products such as "Reb M" have also more recently been facing significant price pressure. Monk fruit prices have also become highly competitive in the marketplace. To maintain margins at sustainable levels, the Company has focused on improving production efficiencies, and continues to strive for a mix of products that is weighted more heavily on higher margin, specialty products, and has focused more on higher margin direct sales. Margins, however, remain slimmer than desired and face additional pressure from the recent tariff actions.

To address operating cash requirements, management previously negotiated revolving loan facilities with third parties for working capital purposes. Management continues to work with third parties for its working capital needs. This has been a significant departure from the Company's prior practice of arranging loans with related parties to fund the Company's operations and the Company has been successful in securing and managing these loan facilities.

Further, the Company's focus on maintaining positive cash flow led the Company to take decisive steps in the last few years to reduce its SG&A costs as well as its production costs. In that time period, both its North American operations and Chinese operations significantly reduced SG&A costs. For many years, the Company's production capacity had been far greater than its projected order levels, as it had then sought rapid increases in orders for Reb A products. Instead, the Company focused on "right-sizing" the Chinese operations - i.e., to optimize staffing and production planning to meet the Company's projected production requirements while retaining the ability to accommodate growth in future order volumes - management made significant progress in this area. These efforts enabled the Company to sell its goods at more competitive and/or more profitable prices, although the competitive price pressures remain strong.

Management has also availed itself of opportunities to improve the Company's balance sheet - to improve the Company's working capital position and to alleviate the debt burden that has impeded the Company's progress for many years now. In 2020, management realized the sale of one of its two idle assets; the sale of the "Runhao" facility resulted in significant debt reduction. In 2023, the Company also realized significant debt reduction through the bankruptcy liquidation of its other long-idled asset, "Runyang". Shareholders, on May 22, 2025 (and as noted further above), approved the transfer of the Company's Runhai facility on terms similar to the previously consummated transfer of the Company's Runde facility. The Company has thereby removed Chinese bank debt from its books, with only long-held related party debt and third-party working capital loans reflected as debt on its balance sheet. The Company has kept its manufacturing capabilities and practices intact through its contract relationship with HHY, comprised of essentially the same personnel and managed under the same strict protocols as was in place with the Company's Runde subsidiary, with manufacturing performed at the same Qingdao Runde facility.

Revenue trends have been encouraging, as Management's efforts to increase sales have brought generally increasing revenues in the last two years. Further, these efforts have resulted in positive EBITDA the last two completed fiscal years as well as the first two quarters of 2025. Increasing revenues is important to the Company's goals of maintaining and improving positive cash flow and positive EBITDA. It is possible that customer purchasing flows are being impacted by global macroeconomic factors; however, there are no evident causal factors suggesting that longer-term customer purchasing patterns are being impacted.

Against this backdrop of sales growth, the Company has faced significant regulatory hurdles. The Company had been cease-traded, as a result of its delay in filing its 2023 full-year financials (since filed, on June 28, 2024), pursuant to a British Columbia Securities Commission order (the failure-to-file cease trade order or "FFCTO"). As a result of that filing delay, the Company was also delayed in filing its interim first quarter financials for 2024 (filed on July 23, 2024). Further, the Company was under a delisting review initiated by the TSX, on the basis of the Company's share price and market capitalization remaining lower than the TSX's requirements, as well as the Company's sustained losses over the years and negative working capital situation, that as noted above, culminated in a decision by the TSX to delist the Company's shares effective close of business September 3, 2024.

The Company has since transferred its listing to the NEX exchange, where it is currently listed (as of September 4, 2024). While the FFCTO had been in effect during the transition to the NEX exchange, the Company was recently notified by the BCSC that the FFCTO has been lifted and Management is now working on the steps necessary for the Company's issue to resume trading on the NEX exchange.

Although the regulatory hurdles are substantial, Management continues to have a positive outlook, albeit with a cautious eye given global macroeconomic uncertainties, at least in the near term, on the Company's revenues, particularly compared to 2023, as sales volumes remained at elevated levels towards the end of 2024 into 2025, although the growth trends did not continue into this second quarter. As Management seeks to have the Company's stock trading again, Management continues to focus on maintaining and increasing revenues, notwithstanding pricing pressures, as well as on maintaining and improving sales volumes and margins and increasing cash flows.

Cease-Trade Status

As noted in the Outlook section above, while the Company has been cease-traded since April of 2024, the FFCTO was revoked on May 21, 2025. Management is now working on the remaining steps necessary for the Company's issue to resume trading on the NEX exchange.

SELECTED FINANCIALS

As noted above, the complete set of financial statements and management discussion and analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, are available on SEDAR and on the Company's website at www.glglifetech.com.

Results from Operations

The following results from operations have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual consolidated financial statements for 2024 and the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2025.

In thousands Canadian $, except per share amounts 6 Months Ended June 30 % Change 6 Months Ended June 30 % Change 2025 2024 2025 2024 Results from Continuing Operations Revenue $ 2,864 $ 3,684 (22 %) $ 6,030 $ 7,141 (16 %) Cost of Sales $ (2,433 ) $ (2,960 ) 18 % $ (5,146 ) $ (5,822 ) 12 % % of Revenue (85 %) (80 %) (5 %) (85 %) (82 %) (4 %) Gross Profit $ 431 $ 725 (41 %) $ 883 $ 1,319 (33 %) % of Revenue 15 % 20 % (5 %) 15 % 18 % (4 %) Expenses $ (321 ) $ (470 ) 32 % $ (618 ) $ (998 ) 38 % % of Revenue (11 %) (13 %) 2 % (10 %) (14 %) 4 % Income/(Loss) from Operations $ 110 $ 255 (57 %) $ 265 $ 321 (17 %) % of Revenue 4 % 7 % (3 %) 4 % 4 % (%) Other Income/(Expenses) $ 23,632 $ (3,847 ) 714 % $ 20,262 $ (8,318 ) 344 % % of Revenue 825 % (104 %) 930 % 336 % (116 %) 453 % Net Income/(Loss) $ 23,742 $ (3,592 ) 761 % $ 20,527 $ (7,997 ) 357 % % of Revenue 829 % (98 %) 926 % 340 % (112 %) 452 % Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to GLG $ 23,798 $ (3,587 ) 763 % $ 20,583 $ (7,984 ) 358 % % of Revenue 831 % (97 %) 928 % 341 % (112 %) 453 % Net Earnings/(Loss) Per Share Attributable to GLG $ 0.62 $ (0.09 ) 763 % $ 0.54 $ (0.21 ) 358 %

Consolidated Results (Consolidating Continued and Discontinued Operations) Net Income/(Loss) - Continuing Operations $ 23,742 $ (3,592 ) 761 % $ 20,527 $ (7,997 ) 357 % Net Income/(Loss) - Discontinued Operations $ 4,450 $ (2,587 ) 272 % $ 3,864 $ (5,207 ) 174 % Net Income/(Loss) $ 28,192 $ (6,179 ) 556 % $ 24,391 $ (13,204 ) 285 % Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to GLG $ 28,196 $ (6,144 ) 559 % $ 24,402 $ (13,132 ) 286 % Net Earnings/(Loss) Per Share Attributable to GLG $ 0.73 $ (0.16 ) 559 % $ 0.64 $ (0.34 ) 286 % Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) $ (74 ) $ (390 ) 81 % $ (94 ) $ (716 ) 87 % Comprehensive Net Income/(Loss) $ 28,118 $ (6,570 ) 528 % $ 24,298 $ (13,921 ) 275 % Comprehensive Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to GLG $ 28,120 $ (6,530 ) 531 % $ 24,245 $ (13,833 ) 275 %

Revenue

Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2025, decreased by 22% to $2.9 million, a $0.8 million decrease compared to $3.7 million for the same period in 2024. This 22% decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in unit prices on many of the Company's products, relative to the comparable period in 2024, amidst a highly competitive pricing landscape in the overall stevia market. International (ex-China) sales comprised 100% of revenues in the second quarter (100% in second quarter of 2024).

Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2025, decreased by 16% to $6.0 million, a $1.1 million decrease compared to $7.1 million for the same period in 2024. This 16% decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in both unit prices (driven by overall market pricing pressures) and units sold for many of the Company's products, relative to the comparable 2024 period. International (ex-China) sales comprised 100% of revenues in the first six months of 2025 (100% in first six months of 2024).

Cost of Sales

For the three months ended June 30, 2025, the cost of sales decreased to $2.4 million, compared to a cost of sales of $3.0 million for the same period last year (a decrease in cost of sales of 18%). Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was 85% for the second quarter, a five-percentage point increase compared to the second quarter of 2024 (80%). This five-percentage point increase in cost of sales as a percentage of revenues is partly attributable to the decrease in unit selling prices in the second quarter of 2025, relative to the second quarter of 2024, that was driven primarily by competitive pricing pressures, despite the raw material costs for much of the Company's product portfolio either remaining static or increasing.

For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the cost of sales decreased to $5.1 million, compared to a cost of sales of $5.8 million for the same period last year (a decrease in cost of sales of 12%). Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was 85% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to cost of sales as a percentage of revenues of 82% for the first six months of 2024. This increase in cost of sales as a percentage of revenues is partly attributable to the decrease in unit selling prices despite raw material costs largely either remaining static or increasing.

Gross Profit (Loss)

Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2025, decreased by 41% to $0.4 million, compared to $0.7 million in gross profit for the same period last year. This 41% decrease in gross profit was driven by the decrease in revenues for the second quarter of 2025 compared to the second quarter of 2024 as well as by the decrease in unit prices attributable to competitive price pressures in the stevia marketplace and, in some cases, margin pressure from the tariff actions in 2025. The gross profit margin was 15% for the second quarter of 2025, compared to 20% in the first quarter of 2024, for the same reasons as described above for the year-over-year comparison of cost of sales as a percentage of revenues.

Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2025, decreased by 33% to $0.9 million, compared to $1.3 million in gross profit for the same period last year. This 33% decrease in gross profit was driven by the decrease in revenues for the first six months of 2025, relative to the comparable period in 2024, as well as by the decrease in unit prices attributable to competitive price pressures in the stevia marketplace and, in some cases, margin pressure from the tariff actions in 2025. The gross profit margin was 15% for the first six months of 2025, compared to 18% for the first six months of 2024, for the same reasons as described above for the year-over-year comparison of cost of sales as a percentage of revenues.

Selling, General and Administration Expenses

Selling, General and Administration ("SG&A") expenses include sales, marketing, general and administration costs ("G&A"), stock-based compensation, and depreciation and amortization expenses on G&A fixed assets. A breakdown of SG&A expenses into these components is presented below:

In thousands Canadian $ 6 Months Ended June 30 % Change 6 Months Ended June 30 % Change 2025 2024 2025 2024 Results from Continuing Operations G&A Expenses $ 311 $ 457 (32 %) $ 597 $ 972 (39 %) Depreciation Expenses $ 10 $ 13 (23 %) $ 21 $ 26 (19 %) Total $ 321 $ 470 (32 %) $ 618 $ 998 (38 %)

G&A expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2025, decreased by $0.1 million to $0.3 million, compared to $0.5 million in the same period in 2024. The $0.1 million decrease in G&A expenses for the second quarter of 2025 was driven primarily by reductions in consulting fees and professional fees. G&A-related depreciation and amortization expenses were $nil million for each of the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024.

G&A expenses for the first six months of 2025, decreased by $0.4 million to $0.6 million, compared to $1.0 million in the same period in 2024. The $0.4 million decrease in G&A expenses for the first six months of 2025 was driven primarily by reductions in consulting fees, business taxes / licenses and professional fees. G&A-related depreciation and amortization expenses were $nil million for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024.

Net Loss Attributable to the Company

In thousands Canadian $ 6 Months Ended June 30 % Change 6 Months Ended June 30 % Change 2025 2024 2025 2024 Net Income/(Loss) - Continuing Operations Net Income/(Loss) $ 23,742 $ (3,592 ) 761 % $ 20,527 $ (7,997 ) 357 % % of Revenue 829 % (98 %) 926 % 340 % (112 %) 452 % Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to NCI $ (55 ) $ (6 ) (817 %) $ (55 ) $ (13 ) (323 %) Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to GLG $ 23,798 $ (3,587 ) 763 % $ 20,583 $ (7,984 ) 358 % % of Revenue 831 % (97 %) 928 % 341 % (112 %) 453 % Net Earnings/(Loss) Per Share Attributable to GLG $ 0.62 $ (0.09 ) 763 % $ 0.54 $ (0.21 ) 358 %

For the three months ended June 30, 2025, the Company had net income attributable to the Company from continuing operations of $23.8 million, an increase in net income of $27.4 million over the comparable period in 2024 (net loss of $3.6 million). This $27.4 million increase in net income is attributable to (1) an increase in other income ($27.5 million) and (2) a decrease in SG&A expenses ($0.1 million), which were offset by (3) a decrease in gross profit ($0.3 million).

For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company had net income attributable to the Company from continuing operations of $20.6 million, an increase in net income of $28.6 million over the comparable period in 2024 (net loss of $8.0 million). This $28.6 million increase in net income is attributable to (1) an increase in other income ($28.6 million) and (2) a decrease in SG&A expenses ($0.4 million), which were offset by (3) a decrease in gross profit ($0.4 million).

Quarterly Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) per Share

The basic and diluted net income per share from continuing operations was $0.62 for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared with a basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations of $0.09 for the comparative period in 2024.

The basic and diluted net income per share from continuing operations was $0.54 for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared with a basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations of $0.21 for the comparative period in 2024.

Additional Information

Additional information relating to the Company, including our Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Additional information relating to the Company is also available on our website (www.glglifetech.com).

For further information, please contact:

Simon Springett, Investor Relations

Phone: +1 (604) 669-2602 ext. 101

Fax: +1 (604) 662-8858

Email: ir@glglifetech.com

About GLG Life Tech Corporation

GLG Life Tech Corporation is a global leader in the supply of high-purity zero calorie natural sweeteners including stevia and monk fruit extracts used in food and beverages. GLG's vertically integrated operations, which incorporate our Fairness to Farmers program and emphasize sustainability throughout, cover each step in the stevia and monk fruit supply chains including non-GMO seed and seedling breeding, natural propagation, growth and harvest, proprietary extraction and refining, marketing and distribution of the finished products. Additionally, to further meet the varied needs of the food and beverage industry, GLG, through its Naturals+ product line, supplies a host of complementary ingredients reliably sourced through its supplier network in China. For further information, please visit www.glglifetech.com.

Forward-looking statements: This press release may contain certain information that may constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or words and phrases that state or indicate that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

While the Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations about future events, the statements are not guarantees of the Company's future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include amongst others the effects of general economic conditions, consumer demand for our products and new orders from our customers and distributors, changing foreign exchange rates and actions by government authorities, uncertainties associated with legal proceedings and negotiations, industry supply levels, competitive pricing pressures and misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements. Specific reference is made to the risks set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the financial year ended December 31, 2024. In light of these factors, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur.

Further, although the Company has attempted to identify factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

As 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, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: GLG Life Tech Corporation

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/glg-life-tech-corporation-reports-2025-second-quarter-financial-resul-1067186
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WiFi) (OTCQB: AAIRF) (the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board") convened a Special Committee (the "Special Committee"), consisting of all directors other than Mr. Dimitry Serov ("Dimitry"), to review matters relating to Dimitry, the Company's Founder, President and Chief Product Officer, and a director of the Company.

Preliminary Findings

The Board has determined, that Dimitry engaged in serious misconduct and breach of his fiduciary duties and obligations as director and officer of the Company. More particularly, the Special Committee's investigation confirmed, among other things, that:

the Company was caused to make improper payments for consulting services to Mr. Igor Serov (" Igor "), Dimitry's father and a former consultant of the Company, after Igor's death on January 30, 2021, with such funds diverted for the benefit of Dimitry;

certain Company disclosures to the public regarding intellectual property ownership were false or misleading due to the unlawful actions of Dimitry;

Dimitry misappropriated intellectual property for personal benefit and against the best interests of the Company; and

Dimitry concealed that his wife, Jelena Tkacenko, held a 50% ownership interest in UAB Technano ("Technano"), the Company's exclusive manufacturer in Lithuania. By failing to disclose this arrangement, Dimitry created an undisclosed conflict of interest and positioned himself to receive economic gain on both sides of the Company's transactions with Technano.

(collectively, the "Misconduct").

Despite the Misconduct, the Company confirms its business operations remain unaffected by these developments. Key supplier and customer relationships remain in place, and the Company has a perpetual non-exclusive license to operate under the intellectual property misappropriated by Dimitry, and the Company continues to operate without interruption. The Board and management are fully committed to the Company's growth strategy and ensuring that the day-to-day operations proceed without disruption.

Board Demands and Status

Despite the Company's best efforts to remedy the Misconduct with Dimitry's cooperation, as of the date hereof, no agreement has been reached. As such, effective immediately, Dimitry has been suspended from his positions as President and Chief Product Officer of the Company, with pay, pending completion of the Special Committee's investigation.

The Board has made clear to Dimitry that in an effort to ameliorate this Misconduct and protect the Company and its shareholders, the following must occur:

Immediate Resignation. Dimitry must immediately resign from the Board.

Repayment of Consulting Fees. Dimitry must immediately initiate repayment of the consulting fees paid to Igor after his death, totaling approximately CAD $230,000.

Cancellation of Shares. Dimitry must immediately surrender 1,777,778 common shares of the Company (valued at approximately CAD $120,000 at the time of issuance) that were issued in 2023 in respect of Igor's consulting services.

Transfer the misappropriated Patent Rights to the Company. Dimitry must immediately transfer, or cause to be transferred, the ownership of International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2019/058334 and its national-stage filings in the U.S. (now granted), European Patent Organization (application pending) and Canada (application pending), together with any and all associated rights, to the Company.

Continuing Investigation

The Board has resolved that Dimitry's Misconduct represents a profound breach of trust, marked by undisclosed conflicts of interest, bad faith dealings, and efforts to improperly benefit on both sides of the Company's key business arrangements, and cannot be tolerated. The Board is committed to ensuring that these unlawful actions are addressed decisively and transparently in order to safeguard the Company and its shareholders.

As such, the Board is continuing to investigate and evaluate all of Dimitry's actions as an officer and director of the Company, as well as all available rights and remedies available to the Company as a result of the Misconduct. The Company will continue to keep shareholders and the market informed of any material developments. The Company remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of corporate governance.

Related Party Disclosure

The Board has determined that Dimitry's undisclosed beneficial interest in Technano, the Company's exclusive manufacturer, together with his involvement in prior consulting payments and intellectual property assignments, constitutes related-party dealings under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Any future arrangements with Dimitry or Technano, including with respect to any future manufacturing agreements, repayment obligations, intellectual property assignments, or other settlement terms, will constitute "related party transactions" under MI 61-101.

The Company expects to rely on exemptions from the formal valuation requirements in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 on the basis that no securities of the Company are listed on a specified market. The Company also expects to rely on the exemption from the minority approval requirement in section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that the fair market value of any such transactions does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization, based on good-faith determinations to be made by the Special Committee following reasonable inquiry and analysis.

The Board, consisting of all directors other than Mr. Serov, will review and approve any related-party transactions before they are entered into, in accordance with MI 61-101.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the implementation, timing and effectiveness of governance measures; the recovery of amounts under the Company's repayment demands, including the promissory note; the Company's ability to secure and enforce exclusive ownership of its intellectual property rights; the negotiation, execution and performance of manufacturing arrangements with Technano; and the anticipated benefits of these corrective actions for business continuity, governance oversight, and shareholder value.

Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such risks include, but are not limited to: the outcome of potential or actual litigation and regulatory proceedings; the enforceability of agreements with Mr. Serov, Technano or other related parties; the timing, validity and completeness of intellectual property transfers; Technano's compliance with manufacturing and pricing commitments; the availability, reliability and quality of product supply; and the Company's ability to rebuild governance credibility, restore stakeholder confidence, and protect shareholder value. Additional risks are described in the Company's continuous disclosure filings available under its profile on SEDAR+.

Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws.

No securities regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. We seek safe harbour.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264586

SOURCE: American Aires Inc.
Highlights:

Revenue for Q3 2025 was $1.5M compared to prior year Q3 revenue of $662K

Revenue for the nine months ended was $3.9M compared to $4.2M for the same period in 2024

Continued cost control and reduction in operating expense through ongoing staffing and discretionary expense optimization

Independent director Steve Kazas exercises options bolstering working capital

Recently awarded contract valued at ~$2M scheduled for September 2025 in the town of Milton, Ontario

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Urban Infrastructure Group Inc. (TSXV: UIG) ("urban" or the "Company"), a leading stage-one concrete and drainage infrastructure construction group, specializing in large scale new residential housing developments, announces its financial results for three and nine months ended June 30, 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 three and nine months ended June 30, 2025, are available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Gary Alves stated, "Urban continues to execute on its core business, while increasing its focus on diversification and vertical integration. While the current market conditions are challenging for the home construction industry as a whole, for those who are nimble and innovative, there are opportunities. We at Urban remain committed to our core values of quality, trust and customer focus, while at the same time embracing the change."

Management Commentary on the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2025

The Company recorded a net loss of $527,955 ($0.01 per share) for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, as compared to net loss of $910,034 ($0.01 per share) for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in net loss is mostly the result of the one-time, first year go public expense in the June 30, 2024 quarter.

Revenues for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, increased to $1.5M as compared to revenue of $662K for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024. The cost of sales for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, was $1.3M compared to $1M for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024.

About Urban Infrastructure Group

Urban Infrastructure Group Inc. (TSXV: UIG) is a leading concrete and drainage infrastructure construction group engaged in the earliest stage of the construction process - known as Stage One. Urban Infrastructure Group specializes in large-scale, master-planned residential communities, with partners and customers behind some of Ontario's most significant residential development projects.

Connect with UIG: https://urbaninfrastructuregroup.com/

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/264587

SOURCE: Urban Infrastructure Group Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 30, 2025) - Universal Digital Inc. (CSE: LFG) (OTCQB: LFGMF) (FSE: 8R20) (the "Company" or "Universal Digital") announces that, pursuant to Section 11.5 of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations, and as a result of a continuous disclosure review by the BCSC, it has amended, restated and refiled its: (i) audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 (the "Annual Financial Statements"), (ii) unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three month period ended April 30, 2025 (the "Interim Financial Statements"), and (iii) each corresponding management's discussion and analysis (collectively, the "Restated Documents").

Following review by the BCSC, and the Company's management and auditors, of the previously issued Annual Financial Statements, Interim Financial Statements and each corresponding management's discussion and analysis (collectively, the "Previous Documents"), it was determined that assumptions made under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") for calculating the fair value of the share price of common shares in the capital of the Company issued in connection with a debt settlement transaction completed in December 2024, and the acquisition of 19% of the issued and outstanding shares of Geometric Galaxy Ltd. in April 2025 needed to be revised (the "Restatements").

The effect of the Restatements does not impact the Company's ongoing operations or cash position. Please refer to Note 15 of the Annual Financial Statements and Note 17 of the Interim Financial Statements for further details regarding the Restatements.

The Restated Documents are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Restated Documents will replace the Previous Documents and the Previous Documents should no longer be relied upon.

About Universal Digital Inc.

Universal Digital Inc. is a Canadian investment company focused on digital assets, businesses and private and publicly listed entities that are involved in high-growth industries, with a particular focus on blockchain, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency technologies. The Company aims to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth through a diversified investment approach, and to participate in the transformation of global finance through the integration of digital asset strategies.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264589

SOURCE: Universal Digital Inc.
Cleveland, Ohio--(Newsfile Corp. - August 30, 2025) - The Dr. Omar Massoud Scholarship for Future Doctors is now officially accepting applications, offering undergraduate students pursuing medical careers the chance to advance their academic and professional goals. Created by Dr. Omar Massoud, a distinguished physician-scientist with decades of expertise in hepatology and internal medicine, the scholarship reflects his dedication to supporting future physicians who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to patient care.

Dr. Omar Massoud Scholarship

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The scholarship is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled at accredited colleges or universities who are on an academic track leading to a career in medicine. Eligible fields of study include pre-med, biology, health sciences, or other related disciplines. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic achievement, a clear dedication to advancing healthcare, and an ability to articulate their vision for how medical education can improve outcomes both locally and globally.

Application Requirements

Applicants for the Dr. Omar Massoud Scholarship for Future Doctors are required to submit an original essay between 800 and 1,000 words. The essay must address the following prompt:

"Describe how your personal experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a career in medicine. How do you envision using your medical education to improve healthcare outcomes in your community or globally?"

Essays must be written in English, submitted in PDF or Word format, and must be entirely original. Plagiarism will result in disqualification. Only one essay per applicant is allowed.

The deadline for applications is April 15, 2026, with the scholarship winner announced on May 15, 2026. One outstanding student will be recognized for their academic drive and commitment to healthcare through this scholarship award.

Through the Dr. Omar Massoud Scholarship for Future Doctors, Dr. Massoud extends his commitment to academic excellence and mentorship by providing students with meaningful opportunities to support their educational journey. This initiative is designed to foster the next generation of physicians who will carry forward values of integrity, innovation, and compassion in healthcare.

Why This Scholarship Matters

The path to becoming a physician requires not only years of academic preparation but also dedication to the broader mission of improving lives through medicine. The Dr. Omar Massoud Scholarship for Future Doctors provides a platform for undergraduate students to reflect on their personal journey and articulate their goals for contributing to healthcare. By supporting the education of tomorrow's doctors, Dr. Omar Massoud aims to help shape a future in which communities both in the United States and abroad have greater access to quality medical care.

How to Apply

Students who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply online by visiting the official scholarship website: https://dromarmassoudscholarship.com/. Applications are currently open, and all materials must be submitted before the April 15, 2026 deadline.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263692

SOURCE: GYT
Pocatello, Idaho--(Newsfile Corp. - August 30, 2025) - The Dr. David Webb Scholarship for Future Doctors officially opens its application process, offering an opportunity for students pursuing careers in healthcare to receive meaningful support for their education. Established by Dr. David Webb, a respected Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, this scholarship reflects his dedication to helping the next generation of medical professionals succeed in their academic and career goals.

Dr. David Webb

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The scholarship is designed for high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students across the United States who are enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited U.S. college or university. Eligible applicants must be pursuing studies in pre-med, nursing, public health, biology, or another healthcare-related field. Candidates are expected to demonstrate academic promise as well as a passion for serving others.

At the heart of the application process is an essay prompt that invites students to reflect on their personal journey into the field of medicine. Applicants are asked to respond to the following in 500-800 words:

"What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how do you plan to use your education to improve the lives of others?"

Essays and application materials must be submitted via email to apply@drdavidwebbscholarship.com with the subject line: "Dr. David Webb Scholarship Application - [Your Full Name]". The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2026, and the recipient will be announced on March 15, 2026.

Through this scholarship, Dr. David Webb hopes to encourage students to explore the deeper purpose behind their pursuit of medicine. His vision emphasizes not only professional achievement but also a lifelong commitment to patient care, compassion, and service.

Dr. David Webb, DDS, FACS, FAACS, brings decades of clinical and educational experience to this initiative. After graduating summa cum laude from Columbia University's School of Dental Surgery, he pursued advanced postdoctoral training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, later earning board certifications and fellowship recognition. Known for his surgical expertise and patient-focused care, Dr. Webb has also mentored countless students and young professionals who have gone on to make their own impact in healthcare.

Beyond his professional career, Dr. David Webb is a devoted family man and an active member of his community. His decision to establish the scholarship is rooted in a commitment to education, leadership, and community values, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent dedicated students from advancing in their medical careers.

The Dr. David Webb Scholarship for Future Doctors is not tied to any specific state or region, making it accessible to aspiring healthcare professionals nationwide. By supporting motivated students, the scholarship seeks to build a pipeline of future doctors and healthcare leaders who will bring skill, compassion, and integrity to the medical field.

Students interested in applying are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements, prepare their essay responses thoughtfully, and submit their materials before the deadline.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263691

SOURCE: GYT
The European Solidarity party demands from the authorities and law enforcement agencies an immediate, thorough, professional, and transparent investigation into the murder of MP, former Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy, said co-chair of the European Solidarity faction Iryna Gerashchenko.

"This is terror. We associate this murder with his statist pro-Ukrainian position and believe that our eternal enemy and terrorist - the Russian Federation and its 5th column - may be behind this cruel crime," Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook.

She recalled that Parubiy was one of the state-builders of modern Ukraine, a participant in the Orange Maidan and the Revolution of Dignity, created self-defense units, and in March 2014 the new Ukrainian Guard and Defense Forces.

"Andriy was ... a wonderful chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, it was an honor to work with him side by side in the presidium. He always defended the subjectivity and authority of the Verkhovna Rada... Moscow sincerely hated Parubiy as one of the state-builders of modern Ukraine," the co-chair of the European Solidarity faction noted and emphasized the demand to find the killer.

The head of the European Solidarity faction, the fifth president of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, expressed condolences over the death of Andriy Parubiy - "Ukraine has lost a great son."

"Unfortunately, it's true. My long-time combat comrade since the early 2000s, my brother Andriy Parubiy, was shot dead by inhumans in Lviv. What can be said for sure - these monsters are afraid and because of this they kill true patriots and strong people," he wrote on Facebook.

According to him, Parubiy "did everything possible to create a Ukrainian army. Especially when it was still about the first volunteer battalions that went to the front straight from the Maidan."

"I express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. Ukraine has lost a great son, but his cause will live on as long as our state lives. This is an act of terror, and it is a matter of honor for the special services and law enforcement agencies to find and punish the guilty and those involved."
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Aug. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Oral Rinses Market, valued at US$4.09 billion in 2024, stood at US$4.30 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2030, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$5.89 billion by the end of the period. With extensive benefits for dentists and consumers, oral rinses rapidly transform modern oral hygiene routines. Advanced mouthwash formulas are more effective than just brushing and flossing because they offer greater antimicrobial activity, enhanced breath freshening, and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents-leading to better plaque control, reduced gingival inflammation, and improved oral health. Products like alcohol-free, herbal, and indication-specific rinses (such as those for sensitivity, periodontal maintenance, or halitosis) have seen increased use in preventive and post-procedure oral care. With rising awareness of oral health and growing rates of lifestyle-related dental issues, these trends drive market growth. However, low acceptance may be limited by factors such as the cost of the procedure in lower-income groups, lack of awareness in rural areas, and concerns about efficacy among certain consumers. Additionally, differences in regulatory requirements and limited access to dentist-recommended products in some countries can hinder growth. Nevertheless, the market is expected to grow due to ongoing innovations, increasing dental visits, and a global emphasis on preventive oral care and cosmetic dentistry.

This report segments the oral rinses market by product type, indication, distribution channel, and region.

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By product type, Therapeutic mouth rinses constitute the predominant segment of the oral care market, primarily due to their efficacy in both the prevention and management of oral pathologies, underpinned by extensive clinical evidence and endorsements from dental professionals. These formulations typically contain active agents such as chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride, which provide substantive therapeutic benefits beyond mere symptomatic relief. They are effective in mitigating conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and dental caries. In contrast to cosmetic mouthwashes, which primarily target halitosis, therapeutic rinses are integrated into professional dental care protocols. The robust health advantages they offer, in conjunction with the growing emphasis on comprehensive oral hygiene practices, fortify their status as market leaders.

By indication, Among the various segments of the oral rinses market, general oral health dominates due to its broad consumer appeal and compatibility with daily hygiene routines. The accessibility of these products through both traditional retail and e-commerce channels, combined with the absence of prescription requirements, enhances their convenience. Furthermore, leading manufacturers have significantly invested in educational marketing initiatives, establishing general oral health rinses as vital components of preventive dental practices. Their prevalent use has facilitated inclusion in multi-branded promotional packages, thereby increasing product visibility. The neutral positioning of these rinses allows for versatile marketing strategies that leverage both lifestyle-oriented and health-centric messaging.

By distribution channel, the global oral rinses market is divided by distribution channels into consumer stores, retail pharmacies, dental dispensaries, and online sales. The dominance of consumer retail outlets in the oral hygiene market can be attributed to their prominent visibility, entrenched shopping behaviors, and consumer trust associated with brick-and-mortar establishments. Supermarkets and convenience stores play a pivotal role by providing a diverse array of oral care products in conveniently located venues. The physical examination of products, opportunities for price promotions, and the immediacy of purchase transactions are key factors that sustain their market leadership. In many developing regions, consumer stores serve as the primary distribution channel for health and hygiene products, further solidifying their preeminent position in the marketplace.

By geography, The global market for oral rinses is divided into six main regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East & Africa, and the GCC Countries. North America dominates the oral rinses market due to its robust oral healthcare infrastructure and the proactive adoption of innovative formulations. This leadership is underpinned by the presence of prominent oral care companies based in the United States, which continually drive advancements in product development and market accessibility. High disposable income levels and an increasing emphasis on oral health among consumers in both the US and Canada further stimulate the demand for preventative and therapeutic oral care solutions. Furthermore, the expansion of dental clinics, pharmacies, and retail channels, paired with a trend towards premium product offerings, reinforces North America's pre-eminence in the global oral rinses landscape.

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Prominent players in the oral rinses market include Colgate-Palmolive Company (US), Kenvue (US), Procter & Gamble (US), Haleon Group of Companies (UK), Unilever (UK), Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (US), Lion Corporation (Japan), Amway (US), SUNSTAR Suisse S.A. (Switzerland), and Perrigo Company PLC (Ireland). Among other developments, these companies implemented strategies such as partnerships, collaborations, agreements, integrations, acquisitions, product launches, and expansions to enhance their presence in the oral rinses market.

Kenvue (US):

Kenvue, formerly the Consumer Health division of Johnson & Johnson, became an independent publicly listed company in 2023. It operates across three core segments-Self Care, Skin Health & Beauty, and Essential Health-with oral rinses offered under its Essential Health portfolio. A key component of Kenvue's oral hygiene products is Listerine, one of the most widely used and clinically recommended antiseptic mouthwashes. The brand is widely trusted by both consumers and dental professionals due to its strong clinical validation for lowering plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. Kenvue, which is present in more than 165 nations, maintains its dominance in the oral rinses market by utilising its extensive global distribution networks and digital capabilities.

Colgate-Palmolive Company (US)

Headquartered in New York City, US, Colgate-Palmolive is a leading oral care company with an unparalleled dominance of the mouthwash market. Leveraging its robust brand history and extensive distribution network, the company sells its oral rinses under brand names like Colgate Plax and Colgate Total. As of 2024, Colgate-Palmolive has over 33,000 employees globally and serves in over 200 countries and territories. The oral rinse portfolio of the company includes antiseptic, fluoride-based, herbal, and alcohol-free products that address general and specific oral health requirements. Colgate-Palmolive's scientifically oriented product research, brand value, and geographic penetration continue to support its leadership in the international oral hygiene business.

Haleon Group of Companies (UK)

Founded in 2022 after demerging from GSK, Haleon is a global consumer health company with its headquarters located in Weybridge, England. With the help of 24 manufacturing facilities and an international network of research and development facilities, the company operates in more than 100 countries. Haleon sells its mouthwashes under well-known brands like Sensodyne, Parodontax, and Biotene, which are renowned for their therapeutic emphasis on dry mouth, gum health, and sensitivity relief. Its product line reflects a science-driven approach to oral health and includes fluoride-based, herbal, and clinically formulated rinses. Haleon has established itself as a major force in the global oral hygiene market thanks to its emphasis on innovation and customised care.

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With Season 4 of Dubai Bling soon to debut, her presence in Venice offers the perfect preview of what audiences can expect, style, substance, and an unmissable cultural spark.

The 82nd Venice Film Festival opened on August 27, 2025, transforming the Lido di Venezia into a dazzling stage for global cinema and red-carpet moments. While Hollywood royalty including Cate Blanchett, Emma Stone, George and Amal Clooney, Heidi Klum with daughter Leni, Julia Roberts, Adam Sandler, and Barbara Palvin brought their star power, it was Netflixs Dubai Bling sensation, Farhana Bodi, who emerged as one of the evenings most talked-about names.

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Making her appearance with unmistakable poise, Farhana Bodi ruled the Venice red carpet in a custom white silver embellished dress by Atelier Zuhra. A striking statement of fusion couture, the gowns sleek design and sparkling silver details, a signature of Dubais bold couture house, turned heads instantly. Every step down the carpet was met with a frenzy of camera flashes, confirming her arrival as a fashion force on the global stage.

Farhana struck the perfect balance of glamour and sophistication with foxy eyes and nude glossy lips, finished with sleek, textured waves that captured the spirit of Venice. She elevated the ensemble with a bespoke Roberto Coin jewelry set of white diamonds and silver, featuring statement earrings and a striking cuff, underscoring her distinctive ability to merge contemporary allure with timeless elegance.

Speaking to international press at the Palazzo del Cinema, Farhana remarked: Being at the Venice Film Festival year after year is always such an honor, but this edition feels especially close to my heart. The energy on the red carpet, the incredible films being showcased, and the people you meet here make it unforgettable. Tonight Im wearing a breathtaking creation by Atelier Zuhra, and I truly feel its the most beautiful outfit Ive ever worn. The artistry and detail make me feel glamorous yet connected to the spirit of the festival. This is a moment Ill cherish forever.

As the festival spotlight shines on premieres such as Paolo Sorrentinos La Grazia and Luca Guadagninos After the Hunt starring Julia Roberts and Ayo Edebiri, Farhana Bodis breakout red-carpet moment reaffirmed an undeniable truth: amidst the worlds most celebrated stars, it is often the unscripted personalities who leave the most indelible mark.

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With Season 4 of Dubai Bling soon to debut, her presence in Venice offers the perfect preview of what audiences can expect, style, substance, and an unmissable cultural spark.
Nidhi Saxenas second feature Opened the Biennale College Cinema program at the Venice Film Festival. The film won the Biennale College Cinema fund, making Nidhi the first Indian woman to win it.

Nidhi Saxenas Secret Of A Mountain Serpents World Premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival 2025 receives a heartwarming response The Premiere was attended by lead actors Adil Hussain and Trimala Adhikari, Cannes winner producer Vimukhti Jayasundara, Executive producers Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal and producer Rahul Saxena alongside filmmaker Nidhi Saxena.

Nidhi Saxenas second feature Opened the Biennale College Cinema program at the Venice Film Festival. The film won the Biennale College Cinema fund, making Nidhi the first Indian woman to win it.

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Her debut feature, Sad Letters of an Imaginary Woman, premiered at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival where it received a grant from the Asian Cinema Fund.

Secret Of A Mountain Serpent is produced by Forest Flower Film along with Camera Dor winner, Cannes fame Vimukhti Jayasundara and Executive Produced by Richa Chadha and Ali Fazals Pushing Buttons Studios. Key crew includes production designer Avni Goyal, editor Saman Alvitigala, and sound designer Neeraj Gera, with coloring at Bridge Postworks. The film is a co-production between India, Italy, and Sri Lanka.

After the premiere, director Nidhi Saxena says, It was so overwhelming and emotional because for one year I worked on the script in the biennale script lab and direction lab. So all those people were there and it felt like a full circle. I got such a heartwarming response from the audience after the premiere. A lot of people felt it was their own story. That was very rewarding.

Actor Adil Hussain says, I was taken in by the strength of the poetic Visuals and Sounds. An anti-war and pro -freedom to love and desire film - these two themes are interwoven with so much beauty and compassion.Its a treat to watch Nidhis sense of cinematic aesthetic coming to life. I am extremely happy to be a part of her journey in Cinema.

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Vimukhti Jayasundara, the Cannes Camera dOr winner Srilankan filmmaker who has collaborated with Nidhi on both her films as a producer says, The film is the fastest way to go back in time, and to see the unseen and we are very proud of making it.

Executive Producer Richa Chadha says, It was heartening to see Secret of a Mountain Serpent for the very first time , as it was intended, on the big screen. An experimental film of this nature would not be possible without the backing of the Venice College Fund. Nidhi has a unique voice and vision.

During the 1999 Kargil War, in a remote Himalayan town emptied of men, a school teacher drifts through absence and quiet until a mysterious outsider unsettles her world. His arrival revives a myth of a waiting serpent in the river, stirring desire and memory in equal measure.

About the Director

Nidhi Saxena is an Indian writer and filmmaker with a background in painting, sculpture, and literature. Her artistic work centers on emotional interiority, mythology, and the daily nuances of womens lives. Her debut feature, Sad Letters of an Imaginary Woman, premiered at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival to international acclaim.

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With Secret of a Mountain Serpent, selected as a Finalist Project by Biennale College Cinema 202425, she extends her exploration into feminine solitude, community memory, and the quiet rebellion of desire.
PM Narendra Modis two-day Japan visit has been productive and purposeful. The two nations have signed multiple agreements, including ones on defence cooperation, AI and digital partnerships, Chandrayaan-5 collaboration, and human resource exchanges. The visit assumes more significance as it comes amid New Delhis fraught relations with Washington over Trumps trade war

Prime Minister Narendra Modi bids adieu to Japan as he emplanes for China where he will attend the SCO meet. Image Courtesy: @MEAIndia/X

Deals, more deals and sending a message Thats one way of summing up Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Japan.

PM Modi, who travelled to Japan on August 29 for a two-day visit, making this is his eighth visit to the Asian nation has secured significant deals for India as well as shored up support for the nation at a time when it is facing an American chill in the form of the 50 per cent tariffs that the US president has imposed.

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PM Modi hailed the success of his two-day official visit to Japan, calling it a productive engagement that yielded several significant outcomes aimed at deepening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. He even wrote on X, Productive outcomes during a productive visit. May India-Japan friendship scale newer heights in the times to come!

This visit to Japan will be remembered for the productive outcomes which will benefit the people of our nations. I thank PM Ishiba, the Japanese people and the Government for their warmth.@shigeruishiba pic.twitter.com/kdXYeLPJ7N  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2025

But what would be the biggest takeaways for India from PM Modis visit?

India-Japan and MoUs galore

India has signed several new Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) worth billions of dollars during PM Modis two-day visit to Japan. These MoUs cover human resource exchange, environment, digital technologies, space, and cultural cooperation.

As per the official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India and Japan signed MoUs on Joint Crediting Mechanism to facilitate the diffusion of decarbonising technologies. What this means is that the two nations have signed on an agreement 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.

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The two nations have also signed an MoU titled India-Japan digital partnership 2.0 to advance bilateral collaboration in digital public infrastructure, development of digital talent and joint R&D in futuristic technological fields such as Artificial Intelligence, and semiconductors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japans Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba shake hands during a meeting in Tokyo, Japan. Reuters

They also signed an MoU on decentralised domestic waste water management and an MoU between Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan.

The countries also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the fields of mineral resources, cultural exchange, and environmental cooperation. On mineral resources, the MEA said, India and Japan are working together to bolster critical minerals supply chains through partnership in the Mineral Security Partnership and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and Quad Critical Minerals Initiatives.

An action plan on human resource exchange has also been adopted to enable the movement of 5,00,000 people, including 50,000 Indian skilled workers to Japan within five years.

Apart from these 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.

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The Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest tower in Japan, lit up in Indias colours during PM Modis visit. Image Courtesy: @MEAIndia/X

A Chandrayaan collaboration

Amid his Japan visit, PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba also agreed upon an agreement for the Chandrayaan-5 mission, a joint exploration of the southern polar region of the Moon by the space agencies of the two countries.

Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have signed an agreement on the Chandrayaan-5 mission. For the unaware, the Chandrayaan-5 mission aims to study the lunar volatile materials, including lunar water, in the vicinity of a Permanently Shadowed Region (PSR) in the lunar South pole. The mission will be launched by JAXA onboard its H3-24L launch vehicle, carrying the ISRO-made lunar lander, which will carry the Japan-made lunar rover.

In an interview with the Yomiuri Shimbun, PM Modi later said, I am glad that India and Japan are joining hands for the next edition of the Chandrayaan series or the LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration) mission. This will contribute to deepening our understanding of the permanently shadowed regions at the lunar south pole.

Our G2G collaboration in the space sector, between Isro and JAXA, is fostering a culture of cooperation between our industries and startups. This is creating an ecosystem where innovation flows both ways - from labs to launch pads, and from research to real-world applications.

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PM Modi receives a Daruma Doll, a good luck charm of Japanese culture from Rev Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of Shorinzan Daruma Ji Temple. Image Courtesy: @MEAIndia/X

Business boost

PM Modi also pitched for greater business ties between the two nations following which Japan announced its plans to invest 10 trillion (nearly Rs 5.96 lakh crore) in India over the next decade. The focus is on multiple sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, environment and medicine.

Pitching India forward, PM Modi said, Eighty per cent of companies want to expand in India. Seventy-five per cent are already in profit in India. In India, capital does not just grow; it multiplies. In the last 11 years, India has seen unprecedented transformation  political stability, economic stability, and transparency in policy. India is the worlds fastest-growing major economy and will be the third-biggest economy soon.

This is significant for India as it comes amid concerns that the US tariffs, which have strained ties between Delhi and Washington, may hit the domestic MSME sector in the coming days.

Cooperation in AI, and semiconductors

India and Japan have also launched the Economic Security Cooperation Initiative covering artificial intelligence, a digital partnership programme, and joint development of semiconductors and rare earth minerals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japans Shigeru Ishiba tour Tokyo Electrons factory. Image Courtesy: @narendramodi/X

Speaking on the same, PM Modi said, We are launching the Economic Security Cooperation Initiative. Under this, we will move forward with a comprehensive approach in critical and strategic areas.

Cooperation in the field of high technology is a priority for both of us. In this context, Digital Partnership 2.0 and AI cooperation initiatives are being taken. Semiconductors and rare earth minerals will remain at the top of our agenda, he added.

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PM Modi also visited the Sendai semiconductor facility in Miyagi Prefecture. It has been in partnership with SBI Holdings and Japanese stakeholders under the joint venture Japan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (JSMC).

The plant will manufacture 12-inch semiconductor wafers, starting with 40-nanometre technology, and later expanding to 28 nm and 55 nm nodes.

Expanding on security and defence

India and Japan have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence industry and innovation. Our common interests are linked to defence and maritime security. We have decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in the field of defence industry and innovation, said PM Modi.

PM Modi receives a Guard of Honour during his Japan visit. During his visit, Modi and Ishiba agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence industry and innovation. Image Courtesy: @PMOIndia/X

Later, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the new joint declaration on security co-operation provides a clear framework for this area of partnership. He highlighted that the document reflects a broad concept of security, adding that a key element of the agreement is the first-ever institutionalised dialogue between the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of India and Japan.

The agreement also calls for more frequent joint exercises involving all three of their forces, the army, navy and air force. 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 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.

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A strategic balancing for India

PM Modis visit to Japan is also significant from a geopolitical point of view. It comes at a time when New Delhi-Washington ties are facing a downturn as a result of Donald Trumps tariff war.

It sends a clear message to Trump and his administration that India is and wont relent on national interests and that it has been able to cultivate strong ties with other nations, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.

In fact, when India and Japan announced their partnership in critical minerals, New Delhi stated that the deals hinged on two Biden-era agreementsthe Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)in what could be perceived as a snub at US President Donald Trump.

All in all, one could say that the PMs visit to Japan was a successful one. Now, PM Modi is making his way to Chinas Tianjin where he will attend the SCO Summit as well as hold a bilateral with Xi Jinping, signalling a thaw in India-China ties.

With inputs from agencies
China is hosting the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. But why was this port city picked over Beijing or Shanghai for this crucial meeting? Theres a message that the Chinese want to send to the world

People take pictures near the venue of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. AP

Starting today (August 31), the port city of Tianjin will play host to 20 world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russias Vladimir Putin, as they converge there for the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit under the slogan Promoting the Shanghai Spirit: SCO in Action.

This years SCO is notable for multiple reasons: it will be the largest ever in the organisations history. But additionally, this SCO is notable because of its location  Tianjin. After all, Chinas capital is Beijing and the SCO, as its name suggests, was born out of Shanghai.

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So, whats the reason for the SCO being held in this port city of China?

What do we know about Tianjin?

The Chinese city of Tianjin isnt well-known to the Western world, but it is of great importance to the country. With over 15 million people, Tianjin is the third-largest urban area in China after Beijing and Shanghai. It has traditionally acted as a port for Beijing, 120 km to the north-west.

In fact, theres a very famous saying in China: If you want to understand 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation, look at Xian, 1,000 years look at Beijing, modern China look at Tianjin.

Between 1860 and 1945, Tianjin was home to nine foreign-controlled concessions, or outposts, functioning side by side, as well as being temporarily home to a multinational military government.

Today, Tianjin is a modern trade hub. Its port is the worlds tenth biggest. But Tianjin isnt just known for its port. It serves as a rice-supplying hub to Beijing. Additionally, it is a major industrial base for manufacturing, car-making and petrochemicals.

Shipping containers are stacked at a port in Tianjin, China. AP

It is also known as a high-tech centre, with a ready supply of hundreds of thousands of graduates available from the citys numerous universities. Interestingly, Tianhe-1A, a supercomputer in China, which was dubbed the fastest in 2010, is also housed at the National Supercomputing Center of Tianjin, China.

Tianjin also houses foreign companies such as Airbus, Motorola and even Mitsubishi. The city has been one of the fastest-growing in the world over the past decade.

Tianjin is also believed to have a unique feel  it exhibits different architectural styles owing to which tourists from around the world say they do not even need to leave China to experience the world: it is enough to visit Tianjin.

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Tianjin grabbed headlines in August 2015 when two massive explosions took place in the citys port. Over 170 people died, and authorities labelled it as one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Chinese history.

A motorcade exits the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre, a venue for 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. Reuters

Why is the SCO being held in Tianjin then?

By choosing Tianjin, China is sending a message to the West. It is showing them that despite this place having a foreign past, today it belongs to China and is being used as a stage to challenge the Western-led global order.

Cheng Yongmin, director of the Research Centre of the Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences, notes that choosing Tianjin reflects the recognition of its contribution to national development. Tianjin is a strategic hub of the Belt and Road Initiative. Here, maritime and land routes intersect, the ChinaMongoliaRussia corridor begins, and the New Eurasian Land Bridge, linking China, Central Asia, and Europe, passes through. Developed infrastructure, rich experience in hosting international events, and an open-door policy make the city a super-hub, said Cheng Yongmin to Kazinform News Agency.

Experts also note that Tianjin can, through the SCO platform, strengthen its role as a key Belt and Road hub and expand ties with Central Asia and Eurasia.

How is Tianjin preparing for the big SCO?

In anticipation of the big event, Tianjin has been undergoing major upgrades. The Haihe River, which winds through Tianjin, now glows with enhanced night views thanks to a lighting project covering 217 buildings, 14 bridges and 8.2 km of waterfront.

Roads have also been smoothened while a team of nearly 1,000 youth volunteers from local universities have been trained in diplomatic etiquette, emergency response and language services  thereby helping to support the SCO Summit.

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Staff stand with a robot at the media centre ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. AFP

What can be expected from this years SCO?

China will welcome 20 world leaders tomorrow at Tianjin. These include Indias Narendra Modi, Russias President Vladimir Putin, Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistans PM Shehbaz Sharif, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Krygyz President Sadyr Japarov and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Myanmars military chief Min Aung Hlaing, Nepals Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Indonesias President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysias Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu are among other leaders expected to attend.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn will also attend the Summit.

This years summit comes amid Russias ongoing war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as well as US President Trumps global trade war. Manoj Kewalramani, chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Studies Programme at the Takshashila Institution in Bangalore, told Al Jazeera, The summit is significant because I think that there is a belief amongst many that multilateralism is facing existential threats because of the United States policies and that SCO countries still stand for multilateralism and not for unilateralism.

Alejandro Reyes, adjunct professor at the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Hong Kong, also added that the significance lies in the optics and symbolism of the summit with China as the host. This is a time when the US is burning bridges with almost every country. So in President Xis mind, it is a good time for China to position itself as a world power by showcasing it has productive relations with many countries, he told Al Jazeera. China always tries to make friends where it can.

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With inputs from agencies
PM Narendra Modi is visiting Japan and China for the first time in seven years. This trip assumes importance amid Donald Trumps trade war. We talk about all this, Indias plan to tackle tariffs and more in our weekly roundup

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled in a bullet train from Tokyo to Sendai with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba. After Japan, the Indian leader will travel to China. Image courtesy: @narendramodi/X

Its a big week for Indian diplomacy, in fact, Asian diplomacy. After seven years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Japan and China. The trip comes amid rising unease with the US over tariffs and just days after Donald Trumps 50 per cent levies on India came into effect.

PM Modi arrived in Japan for a two-day visit on August 29, where he met his counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, for a bilateral meeting to deepen economic and strategic ties. There was a focus on Quad and businesses in India  artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and more.

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After Japan, PM Modi is travelling to China, where he is expected to host a bilateral meeting with Chinas Xi Jinping and also hold talks with Russias Vladimir Putin. The leaders will be in Tianjin to attend the SCO Summit. Amid Trumps trade war, India-China ties are thawing, and New Delhi appears to be pivoting more toward Russia. The US will be watching closely and might have reasons to be nervous over a new emerging global order.

All this as India is not cowering to US pressure on Russian oil despite Trump tariffs. As the levies come into effect, Indian exports and growth will be hit. But New Delhi has a plan in place to counter the levies.

PM Modi has been urging self-reliance, and India has taken big strides in defence. The Indian Navy commissioned two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, earlier this week. Constructed in Mumbai and Kolkata, it marked the first time two frontline combat ships entered service together.

We talk about all this and more in our weekly roundup from India.

1. PM Narendra Modi had a successful visit to Japan. He acknowledged that the country was an important partner in Indias development story and urged investors to come, make in India and make for the world . There was a lot that PM Modi got done, from strengthening ties and boosting business. What has been the biggest takeaway from his visit ?

Addressing the joint press meet with PM Ishiba.@shigeruishiba https://t.co/84iLYW7lkT  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2025

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2. On Day 1 of his Japan trip, the PM visited the Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple, where he was presented with a Daruma doll by a priest. The countrys most famous souvenir, it is said to bring good luck. The doll has an India connection. We tell you all about it .

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a Daruma doll by the priest at Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple on August 29. Image courtesy: @MEAIndia/X

3. The PMs next stop is China. The prime minister will be visiting the country after seven years, and he has his plate full. A meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is on the cards, and the PM will also attend the all-important Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Heres why Modis visit assumes importance as India-China reset ties.

4. On August 27, Donald Trumps 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports came into effect. The additional 25 per cent has been slapped on the country for importing Russian oil. But what will be the impact of these levies? And which sectors will be most hit? We answer the big questions in our explainers.

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5. Even as the US administration tries to arm-twist India over tariffs, the Indian government is sticking to its ground. It has a plan in place. PM Modi recently announced GST reforms. But that is not all. The Centre is also mulling a Covid-19-style relief package for exports. How will these measures offset the fallout of the taxes?

A man reads a newspaper with reports on tariffs after US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, alongside a market in New Delhi, India, on August 7. The secondary levies came into effect on August 27. Reuters

6. Its not the first time that ties between India and the US have been uneasy. It has been threatened with sanctions and aid cuts. The harshest sanctions came in 1998 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister. The US opposed any international loans to the nation and banned technology transfer. After the nuclear tests in Pokran, Washington took more severe measures. We look back at that chapter in history .

7. On August 26, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned two made-in-India stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri . They are touted as a game-changer for the Indian Navy. Singh compared INS Udaygir to Americas fighter jet, calling it a floating F-35. Heres why .

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Stealth frigate INS Udaygiri during its commissioning ceremony, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Indian Navy on Tuesday commissioned two multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri. PIB via PTI

8. Our last story is a heartbreaking one from Greater Noida. Nikki Bhati died at her home in Sirsa village on August 21 from severe burns. It was alleged that she was murdered by her husband and in-laws over dowry. However, as the investigation unravelled, questions were raised about the cause of her death, with some reports suggesting a cylinder blast. Heres what we know about the case .

Nikki Bhati died of burn injuries after allegedly being set afire by her husband and in-laws on August 21 in their house in Greater Noidas Sirsa. Image courtesy: Instagram

Thats our recommendation list of stories about India that you should not miss. If you find yourself hooked to the news, you will find more such explainers here .
Donald Trump overstepped his authority with tariff polices, a US federal appeals court has ruled, striking down many of his levies. However, these taxes will remain in place until October 14, giving the US administration enough time to appeal this matter. This move deals a huge blow to the US president and his tariff policy, which he has been touting as a major success

Donald Trumps tariffs continue to make headlines as a court in the United States ruled that most of them were illegal, striking a massive blow to the core of the American presidents aggressive trade policy.

However, the tariffs, according to the court, will stay in effect through mid-October, giving Trumps administration time to take the fight to the Supreme Court.

The decision marks a blow to the US president, who has wielded tariffs as a wide-ranging economic policy tool. It could also cast doubt over deals Trump has struck with major trading partners such as the European Union, and raised the question of what would happen to the billions of dollars collected by the United States since the tariffs were put in place if the conservative-majority Supreme Court does not back him.

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If you are still trying to grasp all that has happened  the why, whats and hows  continue to read on as we decipher the latest on the issue of tariffs.

What did the court rule on Trumps tariffs?

On Friday (August 29), the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in a seven-four decision ruled that President Trump had overstepped his authority in invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose most of his tariffs. The act from 1977 gives the president the power to respond to unusual and extraordinary threats at times of national emergencies. Trump had earlier declared a national emergency on trade, arguing that a trade imbalance is harmful to US national security.

Notably, no American president has previously used IEEPA to put tariffs on imported goods, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report.

The statute bestows significant authority on the president to undertake a number of actions in response to a declared national emergency, but none of these actions explicitly include the power to impose tariffs, duties, or the like, or the power to tax, the court noted.

The court further ruled that US Constitution gave Congress exclusive powers to regulate commerce with other nations and this was not superseded by the presidents remit to safeguard the economy. The core Congressional power to impose taxes such as tariffs is vested exclusively in the legislative branch by the Constitution, said the ruling, adding, Tariffs are a core Congressional power.

The court has agreed not to put the ruling into effect until October 14, allowing Trump and his administration to appeal to a higher court.

A portrait of President Donald Trump hangs on the Labour Department headquarters near the Capitol in Washington. AP

How did the tariffs issue reach the court?

The US court ruling that most of Trumps tariffs are illegal stems from two lawsuits  one by small businesses and the other by a coalition of US states.

The lawsuits were filed after Trump passed executive orders in April imposing a baseline 10 per cent tariff on every country in the world as well a reciprocal tariff on dozens of others, calling it Americas Liberation Day.

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At the time, VOS Selections Inc, a wine and spirits importer, and Plastic Services and Products, a pipe and fittings company, sued Trump over his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, saying he has no authority to issue across-the-board worldwide tariffs without congressional approval.

In May, the US Court of International Trade struck down the tariffs, saying the president had exceeded his authority when he imposed the tariffs. However, that decision was put on hold during the appeal process.

So, which tariffs are now illegal?

The courts ruling applies to the reciprocal tariffs Trump imposed in April, as well as separate tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico that the administration put in place citing emergency powers granted under a 1970s-era law.

The courts decision does not impact other tariffs, authorised under different authorities, such as taxes on imported steel and aluminium. They also dont impact the tariffs that Trump imposed on China in his first term, which 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.

Not all of Trumps tariffs have been struck down. The taxes on imported steel and aluminium are still in place. File image/Reuters

How has the Trump administration reacted?

Shortly after the courts ruling, Trump expressed his unhappiness with a series of posts on social media. He wrote on Truth Social, If allowed to stand, this decision would literally destroy the United States of America.

Today a highly partisan appeals court incorrectly said that our tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end, he wrote, adding, If these tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong.

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He added that he would fight back with the help of the United States Supreme Court. In fact, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department would appeal the ruling, accusing the court of undermining the United States on the world stage.

The judges of the Federal Circuit are interfering with the presidents vital and constitutionally central role in foreign policy. This decision is wrong and undermines the United States on the world stage," Bondi said in a post on X. [The Justice Department] will appeal this decision and continue to fight to restore the presidents lawful authority, she added.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that suspending the effectiveness of tariffs would lead to dangerous diplomatic embarrassment. Similarly, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick noted, Such a ruling would threaten broader US strategic interests at home and abroad, likely lead to retaliation and the unwinding of agreed-upon deals by foreign-trading partners.

Lutnick added that they could also derail critical ongoing negotiations with partners.

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Later, White House spokesman Kush Desai, while defending tariffs stated that the remain in effect and that President Trump lawfully exercised the tariff powers granted to him by Congress to defend our national and economic security from foreign threats.

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

What happens next?

The tariff ruling deals a huge blow to Trump and his economic policy. It also raises doubts on deals some nations agreed with the US for reduced tariffs rates.

Additionally, the Trump administration might have to refund some of the import taxes that its collected, delivering a financial blow to the US Treasury. It would also put Trump on shaky ground to impose tariffs in the future. As Ashley Akers, senior counsel at the Holland & Knight law firm and a former Justice Department trial lawyer told the Associated Press, 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.

Does this mean Trump cant impose tariffs again?

No. While Trump wont be able to use the IEEPA, the US president has a number of other ways to impose import tariffs.

Trump could get Lutnick and US trade representatives to carry out investigations under Section 301 of the 1974 US Trade Act against various trading partners, which would allow tariffs to be implemented after an investigation runs its course. He could also use Section 232 of the 1962 trade law, which he is already using for steel and aluminium duties.

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There is also a never-before-used trade law, Section 338 of the Trade Act of 1930, which allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent on imports from countries.

With inputs from agencies
The India-Japan relationship has always carried potential; today, it carries responsibility. The future of the Indo-Pacific will, in no small measure, depend on how effectively Delhi and Tokyo can turn congruence into action

The India-Japan partnership has arrived at a defining moment. When Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shigeru Ishiba met on 29 August, the message from both leaders was unambiguous: New Delhi and Tokyo are not only aligned in vision but increasingly congruent in strategy. They see their partnership as indispensable to the future of the Indo-Pacific and, by extension, to the global order.

For two nations with varied histories and political cultures, this level of convergence is remarkable. It reflects shared anxieties about the turbulence of the current geopolitical environment, ranging from maritime security to economic resilience, and a shared ambition to shape the regional order in ways that secure prosperity for their people and stability for the world.

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Three Pillars of Partnership

At the summit, the leaders mapped out cooperation in three priority areas: defence and security, economic resilience, and people-to-people ties. Each reflects not just pragmatic needs, but deeper complementarities.

On the defence front, the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation elevates the relationship to a level that was almost unthinkable a decade ago. India and Japan are no longer tentative security partners: they are serious about aligning their doctrines, increasing interoperability, and coordinating in regional maritime and air exercises. The bilateral fighter exercise Veer Guardian, trilateral naval drills, and Japans participation in Indias multilateral Milan exercises mark this transition. Defence technology cooperation is now on the agenda in a concrete way.

Economically, the partnership is becoming broader and more strategic. The Joint Vision for the Next Decade places emphasis not only on trade and investment but also on critical minerals, clean energy, digital cooperation, and space. Japans technology and capital combine naturally with Indias scale and human resource potential. Both sides recognise that decarbonisation, digital transformation, and supply chain resilience are arenas where their interests align almost perfectly.

People-to-people connectivity is often overlooked in geopolitics, yet it is the foundation of a resilient partnership. The Action Plan for Human Resource Exchange envisions mobility for half a million people over five years, including 50,000 skilled Indian workers to Japan. For Japans ageing society and Indias young workforce, this is a mutually beneficial fit. It is not just economics; it creates the social ballast that strategic partnerships often lack.

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The Indo-Pacific Imperative

What makes India and Japan natural partners today is the shared belief in a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Both countries have seen how unilateral attempts to change the status quo, whether in the East China Sea or South China Sea, undermine regional stability. Their joint opposition to coercive tactics, militarisation of disputed features, and restrictions on freedom of navigation reflects a clear-eyed understanding of the strategic challenge in Asia.

The IndiaJapan alignment is also nested within minilateral and multilateral frameworks. The Quad has matured into an enduring platform for regional stability. Unlike traditional military alliances, the Quad projects practical cooperation in areas such as technology, critical infrastructure, and disaster relief, while reinforcing deterrence. Japan and India both see this as an opportunity to bring their respective strengths to the table without losing strategic autonomy.

Equally significant is their emphasis on Asean centrality and frameworks such as the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. For both countries, Southeast Asia is the hinge between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Ensuring that Asean retains agency and resilience in the face of external pressures is a shared objective.

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A Wider Arc: From Africa to the UN

The ModiIshiba summit underscored that Indo-Pacific cooperation extends beyond Asias waters. Both countries are looking westwards, towards Africa. The JapanIndia Cooperation Initiative for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa seeks to create industrial hubs in India as gateways for investment into Africa. This is an astute strategy: Africa represents both opportunity and vulnerability, and the ability of India and Japan to deliver tangible connectivity projects there will test the credibility of their global ambitions.

Equally, the two countries see themselves as reformers of the global order. Their mutual support for each others bid for permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council is not new, but there is a renewed urgency. The leaders explicitly called for time-bound negotiations and text-based outcomes. This reflects not just frustration at the inertia of multilateral reform but also the belief that India and Japan, together, embody the voices of regions long under-represented in the Councils permanent membership.

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Security and Terrorism

Strategic congruence is not only about maritime security or economic resilience. It is also about confronting asymmetric threats like terrorism. Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism affecting India. By naming groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad alongside Isis and Al Qaeda, the statement sends a message of clarity. Japan, often more cautious in its diplomatic language, has now aligned more closely with Indias concerns, an indication of growing trust.

The Value of Congruence

Why does this congruence matter? First, it strengthens the resilience of the Indo-Pacific order at a time when USChina rivalry creates uncertainties. India and Japan are not formal allies, but their combined weight offers balance in the region.

Second, it creates pathways for middle-power diplomacy. Both countries recognise the value of working with partners such as Australia, Asean, and Africa. They are not seeking to replicate bloc politics of the past but to create flexible, overlapping networks of cooperation.

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Third, it provides a model of partnership rooted in complementarity rather than symmetry. India brings scale, skills, youth, and geography; Japan brings technology, finance, and global influence. Together, they create more than the sum of their parts.

Challenges Ahead

Of course, congruence does not mean identity. India and Japan will sometimes diverge in approach, as in dealing with China, managing relations with Russia, or aligning with US strategic preferences. Japans alliance with Washington gives it a different lens, while Indias strategic autonomy remains non-negotiable. Yet, precisely because of these differences, the ability to find convergence is even more significant.

There are also delivery challenges. Infrastructure projects often suffer from delays; defence technology collaboration needs faster movement; people-to-people ties will require cultural adaptation in Japan and skill alignment in India. Political will from the top must translate into bureaucratic agility below.

Conclusion

At this summit, Prime Ministers Modi and Ishiba did more than exchange warm words. They articulated a vision rooted in strategic congruencean alignment of values, interests, and ambitions. The challenge now is implementation: to ensure that the bold announcements become tangible outcomes and that this partnership becomes truly indispensable to the Indo-Pacific order.

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The IndiaJapan relationship has always carried potential. Today, it carries responsibility. The future of the Indo-Pacific will, in no small measure, depend on how effectively New Delhi and Tokyo can turn congruence into action.

The writer is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Asean, and the African Union, and the author of The Mango Flavour: India & Asean After 10 Years of the AEP. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.
The Indian prime minister was briefed about Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltds (TEL Miyagi) role in the global semiconductor value chain, its advanced manufacturing capabilities and its ongoing and planned collaborations with India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a tour of a semiconducter facility in Japans Sedai with his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba on Saturday.

The Indian prime minister was briefed about Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltds (TEL Miyagi) role in the global semiconductor value chain, its advanced manufacturing capabilities and its ongoing and planned collaborations with India.

PM Ishiba and I visited the Tokyo Electron Factory. We went to the Training Room, Production Innovation Lab and interacted with top officials of the company. The semiconductor sector is a key area for India-Japan cooperation, PM Modi said on X.

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PM Ishiba and I visited the Tokyo Electron Factory. We went to the Training Room, Production Innovation Lab and interacted with top officials of the company. The semiconductor sector is a key area for India-Japan cooperation.



In the last few years, India has made many strides in pic.twitter.com/6Fmv0s7gUo  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2025

The visit to Sendai underscored the growing synergy between Indias expanding semiconductor manufacturing sector and Japans expertise in advanced semiconductor equipment and technology.

Both countries reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation in this field, building on the Memorandum of Cooperation for the JapanIndia Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership, as well as ongoing collaborations through the IndiaJapan Industrial Competitiveness Partnership and the Economic Security Dialogue.

Indias semiconductor push

The visit comes as PM Modi pushes for Made-in-India chips. Last week, the prime minister announced that Indias first domestically manufactured semiconductor chip will be available in the market by the end of 2025.

We all know that semiconductor manufacturing could have started in India 5060 years ago, but India missed that too, and the same thing continued for many years to come. Today we have changed this situation. Semiconductor-related factories have started coming up in India, PM Modi said at the ET Summit.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that semiconductor company CG Semi will roll out the first Made-in-India chips from Gujarats Sanand pilot facility soon.

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Hopefully, we will have the first Made in India chip rolled out of this plant soon. The pilot facility will operate at a peak capacity of about 5 lakh units per day, the minister said yesterday.
After a gap of over seven years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in China on Saturday evening on a keenly watched visit that assumed greater significance in view of a sudden downturn in India-US ties triggered by Washingtons policies on trade and tariff.

After years of border tensions and diplomatic chill, India and China are edging towards a reset. Five years after their frontier standoff turned deadly, the two Asian powers are restoring border peace, rolling back curbs on trade and investment, easing visas, resuming flights and reviving high-level exchanges.

This thaw has set the stage for Prime Minister Narendra Modis first visit to China in over seven years, with his much-anticipated meeting with President Xi Jinping on Sunday emerging as the focal point of his trip.

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While Modi is officially in Tianjin to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on August 31 and September 1, the bilateral with Xi carries added weight against the backdrop of escalating US tariffs that are unsettling the global economy.

US tariffs drive Asian realignment

The diplomatic warmth between New Delhi and Beijing coincides with a period of economic strain triggered by Washingtons trade policies. President Donald Trumps administration has imposed steep levies, a 30 per cent tariff on Chinese goods, with the threat of rising to 145 per cent in November if talks collapse, and a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports. These measures have forced the two Asian giants to consider closer coordination.

In their meeting, Modi and Xi are expected to review the state of economic ties and explore ways to deepen cooperation, while also addressing the strains left behind by the eastern Ladakh border clashes.

Modi sets tone for cooperation

Before arriving in China from Japan, the prime minister highlighted the need for joint action by the worlds largest emerging economies. In an interview with Japans The Yomiuri Shimbun, Modi said, Given the current volatility in the 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.

He added that stable, predictable and amicable bilateral relations between India and China can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity.

PM Modi was welcomed at his hotel with Indian classical music and dance performances, symbolising the warmth marking this visit. He is also scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders during the SCO summit.

Steps towards reconciliation

The trip comes less than two weeks after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India, holding talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Both sides unveiled a framework for a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship, including commitments to jointly maintain peace on the contested frontier, reopen border trade, and resume direct flights.

These moves build on the October 21 agreement last year that completed troop disengagement at the remaining friction points of Demchok and Depsang, effectively ending the eastern Ladakh face-off that began with the 2020 Galwan clashes.

Rekindling high-level diplomacy

PM Modi last travelled to China in June 2018 for the SCO summit, while Xis last visit to India was in October 2019 for the second informal summit. The renewed engagement marks a sharp turn from years of standoff, suggesting both leaders see advantage in stabilising ties at a time when US tariffs are shaking the foundations of global trade.

With inputs from agencies
US State Dept approves possible sale of Patriot support systems to Ukraine for $179.1 mln

The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale to the Government of Ukraine to support the Patriot air defense system and related equipment for an estimated $179.1 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) website said.

As part of the potential sale, Ukraine will be able to purchase classified and open-source spare parts, maintenance, system and kit modifications, software, test and communications equipment, integration services, training, engineering and logistics support, and other related logistics and program support elements.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has completed the necessary certification and notified Congress.

"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 report notes.

The DSCA said the sale would "improve Ukraines ability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions with a more robust air defense capability."

The prime contractors for the deal will be RTX Corporation (Arlington, Virginia) and Lockheed Martin (Bethesda, Maryland). The DSCA said any compensation arrangements will be determined during negotiations between the buyer and the contractor.

The potential sale would involve approximately five U.S. government representatives and fifteen contractor representatives to support training and periodic meetings at U.S. European Command.

The DSCA said the sale would not negatively impact U.S. defense readiness or alter the underlying military balance in the region.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in the Chinese city of Tianjin on Saturday evening, a day before a summit that will be attended by leaders from more than 20 countries.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Saturday extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived in Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. Xu expressed optimism that the visit would inject new momentum into China-India relations.

Warmly welcome Prime Minister Modi to China to attend #SCOsummit. Confident that this visit will inject new momentum into #China-India relations, he said in a post on X.

Warmly welcome Prime Minister Modi to China to attend #SCOsummit .

Confident that this visit will inject new momentum into #China-India relations. pic.twitter.com/0TlCHoMfV8  Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) August 30, 2025

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PM Modi landed in the northern port city on Saturday evening, a day ahead of the two-day SCO gathering that will see participation from leaders of over 20 countries. The summit precedes a large military parade in Beijing marking 80 years since the end of World War II.

The warm reception at the airport was followed by vibrant cultural performances at the hotel where the PM is staying. The performance featured traditional Kathak and Odissi dances, showcasing Indias rich cultural heritage.

Members of the Indian diaspora in Tianjin welcomed PM Modi with great enthusiasm upon his arrival in the city.PM will be participating in the 25th SCO Summit. India is an active and constructive member of the SCO.

During its Presidency of the SCO, India introduced new ideas and initiated collaboration in the fields of innovation, health and cultural exchanges. In his departure statement, PM Modi said that 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, he said.
Trump has vowed to challenge a US appeals court ruling that struck down most of his tariffs as unlawful, insisting the duties remain in place and pledging to take the fight to the Supreme Court.

President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House, on April 2, 2025, in Washington. File image/ AP

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Aug 29) hit back at the US appeals court after it struck down most of his tariffs as unlawful, insisting the measures remain in place and vowing to take the fight to the Supreme Court.

The ruling dealt a major blow to one of Trumps signature economic policies, declaring the bulk of his global tariffs illegal. However, the court allowed the levies to remain until 14 October, giving his administration time to appeal.

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All tariffs are still in effect

ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end, Trump said.

Warning of dire consequences if the duties were overturned, he said, If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America.

US President Donald Trump posts on Truth Social, "ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these Tariffs ever went away, it would pic.twitter.com/7DGSnbTDkI  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

Marking the Labour Day weekend, Trump doubled down on his defence of tariffs. At the start of this Labor Day weekend, we should all remember that TARIFFS are the best tool to help our Workers, and support Companies that produce great MADE IN AMERICA products 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!

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Court finds Trump exceeded authority

On Friday, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled 74 that Trump had overstepped his authority by invoking emergency economic powers to impose sweeping duties. While the judges upheld the finding, they permitted the tariffs to stay in effect until mid-October  a window Trump quickly vowed to use to appeal.

The appeals court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end, he wrote on Truth Social, denouncing the decision as partisan and pledging to fight back with the help of the United States Supreme Court.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrots comment came during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Denmark. A string of ministers in Copenhagen echoed Frances call for the United States to allow access to the Palestinian delegation

France has led the way among other European countries in condemning Washingtons decision to block visa access to members of the Palestinian Authority.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Saturday said, A UN General Assembly meeting should not be subject to any restrictions on access.

Barrots comment came during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Denmark. A string of ministers in Copenhagen echoed Frances call for the United States to allow access to the Palestinian delegation.

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France is leading a push to recognise the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly meeting next month in New York, where US President Donald Trump is expected to deliver an address.

The US State Department on Friday denied visa access to PA President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other members, effectively meaning that they would not be able to attend the UNGA meeting in September.

Abbas had planned to attend the annual high-level UNGA in Manhattan. He was also set to attend a summit there, where Britain, France, Australia and Canada have pledged to formally recognise a Palestinian state.

Abbas office said it was astonished by the visa decision and said it violated the U.N. headquarters agreement.

Under a 1947 UN headquarters agreement, the US is generally required to allow access for foreign diplomats to the UN in New York. Washington, however, has said it can deny visas for security, extremism and foreign policy reasons.

Frances Barrots comment was followed by Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, who said the US move was unacceptable. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris said the EU should protest the decision in the strongest possible terms.

The Palestinian Authority called for the United States to reverse its decision, which it said stands in clear contradiction to international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement.

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Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas, a veteran 89-year-old leader who once had cordial relations with Washington, had planned to attend the UN meeting.

With inputs from agencies
TRUMP IS DEAD became the most trending topic on X today (Saturday), with thousands of users posting about the presidents whereabouts. However, the reason behind the half-mast US flag is completely different

A bruise is visible on the back of US President Donald Trump's right hand during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in the Oval Office at the White House on August 25, 2025 in Washington, DC.

US President Donald Trumps health has been a major topic of discussion after a noticeable bruise appeared on his hand during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung last week. Now, the facts that the US flag at the White House is flying at half-mast and the president has not been in public for some days have given rise to speculations that he is dead.

TRUMP IS DEAD became the most trending topic on X today (Saturday), with thousands of users posting about the presidents whereabouts. However, the reason behind the half-mast US flag is completely different.

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National flags are flown at half-mast to mourn, express grief or show respect to someone after a tragedy.

Why is the US flag at half-mast?

President Trump has ordered all federal buildings to fly the US flag at half-mast to mourn the deaths of the Minneapolis church shooting that killed two people and injured 17 others. The flags will be flown at half-mast till August 31.

Concerns over Trumps health

Concerns about the 79-year-old Presidents whereabouts have grown amid worries about his health. Trump was recently seen with a bruise on his hand, and on past occasions, he has appeared to use makeup to conceal similar marks.

Trumps physician, Sean Barbabella, has said, This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen. He added that the President was otherwise in excellent cognitive and physical health.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance has said that he is ready to take charge as the US President in case any terrible tragedy befalls Trump.

The president is in incredibly good healthHes got incredible energy. 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, Vance told USA Today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome in Tianjin for the SCO Summit, set to meet Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, marking his first China visit since the Galwan Valley clashes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a rousing welcome by the Indian community on his arrival in Tianjin (China) on Saturday. Members of the diaspora gathered outside his hotel with cheers and cultural performances, reflecting the enthusiasm of the local Indian community.

Modi landed at Tianjins Binhai International Airport earlier in the day, where he was received by senior officials from both India and China. His two-day visit includes participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on Sunday, August 31.

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In Tianjin, China, the Indian community gave a warm welcome to PM @narendramodi. Here are a few glimpses. pic.twitter.com/EMSPh8Iv3E  PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 30, 2025

On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister is set to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. The SCO gathering is seen as particularly significant for India, coming shortly after the United States imposed 50 per cent tariffs, including a 25 per cent levy linked to New Delhis purchases of Russian crude oil.

#WATCH | Tianjin, China: "It was so exciting. I think we did our best. I think the PM liked our classical music. It was an honour. He is such a nice person, I had never expected..," says one of the artists who gave an Indian classical music performance to welcome PM Narendra pic.twitter.com/PR13JVGKEu  ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2025

The SCO comprises 10 members. In addition to India, they include Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. There are also several dialogue partners and observers. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017, having been an observer since 2005.

During its membership period, India has held the chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and of the SCO Council of Heads of State from 2022 to 2023.This will be PM Modis first visit to China following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. Recently, India and China have taken several steps to improve their bilateral relationship, including the resumption of trade through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.

During the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on August 18-19, both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest opportunity and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on facilitating visas for tourists, businesses, media, and other visitors in both directions.

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Both sides agreed to uphold multilateralism, enhance communication on major international and regional issues, maintain a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and promote a multipolar world that safeguards the interests of developing countries.

With inputs from agencies
At least three people were killed and several others injured after protesters torched a regional parliament building in Indonesias Makassar as anger over the death of a motorcycle taxi driver spiraled into violent anti-government demonstrations.

At least three people were killed and five others injured after protesters set fire to a regional parliament building in Indonesias Makassar, amid growing anti-government demonstrations, authorities said on Saturday.

The unrest broke out late on Friday (August 29) when crowds torched the city council building in Makassar, eastern Indonesia, following public anger over the death of a motorcycle taxi driver hit by a police armored vehicle.

From last nights incident, three people died. Two died at the scene, and one died at the hospital. They were trapped in the burning building, Makassar city council secretary Rahmat Mappatoba as quoted by AFP.

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The violence is being seen as the first major challenge to President Prabowo Subiantos rule.

Local media reported that one victim was killed after jumping from the fourth floor of the building. Online outlet inilah.com said the dead included a public welfare official and a member of the public order agency.

The fire also destroyed dozens of vehicles parked nearby, according to newspaper Kompas, and spread while council members were holding a session on the third floor.

Indonesias disaster agency did not clarify the cause of the deaths, but confirmed that two of the injured were hurt after jumping from the burning building. State news agency Antara said some victims were trapped inside.

The protests, which began earlier in the week in Jakarta over lawmakers pay, flared up after Fridays deadly accident. President Prabowo, who assumed office last October, met the drivers family to offer condolences and promised a thorough investigation.

Reports also emerged of looting and damage to transport facilities in Jakarta, as well as demonstrations in Bandung and Yogyakarta. By Saturday, however, there were no fresh signs of protest.
The composite dialogue was launched in 2003 when General Pervez Musharraf was ruling Pakistan. It had eight baskets of components, containing all contentious issues between the two countries

Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Islamabad is ready to hold a dialogue with India in a dignified and respectful manner, covering all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.

Pakistan is ready for a composite dialogue with India in a dignified and respectful manner on all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per its longstanding position on the matter, he said during an interaction with the media.

The composite dialogue was launched in 2003 when General Pervez Musharraf was ruling Pakistan. It had eight baskets of components, containing all contentious issues between the two countries.

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India, however, has maintained that it will only engage in a conversation with Pakistan to discuss the return of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the issue of terrorism. The composite dialogue was derailed after the 2008 Mumbai attacks and has not taken place in proper shape since then.

Talking about the recent conflict, Dar, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, claimed that Pakistans narrative was accepted and acknowledged at the global level through proactive diplomacy.

This is not the first time Islamabad has sought dialogue with India. After Indias Operation Sindoor, Pakistans former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto called for an engagement with India to combat terrorism together.

Pakistan would still like to cooperate with India to combat terrorism we cant leave the fate of 1.5 or 1.7 billion people in the hands of non-state actors and terrorists for them to decide at a whim that two nuclear armed powers will go to war and this is the new normal of the new abnormal that the Indian government is trying to impose on the region, Bhutto said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also sought talks with India. In May, he said, We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations and are also ready to talk to our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism.
Under the deal, Indias Isro and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will work collaboratively to conduct the joint lunar polar exploration mission (LUPEX). The pact was exchanged between Jaxa Vice-President Matsuura Mayumi and Indias Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George

India and Japan have inked a deal to conduct a joint lunar exploration mission to the south pole of the Moon. The agreement, called Chandrayaan-5, was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Tokyo.

Under the deal, Indias Isro and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will work collaboratively to conduct the joint lunar polar exploration mission (LUPEX). The pact was exchanged between Jaxa Vice-President Matsuura Mayumi and Indias Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George.

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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 mankinds progress in space, PM Modi said as he addressed a joint press conference with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba.

Highlighting the international recognition India received after Chandrayaan-3s historic 2023 landing near the Moons unexplored South Pole, PM Modi stated that the next frontier is to intensify exploration beneath the lunar surface, with a focus on areas that could contain essential resources like water ice.

In an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun, the Indian prime minister said, Our G2G collaboration in the space sector, between Isro and Jaxa, is fostering a culture of cooperation between our industries and startups. This is creating an ecosystem where innovation flows both ways  from labs to launchpads, and from research to real-world applications.

About Chandrayaan-5

The mission, approved by PM Modi in March, will be launched by Jaxa onboard its H3-24L launch vehicle and will carry Isro-made lunar lander, which will in turn take a Japan-made rover to the moon.

In addition to developing the lander, Isro is also contributing several scientific instruments to the mission. The spacecraft will be equipped with a total of seven instruments, including a mass spectrometer provided by ESA and neutron spectrometers from Nasa.

The mission will be conducted in 100 days and will be launched with the objectives of mapping lunar water presence, drilling lunar regolith to analyse water content, quality and composition, and performing in-situ scientific observations using spectrometers and sensors.

Japan and India hold meetings

On May 1314, Isro and Jaxa held their third in-person technical interface meeting for the mission at ISROs headquarters in Bengaluru. The two-day session brought together senior officials, project leaders, and technical experts from Isro, Jaxa, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan.

Discussions focused on key technical interfaces, the joint mission implementation plan, and possible landing sites. Isros Scientific Secretary, M. Ganesh Pillai, commended both teams for their progress and underscored the significance of this collaboration in advancing the missions scientific and technical goals.

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Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Saturday raised an objection to an agreement reached between India and China to use Lipulekh as a trade route during a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, according to his secretariat.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, where he raised Kathmandus objections over the use of Lipulekh, a territory claimed by Nepal but disputed by India.

Oli, who arrived in Tianjin earlier in the day to attend the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and the SCO Plus meeting, held bilateral discussions with Xi shortly after his arrival.

According to Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, the prime minister clearly expressed Nepals objection to the agreement between India and China allowing Lipulekh to be used as a trade route. The prime ministers secretariat said the issue was raised firmly during the talks.

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Nepal insists that Lipulekh belongs to its territory, while India has dismissed the claim as neither justified nor supported by historical facts and evidence.

Nepal believes that China will cooperate with Nepal in this regard, the Prime Minister was quoted as saying in the statement.

However, China was silent on Nepalese Prime Minister Olis contentious objections.

An official statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry made no reference to the issue.

PM Olis secretariat said that the two leaders also agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation.

They also agreed to move forward the bilateral mechanism for enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries, the statement added.

PM Oli expressed hope on accelerating implementation of projects already agreed, including under the BRI, he requested support in such areas as fertiliser, petroleum, exploration, human resources, development, climate resilience and people-to-people connection, a press release issued by the Nepalese Embassy in China said.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministrys statement said Xi, in his talks with Oli, pointed out that China-Nepal cooperation on the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative is steadily advancing, and the two peoples are becoming closer and closer.

Xi stressed that the two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust and firmly support each other on issues concerning each others core interests and major concerns, the statement said.

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They should promote cooperation in industry, agriculture and animal husbandry, new energy, environmental protection, oil and gas, artificial intelligence, education, health, law enforcement, and security, he added.

The statement quoted Oli as saying that Nepal-China relations have withstood various trials and tribulations and have grown stronger over time.

The two sides have always respected and trusted each other and cared for each others concerns. Cooperation with China has effectively promoted Nepals economic and social development, it added.

Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China principle, resolutely opposes Taiwan independence, and will not allow any force to use Nepali territory to harm Chinas interests, in an apparent reference to Kathmandus crackdown on Tibetans crossing over to India to meet the Dalai Lama, it said.

Oli reached Tianjin Saturday afternoon. He held a bilateral meeting with President Xi in the Guest House situated in Tianjin.

Prime Minister Oli is accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya, Minister for Science and Education Raghuji Panta, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey and other high-level government officials.

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He is on an official visit to China to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025.

He is also due to attend a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

With inputs from agencies
Kim Jong Un pledged a beautiful life to families of North Korean soldiers killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine, as Pyongyang acknowledged heavy casualties in its deployment to the Kursk region.

North Korean leader Kim Jong pays homage to the soldiers killed during operations as he attends a national commendation ceremony for the commanders and fighters of the Korean People's Army's overseas operations unit, at the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Korean Workers' Party, in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released on August 22, 2025 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). File image/ Reuters

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged a beautiful life to the families of martyrs who died fighting for Russia in the conflict against Ukraine, state media said on Saturday, praising the bereaved for their sons and husbands sacrifice.

Kim met with soldiers families on Friday and expressed grief at having failed to save the precious lives of the dead troops who gave their lives to protect the countrys honour, according to the KCNA state news agency.

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The troops and commanders courageous exploits were made possible by the strength and fortitude of their families, who are the most tenacious, patriotic, and just people in the world, Kim told the parents, spouses, and children, according to KCNA.

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 Koreas state television showed Kim bowing deeply to family members who appeared overcome with emotion at the event.

The meeting was the latest honouring of troops who suffered heavy casualties in Russias 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 Koreas intelligence agency.

There have been estimates by Western intelligence of more than 6,000 casualties.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine/

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) helped victims of the massive Russian missile and drone attack on Zaporizhia.

"The Ukrainian Red Cross Society rapid response team in Zaporizhia region, together with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and other rescue services, worked at the scene of the attack on Zaporizhia," the URCS reported on Facebook on Saturday. Volunteers provided first aid to more than 10 victims. They also took six adults and one child with injuries of varying severity to medical facilities. In addition, volunteers provided first psychological aid to the victims and their relatives.

The URCS Zaporizhia regional organization provides humanitarian aid to the victims, taking into account their needs.

According to the State Emergency Service, one person was killed and 25 people were injured as a result of a combined missile and drone attack by Russia on Zaporizhia on the night of August 30. As reported, 14 apartment buildings and over 40 private houses were damaged, and the equipment of JSC Zaporizhiaoblenergo was damaged.
PM Modi has called for India and China to work together as major economies to stabilise the global economic order, stressing that stronger ties between the two neighbours could benefit regional and world peace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said it is important for India and China, as two major economies, to work together to bring stability to the world economic order, highlighting the current volatility in the world economy as US President Donald Trump continues to threaten global tariffs.

In a written interview to Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun, Modi made the remarks ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, beginning Sunday in Tianjin near Beijing.

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He stressed that stable, predictable, and amicable ties between the two neighbours could have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity.

India and China are seeking to repair relations after a five-year military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. The ModiXi meeting  the Prime Minister will also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the SCO sidelines  comes amid strains in Indias ties with Washington over tariffs, Russian oil purchases and stalled trade negotiations.

Asked about the importance of improving relations with China, 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 added that a stable relationship between India and China is also crucial for a multi-polar Asia and a multi-polar world.

Modi and Xi last met in October 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. Earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited New Delhi and handed Modi an invitation from Xi. The Prime Minister last travelled to China for the SCO summit in Qingdao in June 2018.
PM Modi and Ishiba went through the plans of the new ALFA-X train and were briefed about it by the chairman of East Japan Railway Company (JR East), the trains operator. The Shinkasen ALFA-X Bullet Train will be running on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor by the early 2030s

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba took a bullet train to travel to Sendai city during the formers second leg of Japan visit. Both the leaders travelled in the same car on Saturday.

PM Modi and Ishiba went through the plans of the new ALFA-X train and were briefed about it by the chairman of East Japan Railway Company (JR East), the trains operator. The Shinkasen ALFA-X Bullet Train will be running on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor by the early 2030s.

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Several Indian train drivers undergoing training in Japan with JR East lined up to welcome Prime Minister Modi on Saturday ahead of his bullet train journey.

About the project

The Shinkasen ALFA-X Bullet is operated by JR East and has achieved a maximum speed of 400 km/h.

The E10 bullet trains have an advanced safety system to prevent derailment during earthquakes. It will have provisions to switch to driverless automated operation in the future.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will fund Rs 88,000 crore, which is about 81 per cent of the total estimated cost of Rs 1,08,000 crore for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad-High-Speed-Rail. The remaining will be funded by the Ministry of Railways and the state governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

PM Modi meet prefecture governors

Earlier on Saturday in Tokyo, Prime Minister Modi met with governors from sixteen Japanese prefectures.

During the meeting, he highlighted the potential of states-prefectures collaboration and in this regard urged action under the State-Prefecture Partnership Initiative launched during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit for shared progress, according to a post on X by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

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Cooperation between states and prefectures is an important pillar in the friendship between India and Japan. Therefore, at the 15th India-Japan Summit held yesterday, an initiative on this inter-regional cooperation was launched, PM Modi wrote in X.
PM Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reiterated Indias commitment to extend all possible support for peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at earliest restoration of peace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, in Apulia, Italy, Friday, June 14, 2024. (File Photo: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, soon after arriving in Tianjin for his first visit to China in more than seven years.

PM Modi reiterated Indias commitment to extend all possible support for peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at earliest restoration of peace.

Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction, PM Modi said in a post on X.

Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction. @ZelenskyyUa  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2025

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According to an official statement, Zelenskyy outlined his views on recent developments in Ukraine during the conversation. PM Modi thanked the Ukrainian leader for sharing his perspective and reaffirmed Indias consistent position favouring a peaceful settlement of the conflict, while extending support to efforts aimed at the earliest possible restoration of peace.

I spoke with Prime Minister of India @NarendraModi.



I informed about the talks with President Trump in Washington with the participation of European leaders. It was a productive and important conversation, a shared vision among partners on how to achieve real peace. Ukraine pic.twitter.com/fINVbncnlR  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) August 30, 2025

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said Ukraine reaffirmed its readiness for a meeting with the Russian leadership but noted that Moscow has shown no positive signal in nearly two weeks. Instead, he accused Russia of carrying out cynical strikes on civilian targets that killed dozens of Ukrainians. He thanked Modi for expressing condolences to the families of the victims.

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Zelenskyy said he and Modi coordinated positions ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, stressing that an immediate ceasefire is essential for peace talks to be meaningful. It is impossible to speak meaningfully about peace while our cities and communities are under constant fire, he wrote, adding that India is prepared to deliver the appropriate signal to Russia and other leaders during the summit.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral ties, with Zelenskyy noting preparations for exchange of visits and a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission. He said there was untapped potential in the partnership and expressed hope of meeting Modi in the near future.
US VP JD Vances comments came amid rising concerns over President Trumps health, following the appearance of a noticeable bruise on his hand during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung

Is JD Vance buckling up to take up the reins from President Donald Trump? The US Vice President has said that he is ready to take charge as the US President in case any terrible tragedy befalls Trump.

His comments came as he addressed concerns over the 79-year-old presidents health. The president is in incredibly good healthHes got incredible energy. 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, Vance told USA Today.

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Vances comments came amid rising concerns over President Trumps health, following the appearance of a noticeable bruise on his hand during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

At 78 years and seven months, Trump became the oldest person in US history to take the oath of office when he was sworn in this January. His predecessor, Joe Biden, was 78 years and two months old when he assumed office in 2021.

This marks the first time Vance has publicly expressed his intention to become the president of America, even as his name for the top job has come up in many conversations earlier.

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, Vance said.

Although Trump has not reacted to Vances big statement yet, the episode might cause some friction between the duo, who have had a complicated relationship in the past.

Vance once compared Trump to Hitler

Eight years ago, in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, JD Vance was a bitter critic of Donald Trump.

Publicly, he called the Republican businessman an idiot and said he was reprehensible. Privately, he compared him to Adolf Hitler.

Vances transformation, from self-described never Trumper to stalwart loyalist, makes him a relatively unusual figure in Trumps inner circle.

I go back and forth between thinking Trump is a cynical asshole like Nixon who wouldnt be that bad (and might even prove useful) or that hes Americas Hitler, he wrote privately to an associate on Facebook in 2016.

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When his Hitler comment was first reported in 2022, a spokesperson did not dispute it, but said it no longer represented Vances views.

From never Trumper to yes-man

However, the tables turned after Trump announced Vance as his running mate during the presidential campaign last year.

Since then, the vice president has been defending his boss relentlessly, even if that meant drawing attention to himself by stoking controversies.

From supporting Trump during his hush-money trial to defending him in the Epstein files case, Vance has been through the presidents thick and thin.

Earlier this year, Trump indicated that Vance could succeed him at the same time, as he has expressed a desire to run for president for the third time. And earlier this month, the president said that Vance is the most likely heir of the Maga movement.

With inputs from agencies
Trump admin has defended US Presidents plan to deploy the National Guard in crime-hit US cities, citing Chicagos murder rate as far higher than New Delhis.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday. Reuters

US President Donald Trumps administration defended Potus push to deploy the National Guard in American cities to curb violent crime, drawing a comparison between Chicagos murder rate and that of New Delhi.

The White House insisted that federal intervention in Democrat-run cities is essential for public safety, while Democrats dismissed the move as vendetta politics.

Trump has already sent the Guard into Washington DC, and California, and suggested Chicago could be next. We will make other cities safe, too. Chicago is a mess. That will probably be our next one, he said, adding that residents have been urging him to step in.

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NEW: @PressSec Karoline Leavitt lays out Chicago's staggering crime stats:



"Weve been seeing the governor of Illinois parading out there and saying that there's nothing wrong with Chicago... He doesn't need President Trumps help."



"Just last year, Chicago's murder rate per pic.twitter.com/GHBHuzSrKZ  Fox News (@FoxNews) August 28, 2025

At a press briefing on Friday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt cited city statistics showing Chicagos homicide rate at 25.5 per 100,000 residents in 202415 times higher than New Delhis 1.48. She presented a White House chart comparing murder rates across 11 global capitals, with Washington ranked highest and New Delhi ninth.

Leavitt pointed out that Chicago has recorded the most murders of any US city for 13 consecutive years, blaming illegal guns and low arrest rates.

Only 16 per cent of nearly 148,000 reported crimes this year have led to arrests. Thats unacceptable, she said. On the recent Minneapolis school shooting, she added, Any rational person knows its not a gun thing. We know its a mental health issue.

She also lashed out at Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for rejecting federal help, saying it remains a priority of this administration to ensure that Americas cities are safe again. Trump later attacked Pritzker on Truth Social, Governor Pritzker had 6 murders in Chicago this weekend. 20 people were shot. But he 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!!!
Urban leaders, police officials and civil rights advocates say federal agents are not the best equipped for this type of policing. They also are concerned the strategy will erode the delicate relationship that local police have with the communities they serve.

Its a scene that has played out on the streets of Washington and Los Angeles since President Donald Trump declared a crime emergency in the nations capital and ramped up deportations nationwide: Federal agents, some in masks, grabbing someone off the street, bundling the person into a car and driving away, ignoring questions from bystanders.

In an executive order signed this month, Trump said the District of Columbia governments failure to maintain public order and safety has had a dire impact on the Federal Governments ability to operate and that it was his duty as president to use federal agents to restore order. He has threatened to expand those operations  law enforcement duties traditionally reserved for local police  to other cities.

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Urban leaders, police officials and civil rights advocates say federal agents are not the best equipped for this type of policing. They also are concerned the strategy will erode the delicate relationship that local police have with the communities they serve.

Here are some key things to know about the differences in how federal authorities and local police operate:

Federal agents typically dont patrol cities

Federal agents have not historically played much of a role in everyday policing. The job of federal marshal was created in 1789, but the agencys numbers are small and largely focused on carrying out the work of federal courts. Other U.S. investigative agencies have mostly focused on major interstate crimes and national security matters.

Federal agents are usually doing major investigations. Theyre not navigating day-to-day contact with the public the way that police do, said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has more traditionally done nationwide work tracking down immigrants who are in the United States illegally but has ramped up operations since Trump took office in January.

Federal agencies are wary of body cameras

After protests over the deaths of Black men at the hands of police in recent years, many cities made policy changes to enhance accountability and transparency.

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Most large police departments, for example, require officers to wear cameras on patrol. Many agencies release the footage upon request or under their state public records law. Federal agencies have not embraced such change, despite some tentative steps to keep pace with their local counterparts.

In 2022, Democratic President Joe Biden issued an executive order requiring federal law enforcement agencies to adopt body-camera policies for officers who are on patrol, making arrests and or conducting searches. Trump rescinded that directive, and agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Border Patrol have ended their usage.

Body-worn cameras have been good for everybody, said Lauren Bonds, executive director of the National Police Accountability Project. Bonds said such policies protect officers from meritless citizen complaints and make it easier for the public to get justice if they have been wronged. Across the board, I would say its an equally beneficial tool for police and for the public, she said.

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Most local police dont wear masks

Washingtons mayor, Democrat Muriel Bowser, has questioned why so many of the federal officers flooding the citys streets are covering their faces.

Why do they need masks? Bowser asked. They are federal officials. Theyre paid by the taxpayers. They should be doing their jobs in a way thats lawful and constitutional.

Civil rights advocates have complained that such tactics erode trust between communities and law enforcement and make holding individual officers to account for abuses more difficult. Administration officials say masks are needed to protect federal agents.

Troy Edgar, deputy DHS secretary, wrote in an op-ed for Fox News that mask-wearing protects federal law enforcement officers from doxing and harassment. ICE has seen a sharp rise in assaults, with officials targeted on a near weekly basis, he wrote.

He said DHS agents clearly identify themselves during arrests by stating their names, showing badges and wearing identifiers on their gear. But photos and videos reviewed by The Associated Press do not show agents always wearing clear badges, tags or other identifiers during encounters with the public.

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Masks were once largely forbidden on the federal level unless an agent was working undercover, said Michael Bouchard, a former assistant director at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives who retired in 2007. Being clearly identifiable builds trust and allows people to report any issues they might have with a particular officer, Bouchard said.

If youre doing the right thing, he said, if youre acting within the law, what do you have to hide from?

Federal authorities do not provide detailed information on arrests

Most local arrest reports are a matter of public record. Some local agencies even disclose such information to citizens in email groups or on social media websites.

Getting access to basic arrest details from the federal government has proved far harder. Administration officials have been releasing daily arrest totals and some of the charges that people are facing, but information on which agency made which arrests and who is facing what charges has been difficult to find.

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Those seeking details about federal arrests are frequently directed to file a request under the Freedom of Information Act. Most agencies have large backlogs of such requests.

When the agencies doing the policing have backlogs that measure in years or sometimes decades, FOlA is completely ineffective at getting policing records in any kind of useful time frame, said Kel McClanahan, an attorney at the firm National Security Counselors who frequently works on public information issues.

Once a loved one is arrested, especially by immigration authorities, families can face a grueling task of trying to find them.

In June, for example, Rosa Soto scrambled to find where a longtime family friend, Martin Guzman, was taken after he was detained by immigration authorities at a Home Depot in Chino, California. It took her days to track him down.

It feels like the systems youre supposed to be able to trust and the due process youre supposed to be able to trust in is no longer existent, Soto said. I cant imagine for someone who knows very little about our justice system to truly be able to navigate it.

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Federal tactics raise concerns about communities losing trust in police

Civic leaders said they fear the federal crackdown could erode uneven progress police have made in building trust with the communities they serve.

We are getting some violent people off the streets  but in the long run, at what cost? Jaron Hickman, a senior police commander in Washington, said at a public forum Tuesday.

Norm Nixon, 62, an associate minister at Union Temple Baptist Church in Washingtons historically Black Anacostia neighbourhood, said federal operations were changing the way residents felt about the citys police force.

Now, with these federal guys coming in, people just see them all as law enforcement, Nixon said. Some of the young people I talk to feel like the local police officers are traitors now, that they are really against us and out to get us.
The agency that oversees Voice of America and other government-funded international broadcasters is eliminating jobs for more than 500 employees, a Trump administration official said..

The agency that oversees Voice of America (VOA) and other US-funded international broadcasters is eliminating more than 500 positions, escalating an ongoing legal battle over the future of the outlets.

Acting CEO Kari Lake of the US Agency for Global Media announced late Friday that 532 full-time government jobs would be cut through a reduction in force. The move came a day after a federal judge blocked her attempt to remove Michael Abramowitz as VOA director.

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Earlier this week, US District Judge Royce Lamberth warned the administration it faced a contempt trial if it failed to comply with his orders to restore VOAs operations. He ruled that Abramowitz cannot be removed without approval from the International Broadcasting Advisory Board, calling any such move plainly contrary to law.

Lake defended the job cuts, saying they would strengthen the agencys operations. We will continue to fulfill our statutory mission after this RIF  and will likely improve our ability to function, she said in a statement.

Employees who sued to prevent VOAs closure said the layoffs give affected staff just 30 days before losing pay and benefits, intensifying tensions between agency leadership and the workforce.

We find Lakes continued attacks on our agency abhorrent, they said in a statement. We are looking forward to her deposition to hear whether her plan to dismantle VOA was done with the rigorous review process that Congress requires. So far we have not seen any evidence of that. In June, layoff notices were sent to more than 600 agency employees. Abramowitz was placed on administrative leave along with almost the entire VOA staff. He was told he would be fired effective August 31.

The administration said in a court filing Thursday that it planned to send RIF notices to 486 employees of VOA and 46 other agency employees but intended to retain 158 agency employees and 108 VOA employees.

The filing said the global media agency had 137 active employees and 62 other employees on administrative leave while VOA had 86 active employees and 512 others administrative leave.

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The agency also houses Radio Free Europe and Asia and Radio Marti, which beams Spanish-language news into Cuba. The networks, which together reach an estimated 427 million people, date to the Cold War and are part of a network of government-funded organisations trying to extend US influence and combat authoritarianism.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump no longer has plans to visit India later this year for the Quad Summit, The New York Times claimed on Saturday, as it detailed how relations between the American leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi unraveled over the last few months.

US President Donald Trump is no longer expected to travel to India later this year for the Quad Summit, The New York Times reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with his schedule. The report also described how ties between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have unravelled in recent months.

According to the article, titled The Nobel Prize and a Testy Phone Call: How the Trump-Modi Relationship Unravelled, Trump had earlier told Modi he would visit India for the summit but has now dropped those plans. There has been no official word from either Washington or New Delhi on the claim.

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India is set to host leaders from the US, Australia and Japan for the Quad Summit in New Delhi around November. The Trump administration had convened the Quad foreign ministers meeting in January this year, a day after Trump was sworn in for his second term.

The NYT report links the strain in relations to trade frictions and Trumps repeated assertions that he had resolved the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May, a claim consistently denied by New Delhi.

President Trumps repeated claims about having solved the India-Pakistan war infuriated Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. And that was only the beginning, the NYT article said, adding that Modi was losing patience with Trump.

Trump and Modi had spoken over the phone on June 17, a 35-minute phone call that happened as Trump returned to Washington from the G7 Summit in Canada, which PM Modi also attended.

Modi and Trump were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders Summit in Kananaskis, but Trump returned to Washington early. Before departing Kananaskis and wrapping up his first visit to Canada in a decade, Modi had a phone conversation with Trump in Washington.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said in a video message from Kananaskis that Modi clearly conveyed to Trump that at no point during the days following Operation Sindoor was there any discussion, at any level, on an India-US trade deal, or any proposal for a mediation by the US between India and Pakistan.

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The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication between the two armed forces, and it was initiated at Pakistans request. Prime Minister Modi firmly stated that India does not and will never accept mediation, Misri had said.

The NYT article said that during the June 17 phone call, Trump said again how proud he was of ending the military escalation and mentioned that Pakistan was going to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize, an honour that has been bestowed on former US President Barack Obama and one for which Trump has been openly campaigning.

The not-so-subtle implication, according to people familiar with the call, was that Mr Modi should do the same, and also nominate Trump for the Nobel, the paper said.

The Indian leader bristled. He told Mr Trump that US involvement had nothing to do with the recent ceasefire. It had been settled directly between India and Pakistan, the NYT said.

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Trump largely brushed off Mr Modis comments, but the disagreement  and Mr Modis refusal to engage on the Nobel  has played an outsize role in the souring relationship between the two leaders, whose once-close ties go back to Mr. Trumps first term, the NYT said.

The NYT noted that the White House did not acknowledge the June 17 call, nor did Trump post about it on his social media accounts. Trump has repeated his claim of stopping the conflict between India and Pakistan over 40 times since May 10.

And it is also the tale of an American president with his eye on a Nobel Prize, running smack into the immovable third rail of Indian politics: the conflict with Pakistan, it added.

The report added that, as Trump imposed additional tariffs of 25 per cent on India for its purchases of Russian oil, the colossal penalties on India in particular appear to be punishment for not falling in line rather than any kind of cohesive effort to reduce the trade deficit or cut off funding for Putins war.

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The NYT article quoted chair on India at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Richard Rossow, as saying that it was about more than just Russia. If this was a real change in policy in trying to squeeze Russia, Trump could have put his weight behind legislation that would have imposed secondary sanctions on countries that buy Russian hydrocarbons. The fact that they have uniquely targeted India says this is about more than just Russia, Rossow was quoted as saying.

The NYT article further said that Trump, frustrated by the tariff negotiations, reached out to Modi several times, but the Indian leader did not respond to those requests.

With inputs from agencies
Macron had expressed hope that a two-way meeting would take place but warned if the Russian did not meet a Monday deadline to agree to the talks it will show again President Putin has played President Trump

US President Donald Trump is still working on a Russia-Ukraine peace summit, the White House said Friday, after French President Emmanuel Macron warned Trump risked being played by Vladimir Putin.President Trump and his national security team continue to engage with Russian and Ukrainian officials towards a bilateral meeting to stop the killing and end the war, a White House official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

As many world leaders have stated, this war would have never happened if President Trump was in office. It is not in the national interest to further negotiate these issues publicly.

Macron earlier Friday expressed hope that a two-way meeting would take place but warned if the Russian did not meet a Monday deadline to agree to the talks it will show again President Putin has played President Trump.

After meeting Putin in Alaska earlier this month and then hosting Zelensky and European leaders at the White House last week, Trump said he was setting up bilateral talks between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders.

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But Russia has since played down the likelihood of such a meeting.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller dismissed the suggestion that Trump had been fooled by Putin.

Such an absurd question, he said when asked by an AFP reporter about Macrons comments.

No president in history has done more to advance the cause of peace, Miller said. Hes working steadfastly to end the killing, and thats something that everybody in the world should celebrate.
Former US NSA Jake Sullivan has accused President Donald Trump of damaging Washingtons ties with India through a massive trade offensive, warning the move could drive New Delhi closer to Beijing.

Former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has blasted US President Donald Trump for launching what he called a  massive trade offensive against India, warning it risks pushing New Delhi closer to Beijing.

Speaking on The Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller, Sullivan said many US allies now see Washington as a big disruptor rather than a dependable partner, while China has gained ground globally.

When I go to these places now and I talk to leaders, they are talking about derisking from the United States. They now see the US as the big disruptor, the country that cant be counted on, he said.

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Sullivan argued that Americas global image has suffered while Beijings has improved. China has moved ahead of the United States in popularity in a whole lot of countries. And that was not the case one year ago, where countries now are basically saying the US brand is in the toilet and China is looking like a responsible player, he noted.

Citing India as an example, Sullivan said Washington had been trying to build a deeper strategic partnership with New Delhi to balance China, but Trumps tariffs undercut that effort.

Take a look at India, as another example. Heres a country that on a bipartisan basis, we were working and trying to build a deeper and more sustainable relationship with, and the China challenge loomed large in that. Now you have got President Trump executing a massive trade offensive against them and the Indians are saying, Well, I guess maybe we have to go show up in Beijing and sit with the Chinese because we got a hedge against America, he added.
Ukraines Air Force: 548 targets out of 582 shot down or jammed last night

Photo: National Guard

The Defense Forces of Ukraine last night neutralized 548 targets out of 582 that attacked Ukraine, shot down six out of eight ballistic missiles, 32 out of 37 cruise missiles, and five missiles and 24 strike UAVs reached seven locations, the press service of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

"On the night of August 30 (from 19:00 on August 29), the enemy launched a massive strike on the territory of Ukraine using strike UAVs, air-, ground- and sea-based missiles. In total, during the strike, the Air Force's radio-technical troops detected and accompanied 582 air attack means," the press service said in a statement on Saturday.

The largest number of enemy drones and missiles, 479, was destroyed on June 9, 2025. At the same time, Russia set a record for the number of launched attack means on the night of July 9, 2025, using 741 UAVs and missiles.

According to preliminary data, as of 09:00 on Saturday, August 30, air defense systems shot down/jammed 548 air targets: 510 enemy Shahed UAVs and simulator drones of various types; six Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles; 32 X-101, Kalibr, Iskander-K, X-59 cruise/aircraft missiles. However, five missiles and 24 strike UAVs reached seven locations, and downed (fragments) fell at 21 locations.

According to the Air Force, last night the Russian Federation attacked the territory of Ukraine with 537 Shahed strike UAVs and simulator drones of various types from the directions of Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Orel, Shatalovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russia); eight Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles from Rostov region, Krasnodar Krai of the Russian Federation; 37 air, ground and sea-based cruise/aviation missiles: X-101, Kalibr, Iskander-K, X-59 (launch areas from Saratov region of the Russian Federation, the Black Sea and the temporarily occupied Zaporizhia region).

The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

"The attack continues, there are still several enemy UAVs in the airspace," the Air Force noted.
A US judge has blocked the Trump administration from expanding fast-track deportations beyond the border, ruling that the policy denied undocumented migrants detained inside the country basic due process rights.

Salvadoran police officers escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recently deported by the U.S. government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison, as part of an agreement with the Salvadoran government, at the El Salvador International Airport in San Luis Talpa, El Salvador, in this handout image obtained March 16, 2025. Reuters

A US federal judge on Friday (local time) temporarily blocked the Trump administrations bid to expand fast-track deportations of undocumented migrants detained inside the country without a court hearing, dealing a setback to its mass removal agenda.

Judge Jia M Cobb of the District of Columbia said the administrations January decision to widen the use of expedited removal beyond the border did not give detainees enough due process. The process had previously applied only to migrants caught near the US-Mexico border.

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In defending this skimpy process, the Government makes a truly startling argument: that those who entered the country illegally are entitled to no process under the Fifth Amendment, Cobb wrote in her 48-page opinion. Were that right, not only noncitizens, but everyone would be at risk.

The American Civil Liberties Union had sued on behalf of immigrant rights group Make the Road New York, after the Department of Homeland Security announced it would extend expedited removal to migrants living in the US for two years or less.

Cobb, a Biden appointee, clarified she was not challenging the statutes constitutionality at the border, but said applying it nationwide carried a significant risk of erroneous removal since many undocumented migrants have lived in the US for more than two years.

She allowed the policy to remain in place for migrants stopped within 100 miles of the border who had been in the country less than 14 days, but said expanding it further created an intolerable risk of wrongful deportation.
US Senator Roger Wicker voiced support for future US-Taiwan weapons co-production, including drones, during a visit to Taipei. His remarks highlight Washingtons defense backing for Taiwan despite Trumps trade strategy with China.

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, speaks next to U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) at the Songshan Airport in Taipei, Taiwan. Reuters

US Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the influential Senate Armed Services Committee and a strong supporter of Taiwan, stated on Saturday that he believed there will be future joint US-Taiwanese weapons development, something Taipei has lobbied for.

Despite the lack of official diplomatic connections, the US is Taiwans most major overseas sponsor and weapons supplier; however, no new arms deliveries have been reported since President Donald Trump took office earlier this year.

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Wicker, a Republican, expressed optimism during a news conference in Taipei about the possibility of combined development of weaponry, particularly drones.

I think theres going to be joint production and joint efforts and that will depend on the skills present both on this side of the Pacific Ocean and ours, and actually were open to suggestion and innovation in that regard, he said, at the end of a two-day visit where he met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

A Taiwanese official, commenting on the condition of anonymity, told reporters that weapon co-production was very important.

Wicker is one of the most vocal Taiwan advocates in the United States Congress. Beijing, which constantly condemns any expressions of support for Taipei from Washington, has denounced his visit, claiming that it opposes formal exchanges between Taiwan and the US.

He is in Taiwan at a time when the island is facing a 20% tax on exports to the United States as part of Trumps broad new trade strategy that affects many other regions of the world.

Wicker pointed out that trade discussions were taking place all over the world.

That in no way affects the defence alliance and friendship and determination that the United States has to be a friend to the sovereign rights of the Taiwanese people to enjoy their democracy, he said.

His trip also takes place as some members of Congress - both Trumps fellow Republicans and Democrats - have expressed concern that Trump is de-emphasising security issues as he works on negotiating a trade deal with China.

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Administration officials have said that 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.

China claims the democratically governed island as its own and has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Beijing has stepped up military and political pressure against the island in recent years.
Yemens Huthi rebels vowed on Saturday to avenge the killing of their prime minister and other political leaders in Israeli strikes this week.

Head of the Houthi-led government Ahmad al-Rahawi looks on during a visit by Houthi government officials to the Hamas office in Sanaa, Yemen August 19, 2024. REUTERS

Yemens Huthi movement on Saturday pledged to avenge the killing of its prime minister and several senior leaders in Israeli airstrikes earlier this week.

In a televised message on Telegram, Mehdi al-Mashat, head of the groups supreme political council, vowed retribution for what he called the martyrdom of political leaders. We promise to God, to the Yemeni people, and to the families of the martyrs and wounded that we will take revenge, he declared.

Al-Mashat also issued a warning to foreign companies operating in Israel, urging them to leave before its too late.

According to the council, the Israeli strike on Sanaa marked the first attack to claim the lives of top-ranking Huthi officials, including the head of their administration and several ministers.

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Israel said on Friday that the airstrike had targeted the Iran-aligned groups chief of staff, defence minister and other senior officials and that it was verifying the outcome.

Mashats statement did not make clear whether the Houthi defence minister was among the casualties.

Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi became prime minister around a year ago but the de facto leader of the government was his deputy, Mohamed Moftah, who was assigned on Saturday to carry out the prime ministers duties.

Rahwi was seen largely as a figurehead who was not part of the inner circle of the Houthi leadership.

Since Israels war in Gaza against the Palestinian militant group Hamas began in October 2023, the Iran-aligned Houthis have attacked vessels in the Red Sea in what they describe as acts of solidarity with the Palestinians.

They have also frequently 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.

During the last year, Israel carried out a series of assassinations targeting senior leaders and commanders of Hamas and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, significantly weakening both groups.

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The Houthi-run news agency Saba ran a statement from Defence Minister Mohamed al-Atifi shortly after the prime ministers death was confirmed and quoted him as saying the group was ready to confront Israel.

The statement did not mention Thursdays airstrike and it was unclear if it was made before or after the attack.

Atifi runs the Houthis Missiles Brigade Group and is considered their leading missiles expert.

Sources confirmed to Reuters that the energy, foreign and information ministers were among those killed.

On Thursday, Israeli security sources had said the targets had been various locations where a large number of senior Houthi officials had gathered to watch a televised speech recorded by leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi.

The Israeli military described the attack as a complex operation made possible by intelligence-gathering and air superiority.

Our stance remains as it is and will remain until the aggression ends and the siege is lifted, no matter how great the challenges, Mashat said in a televised speech, adding that the group shall take revenge."

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With inputs from agencies
Official statement of the European Solidarity party regarding the cynical, despicable murder of our friend and colleague Andriy Parubiy

Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2025

European Solidarity learned with deep shock and pain of the tragic eventthe brutal, cynical, and despicable murder of Andriy Parubiy, a Member of the Parliament of Ukraine from the ES faction, former Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and former Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. Our colleague, friend, and brother.

This shameful crime took place in Lviv, a city that has become one of the symbols of the Ukrainian peoples struggle for freedom and democracy. We believe that the murder of Andriy Parubiy is not a random crime but bears the hallmarks of political terror aimed against Ukrainian statehood.

Andriy Parubiy was one of the state-builders of modern Ukraine. He was at the origins of the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity, led the Maidan self-defense units, and in March 2014, was directly involved in creating the new National Guard and the Defense Forces of Ukraine. As the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, he always defended our parliaments independence, subjectivity, and authority.

His political activity was inextricably linked with the defense of Ukraines democratic path, European values, and the strengthening of our states defense capabilities. That is why we do not rule out that the Russian Federationa terrorist state waging an aggressive war against Ukraine and using methods of political assassination and sabotage to destabilize Ukrainian societyis behind this brutal murder.

This is not just an irreparable loss for the European Solidarity team. It is a heart torn out, a piece of our soul.

Andriy Parubiy was the son and grandson of Ukrainian dissidents and political prisoners. His life was dedicated to Ukraine. From the Revolution on Granite to the Orange Maidan, from the Revolution of Dignity to the struggle in the Verkhovna Radahe always stood at the forefront of defending Ukrainian statehood, language, church, and army.

Andriy fiercely opposed the ratification of the Kharkiv Pact, blocking that vote. At that time, Yanukovychs gang initiated a criminal case against Parubiy and threatened him with arrest.

During the Revolution of Dignity, he headed the Maidan Self-Defense. As Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, he was at the origins of the creation of volunteer battalions and the National Guard, and the formation of the new Armed Forces of Ukraine. As Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, he made every effort to adopt the law on language and defended the parliament as an independent institution and a symbol of democracy.

In the first days of the invasion, he joined the 206th Battalion, carried out combat orders on par with everyone else, served at checkpoints, and assisted in the evacuation of civilians and the liberation of the Kyiv region.

Andriy commanded unquestionable authority among the military, in parliament, among diplomats, and international partners. Today, our team is receiving thousands of calls from the army, from politicians, from friends of Ukraine around the worldeveryone is shocked by this terrorist act. This is not just a murder. This is an actual terrorist war; this is denazification Russian-style. This is an attack on defenders in both a military and political sense. And at the same time, it is a sign of the weakness of a government that cannot guarantee the safety of even those who are symbols of statehood. But we will not be intimidated!

Russia was hunting for Andriy. We knew that he, like other members of our team, had been on the so-called kill lists of the Kremlin since 2014. Attempts had been made to organize attacks against him before. On December 24, 2014, near the Kyiv hotel, an unknown person threw a grenade at his feet. Parubiy was wounded then.

He was dangerous to his enemies because he always spoke the truth and fought without compromise. But unfortunately, he also endured persecution and humiliation within the country. How many times did those who were not worthy of even his little finger try to devalue and humiliate him? How many times did vile people mock this statesman and patriot? Today is when these worthless individuals must kneel before the memory of Andriy Parubiy. Everyone who devalued and persecuted Andriy must ask for forgiveness.

European Solidarity demands an immediate, honest, and transparent investigation of this terrorist act from the authorities and law enforcement agencies. Ukrainians must hear the names of the perpetrators and those who ordered it. We emphasize that this was an attack not only on our friend and colleague. It is a blow to all of Ukraine, an attempt to undermine our statehood and sow fear.

We are convinced that Andriy Parubiy deserves the highest honorto be awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. His contribution to the defense of Independence, the Ukrainian language, identity, and the formation of the modern army and parliamentarism is invaluable.

Today, our hearts are with Andriys familyhis father, wife, daughter, and sister. We share their unspeakable pain and sorrow.

Andriy Parubiy will forever remain in the history of Ukraine as one of those who built our Independence and defended it in the most difficult times.

We call on the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to:

Appeal to the parliaments and governments of foreign states and international organizations to condemn this act of political terror, which is part of Russias aggressive war against Ukraine. Request that the European Parliament and the parliaments of EU member states honor the memory of the former Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, MP of the ES faction, with a moment of silence. Demand from law enforcement agencies an immediate, professional, transparent, and effective investigation into the murder of Andriy Parubiy, with the involvement of foreign experts if necessary. Call on Ukraines international partners to increase political and sanction pressure on the Russian Federation as a terrorist state that does not stop at murdering Ukrainian political and public figures. Appeal to partners to provide Ukraine additional support in the defense and security, particularly in developing systems to protect against terrorist and sabotage attacks. Emphasize the importance of strengthening national unity within Ukraine, uniting democratic forces, and avoiding political persecution and harassment of opponents.

Andriy Parubiys integrity, sacrifice, patriotism, and dedication to Ukraine will remain an example for future generations.

More than ever, Ukraine needs the unity of the Free World. Only through joint efforts can we stop the terrorist state that is trying to destroy the Ukrainian people and undermine the foundations of the international order.

Eternal memory, Andriy! Glory to Ukraine!
A group of exiles from Equatorial Guinea is defending their separation from the former Spanish territory in response to decades of abuse, isolation, and repression

Orlando Cartagena, 59, sits unobtrusively in a cafe in northern Madrid on a Sunday morning. No one around him knows who he is, where he comes from, or what he went through to get there. Just a month ago, Cartagena led the celebrations at the Circulo de Bellas Artes cultural center for the third anniversary of the Republic of Annobon, a small island of 6.5 square miles and about 5,000 inhabitants, whose declaration of independence from Equatorial Guinea has yet to be recognized by any country. We are fighting for our freedom; we want to be free, says Cartagena, who introduces himself as the prime minister of Annobon.

The islands name originates from the passage of a Portuguese expedition on January 1, 1475, which referred to it as Anno bom (good year, in Portuguese). Despite more than five centuries of history, few people know of its existence, and the 2022 declaration of independence went unnoticed outside Equatorial Guinea. Last May, interest in Annobon skyrocketed across the Atlantic and became a trending topic 4,660 miles away, in Argentina.

Cartagena and a delegation from Ambo Legadu, the movement that declared independence, toured the South American country in March and raised the possibility of the island becoming part of Argentine territory. We can be part of an Argentine province or an associated state, he told a local radio station.

The comment appealed to a shared past. At the end of the 18th century, Portugal ceded this and other African territories to Spain, which administratively assigned them to the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata, in the present-day territory of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

These are formulas that we could negotiate with the Argentine government at some point, Cartagena comments, although he clarifies that the priority is to seek diplomatic recognition. We have to be free before deciding, he concludes. The leader of Ambo Legadu asserts that he has met with Argentine senators and representatives, although he has not had contact with Javier Mileis administration. The delegation returned to the South American country last week to file a complaint for crimes against humanity against the government of Teodoro Obiang.

The declaration of independence has not pleased the authorities in Equatorial Guinea, which establishes in its Constitution that Annobon is an inalienable part of its territory and considers the separatist movement illegal and incited by the West. They have also opened a lawsuit against Cartagena and other leaders of the group. For three years, the territory has been under close surveillance by hundreds of soldiers deployed on the island and by the central government.

Open wounds

These tensions are not new. Since independence from Spain and its incorporation as part of Equatorial Guinea in 1968, the relationship between the central government and the remote island  with a distinct ethnic identity and its own language  has been turbulent and marked by fierce isolation.

In 1972, after proclaiming himself president for life, Francisco Macias Nguema banned entry and exit from Annobon. A year later, a cholera epidemic broke out, which is estimated to have wiped out nearly half the population, who had no access to medicines, vaccines, or basic necessities.

There was nothing and everything was missing, recalls Juan Tomas Avila, a writer of Annobonese origin, explaining that the repression of those years is crucial to understanding the Annobonese distrust of central power and the open wounds that have spurred the independence movement.

A group of children and women wash their clothes in Annobon, in an undated photo.

After the 1979 military coup by Obiang, the dictators nephew, things did not improve. In the 1980s, international media revealed the Equatorial Guinean governments plans to store millions of tons of toxic waste from Europe in Annobon. This newspaper sent a request to the Equatorial Guinean Embassy in Spain to hear their version of this and other allegations, but received no response.

In 1993, a social protest erupted, culminating in violent military repression and the murder of two people. Equatorial Guinea blamed Spain for inciting the revolt, suspended humanitarian aid deliveries, militarized the island, and blamed around 20 islanders for what happened.

Among those arrested was Cartagena, who was tortured and sentenced to death, as documented by Amnesty International. Its a mafia. Weve been like this for 57 years, he says. Cartagena spent 14 months in prison until he received a pardon. Since then, he has been in exile in Spain.

Obiang, who will celebrate his 43rd year in power in October, has announced a series of projects in recent years to lift the island out of poverty and underdevelopment, ranging from a luxury hotel to drinking water plants. But those in exile are denouncing these projects as a fiasco, such as a tuna processing plant that has not materialized since the contract was awarded in 2019. Last year, the Spanish businessman in charge of the project was arrested in Gijon for corruption and paying bribes to high-ranking regime officials.

International condemnation

The dispute between residents and the central government has escalated to the United Nations. In July 2024, a group of residents wrote a manifesto against the dynamite explosions carried out by Somagec, a civil engineering company that has amassed hundreds of millions of euros in contracts and is searching for minerals on the island. Locals complain that the explosions have damaged their homes and the ecosystem, and they presented a plea to Obiang to stop the work.

In response, the regime detained 23 local residents, according to a complaint filed two months later with the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD). According to this version, the detainees were transported to Malabo on a presidential fleet plane, a common modus operandi for the kidnapping of opponents and political prisoners in Equatorial Guinea.

Another 19 Annobon residents living off the island  accused of conspiring against the regime  were arrested. The military contingent was reinforced, and the internet on Annobon was also cut off in retaliation, leaving it without service to this day, according to the NGO Access Now. Those responsible for the crimes of rebellion and sedition in Annobon will be held accountable before the law for their actions, warned Vice President Teodorin Obiang, the presidents son, on social media. All measures to silence the protest were taken within a 48-hour period.

A friend called me and told me my wife was detained, says Pepe Yao, husband of Estrella Alfaro, one of the islands best-known artists. The couple was planning to travel to Spain to celebrate the anniversary of the Republic of Annobon, but Alfaro was denied entry into Equatorial Guinea just days before her arrest, in the middle of the night and without a court order. Most of the detainees were taken to Black Beach Prison, considered one of the worst in the world.

Last April, the U.N. WGAD stated that the detainees right to a fair trial had been violated and declared the detentions arbitrary.

To avoid a scandal, the Obiang regime was not notified of the decision until almost two months later. In early June, on the occasion of his 83rd birthday, the president announced that in a spirit of magnanimity, he was pardoning the Annobonese, among other detainees, on the condition that they apologize on state television and behave like repentant citizens, without mentioning that an international resolution was pending.

Estrella Alfaro, before and after her detention, in a photo provided by her family.

My wife went almost a year without seeing the sun, Yao says. A photograph taken just days after her release from prison shows Alfaro as a completely different woman. Her long hair had been shaved off and her face looks gaunt. Her husbands greatest wish is for her to leave Equatorial Guinea. Her crime was composing songs, her husband laments.

The panorama for Annobon is full of unknowns. If recognized in the future, it would be the smallest independent country in Africa. In exile, there is hope that international support will bolster the Annobonese struggle to defend their place in the world. They want to erase us, Yao says.

Declaring independence is fighting for our lives, Cartagena declares, before disappearing back into the crowd.

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A woman works at an urban agricultural demonstration center in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Aug. 29, 2025. China and the African Union (AU) Commission renewed their partnership on Friday to advance modern agricultural technology and resilient agri-food systems in Africa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- China and the African Union (AU) Commission renewed their partnership on Friday to advance modern agricultural technology and resilient agri-food systems in Africa.

While addressing the "Meet China in Africa" event held at an urban agriculture demonstration center in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, Jiang Feng, head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, said agricultural cooperation constitutes an important cornerstone of win-win cooperation between China and Africa.

"China's agricultural technical assistance and transfer of advanced agricultural technologies have enriched the grain bags and vegetable baskets of the African people, and contributed to the steady advancement of agricultural modernization in Africa," Jiang said.

He highlighted that China has established over 20 agricultural technology demonstration centers and promoted more than 300 advanced agricultural technologies in Africa, benefiting over 1 million smallholder farmers.

Noting that China has also deployed over 500 agricultural experts in Africa and offered training for nearly 9,000 agricultural talents, Jiang said China will continue to support Africa's modernization drive to improve the well-being of its people through ensuring food security.

Patience Mhuriro-Mashapa, an agriculture and food security expert at the AU Commission, commended China's unwavering partnership with Africa, particularly through numerous capacity-building training programs.

"Modernized agriculture can redeem Africa from perpetual food security. The best practice China is promoting aligns well with the AU agenda 2063 aspirations and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program's vision of building a sustainable agri-food system," she said.

She added that China's support for Africa's modern agricultural development has significantly strengthened skills, enhanced institutional capacity, and fostered knowledge exchanges in the sector.

The Chinese agricultural experts at the demonstration center have introduced new agricultural technologies, provided inputs, and upgraded agricultural infrastructures for local communities, according to Melese Anshebo, deputy commissioner of Addis Ababa City Administration Farmers and Urban Agriculture Development. 

People work at an urban agricultural demonstration center in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Aug. 29, 2025. China and the African Union (AU) Commission renewed their partnership on Friday to advance modern agricultural technology and resilient agri-food systems in Africa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Patience Mhuriro-Mashapa, an agriculture and food security expert at the African Union (AU) Commission, speaks at the "Meet China in Africa" event at an urban agricultural demonstration center in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Aug. 29, 2025. China and the African Union (AU) Commission renewed their partnership on Friday to advance modern agricultural technology and resilient agri-food systems in Africa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Guests attend the "Meet China in Africa" event at an urban agricultural demonstration center in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Aug. 29, 2025. China and the African Union (AU) Commission renewed their partnership on Friday to advance modern agricultural technology and resilient agri-food systems in Africa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
A glass dog sculpture is seen at the "Glass Menagerie" exhibition by Polish-born artist Marta Klonowska at the Ursynow Cultural Center in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 29, 2025. The exhibition presents a collection of animal sculptures created from thousands of pieces of colored glass wastes. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/Xinhua)

A visitor observes the sculptures displayed at the "Glass Menagerie" exhibition by Polish-born artist Marta Klonowska at the Ursynow Cultural Center in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 29, 2025. The exhibition presents a collection of animal sculptures created from thousands of pieces of colored glass wastes. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/Xinhua)

A glass bird sculpture is seen at the "Glass Menagerie" exhibition by Polish-born artist Marta Klonowska at the Ursynow Cultural Center in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 29, 2025. The exhibition presents a collection of animal sculptures created from thousands of pieces of colored glass wastes. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/Xinhua)

A visitor observes a sculpture displayed at the "Glass Menagerie" exhibition by Polish-born artist Marta Klonowska at the Ursynow Cultural Center in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 29, 2025. The exhibition presents a collection of animal sculptures created from thousands of pieces of colored glass wastes. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 29, 2025 shows a detailed close-up of a glass sculpture at the "Glass Menagerie" exhibition by Polish-born artist Marta Klonowska at the Ursynow Cultural Center in Warsaw, Poland. The exhibition presents a collection of animal sculptures created from thousands of pieces of colored glass wastes. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/Xinhua)

A visitor takes photos of the sculptures displayed at the "Glass Menagerie" exhibition by Polish-born artist Marta Klonowska at the Ursynow Cultural Center in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 29, 2025. The exhibition presents a collection of animal sculptures created from thousands of pieces of colored glass wastes. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/Xinhua)

A girl observes a sculpture displayed at the "Glass Menagerie" exhibition by Polish-born artist Marta Klonowska at the Ursynow Cultural Center in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 29, 2025. The exhibition presents a collection of animal sculptures created from thousands of pieces of colored glass wastes. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/Xinhua)

Animal glass sculptures are seen at the "Glass Menagerie" exhibition by Polish-born artist Marta Klonowska at the Ursynow Cultural Center in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 29, 2025. The exhibition presents a collection of animal sculptures created from thousands of pieces of colored glass wastes. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/Xinhua)

A glass shoe sculpture is seen at the "Glass Menagerie" exhibition by Polish-born artist Marta Klonowska at the Ursynow Cultural Center in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 29, 2025. The exhibition presents a collection of animal sculptures created from thousands of pieces of colored glass wastes. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/Xinhua)
Larry Robinson/The Daily Sentinel

Sen. Janice Rich speaks to Rep. Jeff Hurd and other elected officials and local leaders during a roundtable discussion on water rights on Aug. 29. Rich is one of four state legislators who are interested in sponsoring a bipartisan bill that would explicitly allow judicial districts participating in the bond hearing officer program to access the state-subsidized support staff without the magistrate, something that is not currently allowed.
Sun Sunday

52 /28

Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the upper 20s.
Gov't monitoring alleged Chinese sleeper agents, PLA presence

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

August 29, 2025, 2:18 pm

MANILA -- The government is taking seriously the reports of Chinese "sleeper agents" and members of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) operating within the country, Malacanang said on Friday.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the National Security Council (NSC) is intensifying monitoring and counterintelligence efforts to safeguard national security.

Castro added that the NSC is in close coordination with law enforcement agencies and intelligence units to address the issue of foreign espionage.

"We cannot go into specifics for security reasons, but we can assure the public that our security forces are actively monitoring and addressing these threats," she said, citing the NSC statement.

"The government does not take espionage lightly and we act swiftly when credible intelligence is verified," Castro added.

Castro said prompt response and recent operations have resulted in the arrest of suspected foreign operatives.

"Our agencies are not standing still," Castro said. "So, rest assured po na ginagawa po nila ang kanilang trabaho (that they are doing their jobs)."

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday called on concerned government agencies to continue hot pursuit operations against those engaged in espionage activities, raising alarm over the presence of Chinese sleeper agents and PLA operatives.

Citing reports, Lacson said Chinese nationals have been arrested for suspected espionage in several areas of the country, including Malacan Manila grounds, Palawan province, Makati City, Dumaguete City, near the military general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezob City, and the Commission on Elections office in Manila. (PNA)

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President: Bulgaria Expects the Partnership with Rheinmetall to Lead to the Creation of New Jobs, the Modernisation of the Bulgarian Defence Industry and the Expansion of its Markets

President of the Republic of Bulgaria

27 August 2025 | 19:42

Rumen Radev is on a visit to Germany at the invitation of Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger to attend the opening of a new plant of the German defence concern

Bulgaria has the ambition not only for joint production with the German concern Rheinmetall, but also for further development of the long-term strategic partnership with Germany, which will lead to the creation of new jobs, the introduction of new technologies, support for the modernisation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and the expansion of the markets of the Bulgarian industry. This was stated by President Rumen Radev in Germany after the official opening ceremony of a high-tech plant for the production of artillery ammunition of the German defence concern Rheinmetall in Unterluss, Lower Saxony. The Bulgarian head of state is on a working visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, where, at the invitation of the CEO of Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger, he participated in the opening ceremony of a new plant of Europe's largest defence concern.

Among the guests at the event were NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Romanian Prime Minister Ilie-Gavril Bolojan, the Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance of Germany, Lars Klingbeil and the Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius.

Armin Papperger presented the capabilities of the new plant, and after the opening ceremony, the two held a meeting, after which the head of state congratulated the CEO of Rheinmetall in front of Bulgarian media for the company's new plant, which is a model for leading technologies and standards in the defence industry.

The President highlighted the shared ambitions discussed with Armin Papperger at their meeting in Munich in February, during the subsequent visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of the head of state, as well as today in Unterluss. These ambitions are for new production, for even higher technologies with added value, for autonomous systems and for the creation of a joint venture in Bulgaria for the production of motor transport equipment, Rumen Radev pointed out, adding that the Bulgarian Army's fleet needs a complete renovation. According to the head of state, with the planned investments of Rheinmetall in Bulgaria, our country becomes part of the European defence ecosystem.

The CEO of Rheinmetall pointed out that during his meeting with President Rumen Radev at the Munich Conference, they discussed the possibilities of jointly building two factories in Bulgaria for ammunition and gunpowder. I would like to thank the President most sincerely for his support, Papperger pointed out. He also expressed Rheinmetall's ambition to jointly build two factories in our country, and discussed with the Bulgarian head of state the possibilities for this to happen as soon as possible.

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BEIJING, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- China on Sunday will hold the last in a series of three press conferences on commemoration events to mark its victory against Japanese aggression and the global victory over fascism.

This press conference, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sunday, is organized by the press center for the events commemorating 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 is based at the Beijing Media Center Hotel.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the National Cultural Heritage Administration will introduce newly designated memorial facilities and historical sites related to the War of Resistance, and a new list of heroes from the war at the press conference, according to a notice issued by the center.

The officials will also provide updates on efforts to protect and preserve such facilities and sites, as well as war relics, and take questions from journalists, the notice said.

China on Friday released the fourth list of 34 national-level memorial facilities and sites of the War of Resistance, and the fourth batch of 43 renowned heroes, martyrs and heroic groups from the war.

The country first unveiled such lists in September 2014 to commemorate its victory in the war. 
Allies integrate Critical Undersea Infrastructure monitoring into mine warfare exercise Sandy Coasts 25

NATO Allied Maritime Command

Aug 28 2025

Delfzijl, The Netherlands -- Allied mine countermeasures ships and dive teams shifted focus to monitoring Critical Underwater Infrastructure (CUI) while sharpening their skills in maritime security during Exercise Sandy Coasts 25.

The annual exercise challenges Allied navies in key areas such as naval Mine warfare, harbour protection, and naval cooperation and guidance for shipping (NCAGS). This year, the addition of CUI monitoring and protection enhanced the scope of training, allowing these capabilities to be tested and refined throughout the two-week exercise, which began on 15 August 2025.

Nations taking part included the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Estonia and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1). The NATO task group was reinforced by Dutch Minehunter Willemstad and Belgian Minehunter Lobelia.

Sandy Coasts is an annual exercise, hosted on a rotational basis by Belgium and the Netherlands. This year the exercise was led by the Dutch Navy off the port of Delfzijl, and in the North Sea above the Wadden Islands of Terschelling, Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog.

There was additional focus on Groningen's Eemshaven, which serves as a vital logistical hub for Host Nation Support to NATO allies. In the event of a military deployment, the port would play a crucial role in the reception, staging, and onward movement of equipment and personnel. Ensuring the security of this harbor is essential, making its protection a key part of Exercise Sandy Coasts 25.

Exercise Sandy Coast continues to play a crucial role in strengthening partnerships and enhancing the capabilities necessary to ensure safe and secure seas.

SNMCMG1 is one of NATO's four standing maritime task groups under the operational control of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM). These task groups form the core maritime capability of NATO's Allied Reaction Force (ARF) and provide a continuous maritime capability to execute NATO missions across the spectrum of operations, demonstrating solidarity and strengthening the bond and interoperability between Allied naval forces. SNMCMG1 ships have played an integral role in Baltic Sentry, NATO's enhanced vigilance activity in the Baltic Sea aimed at protecting CUI.

Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) is the central command of all NATO maritime forces and the MARCOM Commander is the primary maritime advisor to the Alliance.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM

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Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2790 (2025), Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9989th Meeting (PM)

SC/16159

28 August 2025

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), for a final time until 31 December 2026, and decided that it should start an orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal from that date.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2790 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2790(2025)), the Council also demanded the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006), reiterated its strong support for full respect for the Blue Line and welcomed the November 2024 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

In further terms, the 15-member organ, noting with grave concerns the continuous violations of this arrangement, including air and drone strikes on Lebanese territory, called on all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

It called on the Government of Israel to withdraw its forces north of the Blue Line, including from the five positions held in Lebanese territory, and called on the Lebanese authorities to deploy on these positions with the timebound support of UNIFIL, and to extend the control of the Government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory in accordance with relevant resolutions and accords, so that as soon as possible there will be no weapons besides those of and no authority other than that of the Government of Lebanon.

International Community Must Support Lebanon in Establishing Its Authority

In the ensuing discussion, that country's delegate welcomed the mandate renewal, while adding: "Lebanon still considers UNIFILS's presence as essential to guarantee security" in the country and region, until a comprehensive political solution is reached. Stressing the importance of the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from his country's territory, he said the international community must support his Government in establishing its authority.

The continued Israeli targeting of Lebanon, including its infrastructure and civilians, and the prevention of displaced persons from returning to their homes violates international law, he said  despite this, his Government has taken steps to assert full State authority over its territory. He called on the Council to uphold its legal responsibility and hold Israel accountable for its violations; further, those countries that are guaranteeing the cessation of hostilities arrangement must compel Israel to respect it. He also called on the UN and its agencies to provide comprehensive support to the Lebanese army and institutions, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

On the other hand, the representative of Israel said that "UNIFIL has failed in its mandate". Its presence has not prevented Hizbullah from "building one of the world's most dangerous arsenals", overlooking vast military buildup discovered across southern Lebanon  "some alarmingly close to UNIFIL positions". In its annual reporting, UNIFIL rarely names Hizbullah "and frequently downplays its activities", he stated.

"Israel will continue to do whatever is necessary to defend its people", with the Israel Defense Forces maintaining presence at five strategic locations along the Blue Line, he stressed. The Council has "ignored the root cause", he said, calling on it to hold Iran accountable for "its unspeakable war crimes". He stressed the need for a new course that empowers the Lebanese State, holds Hizbullah and Iran to account and restores the authority of Council resolutions. "After 47 years of what was meant to be an interim presence", UNIFIL is concluding its mandate on the border between Israel and Lebanon  this is a "decisive moment for Lebanon, Israel and the region", he stressed.

Along similar lines, the delegate of the United States said that "the first 'I' in UNIFIL stands for interim". The time has come for UNIFIL's mission to end, she said, adding that this is the last time her delegation will support an extension. "The security environment in Lebanon is radically different" from what it was one year ago, she added, and there is now space for Lebanon to assume greater responsibility. Her country will support Lebanon's efforts to assume its security responsibilities, she said, voicing support for Israel's right to defend itself.

Mission Should Not Withdraw in Haste while Situation Remains Tense

Despite voting in favour, several delegates expressed reservations. Algeria's delegate, who noted that UNIFIL was created in 1978 to observe and confirm Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon, said: "Has UNIFIL fulfilled its mandate? Clearly the answer is no." Lebanese land remains under Israeli occupation, he said, highlighting Israel's many violations of international law. The Council must be ready to revisit this resolution considering future developments, he said, regretting that his delegation's request to refer to the 1949 General Armistice Agreement was not retained. China's delegate regretted that "the stubborn insistence of a permanent member" has resulted in the last renewal of UNIFIL's mandate. No mission should withdraw in haste while the situation remains tense, he added.

The Russian Federation's delegate said the interests of the Lebanese were not fully reflected in this text and warned that it should not create a "security vacuum" in southern Lebanon.

For the United Kingdom, that country's delegate said, it was "disappointing that despite the best efforts of the penholder", the 15-member organ was unable "to make this significant decision on the basis of an evidence-based assessment of the impact of UNIFIL's withdrawal". Pakistan's delegate reminded delegates that Lebanon did not request the withdrawal of UNIFIL.

The representative of Greece added: "While in principle we believe that the ending of the mandate should have been condition-based and the text is not ideal, we stress that UNIFIL's transition needs to be safe and orderly in close coordination with the host country."

Mandate Renewal Helps Lebanon Prepare to Reassert Territorial Control

France's delegate, who sponsored today's resolution, said a premature withdrawal could undermine Beirut's efforts. However, he added, "the precious time" afforded by the mandate renewal will be crucial for Lebanon's Government to assume its authority over its territory. The representative of the Republic of Korea, a troop-contributor to UNIFIL, highlighted "the Lebanese Government's sheer will to rise as the sole guarantor of its national security, which gave us confidence to vote in favour of this resolution". Also welcoming the text were the representatives of Denmark, Slovenia and Somalia, with the latter calling on Israel to cease its daily air and drone strikes.

The representative of Panama, Security Council president for August, speaking in his national capacity, voiced strong support for UNIFIL's peacekeeping personnel, whose presence has "contributed significantly to helping the Lebanese armed forces establish safer conditions for civilians. Looking towards the last stage of the Force's work, he expressed trust that conditions in southern Lebanon "will positively evolve towards lasting stability".

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U.S. and Egypt Host Exercise Bright Star 25

U.S. Central Command

Press Release | Aug. 29, 2025

USCENTCOM

August 29, 2025

Release Number 20250829-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tampa, Fla. -- The multinational military exercise Bright Star 25, co-hosted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Egyptian Armed Forces/Egyptian Training Authority, officially kicked off yesterday with an opening ceremony at Mohamed Naguib Military Base in Egypt. The exercise is a clear demonstration of the United States' unwavering and enduring commitment to partner with the Egyptian Armed Forces and other nations to ensure mutual safety and security.

Established in 1980, Bright Star is one of CENTCOM's longest-running and most significant multinational military exercises. Now in its 19th iteration, Bright Star 25 will run from August 28 to September 10, 2025, and aims to strengthen collective defense capabilities, improve regional security, and reinforce strategic partnerships.

This year over 40 nations will participate, underscoring the exercise's growing global relevance. Approximately 1,500 U.S. military personnel will join forces with their counterparts in training events that cover a wide spectrum of operations, including conventional and irregular warfare, command post exercises, field training, and combined joint task force planning. Activities will also feature academic seminars, command and control operations, and a senior leader symposium to foster strategic-level dialogue. "Bright Star 25 reflects the deep trust and enduring cooperation between the United States and Egypt, and our shared commitment to stability in the region," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander. "This year, we are joined by over 40 partner nations committed to sharpening their warfighting skills through challenging, integrated scenarios. The ability to bring this many capable forces together-across domains and borders-underscores the strength of relationships built over decades, and the confidence our partners place in working closely with U.S. forces to meet today's complex security demands."

Bright Star remains a cornerstone of the U.S.-Egypt defense relationship and plays a key role in promoting peace and security across the region. By continuing to train together, our militaries strengthen interoperability, refine capabilities, and further align on shared strategic goals.

DIVIDS: DVIDS - Bright Star 2025 - https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/BrightStar25

-30-



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Congress Spokesperson deplores crackdowns on NGOs in Georgia

Council of Europe

Congress

Strasbourg

29 August 2025

"I deplore the decision of the Georgian authorities to freeze the accounts of several leading non-governmental organisations in Georgia, accusing them of "sabotage" and aiding hostile foreign activity," stressed Stewart Dickson, Chair of the Council for Democratic Elections and member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

"The Congress has been working closely in particular with the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), to make sure that local and regional elections in Georgia meet European democratic standards set by the Council of Europe, of which Georgia is a member state since 1999. Accusing NGOs of aiding foreign activities which are for the benefit of Georgia is absurd. I urge the Georgian authorities to rescind this decision," stated Stewart Dickson.

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August 29, 2025

By Marine Capt. Isis Coty and Cpl. Annabelle Reed-O'Brien, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing

U.S., Australia Conduct Joint Chemical, Biological Exercise

Marines assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, joined forces with the Air Force, Air Force Reserves, Air National Guard and Royal Australian Air Force for Exercise Toxic Swell 25. The two-week training event on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, focused on enhancing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense capabilities in a joint environment.

Toxic Swell 25 went beyond the conventional classroom settings for CBRN exercises, with 10 units collaborating to train in an austere environment. Participants engaged in multiple field rehearsals, including runway survey missions, simulated infantry drills, aircraft decontamination and CBRN detection scenarios. Marines, airmen, National Guardsmen and RAAF partners conducted military operations on urbanized terrain, simulating the challenging conditions personnel might face in actual deployments. The exercise emphasized joint movement to objectives and effective use of CBRN training across services and with partnered nations.

"Exercises like Toxic Swell test our response to worst-case scenario CBRN threats that our enemies may use," said Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Webb, who served as officer in charge of the exercise. "The training we conducted blended basic Marine [Corps] warfighting tactics with the knowledge of the Air Force and RAAF, teaching each other how we can best move as a team to the objective and use our CBRN training effectively."

A key highlight of Toxic Swell was the participation of RAAF, which brought extensive expertise in CBRN threats to the exercise. The RAAF conducted an in-depth session to educate participants on their mission oriented protective posture gear removal process. The demonstration provided valuable insight into how U.S. partner nations combat CBRN situations, enhancing the knowledge of U.S. service members who may operate together in future joint missions.

"Having been part of Toxic Swell 24, we came to observe and provide training feedback to our units," said Flight Sgt. Noel Klaehn, assigned to the 295th Squadron, RAAF Combat Support Group. "Most of our operations are likely to be with allied forces, so exercises like this are critical. We hope to bring more of our team to participate next year."

In addition to the RAAF training, participants completed the performance evaluation checklist for weapons handling and proficiency on the M16A4 rifle and M240B machine gun, as well as the gas chamber, where they practiced donning and clearing their protective masks in a controlled environment. This experience reinforced the importance of proper CBRN procedures and ensured the participants received standardized Marine Corps training, enabling a diverse team to merge seamlessly.

By the conclusion of Toxic Swell 25, all training objectives were successfully executed, fusing CBRN response with traditional infantry tactics and command coordination. Through realistic training, the participants became a cohesive, capable force ready to respond to any CBRN threat.

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Informal EU Defence Ministers meeting in Denmark

European Defence Agency

29 August 2025

EU Ministers of Defence met today, 29 August 2025, in Copenhagen.

Troels Lund Poulsen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Denmark, and Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, chaired the meeting, during which Ministers discussed the EU's military support to Ukraine, European defence readiness, and the EU's military missions and operations.

When it comes to European defence readiness, several Ministers recalled the key role of EDA as the established platform for national Ministries of Defence to cooperate on capabilities at EU level.

In line with its mandate, EDA will continue to support all 27 Member States and adapt its capability expert groups to reflect the new security environment and our common objective to enhance European defence readiness by 2030.

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Georgia: Statement by the Spokeperson on the authorities' decision to freeze the bank accounts of seven Civil Society Organisations

European External Action Service (EEAS)

29.08.2025

EEAS Press Team

The European Union urges the Georgian authorities to immediately reverse the decision to freeze the bank accounts of independent civil society organisations.

This is another assault on fundamental rights and a weaponisation of the justice system as a tool of repression - an act of political persecution through deliberate financial suffocation, intended to silence and punish dissenting voices.

Civil society organisations are not enemies of the state, but the backbone of democratic pluralism and accountability. For years, Georgia's vibrant civil society has been a driving force of the country's European integration, delivering tangible benefits to its citizens. Targeting these organisations contradicts fundamental democratic values and undermines the basic principles expected of a candidate country.

The European Union stands firmly with Georgia's resilient and brave civil society, which continues to serve the citizens despite growing repression by the authorities.

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Statement by President von der Leyen with Finnish Prime Minister Orpo

European Commission

Statement

Aug 29, 2025

Helsinki

Thank you for your warm welcome to Helsinki, and for showing me the Turva. This ship is a powerful symbol of Finland's preparedness - as you just said you are prepared, ready to deter threats and to defend European interests at sea. Finland has always lived next to a dangerous and unpredictable neighbour. Putin has not changed; he is a predator. It was impressive for me to hear that your border with Russia is 1,300 km. But I want to reassure you and Finland that it is not only Finland's border, it is also Europe's border very clearly. And therefore, it is our shared responsibility to protect it. That is why, in our proposal for the next modern EU budget, we are tripling investment in migration and border management. Member States with a direct border with Russia and Belarus will receive additional EU funding. Also to support the livelihood of the border regions where it is also so important to invest. I also want to remind that cohesion policy will remain at the heart of our budget, and I can recommend using the new flexibilities of the cohesion funding, not only for border protection but also to develop the border regions. So, we continue to support both, border security and strong livelihoods.

Dea Petteri,

The risks that Finland has warned about for years have now materialised. Russia's brutal war against Ukraine is now in its fourth year. It is obvious that Putin will not stop there. We had presentations today on how Russia is probing the vulnerabilities of our own infrastructure. We are seeing serious damage to our critical networks, such as the EstLink 2 power cable for example. And the shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea is still fuelling Russia's war economy, it was very impressive for me to see today the facts and figures that you presented; therefore, I see very clearly that we have to step-up our actions against the shadow fleet.

I want to assure you, that when Finland is tested, our whole Union is tested. That is why, as we continue to strengthen Ukraine's defence, we also take greater responsibility to strengthen our own defence. This is the logic of our new up to EUR 800 billion Defence Industrial Plan - to strengthen our own defence -, and in this plan is the joint procurement instrument, SAFE, which is Turva as I've learned in Finnish. With SAFE, we are producing the capabilities Europe needs most, so the emphasis with SAFE is on joint procurement: air and missile defence, drones, cyber-defence - and of course, it also includes the work we do together for the resilience of our critical infrastructure. The demand for European investment is very obvious. 19 Member States, including Finland, have requested support under SAFE. I am pleased to announce that we have reached full subscription of the instrument, the whole EUR 150 billion. And this is a good sign. Many Member States have indicated that they will also use the SAFE funding to support the Ukrainian defence industry. So this whole approach is a true European success, and we are on the right track. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but we are on the right track.

Dear Petteri,

On top of this, you have asked for budget flexibility to boost defence spending under the national escape clause. 15 Member States have done the same. This too shows the seriousness and the understanding of the sense of urgency that Member States have. We are investing more; we are investing together; and we are investing European. The objective remains robust collective preparedness. And here, as you just said it is not only military preparedness, but a whole-of-society approach, as outlined in the Niinisto report which is a guiding star for much of the work we are doing.

Now to finish we have three main tasks or fields of work ahead of us. First, to keep-up the spirit of urgency, this is hard work. Therefore, in October, we will take stock together at the European Council of where we are with the defence procurement in the European Union, so we will present our Roadmap for Readiness. Second, by 2030, our aim is to have significantly strengthened our defence capabilities and to have closed the gaps. And third, which is a parallel task, we will contribute to ironclad security guarantees for Ukraine. This is also the reason why in the new modern EU budget we have tripled the funding for migration and border protection, we have proposed a fivefold increase in defence investment, and, very important for Finland, a tenfold increase in funding for military mobility. It is high time for readiness.

Thank you again for the invitation, it was extremely interesting to be here, and I am looking forward to work together on these tasks.

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Statement by President von der Leyen with Latvian Prime Minister Silina

European Commission

Statement

Aug 29, 2025

Helsinki

Dear Evika,

It is good to be in Riga today. Thank you for this visit of Origin Robotics. The future of our collective capacity to deter and defend is being designed right here, with the support of EU funds. It was impressive to see how innovative this company is and how fast this company is growing. I really want to congratulate Latvia. You are on your way to become a true drone and anti-drone powerhouse. And this is impressive to see. Your expertise will help shape Europe's security and NATO's defence strategies for the years to come. That is why I am proud to start my Eastern borders travel right here in Latvia. And I want to make it clear that we know that Europe is only safe if the Eastern border is safe. And therefore, the Eastern border defence line is one of the most important flagships that has my full support. The work you are doing there is impressive and count on me to be by your side.

Dear Evika, the risks your country and the other Baltic States warned us about have unfortunately materialised. Russia's brutal war against Ukraine is in its fourth year. Putin is a predator. Putin's proxies have been targeting our societies for years with hybrid attacks, with cyberattacks, the weaponisation of migrants is another example. This is unfortunately something Latvia knows all too well. You have a bitter experience in all these fields. So, as we strengthen Ukraine's defence, we must also take greater responsibility for our own defence. This is the logic of our EUR 800 billion Defence Industrial Plan that we have launched together, and part of this plan is this joint procurement instrument, SAFE, of EUR 150 billion. With SAFE, we are delivering the capabilities Europe needs most. So as I said, it is a joint procurement. It means air and missile defence, cyber-defence - and of course, drones. I am very glad that 19 Member States, including Latvia, have now requested support from SAFE. I am pleased to announce that we have reached full subscription of the whole EUR 150 billion. Many Member States have indicated that they will also use it to support the Ukrainian defence industry. So that is a true European success.

Dear Evika,

Latvia is already among NATO's top defence spenders relative to GDP. Congratulations for that. In addition, you have asked for budget flexibility to boost defence spending under the national escape clause. 15 Member States have done the same. We are investing more, we are investing together and we are investing European. So Europe is on the right track. There is a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we are on the right track.

Now we have three tasks to work on. First, in October, we will take stock together at the European Council with our Roadmap for Readiness. So we are going to look into the capability gaps and how to close them. Second, by 2030, our aim is to have significantly strengthened our defence capacities and closed the gaps. And third, we will contribute to make sure that Ukraine has ironclad security guarantees. This is also the reason why in the new EU budget, which we just have proposed, we have a fivefold increase in defence spending and a tenfold increase in funding for military mobility. Because we think it is high time for readiness. And we have tripled the proposal for migration and border strengthening. Thank you.

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China calls on US to 'do the right thing': FM on deployment of 'Typhon' in military exercise

Global Times

By Li Yawei Published: Aug 29, 2025 10:31 PM

When asked to comment on reports that during the joint drills in Japan in September, the US military plans to deploy the Typhon medium-range missile system in Japan and conduct relevant exercises, and the system will be removed after the drills, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that "we call upon the US to draw lessons from history and devote more effort and resources to doing the right thing rather than the other way around."

China has repeatedly expressed grave concerns on relevant issues. China always opposes the US deploying the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system in Asian countries, the spokesperson said. He added that 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.

Reuters reported on Thursday that a spokesperson for Japan's Ground Self Defense Force said the Typhon would be deployed to the US Marine Air Station Iwakuni, Japan's western prefecture of Yamaguchi, as a part of the Resolute Dragon exercise, which is set to run from September 11 to September 25.

It was unclear if the missile system would be fired as part of the exercise, but the spokesperson said the aim was to enhance deterrence, response capacity and integrated operations, according to the report.

The US and Japan should respect other countries' security concerns, refrain from the deployment of Typhon, and contribute to regional peace and stability with concrete actions, Guo said.

"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," Guo added.

The cruise missiles equipped with the Typhon missile system have a range of 1,500 to 2,000 kilometers, and could reach even greater distances following range extension. Once deployed, it will disrupt the existing regional military balance and pose a certain level of threat to Southeast Asian countries, including China, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Friday.

However, Song said that as this missile system is a combined weapons system composed of two sets of older weaponry, it features relatively low speed and weak stealth capabilities. Its actual strike effectiveness is limited, and its overall combat capability is also relatively limited.

Previously on Thursday, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, also responded on this matter, saying 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.

Song noted that the impact of this deployment and training lies in the long-term risks to Japan. The US intends to conduct preemptive strikes at the source by deploying such missiles, but in reality, this will turn the deployment locations into targets of attack.

If Japan allows the US to maintain long-term deployment, it will pose a major threat to Japan and even draw the country into a war, Song said.

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LUSAKA, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Zambia and the International Vaccine Institute have signed a landmark memorandum of understanding to boost local vaccine manufacturing, according to a statement released on Friday.

The agreement formalizes Zambia's commitment to building a robust vaccine ecosystem, said the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), a government agency.

ZNPHI Director-General Roma Chilengi described the partnership as "a strategic leap forward."

"This initiative is not merely technical; it is foundational to create an enabling environment for producing a wide array of vaccines tailored to national and continental health needs. This is a first for Zambia, and it sets us apart as a pioneer in Africa's health manufacturing landscape," he said.

Chilengi emphasized the need for Africa to move away from reliance on imported vaccines, noting that Zambia aims not only to meet its domestic needs but also to supply vaccines across the continent.

World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Clement Peter Lasuba described the signing as a pivotal moment for Africa's health agenda and emphasized the importance of public sensitization to prepare the market for locally produced vaccines.

He reaffirmed the WHO's commitment to supporting Zambia's health goals.

"This partnership is not just a contract; it is a commitment to a healthier, more self-reliant Africa. Zambia will take the lead in local vaccine production, and we hope other countries will follow to improve the well-being of people across the region," he added. 
China firmly opposes US deployment of 'Typhon' intermediate-range missile system in Asian countries: FM on reported US-Japan drills

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 29, 2025 08:48 PM

When asked to comment on reports that a joint US and Japanese military exercise in September will involve the temporary deployment of the "Typhon" intermediate-range missile system in Japan, relevant training exercises will be conducted, and the missile system will be withdrawn after the exercises are completed, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday, "We have noted the relevant reports."

China has repeatedly expressed its serious concern over the issue and has always firmly opposed the US deployment of the "Typhon" intermediate-range missile system in Asian countries, Guo said.

He added that the deployment of such a system in Japan will further undermine the legitimate security interests of other countries and pose a substantive threat to regional strategic security.

The US side and the Japanese side should earnestly respect the legitimate security concerns of other countries, refrain from introducing the "Typhon" intermediate-range missile system, and contribute positively to regional peace and stability with concrete actions, Guo said.

Guo said China urges Japan to deeply reflect on its history of aggression, commit to a path of peace, act prudently in military and security fields, and avoid further losing trust from its Asian neighbors and the international community. "We also urge the US to learn the lessons of history and focus its energy and resources on the right track, not the opposite," Guo added.

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Joint Statement by the Republic of Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates on the Humanitarian Assistance for the civilians in Gaza through the Maritime Corridor (Amalthea)

Republic of Cyprus

From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

29/08/25 18:40 | Press release | Foreign Policy

Guided by humanitarian principles, and fully cognizant of the urgent need to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Republic of Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates have partnered to deliver life-saving assistance to Palestinian civilians.

In this context, both sides reaffirm their commitment to alleviating the suffering of civilians by continuing to ensure safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian aid through all available and potential routes, including the additional maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza (Amalthea).

The Amalthea maritime corridor, activated in March 2024, complements the international community's collective efforts to dispatch aid by land, air and sea.

With the operational cooperation of UNOPS and the World Central Kitchen, and under the UN Security Council Resolution 2720 mechanism, which provides for the facilitation, monitoring and verification of aid flow, the Republic of Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates have shipped 1,200 tons of aid, via Ashdod Port, for onward delivery to Gaza. Financing is provided by the UAE through the Amalthea Fund.

The significant humanitarian contribution, which also includes aid by partner countries and international humanitarian organizations, consists primarily of food items, especially baby nutrition and flour that are essential to meeting the desperate needs, particularly among the most vulnerable.

Both sides reiterate their shared commitment to working in close coordination with international partners to provide aid at scale, through all available routes and across Gaza, always in line with international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles.

(AP/AS/LY/MS)

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Joint statement on the situation in Palestine

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 29/08/2025

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia and Spain strongly condemn the most recent Israeli offensive launched in the Strip and the announcement to establish a permanent presence in Gaza City.

We reiterate that the intensification of military operations will endanger the lives of hostages who cruelly remain at the hands of Hamas and will lead to the intolerable deaths of innocent Palestinian civilians, including women, children and elderly people. We also denounce the forced displacement of Palestinians, which represents a flagrant violation of international law.

This new offensive is opening a new phase of uncertainty and intolerable suffering for both sides. The systematic destruction of essential civilian infrastructure, including locations that serve as refuge for extremely vulnerable displaced civilians, is unacceptable. We urge the Israeli government to immediately reconsider its decision and cease operations. This spiral of violence must end.

We are horrified by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification's (IPC) confirmation of famine in Gaza Governorate and the projected spread to surrounding areas in the coming weeks. We call on Israel to uphold its humanitarian obligations, as required under international law. The humanitarian situation remains critical and must immediately be addressed. UN agencies and NGOs must be allowed to fully operate on the ground to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe, according to humanitarian principles. Immediate and large scale humanitarian action is needed.

We also take this opportunity to express our deepest concerns regarding the expansion of settlement construction in the West Bank, which is illegal according to international law. We call on Israel to reverse its decision. We are further alarmed by the actions of violent settlers who appear to be acting with impunity. Ongoing military operations in both Gaza and the West Bank represent a serious obstacle to the implementation of the two-State solution, which is the only path towards long-lasting peace.

The international community will not remain silent in the face of human rights violations, and we will continue working intensively for peace. We will continue supporting mediation efforts and we urge both sides to reach a permanent ceasefire agreement that will pave the way towards peace. We also continue to call for the immediate release of all hostages and the rapid and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid at scale into and throughout Gaza. We all need peace and stability to return to the region.

Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland

Simon Harris, Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland

Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of Luxembourg

Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway

Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia

Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister for Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation of Spain

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Statement from the Prime Minister's Office

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Type: Media Statements

Government: The 37th Government

Publish Date: 29.08.2025

On Wednesday, 27 August, Prime Minister Netanyahu met in Jerusalem with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP).

They discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and that Hamas loots the aid. Mrs. McCain acknowledged that the stolen aid that goes to Hamas is not humanitarian. Hamas seizes it and sells it at extortionate prices.

She said that during her recent visit to Gaza, she saw a dramatic improvement: food was available, prices had dropped, and markets showed goods in sufficient supply and at affordable prices.

It is regrettable that Mrs. McCain has since issued statements contradicting what she told us in Jerusalem. That is a misrepresentation.

Israel is enabling a steady flow of aid in sufficient quantities.

Instead of blaming Israel with false accusations, the WFP should fully cooperate with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is working diligently to provide food to the needy.

The only ones being intentionally starved in Gaza are our hostages held by Hamas.

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US Congressmen Reaffirm U.S' Recognition of Morocco's Sovereignty over its Sahara, Look Forward to Greater American Investment in Region

Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Friday 29 August 2025

Members of the U.S. Congress reaffirmed on Friday in Rabat the United States' recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara.

Following talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, 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, underscoring Washington's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty of its Sahara.

Lawler also reiterated U.S. support for the Autonomy Plan presented by the Kingdom in 2007, expressing 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 also expressed his gratitude for the efforts undertaken by the Kingdom, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty 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 Morocco's 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 the U.S' greater friend in North Africa.

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Deputy Secretary General in Copenhagen: Ukraine needs real peace, real safety, and real security

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

29 Aug. 2025

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska participated in a working session on Ukraine at an informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Copenhagen on Friday (29 August 2025).

In her keynote address, Deputy Secretary General Shekerinska highlighted NATO's long-term commitment to Ukraine, as Russia continues its illegal war of aggression. Citing recent Russian air strikes on Kyiv, which killed more than 20 Ukrainians, including 4 children, Ms Shekerinska said "this is violence for the sake of violence. We will all continue to work together to help Ukraine defend itself. And ensure this brutal war can end, with a just and lasting peace."

Ms Shekerinska emphasised that Ukraine's security is essential to Euro-Atlantic security: "Ukraine's people have endured so much. They need real peace, real safety, and real security."

Outlining NATO's strong support to Ukraine, including NATO's new Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), the Deputy Secretary General noted that in less than one month, this new initiative "has already meant an additional $2 billion of essential equipment for Ukraine. Strengthening their air defences, providing ammunition, and more."

Ms Shekerinska welcomed the EU's investments in Ukraine's defence industry, including through the use of revenues from frozen Russian assets. "We need to ensure our support to Ukraine continues. And at the same time, we need to ensure we're investing in our own defences," she said, pointing to decisions taken at the NATO Summit in The Hague to increase defence investment and boost industrial capacity.

"I believe that the strategic partnership between NATO and the EU is stronger than ever. And if we work together, I know we will succeed."

The meeting was hosted by High Representative Kaja Kallas and Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. The Ukrainian Minister of Defence Denys Shmyhal, also attended.

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Diplomacy is not a sign of weakness, says Palace

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

August 29, 2025, 3:20 pm

MANILA -- Diplomacy is not tantamount to weakness, Malacanang said on Friday, following calls for the Philippine government to reconsider its stance on the "One China" policy amid Beijing's continued incursions and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"Ang katapangan ay hindi nadadaan sa buntalan. Ang pagiging diplomatic ay hindi nagpapakita ng kahinaan (Courage is not proven through fistfights. Being diplomatic does not show weakness)," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters.

"Ang direktiba ng Pangulo ay diplomacy at rule-based approach. At sinabi rin naman ng Pangulo na we are not waging any war at sinabi rin niya na hindi tayo uurong sa anumang labanan (The President's directive is diplomacy and rules-based approach. And he said we are not waging any war, but he also said we will not retreat from any battle)."

This comes after Senator Erwin Tulfo on Thursday stressed the need for the Philippines to rethink its position, lamenting that the country seems to be allowing itself to "be bullied in the name of diplomacy."

The Chinese Ministry of Defense has labeled the Philippines as a "troublemaker" in the South China Sea, following its recent activities aimed at strengthening defense cooperation with allied countries, such as the United States and Australia.

Asked for comment, Castro said the Philippines cannot stop China from "making its own narrative."

"But they cannot also stop us from fighting for our rights based on laws, UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), arbitral ruling, and for our being (an) independent country," she said.

On Thursday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the Philippines will continue to rely on diplomacy and dialogue in dealing with China over the WPS. (PNA)

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Delisted Chinese from auxiliary had no access to PCG ops: Palace

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

August 29, 2025, 1:51 pm

MANILA -- Malacanang on Friday allayed public concerns over reports that a Filipino-Chinese businessman had joined the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) Auxiliary unit, stressing that the delisted personnel had no access to maritime operations.

Citing the PCG's statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said prompt action has been undertaken and investigation into the enlistment of Chinese nationals in the Coast Guard Auxiliary is underway.

"Huwag pong mag-alala ang taumbayan dahil ang PCGA ay isang civil organization at kung sinuman po ang mapapasok dito kahit foreigner po, ito naman po ay paggawa lang naman ng pagtulong, pagbibigay ng relief, pagtulong sa PCG (The public should not worry because the PCGA is a civil organization, and whoever joins it, even foreigners, are only involved in activities such as helping, providing relief, and assisting the PCG)," Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

"Pero wala po silang access sa anumang mga operasyon at hindi po sila sumasampa sa barko. At kung anuman ang operasyon ng PCG (However, they do not have access to any operations and do not board the ships)," she added.

Castro assured the public that PCG operations were not compromised, emphasizing that auxiliary personnel have limited access.

"Wala po silang maaaring malaman doon. 'Yun naman daw po ang safeguards na siniguro ng PCG (They do not know anything about the operations. Those are the safeguards ensured by the PCG)," she said.

At the Senate defense committee hearing on Wednesday, PCG Capt. Xerxes Fernandez confirmed that at least 36 Chinese nationals had been delisted under the previous administration, while an alleged Filipino-Chinese businessman identified as Joseph Sy was recently removed after rising to the honorary rank of commodore.

Fernandez said the PCGA, established as a socio-civic volunteer group, had previously admitted foreign nationals because no major security threats were perceived at the time.

He, nevertheless, said the PCG is tightening its vetting process for auxiliary members, taking into consideration the "creeping intrusion into our security environment." (PNA)

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Lebanese parliament speaker slams American proposal for Hezbollah's disarmament

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 August 2025 10:14 PM

Lebanon's parliament speaker has strongly criticized an American proposal for Hezbollah's disarmament due to its failure to provide any guarantees for the Israeli regime's withdrawal from the country.

Nabih Berri made the remarks in an interview that was published on Friday amid Washington's escalating pressure, through envoy Tom Barrack, on the Lebanese government to have the resistance movement lay down its arms.

He denounced Barrack's failure to pressure Israeli officials into providing assurances regarding the withdrawal.

The Lebanese official expressed deep frustration with the diplomat's performance, saying that instead of pressing the regime over the withdrawal, he had "brought us the opposite of what they had promised."

According to Berri, Barrack had recently met with Israeli officials, only to be reportedly told by them that "there will be no Israeli withdrawal before Hezbollah disarms."

On August 7, the government approved the "objectives" of the proposal, and three days later, it announced a "timeline for Hezbollah's disarmament," saying the Lebanese military would "set out a plan to bring all weapons under state authority before the end of 2025."

Such developments have sparked widespread grassroots protests across the country, with the participants describing Hezbollah's defensive power and prowess as indispensable to Lebanon's sovereignty and security.

Since its inception in 1982, the movement has fended off countless incursions into the country by the Israeli regime, which has been occupying Shebaa Farms, a strip of land along Lebanon's border with the occupied Palestinian territories, since 1967.

The defensive push has included the group's forcing the Israeli military to retreat during two full-scale wars against the nation in 2000 and 2006.

The American proposal, Berri added, was, therefore, "worse than the May 17 Agreement," a deal that was scrapped in 1984 after mass rejection.

Hezbollah, itself, has, meanwhile, vowed not to lay down its arms, cautioning that the Israeli regime's managing to implement the disarmament scheme via the US would be followed by Tel Aviv's seeking to further expand its occupation.

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Five more Palestinians including children, die of starvation amid Israel's aid blockade

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 August 2025 3:39 PM

The Gaza Health Ministry has announced that five more Palestinians, including children, have died of starvation due to Israel's blockade of the strip.

On Friday, the ministry reported five deaths "due to famine and malnutrition" in the past 24 hours, including two children.

The latest casualties bring the total number of hunger-related deaths in the strip to 322, including 121 children.

This follows the official declaration of famine in Gaza by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) - the UN-backed global hunger monitor - which has so far not led to any significant increase in aid to the territory.

Amjad Shawa, the director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO), said, "There's no improvement of the Gaza famine case, no real effort that we could see on the ground to deal with this famine situation."

"We were expecting that there would be real interventions, pressure from the international community to lift the blockade," he told the Qatar-based al-Jazeera.

Shawa added that the amount of aid allowed into Gaza was still "very limited " and covered only approximately 10 percent of the population's needs.

Israel has launched a genocidal war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, after Palestinian resistance fighters carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the Zionist entity in response to the regime's decades-long campaign of death and destruction against Palestinians.

Since March 2, when Israel violated its ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the regime has sealed all border crossings, blocking the entry of humanitarian aid and further deepening Gaza's already dire humanitarian crisis.

Israel's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed at least 63,025 Palestinians and injured 159,490 others, mostly women and children.

Since May 27, when Israel established the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to bypass the UN aid channels, nearly 2,203 aid seekers have been killed, with over 16,228 others injured, Gaza's Health Ministry reported.

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Dwarkanath Kotnis was one of five Indian physicians sent to China to provide medical assistance during World War II. Renowned for his dedication, Kotnis has been regarded as a hero in China and a model for bilateral friendship and collaboration. #GLOBALink




Thailand's PM Paetongtarn ousted amid Cambodia border clash fallout

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 August 2025 11:06 AM

Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office over an ethics violation, plunging the country into fresh political uncertainty.

The court's ruling came amid controversy surrounding a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, father of Cambodia's current premier.

Despite Paetongtarn's apology and explanation that the call aimed to prevent war, the court found she showed a "personal relationship that appeared aligned with Cambodia," acting consistently in line with Cambodian interests.

Paetongtarn, who served as prime minister for about a year, lost her position immediately following the ruling.

The decision has sparked concerns over political stability in Thailand, which has faced ongoing tensions between the Shinawatra political dynasty and conservative military-backed forces for more than two decades.

The phone call came weeks before armed clashes erupted between Thailand and Cambodia over the disputed Emerald Triangle region, where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet.

The conflict lasted five days, leaving at least 12 people dead and 35 injured, and displacing more than 260,000 across both countries.

Conservative lawmakers accused Paetongtarn of "bending the knee" to Cambodia and undermining the Thai military, while her main coalition partner walked out in protest, nearly collapsing her government.

In the private conversation, Paetongtarn reportedly referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" and called a Thai military commander her "opponent," raising questions about informal diplomatic conduct and the military's political influence.

Paetongtarn, daughter of ex-Prime Minister and influential tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, was a political newcomer thrust into the premiership after her predecessor Srettha Thavisin was also ousted by the Constitutional Court a year earlier.

She was Thailand's youngest prime minister and the sixth leader linked to the Shinawatra family removed by military or judicial actions amid a long-running power struggle between the Shinawatras and conservative royalist forces.

The court's decision leaves Thailand searching for a new leader. Five candidates are eligible, but only one, Chaikasem Nitisiria 77-year-old former attorney general with limited cabinet experienceis from Paetongtarn's Pheu Thai Party.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and the current cabinet will serve in a caretaker role until the House of Representatives elects a new prime minister, with no deadline set for the vote.

Political analysts say forming a new government will be challenging due to narrow majorities and rising opposition pressure calling for early elections.

Stithorn Thananithichot, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, said, "Appointing a new prime minister will be difficult and may take considerable time. It's not easy for all parties to align their interests. Pheu Thai will be at a disadvantage."

The ruling comes amid simmering public frustration over stalled reforms and a sluggish economy, which Thailand's central bank forecasts to grow just 2.3% this year.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia had escalated following the July border clashes, the worst since fighting from 2008 to 2011. The two countries declared an unconditional ceasefire on July 28, brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

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Israel military says Gaza City now 'a dangerous combat zone'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 August 2025 10:43 AM

The Israeli military has proclaimed Gaza City to be "a dangerous combat zone", as it geared up to fully occupy the largest city in the besieged Palestinian territory following nearly two years of conflict.

"Starting today (Friday), at 10:00 a.m. local time (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.

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 onslaughts across Gaza, focusing on what it refers without evidence to as the cells and infrastructure linked to Hamas

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is among the individuals condemning Israel's intensified military campaign to capture Gaza City, stating that it "signals a new and dangerous phase" in the conflict.

According to local medical sources, the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn Friday has risen to 30.

A source at the al-Ahli Hospital of Gaza City said among the latest attacks, two people were killed in an Israeli strike on the Zeitoun neighborhood in the southwest of the city.

An emergency worker said a child was killed by Israeli attack in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.

Four people were killed and three injured in an attack targeting a tent sheltering displaced people in the as-Sudaniya area northwest of Gaza City.

Four more people lost their lives and others sustained injuries in an attack on a house in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood west of Gaza City.

Two people were killed and others were injured in an attack targeting the tents of displaced people east of the port in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

Nearly 63,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 159,266 individuals 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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Maduro says 'no way' US can invade Venezuela despite buildup

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 August 2025 7:18 AM

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has dismissed growing concerns about a potential US invasion, asserting that there is "no way" American forces could enter the country despite a significant US naval buildup near Venezuela's territorial waters.

"Today, we are stronger than yesterday. Today, we are more prepared to defend peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity," Maduro told troops in a speech on Thursday.

The US Navy has deployed a fleet of vessels and thousands of troops to the Caribbean, allegedly aimed at combating Latin American drug cartels.

Admiral Daryl Claude, the US Navy's Chief of Naval Operations, confirmed that the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale, carrying more than 4,500 US service members including some 2,200 Marines, have arrived in the region.

In addition, US military aircraft, including P-8 spy planes, have been flying in international airspace to gather intelligence. Eight US warships and a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine are either already present or expected to arrive in the coming days.

Last week, US Navy sources said three Aegis-class guided missile destroyers were being sent to waters near Venezuela.

The volume of US military deployment in the region, officially justified as an operation against drug cartels, has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning whether such a large-scale presence is proportionate to the stated mission.

In response, Caracas has mobilized its own defenses. Venezuela has deployed warships and drones along its coastline to monitor the approaching US naval presence. The government has also launched a campaign to recruit more troops to bolster its military readiness.

"Our diplomacy isn't the diplomacy of cannons, of threats, because the world cannot be the world of 100 years ago," Maduro said. Yet, he emphasized the country's resolve to defend itself if necessary.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the deployment of 15,000 troops to the western states of Zulia and Tachira, which share a border with Colombia.

The move is part of Caracas's broader efforts to combat drug trafficking and criminal gangs, which the government says threaten national security.

"Here, we do fight drug trafficking; here, we do fight drug cartels on all fronts," Cabello said. He noted that Venezuelan authorities have seized 53 tonnes of narcotics so far this year, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling the issue internally.

On the diplomatic front, Venezuela's ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to protest the US military buildup, calling it "a massive propaganda operation" intended to justify what he termed "kinetic action"  a euphemism for military intervention.

"They are saying that they are sending a nuclear submarine ... I mean, it's ridiculous to think that they're fighting drug trafficking with nuclear submarines," Moncada said.

He insisted that Venezuela poses no threat to other countries and criticized the US narrative used to legitimize its military presence.

Maduro on Thursday extended his appreciation to Colombia for sending an additional 25,000 troops to the Colombia-Venezuela border to combat "narco-terrorist gangs," indicating a shared regional concern about drug trafficking.

At the same time, he said Washington is seeking to destabilize Venezuela.

"I am confident that we will overcome this test that life has imposed on us, this imperialist threat to the peace of the continent and to our country," he said.

The US and Venezuela have long been at odds, with Washington backing opposition leaders and imposing sanctions aimed at pressuring Maduro's government.

Caracas, however, insists its sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected and rejects unwarranted foreign interference.

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Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to media questions regarding the developments around Venezuela

29 August 2025 17:45

1399-29-08-2025

Question: How does the Russian Foreign Ministry assess the developments around Venezuela, where the United States has deployed warships off the coast, and President Nicolas Maduro has announced the mobilisation of the national militia?

Maria Zakharova: Russia firmly rejects threats to use force against sovereign states as a tool of foreign policy. We express solidarity with the people and government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which has the inalienable right to freely determine its political, economic, and social course without external pressure, in a peaceful environment.

During a telephone conversation with Executive Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez on August 22, 2025, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed comprehensive support for the Venezuelan leadership's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure institutional stability.

We maintain close, direct, and trust-based engagement with our Venezuelan partners in the spirit of strategic partnership, carefully monitoring the evolving situation.

Russia remains interested in the stable and independent development of Latin America. We expect that the countries of the region, which by decision of the leaders of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States in 2014 proclaimed the continent a zone of peace, will continue to live and prosper without conflicts and armed interventions. The practices of external interference, forceful intervention, and "colour revolutions" must remain in the past once and for all.



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Informal meeting of European Union defence ministers in Copenhagen concludes

Republic of Slovenia

29. 8. 2025

Ministry of Defence

As part of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, an informal meeting of European Union defence ministers was held in Copenhagen on 28 and 29 August 2025, attended by Minister of Defense Borut Sajovic.

During the first part of the meeting, the ministers discussed European Union support for Ukraine. They talked, in particular, about the possibilities and ways of increasing military support for Ukraine, including through initiatives by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and some Member States regarding the provision of ammunition, missiles, and air defence. The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss efforts to strengthen cooperation and integration between the European Union and Ukraine in the field of the defence industry and to continue supporting the EUMAM Ukraine operation. NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska also attended the discussion.

In his intervention, Minister Sajovic emphasized that Slovenia's support for Ukraine is to remain unchanged. He highlighted the unity of our efforts, which is crucial for establishing conditions for peace and security in Ukraine and for its people. It is also important to coordinate the various efforts and initiatives taking place in different formats, through the European Union, NATO, bilateral activities, and other coalitions, with the aim of achieving complementarity and maximizing impact. We are currently exploring opportunities for cooperation in the field of defence industry, rehabilitation, and humanitarian demining projects. Strengthening cooperation with Ukraine in the field of the defence industry is not only important for ensuring its long-term self-defence capabilities, but also brings significant benefits to all member states, Minister Sajovic pointed out. Ukraine's combat experience, which has taken a high toll, is very valuable and can help in the development of new defence technologies. Minister Sajovic concluded his discussion with the information that the Republic of Slovenia is considering options of cooperation with Ukraine in the field of the defence industry, where talks are already underway.

The first session was followed by a discussion on defence readiness. In light of the results of the June European Council and NATO summit, ministers discussed the implementation of the proposals in the Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 and the proposed REARM plan to strengthen European defence, particularly with regard to progress in defining specific capability projects. In the second discussion, Minister Sajovic emphasized that our common priority was to implement the White Paper on Defense Readiness in line with our national priorities. This means, above all, filling long-standing critical gaps in the overall security of the European Union and reducing dependence on external actors. Slovenia is continuing to explore opportunities for cooperation with other Member States in line with our national priorities, the Minister added, praising the work of the European Defence Agency in helping countries to harmonize their various interests in the field of capability development and the defence industry. Given that the deadline of 2030 is relatively short, the cooperation of all Member States and institutions is crucial, and the role of the European Defence Agency is irreplaceable, particularly in ensuring transparency and conditions for joint activities of all Member States. The establishment of a Government to Government (G2G) platform by the European Defence Agency is an excellent example of ensuring such conditions, Minister Sajovic added.

At the third and final session, the ministers reviewed operations and missions under the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy. After being briefed on current developments in this area, the ministers discussed how the European Union could continue to support and adapt the military operations of the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy to the changing security environment. The discussion focused primarily on three broad areas: (1) the development of threats and new challenges, (2) strategic objectives and strategic impact, and (3) aligning resources with objectives. As the Minister pointed out in this part of the discussion, operations and missions should be adapted to the new geopolitical and security environment. As part of a comprehensive approach, they should be used effectively to help restore peace and stability in conflict areas and to develop the security and defence capabilities of our partners in line with the interests of the European Union. This should also be the guiding principle when formulating their mandates.

Prior to the informal meeting of defence ministers, the Danish Presidency organized a high-level conference featuring two panels presenting the experiences and good practices of the Nordic countries in defence cooperation and a discussion on European defence and industrial cooperation with Ukraine.

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IDF Declares Gaza City 'Dangerous Combat Zone,' Lifts Tactical Ceasefire

Sputnik News

20250829

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Israel Defense Forces said on Friday they are lifting tactical ceasefire in the area of the Gaza City, calling it "a dangerous combat zone."

"In accordance with the situational assessment and the directives from the political echelon, starting today (Friday), at 10:00 [07:00 GMT], the local tactical pause in military activity will not apply to the area of Gaza City, which constitutes a dangerous combat zone," the IDF said in a statement.

The IDF will further support humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip and continue to protect Israel from "terrorist organizations," the statement added.

 Sputnik

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Houthi Prime Minister Killed in Israeli Airstrike on Sanaa - Source

Sputnik News

20250829

Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the government created in the territories controlled by the Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Yemeni capital of Sanaa on Thursday, a Yemeni source close to the al-Rahawi family told Sputnik.

"Israeli fighter jets bombed a house in the Haddah neighborhood south of Sanaa, killing four people, including the prime minister ... and several of his associates. Others were wounded," the source said.

The source added that the Ansar Allah movement is preparing to announce the death of al-Rahawi, who was appointed prime minister of the new government on August 10 last year.

 Sputnik

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United States Publishes Documents from Historic Armenia and Azerbaijan Meeting

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

August 29, 2025

The United States, with the Republic of Armenia and Republic of Azerbaijan, hereby publishes the finalized documents from President Trump's historic August 8 meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a meeting that will usher in a new era of peace in the South Caucasus region. These documents include:

The Joint Declaration by the President of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister of Armenia on the outcomes of their meeting in Washington, D.C., United States of America;

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding 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;

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Republic of Armenia regarding the Crossroads of Peace Capacity Building Partnership;

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia regarding an AI and Semiconductor Innovation Partnership; and

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia regarding an Energy Security Partnership.

Document Links:

Joint Declaration by the President of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister of Armenia [1 MB]

Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan [1 MB]

Memoranda of Understanding between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Republic of Armenia [4 MB]

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Trump Administration Reaffirms Commitment to Not Reward Terrorism and Revokes Visas of Palestinian Officials Ahead of UNGA

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

August 29, 2025

In accordance with U.S. law, Secretary of State Marco Rubio 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.

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 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. Both steps materially contributed to Hamas's refusal to release its hostages, and to the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire talks.

The PA Mission to the UN will receive waivers per the UN Headquarters Agreement. The United States remains open to re-engagement that is consistent with our laws, should the PA/PLO meet their obligations and demonstrably take concrete steps to return to a constructive path of compromise and peaceful coexistence with the State of Israel.

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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

29 August 2025

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

All right, good afternoon.

** Briefing Note

A programming note. It will be no surprise for you to learn that Monday is a holiday in the Unites States  Labour Day, which means that we will not be working. But obviously, as usual, we will be available to you guys electronically.

And at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, there will be a press briefing here by Mr. Sangjin Kim, the Charge d'affaires of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, and he will be here to speak to you in his role as President of the Security Council for the month of September, and it will be a busy month. He will, of course, brief you on the programme of work. Just to note that this is just in-person; there will be no zoom link for this press conference.

** Senior Personnel Appointment

A personnel announcement and a travel announcement to share with you. A senior personnel announcement. Today, the Secretary-General is appointing Diene Keita of Guinea as the new Executive Director of the UN Population Fund  UNFPA. She succeeds Natalia Kanem of Panama, to whom the Secretary-General is deeply grateful for her dedicated service and outstanding commitment to the United Nations and UNFPA.

Currently serving as the Acting Executive Director of UNFPA, Ms. Keita has served as Deputy Executive Director (Programme) of that organization since 2020, bringing over three decades of experience and leadership in international development and public service. We congratulate her.

** Cyprus

The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, will travel to Cyprus next week, meeting separately with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, [Nikos Christodoulides and Ersin Tatar, respectively]. That will take place on 2 September. She is also scheduled to engage with the representatives of the two leaders, the members of the Technical Committee on Youth, and the Committee on Missing Persons, among other interlocutors.

** Sudan

You will have seen that earlier this morning we issued a statement on Sudan. The Secretary-General said he is appalled by the relentless attacks by the Rapid Support Forces on El Fasher in Sudan's North Darfur State.

El Fasher has been under a tightening siege for more than 500 days with hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped in the area. Recent weeks have seen near-continuous shelling of the area and repeated deadly incursions into the Abu Shouk displacement camp, where famine conditions were identified back in December 2024. And as a stark reminder, since 11 August, our agencies documented at least 125 civilians having been killed in the El Fasher area, including through summary executions, with the actual death toll most likely much higher.

The Secretary-General is alarmed at the grave risks of serious violations of international humanitarian law as well as violations and abuses of international human rights law, including ethnically motivated violations.

Supplies are pre-positioned nearby but efforts by the United Nations and our partners to move them into El Fasher continue to be hampered.

There have been repeated attacks on humanitarian personnel and assets in North Darfur in the recent months.

The Secretary-General calls for an immediate ceasefire in El Fasher and areas around El Fasher. He insists that immediate steps must be taken to protect civilians and enable the safe, unhindered and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance into the area, and to allow any civilians seeking to leave the area voluntarily to do so safely.

The Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is continuing to engage with the warring parties. And of course, he stands ready to support genuine efforts to halt the violence and establish an inclusive political process that the people of Sudan are demanding.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

Turning to Gaza, and I can tell you that we are concerned that the Israeli offensive on Gaza City could have an even more horrific impact on people across the Strip if it intensifies further.

We note that the Israeli announcement today that the daily tactical pauses have been discontinued in Gaza City  and that is an area that Israel now classifies as a "dangerous combat zone". That suspension will further threaten people's lives and aid workers' ability to support people.

Our colleagues on the ground tell us that those declared pauses appeared to signal some willingness that humanitarian work should be allowed to move forward. Yet, in recent weeks, they still observed bombing in areas and at times where such pauses had been declared. OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) stresses that life-saving aid operations must be further enabled and not rolled back.

Moreover, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to move further south is a recipe for further disaster and could amount to forcible transfer.

We and our partners are remaining in Gaza City to provide life-saving support with a commitment to serve people wherever they are. We expect our work to be fully facilitated and remind parties that civilians, including humanitarian workers, must be protected at all times. Humanitarian facilities and other civilian infrastructure must also be safeguarded.

OCHA tells us that aid workers continue to face impediments to their movements inside the Gaza Strip. Yesterday, one in every four such movements  which had been fully coordinated with authorities and initially approved  faced impediments and was unable to be fully accomplished. That's 4 out of a total of 16. These impediments undermined the planned collection of cargo from crossings and much-needed road repairs.

We also have a quick correction from yesterday: I said that 200 herders each received two 100-kilogram sacks of animal feed. Our friends in Rome at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have clarified that each sack was 50 kilograms, not 100.

Turning to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that they continue to see very high levels of Israeli settler violence against Palestinians  and that has obvious a harsh impact on the humanitarian situation.

Between last Tuesday and this Monday, OCHA documented at least 15 attacks that caused injuries or property damage in 13 Palestinian communities. Those attacks left eight Palestinians injured and forced six herding families to flee their homes  that's 15 adults and nearly 20 displaced children.

OCHA says that settler violence has now become one of the main drivers of displacement of Palestinians throughout the West Bank.

Just to give you some sense: In one pocket of Bethlehem governorate, around Barriyet Kisan, OCHA says that it has recorded at least 64 Palestinian herding families who have had to leave since October 2023 because of persistent violence and intimidation by settlers. That's more than 100 adults and over 80 children. Eighteen of those families were displaced just last month, after being assaulted or threatened, or after their property was destroyed or looted.

Home demolitions are also driving families away. Since the start of the year and as of this Monday, 873 Palestinians  half of them children  were displaced when Israeli authorities demolished or forced the demolition of their homes for not having the Israeli-issued building permits required.

We call again on the protection of all civilians across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and to stop these demolitions  and steps must also be taken against settler violence.

** Lebanon

Turning to Lebanon, and following the mandate extension by the Security Council yesterday, UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) continues to conduct its operations to advance stability in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line.

Yesterday, our peacekeepers found an unauthorized mortar bomb in Sector East. The day before, they discovered a weapons cache and infrastructure in Sector East as well, including a tunnel with boxes of explosive shells stored about 15 metres underground.

Yesterday morning, a UNIFIL patrol was subjected to aggressive behaviour in Sector West when a group of five individuals pelted stones at the patrol, causing minor damage to the vehicles. We reiterate once again that acts that endanger the peacekeepers and hamper their work are unacceptable and must stop.

The peacekeepers also continue to observe Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military activities, including several air strikes on Thursday in our area of operations.

Just to highlight the risks faced in securing southern Lebanon, yesterday two Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) personnel lost their lives in an explosion in Naqoura, and others were injured. According to the Lebanese Armed Forces, the incident occurred while its personnel were inspecting a fallen IDF drone.

As reaffirmed by the Security Council in its resolution 2790, the parties are to ensure full respect for the Blue Line and a full cessation of hostilities.

We reiterate that the Lebanese Armed Force's full deployment across the south is central to resolution 1701 with UNIFIL coordinating closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces in support.

** Syria

Moving to Syria: We have been following with concern the developments in the Sumariyya neighbourhood in Damascus. Our Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, says he is closely following these developments, including the reports of threats of evictions and the reports of abuses against innocent civilians, including women and children.

We join Mr. Pedersen in urging restraint and refraining from precipitous or violent actions.

The Special Envoy stresses that complex issues related to housing, land and property and to transitional justice need to be addressed with care, prioritizing the protection of civilians based on the rule of law and in line with international standards.

As for the humanitarian situation in Syria, our colleagues there tell us that a convoy loaded with aid, involving UN agencies, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and other partners, successfully reached Sweida Governorate via the main highway from Damascus. This was the first movement on that road since 12 July, as it had been closed due to clashes we have been telling you about and you know of. Since then, convoys had been rerouted through less direct roads, adding to logistics and security challenges to those operations.

Yesterday's convoy included 19 trucks carrying relief items such as food baskets, hygiene kits, nutrition supplies, fuel, medical supplies, and solar lamps. In addition, colleagues carried out needs assessments in northern rural Sweida Governorate and in the town of Salkhad.

As of 25 August, just a few days ago, and since mid-July, humanitarian partners report that clashes in Sweida Governorate have displaced more than 187,000 human beings, and they have been displaced across southern Syria.

We and our partners continue to scale up the response. Between July and August, 370,000 people across Sweida, Dar'a, and Rural Damascus Governorates have received some form of humanitarian assistance.

** Burkina Faso

Two things I want to share with you that I am discovering as well, because there were just brought to me. One is a statement on Burkina Faso.

The Secretary-General has learned with regret that, on 18 August, the Burkinabe transitional authorities declared our Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Carol Flore-[Smereczniak] persona non grata. He expresses full confidence in her professionalism and dedication and in the broader United Nations system in Burkina Faso.

The United Nations system, led by our Resident Coordinator, has been working closely with the Burkinabe transitional authorities to support development efforts and provide humanitarian assistance.

The doctrine of persona non grata does not apply to United Nations officials, and we have said this repeatedly and in different contexts. Under Articles 100 and 101 of the Charter of this Organization, United Nations staff members are appointed by the Secretary-General. They are responsible only to the Organization, and UN Member States undertake to respect their exclusively international character. In accordance with Article 105 of the Charter, there are accorded privileges and immunities, including the right of its staff members to remain in Burkina [Faso] to perform their functions on behalf of the Organization. Only the Secretary-General, as the Chief Administrative Officer of the UN, has the authority to decide, after careful investigation, on the withdrawal of any UN official.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to continue supporting the people of Burkina Faso in full cooperation with the transitional authorities.

** Colombia

The UN Verification Mission in Colombia has welcomed the liberation of 33 soldiers from the Colombian armed forces who had been held against their will by local residents of a community in southern Colombia for several days amid military operations against armed groups and illicit crops in the area. Colombia's Minister [for Defense] thanked the Mission for its assistance in facilitating their release in the Department of Guaviare. Citing excellent cooperation with authorities in support of the soldier's release, the Mission reiterated its continued commitment to the communities and institutions to achieve sustainable peace in the area.

** Haiti

I can also tell you that we are encouraged that the Security Council is poised to take further action to improve international support for security in Haiti in response to armed gangs operating in that country. And I think we have been giving you a clear picture of the horrendous situation that those armed gangs have caused.

We reiterate the Secretary-General's recommendation to strengthen the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission through UN logistical and operational support funded by the UN peacekeeping budget, as well as his call for the implementation of the UN sanctions regime and decisive progress in Haiti's political process.

We welcome the decision by Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Kenya, the Bahamas and the United States to establish a Standing Group of Partners to provide high-level strategic direction, oversight, and political decision-making for any revamped security force and look forward to working closely with that Group.

** Nepal

A quick update from our UN team in Nepal, where health authorities reported a suspected cholera outbreak in the Birgunj Metropolitan City a few days ago.

National health authorities are leading the response and have activated the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene  or WASH  Cluster, with support from our UN team on the ground.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing expertise in epidemiology, case investigation, lab testing, vaccination planning and information management.

Our colleagues at UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) have also distributed water purifiers, medicines and hygiene supplies, and mobilized volunteers to engage households on prevention and safe practices.

** International Days

International days, [three] very important ones.

Today is the International Day against Nuclear Tests. In his message, the Secretary-General says that we must never forget the legacy of over 2,000 nuclear weapons tests carried out over the last 80 years, driving displacement and contaminating lands and oceans. His message to leaders is "to silence the bombs before they speak again".

Tomorrow is the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, a strategy that has been used frequently to support terror within societies.

And on Sunday, we mark the International Day for People of African Descent. The Secretary-General says on this Day, we honour the extraordinary contributions of people of African descent across every sphere of human endeavour. But we also recognise enduring injustices. Three very important days.

** Andrea Tenenti

Two more items. And I know it's Friday and you want to get out of here, but I do want to salute the retirement of a legendary spokesman.

Our friend and colleague Andrea Tenenti has been, give or take a few years, the voice and the face of UNIFIL since the paint was still wet on the markers along the Blue Line.

Throughout his years at UNIFIL, Andrea has been consistent in his professionalism, his passion and his belief in the UN's Mission.

We wish him a future with clear blue skies and calm all around and no phones.

** Financial Contribution

Finally, we have money. We have a quiz for you.

This country that has paid today is known for having the most pyramids in the world. [responses from the crowd] Not Mexico, not Egypt. Sudan, exactly.

So today we thank our friends in Khartoum for their full payment to the Regular Budget. We are now up to fully paid-up 122 Member States. Dezhi, you won. Sorry, Edie.

** Questions and Answers

Question : Sorry, Edie. I have several questions. Well first of all, the US State Department just issued the statement saying that it's denying and revoking visas for members of the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) and the Palestinian Authority before the UN General Assembly in September. Any reaction from the Secretary-General on this announcement?

Spokesman : We've learned of this, just like you, through the press statements. We're obviously going to follow up. We'll discuss these matters with the State Department in line with the UN Headquarters Agreement between the UN and the US.

Question : And yesterday, there are more than 500 staffers in the Office for High Commissioner for Human Rights wrote a letter, signed a letter to ask Mr. [Voler] Turk to describe the Gaza war as a genocide. Any comments from the Secretary-General on the behaviour of the staff? [cross-talk]

Spokesman : One of your colleagues asked me the same question yesterday. I'm happy to repeat my answer, which is, first of all, the Secretary-General's full and complete confidence in the work of Volker Turk as High Commissioner for Human Rights. To reiterate something we have said hundreds of times here, the labelling of an event as a genocide for us is up to a competent legal, judicial authority. I think, if people paid attention, they would see how vocal Volker Turk has been about the horrors going on in Gaza. And they will also take note of the rather direct and pointed criticism from the Israeli authorities for everything that he said.

Question : Sorry. One last thing.

Spokesman : Sure.

Question : The Grand National Assembly of Turkiye today adopted a motion, urged UN to suspend the membership of Israel until it's changed its policy on Gaza. My question is there a way to really suspend?

Spokesman : I would encourage you to read the Charter, and all of that is left up to Member States. Edie Lederer and then Amelie.

Question : Thank you, Steph. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on the announcement by the White House today that it's blocking $4.9 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress, including $520 million for the UN regular budget and other organizations such as UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), as well as $838 million for international peacekeeping?

Spokesman : I mean, we've obviously learned of this like you all did. We saw the press reports. We saw the actual announcement. What can I tell you? This is going to make our budget situation, our liquidity situation that much more challenging, but we will follow up with US authorities to get more details.

Question : And secondly, on the Resident Coordinator in Burkina Faso being declared persona non grata, I wasn't clear from what you said whether she is staying in Burkina Faso or is she leaving?

Spokesman : No. She left the country a few days ago. Amelie?

Question : Edie asked my question.

Spokesman : Oh, I'm so sorry. Linda, would you ask a question that Dezhi has not asked, and we'll go to Gabriel.

Question : That's going to be hard. [...]

Spokesman : Go ahead.

Question : Okay. Turning to Yemen. I was just wondering what the status is of UN efforts to get, you know, UN staff, diplomats, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), sailors, and all kinds of people released by the Houthis?

Spokesman : I mean, we continue to advocate publicly. We continue to advocate privately, including through contacts with Member States who may have a more direct line to Ansar Allah and the Houthis. And we continue to bring their plight to attention. I think our colleagues who briefed on Yemen talk about it all the time, and we will not forget our colleagues and others who remain in legally detained. Your microphone?

Question : Is there some kind of formal mechanism that's there? Is it Iran that you're asking for help? [cross-talk]

Spokesman : I mean, the mechanism being the... [cross-talk] We've raised this in discussions with Iranian authorities. This is issue that our Resident Coordinator raises. This is issues that Mr. [Hans] Grundberg, our Special Envoy, raises. We hope that they'd be released. They deserve to be released immediately. Gabriel?

Question : Thank you, Steph. Would the US preventing President [Mahmoud] Abbas from speaking at the UN General Assembly violate the UN Headquarters Agreement?

Spokesman : We are going to discuss this with the State Department. I mean, the Headquarters Agreement deserves to be read  notably, I think, sections 11 and 12. We obviously hope that this will be resolved. It is important that all Member States, permanent observers, be able to be represented  especially, I think in this case, as we know, with the upcoming two-State solution meeting that France and Saudi Arabia will host at the beginning of the GA.

Question : Would the Secretary-General like the US Government to revoke this decision?

Spokesman : Well, obviously, we would like to see all diplomats and delegates who are entitled to come here to be able to travel freely. Iftikhar, I see you. Iftikhar, I think you've just turned off your camera. Alright. Any question? Oh, Iftikhar, go ahead. There we go. Go ahead.

Question : Thank you, Steph. Any update on the floods in Pakistan? And now it is a deluge with 250,000 people displaced.

Spokesman : I have not received any updates today, but we will ask our humanitarian colleagues to give you something before close of business.

Question : Thank you.

Spokesman : All right. Yes, sir?

Question : Sorry. I know you won't.

Spokesman : All right. One more question. Don't move.

Question : I just had a quick question for you. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said today in a statement that the move by the E3 to implement a snapback mechanism of resolution 2231 will gravely undermine its ongoing cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). Just any reactions?

Spokesman : Well, I think as I said yesterday, we very much hope that this window of opportunity will be used for diplomacy to resolve all outstanding issues, and that the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue its cooperation with the IAEA. Okay. Dezhi sorry. You raised your hand. [cross-talk]

Question : We don't have briefing on Monday, or do we have?

Spokesman : Dezhi, you were just...

Question : I was late. I was late. [cross-talk]

Spokesman : You were not listening to... you have access to your office. You're more welcome to come in here on Monday. You will be alone. [laughter]

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MOSCOW, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia and China resolutely condemn any attempts to distort the history of the Second World War.

In a written interview on the eve of his visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit and China's V-Day commemorations in Beijing, Putin stressed that Chinese President Xi Jinping treats his country's history with utmost respect.

"He is a true leader of a great world power, a man of strong will, endowed with strategic vision and a global outlook, and unwavering in his commitment to national interests. It is of exceptional importance for China that such a person stands at the helm at this challenging, pivotal moment in international affairs," Putin said.

In Beijing, Putin said, he will join the Chinese side to pay tribute to the shared act of heroism of their fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, to honor the memory of those who sealed the brotherhood of the two peoples with their blood, defended the freedom and independence of the two states, and secured their right to sovereign development.

The peoples of the Soviet Union and China bore the brunt of the fighting and suffered the heaviest losses, Putin stressed. "It was our citizens who endured the greatest hardships in the struggle against the invaders and played a decisive role in defeating Nazism and militarism," he said.

"Through those severe trials, the finest traditions of friendship and mutual assistance were forged and strengthened -- traditions that today form a solid foundation for Russian-Chinese relations," Putin said.

"In Russia, we will never forget that China's heroic resistance was one of the crucial factors that prevented Japan from stabbing the Soviet Union in the back during the darkest months of 1941-1942," Putin said. "This enabled the Red Army to concentrate its efforts on crushing Nazism and liberating Europe."

When Japan treacherously launched a war of aggression against China, the Soviet Union extended a helping hand to the Chinese people, Putin noted, adding that "Soviet pilots also fought bravely alongside their Chinese brothers-in-arms."

"It is our sacred duty to honor the memory of our compatriots who displayed true patriotism and courage, endured all hardships, and defeated powerful and ruthless enemies," Putin said, expressing gratitude to China for its careful preservation of memorials to Red Army soldiers who gave their lives in battles.

In certain Western states, the results of the Second World War are "de facto revised," Putin said, noting that historical truth is being distorted and suppressed to serve their current political agendas.

Russia and China resolutely condemn any attempts to distort the history of the Second World War, he said. "The results of that war are enshrined in the UN Charter and other international instruments. They are inviolable and not subject to revision." 
UNHCR's Grandi calls for urgent international support to help refugees returning home in DR Congo and Rwanda

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

29 August 2025

GENEVA -- The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has concluded a week-long visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, urging greater international support for peace in the region and humanitarian efforts so that refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) can choose to return home safely and rebuild their lives.

"Safe and dignified voluntary return remains the most durable solution for many refugees in DRC and Rwanda. UNHCR appreciates recent peace efforts, notably the Washington agreement and the Doha peace process, which have recognized the importance of addressing refugee issues. Their true value will be measured by concrete actions that deliver lasting security, stability, and investment in communities - so that return is not only possible, but sustainable," Grandi said.

During his visit, a sign of hope emerged as 533 Rwandan refugees, mostly women and children, voluntarily returned home from eastern DRC to Rwanda on 25 August 2025. Achieved within a month of commitments made at the DRC-Rwanda-UNHCR Tripartite meeting in Addis Ababa, this repatriation is an important confidence-building step in the broader peace processes.

In Kinshasa, Grandi met with President Felix Tshisekedi to discuss UNHCR's support for the safe and dignified return of refugees and IDPs. He welcomed the President's commitment and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum on returns as part of ongoing peace efforts.

In Sake, a town 60 kilometres from Goma, Grandi spoke with people who have been forced to flee violence on multiple occasions about their hopes for stability and the immense challenges they face in rebuilding their lives. He also met humanitarian partners and the de facto authorities.

"For decades, the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo have endured conflict and repeated displacement. We hope the recent peace efforts will create an environment where unhindered humanitarian access is guaranteed, helping to reduce suffering and meet urgent needs. We also call on the international community to demonstrate stronger solidarity. Ending the cycle of violence and enabling communities to rebuild their lives is only possible through collective action," Grandi said.

During his visit to Rwanda, the High Commissioner also praised the country's progressive approach to including refugees in society. In his meeting with President Paul Kagame, Grandi discussed opportunities to advance durable peace in the region and reaffirmed UNHCR's readiness to support efforts addressing refugee situations in both Rwanda and the DRC.

"Rwanda's long-standing commitment to refugee protection and inclusion sets a powerful example. Its approach shows what is possible when displaced people are given the chance to learn, work, and thrive - and it merits strong international support," he said.

Looking ahead, Grandi reaffirmed UNHCR's readiness to support regional peace efforts, including voluntary repatriation under the tripartite framework.

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Despite Taliban ban, over 90 per cent of Afghans support girls' right to learn

29 August 2025 - Despite the ongoing ban on girls' secondary education, more than 90 per cent of Afghan adults support girls' right to be in class, according to a new alert from the UN's gender equality agency, UN Women.

Four years after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the scale and severity of the women's rights crisis continues to intensify. Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls are prohibited to attend secondary school.

Yet, in a nationwide door-to-door survey of over 2,000 Afghans, more than nine in 10 supported girls' right to learn.

"It is clear: Despite the existing bans, the Afghan people want their daughters to exercise their right to education," said Sofia Calltorp, UN Women's Chief of Humanitarian Action, at a press conference in Geneva on Friday.

'Education is the difference'

A protracted humanitarian crisis continues in Afghanistan coupled with systemic and institutionalised restrictions on women and girls' rights.

Ms. Calltorp insisted that it is more important than ever to continue investing in Afghan women's community organizations, which offer healthcare, mental health support and a chance to connect.

"In a country where half the population lives in poverty, education is the difference between despair and possibility," she said, voicing their yearning to be back in a school environment.

"This is almost always the first thing girls tell us - they are desperate to learn and just want the chance to gain an education," said UN Women's Special Representative in Afghanistan, Susan Ferguson.

A year after the introduction of a stricter so-called morality law codified a sweeping set of restrictions, the new alert highlights the deepening normalisation of the women's rights crisis.

NGO work ban

The Taliban's ban on women working for NGOs - announced nearly three years ago - continues to have a devastating impact, said UN Women.

More than half of NGOs in Afghanistan report that it has affected their ability to reach women and girls with vital services.

A UN Women survey conducted in July and August found that 97 per cent of Afghan women said it had negatively impacted them.

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World News in Brief: Executions surge in Iran, nuclear test threat, Burkina Faso declares top official unwelcome

29 August 2025 - In Iran, the increase in executions carried out this year indicates that the death penalty is being used as a tool of State intimidation, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) said on Friday.

At least 841 people have been put to death by the Government of Iran since the beginning of the year, with ethnic minorities and migrants "disproportionately targeted", said OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani.

Some executions have been carried out publicly, she added, with seven reported this year based on available information: "The real situation might be different. It might be worse given the lack of transparency in the use of the death penalty."

Imminent executions

Eleven people now face imminent execution; six have been charged with "armed rebellion" owing to their alleged membership of the Mojahedin-e-Khalq group.

Five others are on death row in connection with their participation in the 2022 protests, following the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, who was detained by Iran's so-called morality police for not wearing her hijab correctly.

Ms. Shamdasani reiterated calls from UN rights chief Volker Turk for Iran to impose a moratorium on the application of the capital punishment, as a step towards its abolition.

UN chief warns against 'playing with fire' as nuclear test threat looms

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning on the International Day against Nuclear Tests, urging world leaders to halt the threat of renewed detonations.

"Stop playing with fire. Now is the time to silence the bombs before they speak again," he said in his message, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the first nuclear test on 16 July 1945 - in the New Mexico desert under the Manhattan Project.

A deadly legacy

Since then, more than 2,000 nuclear tests have been carried out worldwide.

Atmospheric tests in the early decades of the nuclear era spread radioactive fallout across continents, contaminating land and seas, displacing communities and leaving survivors facing health crises passed down through generations.

The international day was declared by the UN General Assembly in 2009, following Kazakhstan's closure of the Semipalatinsk test site.

It has since become a rallying point for governments, civil society and campaigners pressing for an end to nuclear testing and progress towards full disarmament.

Mr. Guterres stressed that nuclear testing remains a grave danger amid rising geopolitical tensions. He urged States to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted by a large majority in 1996 but still not in force nearly three decades later.

"We must never forget the horrific legacy of over 2,000 nuclear tests," the Secretary-General said. "The world cannot accept this."

Burkina Faso declares UN Coordinator persona non grata

The UN chief has expressed regret of the decision by authorities in Burkina Faso to declare the UN's Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, persona non grata.

In a statement on Friday, Antonio Guterres said that the transitional authorities had announced the diplomatic sanction declaring her unwelcome, on 18 August.

The UN chief expressed "full confidence" in her "professionalism and dedication and in the broader United Nations system in Burkina Faso."

During her tenure, Ms. Flore-Smereczniak - who has now left the country - led UN efforts working closely with the Burkinabe authorities to support development initiatives and provide humanitarian assistance.

UN will continue to support Burkinabe

The statement stresses that the UN Charter makes clear the doctrine of persona non grata does not apply to UN officials, as staff members appointed by the Secretary-General are responsible solely to the Organization, and Member States undertake to respect their exclusively international character.

In line with the Charter, the United Nations enjoys privileges and immunities, including the right of its staff to remain and carry out their mandated work.

"Only the Secretary-General, as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Organization, has the authority to decide - after careful investigation - on the withdrawal of any United Nations official."

Mr. Guterres reaffirmed the UN's commitment to continue supporting the people of Burkina Faso, and to keep working with the national authorities.

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Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Occupied Palestinian Territory

Gaza: UN and partners remain in Gaza city, call for protection of civilians

OCHA warns that the ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza city could have an even more horrific impact on people across the Gaza Strip if it intensifies further.

OCHA notes that the Israeli announcement today that daily tactical pauses have been discontinued in Gaza city - which Israel now classifies as a "dangerous combat zone" - will further threaten people's lives and aid workers' ability to support them.

Aid workers on the ground noted that those declared pauses appeared to signal some willingness that humanitarian work should be allowed to move forward. Yet in recent weeks, they still observed bombing in areas and at times where such pauses had been declared. OCHA stresses that life-saving aid operations must be further enabled, not rolled back.

Moreover, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to move south is a recipe for further disaster and could amount to forcible transfer.

The UN and its partners remain in Gaza city to provide life-saving support, with a commitment to serve people wherever they are. They stress that their work must be fully facilitated and remind parties that civilians, including humanitarian workers, must be protected at all times. Humanitarian facilities and other civilian infrastructure must also be safeguarded.

OCHA notes that aid workers continue to face impediments to their movement inside the Gaza Strip. Yesterday, one in every four such movements - fully coordinated with Israeli authorities and initially approved - faced impediments and was unable to be fully accomplished. This is four out of a total of 16. These impediments undermined the planned collection of cargo from crossings and much-needed road repairs.

West Bank: settler violence injures and displaces Palestinian families

OCHA says that it continues to see very high levels of Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank - with a harsh humanitarian impact.

Between last Tuesday and this Monday, OCHA documented at least 15 such attacks that caused injuries or property damage in 13 Palestinian communities. Those attacks left eight Palestinians injured and forced six herding families to flee their homes, with 15 adults and nearly 20 children displaced.

OCHA says that settler violence has become one of the main drivers of displacement across the West Bank. In one pocket of Bethlehem governorate, around Barriyet Kisan, OCHA has recorded at least 64 Palestinian herding families - more than 100 adults and over 80 children - who have had to leave since October 2023 because of persistent violence and intimidation by settlers. Eighteen of those families were displaced just last month after being assaulted or threatened, or after their property was destroyed or looted.

Home demolitions in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are also driving families away. Since the start of the year and as of this Monday, 873 Palestinians - half of them children - were displaced when Israeli authorities demolished or forced the demolition of their homes for not having the required Israeli-issued building permits required. That is nearly 40 per cent more than during the same period last year and double the number seen over the same period in 2023. OCHA reiterates that such permits are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain.

Across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, civilians must be protected, and demolitions must be halted. Steps must be taken against settler violence as well.

Syria

Aid convoy reaches As-Sweida

OCHA reports that a humanitarian convoy involving the UN, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and partners successfully reached As-Sweida Governorate via the Damascus-As-Sweida Highway 110. This was the first movement on that road since 12 July, as it has been closed due to clashes. Since then, convoys had been rerouted through less direct roads, adding to logistics and security challenges.

Yesterday's convoy included 19 trucks carrying relief items such as food baskets, hygiene kits, nutrition supplies, fuel, medical supplies and solar lamps. In addition, colleagues carried out needs assessments in northern rural As-Sweida Governorate and in the town of Salkhad.

As of 25 August and since mid-July, humanitarian partners report that clashes in As-Sweida Governorate have displaced more than 187,000 people across southern Syria.

The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to scale up the response*. Between July and August, nearly 370,000 people across As-Sweida, Dar'a and Rural Damascus governorates have received humanitarian assistance.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Syria with urgent support.

Posted on 29 August 2025

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Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Sudan

United Nations Secretary-General

New York

29 August 2025

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is appalled by the relentless attacks by the Rapid Support Forces on El Fasher in Sudan's North Darfur.

El Fasher has been under a tightening siege for more than 500 days with hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped in the area. Recent weeks have seen near-continuous shelling of the area and repeated deadly incursions into the Abu Shouk displacement camp, where famine conditions were identified in December 2024. Since 11 August, the United Nations has documented at least 125 civilians having been killed in the El Fasher area, including summary executions, with the actual death toll likely higher.

The Secretary-General is alarmed at the grave risks of serious violations of international humanitarian law as well as violations and abuses of international human rights law, including ethnically motivated ones.

Supplies are pre-positioned nearby but efforts by the United Nations and its partners to move them into El Fasher continue to be hampered. There have been repeated attacks on humanitarian personnel and assets in North Darfur over recent months.

The Secretary-General calls for an immediate ceasefire in and around the El Fasher area. He insists that immediate steps must be taken to protect civilians and enable the safe, unhindered and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance into the area, and to allow any civilians seeking to leave the area voluntarily to do so safely.

The Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is continuing to engage the warring parties. He stands ready to support genuine efforts to halt the violence and establish an inclusive political process that the people of Sudan demand.

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Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Burkina Faso

United Nations Secretary-General

New York

29 August 2025

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General has learned with regret that, on 18 August, the Burkinabe transitional authorities declared the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations and Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, persona non grata. He expresses full confidence in Ms. Flore-Smereczniak's professionalism and dedication and in the broader United Nations system in Burkina Faso.

The United Nations system, led by the Resident Coordinator, has been working closely with the Burkinabe transitional authorities to support development efforts and provide humanitarian assistance.

The doctrine of persona non grata does not apply to United Nations officials. Under Articles 100 and 101 of the Charter of the United Nations, United Nations staff members are appointed by the Secretary-General. They are responsible only to the Organization, and United Nations Member States undertake to respect their exclusively international character. In accordance with Article 105 of the Charter, the Organization is accorded privileges and immunities, including the right of its staff members to remain in Burkina Faso to perform their functions on behalf of the Organization. Only the Secretary-General, as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Organization, has the authority to decide, after careful investigation, on the withdrawal of any United Nations official.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to continue supporting the people of Burkina Faso in full cooperation with the transitional authorities.

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Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk returns home to Key West, Florida after 75-day maritime border security patrol

United States Coast Guard

Press Release | Aug. 29, 2025

KEY WEST, Fla. -- The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913) returned to their home port in Key West, Friday, following a 75-day maritime border security patrol in the Windward Passage, Florida Straits and Caribbean Sea.

During the patrol, Mohawk's crew deployed to the Coast Guard Southeast District (CGD-SE) area of responsibility, where crews conducted multi-mission operations with joint service, international, and interagency partners to protect America's maritime borders from illegal drug trafficking and prevent unlawful alien migration in the region.

ohawk's crew initially deployed in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry (OVS) while on patrol in the Windward Passage to deter illegal alien migration along the coast of Haiti.

On Aug. 16, Mohawk's crew assisted the Jamaica Defence Force by interdicting and transferring a vessel with five Haitians aboard who were attempting to illegally enter Jamaica.

The crew also patrolled the Caribbean Sea in support of the Joint Interagency Task Force - South (JIATF-S) mission of detecting and monitoring illegal drug shipments in the maritime domain for subsequent interdiction and apprehension.

On Aug. 21, a U.S. Navy aircrew identified a suspicious vessel in the Caribbean Sea, and a U.S. Coast Guard aircrew assisted in tracking the go-fast vessel with three suspected drug smugglers aboard. Once Mohawk was vectored in, crew members launched the cutter's primary interceptor boat, the service's newest 26-foot, Mk-V over-the-horizon cutter boat, for a 113-nautical-mile pursuit and later coordination with Jamaica Defence Force personnel, who interdicted the vessel in Jamaican waters.

In total, while working with the Jamaica Defence Force during four maritime law enforcement cases, Mohawk's crew interdicted or assisted in the interdiction or transfer of 13 suspected smugglers, two suspect vessels and seized marijuana to Jamaican authorities for prosecution in Jamaica.

In addition, Mohawk worked alongside Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security partners, contributing to the disposition of 21 drug smugglers, 2,425 pounds of cocaine, and 4,300 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of nearly $23 million.

Throughout the deployment, Mohawk engaged in joint patrols and at-sea transfers with a variety of Coast Guard assets, including Coast Guard Cutter Spencer (WMEC 905), Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous (WMEC 627) and Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630).

Reinforcing interagency cooperation, Mohawk partnered with the crews of the USS Cole (DDG-67) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), who provided maritime patrol aircraft support and facilitated a critical transfer of contraband and detainees. These operations support U.S. national objectives and a commitment to a coordinated, multi-faceted approach to deter illicit trafficking and bolster regional security.

Collaborating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Mohawk's crew also provided offshore presence to support Coast Guard Sector Miami alongside additional Coast Guard air and surface assets to help prevent illegal immigration and drug smuggling, while augmenting search and rescue capability off the coast of Florida.

"Mohawk's recent operations demonstrate our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation's maritime approaches," said Cmdr. Taylor Kellogg, commanding officer of Mohawk. "Our efforts over the last 75 days have served as a deterrent to criminal organizations seeking to exploit our waterways and reinforce our dedication to a safe and secure maritime environment. I'm proud of our crew for their selfless service, teamwork and devotion to duty."

CGG-SE is responsible for Coast Guard activities throughout a 1.7 million square mile area including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, as well as 34 foreign nations and territories. Interdictions are performed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of CGD-SE, which is headquartered in Miami.

OVS is a Department of Homeland Security-led operation comprised of federal, state and local partners responsible for preventing and responding to maritime migration. OVS, previously known as Homeland Security Task Force - Southeast, was established in 2003 and is comprised of more than 50 federal, state and local agencies.

JIATF-S, in conjunction with partner nations, works to target, detect and monitor illicit drug trafficking within the joint operating area. The organization facilitates the interdiction and apprehension of illicit traffickers to dismantle transnational criminal organizations while reducing the flow of drugs to the public. Once interdiction becomes imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the operation shifts to the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the interdiction and apprehension.

Mohawk is a 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter's primary missions are counter-drug and alien interdiction operations, enforcement of federal fishery laws and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere. The cutter falls under the command of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, which is based in Portsmouth, Virginia.

For more information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.

For more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

-USCG-

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HSC-14 strengthens interoperability and search and rescue capability during Northern Edge 2025

US Navy

29 August 2025

From Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathaly Cruz, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN -- During the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command-led joint exercise Northern Edge 2025 (NE25), crews from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14 demonstrated the U.S. Navy's advanced search and rescue (SAR) capabilities, establishing an Expeditionary Advanced Base (EAB) in Alaska's Aleutian Island chain.

Operating out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, from Aug. 17-22, 2025, HSC-14 staged MH-60S on land to provide extended SAR coverage in support of maritime strike scenarios over the Gulf of Alaska, enabling the aircrew and pilots to practice their skills in environments and conditions far from their usual operating area in southern California.

Fixed-wing flight operations can take pilots and aircraft hundreds of miles from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), from which they were based. In the cold Alaskan waters, rapid SAR response times become critical, necessitating the need for a quick launch and recovery from nearby assets. By establishing an EAB in nearby Dutch Harbor, HSC-14 provided advanced SAR coverage across the remote region.

"With the extreme distance, we realized months ago that it was going to be necessary to have search and rescue coverage well outside what HSC-14 could provide from the aircraft carrier," said Cmdr. Robin Dirickson, commanding officer of HSC-14. "We identified a few locations where we'd be able to forward stage our helicopters to ensure that in the event anything happened to any of the fixed wing aircraft, our helicopters were properly positioned to make sure they got out of the water quickly."

During the exercise, the squadron collaborated closely with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, and Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center personnel recovery experts to coordinate SAR coverage throughout the Aleutian Island Chain. This ensured smooth integration across commands and enabled HSC-14 to streamline logistics and adapt to Alaska's unique operational challenges, including extreme weather and limited infrastructure.

"The opportunity to integrate with the joint force is a phenomenal experience," said Dirickson. "Working with the Air Force and Coast Guard to accomplish challenging missions and refine procedures is critical, so if the high-end fight comes and we need to rely on each other, it's not the first time."

A key component of the strike group's versatility lies in its ability to send assets ashore, while maintaining mission readiness on land and at sea. Disaggregated from Abraham Lincoln and with limited means of communication ashore, the expeditionary teams provided remote SAR capabilities while the shipboard team maintained coverage from the aircraft carrier.

"This was proof that the carrier strike group could execute this event organically with our own assets, a big win, especially the interoperability between Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30's CMV-22B Osprey and really fleshing out the tactics, techniques and procedures for this EAB operation," said Lt. Anthony Vidal, HSC-14's weapons and tactics instructor and the assistant officer in charge of the EABO evolution. "Ospreys can carry enough fuel to meet us at an austere location where we can link up, get gas, and then we can continue on, kind of like a pit stop along the island chain."

A highlight of the mission, a simulated medical emergency, demonstrated how the joint force could execute a full rescue and medical evacuation sequence in. Crew members from HSC-14 simulated recovering a patient, and transferred them to a CMV-22B Osprey, which simultaneously refueled the HSC-14 helicopters. By working together during this exercise, crews were able to validate new tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Dirickson stressed the importance the entire crew played, contributing to the success of the mission, particularly in being able to maintain multiple assets both at sea and ashore.

"I am unbelievably proud of our maintenance folks," said Dirickson. "We sent more than 20 personnel, and the amount of work it took to have five mission capable aircraft up for a week is incredible."

Northern Edge 2025, led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, provided an opportunity for joint interoperability and multi-domain operations designed to offer high-end, realistic war-fighter training and enhance the combat readiness of participating forces, ensuring the U.S. forces remain ready to respond to contingencies in the Indo-Pacific region.

CSG-3 participants in Northern Edge included Abraham Lincoln, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 staff, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS O'Kane (DDG 77), USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), and the nine squadrons of CVW-9, including an F-35C Lightning II squadron, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314; three F/A-18E/F squadrons, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, operating the EA-18G; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, operating the E-2D; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14 operating the MH-60S; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 29 August 2025 - Day 1283

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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 120 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of the day. The Russian enemy launched one rocket and 49 air strikes on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, using four rockets and 78 controlled air bombs. Recorded 1420 strikes with kamikaze drones, the enemy carried out 3352 artillery shells.

In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, Ukrainian soldiers repelled two Russian assault actions, one confrontation is still ongoing.

In the South Slobozhansky direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled four attacks in the areas of Glibokoye, Vovchansk and in the direction of Figolivka, Kutkivka. One battle is going on.

In the Kupians komu direction, the Russian opponent four times tried to push Ukrainian units out of occupied positions towards Kupians k.

In the Lyman direction, Russian forces carried out 25 attacks, trying to advance in the areas of populated areas of Karpivka, Kolodyazi, Zarichne, Yampil and towards Druzhelyubivka, Shandrigolovoy, Dronivka, Serebryanka, Grigorivka. 11 clashes are ongoing so far.

In the sivers komu direction, Ukrainian warriors stopped three attacks near grigorivka and pereiznogo, another battle is in progress.

In the Kramators .komu direction, the Defense Forces stopped two Russian enemies attempts to advance in the direction of Stupocok and Predteciny.

The enemy tried to infiltrate Ukrainian defense ten times in the Toretsky direction in the areas of Scherbinivka, Toretsk, Diliyivka and in the direction of the settlements of Kleban Bik, Katerinivka, Rusin Yar, Poltavka.

During the day in the Pokrovsky direction, the Russian aggressor carried out 33 assault and offensive actions in the areas of settlements Volodymyrivka, Mayak, Zapovidne, Suhetske, Novoekonomicne, Mirolubivka, Ray, Fox, Zvirove, Kotline, Udaachne, Novoukrainka and in the directions of Rodinsky, Mirnograd, Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka. Currently, the fights are being sharpened in four locations.

According to preliminary calculations, in this direction Ukrainian warriors znezkodili 114 Russian occupiers, 84 of them - irrevocably. Destroyed an artillery system, two units of automotive equipment, four motorcycles, 33 unmanned aircraft. In addition, four artillery systems, one motorcycle and three shelters for Russian personnel were damaged.

In the Novopavlovsk direction, Ukrainian defenders stopped 11 Russian attacks in the areas of the settlements of Voskresenko, Zaporizhye and towards Filiya, Oleksandrograd, six more clashes are still ongoing.

In the Gulyaipils komu direction of offensive actions of the Russian occupiers was not recorded.

Six combat clashes took place in the Orihiv direction - the Russian enemy tried to advance near the settlement of Stepovo and in the direction of Mala Tokmachka, Novodanilivka, Stepnogirsk.

In the Pridniprovsky direction Ukrainian soldiers repelled one attack of the Russian zagarbnikiv.

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Denmark - Integrated Battle Command System Enabled PATRIOT

NEWS | Aug. 29, 2025

Media/Public Contact: T_Outreach_PM@state.gov

Transmittal No. 25-51

WASHINGTON, August 29, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Denmark of Integrated Battle Command System Enabled PATRIOT and related equipment for an estimated cost of $8.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.

The Government of Denmark has requested to buy thirty-six (36) PATRIOT MIM-104E guidance enhanced missile-tactical (GEM-T) ballistic missiles; twenty (20) PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles; two (2) AN/MPQ-65 radar sets; two (2) Engagement Control Stations (ECS); two (2) Radar Interface Units (RIU) modification kits; six (6) PATRIOT M903A2 launching stations (LS); six (6) Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) Software Launcher Integrated Network Kits (LINKs); two (2) IBCS Engagement Operations Centers (EOCs); two (2) IBCS Integrated Collaborative Environments (ICE); six (6) IBCS integrated fire control network (IFCN) relays; and two (2) Electrical Power Plants III (EPP III). The following non-MDE items will also be included: communications equipment including, but not limited to, AN/TPX-57A identification friend or foe (IFF), Defense Advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver (DAGR), AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader, KIV-77 encryptor, KG-250X Inline Network Encryptor, IPS-250X HAIPE Encryptor, future Combat Net Radio, and AN/PRC-163 radio; tools and test equipment; support equipment; generators; publications and technical documentation; training equipment including the Air Defense Reconfigurable Trainer; spare and repair parts; personnel training; Technical Assistance Field Team support; U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and services, engineering, and logistics support; System Integration and Checkout; field office support; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $8.5 billion.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The proposed sale will improve Denmark's capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its combat capability. Denmark will use these munitions to defend NATO Allies and its partners. Denmark 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.

The principal contractors will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA; Lockheed-Martin, located in Dallas, TX; and Northrop Grumman, located in Falls Church, VA. 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 require the assignment of 12-17 additional U.S. Government and 17-23 contractor representatives to travel to Denmark periodically for up to 7 years for equipment fielding, system checkout, training, and technical and logistics support.

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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This photo taken on Aug. 29, 2025 shows the "Experience China -- A Symphony of Stories about China-U.S. People-to-People Friendship" event held in New York, the United States. (Photo by Winston Zhou/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- A recently-held cultural event at the Chinese Embassy in the United States offered an opportunity to revisit the deep friendship forged between the Chinese and American people during the World Anti-Fascist War.

Themed "Experience China -- A Symphony of Stories about China-U.S. People-to-People Friendship," the event was presented on Wednesday night through the innovative form of "symphony & immersive storytelling." It began with a performance of "Lament of the Yellow River" from The Yellow River Cantata by the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra.

Enhanced by the music, the event combined historical reenactments, accounts from descendants of eyewitnesses, and displays of important evidence items to vividly bring to life stories of the China-U.S. wartime friendship.

An expert from the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders appeared on stage alongside Chris Magee, grandson of John Magee, an American missionary who covertly recorded footage documenting the Nanjing Massacre. They presented "a dialogue through lenses of two generations" to highlight justice and peace captured on film.

Cui Shutian, translator of "Chinese Escapade" -- a memoir recounting experiences at the Weixian Internment Camp in east China's Shandong Province -- shared stories of mutual aid between foreign residents and Chinese civilians.

Storytellers from Quzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province and the United States together reflected on the dramatic 1942 Doolittle Raid rescue, using the one-cent coin given by navigator Charles Ozark to Chinese villager Liao Shiyuan as a token of gratitude for saving his life as a narrative thread.

Recalling the history of Chinese and American people fighting side by side against fascism for peace and justice, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng called on all to pay tribute to history, and remember the vital contributions made on the main Eastern battlefield; to pay tribute to friendship, and cherish the inseparable bond formed between the two peoples in the flames of war; to pay tribute to the future, and build more momentum for people-to-people exchanges.

The Chinese ambassador noted that the China-U.S. relationship is full of stories of people-to-people friendship.

"We need to bring our people closer, encourage and facilitate travels and people-to-people exchanges, and promote win-win cooperation, rather than sow fear and hostility, erect barriers, seek decoupling and turn back the wheel of history," Xie said.

"We need to support our people in translating their aspiration for a better life into joint action, writing new stories of friendship and cooperation in the new era, and jointly creating a brighter future of peace," he further said.

A similar event was also held at the Chinese Consulate General in New York on Friday. 

Guests visit an exhibition during the "Experience China -- A Symphony of Stories about China-U.S. People-to-People Friendship" event in New York, the United States, Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by Winston Zhou/Xinhua)

Chris Magee, grandson of John Magee, an American missionary who covertly recorded footage documenting the Nanjing Massacre, tells story during the "Experience China -- A Symphony of Stories about China-U.S. People-to-People Friendship" event in New York, the United States, Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by Winston Zhou/Xinhua)
Offshore Patrol Vessel NUSHIP Carpentaria Keel Laying Ceremony

Issued by Defence Media

29 August 2025

A ceremony was held today to mark the laying of the keel of Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) 6, NUSHIP Carpentaria at Henderson, Western Australia. This is another significant milestone for Australia's Naval Shipbuilding Program and the Royal Australian Navy.

Rear Admiral Michael Houghton, Head of Patrol Boats and Specialist Ships represented the ceremony, honouring tradition by positioning a coin under the keel of NUSHIP Carpentaria.

"A keel laying ceremony which marks the beginning of a ship's construction, is an important naval tradition which is believed to bring good luck for the vessel's build and life at sea," Rear Admiral Michael Houghton said.

"The OPV program is a major contributor to continuous naval shipbuilding in Australia, which creates and sustains local jobs and harnesses our national defence industry's local talent and technology.

"Defence investment in a sovereign Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Enterprise is expected to support around 8,500 jobs in shipbuilding and sustainment by 2030.

"OPVs help patrol and secure Australia's maritime border alongside the Evolved Cape Class patrol boats. They also play an important role in Navy's commitment to supporting the long-term objectives of the National Defence Strategy."

The first two vessels were constructed at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia with the remaining four are currently under construction at the Henderson Maritime Precinct. The first ship, HMAS Arafura, was commissioned into service on 28 June 2025 with the second OPV, NUSHIP Eyre, expected to be delivered later this year.

The OPVs are a more versatile platform compared with previous classes of patrol vessels. They are able to operate over longer distances and can be reconfigured to perform a number of tasks and roles originally carried out by several different classes of vessels.

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Australia and the Philippines conclude force projection training at Exercise Alon 25

Issued by Defence Media

29 August 2025

Exercise Alon 25 concluded successfully in the Philippines today, strengthening the security partnership between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Alon 25, the ADF's largest overseas exercise this year, involved approximately 3,600 participants, including 1,600 ADF personnel training together between 15 and 29 August.

The exercise involved ADF and AFP cooperation across land, sea, air and special operations, essential support from cyber and space elements, and participation from the United States Marine Corps and Royal Canadian Navy.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC, said the exercise was a milestone in Australia's defence relationship with the Philippines.

"Alon 2025 successfully provided the environment for the ADF and AFP to conduct realistic, high-end warfighting training, and allowed the ADF to practice force projection and multi-domain freedom of manoeuvre with a key regional partner," Vice Admiral Jones said.

"It was an exercise built on the military experience and cooperation between our countries, and we witnessed integration at previously unseen levels."

"This ranged from the people-to-people links between our soldiers, sailors and aviators, through to exercising information-sharing and decision-making processes during operations."

Alon 25 involved the deployment of an ADF Joint Task Force Headquarters to the Philippines, working with the AFP's Western Command Headquarters in Palawan for the first time.

A C-17A Globemaster and C-130J Hercules aircraft carried 375 personnel and more than 357 tonnes of equipment for an Australian Army Battle Group, across 13 flights, to the Philippines to enable integration and live-fire training with the Philippine Army in Luzon.

Alon 25 also involved an amphibious landing activity in Palawan, which was supported by Australian Army and Philippine Marine Corps units.

Live-fire activities were conducted in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone in the South China Sea as part of the exercise. These activities involved a Maritime Task Group, with ships from Australia, the Philippines and Canada, and an Air Task Group with combat aircraft from Australia and the Philippines.

These activities were aligned with best practice through official notices to mariners and airmen and communicated through civil engagement channels by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"This experience shapes how Australia and the Philippines can work together in the future to support regional security and address common security challenges," Vice Admiral Jones said.

"All countries in the Indo-Pacific have a vital role, and interest, in maintaining a region where state sovereignty is protected, international law is followed, and nations can make decisions, free from coercion."

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Fears Grow For Lukashenko Critic Who Disappeared In Turkey

By Merhat Sharipzhan, RFE/RL's Belarus Service, Raman Vasyukovich and Current Time August 30, 2025

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, Kotov 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 an 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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/anatol-kotau- disappearance-belarus-legacy-vanishings-melnikava-zakharanka- hanchar-zavadsky-krasouski-/33514429.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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Brazil Strikes Back: Lula to Impose Retaliatory Measures Against US

Sputnik News

20250829

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has launched formal consultations to apply the Economic Reciprocity Law after the US imposed a 50% tariff hike on Brazilian exports.

The process, which could take seven months, allows Brazil to retaliate with tariffs, trade restrictions, and IP measures if negotiations fail.

Lula emphasized that the US had ignored Brazilian ministers in prior talks, signaling that Brazil will defend its interests firmlywhile still keeping the door open for negotiations.

On July 30, Donald Trump signed a decree that increased duties on Brazilian products to 50%, but at the same time introduced a list of 700 exceptions in strategic sectors such as aircraft manufacturing, energy, and some agriculture.

 Sputnik

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China ready to deepen strategic communication with the EU, enhance understanding and mutual trust: Vice Foreign Minister

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 29, 2025 12:10 PM

In response to a question that how does China view the current state of China-EU relations and what position and approach does China uphold in further developing relations among major powers after the solidarity and cooperation among major countries played an irreplaceable role in winning the World Anti-Fascist War, shaping the post-war international order, and safeguarding world peace and stability, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said on Friday that China is ready to deepen strategic communication with the EU, enhance understanding and mutual trust.

President Xi Jinping has pointed out that relations among major powers bear directly on global strategic stability, and that major powers all shoulder special responsibilities. China actively works to build a framework of major-country relations featuring peaceful coexistence, overall stability, and balanced development, Ma said.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. When meeting with EU leaders, President Xi profoundly summarized the important experience and lessons of the past 50 years of China-EU relations: mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, openness and cooperation, and mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, Ma noted.

China is ready to deepen strategic communication with the EU, enhance understanding and mutual trust, consolidate the positioning of the partnership, expand mutual openness, properly handle frictions and differences, and strive to move China-EU relations forward, Ma said.

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China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to US for rallying a new cybersecurity smear campaign against China

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 29, 2025 05:02 PM

In response to the latest US accusations against China over cybersecurity issues, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that 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 US bringing certain countries along to smear and vilify China under the pretext of cybersecurity, Guo said.

As is known by all, the "PRISM" program disclosed by Edward Snowden has shown that the US has been proven to be the world's largest "hacking empire" and "eavesdropping empire." Even the countries, the US' so-called allies, that participated in the farce this time, were once victims of its eavesdropping and surveillance. Yet now the US is attempting to falsely accuse China of "cyber espionage." This is typical hypocrisy of claiming itself to be the victim while it's the other way around.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that an unusually broad coalition composed of the US, its traditional English-speaking allies, and other nations including Germany, Italy and Japan is calling out three Chinese companies over alleged hacking activity, in what a Chinese expert described as a groundless move reflecting their apprehension about China's rising cyberspace capabilities.

In a 37-page advisory published on Wednesday, the countries accused the firms - Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology, Beijing Huanyu Tianqiong Information Technology, and Sichuan Zhixin Ruijie Network Technology - of providing so-called "cyber-related products and services to China's intelligence services." As of press time, the companies had not been reached for comment.

The report by Reuters noted that the US regularly calls out specific Chinese and other foreign entities over their alleged involvement in cyber espionage, and it has occasionally done so in conjunction with other members of the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance. Wednesday's statement was cosigned by the latter, as well as the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain.

According to reports of Chinese cybersecurity institution, the so-called "Volt Typhoon" once hyped up by the US was actually a transnational ransomware group, the spokesperson said. It was a joint move of vilification and framing against China by US intelligence agencies and cybersecurity companies in order to receive more congressional budgets, Guo noted.

Let me point out that according to US media outlets, this incident so happens because the "backdoor," originally opened by the US intelligence service to eavesdrop on its own institutions and citizens, was used by hackers, Guo said. Such "backdoor" in the US' own telecommunication system is not only a "US feature," but also the "best practices" of "Five Eyes," Guo said.

"Who is engaged in massive cyber-eavesdropping? Who is the largest hacking empire? The international community knows full well the answer," the spokesperson said.

Cybersecurity is a global common challenge. China urges the US to take responsible attitude, and reflect more on what it's doing instead of forming small groupings to smear others, Guo noted. China will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard its own security interests, he said.

Qin An, deputy director of the expert committee on counter-terrorism and cyber security governance at the China Society of Police Law, told the Global Times that as China's cyber offensive and defensive capabilities continue to strengthen and its standing in cyberspace steadily rises, the US, the Five Eyes alliance, and an expanding group of other nations are seeking to further bolster their coalition strength in cyberspace to contain China's development.

This trend, the expert noted, reflects their apprehensions as well as their efforts to discredit China and promote the "China threat" narrative in pursuit of their own strategic objectives.

Sichuan Juxinhe has already been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department over its alleged ties to Salt Typhoon, which was previously claimed to be a China-linked hacker group. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in January that China opposed these groundless accusations from the US administration and the abuse of sanctions.

The competition between China and the US in areas such as semiconductors also affects cyberspace, Qin said. As China's independent innovation advances, its chip manufacturing capacity is improving. Chips, as connectors between cyberspace and the real world, play a critical role in cyber offense and defense.

In response, the US is amplifying the "China threat" narrative and seeking to expand beyond the traditional Five Eyes alliance to rally a broader coalition to collectively counter China in cyberspace, the expert noted.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on August 29, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: August 29, 2025 20:24

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, people's 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 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: Spain's Center for National Intelligence, together with other international agencies, has participated in a cybersecurity advisory issued this Wednesday. This advisory states that China's 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 China's 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 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 world's 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 it's the other way around.

According to reports of Chinese cybersecurity institution, the so-called "Volt Typhoon" once hyped up by the U.S. was actually an 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 happens 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 responsible attitude, and reflect more on what it's 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 China's response to that specific case and whether China can guarantee the safety of Huawei's 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 party's interests.

Reuters: Can you please tell us whether foreign troops will also march in next Wednesday's military parade? With Russia and North Korea's 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 People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. For your specific question, I'd 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. We've 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 expo's 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: It's 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 China's 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 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, Japan's 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 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. 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 China's 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 China's 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 China's territory. China asks the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, stop interfering in China's internal affairs and abetting and supporting "Taiwan independence" separatist forces under any pretext, stop official interactions with China's 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 that's been sanctioned by the U.S. appears to have discharged its cargo at a Chinese terminal today. The tanker's 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 the 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 Chinese Foreign Minister and 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. China's position on tariffs is consistent and clear.

China News Service: It's 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 China's 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. What's China's 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 to 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. 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 secretary's claims that the Chinese side is not giving a definitive answer about a possible meeting or call?

Guo Jiakun: I'd 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 doesn't import soybeans from Paraguay and that the soybean level was zero. My question is has anything changed in China's 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. I'd refer you to competent authorities.

EFE: According to Spanish newspaper El Pais, 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 party's 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, I'd refer you to competent authorities.

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Fourth United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Trilateral Diplomatic Working Group Meeting on Democratic People's Republic of Korea Cyber Activities

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

August 29, 2025

On August 27 and 28, the United States of America, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) convened in Tokyo for the fourth meeting of the Trilateral Diplomatic Working Group to counter cyber threats posed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Led by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Jonathan Fritz, Japanese Ambassador in charge of Cyber Policy Miyake Fumito, and ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Director General for International Security and Korean Peninsula Policy Baek Yoon Jeong, the group reviewed the substantial progress made in deepening trilateral collaboration to disrupt the DPRK's ability to generate and launder revenue through malicious cyber activity, IT workers, and third-party facilitators, which it uses to fund its unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs. The working group included participants from 19 U.S., Japanese, and ROK government departments, ministries, and agencies.

Through the working group, the United States of America, Japan, and the ROK continue to coordinate on a wide range of trilateral actions, including efforts to restrict DPRK actors' access to key jurisdictions in which they generate revenue and prevent private sector companies from being exploited by DPRK targeting. The three sides also discussed future engagement with the AI industry, autonomous sanctions, and law enforcement cooperation.

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Meets Bereaved Families of Martyrs Who Performed Distinguished Feats in Overseas Military Operations

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- The brave soldiers who participated in the overseas military operations created the tales about great heroes unprecedented in history out of their desire for the immortality of the sacred national flag of the DPRK and the rosy future of the prosperous motherland and emerged as heroes of the legendary feats who devoted their precious lives without regret, regarding their death as honor in the course of carrying out the orders of the country.

The Workers' Party of Korea adds luster to their feats with gold star medals and brings all the glory of the times to them. Thanks to its noble moral obligation, their soul is brilliantly shining as the eternal star of the motherland.

Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, met the bereaved families of martyrs who performed distinguished feats in the overseas military operations at the Mokran House and sincerely consoled them on August 29.

Present there were senior officials of the WPK Central Committee, leading commanding officers of the Ministry of National Defence and senior officials of revolutionary schools.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un made a consolatory speech before the bereaved families full of great excitement.

He expressed deep condolences to all the bereaved families with his grief at having failed to save the precious lives of the officers and men who fell in the battlegrounds on a foreign land in order to defend the dignity and honor of the country, and with his sorrow at failing to bring them alive back to the country.

Being told about the exploits our heroes performed by charging forward death-defyingly to implement the orders of their country, we thought of the faces of the upright parents who had instilled love for their country and native places into their pure hearts and brought them up to be stalwart men, and we could clearly see in our mind's eye the considerate persons who had supported them and given strength and courage to them during their faithful service in the army, he said and went on.

Ours is a heroic army that knows neither submission nor impossibility, and it surely emerges victorious in battle. This is because it is made up of the sons whose lives were given by the most tenacious, patriotic and just people in the world, the great heroic people who have shared their destiny with this country through an unyielding life and struggle generation after generation.

Though they passed away so young with a high ambition in their minds, the indomitable mettle and revolutionary spirit of the martyrs, who wrote a new chapter of victory in the history of our state at the cost of their blood and kindled the fierce flames of all-people heroism across the country, will remain etched in the minds of all our people.

He paid high tribute once again to the bereaved families who regard the noble lives and final determinations of their children and husbands as admirable and honorable ones and support them, firmly mastering the sorrow of losing their beloved people.

All the bereaved families burst out sobbing at the ardent sincerity of the fatherly leader who is glorifying the immortal feats and noble lives of the martyrs for all ages and creating legends of love and trust unprecedented in history.

Kim Jong Un presented to the bereaved families respectively photos of the martyrs wrapped in the national flag of the DPRK, the sacred flag of glory, whose dignity and honour the heroic soldiers devoted their lives to.

The moments of noble love and moral obligation ensued.

Kim Jong Un had a significant photo taken with the bereaved families who were greatly moved after receiving the photos of the martyrs.

Kim Jong Un called senior officials of revolutionary schools and said that we should bring up the children of the martyrs to be hard-core elements of the revolution and genuine sons and daughters of the country.

Kim Jong Un affirmed that the ardent desire of the martyrs which they wished till their last moments would surely be achieved and our Party and people would certainly build the most powerful and prosperous socialist ideal paradise with the brilliant exploits performed by the heroes. -0-

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un's Talk to Bereaved Families of Martyrs Participated in Overseas Military Operations

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- The respected Comrade

Kim Jong Un talked to the bereaved families of the martyrs who participated in the overseas military operations.

The talk is as follows:

Comrades,

I want to say briefly to you, as I am here with you, the bereaved families of the martyrs who laid down their precious lives to defend their country's dignity and honour.

I feel respectful and grateful to you for stoutly overcoming the unbearable pain caused by the loss of your family members.

The news on the death of your beloved children and husbands must have come as a great shock to you all, since you did not know whether they were alive or not. Thinking about you, I kept feeling uneasy and could hardly concentrate on my work.

To all the bereaved families of the martyrs, I once again express my regret about having failed to save the precious lives of our officers and soldiers who fell in the battlegrounds on a foreign land, as I am anxious that I could not bring them alive back here.

At the recent ceremony of awarding state commendations to the martyrs, I met the bereaved families of some martyrs, and I thought a lot about other martyrs' families who were not present there.

So, I had this meeting arranged as I wanted to meet and console the bereaved families of all the heroes and relieve them of their sorrow and anguish even a little.

I extend my deep condolences to all the bereaved families who have come here with the sorrow of having lost their family members, even though they should naturally attend this meeting with those dear persons amid the blessing from all the people in the country.

Looking at the faces and names of our heroes, both handsome and sturdy, one by one on the memorial wall, I pictured in my mind their parents who had brought up such excellent sons and their dear wives and children.

How could there be such excellent sons if their parents are not excellent, and how could they be so brave till the last moments of their lives if they did not cherish genuine affection for their parents, wives, children and native places?

Being told about the exploits our heroes performed by charging forward death-defyingly to implement the orders of their country, we thought of the faces of the upright persons who had instilled love for their country and native places into their pure hearts and brought them up to be stalwart men, and we could clearly see in our mind's eye the considerate persons who had supported them and given strength and courage to them during their faithful service in the army.

Ours is a heroic army that knows neither submission nor impossibility, and it surely emerges victorious in battle. This is because it is made up of the sons whose lives were given by the most tenacious, patriotic and just people in the world, the great heroic people who have shared their destiny with this country through an unyielding life and struggle generation after generation.

Though they passed away so young with a high ambition in their minds, the indomitable mettle and revolutionary spirit of the martyrs, who wrote a new chapter of victory in the history of our state at the cost of their blood and kindled the fierce flames of all-people heroism across the country, will remain etched in the minds of all our people.

Our Party and government will bring all the glory to the heroes revered by the whole nation and to their excellent parents who brought them up to be admirable men. They will also do their best to provide you, ahead of others, with a beautiful life in the country defended at the cost of the lives of the martyrs.

My heart breaks and aches more at the sight of those little children.

Our officers passed away, leaving their beloved children and their dear wives behind.

Our soldiers passed away, picturing the eyes of their warm-hearted mothers.

When they were charging to meet their death, bidding innermost farewell to all that was dear to them, they all left writings praying for the prosperity of their motherland and Pyongyang and shouted "Long live the Democratic People's Republic of Korea!"

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.

I am absolutely sure of this.

Their request is not to be read by letters.

It is not to be heard with the ears, either.

It is to be heard with the heart and with trust, and I heard it that way.

As the martyrs wished, I will take charge of their children and other members of the bereaved families.

Present here are the head teachers of the revolutionary schools.

You can also see leading cadres of our state here.

The children left behind by the heroes shall be sent to the revolutionary schools; I, our state and our army will take full responsibility for them and train them admirably as staunch and courageous fighters like their fathers, and help them join the backbone ranks of our revolution.

Soon, a new street shall be built in Taesong District, Pyongyang, for the bereaved families of the soldiers who fell to our great sorrow at such young ages after exalting their life like the morning star, just as a song says. We are going to name it Saebyol (morning star) Street in praise of our soldiers' exploits as brilliant as the star.

And we will lay the remains of the martyrs to rest in the best place of the arboretum just in front of the street, and erect a monument to immortal combat feats in memory of the great soldiers who displayed the tenacity of the Korean people and defended the dignity and honour of the Korean People's Army.

We will encourage the people from all over the country to visit the monument at any time to remember the martyrs and share all glory and happiness with them.

Our Party and government will offer sincere assistance to the bereaved families so that they will be able to start their happy life in Pyongyang enjoying nationwide respect and admiration.

I, on behalf of all the officers and soldiers of our army and in the name of all the people in the country, would like to make another deep bow to you as you are overcoming the painful loss of your beloved family members while supporting the ennobling life and last decisions of your children and husbands with pride and feeling honoured with them.

I hope all of you bereaved families will overcome the painful feelings of loss as early as possible. -0-

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BEIJING, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce and vice minister of commerce, visited the United States and held talks with U.S. officials and business representatives from Aug. 27 to 29 local time, the ministry said on Saturday.

He met with officials from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

The two sides exchanged views on implementing the consensus reached in the phone conversation between the Chinese and U.S. heads of state, and discussed issues including China-U.S. economic and trade relations and the implementation of consensus from China-U.S. economic and trade talks.

China and the United States should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, Li said, stressing that they should continue to make good use of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism, manage differences, expand cooperation through equal dialogue and consultation, and jointly promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations.

During his visit, Li also held talks and exchanges with representatives from the U.S.-China Business Council, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and some U.S. enterprises. 
Transcript of Special briefing by MEA on Prime Minister's visit to Japan (August 29, 2025)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

August 29, 2025

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to this Special Press Briefing by Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri on the ongoing visit of the Prime Minister of India to Japan for the 15th Annual summit. We are also joined by our Ambassador to Japan, Shri Sibi George, as also Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Gourangalal Das.

Before I give the mic to the Foreign Secretary to brief you on today's developments, when you ask a question, we give the floor to you, please do identify yourself and your organization. And then you can ask your question.

With that, I give the floor to the Foreign Secretary for his opening remarks. Sir, the floor is yours.

Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: Thank you, Randhir. Good evening, all. It's a relatively late hour in Tokyo for briefing, but glad you could all make it.

As you all know, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Japan for the 15th Annual Summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The Prime Minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation as well as a business delegation.

The Prime Minister arrived in Tokyo early this morning and received a very warm and festive welcome by the Government and people of Japan, as well as the representatives of the Indian community here in Tokyo. The first engagement following his arrival was in the afternoon, which was the India-Japan Economic Forum, which was attended jointly by Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Ishiba. Both of them addressed the captains of the Indian and Japanese industry.

This was followed by a few meetings between the Prime Minister, and senior and leading political personalities of Japan. Former Prime Ministers Suga and Kishida called on the Prime Minister, and discussed issues of mutual interest relating to the bilateral relationship, and regional and global developments.

This evening, the Prime Minister was received by Prime Minister Ishiba at Kantei, and the two leaders spent nearly two and a half hours together, during which they held delegation-level talks and witnessed the exchange of agreements and understandings between the two sides, addressed the press, and Prime Minister Ishiba then hosted a dinner for Prime Minister Modi.

Overall, I would say that the message emanating from the visit and the understandings that have been reached between the two sides is very, very clear. Japan today is one of India's most valued and trusted friends. It is a partner for us in our journey towards Visit and Atmanirbhar Bharat (developed and self-reliant India). The fundamentals of our partnership remain strong.

Both countries have made giant strides since our ties were elevated to a Special, Strategic, and Global Partnership in 2014. In addition to bilateral issues, the two Prime Ministers also discussed the regional and global situation. And, it was clear that in the midst of considerable geopolitical flux, the ties between India and Japan remain a pillar of stability in the international system.

The highlight of the visit is definitely the very broad range of outcomes, which you would probably already be familiar with, by now. But, these are outcomes that I would characterize as steering the relationship into the next decade, and in many ways laying the foundations for progress and prosperity of the next generation of people from both India and Japan.

So, allow me to take you through the most important outcomes that we have seen today. Both leaders today exchanged the Joint Vision for the Next Decade. This is a 10-year strategic roadmap in economic and functional cooperation between the two sides. This happens to be the eighth decade of our diplomatic ties, and in order to give new vigour to the relationship, both governments have decided to advance cooperation across eight pillars, and these pillars are economic relations, economic security, mobility, ecological sustainability, technology and innovation, health, people-to-people exchanges, and partnerships between Indian states and Japanese prefectures.

The other document that I would invite your attention to is the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation. This is an enabling framework for India and Japan to better respond to contemporary security challenges. As you are aware, security cooperation between our two countries has been growing steadily over the last few years. The Joint Declaration now puts a framework around this cooperation.

An important feature of this particular document is the broad concept of security that it embodies, which includes cooperation on cyber security, counterterrorism, defense 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 will be an institutionalized dialogue for the first time between the national security advisors of the two countries, as well as greater engagement between the Joint Staffs of the two countries.

On a third aspect, there is an Indian diaspora in Japan, but the mechanics of how to leverage this better has been a subject of discussion between both governments. We find that one of the outcomes of these discussions is the discovery of a natural complementarity between the two sides of what it is that India can provide at this point in time, and what it is that Japanese society, Japanese economy, Japanese business needs at this point in time.

Japan has a dynamic economy, but also faces a labor shortage in certain specific sectors. India has a large pool of skilled and semi-skilled personnel, who can fill the need in precisely some of these sectors in Japan. And therefore, I am happy to share that the two sides today concluded an important action plan on human resource exchange, which sets a headline number of two-way exchange of people of 500,000 over the next five years, including 50,000 skilled and semi-skilled personnel from India to Japan.

We have also issued a Joint Statement titled a Partnership for Security and Prosperity for our Next Generation, and you can find this on the website of the Ministry of External Affairs. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open and inclusive Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, prosperous, and resilient. Prime Minister Ishiba reaffirmed that Japan stands with India on the issue of cross-border terrorism.

Business linkages lie at the heart of our partnership. Several Japanese companies have had enormous success in India, and Prime Minister recalled this while addressing the India-Japan Economic Forum this afternoon, and he deeply appreciated the role of the private sector and industry in bringing our two countries closer together for the mutual benefit and prosperity of our two nations.

You are familiar with the investment target from Japan to India that was set some time back of 5 trillion Yen. Today, it was decided to set a new target of 10 trillion Japanese Yen investment or 67 billion dollars of private investment into India.

At the business forum which was held yesterday, the private sector also announced several MoUs and agreements. I think there were about 150 MoUs that have been inked in the last two years, since the last summit in sectors such as automotive, energy, aerospace, semiconductors and human resources. The cumulative value of these MoUs and business partnerships is over 13 billion dollars, which is reflective once again of the confidence that the business pillar has in our relationship.

Turning to a couple of other aspects of the outcomes today, Supply Chain resilience is a subject that both countries have been discussing for some time. There is an understanding between the two of us that there is a need to collaborate more, especially on the strategic sectors of our economy. In view of this, both sides launched an Economic Security Initiative which identifies five priority sectors which will receive concentrated attention from the two sides. These sectors are semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, information and communication technology, especially telecommunications, and clean energy.

We have issued an Economic Security Fact Sheet which can be seen on our website as well, which captures certain ongoing collaborations as well as planned collaborations, which will contribute to resilient and diversified supply chains for both of our countries.

We are living in the age of Artificial Intelligence, and both leaders therefore recognized that AI is a revolutionary technology that is poised to transform our societies and economies. Both the Prime Ministers launched the Japan-India Artificial Intelligence Initiative, which will strengthen collaboration on AI, particularly on things like large language models, data centers, and AI governance. Prime Minister also invited Prime Minister Ishiba for the AI Impact Summit, which India is hosting in February 2026.

Both the Prime Ministers today acknowledged that we need to celebrate and also intensify the partnership that is blooming between our States and Prefectures, and decided to launch the India-Kansai Business Forum and the India-Kyushu Business Forum to infuse greater energy into our business linkages at the grassroots level. In a unique interaction, tomorrow morning, Prime Minister Modi will address the Governors of several Japanese prefectures here in Tokyo tomorrow, and invite them to develop partnerships with India.

The two sides also today concluded a range of MoUs in sectors such as clean energy, critical minerals, digital technologies, space, cultural exchanges, environment, and diplomatic training. And here, before I close, I would like to mention four of these agreements in particular. I think the total is more than a dozen, but I would like to highlight four agreements.

The first is the implementing arrangement for the landmark collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organization and JAXA on the Chandrayaan-5 mission. This was exchanged in front of our leaders today.

The critical mineral sector is a big priority, as I said. Japan has advanced technologies, and India has resources. The Memorandum of Cooperation on Mineral Resources, which was concluded today, will lead to much more meaningful cooperation in this strategic sector.

Thirdly, the joint crediting mechanism will promote Japanese investments into India and contribute to reduction of greenhouse gas emission, as well as help in India's energy transition.

And finally, the India-Japan Digital Partnership 2.0 will strengthen our collaboration In Digital Public Infrastructure, digital talent, and joint R&D in futuristic technologies. You can see a full list of these MoUs on the website of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Both leaders also positively appraised the progress that is being made on the flagship Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project and resolve to continue cooperation for the success of the project. They also launched the Next Generation Mobility Partnership, which would leverage the strength of Indian talent and Japanese technology in the infrastructure, logistics, and mobility sector, particularly railways, aviation, ports, and shipping.

Tomorrow, as is tradition during the Annual Summit, the two prime ministers will together travel out of Tokyo. Tomorrow, they will visit Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture. Prime Minister will also visit the Tokyo Electron Factory, which is one of the world's leading semiconductor equipment manufacturing firms, and Prime Minister Ishiba will host lunch for Prime Minister Modi in Sendai itself before the Prime Minister leaves for the next leg of his visit.

So once again, to sum up, I think the objective and the ambition of this visit has been to infuse much higher levels of aspiration and momentum into our Special Strategic and Global Partnership. And really, this visit, this Summit has been about greater ambition, stronger and clearer vision, and a reaffirmation of the strength of the all-important India-Japan partnership.

Let me stop there, and I'll try and answer a few questions. Thank you.

Shubhendu Ghosh, DD India: Good evening, sir. I'm Shubhendu Ghosh from DD India. There is a reference to a Joint Crediting Mechanism. Could you simplify what does that entail? Thank you.

Unidentified Speaker: Hi, sir. Could you please specify what are the areas where the 10 trillion yen Japanese investment is supposed to go? And secondly, was there any discussion on the quadrilateral security dialogue, given that India is supposed to be holding the summit later this year, and both India and Japan are the key partners in the grouping? Thank you.

Sarjana Sharma, Sanmarg: Namaskar, sir. Main Sarjana Sharma hoon, Sanmarg newspaper se. Mera question Foreign Secretary sir se hain. Sir, jalvayu parivartan par ek samjhauta hua. Aur ye aaj puri duniya keliye bahut chinta ka visayhai, tarah tarah ke flood, garmi, toh isme kya mechanism Bharat aur Japan isme develop karenge taki is nature disaster se nipta ja sake?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Namaskar sir. I am Sarjana Sharma from Sanmarg newspaper. My question is to the Foreign Secretary, sir. An agreement has been made on climate change, and today it is a matter of great concern for the whole worldvarious kinds of floods, heat, etc. So, what mechanism will India and Japan develop to deal with these natural disasters?

Itagaki, ANI: ANI correspondent, my name is Itagaki. I have one question. In the beginning of meeting, and also in the press conference, Mr. Modi mentioned about the strong relationship between Indian state and Japanese municipal government. So, that is a little bit big surprise for most of Japanese media. And now explain about the tomorrow ... this relationship will be strengthened by Mr. Modi.

So, I want to know about this kind of relationship, leading from government, Japanese municipal government, and also Indian state. The relationship will be strengthened. And also, I'd like to know about tomorrow's treatment to strengthen it. Can you speak on it, sir? Thank you so much.

Om Awasthi,Akashwani Samachar: Namaskar, sir. Main Om Awasthi hoon, Akashwani Samachar se. Aapne sir Japan Digital Partnership 2.0 ki baat ki. uske tahat kis tarah ke kadam uthaye jayenge, us pe ...

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Namaskar, sir. I am Om Awasthi from Akashvani Samachar. Sir, you spoke about the Japan Digital Partnership 2.0  what kind of steps will be taken under it? Please share some details on that.

Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: So this, Shubhendu's question on the Joint Crediting Mechanism.

Mere vichar mein shyad Sarjana, aapka sawal bhi isiko leke hai kyunki jalvayuparivartan ko leke jo samjhauta hua hai who yahi joint crediting mechanism ka samjhauta hua hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] In my view, perhaps Sarjana, your question is also related to this, because the agreement on climate change is actually the agreement on the Joint Crediting Mechanism.

So the Joint Crediting Mechanism is essentially an instrument to facilitate the diffusion of decarbonizing technologies, products, systems, and infrastructure, essentially allowing Japanese companies that make investments in these fields in India to ... it'll help us, of course, in India to meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, and promote Japanese investment in India as well. The crediting mechanism allows the two governments to jointly account for carbon reducing measures. And it promotes, creates another avenue for green investment by Japanese entities into India.

In so far as the question on the 10 trillion yen investment is concerned, look, we have not set or connected any particular areas to this investment. As you are aware, the investment is eventually going to be made by private companies. And private companies will decide the area's most suited.

But if you look at everything else that we have done during the course of this visit, for instance, the areas that I highlighted in so far as the Economic Security Initiative is concerned, or the eight pillars of the Joint Vision Document, I think you have a fair idea of where the investment is likely to be directed.

On the issue of the Quad, yes, both Prime Ministers noted that it was an important forum for discussions and agreed to remain in close touch on this particular issue.

With regard to the question on engagement between States and Prefectures... This is something that ... We have similar mechanisms with other countries where relationships are encouraged either between cities or provinces through agreement, of course, between the national governments. It helps in promoting tourism, promoting cultural exchanges, promoting people-to-people exchanges. And, above all, it can also help in business promotion between the two countries. So this is what the intention is.

Our Ambassador here has been working on and promoting the connection between States in India and Prefectures in Japan. If I'm not mistaken, you've been to every single prefecture in Japan. So he is very well equipped to drive this cooperation.

But, yes, tomorrow's event is going to be a very, very unique event when the Prime Minister will have the opportunity to address a group of Governors from these prefectures. And I'm sure that there will be some very good ideas that will come out of this interaction.

The Digital Partnership 2.0 is essentially to take forward our existing partnership in this area. A lot of it will involve talent in the digital field, as well as, promoting engagement between business enterprises of the two sides that are specifically focused on the digital space. We have agreed to cooperate in Digital Public Infrastructure, For instance. And going forward, there is going to be a lot of cooperation on AI between the two sides as part of the India-Japan Joint Vision on AI.

So, I would imagine that the Digital Partnership 2.0 will cover a lot of these areas as well.

Kenji, Japan Forward: Hi. Good evening. My name is Kenji. I'm with Japan Forward. I have a question for Mr. Secretary Misri. So the Joint Security Declaration this afternoon mentions deepening Quad Alliance. And you also mentioned about how the two countries reaffirmed free and open Indo-Pacific. How do you think the intensifying trade tension with Washington and India will impact these sort of security architecture in East Asia? And, how does India seek to balance its relationship between Beijing and Washington?

Arun, DD News: Sir namaste, main Arun hu DD news se. Sawal mera ye hai ... kya jab do leaders mile the to U.S. tariffs ko lekar koi zikr hua tha, kyuki jab supply chain disruption ki baat karte hain. Aur ek tarah se puri duniya isse prabhavit hai, jo tariffs lagaye gaye hain. To kya iska zikr hua dono leaders ke beech mein sir ?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, namaste. I am Arun from DD News. My question is whether, when the two leaders met, there was any mention of U.S. tariffs, because when we talk about supply chain disruption, the entire world is affected by the tariffs that have been imposed. So, was this issue mentioned by the two leaders, sir?

Iwata, Sankei Shimbun: I'm Iwata from Sankei Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper. Did Prime Ministers discuss US tariff issue?

Poonam, INS Media: Sir, mera naam Poonam hain. Main INS Media se hoon. Sir mera sawal bhi tariff ko lekar hai, ki kya batchit hui hai ? Kyuki japan negotiator ka bhi jana cancel ho gaya hai to kya stand india ke sath hai.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, my name is Poonam, I am from INS Media. Sir, my question is also regarding tariffs  what discussions have taken place on this, because the visit of the Japanese negotiator was also cancelled. So are they standing together with India?

Rajneesh, ANI: Sir, I'm Rajneesh from ANI. So what kind of just technological support is expected from Japan? Can you just elaborate on it?

Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: So, I think the first question was primarily on the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation between the two countries. And, then I think there were a number of other issues that you brought into that question. So insofar as the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation is concerned, obviously the idea is to take forward the engagement that is there between the two sides right now to contribute to each other's defense readiness, and capabilities through the existing channels of engagement between the two sides.

We also have shared goals in Maritime Security. There is a very robust program of defense industrial cooperation between the two sides. We also want to work closer together on combating traditional and non-traditional threats, and to engage more closely in exchanging views on developing security threats in both regions.

Now, the Joint Declaration will obviously help put an institutional framework around all of these discussions. And we look forward to this particular engagement with Japan.

You referred to tensions, other tensions. I think at this point in time, our discussion with Japan is about our bilateral issues. We were not discussing issues between either one of us in any third country. And therefore, I would not be in a position to talk about the impact of issues between two other capitals that are not in the room today. Today's discussions were more about, as I said, the broad vision for the India-Japan relationship, what we are doing together. Naturally, what is happening in the rest of the world is discussed. But today's focus remained squarely on our bilateral cooperation.

I think all the other questions really are related to the tariff issue, and whether tariffs being imposed were discussed between the two of us. I can share with you that 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, especially in the field of business, the economy, supply chains, making them more resilient, diversifying our resource bases and our supply chains as well. So, that was the thrust of the conversation today.

Insofar as Chandrayaan-5 is concerned, the Chandrayaan-5 is also known as the LUPEX mission, the Lunar Polar Expedition. It's a very special mission. It will build on India's successful landing on the south pole of the moon. And, the idea is to look together for signs that might support human habitation on the moon. But, our space collaboration is not just limited to this one expedition, but it also includes plans to explore other planets together by synergizing our strengths. And the Chandrayaan-5 LUPEX mission will be a major short-term milestone in India's own lunar exploration odyssey, which also, incidentally, envisions Indian astronauts landing on the moon by the year 2040.

So, the signing of the implementation arrangement today will fast-track progress on this particular issue in the coming times. Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: With that, ladies and gentlemen, we come to the close of this press briefing. Thank you very much for your presence.

Arigato.

Tokyo

August 29, 2025

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Iran UN envoy: Iran will not negotiate under threat or coercion

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 29, 2025

New York, IRNA -- Amir-Saeid Iravani, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, described the action by the three European countries to initiate the snapback process as "illegal", adding that it sidesteps the Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM) of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

He made the remarks in New York on Friday after the UN Security Council meeting convened to discuss the proposal.

Earlier Thursday, the European Troika - France, Germany, and Britain, collectively known as the E3 - formally submitted a notification to UNSC to invoke the DRM, also referred to as the Snapback Mechanism, aiming to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under Resolution 2231.

The full text his speech follows:

As you are aware, yesterday, the Foreign Ministers of the three European countries submitted a letter to the Security Council, invoking the so-called snapback notification process with the sole intention of blackmailing Iran and exerting political pressure.

In parallel, France and the United Kingdom requested a closed Council meeting in an attempt to justify this unlawful and politically motivated move and to instrumentalize the Council against Iran. This meeting has just concluded.

Prior to the meeting, the representatives of the E3 appeared here and, while ignoring their own failures and significant non-compliance with the JCPOA and resolution 2231, repeated baseless allegations. It was yet another desperate and cynical effort to distort realities on the ground and to legitimize their politically driven actions.

In this context, I wish to make a brief statement on Iran's position.

 Iran categorically rejects and condemns the unlawful notification by France, Germany, and the UK.

 This action sidesteps the JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism.

 It is an illegal attempt to bring back terminated resolutions. It violates Resolution 2231.

 The E3 have no legal, or moral standing to use the so-called snapback.

 Their notification is null and void.

 The JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism is a step-by-step process.

 It was designed to prevent abuse by parties like the E3, who themselves have not respected their obligations.

 Some Council members, including China and Russia, confirmed that the E3 have not followed the proper procedure.

 This is a flawed, political attempt against Iran.

 The E3 and the US violated the JCPOA first. They cannot now claim to act in good faith.

 Iran has consistently communicated to the Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, and the EU, as JCPOA coordinator, the repeated failures and significant non-compliance by the United States and the E3 during the past years. These flagrant violations of the JCPOA and Resolution 2231are fully documented.

 Iran's remedial steps have been gradual, proportionate, and fully legal.

 The E3 action distorts reality. It rewards the violator and punishes the victim.

 The situation is simple: the US withdrew from the JCPOA. The EU and E3 failed to meet their own commitments. They even imposed new, unlawful sanctions instead.

 Iran has shown maximum restraint. We engaged in negotiations. We stayed committed to diplomacy. The failure of talks was due to the US and E3, not Iran.

 While Iran was pursuing diplomacy, our safeguarded nuclear facilities were attacked. This aggression was supported by the US and justified by the E3.

 Still, Iran did not abandon diplomacy. We continued to engage with the E3 and the Agency. We remain open to fair negotiations.

 The reckless so-called snapback attempt undermines these efforts.

 It will be met with decisive and proportionate responses.

 Iran stands ready to work constructively with members committed to diplomacy, fairness, and peace.

 Iran is committed to diplomacy, but it will not negotiate under threats or coercion.

 Pressure tactics are designed to impose dictates, not to resolve issuesand Iran will never submit to them.

 We believe that Resolution 2231 must be implemented according to its original terms, without political manipulation.

 Iran remains committed to peaceful nuclear energy and international engagement, but it will defend its rights firmly.

 The Security Council must not allow itself to be misused by those who have violated Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA.

 The reckless decision by the E3 undermines Iran's cooperation with the IAEA and constitutes an unnecessary and provocative escalation. If unchecked, the E3's path will gravely damage the credibility and integrity of the Security Council and place international peace and security at serious risk.

 We call on all responsible members of the Security Council to defend the rule of law and categorically reject this unlawful, unfounded, and politically motivated attempt by the E3 to reimpose terminated resolutions.

 We support giving diplomacy more time to reach a new understanding and a new deal.

 The proposal by Russia and China for a short technical extension of resolution 2231 is a practical step in this direction.

 The E3, however, has put forward an extension plan full of unrealistic preconditions.

 This is a hypocritical move. They are demanding conditions that should be the outcome of negotiations, not the starting point, and they know these demands cannot be met.

 If they are truly sincere, they should stop this double game and support a short, unconditional technical extension of resolution 2231.

 It is now the responsibility of the Security Council to decide on this matter.

I thank you very much for your kind attention.

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European Troika initiates Iran sanctions snapback, but claims extension offer still on the table

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 29, 2025

New York, IRNA -- The European Troika say that they have "triggered a 30-day period" to reinstate the UNSC sanctions on Iran, claiming that it does not mark the end of diplomacy and their extension offer remains on the table.

The announcement was made in a statement read to reporters by Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, on Friday on behalf of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, following the UNSC meeting convened to address the issue.

"Yesterday, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 2231, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and my own country, the United Kingdom, notified the Security Council that we believe Iran to be in significant non-performance of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," the statement read.

Woodward claimed, "Since 2019, Iran has increasingly and deliberately ceased performing almost all of its JCPOA commitments. This includes the accumulation of a high enriched uranium stockpile which lacks any credible civilian justification. In fact, according to the IAEA, Iran is the only country without nuclear weapons producing high enriched uranium."

Without acknowledging the E3's own lack of commitment or the Israeli and US aggression against Iran, including attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, she said, "Iran has stopped providing IAEA access agreed under the JCPOA. Moreover, it has recently significantly reduced the access to nuclear material and sites it is obliged to provide under the NPT."

She also claimed, "Despite this, France, Germany and the United Kingdom are making every effort to resolve this diplomatically. Most recently, we offered Iran an extension to snapback should Iran take specific steps to address our most immediate concerns."

"Our asks were fair and realistic: Iran's resumption of negotiations on a comprehensive agreement, Iran's compliance with its IAEA obligations, and steps to address our concerns regarding the high enriched uranium stockpile. However, as of today, Iran has shown no indication that it is serious about meeting them."

Repeating the claims without the slightest mention of their underlying causes, Woodward said, "[Iran] is not implementing its obligations to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency. It has not reengaged in negotiations with the United States with a view to reaching an acceptable diplomatic resolution."

"Our notification to the Security Council has now triggered a 30-day period. It does not mark the end of diplomacy; our extension offer remains on the table. We hope Iran will take the necessary steps to address the international community's serious concerns over its nuclear programme."

Urging Iran to reconsider this position to reach an agreement based on the offer, and to help create the space for a diplomatic solution to this issue for the long term, she said, "Otherwise, targeted UN sanctions focused on tackling Iranian nuclear proliferation return at the end of this 30-day period."

Woodward said that the three countries are determined that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.

"While we have been left with no choice but to take this course of action, we remain committed to diplomacy and to the peaceful resolution of threats to global peace and security. There remains a clear diplomatic pathway forward, should Iran choose to take it."

In 2015, Iran signed an agreement with the five permanent members of the UNSC plus Germany  a deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal. However, in 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the agreement, and the European signatories failed to fulfill their commitments. Consequently, after a year of patience and in accordance with the deal, Tehran began to reduce its commitments.

Following the European Troika's announcement of triggering the "snapback" mechanism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday 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.

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E3's decision to exploit Snapback Mechanism will harm diplomacy, says Araghchi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 29, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi says that it is abundantly clear that the European Troika's decision to activate Snapback Mechanism will have "significant adverse impacts on diplomacy" and will severely undermine the ongoing dialogue between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He made the remarks in a post on his X account on Friday evening, in response to the notification presented to the United Nations Security Council by the European Troika - France, Germany, and Britain, collectively known as the E3 - seeking to reinstate USNC sanctions on Iran.

Earlier Thursday, the E3 formally submitted a notification to UNSC to invoke the Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM), also referred to as the Snapback Mechanism, aiming to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under Resolution 2231. The UNSC convened a meeting on Friday to discuss the proposal.

The text of his message follows:

Acting on behalf of Israel and the U.S., the E3 have decided to maliciously pursue pressure on the Iranian people. This follywhich Iran has sternly warned againstis immoral, unjustified, and unlawful.

Iran has cautioned that having been left out by the U.S. on all global issueseven Ukraine on their own doorstepEurope should not deceive itself about "snapback" being leverage for it to play a role in at least one arena. Iran has made clear how pursuing that path will turn the E3 into a permanently spent force.

Disturbingly, the European troika is now framing its reckless gambit as an endeavour to "advance diplomacy".

I have personally led talks with the US over the past two decades. My country has been engaged in five rounds of nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration this year. On the eve of a sixth round of talks, Iran was bombed. First by Israel, and then by the United States. It is repugnant for Europe to now accuse Iran of having left the table and spurning dialogue. The reality is that we are at a point where the West cannot even guarantee that it will cease further unlawful military strikes on my people while negotiations are held.

The actions of the European troika effectively reward the offender and punish the victim. It was the United States, not Iran, that unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. It was Europe, not Iran, that failed to fulfil its commitments to mitigate the economic impact of the US withdrawal. It was also Europe, not Iran, that not only failed to implement their commitments on Transition Day (Oct. 2023), but also imposed new illegal sanctions on Iranian civil aviation and shipping.

As I have made abundantly clear, the E3's decision will have significant adverse impacts on diplomacy. It will severely undermine the ongoing dialogue between Iran and the IAEA. It will also compel an appropriate response.

The path chosen by Europe, if not curbed, will additionally have severe consequences for the credibility of the UN Security Council. Invoking the so-called snapback mechanism without due process or a legal basis not only undermines confidence in the Council's decisions, but also endangers international peace and security. It is high time for the Counciland the worldto step up and say: "ENOUGH".

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Zarif calls Snapback Mechanism activation 'unfounded'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 29, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Mohammad-Javad Zarif, the former vice president for strategic affairs and foreign minister, says that the what the European signatories of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are trying to do is "unfounded" because Iran was fully observing the deal, even one year after the United States withdrew from it.

Zarif made these remarks in an interview with Foreign Policy. The interview was published on Thursday.

Regarding the E3's attempt to exploit the Snapback Mechanism, Zarif said: "Let's not confuse domestic and foreign policy. I think what the E3 are trying to do is, first of all, unfounded because Iran was observing fully the JCPOA, even a year after Trump left it. Europe failed to implement its own commitments. After Trump withdrew from the JCPOA, the Europeans urged us not to stop. They made 11 commitments in two sessions, in June and September of 2018, to me personally. They were not able to even implement one of them. They decided to create a 19th-century barter agreement with Iran. They were not even able to do that."

"Now, I don't know what audacity they have in order to try to use the dispute resolution mechanism. It's not called snapback in the JCPOA or the [United Nations] Security Council. It's called "dispute resolution mechanism." Iran resorted to the dispute resolution mechanism during the time that I was foreign minister, many times. We went through the entire process. The Europeans promised to implement some of their own commitments, let alone American commitments, and they failed. And that is why we took remedial measures. They cannot take remedial measures against remedial methods, legally speaking."

He added: "The timing is interesting, too, because a few weeks ago, as I wrote in Foreign Policy, they were basically applauding Israeli violation of international law attacking Iranian sites. I mean, the German chancellor said that Israel is doing "dirty work ... for [all of] us." So, which option? They use war, and then they use diplomacy, and then they use mechanisms to resolve disputes. This is indicative of bad faith."

"Moving away from legalities, what good does it do to them? What did President [Donald] Trump gain by withdrawing from JCPOA? Do we live in a safer world today? Will Europe live in a safer world if they use this dispute resolution mechanism in bad faith in order to go back to Security Council resolutions that we all decided to stop? What are they trying to gain? They try to support Israel. Some of them, including the E3 that are trying to use this mechanism, even went as far as calling it self-defense. They should go back to their policy drawing board and see what this is going to gain them. What are they going to get? I think there are diplomatic ways of moving forward. I wrote an article in the Guardian talking about a Middle East network for nonproliferation and nuclear cooperation. I wrote in your paper talking about a nonaggression pact."

Zarif also touched the issue of the Israeli war of aggression against Iran, saying, "The 12-day war occurred just two days before my friends in the Foreign Ministry were supposed to go for a new round of negotiations with their American counterparts. It created an image in Iran that negotiations for the United States were just a pretext for an attack, which is very damaging. From my perspective, I believe in diplomacy. This was very damaging to diplomacy in general.

"Secondly, it was a premeditated attack, not only against military and nuclear targets but against innocent civilians. Many innocent civilians were killed. Military leaders were not targeted in their offices or on the war front, but they were targeted at home, when they were sleeping with the children and spouses. According to what I know of international law, that constitutes a war crime. Nuclear scientists, as well as other scientists, were murdered only because they were scientists. This is an extremely dangerous precedent that these people were murdered."

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Araghchi says E3 efforts to revive pre-2231 UNSC resolutions are invalid

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 29, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi says any attempt by the European TroikaFrance, Germany, and Britain, collectively known as the E3to revive United Nations Security Council resolutions previously terminated under Resolution 2231 (2015) is legally invalid and ineffective.

In a letter addressed to Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and coordinator of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Araghchi emphasized on Friday that UNSCR 2231 must expire on schedule - on October 18, 2025.

Araghchi expressed regret over the EU's selective and incomplete narrative, noting that the letter ignored essential facts and procedural history related to the JCPOA and UNSCR 2231, while disregard the persistent failure of the EU and the E3 to fulfill their commitments.

Reaffirming positions previously outlined in letters dated July 22 and August 22, Araghchi asserted that the E3 lacks any legal standing to invoke the Dispute Resolution Mechanism or trigger the automatic reimposition of sanctions.

He also mentioned support from Russia and China, referencing their official explanatory notes submitted to the UNSC on August 11 and 19, respectively.

Araghchi said that Iran was the first JCPOA party to activate the dispute resolution mechanism in response to the US withdrawal from the agreement and the failure of the EU and E3 to meet their obligations.

He rejected claims that the mechanism was only formally triggered twice in 2020, pointing to Iran's letter on May 10, 2018, and the subsequent Joint Commission meetings on May 25 and July 6, 2018, which were held before Iran initiated its remedial measures.

He emphasized that ignoring this history undermines the EU's legal arguments. Iran, he said, has used the dispute resolution process in good faith and is entitled to take proportionate remedial action.

Araghchi also rejected the E3's claim to have activated the mechanism in 2020, adding that it was dismissed by Iran, Russia, and China, and never followed through to completion. He described it as an illegitimate attempt to counter Iran's lawful remedial measures.

Pointing out that 11 additional commitments made by the EU following the July 6, 2018 foreign ministers' meeting were never fulfilled, he criticized the failure of INSTEX, the EU's financial mechanism and called it symbolic and ineffective.

Araghchi attributed the collapse of the Vienna negotiations in 2021 and 2022 to US obstinacy, domestic political constraints, and the E3's insistence on linking talks to irrelevant issues.

In another section of the letter, Araghchi strongly criticized the EU's silence on unlawful attacks by the US and Israel on Iran's nuclear facilities, which he described as clear violations of the UN Charter and international law. He said the E3's support- through arms transfers and public endorsements - further undermines their credibility.

He also criticized remarks by Kallas suggesting the end of Iran's nuclear program, calling it a denial of the JCPOA's foundational principles and a blow to the EU's role as a neutral coordinator.

Araghchi reiterated that any attempt to revive terminated UNSC resolutions is legally baseless and that Resolution 2231 must expire as scheduled. He urged the EU to avoid selective interpretations and instead work toward genuine diplomacy and the preservation of multilateralism.

He concluded by reaffirming Iran's readiness to resume fair and balanced diplomatic negotiations, provided the other parties demonstrate seriousness and goodwill, and refrain from actions that undermine the prospects for success.

The letter was also copied to the UN Secretary-General, the rotating president of the UNSC, and all its members.

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Iran urges UNSC members to reject 'the unjustified political manipulations' and uphold the integrity of international law

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 29, 2025

New York, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has called on all United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members "to reject the unjustified political manipulations and to uphold the integrity of international law and authority of the Council."

Araghchi made the remarks in a letter addressed to the UNSC and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday, following the notification submitted by the E3 - Britain, France, and Germany - seeking to activate the Dispute Resolution Mechanism, also known as snapback mechanism, and reinstate UNSC sanctions on Iran that were lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and Resolution 2231.

The full text of his letter follows:

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Excellency,

I have the honour to address certain false assertions contained in the letter dated 8 August 2025 of the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (hereinafter the E3), concerning the situation surrounding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2231 (2015). The letter, by misrepresenting facts, constitutes yet another attempt to lay groundwork for two courses of action that both are unjustified and set dangerous precedents in undermining credibility and integrity of the UNSC and its Resolutions.

E3's misrepresentation of facts

I must reiterate that this conduct cannot be justified by reference to the fully legitimate and legal remedial measures of the Islamic Republic of Iran that were implemented, in a gradual and proportionate manner, and in full conformity with the relevant procedures and rights provided under the JCPOA. Ironically, however, the E3's letter inadvertently reveals two fundamental flaws in their argument for a possible attempt to invoke the so-called snapback:

A) Sequence matters. By falsely alleging that "Iran activated the Dispute Resolution Mechanism only in July 2020", the E3 seek to delegitimize Iran's remedial measures, misrepresenting the sequence of events, while concealing the fact that the Islamic Republic of Iran had formally activated the DRM in a letter on 10 May 2018. That notice led to meetings of Joint Commission and other steps foreseen for exhaustion of the Mechanism. Again, on 21 August 2018 Iran reaffirmed invocation of the Paragraph 36, saying that it had earlier "invoked the dispute resolution mechanism under paragraph 36 of the JCPOA to which end the Joint Commission convened at the level of political directors and Ministers of Foreign Affairs on 25 May and 6 July 2018 respectively".

By raising the issue of the sequence, the E3 implicitly acknowledge that the order of DRM activation by different sides matters; and that the measures taken pursuant to Paragraph 36 of the JCPOA cannot justify reciprocal countermeasures by other parties. In short, the E3's own reasoning admits that remedial measures cannot be invoked to against the other side's prior remedial measures, and that such invocation is inadmissible and inapplicable.

B) False claim that DRM activation needs recognition. Falsely asserting that "any other purported recourse to this mechanism was never recognized by the JCPOA's participants, neither at the time, nor today," the E3 suggest that validity of the DRM activation needs a consensus among Participants. By this very logic, the E3's own attempt to activate the DRM or snapback lacks validity, since it has not been explicitly recognized by other participants.

If there is one DRM activation that was fully recognized and exhausted, it is the one triggered by the Islamic Republic of Iran on 10 May 2018. This was followed by an extraordinary Joint Commission meeting on 25 May 2018 and a Ministerial level meeting on 6 July 2018, both convened at Iran's request. Following these meetings, Iran stated in several communications -including in letters dated 21 August 2018, 6 November 2018, and 7 April 2019- that it had invoked paragraph 36 of the JCPOA and that, should the significant non-performance of the other parties persist, it will exercise its rights and "gradually and based on a planned timetable [will] cease performing its commitments under the JCPOA."

In fact, the E3's letter is self-defeating. The E3's attempt to activate DRM, which was followed by further non-performance on their behalf, amounted to an act of "remedy against remedy" which was neither recognized by all Participants nor fully exhausted.

As comprehensively detailed in the letter dated 29 January 2020 of the then Iranian Foreign Minister to the Coordinator of the JCPOA (attached herewith), the Islamic Republic of Iran had effectively and formally activated and exhausted the DRM, long before initiating its remedial measures, and only after it became evident that the issues arising from the US withdrawal and imposition of sanctions against Iran cannot be redressed by other Participants.

It must be emphasized that the E3's invocation to the JCPOA Dispute Resolution Mechanism by referring to their letter dated 14 January 2020 in response to Iran's remedial measures of May 2019 onward, is totally misleading and irrelevant. As expressed in many communications, Iran's decision to cease performing its commitments was a lawful and legitimate response, according to its rights under paragraphs 26 and 36 of the JCPOA, to the U.S.'s unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA and the re-imposition of its unlawful sanctions. Therefore, it is absolutely illogical for E3 to describe their intention not to implement their commitments or trigger snapback as a reaction to Iran's lawful remedial measures taken one long year after U.S. unlawful withdrawal and the E3/EU's failure to implement their own obligations.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has expressly and formally communicated, on several occasions, to the Coordinator of JCPOA Joint Commission - and through him/her to other participants- that it triggered DRM under paragraph 36 of the JCPOA. In its letter dated 29 January 2020, in particular, Iran indicated that it had exhausted all recourses foreseen in Paragraph 36. The ministerial level Joint Commission meeting of 6 July 2018 recognized issues referred by Iran to the Joint Commission as "unresolved issues" and accordingly adopted a series of commitments in that regard. Those issues still remain "unresolved" today and no outcome has been agreed to the satisfaction of Iran as the complaining participant. The issues that are yet to be resolved to the satisfaction of Iran cannot constitute a basis for E3's decision to trigger snapback mechanism.

It should be noted that these facts in no way affect the exclusive rights of Iran under Paragraph 26 of the JCPOA, which explicitly states that Iran "will treat such a re-introduction or re-imposition of the sanctions... as grounds to cease performing its commitments under this JCPOA in whole or in part."

Unlike the E3's bad-faith conduct, Iran's measures, taken in full conformity with its rights under Paragraphs 26 and 36, were intended to preserve the deal by compelling compliance, not to undermine it. Iran provided ample notice, engaged in good faith through multiple Joint Commission meetings, calibrated its actions to allow for reversibility, and maintained diplomatic engagement aimed at restoring full implementation of the JCPOA by all parties. The E3's portrayal of these lawful measures as "non-performance" ignores their own culpability in provoking this legitimate recourse.

Resolution 2231 must end on Termination Day

In line with its policy of using snapback as a leverage to extract concessions from others, the E3 has "offered" a limited extension of the "relevant provisions of the UNSC 2231", providing that Iran fulfills certain demands; however, the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly believes that the Resolution 2231 must expire according to the timeline foreseen therein.

Any other attempt would contravene realities, disregard the resolution's purpose, set a bad precedent in the function of the Security council and deepen divisions within the Council. Needless to say, in such an unfortunate scenario, Iran will decisively and proportionately react, considering its supreme national interests.

Iran urges the Security Council to adhere strictly to the binding timelines enshrined in Resolution 2231, allowing its provisions to lapse as intended and paving the way for renewed diplomatic engagement in a more constructive atmosphere, free from coercion and threats.

Iran remains open to diplomacy

Iran firmly believes that diplomacy remains the most effective and potent avenue for resolving differences As stressed during the meeting of Iran's Deputy Foreign Ministers with EU/E3 Political Directors on 25 July in Istanbul, the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to meaningful diplomatic engagement aimed at achieving a new agreement - one that respects Iran's rights under the NPT while addressing all mutual concerns, including the unjust sanctions that have targeted the well-being and prosperity of the Iranian people.

We urge all Members to reject the unjustified political manipulations and to uphold the integrity of international law and authority of the Council. The path forward lies in mutual respect, not coercion.

I would be grateful if you would have this letter circulated as a document of the General Assembly and of the Security Council.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

9417

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Iran's UN mission: E3 at a decisive moment over snapback mechanism

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 29, 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.

9417

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Iran: 'Snapback' sanctions move will turn Europe into permanently spent force

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 August 2025 5:14 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says a decision by the European troika to unleash the snapback mechanism of sanctions on Iran will turn the E3 into a permanently spent force.

Araghchi issued the warning in a post on his X account on Friday a day after the three European states - Britain, France and Germany -- invoked the anti-Tehran snapback procedure, a clause enshrined in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The clause reinstates pre-JCPOA era sanctions on Iran over claims of the Islamic Republic's "significant non-compliance" with the landmark pact.

The snapback mechanism, defined in UN Security Council Resolution 2231, opens 30 days before the restoration of previously terminated UN Security Council sanctions against Iran.

"Iran has cautioned that having been left out by the US on all global issueseven Ukraine on their own doorstepEurope should not deceive itself about 'snapback' being leverage for it to play a role in at least one arena," Araghchi said.

He cautioned the European trio that pursuing such a path would turn them into a permanently spent force.

The Iranian minister censured the E3 for acting on behalf of the Israeli regime and the United States and maliciously pursuing pressure on the Iranian people, describing it as an "immoral, unjustified, and unlawful" folly.

It is disturbing that the European troika is now framing its reckless gambit as an endeavor to "advance diplomacy", the top Iranian diplomat said.

Araghchi pointed to Iran's five rounds of nuclear negotiations with the administration of US President Donald Trump this year and said on the eve of a sixth round of talks, Iran was first bombed by Israel and then by the United States.

"It is repugnant for Europe to now accuse Iran of having left the table and spurning dialogue," he added.

"The reality is that we are at a point where the West cannot even guarantee that it will cease further unlawful military strikes on my people while negotiations are held."

He said the E3's actions effectively reward the offender and punish the victim.

Araghchi once again affirmed his country's full compliance with the JCPOA while the US unilaterally withdrew in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions on Tehran and the Europeans failed to fulfill their commitments to mitigate the economic impact of the US exit.

"It was also Europe, not Iran, that not only failed to implement their commitments on Transition Day (October 2023), but also imposed new illegal sanctions on Iranian civil aviation and shipping," he said.

The top Iranian diplomat once again warned that the E3's decision to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism will have "significant adverse impacts on diplomacy" and will "severely" undermine the ongoing dialogue between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The European troika's move "will also compel an appropriate response" from Iran, he said.

If not curbed, he added, the path chosen by the E3 will additionally have "severe consequences" for the credibility of the United Nations Security Council.

"Invoking the so-called snapback mechanism without due process or a legal basis not only undermines confidence in the Council's decisions, but also endangers international peace and security," Araghchi warned.

He urged the Security Council and the entire world to step up and say to Europe, "Enough!"

In a letter dated August 28, 2025, addressed to the UN Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Iranian foreign minister urged all Security Council members "to reject the unjustified political manipulations and to uphold the integrity of international law and authority of the Council."

Russia and China, both permanent members of the UN Security Council and signatories to the JCPOA, have also upbraided the E3's move to invoke the snapback mechanism of sanctions on Iran, warning against the repercussions of imposing curbs on the Islamic Republic's peaceful nuclear program.

"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 on Friday.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said a mechanism triggered by European countries that could re-impose United Nations sanctions on Iran was "not constructive."

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China, Russia warn of 'irreparable consequences' of Iran sanctions snapback

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 August 2025 11:17 AM

Russia and China have upbraided a move by Britain, France and Germany  dubbed the European troika or E3  to unleash the snapback mechanism of sanctions on Iran, warning against the repercussions of imposing curbs on the Islamic Republic's peaceful nuclear program.

The three European states invoked on Thursday the anti-Tehran snapback procedure, a clause enshrined in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which reinstates pre-JCPOA era sanctions on Iran over claims of the Islamic Republic's "significant non-compliance" with the landmark pact.

"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 on Friday.

The ministry also underlined that the European trio was undermining diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the stand-off over Iran's nuclear program.

Moreover, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said a mechanism triggered by European countries that could reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran was "not constructive."

"The Iranian nuclear issue is at a critical juncture. Launching the Security Council's snapback mechanism of sanctions is not constructive and will undermine the process of a political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue," Guo Jiakun told a regular press briefing.

Russia and China, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, are signatories to the JCPOA, which provided Iran with sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.

Referenced in technical parlance as the Dispute Settlement Mechanism, the snapback procedure initiates a 30-day deadline for reimposing sanctions suspended under the 2015 accord.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned his European counterparts in a call that Tehran will respond appropriately to their "illegal and unjustified action."

The US, under President Donald Trump, unilaterally walked out of the JCPOA in 2018 before returning the illegal sanctions that it had been removed against Tehran and the initiation of the so-called maximum pressure campaign.

Following the US withdrawal, the European parties to the JCPOA failed to uphold their commitments and made no efforts to save the agreement, prompting Iran to scale back its obligations.

Iran held five rounds of talks with Washington over the resolution of disputes regarding its peaceful nuclear program before June 13, when the US-Israeli-imposed war torpedoed the high-stakes negotiations.

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SANSHA, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- China's southernmost island city of Sansha in Hainan Province has successfully planted 100,000 coral seedlings in the area of the Xisha Islands, reaching a significant milestone in its ongoing coral restoration project.

According to Sansha's marine protected areas administration, the largest artificial coral breeding base around the Xisha Islands has been established and has cultivated 143,000 coral seedlings to date.

Coral reefs -- often referred to as the rainforests of the ocean -- play a critical role in maintaining marine biodiversity, and in ensuring the ecological security of islands. Sansha launched its restoration project in 2023 to address the issue of coral bleaching caused by global warming.

Innovative "tree-type coral nursery" technology has been adopted, significantly improving local coral growth rates and survival. The administration's director, Li Yupei, told Xinhua that the coral seedlings can grow by up to 15 centimeters annually, and that rare marine species such as sea turtles and giant clams have become more abundant in the restoration area. 
Iran's retaliatory strikes inflict multi-billion-shekel losses on Israel

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 August 2025 9:02 AM

Israeli officials have confirmed that Iran's retaliatory strikes on the Israeli entity during the 12-day war inflicted multi-billion-shekel losses on the regime, as more than 53,599 damage claims were filed.

The damage caused by Iran's attacks "reached record levels", the Ynet daily cited the Israel Tax Authority as saying.

According to the Israeli officials, a record 53,599 claims for direct damage were filed during just 12 days of war.

The losses came as the Weizmann Institute of Science, an institute with close links to the Israeli spy agency Mossad, sustained heavy damage, and many businesses were forced into long-term shutdowns.

Officials warned that total losses, including indirect damages such as business interruptions, will be much higher, highlighting the unprecedented heavy price Israel has paid for its aggression on the Islamic Republic.

"The direct damage is now estimated at no less than NIS 4 billion ($1.1 billion), and the indirect damage, which has yet to be calculated, will amount to several billion more," said Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich.

So far, the Property Tax Compensation Fund has disbursed NIS 1.6 billion ($430 million) for direct damages.

On June 13, Israel launched a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression against Iran, triggering a 12-day war that killed at least 1,064 people in the country, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary civilians.

The United States also entered the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in a grave violation of international law.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories as well as the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military base in West Asia.

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Iran to Europeans: You lack legal jurisdiction to trigger snapback

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 August 2025 7:51 AM

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected efforts by Britain, France, and Germanyknown as the E3to reinstate UN sanctions lifted under Resolution 2231 (2015), calling the move "invalid and ineffective."

In a letter to European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who coordinates the nuclear deal's Joint Commission, Araghchi stressed that Resolution 2231 "must expire according to its scheduled timeline on October 18, 2025."

"Attempts by the E3 to revive UN Security Council resolutions that were terminated under Resolution 2231 are invalid and ineffective," Araghchi wrote, a day after the E3 triggered the snapback mechanism, starting a 30-day window to potentially restore UN sanctions on Tehran.

He accused the European powers of lacking "legal jurisdiction to initiate the automatic restoration" of sanctions and said their actions ignored "essential facts and procedural history" of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran was the first party to activate the deal's dispute resolution mechanism after the U.S. withdrew in 2018, citing letters and Joint Commission meetings earlier that year.

He dismissed the E3's 2020 attempt to trigger the mechanism as "illegitimate," noting it was rejected by Iran, Russia, and China.

Highlighting the Europeans' failure to fulfil "eleven additional commitments" made to preserve the nuclear deal, Araghchi criticised the EU's financial mechanism INSTEX as "symbolic and ineffective."

He blamed the collapse of recent Vienna talks on "U.S. obstinacy, domestic political constraints, and the E3's insistence on linking talks to unrelated issues."

Araghchi condemned the EU's silence over recent U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, calling them "clear violations of the UN Charter and international law," and criticised European support for these actions.

Reaffirming Iran's "readiness to resume fair and balanced diplomatic negotiations," he urged the EU to avoid "selective interpretations" and work towards "genuine diplomacy and the preservation of multilateralism."

The letter was also sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and all Security Council members.

He blamed the collapse of recent Vienna talks on "US obstinacy, domestic political constraints, and the E3's insistence on linking talks to unrelated issues."

Araghchi condemned the EU's silence over recent US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, calling them "clear violations of the UN Charter and international law," and criticized European support for these actions.

Reaffirming Iran's "readiness to resume fair and balanced diplomatic negotiations," he urged the EU to avoid "selective interpretations" and work towards "genuine diplomacy and the preservation of multilateralism."

The letter was also sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and all Security Council members.

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Foreign Ministry statement on the United Kingdom, Germany, and France's unlawful actions to reinstate UN Security Council sanctions on Iran

29 August 2025 10:35

1395-29-08-2025

Despite Russia and China's vigorous efforts to create proper conditions for keeping up the substantive dialogue on settling the Iranian nuclear programme-related issues, including the two countries submitting a corresponding draft resolution to the UN Security Council, on August 28, the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Germany, and France sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council alleging significant non-compliance by the Iranian side with its obligations under the JCPOA.

This letter is presented as a notification provided for by paragraph 11 of UNSC Resolution 2231, which triggers a further chain of steps to reinstate long-abrogated UN sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran. In reality, it cannot be considered as such. We resolutely condemn these actions by the European countries and call on the international community to reject them. Such manipulations cannot entail any obligations for other states.

In fact, we are dealing with a brazen attempt by the European participants of the JCPOA to manipulate the provisions of UNSC Resolution 2231. Taking advantage of the fact that the mechanism for reinstating previous sanctions contained in this resolution referred to as the "snapback" is a unique and rather complex procedural construct with no precedent in international practice, the British and two other European countries have appropriated the right to interpret the application procedure as they see fit. However, the JCPOA and Resolution 2231 were built on carefully balanced interests, without which the agreements cease to function properly.

The above letter by high-ranking representatives of the British, German, and French authorities to the Panamanian UNSC presidency is part of a long-running campaign they have been conducting to mislead other states in order to legitimise their claims to use the snapback mechanism in order to settle political scores with Tehran. In reality, they have no legal grounds or procedural possibilities to do so.

The Russian side has circulated a detailed analysis at the UN explaining the flawed basis and invalidity of the European claims to the snapback. China has presented extensive arguments on this matter. This topic is not new. Following the United States, the British and the Euro duo have long embarked on the slippery path of a demonstrative refusal to implement Resolution 2231, depriving themselves of the opportunity to use the tools for disciplinary action contained within it. Berlin, London, and Paris not only agreed to comply with the illegal restrictions imposed by Washington on Tehran, but also adopted their own, including contrary to the arrival of the JCPOA Transition Day on October 18, 2023. As usual, they admit no guilt and place full responsibility for the actual collapse of the nuclear deal on Tehran.

The facts are that the Europeans cannot file a "complaint" with the UNSC under paragraph 11 of Resolution 2231, bypassing the stage of dispute resolution in the Joint Commission, as provided for by paragraph 36 of the JCPOA. Their assertions that they have taken all the necessary steps in this regard do not correspond to reality. The JCPOA Joint Commission has not convened to consider the European claims of January 14, 2020, and the dispute resolution mechanism provided for by paragraph 36 of the JCPOA has not been activated. This was explicitly stated, in particular, in the comments by the Russian Foreign Ministry on January 14 and January 24, 2020, which our European opponents prefer not to mention. Clarifications on this matter have been repeatedly provided by us during meetings dedicated to reviewing the UN Secretary-General's reports on the implementation of Resolution 2231. By continuing to promote their distorted version of events, the Europeans are once again committing a sin against the truth, apparently not fully realising that a letter to the UNSC bypassing the provisions of paragraph 36 of the JCPOA is in itself a violation of this resolution.

By concluding the JCPOA and honestly implementing it over several years, including during the year after the United States unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal, Iran answered all outstanding questions to it, for the clarification of which the agreements in question had been concluded. This is reflected in the corresponding IAEA decisions and reports, something that Europe prefers not to talk about today, just like it prefers not to mention the fact that the problems in implementing the JCPOA were created not by Iran, but by Western countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, which failed to reinstate the nuclear deal, even though the Iranian side was ready to do so in December 2022. We strongly believe that the disruption of the JCPOA's implementation through the fault of the Americans and Europeans cannot constitute grounds for imposing demands on Tehran under the previously abrogated sanctions, especially so since such demands have long lost their relevance.

The attempts by the United Kingdom, Germany, and France to activate the snapback mechanism are a serious destabilising factor that undermines efforts at various levels to find negotiated solutions that would eliminate any suspicions and prejudices regarding Iran's peaceful atom based on international law and with due regard for Tehran's legitimate interests. We consider it important to prevent another escalation around the Iranian nuclear programme, which, as the foreign aggression against Iran in June showed, will entail grave consequences for international peace and security.

By acting deliberately outside the legal framework and inciting other states to take the path of arbitrariness, the European JCPOA participants are only aggravating their position as violators, which is reprehensible and unacceptable. We urgently call on them to reconsider and revise their erroneous decisions before they lead to irreparable consequences and another tragedy. We are convinced that their confrontational policy towards Tehran has no prospects.

The primary objective today is to resume a constructive dialogue between the involved parties and to pursue a focused collective search for solutions that would help avert another crisis. The European countries still have a chance to make a constructive contribution to the common cause by supporting the Russian-Chinese draft UNSC resolution on a technical six-month delay in implementing the JCPOA and Resolution 2231. We hope they will use this opportunity, being fully aware of the measure of responsibility they bear for the consequences if they reject the path of diplomacy.

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Russia Strongly Condemns Decision of E3 to Reimpose Sanctions Against Iran

Sputnik News

20250829

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia strongly condemns the decision of the E3 nations - the UK, France and Germany - to reimpose sanctions on Iran, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

"We strongly condemn these actions by European countries and call on the international community to reject them... In fact, we are faced with an unceremonious attempt to manipulate the provisions of UN Security Council resolution 2231 by the European countries participating in the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action]," the statement said.

The E3 have no legal grounds for using the mechanism to reimpose sanctions against Iran, the ministry said.

"We consider it important to prevent a new escalation around the nuclear program of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which, as demonstrated by the foreign aggression against Iran in June this year, will have grave consequences for international peace and security," the statement said.

Russia also urges the E3 states to reconsider the decision before it leads to irreparable consequences, the ministry added.

On Thursday, the E3 formally notified Iran about the launch of a "snapback" mechanism for restoring UN sanctions against Tehran. At the same time, the Axios portal reported, citing an unnamed European diplomat, that the launch of the mechanism did not mean the end of diplomacy, and that the E3 would be ready to engage with Iran for several weeks until sanctions come into force.

 Sputnik

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Iran must take the necessary steps to address the international community's serious concerns over its nuclear programme: Joint statement on the decision to trigger the snapback mechanism to end sanctions relief against Iran

Speech

Joint statement delivered by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, on behalf of France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG OBE

Published 29 August 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 29 August 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Yesterday, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 2231, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and my own country, the United Kingdom, notified the Security Council that we believe Iran to be in significant non-performance of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Since 2019, Iran has increasingly and deliberately ceased performing almost all of its JCPoA commitments.

This includes the accumulation of a high enriched uranium stockpile which lacks any credible civilian justification.

In fact, according to the IAEA, Iran is the only country without nuclear weapons producing high enriched uranium.

Iran has stopped providing IAEA access agreed under the JCPoA.

Moreover, it has recently significantly reduced the access to nuclear material and sites it is obliged to provide under the NPT.

Despite this, France, Germany and the United Kingdom are making every effort to resolve this diplomatically.

Most recently, we offered Iran an extension to snapback should Iran take specific steps to address our most immediate concerns.

Our asks were fair and realistic: Iran's resumption of negotiations on a comprehensive agreement, Iran's compliance with its IAEA obligations, and steps to address our concerns regarding the high enriched uranium stockpile.

However, as of today, Iran has shown no indication that it is serious about meeting them.

It is not implementing its obligations to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

It has not reengaged in negotiations with the United States with a view to reaching an acceptable diplomatic resolution.

Our notification to the Security Council has now triggered a 30-day period.

It does not mark the end of diplomacy, our extension offer remains on the table.

We hope Iran will take the necessary steps to address the international community's serious concerns over its nuclear programme.

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.

Otherwise, targeted UN sanctions focused on tackling Iranian nuclear proliferation return at the end of this 30-day period.

We remain determined that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.

While we have been left with no choice but to take this course of action, we remain committed to diplomacy and to the peaceful resolution of threats to global peace and security.

There remains a clear diplomatic pathway forward, should Iran choose to take it.

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Turkey cuts all trade ties, closes airspace and ports to Israel over Gaza genocide

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 August 2025 7:18 PM

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Turkey is closing its airspace and ports to Israeli aircraft and ships, and severing all economic and trade ties with Israel over its genocidal war on Gaza.

Fidan made the remarks during an address to the parliament on Friday, where he was apparently summarizing steps that Turkey has already taken against Israel or has started to implement over the regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza, which has so far killed more than 63,025 Palestinians.

"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.

Clarifying the minister's remarks, a Turkish diplomatic source told AFP that Turkey's airspace was "closed to all aircraft carrying weapons (to Israel) and to Israel's official flights."

Last week, Reuters reported that Turkish port authorities had begun informally requiring shipping agents to submit letters confirming that vessels are not linked to Israel and are not carrying military or hazardous cargo bound for the occupying entity.

According to the report, Turkish-flagged ships would be barred from calling at ports in the occupied territories.

In his speech, Fidan said Israel is deliberately making Gaza uninhabitable "to force its people to leave." He also noted that the regime opposes the emergence of a "new and strong Syria", vowing that Ankara would not allow such a policy to continue.

Turkey has been a key backer of various militant groups opposing Syria's former President Bashar al-Assad in recent years, most notably the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which toppled Assad's government last December.

Ankara had already declared a halt to all trade with Israel and called for international measures against the regime.

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The 12th Japan-Australia Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations ("2+2") and Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers' Working Dinner

Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan

August 29, 2025

The 12th Japan-Australia Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations ("2+2") are scheduled to be held in Tokyo on September 5th. Attendees from the Japanese side will be Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. NAKATANI Gen, Minister of Defense of Japan, and attendees from the Australian side will be the Hon. Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia.

At this "2+2" meeting, Japan and Australiaspecial strategic partners with the will and capability to play a leading role in realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" and the central pillar of the coordination among like-minded countrieswill discuss further strengthening security and defense cooperation, looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia next year. Furthermore, amid an increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan, they will also discuss the regional strategic environment. On the same day, a working dinner between Foreign Minister IWAYA and Foreign Minister Wong is scheduled, where they will discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.

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Japan-Serbia Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan

August 29, 2025

On August 29, commencing at 11:20 a.m. Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Foreign Ministers' meeting with H.E. Mr. Marko DJURIC, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, who is visiting Japan, for approximately 40 minutes. The overview of the meeting is as follows:

At the outset, Minister IWAYA welcomed Minister Djuric's visit to Japan, and stated that year 2027 marks the 145th anniversary of Japan-Serbia friendship, and expressed his desire to collaborate toward the success of the "GREENEXPO" to be held in Yokohama and the EXPO 2027 Belgrade to be held in Serbia in the same year. Minister IWAYA also touched on the increase of Japanese companies expanding into Serbia and expressed his expectation for strengthening economic relations, while also stating his intention to continue supporting Serbia's EU accession process under the "Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative". In response, Minister Djuric expressed his gratitude for Japan's support so far, and stated his desire to promote cooperation with Japan across various fields, including economic relations. Furthermore, both Ministers concurred to further advance bilateral relations in wide range of fields and continue cooperation in the international arena. In addition, the two Ministers exchanged views on regional and international situations including Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and East Asia such as the response to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue, and confirmed that the two countries will continue to engage in close dialogue.

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Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question regarding the US-Japanese military exercises Resolute Dragon 25

29 August 2025 18:13

1400-29-08-2025

Question: Foreign media has reported that a battery of the Typhon ground-based missile system capable of launching intermediate- and shorter-range missiles (INF) is supposed to be stationed at the Iwakuni US military base during the Resolute Dragon 25 US-Japanese military exercises scheduled for September 11-25. How can Russian Foreign Ministry assess this step?

Maria Zakharova: We regard this as yet another destabilising step in line with the Washington's course for building up the land-based INF potential for forward deployment of the relevant systems in various regions of the world.

In this regard we wish to remind everybody about the Foreign Ministry statement published on August 4 regarding the moratorium on deploying land-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles. The statement expounds our assessments of the negative situation in the post-INF sphere and accentuates the strategic risks appearing as a result of relevant provocative actions on the part of the "collective West."

The establishment and buildup of destabilising missile potentials in the regions adjacent to Russia create a direct threat of strategic nature to our country's security. Such developments are fraught with considerable harmful effects for regional and global stability, including a dangerous escalation of tensions between the nuclear powers.

As for Japan, we can see Tokyo consistently heading for accelerated militarisation, including by expanding training activities and military-technical cooperation with Washington.

We have warned the Japanese side on many occasions on the unacceptability of provocative military activities close to Russian borders in the Far East. We especially warned Tokyo against lending its territory for the forward deployment of US land-based intermediate- and shorter-range missile systems regardless of the duration of their deployment (be it on occasional, rotational or permanent basis) and the relevant arguments. We regard such steps as intentionally hostile and ignoring the national interests of the Russian Federation. Therefore, we will have to take the necessary compensatory military-technical measures.

We are calling on the Japanese government to revise the decision on stationing Typhons. Otherwise, we will deem the Japanese side to be entirely responsible for further deterioration of the situation in the region.

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Telephone Call between the Prime Minister and President Erdogan

Prime Miinister's Office - Islamic Republic of Pakistan

August 28, 2025

Lahore : 28 August, 2025

Telephone Call between the Prime Minister and President Erdogan

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call earlier today from His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkiye. President Erdogan offered his sincere condolences on the ongoing floods across various parts of Pakistan.

The Turkish President also expressed his country's solidarity with the people of Pakistan, over the loss of precious lives and property, on account of the devastating floods and offered any assistance that may be required by Pakistan. In this regard, he said that Turkiye stood ready to help in any way possible, including during the rescue and relief efforts.

While thanking the Turkish President for his kind and thoughtful sentiments at this difficult time, as well as for his most generous offer of assistance, the Prime Minister said that this telephone call was reflective of the strong, deep rooted, fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye. The two sides had always stood by each other, during challenging times in their history of the most warm and fraternal ties.

Both leaders also recalled their recent interactions earlier this year and looked forward to their upcoming meeting, on the margins of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China.

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HANOI, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Saturday presided over a ceremony in the capital Hanoi to officially appoint Le Hoai Trung as acting minister of foreign affairs, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Trung was transferred from his post as chief of the Party Central Committee's Office to assume responsibilities at the foreign ministry, the report added. 
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff, visited flood affected areas of Punjab including Sialkot Sector, Shakargarh, Narowal and Kartarpur.

Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan

Rawalpindi - August 29, 2025

No PR-268/2025-ISPR

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff, visited flood affected areas of Punjab including Sialkot Sector, Shakargarh, Narowal and Kartarpur. The visit was aimed to review the flood situation and the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. COAS was given a comprehensive brief on the prevailing situation and the preparations for the next spell of rains. COAS appreciated the troops and the civil administration for their coordinated and untiring efforts in rescuing and providing relief to the masses in affected areas.

COAS also interacted with the affected Sikh community of the area and assured the community that all religious sites affected during floods, including Durbar Sahib Kartarpur, will be completely revived to their original condition at priority. He reiterated that it is the responsibility of the state and its institutions to protect the minorities and their religious sites and the state of Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to uphold its responsibility towards the minorities. The Sikh Community welcomed the arrival of COAS with warmth at the flood affected areas of Sialkot Sector. The Sikh Community thanked the Army Chief for the services being extended by the civil administration and the Army during the calamity. COAS also undertook the aerial flyover of Durbar Sahib Kartarpur.

During interaction with representatives of civil administration, COAS appreciated the proactive response which helped minimise the loss of lives and property.

While interacting with troops, the COAS commended their high morale, operational readiness, and commitment for serving the nation. He appreciated their services for the people during rescue and relief operations under challenging circumstances.

Upon his arrival, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was received by Corps Commander Gujranwala.

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Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council

Vladimir Putin held a briefing session with permanent members of the Security Council, via videoconference.

August 29, 2025

14:20

The Kremlin, Moscow

Attending the meeting were Speaker of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Defence Andrei Belousov, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov, and Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin.

* * *

Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues.

Today we will focus on one of the key priorities of our policy: our work in the CIS region. We will discuss cooperation with a number of CIS countries, highlight the issues of greatest importance for us in this sphere, and outline what we consider to be our immediate steps and objectives moving forward.

Now I give the floor to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. After that, each of us will have the opportunity to speak in turn.

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Closure of Polish Consulate General in Kaliningrad

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

29.08.2025

The Polish Consulate General in Kaliningrad (renamed Krolewiec in Polish) has closed its operations. On 26 August, Consul Janusz Jabonski ceremonially handed over to Ambassador to the Russian Federation Krzysztof Krajewski the Polish national emblem, a plaque with the name of the consular post, and the flags of the Republic of Poland and the European Union.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Krzysztof Krajewski expressed regret over the unjustified decision of Russian Federation authorities to revoke their consent to the consulate's operations. He provided a brief historical overview of how the Polish consular post functioned in East Prussia and in modern-day Russia. The Ambassador expressed hope that Poland's diplomatic presence in Kaliningrad will be restored and that history will sharply assess the actions of the current Russian authorities, who are responsible for aggression against a sovereign state and bringing a sad fate upon their nation, which has given the world a great many artists.

Ambassador Krajewski thanked the Compatriots for their sympathy and preservation of Polish traditions, and declared that the Polish Embassy in Moscow will not leave the Polish community in Russia without support and assistance. He made an appeal for protecting the sites of the Polish nation's martyrdom and those related to the Holocaust, calling for mutual respect, good will, tolerance, and understanding.

Ambassador Krajewski ended his remarks with the following words: "Long live Poland! Long live a free Poland! Long live the Polish Nation! Long live faith in the wellbeing and future of our nation!"

The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Moscow and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Irkutsk continue to operate in the Russian Federation.

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Russia Rolls Out Engine Offer Ahead of SCO Summit in China

Sputnik News

20250829

Russian President Vladimir Putin will bring a "gift" to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Chinaan agreement to supply Russian aircraft engines, Chinese outlet Sohu reports.

The "gift" refers to a statement by Rostec head Sergey Chemezov, who last week said Russia was ready to supply China with PD-14, PD-8, and the next-generation PD-35 aircraft engines if such a request is made.

This seemingly "routine" announcement was no coincidence, the outlet notesit directly touches on issues surrounding China's C919 passenger jet.

Back in May, the New York Post reported that in response to China's export restrictions, the US had suspended sales of critical American technologies to the Asian giant, including those tied to the C919's development. China's homegrown C919 airliner is anticipated to be a strong new competitor to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, two of the world's best-selling passenger jet aircraft.

The SCO summit in Tianjin, China, scheduled for August 31-September 1, will be the largest since the organization's founding. Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to China for the summit from August 31 to September 3.

 Sputnik

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Amended cyber security law tightens supervision, raises breach fines

ROC Central News Agency

08/29/2025 09:30 PM

Taipei, Aug. 29 (CNA) The Legislature on Friday passed amendments to the Cyber Security Management Act, imposing restrictions on the use of products deemed a threat to national security and raising the maximum fine for failing to report certain cyber security breaches.

The amendments designate the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) as the lead agency responsible for implementing the law, replacing the Executive Yuan, which first proposed the bill last year.

Under the changes, government agencies are prohibited from downloading, installing, or using products that could endanger national security, unless specifically approved by the relevant authorities. Such products are defined as those supplied by "enemy forces" or groups they control under the National Security Act and the Anti-Infiltration Act.

All central government agencies, including the Presidential Office and the five branches of government -- the Legislative Yuan, Executive Yuan, Control Yuan, Examination Yuan and Judicial Yuan -- must file cybersecurity plans with MODA. County and city governments must also submit their own plans and oversee the cybersecurity of their subordinate agencies.

Meanwhile, the fine for designated non-government organizations that fail to report cybersecurity incidents has been increased to NT$10 million (US$327,000), up from the previous NT$300,000-NT$5 million.

The organizations covered include state-owned enterprises, telecom providers and other infrastructure operators, and legal entities established or funded by the government, such as the National Performing Arts Center.

The amendments also authorize central government agencies overseeing these organizations to investigate cyber security incidents.

(By Kuo Chien-sheng and Kay Liu)

Enditem/kb

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Visiting U.S. senators caution against China-led 'axis of aggression'

ROC Central News Agency

08/29/2025 08:17 PM

Taipei, Aug. 29 (CNA) Two visiting U.S. senators on Friday pledged to strengthen deterrence against what they described as the "axis of aggression" led by China, in a rare news conference held in Taiwan's Presidential Office in Taipei.

"There is an axis of aggression that threatens the freedom of many people around the world," Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), who chairs the Senate Committee on Armed Services, said shortly after a meeting with President Lai Ching-te ().

He was specifically referring to China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, whose leaders are reportedly gathering in Beijing next week for a military parade marking the end of World War II after Japan's surrender.

Wicker emphasized the need for the United States and its allies to build up deterrence against China, which he described as "the pacing threat," arguing that the Washington-led camp "are faced with the most dangerous security moment since World War II."

"War has come when we let our guard down, when we thought that peace would always remain, and [when] we did not pay attention to mounting threats," he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), who sits on the same committee, said that both Washington and Taipei must "invest wisely to strengthen deterrence and to ensure that our defenses are prepared for the threats of tomorrow."

Neither Wicker nor Fischer specified what sort of efforts are needed to more effectively deter China, other than citing enhanced cooperation between the militaries and defense industries.

"The importance of deterrence is to be able to have friends, partners [and] allies around the world who work together" to take on "aggressive [and] belligerent" nations, Fischer said.

"A stronger Taiwan means a stronger United States, and vice versa," she added, calling Beijing's increasing military threats and political pressure on Taiwan "unacceptable."

The two senators, who arrived in Taiwan earlier Friday for a two-day trip, did not disclose details of their meeting with Lai, saying only that the conversation was "meaningful" and "productive."

Their Taiwan visit is part of a broader trip that also included stops in Hawaii, Guam, Palau and the Philippines.

During the meeting, Lai stressed his administration's commitment to strengthening asymmetric capabilities through arms purchase from the U.S., and defense programs developed by Taiwan, while calling for joint R&D projects given the huge military gaps across the Taiwan Strait.

China's state media reported that the country's defense budget this year was an estimated US$249 billion, more than 10 times Taiwan's.

Despite that, Lai said Taiwanese people remain determined to safeguard the country. "We will not allow any encroachment on or annexation of our sovereignty," he said.

(By Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/AW

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MND submits PLA report, details possible scenarios for Taiwan campaign

ROC Central News Agency

08/29/2025 06:15 PM

Taipei, Aug. 29 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Friday submitted its 2025 report on the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to the Legislative Yuan, outlining possible scenarios China may adopt in launching a campaign against Taiwan.

The report said China has stepped up military pressure in recent years by deploying aircraft and warships for patrols around Taiwan, staging drone incursions and holding targeted exercises to demonstrate its ability to strike the island.

It added that China also used "gray zone" tactics to blur battlefield boundaries and shorten response times, while sending carrier strike groups into the Western Pacific to showcase its anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities.

China's posture is designed to maintain deterrence and create a wartime-ready atmosphere, the MND said.

On the possible timing of an attack, the ministry noted that under Article 8 of China's Anti-Secession Law, Beijing could use "non-peaceful means" if Taiwan independence forces cause separation, a major incident threatens a split, or peaceful unification is deemed impossible.

By comparison, the U.S. Department of Defense's 2024 China Military Power Report outlined six potential triggers: a formal independence declaration, other pro-independence actions, unrest in Taiwan, nuclear weapons acquisition, stalled reunification talks, or foreign military intervention.

In its report, the MND outlined four possible scenarios in which the PLA could escalate from training to actual combat.

These include holding targeted drills near Taiwan and its outlying islands, even in restricted waters within 24 nautical miles; carrying out regular patrols, long-range deployments and joint air-sea drills between the first and second island chains to simulate strikes on Taiwan's military and infrastructure; declaring no-sail zones for live-fire or blockade exercises; and deploying coast guard and militia vessels to board, seize or obstruct ships near Taiwan's ports.

The report also highlighted China's goal of modernizing its armed forces by 2035, including developing a sixth-generation fighter jet, while leveraging its Belt and Road Initiative to deepen ties with Indo-Pacific countries, counter the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific strategy and push Taiwan's international isolation.

Along with the PLA report, the ministry submitted its 2026 defense budget and five-year defense plan to the Legislature.

(By Matt Yu and Ko Lin)

Enditem/kb

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China expresses strong dissatisfaction over US senator's visit to Taiwan region: FM spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 29, 2025 05:15 PM

In response to an inquiry about a US senator visiting Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the US and Taiwan. He stressed that the US lawmaker's visit seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and sends a gravely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. China expresses strong dissatisfaction over this, Guo said.

US Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, visited the Taiwan island on Friday, according to Reuters.

Guo reiterated that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. He urged the US to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, stop interfering in China's internal affairs under any pretext, cease condoning and supporting "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, end official US-Taiwan interactions, and refrain from creating tensions in the Taiwan Straits.

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FM opposes visit by Taiwan's head of foreign affairs department to Philippines, lodges serious protests both in Beijing and Manila

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 29, 2025 08:43 PM

In response to a question about 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 Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday 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.

China firmly opposes this and has lodged serious protests with the Philippines both in Beijing and Manila, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that China urges the Philippines to abide by the one-China principle and the joint communique on establishing diplomatic ties between China and the Philippines, 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 Foreign Ministry spokesperson added.

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DFA Statement on One China Policy

Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs

MANILA 29 August 2025 -- The 1975 Joint Communique between the Republic of the Philippines and the People's Republic of China remains a cornerstone of our longstanding bilateral relationship.

In line with the One China Policy, which the Philippines has consistently upheld, the Government of the Philippines does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. This policy is clear and unwavering.

At the same time, the Philippines maintains economic and people-to-people engagements with Taiwan, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and tourism. These interactions are conducted within the bounds of our One China Policy.

Consistent with the Philippines' One China Policy, no official from Taiwan is recognized as a member of the business delegation that recently visited the Philippines.

Given our geographical proximity and the presence of approximately 200,000 Filipinos working and residing in Taiwan, the Philippines has a direct interest in peace and stability in the region. We therefore continue to call for restraint and dialogue.

We leave it to the Chinese people to resolve Cross-Strait matters. END



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Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who is in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, on Aug. 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

TIANJIN, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Cai Qi on Saturday met with Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Madbouly, who is here to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025.

Noting that the two countries will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations next year, Cai, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, said that China will continue to work with Egypt to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen mutual support, and promote greater development in their cooperation across various fields.

Pledging firm adherence to the one-China principle and support for the three global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Madbouly said Egypt is willing to deepen the practical cooperation between the two sides and elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level. 

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who is in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, on Aug. 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)
DFA reiterates: PH 'clear, unwavering' on One China Policy

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

August 29, 2025, 3:41 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine government is "clear and unwavering" in its One China Policy, which recognizes the People's Republic of China as the only Chinese sovereign state, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated on Friday.

"The 1975 Joint Communique between the Republic of the Philippines and the People's Republic of China remains a cornerstone of our longstanding bilateral relationship," it said in a statement.

"In line with the One China Policy, which the Philippines has consistently upheld, the Government of the Philippines does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. This policy is clear and unwavering," it added.

DFA issued the latest reiteration following reports of Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung visiting the country, a trip criticized by Beijing.

The official was reportedly part of a business delegation headed by Lotta Danielson, the executive vice president of the US-Taiwan Business Council.

"[N]o official from Taiwan is recognized as a member of the business delegation," the DFA further said.

Following the signing of the communique in June 1979, the Philippines acknowledged Taiwan as an integral part of Chinese territory and removed all its official representations on the island.

Despite this, the Philippines maintains economic and people-to-people engagements with Taiwan, particularly in trade, investment, and tourisminteractions it said are "conducted within the bounds" of the Philippines' One China Policy.

Meanwhile, the agency also renewed calls for restraint and dialogue as it continues to monitor cross-Strait developments.

"Given our geographical proximity and the presence of approximately 200,000 Filipinos working and residing in Taiwan, the Philippines has a direct interest in peace and stability in the region," it said.

"We therefore continue to call for restraint and dialogue. We leave it to the Chinese people to resolve Cross-Strait matters," it added. (PNA)

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on the Philippines Allowing the Visit by Head of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Taiwan Authorities

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: August 29, 2025 20:05

Q: 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. What's China's comment?

A: 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. 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. China urges the Philippines to abide by the one-China principle and the joint communique on establishing diplomatic ties between China and the Philippines, 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.

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Asia-Pacific 'a place for cooperation, not a chessboard for geopolitical games': FM on British carrier docking in Japan

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 29, 2025 04:56 PM

In response to a question about British Navy aircraft carrier being docked in Japan on Thursday after previously conducting joint exercises with Japan and other countries in the Western Pacific, and the UK saying the port call was meant to demonstrate its continued attention and commitment to the security and prosperity of the so-called "Indo-Pacific region," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that the Asia-Pacific is a place for cooperation and development, not a chessboard for geopolitical games.

HMS Prince of Wales, the flagship of a carrier strike group, arrived at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal on Thursday, Japanese media NHK reported. It had participated in joint drills with Japan and other countries in the West Pacific in early August, according to the media report.

The commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, Commodore James Blackmore, described the port call as "a phenomenal opportunity for the United Kingdom to really demonstrate its commitment to the Indo-Pacific," NHK said.

Peaceful development and win-win cooperation are the shared aspirations of people in the region. We hope relevant countries will work together with regional countries to do more that genuinely helps build trust and cooperation and promotes peace and stability, Guo said.

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SSU and National Police uncover another 12 organizers of mobilization evasion schemes in several regions of Ukraine

Security Service of Ukraine

13:00, 27 August 2025

The SSU Military Counterintelligence and the National Police have dismantled new schemes for evading mobilization and detained 12 organizers of such schemes.

For money, they smuggled conscripts abroad outside of checkpoints or provided fake documents to remove the men from military registration.

In Volyn, a conductor on one of the international trains was detained. Together with his accomplice, he hid conscripts in passenger cars.

In this way, the evaders hoped to 'slip through' border control and leave Ukraine.

In Kyiv, a 33-year-old unemployed man was detained for setting up a clandestine printing shop at home, where he produced certificates of 'poor' health and sold them to conscripts.

Another Kyiv resident was detained for organizing a 'transfer' of draft dodgers to Odesa region, from where they were to be taken along forest paths to unrecognized Transnistria.

In Vinnytsia, a 51-year-old businessman was detained. Through his relative in the Territorial Recruitment Center, he 'removed' conscripts from military registration on the basis of fictitious diagnoses.

In Rivne region, the law enforcement uncovered a 20-year-old local who had set up an escape route for draft dodgers to the EU outside border crossing points.

In Lviv, two more individuals were detained. With the help of an accomplice in the Territorial Recruitment Center, they unlawfully 'removed' draft dodgers from military registration records, supposedly due to health reasons.

In Bukovyna, a 53-year-old perpetrator was detained for 'advising' men of draft age on ways to escape through wooded areas to a neighbouring EU country.

In Odesa, two local residents were detained for attempting to find 'gaps' in the state border in order to illegally transport conscripts outside Ukraine.

In Kirovohrad, a 48-year-old woman was apprehended. Having the second group of disability, she married draft dodgers for money and left the country with them. Then she left them abroad, returned to Ukraine and looked for new 'clients'. The cost of the 'service' was USD 10,000.

The detained individuals have been notified of suspicion under several Articles of the CCU, according to the offences committed:

332.3 (illegal transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine);

369-2.3 (abuse of influence);

369.3 (offering, promising or providing unlawful benefits to an official, committed upon prior conspiracy, by a group).

The suspects are in custody and face up to 10 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operations were carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor's Offices.

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Following SSU investigation, traitor who prepared second russian attack on Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant sentenced to 15 years in prison

Security Service of Ukraine

17:00, 27 August 2025

Based on evidence collected by the Security Service, another enemy agent, who operated in Zaporizhzhia, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property. On orders of russia's federal security service, he was preparing a repeat attack by russia on the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant.

To this end, the perpetrator recorded the consequences of enemy strikes after the ruscists' combined attack on the energy infrastructure in March 2024.

He paid particular attention to the damaged facilities of the Dnipro HPP, which he photographed and sent to his handler along with their coordinates.

The occupiers planned to use this intelligence to prepare further attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, including the local HPP.

The SSU Counterintelligence detained the enemy's accomplice last summer.

According to the investigation, the agent was a local unemployed man who came to the FSB's attention because of his anti-Ukrainian statements on social media.

An FSB employee contacted him via messenger and offered him money in exchange for cooperation. After receiving the instructions, the asset first reconnoitered the locations of the Defence Forces in Zaporizhzhia and its suburbs.

He was then tasked with conducting further reconnaissance near the city's energy facilities that had been attacked by the russians.

During the search, the investigators seized a smartphone that contained the traitor's texting with the FSB, spy photos and videos of the facilities.

Based on the evidence, the court found the accused guilty under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law).

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Offices in Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions under the procedural supervision of Zaporizhzhia Region Prosecutor's Office.

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Military support to Ukraine set the agenda for the EU Defence Ministers' Meeting in Copenhagen

Danish Ministry of Defence

Support for Ukraine, defence readiness and EU's missions and operations topped the agenda as Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen hosted the EU Defence Ministers' Meeting in Copenhagen today. NATO's Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska also took part in the meeting.

August 29, 2025 - 16:41

EU's military support to Ukraine and the strengthening of Europe's defence readiness were among the key topics when European defence ministers met today at Forum in Copenhagen. Both are vital to European security and remain at the core of the Danish Presidency's priorities.

"In light of the current security situation, it is essential to demonstrate that we stand united with Ukraine in the fight for Europe's freedom. Denmark is already at the forefront of supporting Ukraine with substantial donations - and by taking leadership, for example through the Danish model. But Europe as a whole must do more. Any hesitation and wavering will only strengthen Russia's hands," says Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen.

The meeting also addressed how the EU can continue to reinforce Ukraine's armed forces, but also on how Europe can learn from Ukraine's experience in building Europe's own defences. This includes ensuring that the EU quickly and effectively implements the ambitions and objectives of the White Paper on European Defence Readiness, with the goal of ensuring that Europe will be able to defend itself by 2030.

"It is against a tragic backdrop that Ukrainians, with remarkable speed and strong innovative capacity, have managed to scale up their defence production. Denmark and Ukraine have already signed an agreement to support the establishment of Ukrainian defence companies in Denmark. But across Europe, we can learn much more from Ukraine, as we develop stronger European defences," says Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen.

In addition, discussions also addressed how the EU can address the most critical capability gaps in Europe. Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen underlined that Denmark, in its capacity as Presidency, is ready to assume a coordinating and leading role in this effort.

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Ukraine - Patriot Air Defense System Sustainment

NEWS | Aug. 29, 2025

Media/Public Contact: T_Outreach_PM@state.gov

Transmittal No. 25-69

WASHINGTON, August 29, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine of Patriot Air Defense System Sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of $179.1 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.

The Government of Ukraine has requested to buy equipment and services to support sustainment of its Patriot air defense systems. The following non-MDE items will be included: classified and unclassified spare parts; maintenance support; classified and unclassified software and software updates; system modifications and associated modification kits; test equipment; communication equipment and associated accessories; integration services; repair and return; storage; tooling; Field Surveillance Program; International Engineering Services Program; maintenance support equipment; U.S. Government and contractor representative technical assistance; training; engineering and logistics support services; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; classified software; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $179.1 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.

The proposed sale will improve Ukraine's ability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions with a more robust air defense capability. 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.

The principal contractors will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA; and Lockheed Martin, located in Bethesda, MD. 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 require approximately five U.S. Government and fifteen contractor representatives to travel to the United States European Command to support training and periodic meetings.

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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Ukraine/Russia: Statement by the High Representative on the latest Russian attacks against Ukraine

European External Action Service (EEAS)

29.08.2025

Brussels, Belgium

EEAS Press Team

This statement is supported by 26 EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden). The United Kingdom also associates itself to this statement.

On 27 August, Russia launched yet another large-scale attack on Kyiv and many other Ukrainian cities killing at least twenty-three civilians including four children and injuring many more. We extend our condolences, stand in solidarity with all Ukrainians and strongly condemn Russia's ongoing assaults on civilians and civilian infrastructure, which are a deliberate escalation and undermine efforts toward peace.

The attack also caused serious damage to the buildings of the Delegation of the European Union in Kyiv, once again demonstrating the reckless nature of Russia's attacks and its disregard for international law. Endangering the lives of diplomats and diplomatic personnel is a clear violation of the Vienna convention on Diplomatic Relations. The British Council building in Kyiv was also extensively damaged, and a security guard injured.

Intentional attacks against civilians and non-military objectives are war crimes. All commanders, perpetrators and accomplices of these grave violations of international humanitarian law shall be held to account.

These crimes only reinforce our determination and resolve to support Ukraine and its people in their defence against Russia and their pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. The EU will continue and increase its comprehensive support to Ukraine on all strands, including by accelerating work on the 19th package of sanctions.

Since March 2025, Ukraine has been committed to a full and unconditional ceasefire and repeatedly, expressed readiness for peace while Russia has escalated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

We will continue working with international partners including the US in order to end Russia's war of aggression with a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

Russia must stop the killing and show genuine willingness for peace.

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Gymnich: press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas after the meeting

European External Action Service (EEAS)

29.08.2025

Copenhagen

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Good afternoon, everybody. Glad to see so many of you here.

We just concluded a productive meeting with European defence ministers. Thank you, Troels, once again, for hosting us here in Copenhagen.

We had three main issues today on the agenda. First, the defence of Ukraine. Second, European defence readiness. And third, EU military missions and operations.

So first, Ukraine. The past weeks, we have seen diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war. It is clear that Europe wants peace. America wants peace. Ukraine wants peace. Who does not want peace is Russia.

It is clear, because Russia responds to these peace efforts with missile attacks. Wednesday's attack on Kyiv shows how deliberate the choice of Russia is to escalate and also mock the peace efforts. President Zelenskyy has clearly expressed already several months ago to be ready for the talks. But Putin is stalling by any means possible, and therefore Ukraine needs to be supported by military aims. This remains crucial.

The EU and our Member States have already provided over 63 billion in military support to Ukraine since the war began, and in 2025 25 billion. I welcome that several EU Member States have made new pledges just in the last days - aid to Ukraine saves lives.

We must continue to step up. The European Peace Facility can provide funding to support this effort. It can reimburse Member States for weapons purchased for Ukraine, including for supporting NATO's PURL initiatives, so the continued blocking of the EPF is not justified. Resolving this swiftly is important for the work between Europe and also United States to support Ukraine. And bilateral issues must not block the aid.

Today, Ministers also discussed the European Union's role in security guarantees, and it is clear that Europe will fully pay its part. I welcome that there is a broad support today to expand our EUMAM, military mission [in Ukraine], mandate to provide training and advice inside Ukraine after any truce.

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. This could include placing EU trainers in Ukraine and military academies and institutions. In parallel, our civilian mission can strengthen Ukraine's resilience against Russian hybrid attacks. We can also do more for Ukraine's defence industry, but they really learn on the battlefield can be also turned into the strength of Europe.

We are already the biggest investor in Ukraine defence industry, and we can help Ukraine open production lines here in Europe and encourage greater European investment also in Ukraine. Denmark has a leading way here, really commend you on that.

Going forward, we will closely coordinate with the Coalition of the Willing. Ministers were clear that the security guarantees for Ukraine must be robust and credible. 2022 must not be allowed to repeat.

Then, European-owned defence. At the June European Council, leaders agreed to increase defence spending and invest better together. EU Member States identified nine priority areas, such as air and missile defence, drones, and ammunition. Today, Ministers discussed ways to close the most urgent capability gaps, and mostly, to do it jointly, to do it together. And to be more effective.

We are identifying lead nations for each area by October's European Council, alongside with the roadmap for defence with clear objectives and milestones.

Europe is spending record sums on defence - cash matters, but only if it delivers real capabilities, and only if we do it together.

Finally, on European Union, military missions and operations, over 5000 European personnel serve worldwide today. They maintain security and safety in the Balkans, protect shipping in the Red Sea, and also combat piracy in the Indian Ocean. These missions are vital to global security.

Today, Ministers discussed the ways to ensure these missions better support European Union geopolitical interests. Where we can have most effect, where we cannot. How we should make those operations really work together with the partner countries to address their needs, so that we are able to review the mandates, if necessary, and also to review the impact for the times to come.

Many important topics, and it was a really good discussion. Thank you, and I am ready to take your questions.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-275993

Q&A.

Q. We have just received information that Israelis are declaring Gaza a combat zone and suspending all the pauses humanitarian policies agreed so far. I would like you to give us a reaction, because it may impact the discussions tomorrow. And secondly, this is for both of you. When you say that the EPF can also be used for the PURL initiative, so priority purchases for US man-made arms for Ukraine. Do you hope that this is going to spin the story in a way that perhaps a certain Member State will finally deblock something that has been blocking for ages now? Thank you.

Thank you.

I must say that we had the meetings all day without the phones, so I actually received this information also just seconds ago before coming here. I am not ready to comment on this. It is certainly not making things any easier or better, but I will also look into this.

Now, when it comes to the PURL initiative, then it is true that in the EPF, we have 6.6 billion blocked, and we have offered to our Hungarian colleagues different ways out, opt out, like they have in NATO also. Different possibilities that are not part of the legal aid or anything of a sort. But it has not been, we have not been, effective so far. Now we have the PURL initiative, which means that buying weapons from America, if we could unblock this 6.6 billion, as also our different colleagues are very often also Hungarian colleagues, referring to President Trump's efforts - this is exactly what is it for. So, if we could unblock by this, and the 6.6 billion could be used in the PURL initiative, then it could definitely make a difference. And all the countries today were raising this issue of unblocking. You do not have to be part of it, but let others then do it.

Q. I have been looking at something called the Baltic defence line, a huge project being made in the Baltic countries, defending them against the possible Russian aggression. They are cash strapped. They are looking for extra funding. They are asking the EU for support and funding. Will they get that?

Well, there are several, several points here. First, what we discussed today is also the joint projects and where Member States can come in, because the Baltic countries also, border countries, were raising that they are sort of the gatekeepers of Russia. And that is why it is in everybody's interest to invest in that. Now we have also the European budget. The Commission has proposed this project, but this will be under discussions, first in the Council, but at the same time in the European Parliament. So yes, there should be more funding, as it is definitely a gatekeeping to keep Russia away, but eventually, it is upon the decision makers to decide how to allocate resources. This proposal is there.

Q. You spoke about potential EU trainers on the ground in Ukraine. Can you just clarify you made a change of mandate after a potential ceasefire, and can you tell us, do you think this is in any way realistic? You said there is broad support. What does that mean? I believe you would need unanimity for this. You just released a statement with only 26 countries just basically condemning those Russian attacks which damaged the EU mission. If you can't even get 27 countries on a basic statement like that, can you ever imagine getting agreement unanimously on something like a change of the mandate for EU trainers on the ground?

Well, when we are 27 and 26 are on board, then it is a broad support. I can say that it is a broad support. But yes, the discussion that we had was about the change of mandate. It is a bit also chicken and egg issues. Like you say, it is true that we are talking about changing the mandate or training on Ukrainian soil if there's ceasefire. So some are saying that we should do it after, but we can also do it conditionally, so that, we agree already how we change the mandate, so that it would be conditional when the ceasefire or truce enters into force when it is actually needed. Now, what we have to keep in mind is that there is a Coalition of the Willing for the security guarantees. There is a discussion with the Americans about their backstop. Americans have been very clear. Europeans have to be leading here. So again, we need to show how we are taking responsibility for certain tracks and training is has been on Europe, and we are ready to do it on Ukraine and soil once there is a truce. And then, this is also one argument to our friends who are saying that that truce is important, peace is important, but it can only be just and lasting if there are credible security guarantees. And one of the elements of the credible security guarantees is the EU training the military mission as well as the civilian mission.

Q. You mentioned that the EU is the largest investor in Ukrainian defence. I would like to know among whom? If the attack is coming from the east, and then from the west the United States spoke about decreasing their support to Ukraine, giving the leading position, as you just mentioned, to the EU. My other question is that, do you look at this announcement from the United States of America to give the European the leading role here, especially when it comes to the Russian Ukrainian conflict positively or how do you perceive this?

First on the Ukraine defence industry. I was saying that Europe has been the main investor in Ukraine defence industry, and one of the ideas is to also bring this industry to Europe, which means creating jobs here in Europe as well. It is clear that we need all to invest more in defence. Ukraine has all the lessons learned from the actual combat; what is needed, what works, what does not. So it is also in the benefit of European Union to have it in in in Europe.

Now, to your other question. America has been very clear that in this war, Europe has to be the one who is doing the most. We are giving the most military support to Ukraine. We have already done that. But when we talk about security guarantees, then they have been very clear that they are discussing, and are able to provide the backstop, if Europeans take the majority or, like they say, the lion's share. That is the message to us, and that is what we are discussing, that we are able to fulfill. To have them on board, then we also need to show that we are doing much. Am I happy or not? I would say that I would be so happy if this war would be over.

Q. There have been three missile attacks against the Druzhba crude oil pipeline, which supports at least two European Member States. And in January, the European Commission pledged in writing that it would take actions against attacks like this, but recently, there is not too much what we can see. Why does the Commission not see it as a direct threat against European Union Member States and the critical infrastructure?

Of course, what we what we have to keep in mind is that one of the places where the Russians get most resources to wage this war is oil, gas, fossil fuels. So therefore, the Commission has proposed a roadmap to really get rid of the Russian fossil fuels, because it is a bit contradictory that we try to stop this war but at the same time, we are the main buyers, as European countries, of the fossil fuels that actually fuel this war. This is, in the end, the target, the goal of the European Union to get rid of the Russian fossil fuels. Of course, any attacks on European soil, we always condemn. Thank you.

Q. Copenhagen is going to offer safe haven to Ukrainian defence companies. I was wondering what kind of weapons were going are going to be produced here in Denmark. Also, if any other European countries have raised their hand and offered to also offer similar safe haven to Ukrainian defense companies.

On the other question, many countries have indicated that they are interested in investments to the defence industry, bringing the defence industry to their soil, because it means jobs, and it means also prosperity for that country, considering how much money there is coming to the defence sector. I am not giving you concrete names, but if you look through different statements, what different countries have made, they are welcoming the defence industry. Also making detail planning for having this industry, because they have very concrete conditions. Definitely welcoming such development.

Q. The discussion on these security guarantees, they all build on the idea of American backstop. But if you see the stability of what President Trump is promising, or saying, can you really build on that? In the future, should Europe not find another way to achieve some kind of security guarantee for Ukraine.

Actually, it is the other way around. You might say that it is also what comes first, because the Americans are saying they are providing the backstop, if we are taking the lion's share. So [as] Europeans, what we are discussing is to take that lion's share in order to also invite the Americans in. So, not putting the main burden on the Americans, but inviting them to be part of it - like we have those discussions ongoing. That is conditional that we do more ourselves; and this is only what we can discuss ourselves, what more we can do.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-276259

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Gymnich: press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas upon arrival

European External Action Service (EEAS)

29.08.2025

Copenhagen

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Good to be here in Denmark.

We have Gymnich meetings coming. Today is the defence ministers, and tomorrow it is going to be the foreign ministers.

Of course, the main topic we have is Russia's war against Ukraine. We saw yesterday the huge attacks on Kyiv, also the European Delegation was hit. Fortunately, nobody was hurt physically - but still, these attacks show that Putin is just mocking any kind of peace efforts that are made. What we have to do is increase pressure on Russia. This is really what they understand, the pressure.

Then a second topic we are going to discuss today is defence readiness. It is clear that we have different capability areas where we have to do more, and I expect Member States to take the lead in those capability areas. We have to be very concrete to go with the concrete projects, and how we move on.

And then, of course, other topics are going to be on our foreign affairs council as well, as the Middle East. Of course, there, we have really no improvements. But when it comes to Iran, then you know all that yesterday, the snapback was started. We are entering a new phase. These 30 days are now giving us also the opportunity to really find diplomatic ways to find a solution.

Thank you.

Q&A.

Q. [inaudible] a legal and justified? Is it wrong?

Well, this is their claim all the time, but if you read the JCPOA, and the conditions that are there, then Iran has not met those conditions for quite some time. So, it is the decision of E3. And of course, now we have these 30 days to sort things out and maybe have a different solution.

Q. You had a call with them yesterday. What was your advice [inaudible]?

This is [it], that we really have to use the 30 days to find solutions, diplomatic solutions, how we go forward. These are the worries that we have with Iran. They are very clear when it comes to their nuclear program, when it comes to their ballistic missiles, also their support to Russia.

Q. Will you also be discussing security guarantees for a [inaudible] EU27 [inaudible]. Countries like Austria have considered themselves neutral.

Well, when we talk on the European Union level, then what is our contribution to the security guarantees is the training mission, military mission, and also the support for the defence industry of Ukraine. So, all these three elements. Also, the neutral countries can participate. We are discussing today how to change the mandate of all those missions in order to be ready after any peace agreement is put in place. And of course, every Member State is deciding what they are doing or how they are contributing to the security guarantees. But, the European Union, we have the mission is a training mission and the civilian mission.

Q. What do you think about boots on the ground?

Well, it is a decision of every single Member State. So, we have already heard that some Member States are saying they are ready to send their troops. Some are not ready. But these discussions are still ongoing, and I think it is very important that we are preparing for the day after.

Q. How do you want to ensure the safety of boots on the ground when Russia repeatedly says that they don't want to have Western troops in Ukraine?

Well, again, Russia does not want peace, that is very clear. Right now, also the attacks that they are doing. So, we have to put the pressure on them so that they would also want peace. This is the only thing that works on them.

Q. How do you increase the pressure, High Representative? What would you like to see next in terms of measures against Moscow?

Yes, we are working on the next package, and there are several options on the table. Of course, what will hurt them the most is any sanctions on energy and all the secondary sanctions that the Americans have put for example. But also, [sanctions on] financial services, that really hinder them, the access to capital, what they so desperately need.

Q. How [inaudible] among Member States to go that far?

Well, the discussions are ongoing, and as you know, we always put a lot of things on the table. And then eventually we have to agree. But these discussions are ongoing, and everybody understands that, considering how Putin is mocking the peace efforts, the only thing that works is pressure.

Q. What do you say to critics that say that Ukraine needs backup now, [inaudible], and not security guarantees?

Ukraine needs backup now. And Ukraine needs all the military support right now. That is why we are also discussing with the defence ministers what more can we do now. We have the ammunition initiative, and we have put a deadline at the end of this year. We are discussing whether we can bring it forward, because they desperately need ammunition. They desperately need air defence, all these things. This is also something that we need to discuss right now. When it comes to security guarantees, of course, we are talking about the day after, but as I said, it is not close if you look at what Putin is doing.

Q. The US has a big interest in Greenland. Is there any joint EU efforts to offer some safety guarantees in case they were to attack?

Well, of course, we are respecting Greenland's decisions, whatever they want to decide, and also we are supporting Denmark as EU Member State. So, we are in this together, we are unified. And whatever Denmark needs, as a good Member State everybody else is in solidarity with Denmark. Thank you very much.

Q. Do you think that it is possible to trade Ukranian troops [inaudible] part of Ukraine already before the ceasefire agreement?

Well, these discussions are ongoing, but there is appetite to do the training when there is a ceasefire. If we talk about changing the mandate, then we can discuss how much Member States are willing to even to do it before the ceasefire is in place. Thank you.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-276201

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BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- A mainland spokesperson on Friday said that Taiwan people traveling to Beijing to attend the Sept. 3 commemorations for the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is "aboveboard and beyond reproach."

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media query on reports that some people from Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities had threatened that there would be risks for former Kuomintang officials who participate in mainland-related activities.

In defeating Japanese fascism, all Chinese people -- including Taiwan compatriots -- made great sacrifices and important contributions in pursuit of national liberation and Taiwan's recovery, Zhu said.

She noted that the participation of compatriots from Taiwan in the upcoming commemorative events in Beijing demonstrates their commitment to the overall interests of the Chinese nation, to justice and to conscience. It will help compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to remember history, honor fallen heroes, carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance, and work together to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Zhu said.

The DPP authorities have resorted to obstruction, intimidation and threats, Zhu said. Such moves, she added, show a complete abandonment of the national stance, of justice and of conscience. They run counter to the will of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, and seriously harm public sentiment.

These actions fully expose its "Taiwan independence" nature, she said.

Zhu said that for those individuals from the DPP authorities who openly act as accomplices of "Taiwan independence," the mainland will hold them accountable in accordance with the law and resolutely crack down on such acts. 
Tsahkna to Italian Deputy Foreign Minister: pressure on Russia must increase

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

29.08.2025 | 16:46

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli in Tallinn today, August 29, to discuss common security issues, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine, strengthening bilateral relations and deepening economic cooperation.

Tsahkna said at the meeting that Italy is a close and valuable partner for Estonia. "We are good partners in the European Union and we highly appreciate Italy's contribution to the security of NATO's eastern flank, including its participation in the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission in Amari from August 2025 to March 2026."

Speaking about the full support for Ukraine, Tsahkna said: "Putin does not want peace, and the brutal attack on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure the night before yesterday is proof of that. "Ukraine's desire is to achieve a lasting and just peace. We must continue to support Ukraine militarily, politically and economically to help them achieve this," Tsahkna said, commending Italy for hosting the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Rome in July.

"Estonia will never recognize any attempt to change borders by force. Russia must be held accountable for the destruction it has caused in Ukraine, and the pressure must be raised to an unbearably high level for it to end this war," Tsahkna stressed. "I look forward to today's and tomorrow's discussions in Denmark on how we can increase the price of aggression for Russia and ensure our unwavering support for Ukraine," he said, referring to the meeting of European Union foreign ministers taking place in Denmark today and tomorrow. "Rapid progress with the European Union enlargement process, the 19th sanctions package, the use of frozen assets for Ukraine and measures to combat the shadow fleet are key," Tsahkna added.

The promotion of economic cooperation between Estonia and Italy was discussed. Tsahkna stressed Estonia's readiness to intensify cooperation in the field of the defense industry, tourism, strategic infrastructure, including Rail Baltic.

Whilst speaking about Europe's neighborhood and the wider world Tsahkna emphasized the importance of supporting democracy and the need to move forward with European integration.

After the meeting with Cirielli, Tsahkna will head to the informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers (Gymnich) to be held in the Danish capital Copenhagen on August 29 and 30. The meeting will focus on discussions on Russia's aggression against Ukraine, raising the cost of war for Russia, and the situation in the Middle East.

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Statement from Ministry for Foreign Affairs on summoning of Russian Ambassador

Government Offices of Sweden

Statement by Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Published 29 August 2025

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 Russia's attacks on Ukraine's cities and civilian population. During the attacks on 28 August, the offices of the EU delegation and British Council were also damaged.

Russia's responsibility to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law was reiterated to the Russian Ambassador during the meeting.

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Lithuania protests over one of Russia's biggest attacks on Ukraine

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated 2025-08-29

On 28 August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania summoned a representative of the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Lithuania and handed a diplomatic note of protest over the previous night's shelling of Ukraine, which is considered one of the biggest Russian attacks since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The note highlights that residential homes, passenger trains, and children's education facilities have been damaged in the latest shelling, while the number of civilians killed and injured has already reached dozens. Attention is also drawn to the fact that international institutions were among the targets of Russian aggression, with the EU delegation and the British Council buildings in Kyiv suffering significant damage in the strikes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania emphasizes that all these are yet another series of war crimes committed by the forces of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, which cannot be overlooked and will not go unpunished. Therefore, Lithuania will tirelessly make efforts that those who ordered and carried out these, as well as previous, war crimes by Russia are brought to justice.

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Statement by the OSCE Troika to condemn Russia's repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine

OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

HELSINKI/VALLETTA/BERN 29 August 2025

HELSINKI/VALLETTA/BERN, 29 August 2025 -- Today, the OSCE Troika - Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and Foreign Minister of Finland Elina Valtonen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta Ian Borg, and Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis - made the following statement:

"Yesterday, Russia carried out one of its deadliest attacks on Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine since the war started. The overnight attacks targeted all Kyiv's residential districts and caused the death of at least 23 civilians, including 4 children, and left many more injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. The strikes caused widespread destruction, including damage to the premises of the European Union Delegation and the British Council in Kyiv.

We condemn these strikes in the strongest possible terms. Russia's escalating attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in recent months further highlight the urgent need for an unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire.

We support the efforts of US President Trump towards ending Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and achieving a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine. We urge Russia to stop the killing and engage in constructive negotiations. Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities.

Russia must be held accountable for its actions. Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited under international humanitarian law; those directed against civilians may constitute war crimes. There must be no impunity for crimes committed in and against Ukraine, including war crimes and the crime of aggression.

We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and for a just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.

We reiterate our full support for continued efforts to secure the return of Ukrainian deported children, the exchange of prisoners of war, and the release of arbitrarily detained civilians, including the three detained OSCE officials."



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Russian Strike On Kyiv Kills 22 People In A Single Building

By Borys Sachalko August 29, 2025

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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-strike-kyiv-current- time/33516353.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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Ukraine Mourns Victims Of Mass Russian Missile Strike

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service August 29, 2025

KYIV -- Ukrainians mourned the dead as rescuers searched building debris for survivors following one of Russia's biggest missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital amid faltering efforts to bring a halt to Russia's 42-month-old war.

Officials declared August 29 a day of mourning in Kyiv for the 25 confirmed killed in the Russian assault a day earlier.

The attack, which involved more than 600 drones and missiles, was the biggest since a major summit nearly two weeks earlier between presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Donald Trump of the United States.

US officials had voiced optimism that the face-to-face meeting would lead to a cessation of fighting and a possible meeting between Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

But Russian officials, including Putin, have signaled virtually no willingness to back off from hard-line demands, which include Ukraine giving up substantial territory.

"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," he said.

At the White House, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the overnight attacks had frustrated Trump.

"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," she told reporters on August 28.

One of the worst-hit sites was in Kyiv's Darnytsya district, where a section of a five-story residential building was directly hit.

At the August 12 Alaska summit, Trump signaled that Washington was open to the request from Kyiv for security guarantees that would help protect Ukraine in the future.

European allies have pledged to provide Ukraine with measures to ensure security in the event of a cease-fire, with possible US involvement as well.

Leaders from France and Germany, meanwhile, pledged on August 29 to provide more air-defense weaponry for Ukraine after the Russian barrage.

"Despite intensive international diplomatic efforts, Russia shows no intention to end its war of aggression against Ukraine," President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a joint statement.

New EU Sanctions, New US Missiles

In New York, Andriy Yermak, a top Zelenskyy adviser, met with White House envoy Steve Witkoff.

Ukrainian officials have signaled wariness with the direct US diplomacy with Russia, and some of the Russian proposals that Witkoff has discussed with US and European officials.

"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," he said in a post to X prior to the meeting.

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 August 29 at the request of Ukraine.

Separately, the State Department approved a sale of air-launched cruise missiles and related equipment to Ukraine for some $825 million.

The decision appears to be the first major sale of new weapons for Ukraine announced by the Trump administration. Previously, the White House had approved equipment sales only to sustain existing weapons.

The package includes Extended Range Attack Munitions, which have a range of "several hundred" miles, according to one of the manufacturers.

The weapons package would reportedly be paid for by Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, and then transferred to Ukraine.

With reporting by Reuters and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-strike-kyiv-current- time/33516353.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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EU Indulges Ukraine to Continue Attacks on Druzhba Oil Pipeline - Russia

Sputnik News

20250829

The European Union's stance on the attack against the Druzhba oil pipeline amounts to an indulgence for the Kiev regime to continue terrorist attacks on critical energy infrastructure, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

"It cannot be ruled out that, given the sharp confrontation between the EU majority and Budapest and Bratislava, such an approach may indeed have prevailed among Euro-bureaucrats. If this signal actually took place, then it represents nothing less than a de facto indulgence for the Kiev regime to continue terrorist attacks against energy infrastructure vital for two EU countries," Zakharova said at a press conference.

On August 22, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that oil supplies to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline, which pumps Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, had been stopped for the third time due to yet another Ukrainian attack. Slovakia and Hungary filed a complaint with the European Commission about the interruptions in oil supplies via Druzhba due to the Ukrainian attacks. On Thursday, Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Sakova said that supplies had resumed.

 Sputnik

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Putin Does Not Rule Out Possibility of Meeting With Zelensky - Kremlin

Sputnik News

20250829

Russian President Vladimir Putin does not rule out the possibility of a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Putin does not rule out the possibility of holding such a meeting, but he believes that any top-level meeting must be well-prepared so that it can finalize the groundwork that should first be carried out at the expert level. At the moment, it cannot be said that the expert work, so to speak, is in full swing. Unfortunately, it is not," he said.

Peskov noted that Russia maintains its interest and readiness for such negotiations.

"All our positions have been communicated; the relevant drafts, let's say the main provisions, were handed over to the Ukrainian side in writing. Yes, these are initial positions, and further discussion is needed. That is the state of affairs at the moment," he added.

It is important to work in a discrete mode in order to achieve the Ukrainian settlement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"The topic of Ukrainian settlement was deeply discussed [at the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump], but we believe that it is completely inappropriate to give out any details, because in the interests of the settlement it is now important to conduct work in a discrete mode," Peskov told reporters.

The conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska was necessary, timely and constructive, Peskov said.

"In general, I want to confirm that the conversation was necessary, and the president himself spoke about it, President Putin. It was timely, it was informative and very constructive," Peskov told reporters.

Kremlin is deliberately not disclosing all the details of the Putin-Trump conversation in Alaska, Peskov said.

"The topic of the Ukrainian settlement was discussed in depth, but we believe that it is completely inappropriate to disclose any details," Peskov added.

Vladimir Putin will visit Tianjin and Beijing as part of his trip to China, Peskov said.

"The majority of [Putin's] trip will take place in China, where there will be a part in the city of Tianjin, where there will be a part dedicated to the SCO [Shanghai Cooperation Organization], the SCO summit and 'SCO Plus,' then the part in Beijing, dedicated to bilateral contacts between President Xi [Jinping] and President Putin and the celebrations on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people in the war, resistance to Japan and the end of World War II," Peskov told reporters.

Putin will also hold many bilateral meetings on the sidelines of these events, the spokesman also said, adding that the Russian president's work program in China is expected to start in the second half of August 31.

Ahead of his visit to China, Putin gave an interview to Chinese media, Peskov said, adding that Kremlin expects it to be published overnight.

Russia values its partnership relations with China, Peskov said.

"If we talk about our relations with China, then these relations are of a special, privileged, strategic partnership. And we value these relations, they are really partnerships," Peskov told reporters.

The full potential of the bilateral cooperation between Russia and China has not yet been fully seen, Peskov added.

"The volume of these relations [with China] is difficult to overestimate now. And at the same time, we and our Chinese comrades agree that the potential of our bilateral partnership is still far from being fully developed," Peskov said.

 Sputnik

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Putin must, as Zelenskyy has done repeatedly, agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire immediately: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Speech

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG OBE

Published 29 August 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 29 August 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, President and I echo Greece's thanks for your stewardship of the Council in August. I'd also like to thank to ASG Jenca for briefing us this afternoon.

I also look forward to the participation of Her Excellency, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, in today's meeting.

Only yesterday, the representative of the Russian Federation stood just outside this chamber and said to the media, I quote, "We believe in peace. We believe in diplomacy."

Yet Russia's attack on Ukraine just the night before was one of the largest aerial attacks of its war.

Russia says it believes in peace and diplomacy.

Such brutal attacks say the opposite.

Russia deployed nearly 600 drones and 31 missiles in an attack that hit civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Among the homes and buildings destroyed in Kyiv, the British Council and the EU Delegation suffered extensive damage.

Deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilian objects is a violation of international humanitarian law.

At least 23 people, including four children, were killed by these strikes, and dozens more were wounded.

We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those killed.

It has been reported that among the children who were killed, the youngest was 2 years old.

The Kremlin's actions reflect no desire for peace or diplomacy that I can detect.

We are appalled by the suffering that Russia has inflicted on civilians, including a guard at the British Council office who was among those injured and hospitalised.

We are equally outraged by the damage these strikes caused to the neighbouring EU Delegation building.

But if Russia thinks it can intimidate us, it is wrong.

This will only strengthen UK and Western resolve to support Ukraine.

These strikes are the actions of a Russian government that is hell-bent on destroying Ukraine and sabotaging international peace efforts.

As my Prime Minister has said, quite simply, this bloodshed must end.

And there remains only one solution: Putin must, as Zelenskyy has done repeatedly, agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire immediately.

President, every time I have to deliver a statement which marks another milestone in Russia's violence, I am joined by 13 of my fellow Council members.

14 Security Council members calling for a cessation of hostilities.

It is easy to sit here and say that there must be peace.

Yes, we all want peace, but only one of us has the power to make that happen immediately.

President Putin had the power to stop this war when we all called for it last month, and the month before that, and the month before that.

All the way back to February 2022.

How many people would still be alive today if President Putin had committed to peace and diplomacy instead of violence back then?

Or better yet, if he had decided not to invade at all?

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Denys Shmyhal called on partners to accelerate preparation of security guarantees to achieve a just peace

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

29 August, 2025, 3:40 PM EEST

Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, addressed his European counterparts online during a meeting of EU defence ministers chaired by High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

He briefed them on the consequences of russia's shelling that occurred on the night preceding August 28.

"Twenty-three killed, including four children; over 100 injured. This is what russia calls 'readiness for peace,'" said the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

The Minister of Defence called on partners to join Ukraine in taking all necessary steps to end the war and secure a lasting and just peace.

"We must speed up efforts on real security guarantees, particularly within the Coalition of the Willing," said Denys Shmyhal.

He outlined five priorities:

Equipping the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

Supplying weapons through the PURL mechanism;

Building an effective architecture of future security guarantees for Ukraine, with each partner nation making a defined contribution;

Training Ukrainian service members;

Defence industrial integration.

The Minister of Defence of Ukraine highlighted the necessity of enhancing sanctions and confiscating russian assets, noting that these actions constitute effective tools of geopolitical and economic pressure on the aggressor.

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ISLAMABAD, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced three million U.S. dollars in emergency assistance to support Pakistan's relief operations following devastating floods across the country.

"Pakistan is experiencing devastating flooding that has displaced families and communities, and ADB stands firmly with Pakistan during this crisis," ADB President Masato Kanda said in a statement Friday.

The grant, to be provided from the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, reflects ADB's commitment to both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term recovery, he noted.

At least 22 people were killed in floods over the past 24 hours, while more than 1.5 million people have been affected by the disaster, according to the National Disaster Management Authority. Officials have warned that another spell of heavy rains could further aggravate the situation. 
Library of Components offers weapons and military equipment manufacturers over 130 Ukrainian-made components

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

29 August, 2025, 12:12 PM EEST

Over 170 Ukrainian weapons and military equipment manufacturers have been granted access to the Ministry of Defence's 'Library of Components,' a restricted platform for finding essential components.

The service serves as a secure digital catalog of products from trusted Ukrainian component manufacturers, offering more than 130 components produced in Ukraine.

Weapons and military equipment manufacturers can use the 'Library of Components' to locate parts for UAVs, electronic warfare (EW) systems, and other equipment. At the same time, manufacturers of components can list their products and receive orders.

"Thanks to this service, we are reducing reliance on imports and expanding Ukraine's domestic weapons production capabilities. This streamlines logistics, enhances quality, and allows for rapid modification or replacement of parts," said Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Anna Gvozdiar.

How the service works:

Users authenticate via 'Diia' and are verified by a moderator. Access to system functions is granted to manufacturers only after they have obtained 'User' and/or 'Supplier' accreditation.

Products are listed according to predefined categories and specifications developed in collaboration with manufacturers.

All contact exchanges are securely handled via a moderator to prevent unauthorized collection of sensitive information.

Sellers and buyers interact directly, with transactions and payments conducted outside the platform.

Authorization for the 'Library of Components' is available through the following link.

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The President Paid Tribute to the Victims of the Russian Strike in Kyiv on the Night of August 28

President of Ukraine

29 August 2025 - 21:02

At the site of a Russian strike on a five-story building in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid tribute to those who lost their lives.

The Head of State laid flowers at the destroyed building, which was hit by a Russian missile on the night of August 28. As a result of the attack, 22 residents of the building were killed, including four children.

The President expressed his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and spoke with residents about their needs regarding housing, document recovery, and compensation. Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed all relevant authorities to provide maximum assistance to those affected in resolving all their problems.

"We will resolve this issue, as we have in other cases, quickly. Temporary housing is available. You will definitely receive compensation soon so that you can rent an apartment and later have your own home. The state is taking action, and the relevant programs are in place," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

During this missile and drone attack on Ukraine, Russia launched nearly 600 drones and 31 missiles, including ballistic ones. Dozens of buildings, enterprises, and diplomatic facilities were damaged. In the capital alone, 25 people were killed in the attack, more than 50 were wounded, and dozens remain hospitalized.

Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko reported to the Head of State that over 300 people sought psychological support. Overall, damage was recorded at 19 locations across six districts of the city. Search and rescue operations lasted a day and a half and were only fully completed late today.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the rescuers, police officers, and everyone who assisted the victims and worked to eliminate the consequences of the attack.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Antonio Costa Coordinated Steps to Increase Pressure on Russia and Support for Ukraine

President of Ukraine

29 August 2025 - 19:25

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with President of the European Council Antonio Costa to discuss the need to increase pressure on Russia and strengthen support for Ukraine.

Antonio Costa expressed his condolences to Ukrainians and to all the families who lost relatives and loved ones as a result of the Russian strike on Kyiv on the night of August 28. The Head of State thanked him for the solidarity shown to the Ukrainian people. The President of Ukraine shared that, at the moment, 25 people were reported killed, including four children, and dozens more were wounded. The strike showed the true intentions of the head of Russia - to continue killing rather than take steps toward peace.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has repeatedly stated its readiness for a leaders-level meeting. This was specifically discussed during talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and European partners. At the same time, Russia has shown no signs of similar readiness on its part. The Head of State stressed that this is why pressure on the Russian Federation must be increased. Ukraine expects the 19th EU sanctions package to be truly strong.

The leaders discussed the development of security guarantees. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that work is ongoing to finalize all components. The guarantees will consist of three blocks, and the President emphasized that one of the key security guarantees must be Ukraine's membership in the European Union. Ukraine expects to achieve joint progress with Moldova on this matter very soon.

Particular attention was given to additional funding for Ukrainian drone production and the implementation of the SAFE and PURL programs. Antonio Costa assured his readiness to support efforts to increase the effectiveness of these instruments.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited the President of the European Council to visit Ukraine.

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The President Met with the Leader of the Green-Labour Alliance in the House of Representatives of the Netherlands

President of Ukraine

29 August 2025 - 18:40

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Frans Timmermans, leader of the Green-Labour Alliance faction in the House of Representatives of the States General of the Netherlands.

The Head of State thanked the Netherlands for its significant support to Ukraine and Ukrainian families from the very beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, and for the confidence that our country can rely on continued assistance.

"Thank you for your parliamentary resolutions, which help strengthen our army, our people, energy sector, and much more," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President highlighted the importance of establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Russian Aggression against Ukraine and expressed gratitude for holding this year's NATO Summit, which delivered important results for our state. It includes, in particular, the new NATO PURL program under which the Netherlands allocated USD 500 million for the procurement of American weapons.

"We can now see how the PURL program through NATO enables us to procure American weapons and how it operates. It is very good that the Netherlands was the first country to join the PURL program, and we have received this weapons support," noted the Head of State.

During the meeting, they discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense, funding domestic arms production, including increased investment in drone manufacturing, and continued support.

"Elections will be held in the Netherlands in two months. Many things are uncertain. But one thing we are confident of: support for Ukraine will not change. The only thing that might happen is that this support will increase," emphasized Frans Timmermans.

Particular attention was paid to diplomatic efforts and the development of security guarantees for Ukraine. The President noted that this week, national security advisors are working on finalizing the security architecture.

The faction leader is convinced that one of these security guarantees should be Ukraine's membership in the European Union. He noted that he will make every effort to accelerate Ukraine's accession and that the Netherlands is ready to provide the necessary expertise.

"I believe that we need to work on an energy union. I think the European Union should have an energy union, and it makes no sense for Ukraine not to be part of such a union. Ukraine has every opportunity to join the energy union even before becoming a member of the European Union," said Frans Timmermans.

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Following SSU investigation, traitor who guided russian missiles at Defence Forces frontline hospitals sentenced to 15 years in prison

Security Service of Ukraine

16:00, 29 August 2025

Based on evidence collected by the Security Service, another enemy agent who adjusted russian air strikes on eastern Ukraine has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The SSU Counterintelligence detained him in August 2024. A smartphone, which he used to transmit coordinates to the enemy for missile and artillery strikes on Kramatorsk, was seized from the perpetrator.

Among the main targets were hospitals and other medical facilities where wounded Ukrainian soldiers were treated after fighting on the eastern front.

The enemy agent was a 48-year-old local unemployed man, recruited by the occupiers on the banned social network VKontakte, where he expressed his support for the ruscists.

The traitor was in contact with an employee of russia's ministry of defence who cooperates with the russian special services. Her identity has already been established by the SSU.

Following the occupiers' instructions, the asset walked around the area and tried to identify and transmit the coordinates of installations, in particular medical facilities with large concentrations of Ukrainian defenders.

Based on evidence collected by SSU investigators, the court found the accused guilty under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law).

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Office in Donetsk and Luhansk regions under the procedural supervision of Donetsk Region Prosecutor's Office.

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SSU and National Police detain three arsonists who destroyed Defence Forces vehicles in Kyiv region on FSB orders

Security Service of Ukraine

14:00, 29 August 2025

The Security Service and the National Police detained another three accomplices of the aggressor state who committed arson attacks in Kyiv region.

According to the investigation, the perpetrators are residents of Kyiv oblast who came to the attention of russia's federal security service while looking for 'easy money' on Telegram channels.

After recruitment, they tracked down Ukrainian Armed Forces service vehicles in order to burn them and make videos of the fires for a 'report' to their russian handlers.

To commit the arsons, they used highly flammable mixtures that they synthesized according to FSB's instructions.

In Kyiv, two 16-year-old schoolchildren were apprehended for setting fire to an AFU serviceman's SUV after he returned from the front line.

It was documented how the minors first purchased a canister of petrol, which they then poured onto the hood of the car and set on fire.

In Bila Tserkva district, a 36-year-old unemployed man was detained for burning a pickup truck of another Ukrainian defender.

The law enforcement identified the perpetrator a few hours after the crime was committed and detained him at his home.

Mobile phones with evidence of working for the FSB and clothing in which the individuals carried out the attacks were seized during the searches.

The detainees have been notified of suspicion under Articles 28.2 and 114-1.1 of the CCU (obstruction of the lawful activities of the AFU, committed upon prior conspiracy, by a group, during a special period).

The suspects are in custody and face up to 8 years in prison.

The operations were carried out by the SSU Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City and Regional Prosecutor's Offices.

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Brutal Escalation of Large-Scale Russian Federation Attacks on Ukraine Setting Grim Casualty Records, Jeopardizing Fragile Diplomatic Momentum, Security Council Hears

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9990th Meeting (PM)

SC/16160

29 August 2025

Warning that the Ukrainian people caught in the crossfire are "entering the fourth winter of the full-scale war", a top UN official told the Security Council today that the Russian Federation's large-scale escalation of attacks against civilians persist, killing children, setting grim casualty records and jeopardizing fragile diplomatic momentum.

Miroslav Jenca, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas at the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, said the Secretary-General on Thursday condemned Moscow's deadly overnight missile and drone attacks. "Yesterday's strikes are only the latest in the brutal escalation of country-wide aerial attacks," he said.

Ukrainian officials reported that, between 27 and 28 August alone, 598 drones and 31 missiles were launched, killing at least 23 people in Kyiv, including 4 children.

Mr. Jenca stressed the expanding scope of violence, saying these strikes targeted regions far from the front lines. "In July, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recorded rising civilian casualties across 18 regions of Ukraine," he told the 15-member Council, with July setting a record of 1,674 casualties  the highest since May 2022.

Since the invasion began, 14,054 civilians, including 730 children, have been killed, while more than 36,000 have been injured, he said, also acknowledging the conflict's spillover into the Russian Federation where there have been civilian casualties in Belgorod, Kursk and Bryansk.

On 24 August, "a fire broke out after a Ukrainian drone was shot down near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant", damaging a transformer, he said. While the UN could not verify all reports of Ukrainian strikes inside the Russian Federation, Mr. Jenca cautioned: "The growing impact of the conflict on the civilian population in the Russian Federation is of concern, too." All attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law, he reiterated.

Underscoring that preparations are under way to provide targeted winter support for 1.7 million people in need, he stressed: "Scaled up and flexible donor support is urgently needed" to continue to provide life-saving operations.

Mr. Jenca also welcomed recent meetings in Anchorage and Washington, D.C., but warned that, as large-scale attacks against civilians persist, "the current diplomatic momentum is at risk of rapidly fading". He closed by reiterating the Secretary-General's call for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire one that fully upholds Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Condemnation of Attacks on Non-Military Targets

In the ensuing discussion, Council Members condemned the Russian Federation's latest attack on Ukraine, with Slovenia's delegate emphasizing that Moscow's second-largest air assault of the war on 28 August saw 620 drones and missiles launched mostly at Kyiv, destroying residential buildings and damaging the European Union delegation and British Council premises. These are "not military targets", but densely populated areas, she stressed.

The delegate of France also condemned in the "strongest possible terms" Moscow's latest strikes, calling them "unacceptable". Recalling that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has "shown his availability to implement an immediate, unconditional ceasefire" and willingness to engage in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, he said that Moscow has instead responded with more deadly strikes. "Russia says it believes in peace and diplomacy; such brutal attacks say the opposite," the delegate from the United Kingdom added.

War's Impact on Europe and Beyond

Other Council members underscored how the war in Ukraine was affecting regions beyond Europe, with the Republic of Korea's representative voicing concern over the ongoing Moscow-Pyongyang military cooperation that is exacerbating the war's severity and its bleak ramifications. Algeria's delegate noted the conflict's impact on food and energy markets causing soaring prices in her country, region and beyond. "The cost of this conflict, while borne most heavily by the Ukrainian people, is also being paid by the entire region and global community," added Guyana's speaker, echoing calls for an urgent intensification of diplomatic dialogue to end the conflict.

"The Ukraine issue is entering a critical stage for negotiated settlement," stated China's delegate. He welcomed ongoing talks, noting the continued engagement of all relevant parties towards a solution, expressing hope that the parties concerned will "meet each other halfway and maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiation".

United States Efforts to End War

The United States representative stated that, in recent weeks, Washington, D.C., has undertaken "exceptional efforts to bring the Russian-Ukrainian war to an end". On 15 August, President Donald J. Trump met face to face with President Putin in Alaska  the first summit-level meeting between the two countries since Moscow launched its invasion over three years ago. Building on that progress, President Trump then hosted President Zelenskyy and seven other European leaders at the White House on 18 August.

However, the latest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine "cast doubts on the seriousness of Russia's desire for peace", he pointed out, underscoring that such strikes on civilian areas must stop immediately. "Russia must decide now to move towards peace," he asserted, urging the leaders of both countries to agree to meet bilaterally, warning of further economic measures with "far-reaching consequences" should Moscow choose to prolong the war.

Western Countries Accused of Hypocrisy

The speaker for the Russian Federation dismissed Western accusations as a "fairly primitive template" over its 28 August strikes, insisting its attacks targeted Ukraine's "military-industrial complex", including arms depots, airfields and UAV factories, not civilians. Rather, civilian deaths resulted from Ukrainian air defences placed in residential areas, he said, accusing Kyiv of "shamelessly and criminally" using Ukrainians as "human shields". The tragedies are being "intentionally whipped up to blame the deaths of Ukrainian civilians on Russia" to secure more Western arms and sanctions, he said. Moscow further accused the West of hypocrisy, ignoring Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on Russian cities that killed and wounded scores of civilians in late August.

He also alleged rampant corruption and repression inside Ukraine, citing reports of political prisoners, restrictions on the Orthodox Church and off-shore assets tied to President Zelenskyy's circle. He said the West's selective blindness undermines its credibility, while reiterating demands for security guarantees that address the Russian Federation's concerns. He accused Kyiv of "skyrocketing human rights violations". Referring to the Alaska Summit, he said his Government remains open to negotiations, but only on terms that exclude North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) expansion and recognize Russian Federation interests, accusing Kyiv of blocking compromise and pursuing "PR over diplomacy".

Russian Federation's Aggression Must Be Punished

Yulia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine, told the Council that the Russian Federation's 28 August assault marked one of the deadliest nights of the war, with "629 airborne weapons" launched against cities, killing 25 people  including 4 children  and wounding 63 others. Among the victims was a girl "not yet three years old, born under Russian shelling in October 2022, and killed by Russian shelling in August 2025", she said. The strikes, which also damaged the European Union Delegation and British Council premises, were "deliberate acts of terror", she said, demanding stronger air defence and long-range capabilities to protect civilians, alongside tougher sanctions to deprive Moscow of funds for its war.

Prime Minister Svyrydenko also highlighted the Russian Federation's systematic abduction of children, citing cases of forced adoption and identity erasure. "Russia kills children from a distance with missiles and drones, and those who fall under its control it steals," she said. She urged the Council to act, insisting that peace requires both bolstering its defence and intensifying pressure on Moscow until it shows genuine willingness to negotiate. "Aggression must be punished, never rewarded," she declared, reaffirming readiness for a just, lasting peace based on sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.

Strengthened European Resolved to Support Ukraine

Several European countries took to the floor, as well, expressing support for Ukraine and condemning the Russian Federation's attacks, with Poland's speaker stating that, if Moscow hopes to break the spirit of resistance and solidarity, it is "gravely mistaken". "Recent strikes only strengthen our determination to support Ukraine," he said, urging allies to impose restrictive measures that will further undercut Moscow's revenues and weaken its capacity to wage war.

"Putin does not seek even a temporary ceasefire, let alone a lasting peace," said Estonia's delegate, speaking also for Latvia and Lithuania. She stressed that the Russian Federation must be held fully accountable for the crime of aggression and "for every war crime committed". Perpetrators must face justice, including through a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. "There can be no lasting peace without accountability," she added.

"Once again, Russia has demonstrated its complete disregard for civilian lives  and diplomatic missions," said Norway's delegate, speaking also for Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden. Citing a ceasefire as "the necessary first step", he noted that Ukraine has been ready for a ceasefire for several months while "Russia stands in the way". However, peace in Ukraine cannot be negotiated without Ukraine's participation, and "security guarantees will be needed", he stressed, adding that the people of Ukraine require peace in accordance with international law, "not a pause for Russia to prepare for renewed aggression".

The representative of the European Union, speaking in its capacity as observer, said that, as high-level talks for peace are ongoing, Moscow has launched yet another massive and brutal overnight attack against Ukrainian cities and civilians. Ordinary civilians  including children as young as two years old  have paid the ultimate price of the Russian Federation's unprovoked, unjustified and illegal aggression. "Such blatant violations of international law and the inviolability of diplomatic premises only strengthen our resolve to stand with Ukraine and its people," he asserted.

"The latest missile attack on Kyiv on 27 August is not a mistake," stressed Romania's delegate, adding that it was followed less than 24 hours later by a drone attack on a Ukrainian ship on the Danube Delta, near the Romanian border and near the Black Sea. "These continuous attacks are not the path to peace. And we need peace," he emphasized.

In the aftermath of the latest attacks, said Germany's delegate, "we have to ask ourselves: What is Russia's intention?" For weeks and months, that country's leaders and diplomats have been claiming to seek negotiations and peace. But, at the same time, they relentlessly launch rockets into residential areas of Ukraine. Underscoring the need to respect the territorial integrity of UN Member States, he said Berlin  together with its allies  will support Ukraine in its right to defend itself "as long as it takes". He stated: "Every night the people of Ukraine have to spend in fear is one too much. It is time to act."

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Zelenskyy Seeks New US, Europe Meeting, Says Fresh Russian Offensive Imminent

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service August 30, 2025

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces are preparing for a new offensive near the Pokrovsk region.

The Ukrainian leader said he seeks a meeting with Trump and European allies next week.

US at the UN casts doubts on the "seriousness of Russia's desire for peace."

The French president raises concerns of Trump being "played" by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

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 before the war. 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 "massive attack."

Serhiy Lysakwrote on Telegram that "explosions are being heard. There are strikes in Dnipro and Pavlohrad," but he added that details were not yet available.

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 hundreds of civilian and been soundly 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 begin with Russia's 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 Putin's 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 previous given such a deadline 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 Moscow's long-stated 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 Russia's 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 out China -- a close ally of Russia -- to put more 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 Russia 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

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-zelenskyy- putin-trump-witkoff/33516744.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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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aja Health and Wellness Inc. ("Aja" or the "Company") (TSXV:Aja) announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aja Health Inc. ("AHI"), has signed an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "APA"), dated August 22, 2025, with Canadian Travel and Doctors Clinics Inc. (the "Vendor"), pursuant to which AHI has agreed to purchase certain assets, including equipment, medical supplies, and intellectual property associated with the travel clinic business operated by the Vendor for a purchase price of $150,000.00 CAD (the "Transaction"). The Transaction is expected to be completed on or about September 15, 2025 and is subject to customary conditions and approvals.

Share Subscription Agreement

Aja is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Share Subscription Agreement (the "Subscription Agreement"), dated July 31, 2025, with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS ("GEM"), GEM Yield Bahamas Limited ("GYBL"), and future share lenders, being the holders of Common Shares of Aja who become parties to the Subscription Agreement (the "Share Lenders"). Pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, GEM has agreed to subscribe for up to CDN $25 Million of securities of Aja over a three-year period, subject to the terms and conditions of the Subscription Agreement.

Pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, Aja may issue Draw Down Notices to request capital from GEM, subject to certain conditions including trading volume thresholds, receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, and Share Lenders agreeing to loan Common Shares to GEM (the "Loaned Shares") until Aja issues new unrestricted Common Shares from treasury to GEM (the "Issued Shares"). In accordance with the terms of the Subscription Agreement, GEM may trade the Loaned Shares but will not have voting rights with respect to the Loaned Shares. GEM must return the Loaned Shares to the Share Lenders upon receiving the Issued Shares. Pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, GEM has discretion to accept or reject Draw Down Notices.

The Subscription Agreement includes standard covenants, representations and warranties from Aja and GEM, including with respect to resale restrictions, short-selling limitations, and adherence to applicable securities laws.

In connection with the Subscription Agreement, Aja has agreed to pay GYBL a fee of CDN$500,000, payable in installments of 2% of each draw down due on the closing date of each placement. Such fee may be paid in cash, from draw down proceeds, in freely tradeable Common Shares priced at 90% of market value, or a combination thereof. If there's a material change in ownership, control, or a material adverse event, the full fee becomes immediately payable to GYBL. To secure Aja's obligations with respect to the fee, Aja has issued a promissory note in favour of GYBL.

Update on Filing of Annual and Interim Financial Statements

Aja is getting closer to filing its annual audited financial statements for the financial year ending December 31, 2024, including the related managements discussion and analysis and certifications from the CEO and CFO (the "Annual Filings") and the Company's unaudited interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025, the management's discussion and analysis for the same period and management certifications of the interim filings (the "Interim Filings"). On August 1, 2025, the Alberta Securities Commission issued a Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order (the "FFCTO") because the Company was unable to file the Annual Filings and Interim Filings in time to meet the April 30, 2025 and May 30, 2025 deadlines, respectively.

Aja previously announced that the delay in filing the Annual Filings was due to the determination that the previously announced reverse takeover transaction, which closed on September 17, 2024, will be characterized as a series of acquisitions for accounting purposes. This characterization requires a valuation of the purchase price allocation to complete the audited financial statements for the financial year ending December 31, 2024. The valuator continues to work on valuing the purchase price allocation and anticipates having the valuation finalized on or before September 5, 2025. Following receipt of the valuation, the auditors will continue working with the Company to complete the audited financial statements for the financial year ending December 31, 2024. The Company is working to complete the Annual Filings as soon as possible and expects the Annual Filings to be filed on or before September 15, 2025.

Aja is working to complete the Interim Filings as soon as possible and expects the Interim Filings to be filed on or before September 15, 2025.

The Company anticipates that the FFCTO will remain in place until such time as the Annual Filings and the Interim Filings are filed.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Sanjeev Parsad"

Sanjeev Parsad

President, CEO and Director

The above may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this address, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date of publication of this information and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

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.

For further information, contact:

Sanjeev Parsad, President and CEO

Phone: (604) 678.9115

Fax: (604) 678.9279

E-mail: sparsad@ajahw.com

Web: www.ajahw.com
Vancouver, BC, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spirit Blockchain Capital Inc. (CSE: SPIR) (Spirit or the Company) reports key milestones and unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, and announces key strategic developments, most notably, Spirit Digital AGs launch of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs), SpiritLinQ deployment readiness and the formal launch of SpiritReserve Group, a treasury-driven yield-generation initiative.

Q2 2025 Highlights

Product Development : In March 2025, Spirit Digital AG launched the Spirit Ethereum Yield+ ETP and Spirit Solana Yield+ ETP on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Deutsche Borse. The Company continued work in Q2 on expanding its exchange-traded product pipeline.

: In March 2025, Spirit Digital AG launched the Spirit Ethereum Yield+ ETP and Spirit Solana Yield+ ETP on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Deutsche Borse. The Company continued work in Q2 on expanding its exchange-traded product pipeline. SpiritLinQ Development Complete: The proprietary digital asset tokenization and wealth platform, SpiritLinQ, is fully developed. Pilot onboarding is on track for Q3 2025, with full commercial launch expected in Q4 2025.

The proprietary digital asset tokenization and wealth platform, SpiritLinQ, is fully developed. Pilot onboarding is on track for Q3 2025, with full commercial launch expected in Q4 2025. Launch of SpiritReserve Group: The Company has established SpiritReserve Group, focusing on active treasury operations deploying multi-token assets (e.g., BTC, ETH, SOL, DOGE, XRP) into yield-generating strategies, including staking, algorithmic hedging, structured product issuance, and institutional lending, reflecting Spirits evolution from passive asset holding to operational yield management.

The Company has established SpiritReserve Group, focusing on active treasury operations deploying multi-token assets (e.g., BTC, ETH, SOL, DOGE, XRP) into yield-generating strategies, including staking, algorithmic hedging, structured product issuance, and institutional lending, reflecting Spirits evolution from passive asset holding to operational yield management. Revenue Infrastructure Model: These initiatives amplify Spirits strategic shift toward integrated infrastructure comprising regulated ETP products, automated yield generation via SpiritReserve, and institutional-grade tokenization via SpiritLinQpositioning the Company for recurring and scalable income streams.

These initiatives amplify Spirits strategic shift toward integrated infrastructure comprising regulated ETP products, automated yield generation via SpiritReserve, and institutional-grade tokenization via SpiritLinQpositioning the Company for recurring and scalable income streams. Enhanced Capital Market Visibility: Spirit upgraded to the OTCQB Venture Market, enhancing access to U.S. investors. The common shares of the Company (Common Shares) began trading on the OTCQB Venture Market under the ticker SBLCF On April 22, 2025.

Spirit upgraded to the OTCQB Venture Market, enhancing access to U.S. investors. The common shares of the Company (Common Shares) began trading on the OTCQB Venture Market under the ticker SBLCF On April 22, 2025. Balance Sheet Transactions : During Q2, the Company issued 239,541 Common shares upon the exercise of outstanding warrants and 4,435,417 Common Shares to settle $350,875 in payables. The settlement resulted in a recorded gain of $151,281.

: During Q2, the Company issued 239,541 Common shares upon the exercise of outstanding warrants and 4,435,417 Common Shares to settle $350,875 in payables. The settlement resulted in a recorded gain of $151,281. Financial Position : As of June 30, 2025, the Company had total assets of $1.0 million, a working capital deficit of $276,614 (compared to a deficit of $1.38 million as of December 31, 2024), and a shareholders deficiency of $151,491.

: As of June 30, 2025, the Company had total assets of $1.0 million, a working capital deficit of $276,614 (compared to a deficit of $1.38 million as of December 31, 2024), and a shareholders deficiency of $151,491. Quarterly Results: Net loss for Q2 2025 was $1.23 million (Q2 2024  $0.53 million). Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $2.36 million (YTD 2024  $0.97 million).

The first half of 2025 underscores the Companys methodical transition into a regulated blockchain infrastructure and income generation platform. With SpiritLinQ development complete and SpiritReserve now operational, we are actively deploying capital into yield-generating strategies, bridging institutional-grade tokenization with real income. This shift marks our complete transition from productization to scalable execution. As SpiritLinQ moves into Q3 pilot and Q4 commercialization, the Company is delivering compliant tokenized access and reaping the benefits of its infrastructure-first approach.

About Spirit Blockchain Capital

Spirit Blockchain Capital Inc. is a Canadian-based publicly listed company focused on providing shareholders with exposure to the blockchain and digital asset economy through three verticals: infrastructure yield, blockchain investments, and regulated exchange-listed products. The Company holds a diversified portfolio of digital assets and invests in emerging blockchain ventures while developing proprietary yield-generation platforms.

For further information, please contact:

Lewis Bateman

Chief Executive Officer

info@spiritblockchain.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words expect, anticipate, continue, estimate, objective, may, will, project, should, believe, plans, intends and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements relating to the expected pilot onboarding and launch of SpiritLinQ, the anticipated launch of additional ETPs, the expected benefits of the Companys Revenue Infrastructure Model and the expected benefits of the SpiritLinQ platform. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Factors that could materially affect such forward-looking information are described under the heading Risk Factors in the Companys long-form prospectus dated August 8, 2022, that is available on the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents managements best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the content of this news release.
* Tianjin is poised to host the largest-ever Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on Sunday and Monday.

* Tianjin is the fourth Chinese city to host the SCO summit.

* Though geographically distant from most of the bloc's member countries, port cities have played a big part in boosting economic ties and regional cooperation.

TIANJIN, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Tianjin, a 600-year-old port city in north China, is poised to host the largest-ever Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on Sunday and Monday, underscoring China's commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and fostering dialogue across diverse civilizations.

With leaders from more than 20 countries and 10 international organizations set to participate, the upcoming summit is expected to pool consensus and steer the organization toward building a closer community with a shared future.

Tianjin is the fourth Chinese city to host the SCO summit, after Shanghai, Beijing and Qingdao. Except for Beijing, the other three are major port cities in China.

An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 28, 2025 shows an exterior view of the main venue of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in north China's Tianjin. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Though geographically distant from most of the bloc's member countries, these port cities have played a big part in boosting economic ties and regional cooperation while upholding the spirit of openness.

"Ports are China's gates to the world, and the world's gates to China," said Sheradil Baktygulov, director of the Institute of World Policy of Kyrgyzstan, who has been to Shanghai, Qingdao and Tianjin.

These three cities serve as examples of how new technologies and land and sea routes have given fresh breath to the ancient Silk Road's spirit of cooperation, he added.

SAILING FROM SHANGHAI

As the name suggests, the SCO set sail from Shanghai, jointly established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The bloc, now consisting of 10 member states, two observer states and 14 dialogue partners from Asia, Europe and Africa, has evolved into a comprehensive organization encompassing nearly half of the world's population, a quarter of the global landmass and a quarter of global GDP.

Primarily formed to address security concerns, the bloc has seen deepened political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation among member states -- which has facilitated regional stability, steady trade growth, joint infrastructure projects and coordinated action in fields such as food and energy security.

Shanghai, a trade hub in east China and at the forefront of the country's reform and opening up, has witnessed growing cooperation. SCO countries have figured prominently at the China International Import Expo, bringing the likes of Iranian dates, Mongolian chocolate, Afghan nuts and Turkish beer to the dining tables of Chinese consumers. Also, high-tech products like 3D printers are exported from Shanghai to SCO markets, while China-Europe freight trains departing from Shanghai have functioned as a key logistics corridor linking the city with Eurasia.

The city has also given its name to the concept known as the SCO Shanghai Spirit that features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development.

Liu Huaqin, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce, said the Shanghai Spirit has transcended outdated concepts such as the clash of civilizations, the Cold War mentality and the zero-sum game while reflecting the shared aspirations of emerging economies and Global South countries.

Reporters work at the media center for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in north China's Tianjin on Aug. 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

EXPANDING COOPERATION

Qingdao, in east China's Shandong Province, hosted the SCO summit in 2018 following the bloc's first membership expansion, while witnessing efforts to facilitate trade and business cooperation.

At that landmark summit, SCO members adopted "building a community with a shared future for humanity" as their most important political consensus and the goal for their future efforts.

The China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area (SCODA), established in Qingdao later that same year as an outcome of the summit, has since launched four TIR routes to the SCO member countries of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan -- with at least one truck departing daily for Russia or Central Asia.

TIR, an abbreviation for Transports Internationaux Routiers, or International Road Transport, is an efficient customs transit system that is particularly ideal for high-value goods like precision instruments and perishables. In the first seven months of 2025, the SCODA handled 239 TIR shipments -- up 134.3 percent year on year, with cargo value skyrocketing by 190.5 percent, according to Song Tao, deputy head of Jiaozhou Customs in Qingdao.

Qingdao has also been named 2024-2025 "SCO tourism and culture capital," a title aimed at tapping into the potential of regional tourism cooperation and promoting cultural exchanges within the SCO framework.

Figures show China's trade with other SCO member states reached 3.65 trillion yuan (about 514 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 -- 36 times as much as that at the organization's inception. In the first seven months of 2025, trade data hit a record of 2.11 trillion yuan, up 3 percent year on year.

Volunteers pose for a group photo at the media center for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in north China's Tianjin on Aug. 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE BONDS

Located at the confluence of river and sea, Tianjin historically served as a vital hub connecting both north and south China and East-West civilizations. This city now also functions as a key land-sea junction along the Belt and Road, the eastern end of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor and a critical node on the New Eurasian Land Bridge.

Departing from Tianjin Port, locally produced steel products reach the Port of Karachi in Pakistan in about one month, helping to support the development of infrastructure there.

"The preferential policy -- a 5.5-percent tariff reduction under the China-Pakistan free trade agreement -- saves us nearly 200,000 U.S. dollars annually," said Muhammad Shafiq, manager of a steel importer in Pakistan.

Rooted in a deep-seated culture of openness, these three Chinese port cities are also fostering cultural exchanges and strengthening people-to-people bonds among SCO members.

Earlier this month, an SCO youth cultural bazaar called "Kaleidoscope" was held in Tianjin, where young people from SCO countries enjoyed the charm of Chinese culture through Peking opera, calligraphy, tea ceremonies and other activities.

"Though we come from diverse backgrounds, like fragments in a kaleidoscope, we know each other through mutual respect and appreciation," said Gulshanoy Yuldasheva, a student from Uzbekistan.

Li Qiang, dean of the School of International Relations at Tianjin Foreign Studies University, noted that these three port cities are not only renowned for their picturesque scenery and convenient transportation, but also serve as vital gateways connecting China with other SCO countries.

"Their longstanding openness is fostering mutual learning and friendship among civilizations, injecting lasting vitality into regional cooperation," he said.

(Video reporters: Li Shuai and Hao Jie; video editors: Zhu Cong, Mu Xuyao, Zheng Qingbin and Zheng Xin) 
NEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Alto Neuroscience, Inc. (NYSE: ANRO): (i) pursuant and/or traceable to Altos initial public offering conducted on or about February 2, 2024 (the IPO); and/or (ii) securities between February 2, 2024 and October 22, 2024, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important September 19, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Alto securities 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 Alto class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=42321 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 19, 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 materially false and misleading statements regarding Altos business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, the offering documents and defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) ALTO-100 was less effective in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) than defendants had led investors to believe; (2) accordingly, ALTO-100s clinical, regulatory, and commercial prospects were overstated; (3) as a result, Altos business and/or financial prospects were overstated; and (4) as a result, Altos public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Alto class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=42321 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
NEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of National Grid plc (NYSE: NGG) resulting from allegations that National Grid plc may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

SO WHAT: If you purchased National Grid securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=41344 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On July 2, 2025, Reuters published an article entitled Preventable National Grid failures led to Heathrow fire, findings say. The article stated that a fire that shut Londons Heathrow airport in March, stranding thousands of people, was caused by the UK power grids failure to maintain an electricity substation, an official report said on Wednesday, prompting the energy watchdog to open a probe. Further, the article stated that the United Kingdoms Energy minister, Ed Miliband, had called the report deeply concerning, after it concluded that the issue which caused the fire was identified seven years ago but went unaddressed by power grid operator National Grid[.]

On this news, National Grids American Depositary Shares (ADSs) fell 5%, on July 2, 2024.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
Weddington, NC, Aug. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Independence Fund is devastated to announce the passing of retired U.S. Army Sergeant Michael Verardo, who was catastrophically wounded in Afghanistan on April 24, 2010, and died from his injuries on August 26, 2025.

After 15 years of resilience, more than 100 surgeries, and countless hours of speech, visual, physical, and occupational therapy, Michael completed his final battle.



He leaves behind a legacy that has profoundly shaped the veteran community, including inspiring many of The Independence Funds programs, advancing care within the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, and forging enduring support networks for Americas wartime allies.

A lifelong sportsman and competitive shooter, Michael was an active member of his local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and a beloved member at Weddington Methodist Church.

Funeral Services

Michael will be honored with a funeral service and full military honors on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Weddington Methodist Church (13901 Providence Rd, Weddington, NC 28104).

The service will feature performances by the 82nd Airborne Chorus and John Ondrasik of the famed band Five for Fighting.

Distinguished Guests Expected to Attend

 The 48th Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence

 U.S. Senator Thom Tillis

 Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins

 Chief National Security Correspondent, Fox News, Jennifer Griffin

 Members of the 82nd Airborne Division, Michaels military brothers

 Members of the United States Congress

 Members of the North Carolina General Assembly

 John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting

 A delegation from the White House

Proclamation

Governor Josh Stein has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across North Carolina on Tuesday in Michaels honor.





Survivors

Michael is survived by his wife, Sarah, and their three daughters, Grace, Mary Scott, and Elizabeth. Michael fought and finished the good fight.





Media Attendance

Credentialed members of the media are welcome to attend both the funeral service and the procession.

Attachment
V-DIFFERENCE is first study to show that Leqvio prioritized after statins helps more patients achieve guideline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals early with reduced muscle pain 1





85% of patients on Leqvio plus individually optimized lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) achieved LDL-C targets within 90 days vs. 31% of patients on placebo plus LLT 1





Patients on Leqvio plus LLT were 43% less likely to experience muscle-related adverse events compared to those on placebo plus LLT1

Basel, August 30, 2025  Novartis today announced positive results from V-DIFFERENCE, a Phase IV study evaluating Leqvio (inclisiran) compared to placebo, both administered on top of individually optimized lipid-lowering therapy (LLT), in patients with high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) who have not achieved guideline-recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals1. These data will be presented in one of the Hot Line sessions of the 2025 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress, held in Madrid, Spain, from August 29 to September 1, 2025.

After 90 days of treatment with Leqvio on top of LLT, 85% of patients achieved their guideline-recommended LDL-C target compared to 31% of those receiving placebo on top of LLT (p<0.0001)1. Significant benefits were observed as early as 30 days with 81% of patients achieving LDL-C targets1. Results were consistent regardless of age, sex, or cardiovascular risk of trial participants.The results of the V-DIFFERENCE study add to the growing body of evidence for Leqvio within the VictORION clinical program, which encompasses more than 60,000 patients from 50 countries worldwide.

V-DIFFERENCE is the largest LDL-C lowering study with Leqvio to read out to date, and the first to focus on patient-centered outcomes," said Ulf Landmesser, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine at German Heart Center of Charite and Charite University Medicine Berlin. "These findings are significant as they demonstrate effective options for lipid management improvement in patients at risk, a majority of whom continue to remain above recommended LDL-C levels."

V-DIFFERENCE is the first study to evaluate the effect of Leqvio on muscle symptoms and pain, which are common amongst patients receiving statins and other LLT1,2. Patients who received Leqvio plus LLT were 43% less likely to experience muscle-related adverse events (MRAE) compared to patients who received placebo plus LLT (p<0.0001), with numerical improvement in pain-related quality-of-life scores also reported 1. Furthermore, Leqvio on top of LLT reduced LDL-C levels on average by 59% after 360 days of treatment, outperforming placebo plus LLT by 35% (p<0.0001), with clinically significant differences observed as early as 60 days into treatment 1.

Novartis is dedicated to tackling the most challenging problems in cardiovascular disease, said Ruchira Glaser, M.D., Global Head, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Development Unit, Novartis. These results highlight the potential of Leqvio to transform cardiovascular care by improving meaningful patient outcomes. V-DIFFERENCE has provided evidence that early use of Leqvio is an effective way to help patients reach their LDL-C goals faster without the need to add other therapies or maximize statin doses.

About Leqvio

Leqvio (inclisiran) is the first and only small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). It is a subcutaneous injection given by a healthcare provider (HCP) with an initial dose, another at three months, and then every six months3,4. As a twice-yearly, HCP-administered treatment, Leqvio may help to circumvent the challenges of treatment adherence, a common issue in cholesterol management.

Leqvio is approved in more than 100 countries, including the US, EU, Japan and China3-6. Novartis obtained global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize Leqvio under a license and collaboration agreement with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, a leader in RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics.

About V-DIFFERENCE

V-DIFFERENCE (NCT05192941) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase IV study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes of Leqvio compared to placebo, on top of individually optimized lipid-lowering therapy (LLT), in individuals with high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) at high and very high cardiovascular risk who have not achieved guideline-recommended LDL-C goals2. A total of 1,770 individuals were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive Leqvio plus LLT (n=898) or placebo plus LLT (n=872)1.

The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving their individual LDL-C target (<55 mg/dL or <70 mg/dL, depending on the cardiovascular risk category) after 90 days of treatment7. Key secondary endpoints included the percentage change from baseline in mean LDL-C level, and the proportion of patients experiencing at least one muscle-related adverse event (MRAE) after 360 days of treatment7. Other secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients experiencing self-reported pain, and pain-related QoL measures using the Short-Form Brief Pain Inventory (SF-BPI) after 360 days of treatment7.

About VictORION

The V-DIFFERENCE study is part of VictORION, a clinical trial program to expand the foundational evidence of LDL-C reduction with Leqvio in diverse patient populations through randomized clinical trials, implementation research, real-world evidence, and primary and secondary prevention trials assessing the potential benefits of Leqvio on cardiovascular outcomes. The VictORION program is one of the largest clinical trial programs of its kind, enrolling over 60,000 patients in more than 50 countries worldwide across more than 30 trials, including ORION-4 (secondary prevention), V-2-PREVENT (secondary prevention), V-1-PREVENT (high-risk primary prevention), V-INTERVENTION, V-PLAQUE, and V-RIDES.

About Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects hundreds of millions of people and claims more lives globally than cancer, chronic lung disease and diabetes combined8. Around 80% of premature cardiovascular deaths can be prevented by addressing factors that cause or worsen CVD9.

ASCVD accounts for 85% of all cardiovascular deaths10-13. It is the primary cause of mortality in the European Union and its burden in the US is greater than that of any other chronic diseases10-13. ASCVD is caused by the development and growth of plaques in the inner lining of the arteries14. The atherosclerotic plaque is mainly composed of LDL-C that accumulates over time15. Cumulative exposure to LDL-C can increase ones risk of cardiovascular events such as a heart attack or stroke14,15.

About Novartis in Cardiovascular Disease

At Novartis, our mission is to ensure no heart is lost too soon. We envision a world where preventable cardiovascular deaths are no longer part of our lives. Were proud of the positive impact weve made over the past 40 years and remain dedicated to tackling the most challenging problems in CVD. Through cutting-edge science and technology, we are focusing on areas of high unmet need, including scaling our xRNA platform across multiple risk factors and pioneering breakthroughs for genetically driven CVD risk factors and common heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation.

We also work with patients, healthcare professionals, and organizations around the world to improve cardiovascular care beyond medicine alone. Together, we can help people with CVD enjoy longer, healthier lives and more time with their loved ones.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as potential, can, will, plan, may, could, would, expect, anticipate, look forward, believe, committed, investigational, pipeline, launch, or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AGs current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend peoples lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide.

Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

References

Novartis. Data on file. Landmesser U, Laufs U, Schatz U, et al. Design and rationale of the VICTORION-Difference study: A phase 4 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess inclisirans early efficacy, safety, tolerability, as well as its impact on quality of life in individuals with hypercholesterolemia. Am Heart J. 2025;289:117-126. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2025.05.014 Leqvio. Summary of Product Characteristics. Novartis. Leqvio. Prescribing information. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. National Medical Products Administration. Drug approval document delivery information. Published August 24, 2023. Accessed August 11, 2025. https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/zwfw/sdxx/sdxxyp/yppjfb/20230824155809182.html Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Devices Agency Japan. New drugs approved in FY 2023 document. Accessed August 11, 2025. https://www.pmda.go.jp/files/000269225.pdf ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05192941. Accessed August 11, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05192941 American Heart Association. More than half of U.S. adults dont know heart disease is leading cause of death, despite 100-year reign. Published January 24, 2024. Accessed August 11, 2025. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/more-than-half-of-u-s-adults-dont-know-heart-disease-is-leading-cause-of-death-despite-100-year-reign World Heart Federation. World Heart Report. Published May 20, 2023. Accessed August 11, 2025. https://world-heart-federation.org/wp-content/uploads/World-Heart-Report-2023.pdf World Health Organization. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Published June 11, 2021. Accessed August 11, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds) Roger VL, Go AS, Lloyd-Jones DM, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics-2012 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2012;125(1):e2-e220. Kim H, Kim S, Han S, et al. Prevalence and incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in Korea: a nationwide population-based study. BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):112. Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019;139:e1082-e1143. Goldstein JL, Brown MS. A century of cholesterol and coronaries: from plaques to genes to statins. Cell. 2015;161(1):161-172. Ference BA, Graham I, Tokgozoglu L, Catapano AL. Impact of lipids on cardiovascular health: JACC Health Promotion Series. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;72(10):1141-1156.

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NEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the Western Asset US Core Bond Fund mutual fund classes  Class I (ticker: WATFX), Class A (ticker: WABAX), Class C (ticker: WABCX), Class FI (ticker: WAPIX), Class IS (ticker: WACSX), and Class R (ticker: WABRX)  and the Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund mutual fund classes  Class A (ticker: WAPAX), Class C (ticker: WAPCX), Class C1 (ticker: LWCPX), Class FI (ticker: WACIX), Class R (ticker: WAPRX), Class I (ticker: WACPX), Class IS (ticker: WAPSX) between January 1, 2021 and October 31, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period), of the important September 5, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased WAMCO mutual funds during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the WAMCO class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 5, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants failed to warn investors that: (1) defendants favored certain WAMCO strategies, like Macro Opps, over other WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (2) defendants disfavored certain WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (3) any compliance policies and procedures that WAMCO maintained to result in fair allocations of investment opportunities to clients were either insufficient to ensure that Leech and his WAMCO Team fairly allocated trades among the strategies they managed or were expressly disregarded by defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies; (3) any oversight mechanisms that WAMCO maintained were either insufficient to monitor Leech and his WAMCO Team or were expressly disregarded by defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies. As a result, defendants actions operated as a fraud or deceit on the Class, artificially reducing the price of the Western Asset US Core strategy mutual fund classes during the Class Period, damaging Class members.

To join the WAMCO class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An 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.

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Contact Information:

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The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

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Washington, D.C., Aug. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- President Trump has already acted to reset Americas approach to artificial intelligence . James Altucher explains: As soon as he revoked Bidens AI order Trump also announced the LARGEST AI investment in history  a $500 billion program called Stargate designed to secure Americas position as the AI capital of the world.

Analysts project that artificial intelligence could add $20 trillion annually by 2030, with some forecasts reaching $14 quadrillion in the decades ahead. Against this backdrop, Elon Musk has moved quickly to expand the frontiers of AI technology.

Musks Unprecedented System

In a facility operating quietly in Memphis, Musks company xAI has built one of the most advanced computing systems ever developed. With hundreds of thousands of Nvidias most powerful processors at its core, the system has already surpassed the scale of projects launched by industry giants. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang described it as the fastest supercomputer on the planet.

Musk has said the projects purpose is nothing short of transformative, designed to reveal the deepest secrets of the universe and achieve breakthroughs we cant even fathom. Unlike earlier experiments in artificial intelligence, this system was created to act as the backbone for what Musk and others describe as the next phase of AI evolution.

From AI 1.0 to AI 2.0

Altucher emphasizes that the technology most people have seen so far represents only the beginning. The rise of tools like ChatGPT marked the arrival of AI 1.0 , but Musks work points to something far greater . AI 1.0 gives us all the worlds knowledge at our fingertips. AI 2.0 gives that knowledge to intelligent machines that I believe will solve our problems for us.

This new generation of artificial intelligence could alter medicine, transportation, national defense, and communications. As Altucher puts it, This second wave of ARTIFICIAL SUPERINTELLIGENCE will rival all of the great innovations of the past. Electricity the wheel even the discovery of fire.

About James Altucher

James Altucher is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author with more than four decades of experience in artificial intelligence and technology. He studied computer science at Cornell and Carnegie Mellon, created early AI applications in finance, and developed online platforms for companies including HBO and American Express.

Altuchers books have reached international audiences, and he frequently appears on major media outlets such as CNBC. Today, he continues to share insights on how new technologies are shaping the economic and cultural future of the United States.
Washington, DC, Aug. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Link to ThinkCareBelieve's Article: https://thinkcarebelieve.blog/2025/08/30/week-32-of-america-and-trump-2-0/





There has not been one dull moment in Week 32 of Americas exciting progress toward our brilliant future and ThinkCareBelieve has published an article covering all of it. Under the guiding light of the Trump Administration, our government is being cleaned out, better organized, updated, upgraded and given the care and honor it deserves. Hard to believe that its been 32 weeks since President Trump was sworn in. Time has flown and we have grown. This weeks lead up to Labor Day 2025 Weekend has been focused on celebrating the American Worker. Our strong work ethic is what has fueled this country and our ability to engineer and innovate is second to none. President Trump held a Cabinet Meeting this week where each Department Head expanded on how they are making progress toward making things better for the American Worker and their families.

ThinkCareBelieve's article shows how ending crime and holding criminals accountable has been the highest priority of the Trump Administration with a sharp focus on cleaning up the worst cities while apprehending illegal criminal gang and cartel members, murderers, r*pists, thieves and child predators. The cleanup of Washington DC has had amazing success with carjackings, car thefts, and basically all violent crime significantly reduced. In just 14 days, carjackings in DC are down 87% and over 1400 arrests made with 151 illegal guns seized. With crime almost gone in Washington DC, plans for restoration of its finest buildings and beautification are commencing. A great many thanks to all of our capable men and women in uniform who are making this possible. President Trump has not been shy about it, he has made it known that he is open to requests from mayors asking for his help, but he has publicly indicated that he sees Chicago and Los Angeles as being in need of his help.

The article tells about Mexican Drug Lord, El Mayo who stood before a court in the United States and pled guilty and will live out his days in a U.S. federal prison. This was an historic triumph for America, marking the collapse of a myth that Cartels are out of reach of the law. The $5 Million bounty is still out for Maduro, who, according to Secretary Rubio, is the head of the Cartel de Los Soles, a narco-terror organization which has taken possession of a country (Venezuela.)

In ThinkCareBelieve's article, the investigations continue following the raid on former National Security Advisor John Boltons home and office and the FBI has signaled that it is seeking charges (per Fox.) A clawback of $7.4Billion in tax dollars is being made for Natcast, an entity that was created by the Biden Administration to act as a slush fund. DNI Tulsi Gabbard has reported that she has uncovered the worst cases yet of weaponized intelligence and will be seeking accountability. SecDef Pete Hegseth communicated that the practice of using Chinese Contractors for the DoDs cloud services will end. It was basically giving access to sensitive and classified data to adversaries, and will no longer be put into practice. The article shows how NGOs being weaponized against Americans by their funding coming directly out of the U.S. taxpayers pockets, is being highly scrutinized now. POTUS publicly suggested RICO charges for George Soros and his son for using their funding, much of it coming from USAID, to support subversive and violent protests throughout the U.S.. DNI Tulsi has confirmed that Dr. Anthony Fauci is under investigation for perjuring himself in his testimony to Congress and covering up his gain of function research and the origins of Covid as well as his handling of American taxpayer money.

This was an important week to MAHA and the article describes the importance of straightening out our health with a hard look at pharmaceuticals and vaccines and a strong consideration about where chronic disease starts- according to RFK Jr, we need to look to our environments and what we are putting in our bodies. In an article published in the Wall Street Journal this week, RFK Jr asks the question, Can food be medicine? Going with the old adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, his article explores how and why it is true. Do we think about maintaining good health with our food? Somehow medical schools stopped teaching nutrition to doctors and thanks to MAHA, they are adding it to their curriculum.

The article features the dramatic walkout of employees at the CDC this week in protest due to its being condensed and re-organized by HHS Secretary Kennedy. Secretary Kennedy then revoked the Emergency Use Authorization for the Covid vaccine. The CDC Director was fired and the CDC Vaccine Unit Director resigned. There are very good reasons for this. Real science, real evidence and new studies are showing that Covid vaccines were pushed on the American people, without the proper care and safeguards for peoples lives. The new acting CDC Director is also the new Deputy HHS Secretary Jim ONeill and is a proponent of the FDA approving drugs based only on safety, not efficacy, while being a strong supporter of personal choice for healthcare.

ThinkCareBelieve's article has the U.S. Coastguard's largest drug offload (drug bust) in history with 19 interdictions. 76,140 pounds of illicit drugs seized. 34 suspected smugglers apprehended. Our thanks to them for the many lives they have saved. POTUS launched his Make America Fentanyl Free Campaign to lower the number of overdose deaths. The campaign will educate the public about the hidden danger that fentanyl is frequently disguised in other substances, such as cocaine and marijuana and sometimes looks like harmless OTC pills. Secretary Noem advises not to take or buy any pills from anyone.

The article showcases three new Executive Orders signed by President Trump. The first one entitled Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again, will enable buildings to become aesthetically pleasing to the public again. The most important buildings in Washington, D.C were consciously modeled on the classical architecture of ancient Athens and Rome. They sought to use classical architecture to visually connect our contemporary Republic with the antecedents of democracy in classical antiquity, reminding citizens not only of their rights but also their responsibilities in maintaining and perpetuating its institutions. With this order, Washington DC will reclaim its grandeur, and will reflect the strength, grit, determination and innovation for which we are known.

The second Executive Order signed by the president in ThinkCareBelieve's article focuses on improving the U.S. government through better design to make it more user-friendly for the American people. It is being called America by Design. These two EOs combined will open up new doors of a great new renaissance for America. America by Design is a national initiative to improve experiences for Americans, starting by breathing new life into the design of the sites where people interface with their Government. It is time to update the Governments design language to be both usable and beautiful.

The third Executive Order gives automatic 1 year prison time for desecrating the American Flag.

The article shares that according to Border Czar Tom Homan, 23,000 of the over 300,000 missing children have been located through welfare checks, sponsor investigations, and rescue operations targeting trafficking and forced labor. Some were found safe with families, others in exploitative situations. Homan says efforts continue to find the rest of the missing children. We can all assist by keeping our eyes open and calling the ICE hotline at: 1-888-DHS-2ICE (1-888-347-2423). Remember, the illegal alien criminal gang and cartel member networks are highly organized, as ICE makes arrests they are finding and saving many of the missing children and dismantling trafficking rings and networks.

ThinkCareBelieve's article shows that very important work has taken place in Week 32, taking us into a much deserved Labor Day holiday weekend where we can reflect on all the good work being done, give thanks for all the blessings, and appreciate all the hard work it took to get us here..

ThinkCareBelieve is an outlook. ThinkCareBelieves mission for Peace advocacy facilitates positive outcomes and expanded possibilities. To achieve Peace, we will find the commonalities between diverse groups and bring the focus on common needs, working together toward shared goals. Activism is an important aspect of ThinkCareBelieve, because public participation and awareness to issues needing exposure to light leads to justice. Improved transparency in government can lead to changes in policy and procedure resulting in more fluid communication between the public and the government that serves them. America needs hope right now, and Americans need to be more involved in their government.

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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.


Vancouver, August 29, 2025 - THEMAC Resources Group Ltd. (TSXV: MAC) ("THEMAC" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news release of July 31, 2025, it has entered into an arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") with Tulla Resources Group Pty. Ltd. ("Tulla") pursuant to which Tulla will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") not already owned by Tulla by way of a statutory plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") under the Yukon Business Corporations Act (the "YBCA"). Under the terms of the Arrangement, each holder of Common Shares (a "Shareholder") other than Tulla will receive cash consideration of $0.08 for each Common Share held (the "Consideration"). The Consideration represents approximately a 11% premium to the Company's 20-day volume-weighted average trading price of $0.072 on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") immediately prior to the date hereof. Tulla, a corporation organized under the laws of New South Wales and the controlling shareholder of the Company, currently exercises control or direction over 47,950,000 Shares, representing approximately 60.39% of the Company's outstanding Shares. Upon completion of the Transaction, Tulla will be the sole shareholder of the Company.

Shareholder Meeting Details

A special meeting of Shareholders to consider and, if deemed advisable, approve the Arrangement (the "Special Meeting") is expected to be held on October 7, 2025. In order to be approved by Shareholders at the Special Meeting, the Arrangement will need the approval of at least (i) two-thirds of the votes cast at the Special Meeting by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy, (ii) a simple majority of the votes cast at the Special Meeting by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy excluding, for the purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), Common Shares held by Tulla, Kevin Maloney, Andrew Maloney, Marley Holdings Pty Ltd. and any other person required to be excluded for the purpose of such vote under MI 61-101.

Information regarding how Shareholders can participate in and vote at the Special Meeting will be provided in the information circular that will be sent to Shareholders in connection with the Special Meeting (the "Information Circular"), which will also be posted on the Company's website at www.themacresourcesgroup.com and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The board of directors of the Company (the "Board") has unanimously determined (with Kevin Maloney and Andrew Maloney abstaining) that the Arrangement is in the best interests of the Company and is fair to Shareholders. The determination of the Board was made upon the recommendation of a special committee of independent directors (the "Special Committee") and after consideration of the advice of legal and financial advisors to the Special Committee and the Company.

In addition to the 47,950,000 Common Shares held by Tulla that will be voted in favour of the Arrangement, certain directors, officers and significant Shareholders who hold in the aggregate 14,804,130 Common Shares (the "Locked-Up Shareholders"), representing 18.64% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, have entered into Voting and Support Agreements with Tulla, pursuant to which they have agreed, among other things, to vote their Common Shares in favour of the Arrangement, subject to certain exceptions. 90.78% of the Locked-Up Shareholders are affiliates or associates of Tulla.

Shareholders will have the right to dissent provided for in section 193 of the YBCA and such right of dissent will be further described in the Information Circular.

Additional Transaction Details

The Transaction will be implemented by way of the Arrangement under the YBCA. The Arrangement Agreement includes customary provisions relating to non-solicitation, subject to customary "fiduciary out" provisions that entitle the Company to consider and accept a superior proposal if not matched by Tulla. A copy of the Arrangement Agreement is publicly available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Additional information regarding the terms of the Arrangement Agreement can be found in the Information Circular. Shareholders are urged to read these and other relevant materials when they become available.

The completion of the Transaction remains subject to a number of other conditions including, but not limited to, approval by the Supreme Court of Yukon and TSXV approval, as well as the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions customary in a transaction of this nature. If and when these conditions are satisfied, it is expected that the Transaction will be closed in mid to late October 2025. If the Transaction is completed, the Shares will be delisted from the TSXV and the Company will also apply to the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities to cease to be a reporting issuer in each province in which it is a reporting issuer.

Valuation and Fairness Opinion

The recommendation of the Special Committee that the Board approve the Transaction was based on a multitude of factors, including the financial condition of the Company, the liquidity of the Company's shares, and a comprehensive valuation report and fairness opinion (the "Valuation and Fairness Opinion") of the Company prepared by an independent valuator, Evans & Evans, Inc. ("Evans & Evans"). Based on the valuation work and subject to the conditions, assumptions and qualifications set forth in the Valuation and Fairness Opinion, Evans & Evans is of the opinion that, as of the effective date of the Fairness Opinion (July 29, 2025), the consideration payable under the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the minority Shareholders.

A summary of the Valuation and Fairness Opinion, the factors considered by the Special Committee and the Board, and other relevant background information will be included in the Information Circular.

For more information, please visit www.themacresourcesgroup.com or review the Company's filings on SEDAR+ www.sedarplus.ca.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information. Such statements are based on the current expectations of management of THEMAC. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, future circumstances or events to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the going private transaction. The forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions, which could change materially in the future, including the assumption that the Company is able to effect the privatization using the proposed method, the Company is able to obtain the necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals, the parties are able to satisfy or waive, if waiver is possible, the conditions to completing the transaction. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risk that the necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals are not obtained, the conditions to completing the transaction may not be met, or the transaction may be terminated or renegotiated on different terms. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to above will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

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. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE SECURITIES LEGISLATION.

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/264577
CAIRO, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Egypt has signed four agreements worth more than 340 million U.S. dollars with international energy companies to explore for oil and gas in the Mediterranean and Nile Delta, the Petroleum Ministry said on Saturday.

The state-owned Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) signed the deals with Shell, Italy's Eni, Russia's Zarubezhneft, and Arcius Energy, a venture co-owned by Britain's BP and the United Arab Emirates' ADNOC. The contracts cover the drilling of 10 wells.

The ministry said the agreements aim to boost output. It noted that two new wells in the West Delta concession recently came online, adding 60 million cubic feet of gas per day.

Egypt has faced falling gas production in recent years and is seeking fresh investment to reverse the decline. 
Barrichello, Lammers sons make moves toward F1

Two more famous names are edging closer to Formula 1.

Start, Hungarian GP 2025

 McLaren

Fernando Barrichello, 19-year-old son of F1 legend Rubens, will make his FIA Formula 3 debut at Monza with AIX Racing before contesting the full 2026 season.

I'm excited to fight for big things, he said.

Team boss Kenny Kirwan added: We will be throwing him into the deep end a little, however the experience will prove invaluable for his preparations for 2026.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Rene Lammers - son of former F1 driver and current Dutch GP boss Jan Lammers - has been signed to Fernando Alonso's growing A14 Management stable.

Jan told De Telegraaf: "My approach is different from Jos Verstappen's with Max. I hope he has fun and enjoys himself, but I also want him to realise how far you can go when pushing yourself.

He won the first six races of the (Spanish F4) season, which was really good. But if you don't win, you're not going anywhere.

Asked if Rene has the talent to reach Formula 1, Lammers Sr replied firmly: Yes!

The five-year deal with Alonso's A14 outfit puts Lammers alongside other juniors including Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto and Sebastian Montoya, son of Juan Pablo.

(GMM)
Bottas admits Alpine option before Cadillac deal

Valtteri Bottas says his path back to the Formula 1 grid with Cadillac was already mapped out long before this week's official announcement in New York.

Valtteri Bottas, Hungarian GP 2025

 Mercedes

The 35-year-old Finn, who struggled through his final season with Sauber in 2024 and has spent this year as Mercedes' reserve, suddenly found himself back at the centre of silly season chatter.

Even Alpine was chasing his signature.

It's been a wild week, Bottas smiled at Zandvoort, speaking to Viaplay.

Rumours suggest the deal was done long ago - something Bottas does not deny. The first talks were actually a couple of years ago, he revealed. "We have been in touch ever since.

At the beginning of the year, we started talking seriously. At that point it became clear that I wanted to be in this project. When the team was ready to sign the first driver, I was ready immediately and a deal was made.

Alpine had also considered Sergio Perez, who ultimately joined Bottas at Cadillac, but Bottas says he never seriously wavered. There was another option, Alpine, he admitted.

However, at the beginning of the year, I already had the feeling that this would be a better option for me in the long run. The team wanted two experienced drivers who can work together and not just race against each other.

Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore now claims the Enstone based team played a small part in steering Bottas towards Cadillac anyway. I think Alpine helped Bottas a little bit to sign the contract with Cadillac, he said at the Dutch GP.

We did some marketing, he laughed.

But the flamboyant Italian still praised the Finn's pedigree: He was unlucky to be in Mercedes at the same time as Lewis, when Lewis was really at the peak of his driving. It's nice to have a driver back with a lot of experience, but I'm looking for something else.

As for Mercedes, Toto Wolff insisted the Brackley based team will miss Bottas in his reserve role, but said he preferred to give his former race driver a smooth exit. Toto was really happy, Bottas said.

He said it was a shame I was leaving. They were obviously happy with my work. But they know I want to race.

Bottas also knows 2026 will be no easy ride.

We're talking about a completely new project, he admitted. "Everything is starting from a clean slate, which is interesting, but there's also a lot of work to be done.

We're trying to get a relatively good start to the year, to at least get the car to the finish line in a race. It will definitely take a couple of years before we get any decent results.

(GMM)
Briatore cool on Colapinto as Alpine eyes Gasly deal

Flavio Briatore admits Alpine is losing patience with Franco Colapinto, even as the rookie insists he still has more to show in the second half of the 2025 season.

Pierre Gasly, Hungarian GP 2025

 Alpine

The 21-year-old Argentine was prised from Williams on loan after Alpine advisor Briatore convinced Renault to pay heavily for the deal. But after a difficult first stint, Briatore is questioning the timing.

These cars are very, very heavy, very quick, he said. "And for a young driver to be put in Formula 1, maybe it was not the timing to have Franco in Formula 1. Maybe he needs another year or two.

"He tries very hard with the engineers to please them in everything, but it's not what I expect from Colapinto. Maybe it was too much pressure.

For the future, honestly, I don't know.

Colapinto, however, told reporters at Zandvoort he is determined to fight for his place. I will be racing on tracks that I already know well and have experience of driving an F1 car on them, he said. I hope familiar tracks will allow me to feel more confident and add speed.

But for Alpine, the picture for 2026 remains uncertain. The one clear priority is to retain Pierre Gasly. At the moment, we are negotiating with Pierre to extend the contract, Briatore told Canal Plus. "It's the cornerstone from which we have to start. After that, we'll see what happens.

"But we are very happy with Pierre. It doesn't always show in his results, but he is very efficient with the car he has.

With Franco, for next year, we haven't decided yet. Everything remains open. We still have ten races to decide.

Briatore also denied growing rumours of a Renault sell-off involving himself, Bernie Ecclestone and Christian Horner. I don't consider anything at the moment, he said. "Christian is not in Formula 1 in this moment anymore.

I hope he comes back soon. But for the moment, he's not in the picture of the team.

Even so, Briatore found the idea at least entertaining. The sharks, he joked. The shark media.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff liked the sound of it too. That would be an exciting story and good content, he smiled. Formula 1 has always been about the best racing, with exciting drivers and great personalities. And when you look back at the grand era of team owners and team principals - Frank Williams, Ron Dennis, Flavio, Montezemolo - maybe we need to work on that.

In the meantime, Briatore will soon hand over more operational responsibility at Enstone to Steve Nielsen, who is returning to the team to fill the gap suddenly left by Oliver Oakes. It's not just one job I expect from Steve, he confirmed. I expect Steve to be in charge from A to Z.

(GMM)
No magic button to catch McLaren says Mekies

Laurent Mekies admits his sudden promotion to Christian Horner's old role at Red Bull came as a shock.

Laurent Mekies, Dutch GP 2025

 Red Bull

Completely out of the blue for me, the 48-year-old Frenchman told De Telegraaf. In the weeks that followed, I had tons of conversations and felt like I was in a state of flux. So the summer break actually worked out well.

Mekies laughed when asked if he had truly managed to switch off. You're not trying to make me say I broke FIA rules, are you?

The former Ferrari, FIA and Racing Bulls figure explained that the upheaval has been tough on his family. I left Italy for Silverstone for the race, with a three-day suitcase. Then I stayed in England for a month, he laughed again.

"When I returned earlier this month, I was fortunate enough to be able to focus on my wife and three sons for a while. So you understand why those boys won't let me read a book in peace.

Right after I took over, I was asked a lot if my family was moving to England. My answer was that I didn't even have enough clothes in England. For now, my family will stay in Italy.

Now his job is to steer Red Bull out of its turbulent period on and off track, with McLaren dominant and a huge regulatory shift looming for 2026.

I've had many conversations with the leaders of all departments, said Mekies. "It's about looking at every area to see what can be improved and how we can make the car faster.

This team has dominated for years, and those qualities haven't all suddenly disappeared. There's just no magic button we can press to reach McLaren's level.

(GMM)
Wolff injects 400kph claim into 2026 rules debate

Toto Wolff injected intrigue into the 2026 rules debate by suggesting Formula 1's new-generation cars could hit an eye-popping 400 kph.

George Russell, Hungarian GP 2025

 Mercedes

The Mercedes boss admitted at Zandvoort that the remark was partly tongue-in-cheek, as scepticism mounts over the incoming power unit formula and aerodynamic concept.

Sounds good, no? Wolff smiled. "Everybody's talking those engines down, so I had to figure out - is there anything positive?

And that is, if you were to deploy all the energy on a single straight, you could make those cars go 400 kilometres an hour. But there wouldn't be much electric energy left for the few other corners on a circuit.

The FIA continues to adjust the 2026 rules amid concerns raised in teams' simulators - from drivers lifting off mid-straight to recharge batteries, to slower laptimes and reliance on moveable wings to manage drag and downforce.

Many drivers are downbeat about their first simulator impressions. Max Verstappen, often accused of being too outspoken, is trying to tread carefully.

I don't want to be positive or negative, said the Dutchman.

I tried the it in the sim last week, but you can change so much that it doesn't tell you much. The FIA has already made it clear they won't allow that (400kph) anyway.

Charles Leclerc struck a more cautious tone: "It's going to be strange how we reach these speeds. But every time I simulate again, the concept has changed a lot.

In the end, it might seem more normal than I thought.

Esteban Ocon admitted: 380 to 400 sounds scary. I won't form an opinion until I've driven the car in the simulator.

Alpine's Pierre Gasly was more dismissive: "I don't believe stories, I believe what I see. We could do 400 if we remove the first chicane at Monza and change the gearbox. But let's see.

If my car can do 400, I'll be happy!

Meanwhile, Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur insists there is serious work going on in preparation for the new era.

We're making a lot of effort to filter what we can take back for 2026, he told Auto Motor und Sport. "Suspensions, the braking system. It's only in aerodynamics that you can't transfer anything.

There could be load changes when switching from one engine mode to another. It's no coincidence that teams have invested in suspensions this year. McLaren, Mercedes, us. Everything we learn can become an advantage.

(GMM)
BEIJING, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Many cities around the world bear the label of "peace." Few, however, wear it as literally as Zhijiang, a county in central China's Hunan Province, where a boulevard, a bridge, a theater, a hospital and even a lake all contain the word.

In 1945, Japanese troops signed a memorandum of surrender in Zhijiang, which was followed by similar events in more cities across China. After 14 years of resistance, a nation long scarred by war and turmoil finally glimpsed a sign of peace.

On Sept. 3, commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of China's victory in World War II will culminate in a military parade at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing. Those who assisted the country during the war, or the surviving family members of such allies, have been invited to attend.

"Many people today take peace for granted, but it is not a word that should hang lightly. We must remember what happened and prevent such tragedies from happening again," said Wu Heping, a resident of Zhijiang whose given name means peace in Chinese.

Wu's parents named him in memory of their wartime flight from Japanese troops all the way to Zhijiang -- and to remind him of how precious an ordinary, quiet life can be.

WAR AS A MIRROR

The Chinese people know the cost of war not from textbooks, but from their own scorched earth.

When Su Yuankui came to his senses after a Japanese air raid on June 5, 1941, in Chongqing in southwest China, all he saw was ruins and blood. "Not a single structure stood unscathed," the now 92-year-old recalled. Su lost two sisters that day.

Six years of bombing had resulted in an estimated 32,000 direct casualties in the city.

Across China, from 1931 to 1945, the war inflicted over 35 million casualties. Worldwide, the figure is estimated at more than 100 million.

In Nanjing in east China, 300,000 people were killed in just over 40 days following the city's fall to Japan, while in the country's northeast, Unit 731 conducted brutal human experiments.

Around the same time, Roger-Pierre Laurens, a Frenchman living in east China's Shanghai, gathered images that documented the city's suffering.

Earlier this month, his grandson, Marcus Detrez, donated 618 of these photographs to China.

Detrez said his family, too, bore scars of the conflict: Laurens' eldest daughter is believed to have died from poisoned juice distributed by Japanese troops, and his eldest son, now nearly 90, speaks incoherently about the bloodshed whenever he sees the photographs.

While millions in the West know of Auschwitz, far fewer are aware of the Nanjing Massacre or Unit 731. Japan has long shunned acknowledgement of its wartime atrocities, and has in recent years moved away from postwar pacifism. Elsewhere, attempts have emerged to blur the historical facts of WWII alliances.

As memories of WWII fade, the psychological threshold for war seems to be lowering, said Fan Yongpeng, a political scholar at Fudan University in Shanghai. "Politicians in some countries speak lightly about military engagements."

The Uppsala Conflict Data Program in Sweden recorded 61 active conflicts involving at least one state in 2024 -- the highest number since the program began collecting statistics in 1946.

"As the world stands at another crossroads, China's commemorations serve as a reminder to clarify our attitude to war," said Zhong Feiteng, an expert on international relations at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

UNITED BY JUSTICE

Adam Foster, chairman of the Helen Foster Snow Foundation in the United States, said the world learned the price of division during WWII -- but it also witnessed the power of unity.

In 1937, his great-aunt, Helen Foster Snow, traveled to Yan'an, northwest China, which was the headquarters of the Communist Party of China at the time. The journalist predicted that China would rise from suffering with dignity, resilience and creativity.

The war in China was, in fact, highly asymmetric. It pitted a poor, fractured agrarian society against an industrialized invader whose steel output was more than 140 times greater.

Tokyo had expected China to simply kneel. Yet its invasion galvanized great unity among the Chinese people, said Gao Hong, an expert on Japan at the CASS.

One thing is certain: The Chinese are not warmongers, but if pressed, they will fight, even when they are ill-equipped and have to struggle through rubble in straw hats and canvas shoes.

In Zhijiang, locals used agrarian tools to build a 1,500-meter runway to accommodate incoming fighter and bomber planes. Their makeshift runway later became the second-largest Allied air base in the Far East.

In the course of the war, more than 2,000 Soviet pilots flew in to assist, of whom over 200 never returned. American volunteer pilots also joined the fight and braved the perilous "Hump" route over the Himalayas.

Lin Cheng-heng, an art-student-turned-soldier from Taiwan, joined Chinese expeditionary forces in Burma (now Myanmar) after earlier battles against Japanese troops in southern China's Guangxi.

He suffered 16 stab wounds, yet in his letters home he still recalled his father's teachings on the importance of commitment to the country, said his nephew, Lin Kuang-hui. This year marks 80 years since Taiwan's return to China following Japan's surrender.

China tied down the bulk of Japanese forces for much of the war, reducing the pressure on Allied operations in Europe and the Pacific. In total, they eliminated more than 1.5 million enemy troops.

"Eighty years have passed, but the war doesn't feel distant. Humanity's challenges have not fundamentally changed," said Zhang Lianhong, a filmmaker from Chongqing. In June, she released an animated film that showed Japanese bombings and the struggle for survival along the Yangtze River.

Today, from regional conflicts to sluggish economic growth and climate change, global challenges have bound humanity together in a shared struggle.

No country can claw its way forward alone, nor can any stay immune, said He Husheng, a history scholar at Renmin University of China in Beijing. "Unity and cooperation remain the only viable path."

"Peace enforced through strength is like a castle built on sand," he added, noting that true peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.

DEVELOPMENT & FRIENDSHIP

Wednesday's commemorations are not only a time to remember history and honor the fallen, but also an opportunity to look forward.

"Development is key. The tree of peace cannot grow on barren land. Without growth, peace is fleeting," said Liu Qiao, an economist and dean of the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University.

China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013. From high-speed railways in Indonesia to solar power plants in Africa and workshops that train young technicians, the initiative has benefited people in over 150 countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The country has also upgraded the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund to a broader Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, boosting its resources to 4 billion U.S. dollars. "These measures have strengthened the foundation for peace," Liu said.

He Husheng advocates closer people-to-people ties, saying that a world built on friendship can truly sustain peace. China has relaxed its visa policies and expanded opportunities for people to study and exchange in the country -- including 50,000 places for American youth.

The friendships born of wartime sacrifice continue to shape relations. Soviet pilot Grigori Kulishenko was killed in 1939 and buried in Chongqing. A local Chinese woman and later her son have tended his grave for more than six decades.

"He has no family here. We must stay by his side so he doesn't feel alone," said Wei Yingxiang, who is now in his 70s, quoting his late mother.

Residents of Chongqing also renovated the former residence of General Joseph Stilwell, the commander of U.S. forces in the China-Burma-India Theater.

"The peoples of the United States and China share many commonalities, especially the desire to live in peace," said John Easterbrook, Stilwell's grandson. "Their friendship forged during WWII should be remembered and used to build understanding today."

Zhijiang is expected to welcome visitors from around the world this September for a peace culture event.

At a museum near the site where Japanese troops signed the terms of their surrender 80 years ago, one visitor has written in the guestbook: "Peace to the world." 
This photo taken on Aug. 30, 2025 shows the flood-affected area in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. Heavy rains and flash floods have claimed five lives and injured eight others in the eastern Afghanistan Nangarhar province, reported the state-run Bakhtar news agency on Saturday. (Photo by Aimal Zahir/Xinhua)

KABUL, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Heavy rains and flash floods have claimed five lives and injured eight others in the eastern Afghanistan Nangarhar province, reported the state-run Bakhtar news agency on Saturday.

Citing Mawalwi Sediqullah Qureshi, the provincial director for Information and Culture, the state-owned news agency added that the rainstorms, which triggered flooding in Rodat, Haska Mina and Chaparhar districts on Friday, have killed five people and injured eight others.

Thousands of acres of farmland, as well as parts of roads and several water canals, have also been destroyed due to flooding, the official news agency added, quoting the official.

Previously, flash floods had also inflicted casualties and property damage in the eastern Logar and Parwan provinces a couple of weeks ago. 

This photo taken on Aug. 30, 2025 shows the flood-affected area in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. Heavy rains and flash floods have claimed five lives and injured eight others in the eastern Afghanistan Nangarhar province, reported the state-run Bakhtar news agency on Saturday. (Photo by Aimal Zahir/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 30, 2025 shows the flood-affected area in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. Heavy rains and flash floods have claimed five lives and injured eight others in the eastern Afghanistan Nangarhar province, reported the state-run Bakhtar news agency on Saturday. (Photo by Aimal Zahir/Xinhua)
TCL is getting ready to unveil a new smartphone at IFA in Berlin in the next few days, it seems. The device, called NxtPaper 60 Ultra 5G, has now been listed by Amazon Germany ahead of the official announcement.

The listing tells us that the device has a 7.2-inch FHD+ NxtPaper screen with 120Hz refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a "long lasting battery" that unfortunately isn't detailed any further.

In the box you only get a USB-C cable, no charger. The phone runs Android 15, disappointingly since Android 16 was released by Google in June. Amazon is going to offer the device unlocked, with 5G support, in Nebula Black.

The NxtPaper 60 Ultra's release date is September 5 according to the retailer, and so that might also be the date on which it's made official by TCL. Stay tuned.
Jeju Air announced that it is suspending its Incheon-Guam flights for the first time in 13 years, marking another blow to the islands fragile tourism industry at a time when the Guam Visitors Bureau is proposing to spend $10 million to provide airline incentives.

The Korean carrier will suspend its flights to Guam until March 2026 over declining demand and intensifying competition from other carriers.

This comes particularly in the wake of the merger between mega airlines Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, GVB said in a statement on Saturday acknowledging Jeju Airs flight suspension amidst current market instability.

GVB expressed its gratitude for Jeju Airs dedicated service to Guam over the past 13 years.

Jejus pause of Incheon-Guam service is disappointing, but we also acknowledge the fierce competition and restructuring needs within the industry, GVB General Manager Regine Biscoe Lee said in a statement.

Jeju Air is also suspending some flights to Saipan. It is also suspending Busan flights to Da Nang, Vietnam from October through March next year for the same reasons.

Theres no decision yet, however, whether Jeju Air flights to Guam will resume after March 28, 2026.

Except for pandemic-era suspension, this is the first time Jeju Air has suspended the Incheon-Guam route since launching its service in 2012.

While Jeju Air suspends its flights, Korean Air and Jin Air recently expanded capacity to Guam.

Korean media reported that the expansion follows conditions imposed by the Korean government during approval of the Korean Air-Asiana Airlines merger, which required airlines to maintain more than 90% of 2019 seat supply on certain routes.

GVB on Saturday said the airline incentive program will remain open to all carriers, as it aims to continue collaborations and support in the coming year.

Korean media, however, described that theres oversupply of seats on the route, impacting profitability.

The Incheon-Guam flight suspension also comes months after Jeju Air pulled back 10% to 15% of its international flights following a deadly Dec. 29, 2024 plane crash.

GVB said in January that this meant a reduction of about 5,000 seats to Guam in the next few months.

Arrivals down

Arrivals from Korea to Guam dropped by 21%from 307,944 in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 to 243,223 in fiscal 2025, or from October to June.

Total fiscal-year-to-date arrivals to Guam from all markets remain at just 43% of what they were during the first nine months of pre-pandemic fiscal 2019.

GVB has come up with an $11.1 million airline incentive program to keep seats for Guam and boost arrivals, but senators recently approved only $10 million of that.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is still reviewing the fiscal 2026 budget bill that contains that $10 million tourism package.

But even with $10 million for airline incentives, Guam is not expected to see anywhere near 1 million arrivals in fiscal 2026, based on a revised forecast from GVB.

The bureau now expects total arrivals to Guam at 840,642, down from the initial forecast of more than 1 million if the incentive package is at $11.1 million. Guam saw a record-breaking 1.6 million arrivals in fiscal 2019.

Optimism

Despite the continuing declines in arrivals, GVB remains optimistic about the Korean market, which has been its major source of tourists for several years after it toppled the Japan market for the prime spot.

GVB on Saturday reported a fastpaced rebound in the Korean travel market, with monthly seat capacity rising from over 39,000 in June to approximately 50,600 in July and surpassing 60,000 in August.

This surge signals meaningful momentum and sets the stage for continued gains in the coming months, GVB said. This upward trend stems from expanded air service supported by wellstructured incentive programs.

GVB said since August, Korean Air has increased its flights to Guam, adding additional daily flights from Incheon and Busan, directly reflecting the impact of GVBs proactive market strategy.

Despite the changes in the airline industry, GVB is pleased to see the Korea market rapidly regain strength. We anticipate stronger traveler arrival numbers in the final quarter. Our incentive model is delivering tangible outcomes, evidenced by the growth in seat capacity, Biscoe Lee said.

GVB remains fully committed to sustaining this momentum and ensuring dependable air access for our community, the former senator added.

At its Thursday board meeting, the board led by Chairman George Chiu already granted Biscoe Lee the authority to expend airline incentive funds upon the fiscal 2026 budget bills approval.

GVB said Chiu emphasized the need for flexibility within the incentive program.

The tourism bureau has also been beefing up destination enhancements and creation of more activities for tourists to Guam, while also acknowledging that some factors are beyond its control, including weakened yen and won that makes it pricier to go to Guam, along with fierce competition from other destinations.

While Guams tourism industry is still struggling, military-related construction projects have been keeping the economy afloat, along with other federal funds.
Chinese and Ghanaian doctors perform a surgery on a Ghanaian orphan with umbilical hernia at the Lekma Hospital in Accra, Ghana, Aug. 27, 2025. The 14th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ghana has successfully carried out surgeries to save two Ghanaian orphans from umbilical hernia at the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital, popularly known as Lekma Hospital, in Accra, the Ghanaian capital.(The 14th batch of the Chinese medical team to Ghana/Handout via Xinhua)

ACCRA, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The 14th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ghana has successfully carried out surgeries to save two Ghanaian orphans from umbilical hernia at the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital, popularly known as Lekma Hospital, in Accra, the Ghanaian capital.

The team performed surgeries on Lucky Jeffery and Prince Appiah from the Motherly Love Orphanage, a local home that takes care of orphans of HIV/AIDS victims.

Yang Yongguang, head of the medical team, told Xinhua on Friday that the team decided to offer much-needed relief to the two children after identifying their conditions during a visit to the orphanage in June. He added that the children underwent surgeries on Wednesday.

"The Chinese Charity Foundation in Ghana provided funding for the treatment expenses. We are very happy that we were able to perform the surgery for them. Now, they are recovering well and can study and live without any worries," Yang added.

Joanita Da Pilma-Lekettey, administrator of the Lekma Hospital, lauded the medical team for their kindness in spending resources to save the lives of the vulnerable children.

"It is only two days after the surgery, but the children have recovered so well. The Chinese medical team is doing so well, and we want to thank them on behalf of the children and encourage them to continue to do more," the administrator added.

Sandra Mishiwo, a volunteer at the Motherly Love Orphanage, also expressed joy at the recovery of the two children.

"I am excited because the surgery will bring relief to the children," Mishiwo said. "I thank the Chinese medical team for this support." 

Chinese and Ghanaian doctors perform a surgery on a Ghanaian orphan with umbilical hernia at the Lekma Hospital in Accra, Ghana, Aug. 27, 2025. The 14th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ghana has successfully carried out surgeries to save two Ghanaian orphans from umbilical hernia at the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital, popularly known as Lekma Hospital, in Accra, the Ghanaian capital.(The 14th batch of the Chinese medical team to Ghana/Handout via Xinhua)

Yang Yongguang (L), head of the 14th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ghana, visits two Ghanaian orphans after they undergo surgery at the Lekma Hospital in Accra, Ghana, Aug. 29, 2025. The 14th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ghana has successfully carried out surgeries to save two Ghanaian orphans from umbilical hernia at the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital, popularly known as Lekma Hospital, in Accra, the Ghanaian capital.(Photo by Seth/Xinhua)




Haiti - Economy : Launch of an ambitious program to strengthen the sewing and shoemaking sectors





On Friday, August 29, at the Montana Hotel, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) officially launched the national program for the Revitalization of Haiti's Sewing and Shoemaking Sectors (RSCCH), under the theme: "N ap koud fyete nou, n ap konsome lokal" (Let's sew our pride, let's consume locally).



Through this program, the MCI intends to promote the transmission of Haitian know-how, strengthen the technical capabilities of artisans, modernize workshops, encourage local entrepreneurship, and stimulate the consumption of products made in Haiti.



Sewing and shoemaking, beyond their cultural dimension, represent a strategic sector capable of generating decent jobs, providing opportunities for young people, and contributing to the revitalization of the national economy, stated Panel Paulemont, Director General of the MCI.



1. Modernize the sewing and shoemaking sector;

2. Facilitate access to financing for the development of these trades;

3. Promote competitiveness, structuring, and formalizing activities;

4. Strengthen support for Haitian designers.



"This is an ambitious program aimed at promoting Haitian know-how and increasing the competitiveness of our artisans," emphasized Paulemont.



For his part, Dikel Delvariste, Director General of the National Institute of Vocational Training (INFP), praised the program as an essential tool for increasing national production and reducing dependence on the international market, while structuring the sector and strengthening the capacity of vocational schools.



Ms. Dithny Joan Raton, Special Mediator for Labor and Clothing Manufacturing, emphasized that this initiative helps revive small-scale crafts while promoting tradition and national identity. "By supporting this initiative, we are creating jobs for our artisans and helping to build the Haiti of tomorrow," she stated.



James Monazard, Minister of Commerce and Industry, added "The manufacture of clothing, embroidery, and footwear bears the imprint of our history. Revitalizing these sectors, pillars of our economy, is part of an integrated vision for the future." He reiterated the government's commitment to supporting all artisans in their professional activities.



Axene Joseph, Director of the Prime Minister's Office, emphasized, on behalf of Prime Minister Fils Aime, that the program represents an act of resistance and national pride. "The time has come to give national production a strategic place in Haiti's development."



The RSCCH aims to make crafts, the textile, and clothing industries a driver of economic transformation, mobilizing not only artisans and creators, but also the entire value chain: designers, mechanics, accessory and software manufacturers. This initiative is therefore part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the Haitian economy and strengthen the national industrial fabric.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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. 
The BitTorrent client iTorrent is no longer available via the AltStore in the EU. Apple has removed the necessary authorization to distribute apps in alternative app marketplaces "without warning", the developer complains in a Github thread, meaning that he can no longer make the app available  either in the AltStore or via another alternative app marketplace. He had contacted the iPhone company, but after a long wait only received "generic garbage" in response. Most recently, he was told by Apple's developer support that new information had been "requested from the escalation team".

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iTorrent problem has existed for weeks

The problem has existed since mid-July and is still unresolved weeks later. The alternative app marketplace AltStore PAL, through which iTorrent could previously be downloaded, is also at a loss. Something has gone wrong in Apple's app distribution portal "App Store Connect" and has resulted in iTorrent no longer being listed in AltStore PAL, writes the provider Riley Testut, noting that it is one of the most popular apps there. AltStore has been in contact with Apple for weeks, but nothing has changed. It is "really difficult to run an app marketplace when apps simply disappear at random", says Testut.

Whether Apple is deliberately blocking iTorrent or whether it is just the shaky framework for sideloading iOS apps, which Apple does not want, that is causing problems remains to be seen. Another BitTorrent client can still be found in the AltStore , as can a porn app that Apple has grudgingly allowed.

Apple allows sideloading  but reluctantly

The Digital Markets Act forces Apple within the EU to allow alternative app stores and sideloading app distribution via a website. Recently, the company had to significantly streamline the previously cumbersome download procedure for app stores so that normal users can now also do this.

However, developers still have to register for Apple's dev portal and submit their apps to Apple for review, even for distribution outside the App Store. According to its own information, Apple checks the apps both automatically and by employees, but has vowed to no longer intervene in the content of alternative distribution channels. In at least two cases, the company nevertheless blocked sideloading apps, including a Macintosh 128K emulator and a virtualizer. The latter was finally approved by the company, probably under pressure from the EU Commission.

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(lbe)

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.
He moved to Finland in 2022 after beginning his studies in China, which were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraged by a friend working at the Finnish Embassy, he applied to continue his education in Finland.

Fayez Bassalat , a 25-year-old electrical engineer from Ramallah, faces deportation from Finland despite graduating from a Finnish university, securing full-time employment, and integrating into Finnish society, MTV News reported in an article published on Friday.

Upon arrival, he pursued engineering studies at a university of applied sciences and learned Finnish.

He now lives in Vantaa, works at Metropolia University as a project engineer and part-time teacher, and has built a professional network.

I studied, found a job, pay taxes. I wanted a future here, he said.

His residence permit, originally granted for study, was cancelled after he graduated. Though he applied for a work-based residence permit, the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) rejected it.

The reason: his Palestinian travel document no longer qualifies under revised immigration legislation.

In September 2024, Finland amended its Aliens Act. One key change requires applicants to possess a valid national travel document recognised by the Finnish government.

Previously accepted documents such as refugee travel documents and alien passports are no longer valid. The change has particularly affected stateless persons and Palestinians, whose documents do not meet the updated criteria.

Bassalat's passport was issued by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. It was accepted for his study-based permit but is now deemed insufficient for a work permit.

Although Finland does not recognise Palestine as a state, its Ministry for Foreign Affairs still lists Palestinian travel documents as permissible.

Tommi Vallin, process owner at Migris International Protection division, said the legislative intent acknowledged the effect on stateless and Palestinian applicants.

The preparatory documents explicitly stated the law would make it more difficult for certain groups to obtain residence permits, Vallin told MTV News.

He said lawmakers chose to prioritise verifiable identity over flexibility.

It was foreseeable that the changes would result in situations perceived as unreasonable and increase the workload for authorities, he said.

Migri has refused multiple residence permit applications for failing to meet the new passport criteria. The agency has not disclosed how many of these applicants are Palestinians.

Bassalat now has 30 days to leave Finland voluntarily or face forced return to the Israeli-controlled West Bank.

Under Finnish law, deportations must not violate the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending individuals to countries where they face risk of execution, torture, persecution, or inhumane treatment.

The safety of return to Israel for Palestinians remains a subject of debate.

I am Palestinian. I dont have permission to go there. I will be imprisoned immediately. Its like a death sentence, Bassalat said.

He is seeking legal assistance to appeal the decision. His employer has committed to supporting him and submitted a letter to Migri advocating for the approval of his residence permit.

Despite the threat of deportation, Bassalat says his opinion of Finland has not changed.

I still love Finnish culture, nature, and the people. Maybe some in the government dont like Palestinians, but I wont judge all of Finland for that.

The law change has affected other stateless persons and individuals from regions without recognised governments.

Vallin confirmed that Migri enforces the law based on the new passport requirement, not on applicants nationality or personal background.

HT
Helsingin Sanomat was the first to report the operation, which took place at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and involved collaboration between the police, Border Guard, and customs officers. The action drew public attention as several passengers arriving from European cities were stopped and questioned upon landing.

Police and border authorities in Finland prevented dozens of foreign members of the Bandidos motorcycle club from entering the country on Friday evening as the gang prepared to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Finnish chapter in Helsinki.

According to Helsinki Police Superintendent Henri Helminen, the operation was part of increased monitoring tied to the biker gang's gathering. Police intensified checks on entry and residence in cooperation with the Border Guard, he told Helsingin Sanomat. He confirmed the operation was connected to the Bandidos event.

The authorities did not report any change in the general threat level. However, Helminen said that past legal rulings support the police interpretation of Bandidos activities as being associated with organised crime. Naturally, we increase surveillance when such an event is taking place, he said.

At least 20 to 30 foreign members were refused entry and deported, according to Antti Kainulainen, the president of Bandidos Finland. He told Helsingin Sanomat on Saturday that the members were stopped at the border and ordered to return to their home countries.

The deported individuals arrived from across Europe to attend the anniversary event, which Kainulainen confirmed was a private celebration. Most of them were not wearing gang insignia during travel, but reportedly had club vests in their luggage.

Kainulainen criticised the uniform treatment of all arriving members. Even those without criminal records were given three- to five-year entry bans, he said. He called the police action an abuse of law and questioned the legal grounds, referencing a 2011 Finnish Supreme Court decision that ruled Bandidos Helsinki was not a criminal organisation.

He also claimed that an unresolved legal case, in which the National Police Board is seeking to ban Bandidos and its subgroups, was used as the basis for some of the entry refusals. The same written notice was handed to dozens of people. Shouldnt each case be evaluated individually? he said.

Kainulainen added that the members were unaware they would be denied entry and criticised the lack of prior notice from Finnish authorities.

Eyewitnesses at Helsinki Airport described the scale of the operation. A passenger on a flight from Copenhagen told Ilta-Sanomat that police were stationed at the jet bridge, checking passports of all arriving passengers before allowing them into the terminal. There were many officers, including police, customs agents, and border guards, said the passenger, Joonatan Sirkka.

Superintendent Helminen declined to specify how many individuals were refused entry, stating that the operational phase is still ongoing. He said police will turn back any person who does not meet the requirements for staying in the country, regardless of club affiliation.

No public events, parades, or demonstrations have been announced in connection with the gathering. Helminen confirmed the police had received no prior notification from the group. Authorities have not disclosed whether further enforcement actions will occur during the weekend.

HT
Writing on X , formerly Twitter, Orpo said that the recent language and statements from the Finns Party leadership must be discussed in government. The budget session will not conclude before this has been done.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has declared that the government will not close budget negotiations until controversial immigration remarks by senior figures in the Finns Party are addressed within the cabinet.

The government is set to begin budget negotiations next week. Orpos statement came after the partys vice chair and MP Teemu Keskisarja described immigration to Finland as a partially realised catastrophe and the end of Finland during a live broadcast on Yles A-studio.

Keskisarja claimed that in one generation, several hundred thousand mostly low-quality newcomers had arrived in Finland, and went on to question whether migrants from Africa and the Middle East were on the same educational and professional level as native Finns.

The comments have drawn widespread criticism and prompted at least four police reports. Finnish police are assessing whether to launch a preliminary investigation.

When asked to clarify what he meant by low-quality, Keskisarja said on air that it referred to education, civilisation, and professional readiness of migrants, specifically those from Africa and the Middle East.

The Finns Party leader and Minister of Finance Riikka Purra defended the remarks in an interview on Yles Ykkosaamu on Saturday. There is no racism in this, she said. There is no violation of equality. We must be able to talk about immigration without constant offence and outrage.

Purra added that immigration to Finland is not of the quality we would hope for, especially in terms of education.

When presented with a clip of Swedish Peoples Party chair and Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz, who described Keskisarjas statements as baseless and irresponsible, Purra rejected the claim. What exactly in the comments was untrue or unrelated to the topic? she said. We want to discuss the issue, not isolated adjectives.

She said that the party's vocabulary may be more colourful than that of the average politician but asked what specifically should be condemned. The fact remains that the arriving population does not match our expectations regarding dependency on social security and employment levels, she said.

Orpo had already stated in an earlier interview with Helsingin Sanomat that he disapproved of Keskisarjas language and that the matter would be addressed in cabinet. The latest announcement signals his intent to tie the issue directly to the state budget process.

When asked whether the prime ministers comments would influence how the Finns Party communicates in future, the partys parliamentary group leader Jani Makela told Helsingin Sanomat the situation made him smile a bit.

This is not an economic issue, Makela said. I dont know how one would write the Finns Partys language into the budget document, but perhaps a creative solution will be found.

He also said he had heard and noted Orpos views but did not confirm whether they would change anything. If someone has something to say, I will listen and draw conclusions if I find it necessary, he said.

Yle reports that Keskisarja has also promoted the so-called Great Replacement theory, stating that the native Finnish birth rate has collapsed while hundreds of thousands of low-quality newcomers have arrived. The theory suggests a deliberate effort to replace Western populations with migrants and has been linked by Finlands security services to far-right violence.

Asked on Yle whether Keskisarjas language towards the prime minister was acceptable, Purra replied that she does not in any way encourage our MPs to criticise the prime minister.

According to Yle, Orpo refused to comment further when approached.

The Finns Party continues to hold key positions in government. Purra, as Finance Minister, is central to the upcoming budget decisions. In her interview, she said she believed the budget talks could be concluded as early as Tuesday, despite the added tensions.

The controversy has exposed deep rifts in the government coalition, with pressure mounting on Orpo to respond decisively to language some lawmakers describe as unacceptable. Parliament will resume full session in September.

HT
Speaking on Yles Ykkosaamu programme , Purra said she approved of how Keskisarja expressed himself during his appearance on A-studio. Yes, I accept them, she said in response to a direct question.

Finnish Finance Minister Riikka Purra has said she accepts the immigration-related comments made by her partys vice-chair Teemu Keskisarja on national broadcaster Yle, dismissing allegations of racism and expressing no concern over pending police reports.

On Wednesday, Keskisarja referred to migrants arriving in Finland as low-quality and described demographic changes as a partially realised catastrophe. He also characterised Finnish cultural events as becoming developing-world-style pigsties and bloodbaths.

Police in Helsinki have received four criminal complaints regarding Keskisarjas statements. Authorities are assessing whether to launch a formal investigation.

When asked about the legal reports, Purra responded, I strongly doubt these will lead to charges. Keskisarja uses colourful language. He often speaks in quite brutal terms.

In the A-studio broadcast, Keskisarja claimed that Finland had received hundreds of thousands of low-quality newcomers in one generation and questioned the educational and professional standards of migrants from Africa and the Middle East.

Pressed to define low-quality, Keskisarja said the term referred to lower levels of education, civilisation, and vocational preparedness among certain migrant groups. He also described the Great Replacement conspiracy theory as factual. The theory claims that Western populations are being systematically replaced by migrants, an idea Finnish security services link to right-wing extremist violence.

Asked on Yle whether she recognised that such terminology closely mirrors language used by those justifying far-right violence, Purra said the party does not discuss theories but focuses on verifiable statistics.

These figures show the number of migrants, their employment rate, the problems in schools, and tax contribution levels, she said. We talk about realities, not ideology.

Purra rejected suggestions that the partys rhetoric breaches the governments anti-racism commitment issued two years ago. There is no racism here. There is no violation of equality, she said. We must be able to discuss immigration issues in Finland without constant outrage.

Asked directly whether the Finns Party still supports the governments anti-racism declaration, Purra replied, Absolutely.

When questioned whether the language used by Keskisarja was appropriate for a government coalition partner, particularly following Prime Minister Petteri Orpos public condemnation of the comments, Purra said she did not encourage her MPs to criticise the prime minister.

Earlier, Orpo told Helsingin Sanomat he did not accept Keskisarjas language and said the issue would be discussed during upcoming government budget negotiations.

Keskisarja dismissed Orpos statements, comparing them to AI-generated jargon. Yle asked Purra whether this was appropriate language toward the prime minister. I do not in any way encourage our MPs to criticise the prime minister, she said.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Purra insisted that the partys stance on immigration is not the reason for recent declines in voter support. The Finns Party is polling at 12.3 percent according to Yles latest survey, down from 20.1 percent in the last parliamentary election.

We speak about issues other parties avoid, she said. I dont believe our immigration policy or language explains the drop in support.

HT
In a 74 decision handed down Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found that Trumps reliance on the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement tariffs violated the separation of powers established by the U.S. Constitution. The court concluded that the IEEPA does not provide a legal basis for imposing taxes, duties, or tariffs.

A federal appeals court has ruled that former President Donald Trump acted unlawfully when he used emergency powers to impose broad tariffs on imports from dozens of countries, declaring that the authority to set such trade measures rests with Congress.

The ruling will not immediately lift the tariffs. The court delayed enforcement of its decision until 14 October to allow the Trump administration to seek review by the Supreme Court. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the Justice Department intends to appeal.

The decision covers the so-called Liberation Day tariffs introduced in April, which placed a baseline 10 percent duty on imports from most of the world, as well as reciprocal tariffs aimed at countries Trump accused of unfair trade practices. Additional levies on imports from China, Mexico and Canada, which the Trump administration linked to national security threats such as drug trafficking, were also struck down.

Trump responded to the ruling on Truth Social, calling the court highly partisan and warning that overturning the tariffs would literally destroy the United States of America. He insisted that the tariffs remain in place and repeated his view that trade deficits pose a threat to American jobs and industries.

The court rejected those arguments. In its written opinion, the majority stated that Congress had never explicitly delegated tariff authority through the IEEPA and noted that the statute neither mentions tariffs nor contains procedural safeguards for the use of such measures. The judges emphasised that decisions related to taxation and tariffs are a core congressional power.

The ruling follows legal challenges brought by small businesses and a coalition of U.S. states. One of the lead plaintiffs, VOS Selections, was represented by the Liberty Justice Center. Senior counsel Jeffrey Schwab said the decision protects American businesses from unlawful executive overreach.

The Trump administration had attempted to justify the tariffs by declaring a national emergency based on longstanding trade deficits and alleged unfair practices. White House lawyers argued that reversing the tariffs would cause global diplomatic fallout, threaten pending trade deals, and harm U.S. national security.

In court filings submitted ahead of the decision, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of irreparable harm if the tariffs were overturned. Bessent argued that such a reversal could cause a dangerous diplomatic embarrassment and undermine negotiations with allies including the European Union, United Kingdom and Japan.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended the administrations use of IEEPA. President Trump lawfully exercised the tariff powers granted to him by Congress to defend our national and economic security from foreign threats, he said. The Presidents tariffs remain in effect, and we look forward to ultimate victory on this matter.

The court has remanded part of the case back to a lower court to determine whether companies that paid the tariffs should be reimbursed. That decision could open the door to significant financial claims from businesses affected by the levies.

The dissenting judges, led by Richard Taranto, argued that IEEPA permits some authority to regulate imports and that Trumps actions were within scope. They described the laws language and legislative history as consistent with granting emergency trade powers.

The majority disagreed. We discern no clear congressional authorisation by IEEPA for tariffs of the magnitude of the Reciprocal Tariffs and Trafficking Tariffs, the ruling stated. The judges also wrote that IEEPA lacked the clear and precise terms used in other laws that delegate tariff-setting authority.

Legal experts suggest the case is now almost certain to reach the Supreme Court. The current court includes six justices appointed by Republican presidents, three of them by Trump himself. The court has recently ruled against executive overreach, citing the major questions doctrine, a principle that significant economic or political decisions require clear authorisation from Congress.

Attorney Neal Katyal, representing the plaintiffs, said the decision affirms that such authority cannot be exercised unilaterally by the executive branch. This is a win for the Constitution, he told CNN. The court rejected President Trumps notion that he can do whatever he wants whenever he wants.

Even with the ruling, the Trump administration may pursue alternative legal routes to keep some tariffs in place. The White House has previously used other laws, including Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, to justify tariffs on steel, aluminium, and automotive goods. Those measures were not affected by the courts decision.

The outcome raises questions about ongoing trade agreements negotiated under Trumps tariff framework. Several deals, including frameworks with the EU, UK, and Vietnam, were announced during the first half of the year. Foreign governments may now demand clarification on the legal status of those arrangements.

The federal appeals court's decision adds a new layer of uncertainty to U.S. trade policy as the administration prepares for a potential Supreme Court battle. Until then, the contested tariffs remain in place.

HT
In a statement on Friday, Mirjana Spoljaric , head of the ICRC, said the situation made any large-scale evacuation unfeasible and incomprehensible. She warned that forcing civilians to flee in the current conditions would trigger population movements on a scale that Gazas infrastructure is unable to support.

The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned that Israeli orders for a mass evacuation of Gaza City cannot be carried out safely and violate the conditions set by international humanitarian law. The comments come as Israeli military operations in northern Gaza intensify, prompting fears of further mass displacement in an already devastated enclave.

It is impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City could ever be done in a way that is safe and dignified under the current conditions, Spoljaric said. Such an evacuation would trigger a massive population movement that no area in the Gaza Strip can absorb.

She cited the widespread destruction of shelters, hospitals, water networks and food distribution systems as critical constraints. Many civilians are unable to leave, she added, due to illness, disability, injury, or fear.

Civilians are protected under international humanitarian law whether they leave or stay behind, she said. They must be allowed to return home. These conditions cannot currently be met in Gaza.

The remarks follow an announcement by the Israeli military that Gaza City has been declared a combat zone, prompting immediate evacuation orders for tens of thousands of civilians. Israeli forces are continuing their ground operations amid widespread damage and near-total collapse of Gazas basic services.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has warned that up to one million Palestinians could be forcibly displaced if Israel proceeds with its offensive. In a statement posted on social media, the agency said that any further escalation would deepen suffering and push more people toward catastrophe.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 63,000 since the start of Israels military campaign. At least 322 Palestinians have died of starvation, with humanitarian organisations citing famine in multiple districts including Gaza City. Medical centres are overwhelmed, and children are reported to be dying from malnutrition.

The United Nations has also expressed concern about Israels suspension of previously declared tactical pauses in combat operations. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, warned on Thursday that suspending such pauses would endanger both civilians and aid workers. Forcing hundreds of thousands of people to move further south is a recipe for further disaster and could amount to forcible transfer, he said.

Israeli operations have continued to target areas both inside and outside designated safe zones, including al-Mawasi in southern Gaza. The Health Ministry said that recent attacks had killed civilians in al-Mawasi, which has been repeatedly bombed despite being labelled a humanitarian area.

Eyewitness reports from Gaza describe chaotic scenes of families fleeing under fire, many with no destination or shelter. Photographs show civilians carrying what belongings they can through ruined streets as Israeli strikes hit surrounding areas. Aid workers report that many who attempt to move are dying in transit due to lack of access to food, water, and medical care.

Spoljaric reiterated the ICRCs demand for immediate humanitarian access and a ceasefire agreement. Every minute without a ceasefire agreement costs lives, she said. Humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow at a scale that meets the needs.

She also repeated the ICRCs call for Hamas to release all remaining hostages. More than 200 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage during the initial October 2023 attack on southern Israel. Some have since been freed in swaps, but others remain in captivity.

The situation on the ground has been complicated by regional developments. Israel continues its bombing campaign in southern Lebanon, with daily airstrikes targeting what they claim are Hezbollah-linked positions. In the West Bank, Israeli forces have conducted multiple raids on towns near Ramallah and Jenin, leaving several Palestinians injured. Journalists have also reported being targeted with tear gas and threats at gunpoint during Israeli military operations.

At the international level, the crisis has triggered further diplomatic fallout. The Trump administration announced it had revoked visas for several senior officials from the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization, blocking their attendance at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. Palestinian representatives said the move violates the UN Headquarters Agreement, which requires the host country to grant access to all member states and observers.

Despite these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged war crimes, is expected to attend the session.

The growing humanitarian crisis has sparked global protests and political responses. The foreign ministers of six European countries, Spain, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and Luxembourg, issued a joint statement condemning Israels offensive, calling it a violation of international law and urging an immediate halt to operations.

In Turkiye, the government has suspended all economic and trade relations with Israel and closed its airspace to Israeli aircraft. Hamas welcomed the decision and called on other countries to adopt similar measures.

Inside Gaza, aid organisations warn that hospitals are at breaking point. In Gaza Citys al-Helou Hospital, newborns are being placed two or three to an incubator due to equipment shortages. UNICEF described the situation as a complete collapse of care.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that more than 1.7 million people are already displaced inside Gaza, with most sheltering in makeshift camps or overcrowded buildings. The proposed evacuation of Gaza City would affect up to 400,000 additional civilians.

HT
The remarks came during a special session of the Grand National Assembly on Gaza, where Fidan accused Israel of committing genocide over a two-year campaign in the Palestinian territory.

Speaking in parliament, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkiye had completely cut off trade, closed its airspace, and banned Turkish ships from Israeli ports and Israeli ships from Turkish ports.

Turkiye has fully suspended economic ties with Israel and imposed bans on Israeli air and sea access, citing the ongoing war in Gaza.

We do not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports. We do not allow their planes to enter our airspace, he said on Friday.

Trade between the two countries totalled around $7 billion in 2023, before Ankara halted direct trade in May 2024. Turkiye had demanded a permanent ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian aid access to Gaza.

Turkish media reported last week that Israeli-linked maritime traffic was already being blocked, but no official announcement followed until now.

Tensions have continued to escalate. In November 2024, Turkish authorities blocked Israeli President Isaac Herzogs plane from entering Turkish airspace en route to an international event in Azerbaijan. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later defended the decision, saying, As Turkiye, we have to take a stance on certain issues.

Relations between the countries have been strained since 2010, when Israeli forces killed 10 Turkish citizens during a raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. Diplomatic ties were downgraded for several years before a partial restoration in 2016.

More recently, a Turkish-American national, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, was killed by Israeli forces during a demonstration in the occupied West Bank in September 2024, further fuelling public anger in Turkiye.

In addition to its security concerns, Ankara is also engaging with countries in the Global South and other blocs outside of the United States and European Union, which continue to support Israel diplomatically and militarily.

Within Israel, the impact of Turkiyes decision has been widely felt.

HT
MANILA, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine central bank, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), on Saturday said it welcomed the favorable assessment by credit rating agency Moody's of the country's access to external financing.

In its latest ratings review -- a report that follows a rating action -- Moody's noted the country's access to domestic and international funding markets as well as the "ample foreign-currency reserves." These are seen to help the economy "weather global capital flows volatility."

Moody's assessment followed its affirmation of the Baa2 rating (moderate credit risk) and stable outlook in August 2024.

As of the end of July 2025, the Philippines' gross international reserves stood at 105.4 billion U.S. dollars, equivalent to 7.2 months' worth of imports and about 3.4 times the country's short-term external debt based on residual maturity, the BSP said.

"The Philippines has built ample reserves and policy space to absorb external shocks, allowing us to maintain stability even in times of global uncertainty," BSP Governor Eli Remolona said in a statement. 
MOSCOW, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Russia said Saturday that it conducted a massive overnight strike on Ukraine's military enterprises and airbases.

"The targets of the strike were achieved, and all designated objectives were hit," Russia's defense ministry said in a statement, adding that the raids involved high-precision weapons fired from land, air and sea.

On the same day, Kiev said Russia launched 537 drones and 45 missiles targeting seven locations overnight, with 510 drones and 38 missiles intercepted. 
SHANGHAI, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- East China's Shanghai Municipality experienced its 25th consecutive day of temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius on Saturday, breaking a nearly century-old record for the longest continuous stretch of high temperatures in the city's history.

According to the municipal meteorological service, the previous record of 24 consecutive high-temperature days was set in 1926, when scorching heat persisted from July 22 to Aug. 14.

This year's prolonged heat wave has dealt Shanghai a total of 44 high-temperature days so far.

The city's first high-temperature day this year was June 17 -- about 10 days earlier than the average for past years. The August heat has been particularly intense, with Shanghai recording 26 high-temperature days in the last 30 days, matching the record high for the month set just last year.

Meteorologist Zhu Xueyan attributes the persistent heat to the abnormal behavior of the Northwestern Pacific subtropical high. The high-pressure circulation system has been stronger and more stable over the Yangtze River Delta region since early August, creating conditions conducive to sustained high temperatures, Zhu told Xinhua. 
LHASA, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Xizang Autonomous Region in southwest China reported robust growth in foreign trade with Nepal in the first seven months of 2025, with its total import and export value coming in at 2.578 billion yuan (about 362.9 million U.S. dollars), up 24.4 percent year on year.

Notably, Xizang's exports of new energy vehicles to Nepal rose 17.6 percent to 1.015 billion yuan. This growth has been attributed to strong demand in the Nepalese market and streamlined customs procedures implemented by Lhasa Customs.

On the import side, Xizang received 1,104.3 tonnes of silage fodder from Nepal, valued at nearly 790,000 yuan, representing significant volume growth of 83.58 percent and value growth of 84.68 percent.

Lhasa Customs has played a crucial role in facilitating this trade growth through innovative clearance models and dedicated services channels. These measures have improved overall logistics efficiency by 50 percent and reduced inspection times for silage imports by nearly 80 percent.

This improved trade performance reflects the deepening economic cooperation between China and Nepal, building on the outcomes of bilateral leadership exchanges. 
Customers shop at Yiwu Selection store in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 29, 2025. Yiwu Selection, a brand export collection store, officially opened in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, on Friday, introducing high-quality and affordable Chinese products to local shoppers. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

NAIROBI, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Yiwu Selection, a brand export collection store, officially opened in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, on Friday, introducing high-quality and affordable Chinese products to local shoppers.

Yiwu, a county-level city in east China's Zhejiang Province, is a global hub for consumer goods manufacturing, known for offering products that combine quality with affordability.

The Nairobi outlet, the first Yiwu Selection store in Africa, was located at China Square, a sprawling shopping complex in Waterfront Mall in the city's southwestern suburbs. It mainly stocks female products such as cosmetics, designer clothing, beachwear, and household appliances.

More than 20 Yiwu brands are already on the shelves, covering categories such as household items, digital accessories, and fashion jewelry.

Speaking at the launch, Shao Chunhong, vice mayor of Yiwu, said that the high-quality and affordable Yiwu products are well-suited to the African market, and the opening of the store aligns with China's broader commitment to deepen economic and trade ties with Africa.

Olivia Rachier, general manager for Legal and Corporate Affairs at the Kenya Investment Authority, welcomed the move as a milestone, saying that Kenya welcomes Chinese investment across a wide range of sectors.

Kenya has enjoyed macroeconomic stability, is endowed with a young and skilled workforce, has a sophisticated financial system, and is strategically located as a gateway for East Africa, offering vast opportunities to foreign investors, including those from China, Rachier said.

"We see great potential for Chinese investors to partner with us in manufacturing and industrialization, to establish industries in the economic zones, to drive exports into Africa and beyond," Rachier added.

Yuan Ying, general manager of Yiwu China Commodities City Overseas Investment Development Co., Ltd., said that the Nairobi store will help deliver brands that resonate with local consumers.

"We have a very good partner here in China Square, and I believe we will bring more goods, more brands to Africa, including daily consumer goods like ornaments, clothes, perfumes, necklaces for female clients," said Yuan.

Cheng Lei, managing director of China Square, said the new store will ensure Yiwu products are easily accessible to local consumers. He added that China Square plans to explore franchising arrangements with Kenyan retailers to expand the distribution of Yiwu products tailored for women aged 25 to 55. 

A shop assistant works at Yiwu Selection store in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 29, 2025. Yiwu Selection, a brand export collection store, officially opened in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, on Friday, introducing high-quality and affordable Chinese products to local shoppers. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Customers shop at Yiwu Selection store in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 29, 2025. Yiwu Selection, a brand export collection store, officially opened in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, on Friday, introducing high-quality and affordable Chinese products to local shoppers. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

A shop assistant works at Yiwu Selection store in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 29, 2025. Yiwu Selection, a brand export collection store, officially opened in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, on Friday, introducing high-quality and affordable Chinese products to local shoppers. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Photo taken on Aug. 29, 2025 shows the Yiwu Selection store in Nairobi, Kenya. Yiwu Selection, a brand export collection store, officially opened in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, on Friday, introducing high-quality and affordable Chinese products to local shoppers. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Li Zhigang speaks during a meeting on the first anniversary of the implementation of the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit in Dakar, Senegal, on Aug. 29, 2025. (Chinese Embassy in Senegal/Handout via Xinhua)

DAKAR, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese officials, political leaders, and scholars spoke highly of the progress made in implementing the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit at an event held Friday in Dakar, the capital of Senegal.

The Chinese Embassy in Senegal hosted the meeting on the first anniversary of the implementation of the summit's outcomes, bringing together nearly 100 participants, including senior government officials, party representatives, and think tank scholars.

Mabouba Diagne, Senegalese minister of agriculture, food sovereignty and livestock, said in his speech that over the past year, both sides have turned the important consensus reached by their leaders into concrete results, which have been widely welcomed by the Senegalese people.

He reaffirmed Senegal's firm commitment to the one-China principle and expressed appreciation to China's just stance on major global issues, adding that the West African country is willing to work with China to build a Senegal-China community with a shared future.

Ayib Daffe, secretary-general of Senegal's ruling African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity, said the governance experience of the Communist Party of China offers important lessons for Senegal in exploring a modernization path suited to its national conditions. He added that his party is ready to deepen exchanges with the Chinese side to further advance bilateral relations and cooperation.

Cathy Diagne Thioye, director for Asia Pacific and the Middle East at Senegal's Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, described the FOCAC as a model of South-South cooperation. She called on both sides to continue working together to implement priority projects under the forum framework.

Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Li Zhigang said that over the past year, China and Senegal have maintained close high-level exchanges, deepened political trust, steadily advanced economic cooperation, and strengthened cultural and people-to-people ties.

Li said the joint pursuit of modernization by China and Senegal will provide valuable experience for Africa and the wider Global South. 

Mabouba Diagne, Senegalese minister of agriculture, food sovereignty and livestock, speaks during a meeting on the first anniversary of the implementation of the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit in Dakar, Senegal, on Aug. 29, 2025. (Chinese Embassy in Senegal/Handout via Xinhua)
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni speaks after the launch of new factories at Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

MBALE, Uganda, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese-funded industrial parks and factories are playing a vital role in driving Uganda's industrial transformation, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Friday.

He made the remarks when visiting the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in the eastern city of Mbale.

Museveni, who inaugurated four new Chinese-invested factories and laid foundation stones for nine others during the visit, said industrialization is one of the key pillars that the government is prioritizing to facilitate national development.

"Industries are the answer for Uganda and for Africa ... Thank you very much for helping us transform our country," he said.

The city of Mbale, where the industrial park is located, lies on a key inland transportation route from Uganda to the port of Mombasa in neighboring Kenya. 

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (front, 3nd L) tours a timber paper factory at Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on Aug. 29, 2025.

Chinese-funded industrial parks and factories are playing a vital role in driving Uganda's industrial transformation, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Friday.

He made the remarks when visiting the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in the eastern city of Mbale.(Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni lays the foundation stone for nine new factories at Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on Aug. 29, 2025.

Chinese-funded industrial parks and factories are playing a vital role in driving Uganda's industrial transformation, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Friday.

He made the remarks when visiting the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in the eastern city of Mbale.(Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
CAIRO, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's national airline, EgyptAir, has signed two agreements with Chinese technology giant Huawei to support the company's business in Egypt and help the country's economic development, the two firms said in a joint statement on Saturday.

The deals make EgyptAir the official airline for Huawei employees and set the stage for joint work on Egypt's digital transformation.

EgyptAir Chairman Ahmed Adel said the partnership would help the airline adopt new technologies to run more efficiently, improve its systems, and give passengers a smoother travel experience. He added that the agreements would also support EgyptAir's expansion in international markets and help it offer better digital services.

Lang Cao, vice president of Huawei Global Business Travel, said linking Chinese companies with EgyptAir's network would improve business travel, strengthen economic ties, and create more cultural exchanges.

Huawei Egypt Senior Vice President Dou Yong said the company's digital solutions would help EgyptAir modernize operations and stay competitive globally.

The partnership is also part of Huawei's wider plan to invest in Egypt's digital infrastructure and support the country's economic growth, the statement said. 
HANOI, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Central Vietnam localities from Thanh Hoa province to Hue city are facing high risks of flash floods, landslides and flooding as Typhoon Nongfa approaches, Vietnam News Agency reported Saturday.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Saturday instructed localities to call on and guide vessels to return to safe shelters. Authorities were also urged to deploy forces, equipment and supplies to key areas to ensure timely response, rescue and relief operations.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Nongfa, the sixth typhoon to hit Vietnam this year, weakened into a tropical depression on Saturday afternoon after making landfall in the northern part of Quang Tri province and the southern part of Ha Tinh province.

The center added that coastal mainland areas in Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces have recorded strong winds of up to 61 km per hour, with gusts reaching up to 88 km per hour, said the center. 
MANILA, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- A woman was killed and two others were injured after a dump truck carrying sand crashed into a roadside house in Laguna province, southeast of Manila, local authorities said Saturday.

The municipal disaster risk reduction and management office said the crash occurred on a descending part of the road in Mabitac town on Friday, killing the woman at the scene.

The injured, also members of the household, were rushed to a local hospital for treatment.

Surveillance footage of the accident, posted on social media, showed the driver was jumping off the truck moments before the crash.

The driver reportedly fled after the incident and is now being hunted by authorities. 
ISLAMABAD, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- A policeman was killed and at least two others were injured in a terrorist attack in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province on Saturday, an official said.

A group of terrorists attacked a police check post in the Lachi area of Kohat district of the province, Kohat Regional Police Officer Abbas Majeed Marwat said.

The official said that security forces successfully retaliated with full force, killing three terrorists on the spot, adding that a search operation is underway in the area to arrest accomplices of the killed terrorists.

The injured police personnel have been shifted to a nearby hospital, where the condition of one policeman is said to be critical.

No group or individual has claimed the attack yet. 
LONDON, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Joao Pedro extended his fine scoring run as Chelsea claimed a 2-0 win over local rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge, a result overshadowed by a series of controversial refereeing decisions.

The 55 million-pound summer signing from Brighton struck in first-half stoppage time, heading in Enzo Fernandez's corner to make it five goals in as many starts across all competitions. Fernandez then doubled the lead from the penalty spot after the break, but much of the post-match discussion centred on referee Robert Jones and VAR official Michael Salisbury.

Fulham thought they had taken the lead in the 21st minute through Josh King, only for the goal to be disallowed following a VAR review. Salisbury spotted Rodrigo Muniz stepping on Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up, and after consulting the pitchside monitor, Jones confirmed the foul. The decision looked harsh, with replays showing only minimal contact as Muniz shielded the ball with his back to the goal.

Fulham, who had dominated much of the opening half, were punished on the stroke of half-time when Joao Pedro's header gave Chelsea the advantage. Their frustration deepened in the second period when Ryan Sessegnon was adjudged to have handled inside the area, allowing Fernandez to convert from 12 yards.

The defeat left Fulham boss Marco Silva furious at the officiating, while Chelsea celebrated a valuable victory heading into the international break. The win was tempered slightly by an early injury blow, as striker Liam Delap limped off with a hamstring problem. 
BERLIN, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- "Dongji Rescue," a new Chinese blockbuster based on a true story of Chinese fishermen during World War II (WWII), was screened across Germany on Friday.

Directed by Guan Hu and Fei Zhenxiang, the WWII action thriller recounts the heroic efforts of Chinese fishermen who rescued hundreds of British war prisoners during the historic Lisbon Maru incident.

In October 1942, the Japanese military commandeered the passenger-cargo ship to transport more than 1,800 British war prisoners from Hong Kong to Japan. While passing through the waters near Zhoushan Islands in China's Zhejiang Province, the ship was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine.

In a remarkable act of bravery, local Chinese fishermen risked their lives to rescue some 300 survivors.

"Dongji Rescue" brings to light a historical event that was largely unfamiliar to many, said Andrea Schmegel, who traveled hours by train to Berlin for the screening.

For another viewer, Minh Thu T., the film's historical theme was a key takeaway, in addition to its compelling acting and visual effects.

"I think it would be good for everyone to see what happened in the past," she said, adding that such stories encourage a broader and more honest understanding of history.

Distributed in Europe by Trinity CineAsia, "Dongji Rescue" is currently screening in Germany and Austria, following its domestic release in China earlier this month.

The film boasts a cast of major Chinese stars, including Zhu Yilong, Wu Lei and Ni Ni, joined by British actor William Franklyn-Miller. 
The market has rarely witnessed a reversal as dramatic as what happened to Palantir Technologies (PLTR). Once a niche defense contractor, Palantir rode an AI and data analytics boom to market stardom. After soaring over 400% the past year, the AI darling collapsed in spectacular fashion, shedding more than 15% across six consecutive trading sessions and erasing a staggering $73 billion in market value.

This stunning downturn handed short sellers a rare victory, generating over $1.6 billion in profits, even as these same traders had been nursing $4.5 billion in paper losses earlier in the year.

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The intensity of this bearish momentum has created unprecedented demand for tactical trading instruments. The Defiance Daily Target 2x Short PLTR ETF (PLTZ), has emerged as the go-to vehicle for investors seeking amplified exposure to Palantir's downside.

With cash-rich short sellers making headlines and ETF innovation hitting overdrive, could PLTZ be the next billion-dollar trade? Lets find out.

Overview of PLTZ

The Defiance Daily Target 2x Short PLTR ETF, hits the market with a very pointed focus: it aims to deliver -200% of Palantir Technologies daily share price moves. That means for every 1% Palantir drops in a day, PLTZ is designed to climb 2%; likewise, a 1% surge in Palantir can cut PLTZ's return by 2%.

The approach here is rooted in short-term, high-leverage exposure and not a set and forget affair, but a way to mirror and then amplify Palantirs daily direction, always recalibrated at close. The strategy involves using swaps and synthetic positions, not by holding Palantir itself, but by tracking its moves through financial instruments meant to reset exposure every day.

PLTZ comes from Defiance ETFs, a fund family known for pushing into the niche corners of the ETF universe. Since its inception on June 5, 2025, and first trade on June 6, the ETF has steadily grown its managed assets to about $27.6 million. The fund lists a $1.29% management fee, running above most traditional products but in line with similar leveraged ETFs.

Its holdings are structured for one thing: precise, inverse exposure to Palantir, and the portfolio reflects this with swaps featuring the stock at their core, plus significant positions in cash and government obligations. The ETFs synthetic Palantir swap forms the heart of the exposure at -199.91% of net assets, while cash and equivalents, listed at 282.15%, and a government obligations fund, First American Government Obligations Fund (FGXXX) (17.75%), balance the structure out.
Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL), stands as one of the worlds most influential technology companies, driving innovation across search, digital advertising, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI). The company has expanded far beyond its iconic search engine, generating the bulk of its revenue through digital ads while aggressively investing in AI and next-generation technologies.

Founded in 1998, the company operates globally, with offices in over 60 countries.

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About GOOGL Stock

GOOGL stock has demonstrated strong performance recently. Over the past five days, the stock rose approximately 6%, while its one-month gain stands at nearly 10%. Over the past six months, the stock has gained 24%. When compared to the benchmark S&P 500 ($SPX), GOOGL has outperformed over the long term, delivering higher returns with a more volatile profile.

www.barchart.com

Google and Meta Join Hands

According to recent reporting, Meta Platforms (META) has entered into a major cloud computing agreement with Google Cloud, agreeing to invest over $10 billion over six years. This partnership is primarily focused on supporting Metas artificial intelligence ambitions by providing access to Googles vast infrastructure, including servers, storage, networking, and specialized AI processors like Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and GPUs.

Despite being competitors in digital advertising and other fields, Meta requires substantial cloud capacity to accelerate its AI projects, supplementing its own data centers with Googles resources. Metas 2025 capital expenditure is expected to be between $114 billion and $118 billion, with significant investment directed toward AI development, including its Llama AI models.

This deal strengthens Google Clouds position in the cloud services market, helping it compete more effectively against leaders Amazon (AMZN) Web Services and Microsoft (MSFT) Azure. Google Cloud reported a 32% revenue growth in Q2 2025, outperforming overall company growth, and holds a growing backlog exceeding $100 billion. Metas strategy involves both building new AI-centric data centers and leveraging partnerships like this with Google, highlighting a trend where major tech rivals collaborate in cloud infrastructure to meet the massive demands of advanced AI technology
The United States is quickly becoming a home base for blockchain and crypto companies that were previously based outside the region.

Recent data from Crunchbase shows that over 5000 blockchain companies are currently located in the U.S. Yet this number is expected to grow, as the Trump administration seeks to position the U.S. as a global hub for digital assets.

This appears to be the case, as SEC Chair Paul Atkins called on the U.S. to reshore the crypto businesses that fled. Atkins mentioned this during a speech given at the America First Policy Institute on July 31.

Following this, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on X that the U.S. has entered the golden age of crypto and issued a direct call to builders to Start your companies here. Launch your protocols here. And hire your workers here.

U.S. Paves Way for Global Crypto Companies

As clearer regulations take shape, along with growing institutional interest, global blockchain companies are beginning to set up operations in the U.S.

Nexo, a crypto lending and yield platform, recently announced its return to the U.S. market after a multi-year absence. A Nexo spokesperson told Cryptonews that earlier this year, Nexo hosted an exclusive event with Donald Trump Jr. to unveil the companys upcoming return to the U.S. market in Q4 2025.

The signal from US capital markets is unmistakable: institutional demand and clearer rules are well underway, Nexos spokesperson said.

Alenka Shmalko, Director of Ecosystem Success at TON Foundationthe organization behind the TON blockchain that powers Telegramfurther told Cryptonews that Ton Foundation will soon establish a U.S.-based hub.

The TON Foundation was established in 2023 and is based in Switzerland, yet Shmalko noted that crypto-friendly policies are driving development to the U.S.

Nexos spokesperson added that the U.S. remains a key region for distribution and standardization. ETF rails, broker-dealer channels, card networks, and banking partners are predominantly U.S.-centric. When policy clarifiesas with stablecoinsproduct builders quickly align to those standards worldwide.

Given this, Nexo believes that a U.S. presence for global blockchain companies is more about interoperating with institutional pipes under clear rules, so that products built for the region can become the global reference.

A clear example of this is Brazil and Mexico using Circles stablecoin USDC, they said.USDC is now directly connected to the countries national instant payment rails, PIX and SPEI, so businesses can move between BRL or MXN and dollar stablecoins through local banks in minutes rather than days.
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 27, Apollo Global Management entered early-stage talks with Coca-Colas advisers about a potential acquisition of Costa Coffee. While discussions are ongoing, formal bids are not expected for several weeks, and Apollo may ultimately opt out of making an offer.

Apollo Explores Costa Acquisition from Coca-Cola (KO)

Pixabay/Public Domain

KKR has also reportedly engaged with Lazard, Coca-Colas adviser in the sale process, but is unlikely to submit a bid. Coca-Cola is still in the initial phase of exploring divestment options for Costa, which it currently owns, as interest from private equity firms begins to surface.

Costa Coffee operates over 4,000 stores in more than 50 countries, including over 2,700 outlets in the UK and Ireland. Coca-Cola acquired it in 2018 for over $5 billion. The goal was to strengthen Coca-Colas presence in the global coffee market and to diversify away from sugary soft drinks. However, Costa has faced operational challenges, including rising costs for coffee beans, labor, and real estate, as well as increasing competition from premium coffee brands. Despite some revenue growth, profitability has been under pressure, with Costa reporting a pre-tax loss of 9.6 million in 2023, following a profit of 245.9 million in the prior year.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is a global beverage manufacturer. It produces and markets nonalcoholic drinks including soft drinks, juices, teas, coffees, and water under more than 200 brands such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and Minute Maid. The company operates in over 200 countries through a franchise bottling system.

While we acknowledge the potential of KO 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: 12 Best Mid-Cap Value Stocks to Buy Right Now and 10 Must-Buy US Stocks to Invest In.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in the Chinese city of Tianjin on Saturday evening, Indian TV networks showed, a day before a summit that will be attended by leaders from more than 20 countries.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation gathering will be held in the northern port city on Sunday and Monday, days before a massive military parade in nearby Beijing to mark 80 years since the end of World War II.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un will be among some 26 world leaders slated to attend the parade, though Modi was not on a list of attendees for the parade published by Chinese state media on Thursday.

Modi's visit -- his first to China since 2018 -- comes straight after a trip to Japan, which pledged to invest $68 billion in India.

China and India, the world's two most populous nations, are intense rivals competing for influence across South Asia and fought a deadly border clash in 2020.

A thaw began last October when Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time in five years at a summit in Russia.

The SCO comprises China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus. Another 16 countries are affiliated as observers or "dialogue partners".

Xi began welcoming leaders including Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Egyptian Premier Moustafa Madbouly on Saturday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is also due to arrive in Tianjin ahead of the summit.

China and Russia have used the SCO -- sometimes touted as a counter to the Western-dominated NATO military alliance -- to deepen ties with Central Asian states.

Other leaders including Iranian and Turkish presidents Masoud Pezeshkian and Recep Tayyip Erdogan will also attend the bloc's largest meeting since its founding in 2001.

Multiple bilateral meetings are expected to be held on the sidelines of the summit.

The Kremlin said on Friday that Putin will discuss the Ukraine conflict with Erdogan on Monday.

Turkey has hosted three rounds of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine this year that have failed to break the deadlock over how to end the conflict, triggered when Moscow launched its invasion of its pro-European neighbour in February 2022.

Putin will also meet with his Iranian counterpart Pezeshkian to discuss Tehran's nuclear programme on Monday, a meeting that comes as Iran faces fresh Western pressure.

Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, triggered a "snapback" mechanism on Thursday to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran for failing to comply with commitments made in a 2015 deal over its nuclear programme.

Russia's foreign ministry warned that the reimposition of sanctions against Iran risked "irreparable consequences".

Tehran and Moscow have been bolstering political, military and economic ties over the past decade as Russia drifted away from the West.

Relations between them grew even closer after Russia launched its offensive against Ukraine.
The wife of jailed former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted Friday on charges including bribery, stock-market rigging, and accepting luxury gifts worth more than $50,000, a special prosecution team said.

Kim Keon Hee and her husband are in jail, with Yoon on trial for insurrection and other charges following his April ouster over a disastrous bid to impose martial law in December.

The 52-year-old ex-first lady has been investigated over an alleged stock manipulation scheme and for accepting gifts from the Unification Church, a sect widely seen as a cult.

Kim was formally indicted Friday on charges of capital markets violations, political funds violations, and bribery, prosecutors said in a statement.

She has been in custody since her arrest on August 12.

Prosecutors say Kim made more than 810 million won (US$ 580,000) through a stock-rigging scheme involving shares of Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealer in South Korea.

She also allegedly accepted gifts worth around 80 million won, including a diamond necklace, from the Unification Church in return for favours.

The former first lady is also accused of colluding with her husband to receive free polling services worth some 270 million won from a political broker.

The prosecution "requested confiscation and preservation of approximately 1.03 billion won in criminal proceeds obtained by the defendant (Kim) through violations," the investigators said.

Her arrest marked a dramatic fall for the ex-first couple after Yoon's failed martial law bid, which saw armed soldiers deployed to parliament but was swiftly blocked by opposition lawmakers.

Kim apologised after the indictment, vowing to make "no excuses" as she goes to trial.

"Just as the moon shines brightest on the darkest night, I too will endure this time by holding on to my truth and heart," she said in a statement.

Special prosecutors on Friday also indicted former prime minister Han Duck-soo, a Yoon appointee, on charges including abetting insurrection and perjury.

Han, "as the authority to black martial law as the nation's highest constitutional institution," but "failed to uphold his constitutional duty", spokeswoman Park Ji-young said.

Han twice served as acting president after martial law before quitting to run in the snap election, where he lost Yoon's conservative People Power Party's nomination.

The presidency went to Lee Jae Myung of the centre-left Democratic Party, who won the election in early June.
A federal appeals court struck down most of President Trump's Congress-averting global import tariffs Friday in a dispute that's predicted to head to the US Supreme Court.

The 7-4 ruling, issued by 11 judges for the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., allows the tariffs to remain in place while the administration decides on an appeal to the US Supreme Court.

The decision upholds a ruling handed down in May by the US Court of International Trade (CIT), saying that the president lacked legal authority to order, by way of executive orders, a series of global tariffs imposed on US trading partners.

"We affirm the CITs holding that the trafficking and reciprocal tariffs imposed by the challenged executive orders exceed the authority delegated to the President," the majority held in the ruling. "We also affirm the CITs grant of declaratory relief that the orders are 'invalid as contrary to law.'"

At the center of the dispute is the scope of a national security-based law enacted in 1977 known as IEEPA  the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The law authorizes the president to regulate international commerce after declaring a national emergency.

"In response to these declared emergencies, the President has departed from the established tariff schedules and imposed varying tariffs of unlimited duration on imports of nearly all goods from nearly every country with which the United States conducts trade," the court said in its ruling.

In a post to his social media website Truth Social, the president said, "a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country."

Post to Truth Social by President Donald J. Trump on August 29, 2025  Truth Social / President Donald J. Trump

The court emphasized that under the US Constitution, Congress is empowered to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises and to regulate commerce with foreign nations.

"Tariffs are a tax, and the framers of the Constitution expressly contemplated the exclusive grant of taxing power to the legislative branch," the ruling said.

Read more: The latest news and updates on Trump's tariffs

The court was tasked with deciding if IEEPA is among a handful of rare exceptions that extend limited taxing power to the president, a power otherwise exclusive to Congress.

Trump cited IEEPA when he declared two national emergencies  illegal immigration and flows of illegal drugs from overseas  as bases for the tariff orders.
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Executives from Asahi, Heineken, Trip and Kin Euphorics are to feature at Just Drinks annual Innovation in Non-Alcoholic Beverages conference this week.

The two-day event, in partnership with our sister events business Arena International, is taking place on 24 and 25 September at Hilton London Bankside.

Companies including Swinkels Family Brewers, Cawston Press and Crossip, plus ingredients giants McCormick & Co. and Kerry, will also discuss the key themes shaping the sector.

The programme includes roundtables to dive deeper into key topics, supporting your opportunities to network.

Day one will start with a keynote presentation from Daniel Khoury, founder and co-CEO at Trip, the UK functional-drinks business primarily recognised for its CBD-infused products, which is building its presence in continental Europe and the US.

During the first morning, Tim Blake, the co-founder and CEO of UK non-alcoholic spirits producer Crossip, will chair a panel featuring Jen Batchelor, the founder and CEO of US functional-drinks firm Kin Euphorics,

Rory Paterson, the CEO and co-founder of UK prebiotic sodas business Xoxo Soda and Jamie Douglas-Hamilton, the founder and director at ionised-water brand Actiph Water to explore where companies are focusing their innovation efforts and what consumers are looking for from products and occasions.

The afternoon of day one will see McCormick set out why drinkers are demanding non-alcoholic alternatives with more sophisticated tastes, the founder and CEO of The Real Co. explain why sparkling tea is winning custom and Batchelor return to the stage to argue why brain-boosting ingredients are creating opportunities for brands.

Swinkels Family Brewers will kick off day two with a session exploring its innovation strategy before Crossips Blake explains how non-alcoholic brands should best work with the on-trade to grow sales.

The roundtables feature before lunch and, in the afternoon, two UK companies  gut-friendly soda firm Hip Pop and juice brand Cawston Press  details the development of their businesses so far and share the lessons theyve learnt along the way.

You can find more information and booking details on the event website. We hope to see you there!

Dates: 24 and 25 September.

Contact: If you have questions about tickets, group discounts, sponsorship or marketing, contact Ben Gemmell: ben.gemmell@arena-international.com

"This week: Asahi, Heineken, Trip to feature at Just Drinks non-alcoholic beverages conference" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.
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At least 11 people were killed in northern India after a cloudburst and a landslide struck the Himalayan region of Jammu on Saturday.

Four villagers died and several were reported missing after the cloudburst hit Rajgarh tehsil of Ramban district, while seven people were killed when a landslide caused by intense rainfall buried a house in the remote Badder village of Reasi district, local authorities said.

The dead included a couple and their five children, all under the age of 12.

Intense monsoon rains in the Indian Himalayas have killed at least 115 people since 14 August and forced authorities to open major dams, triggering flood alerts for three rivers in neighbouring Pakistan. Heavy rains, cloudbursts and landslides have also displaced thousands of people and damaged residential and commercial property, authorities said.

Flash floods triggered by the latest torrent of rain also swept away two houses and a school building in Ramban, The Indian Express reported.

open image in gallery People clear mud from their home following flash floods along the banks of the Tawi river in Jammu ( AP )

As of now, therere reports that five people are unaccounted for. We are searching for them, the news outlet quoted an official as saying. Flash floods have also damaged property in the area.

Authorities closed the highway connecting Jammu to Kashmir for the fifth consecutive day. The highway, the main road link to mainland India for the restive Kashmir valley, was damaged by landslides at several places in recent days.

The federal territorys chief minister, Omar Abdullah, said he had asked officials to monitor the situation round the clock and carry out evacuations in risk-prone zones.

open image in gallery A Hindu temple lies partially submerged after heavy rain induced a rise in the water level of the Tawi river in Jammu ( AFP via Getty )

He directed the officials to remain on high alert, ensure timely relief and rehabilitation, restore essential services, and take all measures to safeguard lives, while keeping constant communication with the public, the chief ministers office said in a statement.

Last week, at least 65 pilgrims trekking to a high-altitude Himalayan shrine were killed after a cloudburst struck Chishoti village in Kishtwar district of Jammu.

Another 30 people were killed in this same region when a landslide struck the popular Hindu pilgrimage shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi.
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At least three people were killed and five were injured after anti-government protesters in Indonesia set a regional parliament building ablaze late on Friday.

The disaster management agency confirmed the casualties in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province, but did not specify the cause.

Protests against soaring prices and joblessness, as well as extravagant housing perks for lawmakers, erupted earlier this week in the capital Jakarta and several major cities and escalated after a young motorcycle taxi driver was killed in a police crackdown on a rally outside the parliament.

Affan Kurniawan, 21, was run over by a police vehicle. The All-Indonesian Students Union then called for fresh protests to denounce police brutality while Jakartas provincial government pledged full support for his funeral arrangements on Friday.

Kurniawan wasnt involved in the unrest and was out making deliveries, national police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo told reporters on Friday.

According to the Antara news agency, the people who died in Makassar were trapped in the burning city council building. The injured included at least two people who jumped out to escape the fire, the disaster agency said.

The city council was reportedly in session on the third floor of the building when it was set afire. Television reports showed the council building ablaze overnight, causing the area to turn an eerie orange colour.

A regional parliament was also set on fire in West Javas Bandung city on Friday, but no casualties were reported.

People inspect wreckage of cars burned during a protest against lavish allowances given to lawmakers in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, on 30 August 2025 ( AP )

In Surabaya, the countrys second-largest city, protesters stormed the police headquarters after smashing fences and torching vehicles. Security forces fired tear gas and used water cannons, but protesters fought back with fireworks and wooden clubs.

In Jakarta, local media reported incidents of looting and of protestors damaging transportation facilities. In response, city authorities shut down the mass rapid transit railway stations near the demonstration sites as well as the Transjakarta bus service.

However, the capital city was largely calm compared to Friday as authorities cleaned up cars, police offices, and bus shelters that were set on fire by angry protesters.

The unrest poses the first major test to Prabowo Subiantos government.

Mr Prabowo, who took over as president last October, visited the home of the driver late on Friday, offering condolences to his parents and vowing to oversee the investigation into his death.

The protests were sparked by reports that all 580 lawmakers received a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) in addition to their salaries. The allowance, introduced last year, is almost 10 times the Jakarta minimum wage.

Protesters argue the allowance is not only excessive but insensitive at a time when most people are grappling with soaring living costs and taxes and rising unemployment.
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Police and firefighters surrounded a Saudia Airlines aircraft at Heathrow airport and arrested a male passenger, who allegedly punched a crew member and attempted to open the jet door.

Emergency services rushed to the Boeing 787 shortly after it landed from Jeddah just before 1pm on Thursday. According to The Sun, the plane braked sharply on the taxiway to Terminal 4 after the incident, prompting the pilots to call for immediate assistance.

Stairs were erected and officials boarded the jet, which was carrying passengers on Flight SV119. Pictures obtained by The Sun show at least four fire trucks, six police cars and several ambulances at the scene.

The newspaper reported that the disruption began as the aircraft taxied to its stand. A man argued with a crew member, then struck him before trying to open one of the aircraft doors.

A spokesperson for the Met said: Officers at London Heathrow Airport were called to an aircraft, which had recently landed at 12:57hrs on Thursday, 28 August following reports of a disturbance.

Officers arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of endangering an aircraft, two counts of assault by beating, behaving in a threatening, abusive or disorderly manner towards a member of aircraft crew and damaging an aircraft.

He has since been released under investigation as enquiries continue.

A source told The Sun: It was chaos on board and very frightening for families. The plane had wheels down but a passenger was so agitated and struck out at the crew because he wanted to get off there and then.

Police confirmed they had arrested a passenger on suspicion of endangering an aircraft.

The Saudia flight, registered HZ-AR27, left Jeddah 38 minutes late and took just over six hours to reach London.
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The probation watchdog chief for England and Wales has urged Sir Keir Starmer to finally put an end to the scandal of indefinite jail terms, warning prisoners are trapped in the system.

Martin Jones called for ministers to look carefully at fresh proposals to help almost 2,500 prisoners still behind bars under now-outlawed imprisonment of public protection (IPP) jail terms.

The chief inspector of probation, who previously led the Parole Board for nine years, told The Independent: I genuinely think that IPP prisoners continue to be failed by the system as a whole.

He said the government faces a stark choice of leaving such prisoners to languish  which he fears will inevitably result in many dying in prison  or taking action to put right what has long been described as a stain on the justice system.

The jail term, described as psychological torture by the UN, was scrapped in 2012, but not retrospectively, leaving those already jailed incarcerated indefinitely.

Victims of the scandal, whose tragic cases have been highlighted by The Independent, include Leroy Douglas, who has served almost 20 years for robbing a mobile phone; Thomas White, 42, who set himself alight in his cell and has served 13 years for stealing a phone; and Abdullahi Suleman, 41, who is still inside 19 years after he was jailed for a laptop robbery.

open image in gallery Chief inspector of probation Martin Jones said sweeping justice sector reforms offer a real opportunity to end IPP scandal ( PA )

Successive governments have refused to resentence IPP prisoners. At current release rates, the number trapped in prison under the open-ended punishment is decreasing by less than 10 per cent a year  despite some prisoners having served up to 22 times longer than their original sentence.

In a rare interview, Mr Jones said new measures put forward last month by the Howard League for Penal Reform and former lord chief justice John Thomas have real merit, provided there are sufficient safeguards for the small minority whose original offence may have warranted a life sentence.

Their recommendations include giving IPP prisoners a release date within two years of their next parole review, reducing the numbers recalled to custody for breaching licence conditions, and a package of mental health support on release.

In a report being considered by ministers, Lord Thomas and a panel of experts warned that without action, some IPP prisoners will simply die in custody.

At least 94 prisoners have taken their own lives in custody after losing hope of ever getting out. A further 37 self-inflicted deaths have taken place in the community under strict licence conditions, which leave offenders in fear of being hauled back to prison indefinitely for minor breaches.

I one hundred per cent agree with the assessment that if you merely wait for the current system as it stands the way the IPP will resolve is people will die in prison  through natural deaths in custody or self-inflicted deaths, Mr Jones said.

It worries me that I think we would still be talking about IPPs in 10 or 20 years with the current situation.

open image in gallery Trapped on IPP sentences (clockwise, from top left): Leroy Douglas, Luke Ings, Liam Bennett, Wayne Williams, Abdullahi Suleman, Yusuf Ali, James Lawrence and Thomas White ( Samantha Ings/Margaret White/Mandy Lawrence/Jacqueline Ali /Handout )

He said the majority of IPP prisoners received an original tariff of four years or less, which indicates they have not committed the most serious crimes.

He added: If you have still got people serving the IPP sentence some 30 years after the sentence was created, you would have to be sure those people committed serious crimes.

I am far from convinced that a significant number of those people have committed an offence that would never merit 10 years in custody, let alone 30 years in custody, and I think that would be an affront to justice.

All too often, IPP prisoners find themselves trapped in the sentence itself as they struggle to meet the Parole Boards stringent release test, Mr Jones said.

He also backed recommendations for IPP recalls to be overseen by a district judge or senior Parole Board member.

At the moment, recall decisions are made solely by probation workers, who are often struggling with a heavy caseload. These decisions have life-changing ramifications, with IPP prisoners serving another 25 months on average before they are re-released by the Parole Board.

I think there is considerable merit to having some judicial oversight, he added, noting many other countries require judges or the parole board to make recall decisions.

Especially when that person may spend two years in custody  that is the equivalent of a four-year sentence.

By comparison, magistrates courts in England and Wales only have the power to detain people for a maximum of 12 months.

He also warned that far too many IPPs are being recommended for open conditions, only for their transfer to be blocked by ministers. The Independent previously revealed the Ministry of Justice refused to allow IPP prisoners to progress to an open prison in 61 per cent of cases in 2024.

open image in gallery Prisons minister James Timpson admits there is more work to do to help IPP prisoners ( PA )

He insisted the probation system is experienced in handling complex people in the community, provided it receives adequate funding and resources.

Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged to invest an additional 700m in probation services by 2028-29 as the government brings in sweeping justice sector reforms recommended by David Gauke, the Conservative former lord chancellor and justice secretary, which will see prisoners serve more of their sentences in the community.

Mr Jones said that tags are not going to be the only answer to managing the changes, and it is essential to have enough probation officers to do the job properly.

However, he said the reforms represent a real opportunity to address the IPP crisis as the justice system changes the balance between the prison and probation systems.

I think there is a real opportunity to look at IPPs here, particularly when the government is looking to increase the funding and capability of the probation service, he added.

Mr Joness calls come after three former senior judges revealed their regrets at handing out IPP jail terms as they also backed the Howard Leagues proposals.

Meanwhile, an IPP prisoner was acquitted of multiple counts of causing criminal damage to HMP Frankland after using the mental toll of the jail term as a legal defence. Joe Outlaw, 39, was cleared of 12 charges but found guilty of two after he told jurors at Teesside Crown Court the jail term is soul-destroying.

Prisons minister Lord Timpson said: It is absolutely right that the IPP sentence was abolished.

As the IPP annual report shows, we have significantly improved support for these offenders, with greater access to rehabilitation and mental health support.

There is more work to do as we reduce the number of IPP offenders in custody, but will only do so in a way that protects the public.
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A petition to prevent France from loaning a fragile tapestry to the British Museum has amassed more than 64,000 signatures, urging Frances president Emmanuel Macron to listen to expert advice.

Experts who have worked with the nearly 1,000-year-old Bayeux tapestry say that transporting the work would be catastrophic and cause irreparable damage.

The 70m-long medieval relic, which depicts William the Conquerors victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, is believed to have been created by English embroiderers, but has never been housed in the UK. President Macron announced in July that it would be loaned from next September.

The petition, organised by the editorial director of art news website La Tribune de lArt, Didier Rykner, said: President Macron has once again taken a catastrophic decision for our heritage, deciding alone, against the advice of conservators and restorers who know the Bayeux tapestry, according to The Guardian.

He told the newspaper: This is a purely political decision. Here is an extraordinary work of art, a wholly unique historical document, an artefact without equivalent anywhere  and which expert opinion agrees, overwhelmingly, cannot travel. Its not complicated.

open image in gallery Experts have warned against the transportation of the tapestry, claiming the damage could be irreparable ( Reuters )

Expert reports carried out in 2021 and 2021 advised against the works transportation, claiming it was too fragile, with a previous inspection in 2020 identifying around 24,200 stains and 10,000 holes in the work. Mr Rykner said restorers were adamant about the numerous risks involved.

In a statement, the Bayeux Museum said: Together, we have developed engineering solutions for its delicate handling, particularly for moving it from the vertical position in which it has been displayed since its first public exhibition in 1842 to a horizontal position for its reinstallation in the new setting.

In 2018, the museums chief curator, Antoine Verney, said he could not conceive of the tapestry being transported, given its condition.

The museum will be closing its doors from September 2025 as it begins restoration work.

President Macron had previously said in 2018 that he would send the tapestry to London, subject to the outcome of tests. Previous requests for the tapestry to be loaned to the UK, for Queen Elizabeth IIs coronation in 1953 and the Battle of Hastings anniversary in 1966, were both rejected by France.

open image in gallery Director of the British Museum Nicholas Cullinan said the opportunity to display the work was extraordinary ( The Trustees of the British Museum )

Mr Rykner said: The last two times it was moved were first by Napoleon and then by the Germans [during the Nazi occupation]. I cannot think of why you would want to be the third to move it.

Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum, said: The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most important and unique cultural artefacts in the world, which illustrates the deep ties between Britain and France and has fascinated people across geographies and generations.

It is hard to overstate the significance of this extraordinary opportunity of displaying it at the British Museum, and we are profoundly grateful to everyone involved.

The museum claimed its conservation and collections management team was experienced at handling and caring for this type of material.
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. The company, in partnership with Alaska Airlines, introduced a premium co-branded credit card on August 20. The credit card, dubbed Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite, is designed for global travelers and modern explorers. This card is the first premium offering in the new Atmos Rewards loyalty program, which was created following the merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines loyalty programs. The card has a $395 annual fee. This is noted as being a lower fee compared to many other premium airline cards on the market.

Bank of America (BAC) Launches Premium Credit Card with Alaska Airlines

Pixabay/Public Domain

The card offers a new Global Companion Award, a ticket benefit that can be redeemed for a companions ticket on a qualifying award booking. Cardholders can earn up to two such awards per year. The card includes eight annual passes to any Alaska Lounge. Cardholders also get access to an elevated bar experience in the lounges through 2026.

This program is part of a renewed long-term partnership between Alaska Air Group and Bank of America, which was extended through 2030. The partnership aims to enhance customer loyalty and drive growth for both companies.

Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is a multinational financial services company. It provides banking, investment management, and risk solutions to individuals, businesses, and institutions across more than 35 countries. The company operates through three segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management, and Global Markets.

While we acknowledge the potential of BAC 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: 12 Best Mid-Cap Value Stocks to Buy Right Now and 10 Must-Buy US Stocks to Invest In.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
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Nigel Farage has been accused by the Church of Englands current most senior bishop of an isolationist, short-term kneejerk response to the small boats crisis.

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said the Reform UK leader, who has promised mass deportations, was not offering a solution to the big issues driving people to risk the English Channel crossing.

The Reform UK leader has set out plans to remove up to 600,000 people from the country if he forms the next government.

The archbishop, the most senior figure in the Church of England in the absence of an archbishop of Canterbury, was asked for his response to people suggesting that arrivals in the UK would get locked up and deported straight away.

The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell has said the Reform UK leader is not offering a solution to the big issues (Jonathan Brady/PA) ( PA Archive )

Id say to them: you havent solved the problem, he told Skys Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips.

Youve just put it somewhere else and youve done nothing to address the issue of what brings people to this country.

And so if you think thats the answer, you will discover in due course that all you have done is made the problem worse.

He said he had every sympathy with those who find this difficult but we should actively resist the kind of isolationist, short-term kneejerk send them home.

Asked directly whether that was his message to Mr Farage, the archbishop said: Well, it is. I mean, Mr Farage is saying the things hes saying, but he is not offering any long-term solution to the big issues which are convulsing our world, which lead to this.

Last week, Mr Farage rowed back on plans to deport hundreds of thousands of people in the first five years of a Reform UK government, saying this would now not include women and children.

Asked during the unveiling of his plans if it would include those groups, Mr Farage said: Yes, women and children, everybody on arrival, will be detained.

However, on Wednesday he insisted to 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.

Reforms plans, which would also see Mr Farage attempt to strike returns deals with Iran and Taliban-governed Afghanistan, have been attacked by refugee groups and some politicians.
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A group of masked men attempted to enter a hotel in London, as anti-immigration protesters and anti-racism demonstrators gathered in heated exchanges across the UK.

It comes after the government won a court challenge which means asylum seekers can continue to be housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, with protests taking place in Newcastle, Falkirk, Aberdeen, Gloucester, London and Essex so far this weekend.

Five people have been arrested in west London relating to disorder after two anti-asylum groups marched to the Crowne Plaza hotel in West Drayton.

open image in gallery Police and protesters outside the Bell Hotel on Saturday (Jonathan Brady/PA) ( PA Wire )

The Met Police said that a group of masked men attempted to enter the hotel via the rear entrance, while a breakaway protest group moved towards the nearby Novotel on Cherry Lane and towards the Holiday Inn. Officers had already been in place at the scene, with two suffering minor injuries.

The government is facing mounting pressure to respond to a surge in small boats crossing the English Channel and end the use of hotels to temporarily house asylum seekers.

In Falkirk, anti-migrant demonstrations on Saturday have been met with hundreds of counter-protesters from the campaign group Stand Up To Racism. Police separated both sides behind barriers as exchanges become tense between the two groups outside the Cladhan Hotel, where asylum seekers are being housed.

open image in gallery Anti-racist counter demonstrations have met anti-migrant protesters across the UK ( Getty Images )

Around 120 anti-immigration protesters and counter-demonstrators gathered outside the Ibis in Barnwood, Gloucester, on Saturday afternoon, according to the BBC. Gloucestershire Police said they would increase their policing presence around the Barnwood area and would not hesitate in taking action against anyone who commits any unlawful act against either people or property.

Protesters also clashed outside the New Bridge Hotel as the Newcastle Welcomes Refugees group stood up to Send Them Back protesters, according to the Northern Echo.

Two men were charged after three were arrested in Epping by Essex Police on Friday after gathering outside the Bell Hotel. One man, Ross Ellis, 49, of Harlow, was charged with failing to provide a specimen after a car was driven on the wrong side of the road towards a police cordon.

open image in gallery Protesters from Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures and Stand Up To Racism face each other outside the Cladhan Hotel in Falkirk ( PA Wire )

Another man, Jimmy Hillard, 52, of Loughton, was charged with assaulting an emergency worker after a police officer sustained an ankle injury. A third man, arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, remains in custody.

Essex Police have put in place a Section 60AA order for 24 hours giving officers the power to order the removal of face coverings and a dispersal order, lasting until 4am Sunday, ahead of a planned protest in Epping on Saturday evening.

The Bell Hotel has been at the epicentre of controversy after an asylum seeker housed there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl last month. He has denied the charges.

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

open image in gallery Controversy continues to circle the Bell Hotel in Epping ( AFP via Getty Images )

Somani Hotels, which owns the Epping building, and the Home Office won their challenge against the High Court ruling on Friday, which would have stopped 138 asylum seekers from being housed there.

Epping Forest District Council is set to decide on Monday whether to take its battle over the Bell Hotel to the Supreme Court.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has been warned by Lord Falconer, who served under former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, that Labour must take decisive action on the migrant crisis or risk losing voters to Reform UK.

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.
It is easy to roll ones eyes at the presence of Sir Tony Blair, septuagenarian ex-prime minister, consultant to some questionable leaders and regular figure in the first-class lounges of international travel. So, the news that the most dynamic pensioner in British politics has been back on the squishy cream White House sofas close to US power should not surprise us.

Nonetheless, the reports that Blair has been to Washington for the second time this year to discuss the day after future of Gaza with Donald Trump and his son-in-law and Middle East fixer, Jared Kushner, have piqued many. The popular childrens author and BBC presenter Michael Rosen captured a withering sense of left-wing allergy to TB in a post on X this week, which went: So, Mr Blair, what are your qualifications for talking about Gaza? I bombed Iraq. Fair enough.

Yet the man whose eponymous Tony Blair Institute  a glossy, well-staffed entity advising states and businesses on policy and technology  remains confident of his personal pulling power.

While his meeting with Trump is a personal undertaking, his institute proudly proclaims on its website: We help governments and leaders get things done  a mission statement that its figurehead lives by.

The Times of Israel this week provided more detail on the content of the session, reporting that Blair has been putting together a post-war Gaza plan for the past several months, meeting with various regional stakeholders to get their input and support for his efforts, a source told the paper. The former British premier, it added, has been in regular touch with both Kushner and Trumps most trusted foreign policy emissary, Steve Witkoff, to formulate plans ahead of the encounter.

In terms of regional knowledge, Blair is, in fact, rather better qualified than many to be involved in the endgame of the IsraelGaza conflict and to salvage some hope from the bitterness and physical and mental rubble. He knows Jerusalem and Gaza well, having previously spent nearly eight years as special representative of the Quartet, an international body seeking a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.

In an interview last year, he told me that the besieged territory of Gaza should be governed by neither Israel nor Hamas, but rather by an unspecified third party as part of a peace deal to begin a process of reconstruction. He pointed out that he had visited Israel hundreds of times and would be seen as an honest broker.

The present plan by Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels implacable leader, to take over the territory in a fresh ground offensive does not sound like the third party solution Blair once embraced  and which the Biden administration also discussed with him via emissaries in Qatar.

This meeting, however, does show that the US, in its on-off manner, is refocusing both on the need to stem the suffering in Gaza now and on day after plans for an end to the fighting, when and if the Israeli final offensive clears Hamas from its last redoubts. The wider international community has also lost patience with Israels argument of self-defence, fired up by the dreadful images of blood-soaked suffering on the ground, resulting in Keir Starmer backing recognition of a Palestinian state.

open image in gallery Power players: Tony Blair accompanies Nelson Mandela outside No 10 ( AFP/Getty )

This has left the odd situation in which Blair and Starmer seem, on the surface, to be pursuing two separate tracks. Starmer wants to foreground recognition at the UN summit in September. Blairs focus is on leveraging Trumps professed horror at the starvation and suffering in Gaza to open up more humanitarian aid channels and flesh out the presidents so-called Gaza Riviera proposals. The fate of Palestinians and their land claims within it remains highly uncertain.

Starmer does not greatly object to Blairs activities because they can help smooth the diplomatic wheels. Good relations between Blair and Trump take the edge off any potential conflict about the differing UK and US approaches to the crisis, which might otherwise overshadow a state visit in September intended to consolidate trade links.

The link with Kushner and his wife, Ivanka, also creates an in with a mercurial president few can match. At the Davos gathering of the great, the good  and frankly just the rich and connected  a few years ago, I watched Blair and Ivanka, in full designer wear and towering heels, cosy up in deep conversation at a last-night party hosted by Matthew Freud. Both looked bedazzled by the other. Blair has a politically pheromonal effect on the global elite and you could see it in full glow on Trumps daughter and son-in-law.

open image in gallery Blair with then senator Barack Obama and Richard G Lugar in 2005 ( AFP/Getty )

Glitz and connection are the currency of the post-office years and Blair, of course, has his old friend and supporter Peter Mandelson currently ensconced as ambassador to the US.

As one fellow inhabitant of his old Number 10 network puts it, The band is back together again. Quietly, many former close allies of the New Labour titan have moved into commanding positions around Starmer. These include Blairs former chief of staff, Jonathan Powell, now security adviser, and another favourite, Liz Lloyd, who previously served as deputy chief of staff to Blair, and is now director of policy delivery and innovation within the turbulence of the present No 10 policy swamp.

One figure who is often neglected, but who matters a lot, is Cherie Blair, who has long supported the Palestinian cause and whose Foundation for Women has partnered with grassroots operations to support Palestinian women to become more economically independent.

The couple are now proud grandparents of two, but they both still enjoy the international limelight. Notwithstanding heart surgery in 2004, Blair looks physically fit, with blazing blue eyes, and told me he listened to 2020s music recommended by his children on the home gym treadmill most days. It keeps him match-fit for a frenetic schedule, which comes with a combination of money-spinning and relentless globetrotting, even if it means working with some questionable governments.

When he ran the Tony Blair Associates consultancy in 2011, he attracted opprobrium for working with the Kazakh dictator Nursultan Nazarbayev and advising him on how to handle the fallout from the killing of 14 demonstrators in an uprising against an autocratic and often violent regime.

open image in gallery A post-PM Blair meeting with Hillary Clinton in 2009 ( Getty )

Blair told me he used his fees to fund his interfaith and other charity work, as well as to set up an infrastructure for his mix of private work and not-for-profit endeavours, and had been trying to assist the country in the way it is changing. However, Nazarbayev continually oppressed the opposition, inserted a favoured successor in 2019 and only left the countrys powerful security council in 2022  after another uprising.

Over time, Blair accepted that this kind of entanglement sat badly with his broader aims of remaining on the high-level stage of international affairs. These days, the Tony Blair Institute keeps its focus on high politics, while others work on his behalf, advising governments, royal courts and tech bosses on everything from the benefits of AI and technology to strategies on climate and energy that balance ambition with economic realism, and how to successfully run the NHS app.

Many of his top staffers are drawn from the team closest to him in his prime ministerial days  the down-to-earth Julie Crowley, who he jokes runs his life, and Catherine Rimmer, who used to be his prep person for Prime Ministers Questions. The Institute now has more than 900 staff worldwide and has expanded offices to the West Coast of the US as well as New York, with representatives in the Middle East, and donors including Larry Ellison, the founder of the AI giant Oracle, who has given more than $50m to the organisation, pledging even more for this year and beyond.

open image in gallery Blair speaks about AI during a panel at the 2025 SXSW London event ( Getty )

In a Vanity Fair interview a decade ago, which probed his scruples around the countries he chose to work with when a lucrative or interesting consultancy role arose, Blair replied:

If we dont work in any country where there are problems of human rights, youre going to be working with a small list of countries. For me, the challenge is always, Is the leadership trying to do things that we believe are beneficial and of value?  if they are, well support them.

That is the same philosophy which now sees him sitting comfortably with Trump and his family today. Their UK guest feels in many ways more comfortable in the American way of ceaselessly moving forward, upheld by unending self-belief that he can make the world a better place. Blair, the one-man, unofficial UK ambassador for everything, will be where he most loves to be  in the rooms where power is wielded and the fates of many others are decided.

Anne McElvoy is co-host of Politics at Sam and Annes
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Cabinet office minister Pat McFadden has suggested a digital ID card for every Briton could help to combat illegal immigration and benefit fraud.

The Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East said that the UK was behind the curve technologically and could implement a system similar to the Baltic state of Estonia, where its citizens are given a unique identification number.

This allows Estonians to register births, marriages, divorces, deaths, vote, book GP appointments and access their bank accounts.

In an interview with The Times, the senior government minister said that at the moment Britons were asked to prove their identity through a multiplicity of paper-based documents but that a digital ID could improve access to services.

The issue of national identity cards was first raised by New Labour and championed by Tony Blair, before the controversial policy fell out of favour by the time the party lost the 2010 election.

Pat McFadden proposes a system similar to that used in Estonia ( PA )

Mr McFadden suggested the ID scheme could be used to tackle the surge in small boat crossings and to combat benefit fraud as people would have to prove who they were before taking employment.

France has previously argued that asylum seekers are attracted to the UK because of their ability to find work in the informal economy, in roles such as takeaway delivery drivers or the service industry, despite not being allowed to work upon entry in Britain.

People shouldnt be able to come to the UK and work illegally if they dont have a right to work, he told The Times. France has talked about pull factors in the context of the migration debate. If there are pull factors like that, we should deal with them.

I think there are applications of digital ID to the immigration system, to the benefit system, to a number of areas which can show that we are interested in proper validation of peoples identity, that the people who exercise rights are the people who are entitled to rights, and good value for money for the taxpayer.

At the moment, you are meant to do that, but theres no single mechanism for you to do that. It can be done, as I say, through a number of documents of different kinds.

Mr McFadden suggested that the discussion on ID cards has since moved on from 15 to 20 years ago, because the capacity of what we do through smartphones has changed in an unrecognisable way.

No 10 was originally looking into a BritCard, stored onto a smartphone, which would be linked to government records and could check entitlements to benefits and monitor welfare fraud, according to The Times in June.

The proposal for digital ID was endorsed by think tank Labour Together, whose founders include No 10 chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.

Former MI6 boss Sir Alex Younger also backed calls for digital ID cards to help deter small boat crossings in July, telling BBC Newsnight: Its absolutely obvious to me that people should have a digital identity.
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A Reform UK councillor has been suspended by the party pending investigation into alleged racist social media posts in relation to the ongoing row over the migrant hotel in Epping.

Following the Court of Appeal ruling that the rights of illegal migrants trump those of local residents allowing the Home Office to keep it open, concerns are mounting over comments which could exacerbate tensions.

James Regan, 61, who was elected to represent Ongar ward on Epping Forest District Council in May, described the Bell Hotel holding the migrants as a paedophile babysitting centre when he joined demonstrators outside the venue earlier this month.

Police outside the Bell Hotel, which has been the focal point of recent protests (Jonathan Brady/PA) ( PA Wire )

The Bell Hotel in Epping has been the focal point of protests with outbreaks of violence even before Fridays court ruling.

In other posts on X, Regan described Islam as an evil criminal cartel of evil pedos [sic] and also claimed Islam will suck our benefit system dry.

In one video seen by the I Paper, recorded outside the hotel and published on TikTok, he said: Thanks to the British Government, we now have a third world paedophile babysitting centre in the middle of Epping.

In other posts he appeared to spread unfounded rumours that police were escorting an aggressive counter group directly toward local demonstrators.

He suggested the police actually want trouble, an accusation Essex Police has repeatedly denied.

Regan was also filmed through the doors of the hotel as protesters behind him shout, Wheres your documents and Identify yourself at people of colour who appeared to be hotel employees.

His language already appeared to be raising concerns with fellow members of Reform, with another Epping Forest Reform councillor Jaymey McIvor warning him about his language on one of the videos.

A Reform UK spokesman said: Cllr Regan has been suspended from Reform UK pending investigation. We do not tolerate any forms of racism.

The Independent has been unable to contact Regan for comment.
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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.

open image in gallery 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.

open image in gallery 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.

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 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.

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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At least 70 people have died and 30 more are feared lost after a migrant boat capsized off the coast of West Africa.

The tragedy is one of the deadliest incidents on the perilous route to Europe in recent years.

The vessel, believed to have set sail from Gambia with mostly Gambian and Senegalese nationals aboard, sank off Mauritania early on Wednesday, according to a statement from Gambia's foreign affairs ministry released late on Friday.

It was carrying an estimated 150 passengers, 16 of whom had been rescued.

Mauritanian authorities recovered 70 bodies on Wednesday and Thursday, and witness accounts suggest over 100 may have died, the statement said.

open image in gallery The migrant boat was en route to the Canary Islands ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The Atlantic migration route from the coast of West Africa to the Canary Islands, typically used by African migrants trying to reach Spain, is one of the world's deadliest.

More than 46,000 irregular migrants reached the Canary Islands last year, a record, according to the European Union.

More than 10,000 died attempting the journey, a 58 per cent increase over 2023, according to the rights group Caminando Fronteras.

Gambia's foreign affairs ministry implored its nationals to "refrain from embarking on such perilous journeys, which continue to claim the lives of many".

Earlier this month, more than 30 boats carrying about 600 irregular migrants arrived in Spain's Balearic islands within a matter of days. The spike came as a new migratory route from North Africa gained traction after a crackdown by authorities in other jumping off points.

Overall, irregular migration to Spain had fallen, but it has risen by 170 per cent in the Balearics in the first six months of the year to around 3,000 people, official data shows.

The number of boats, mostly departing from Algeria, more than doubled.

Konestory, a 20-year-old South Sudanese migrant, told Reuters on Tuesday in the Mallorcan capital of Palma that he had fled from growing instability in the region.

He paid $2,000 to board a boat from Algeria, which took 46 hours to reach the islands. They faced "a lot of waves", ran out of food and water, and got lost, he said.

"Now I'm happy. I'm looking at ways to talk to my mom to give her the information that I reached here," he said.

Authorities in the Balearic islands off eastern Spain - Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera - say they feel abandoned.

They fear they could become a new migrant gateway, like the Canary Islands, which received 47,000 from West Africa at the peak of that route's popularity in 2024.

Arrivals in the Canaries fell by 46 per cent in January-July of this year, largely thanks to tightened controls by Mauritania.
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Labor Day beachgoers, beware: Jellyfish sightings are on the rise along the Atlantic coast this summer.

Beachgoers saw more jellyfish than usual this summer in several East Coast states, including Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts and Maine. Experts say this years uptick is unprecedented.

Its as bad as Ive ever seen it. To have this many for as long as weve had them is rare, Jonathan Cohen, a marine science professor at the University of Delaware, told The Washington Post.

The increase was caused in part by more rain and higher temperatures in the region this year, which have created ideal conditions for jellyfish, the Post reports.

As a result, jellyfish stings have also been on the rise in some areas. Lewes Beach in Delaware reported a fourfold increase in jellyfish stings this July compared to last year, the Associated Press reports. Gisele Muller-Parker, a retired marine biologist, told the AP she saw dozens of jellyfish each day while walking along Lewes Beach this summer.

open image in gallery Lewes Beach Patrol Chief Mark Woodard, left, holds a moon jellyfish during a wildlife education presentation at Savannah Beach, in Lewes, Delaware

This year, weve never seen anything like this, she said.

Some jellyfish stings can be minor, but patients should still seek medical help right away by calling emergency services or the Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222, according to the Mount Sinai Health System.

open image in gallery Jellyfish populations are thriving this summer thanks to lots of rain and warm temperatures ( AP )

Its important to call 911 immediately if someone who was stung has trouble breathing, is wheezing, or has hives, welts or chest pain, according to the National Capital Poison Center.

To treat the sting, patients can rinse the site with large amounts of household vinegar or ocean water, according to the Mount Sinai Health System. Its also important to protect the wound and to keep debris like sand out. To help with the itching and pain, patients can also use antihistamine or steroid creams after soaking the wound in hot tap water for 20 to 40 minutes.

If a patient goes to the emergency room, doctors may treat the sting with a medication that reverses the effects of the venom called antivenin, according to the Mount Sinai Health System. They may also order tests, including chest x-rays and ECGs.

Even with jellyfish sightings on the rise, experts and lifeguards told the Post swimmers dont need to avoid Atlantic coast beaches this Labor Day weekend. Sightings are expected to go down as summer winds down and temperatures drop. Hurricane Erin, which battered the East Coast earlier this month, also helped to clear away some of the jellyfish, according to the Post.

Meanwhile, beachgoers werent the only ones impacted by this jellyfish boom this summer. A massive nuclear power station in France had to temporarily shut down earlier this month after a swarm of jellyfish swam into its cooling system. Nuclear engineer Ronan Tanguy told the BBC the sea creatures were able to slip past the first layer of filters thanks to their gelatinous bodies.
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Kamala Harris will be protected by the California Highway Patrol after President Donald Trump ordered the Secret Service to pull protection detail for the former vice president, according to a report.

State officials have reportedly put a plan in place to provide Harris with dignitary protection, according to the LA Times, citing law enforcement sources.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass held discussions Thursday about Harriss situation, according to the outlet.

Trump revoked an order signed in January by then-President Joe Biden to extend Harriss security detail until January 2026. Under normal circumstances, Harris would have lost her protection six months after the end of her term.

The president issued a memorandum Thursday to the Secret Service, informing officials that they were hereby authorized to discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum concerning Harris.

open image in gallery State officials have reportedly put a plan in place to provide Kamala Harris with dignitary protection after Trump pulled her Secret Service detail last week ( Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images )

Newsom would need to sign off on the new arrangement with the California Highway Patrol, although his office would not confirm the plans.

Our office does not comment on security arrangements, Newsoms spokesperson Izzy Gordon told the LA Times. The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulses.

Bass hit out at the Trump administration over revoking Harriss protection in what she called another act of revenge.

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, the mayor said in a statement to the Times.

Harris has largely kept a low profile since she was defeated by Trump in last years presidential election. Last month she ruled out a run for California governor after months of speculation she could seek to return to elected office.

open image in gallery Trump revoked an order signed in January by then-president Joe Biden to extend Harriss security detail until January 2026 ( Getty Images )

The former vice president is set to release a memoir in the fall about her 107-day campaign for president after Biden dropped out of the race, and she is about to embark on a book tour.

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.

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 stroke 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.

Additional reporting from Andrew Feinberg
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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.
Afrique

Auteur: Fatoumata Allahwaly Sylla  SeneWeb Conakry

Guinee : A Lola/Guewe, leau potable reste un combat malgre les promesses des autorites

Located east of the Gueasso sub-prefecture, in the Moribadou district, the village of Guewe  one of the oldest in the region  has been facing a chronic crisis of access to drinking water for years.

With more than 800 inhabitants, this landlocked village, nestled in a rugged terrain, is suffering from a water shortage that is disrupting the daily lives of its inhabitants and seriously threatening their health.

To reach the only remaining usable water source, villagers must descend into a steep ravine. This perilous journey has become a daily chore for women and children, often after long hours spent in the fields.

"There's no other solution. The women are exhausted. They leave the fields and spend hours looking for water. When the dry season arrives, it's a nightmare. Climbing the hill causes back pain. If you're not strong, you fall," says Martine, a village resident.

The only well, dug in 2000 by a former logging company, is now out of use. Attempts to dig other ordinary wells have run into rock as deep as 12 meters due to a lack of resources to continue. In the meantime, villagers are turning to natural water holes, exposed to runoff.

"The water we drink contains algae, it turns green. When it rains, all the dirty water flows into it. The children get sick, but we have no other choice," laments Yaramon Camara.

The village imam, who returned from Ivory Coast, gives a striking testimony:

"I drank this water the day I arrived. I vomited for seven days, with diarrhea. This situation is very serious. Our children are getting sick."

For elders like Losseny Cherif, this decades-long water crisis is a real scourge for the community. The suffering of women is particularly striking. In addition to their agricultural activities, they devote hours to searching for water, sometimes late into the night.

"If it rains, it's joy. Everyone goes out with basins and buckets to collect water from the roofs. It's the only 'clean' water we can hope for before the dry season."

Faced with this critical situation, the residents of Guewe are launching an urgent appeal to local and national authorities, as well as NGOs, institutions, and technical partners. The village needs a sustainable solution: the rehabilitation of the existing well or the construction of a modern borehole.

Because here, every drop of water is a fight. And every liter, a victory.
When Best Buy (BBY) opened its doors in 1966, nobody was thinking about shopping online.

Back then people didn't have computers in their homes  or in their hands.

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Sure, people ordered stuff by mail, but for the most part if you wanted something, you had to walk into a store and say "give me one of those."

In those days Best Buy was operating as an audio specialty store called Sound of Music and it wouldn't take on its current handle until 1983.

And the Minneapolis company would grow into the world's largest consumer-electronics retailer.

Image source: SOPA Images/Getty Images

However, the world was changing as technology continued to advance and the concept of buying online became a reality.

Onset of online shopping

The first secure online retail transaction happened in 1994 and the following year saw the launch of eBay (EBAY) and an outfit called Amazon.com (AMZN) , which is now the largest online retailer on Earth.

Consumer electronics retailers were hit especially hard by the rapid and radical change in people's shopping habits.

More Retail Stocks:

Electronics typically have thinner profit margins than other retail items, which online retailers exploited.

Shoppers can instantly compare prices on items from several online sources. And unlike with clothing, customers don't need to inspect most electronics in person before they buy.

In 2024, U.S. brick-and-mortar sales growth lagged e-commerce sales growth by 86%, according to Capital One Shopping Research. A net 7,362 new retail establishments opened in 2024, down 45.2% from 2023 net openings.

Still, most consumers shop at brick-and-mortar locations at least once per week.

Best Buy CEO cites comparable-sales growth

On Aug. 28 Best Buy, home of the Geek Squad, reported fiscal-second-quarter adjusted earnings that beat Wall Street's expectations.

For the quarter ended Aug. 2, net income was 87 cents a share against $1.34 a share in the year-earlier period. Revenue rose 1.6% to $9.44 billion.

Adjusted profit in the latest quarter was $1.28 a share, beating the analyst consensus compiled by Zacks of $1.22.

Comparable sales grew 1.6%, the company's highest in three years.

"This was driven by a mix of new technology innovation, our relentless focus on a seamless omnichannel customer experience and our strong vendor partnerships," CEO Corie Barry said during the earnings call.

The company saw its highest number of second-quarter laptop unit sales in 15 years, due to consumers replacing and upgrading products.

Comparable sales also reflected declines in home theater, appliances, tablets and drones.

Related: Kohl's faces key leadership move in wake of dramatic firing, per veteran trader

Online purchases totaled 33% of domestic sales in the second quarter, growing from a year earlier for the third straight quarter due to higher traffic and increased adoption of Best Buys app, Barry said.

Forty-five percent of online purchases were picked up at the companys stores.

"Customers continue to be resilient, but deal-focused and attracted to more predictable sales momentum, including our Black Friday in July sales event," Barry told analysts.

"In the current environment, customers continue to be thoughtful about big-ticket purchases and are willing to spend on high price point products when they need to or when there is technology innovation," she added.

Barry warned that given the uncertainty of potential tariff impacts in the second half, "both on consumers overall as well as our business, we feel it is prudent to maintain the annual guidance we provided last quarter."

BBY shares are down nearly 14% this year and have tumbled 26% from 2024.

Analysts worried about impact of higher prices

Bank of America analyst Robert Ohmes kept his underperform rating on Best Buy and cut his price target to $60 from $63, due to challenging trends in the consumer electronics industry and to uncertainty about the effects of the Trump administration's tariffs, according to The Fly.

The analyst also lowered his fiscal 2027 forecast of earnings per share to $6.60 from $6.70, citing a weaker near-term outlook and long-term market-share pressure from omnichannel competition.

Wedbush analysts led by Matthew McCartney kept their neutral rating on Best Buy shares and increased their target price to $75 from $70.

"Despite higher prices, tailwinds in gaming and computing indicate the consumer remains willing to spend when presented with compelling new tech, while the companys efforts to improve its mobile phone selling experience appear to be bearing fruit," McCartney said.

Related: Analysts reboot Lululemon stock price target ahead of earnings

The analyst said that better product assortment and pricing actions in TVs and appliances should help stem losses in the second half.

"Longer term, we see growth in Best Buys retail media initiative, especially as the US marketplace initiatives ramp," McCartney said.

Nearer term, he's still "concerned what the impact of higher prices on everyday items will have on consumer willingness to spend on expensive discretionary electronics."

The analyst expects pricing headwinds should broadly accelerate in the second half, creating an unattractive near-term risk-reward balance.

Related: The stock market is being led by a new group of winners

This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Aug 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the Investing News, Analysis, and Tips section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order to take immediate, drastic action to protect the citys residents before the Trump administration deploys the military, possibly in the coming days.

After deploying National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump has threatened to target Chicago next.

Johnson laid out plans Saturday detailing how his administration would respond to any attempts by Trump to move into the city.

We have received credible reports that we have days, not weeks before our city sees some type of militarized activity by the federal government, Johnson warned Saturday. It is unclear at this time what that will look like.We must take immediate, drastic action to protect our people from federal overreach.

We may see militarized immigration enforcement. We may also see National Guard troops. We may even see active duty military and armed vehicles in our streets, the mayor said.

Trump previously called Chicago a mess and characterized it as a killing field as he hit out at Johnsons leadership.

open image in gallery Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order to take immediate, drastic action to protect its people ( Getty Images )

Chicagos a mess. You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent. And well straighten that one out probably next, Trump threatened.

The White House dismissed Johnsons executive order signing as a publicity stunt.

If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement to The Independent. Cracking down on crime should not be a partisan issue, but Democrats suffering from [Trump Derangement Syndrome] are trying to make it one.

They should listen to fellow Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser who recently celebrated the Trump Administrations success in driving down violent crime in Washington DC, Jackson added, referring to comments made by the D.C. mayor last week.

Bowser said Wednesday that she greatly appreciate[s] the surge of officers Trump deployed to the capital. We think that theres more accountability in the system, or at least perceived accountability in the system, that is driving down illegal behavior, Bowser said.

However, the mayor did criticize the administrations tactics, particularly on immigration, and said the police takeover led to a break in trust between the community and police.

open image in gallery The order, titled the Protecting Chicago initiative, instructs the citys police not to collaborate with the military on immigration enforcement, Johnson said ( REUTERS )

The order announced by Johnson, titled the Protecting Chicago initiative, instructs the citys police not to collaborate with the military on immigration enforcement.

This order affirms that the Chicago Police Department will not collaborate with military personnel on police patrols or civil immigration enforcement, the mayor said. We will not have our police officers who are working hard every single day to drive down crime, deputized to do traffic stops and checkpoints for the president.

Chicago Police Department officers will be directed to wear uniforms and refrain from wearing masks so that citizens can clearly distinguish them from federal agents, the mayor said.

We do not want to see tanks in our streets. You do not want to see families ripped apart. We do not want grandmothers thrown into the back of unmarked vans, Johnson said. We don't want to see homeless Chicagoans harassed or disappeared by federal agents. We don't want to see Chicagoans arrested for sitting on their porch.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has also told Trump that the nations third-largest city doesnt need or want military intervention to fight crime.

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.

Border Czar Tom Homan said this week that a large contingent of ICE officers would be sent to Chicago, but did not say how many.

The Times estimated that around 200 homeland security officials would be sent to the Midwest city.

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.
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Elon Musk appeared to compare the U.K. police to Nazi war criminals in a post on X as he ratcheted up his anti-immigration crusade across the pond.

Since being ousted from the U.S. government following a very public fallout with President Donald Trump, Musk has turned his attention back to stoking the flames in the U.K., which is currently engulfed in an immigration row.

Anti-immigration protesters and anti-racism demonstrators have clashed in heated rallies across the country in recent weeks, after the U.K. government won a court challenge allowing asylum seekers to continue to be housed at a hotel in Epping, Essex, in Southeast England.

Musk shared a post on his social media platform from a user that referenced the post-WWII Nuremberg trials, where the defense of just following orders was used by Nazi officials who committed crimes against humanity in the Holocaust.

After the trials, one of the seven Nuremberg Principles makes clear that a person who acted pursuant to order of his Government or of a superior does not relieve him from responsibility under international law.

open image in gallery Elon Musk has been fanning the flames of protests in the U.K. ( AFP/Getty )

Im only following orders, the user on X said, imagining a future defense from a police officer involved in arresting suspects at protests. The UK police force need to think deeply about how the Nuremberg trials after WW2 established the principle that individuals have a responsibility to disobey illegal or immoral orders.

Musk shared the post to his 225 million followers and added: Just following orders is not an acceptable defense.

It wasn't immediately clear which incident the user and Musk were specifically referring to, but both individuals have been prolific in posting about the immigration protests in the U.K. lately.

open image in gallery Anti-immigration protesters and anti-racism demonstrators have clashed in heated rallies across the country in recent weeks ( PA Wire )

The tech mogul posted the message the same day police arrested five people in relation to an incident outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in London, and two men outside the hotel in Epping.

The group of masked men attempted to enter a hotel in west London and were arrested Saturday in relation to disorder after two anti-asylum groups marched to the Crowne Plaza hotel in West Drayton.

Musks latest comments follow a police warning about the spread of misinformation online after the SpaceX CEO and Tommy Robinson, a prominent far-right activist in the U.K., wrongly claimed a 12-year-old girl in Scotland was at risk of being assaulted by migrants.

Footage filmed last week in Dundee shows a young girl confronting a couple, who police say are Bulgarian. In the video, the girl can be seen holding an axe and a knife, shouting get the f*** away from us.

open image in gallery Musk was accused of making what appeared to be a Nazi-style salute during a Trump inaugural event in January, which the billionaire denied ( Getty Images )

She has since been charged with possession of an offensive weapon. The Tesla boss shared a post on his social media platform that claimed the teen had been recorded on camera by a migrant and that she and other youngsters in the video were at risk of sexual assault.

Hate speech has surged on X since Musk acquired it and hard-right commentators, politicians and activists in Europe have discovered that engaging with Musk on X has boosted their influence, the Associated Press reports.

Since endorsing Trump for president last summer, Musk has leaned into far-right sentiment. He came out in support of Germanys far-right AfD party. Only the AfD can save Germany, Musk said in December 2024.

On January 20, Musk appeared to do two Nazi-style salutes at one of Trump's inauguration events, although he later denied they were intended as such.

Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The everyone is Hitler attack is so tired, he later posted.
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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.

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.

open image in gallery 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.

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.

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.

open image in gallery 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.

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.

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.
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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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President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have pledged that the department would release a report explaining the rise in diagnoses for autism spectrum disorder in September  but the scientists research the cause and treatment say Trumps policies are hampering their efforts.

Kennedy and Trump have long espoused the idea that an artificial external factor, such as vaccines or the environment, has played a role in the increase in autism diagnoses since the 1990s. The two repeated the idea during the most recent cabinet meeting.

But autism researchers at many of the nation's top universities have noted that the Trump administration's efforts to shrink the federal budget while pushing vaccine skepticism have led to the freezing of federal grants that researchers hoped to use to better understand the developmental disability, a condition that still carries stigma.

"To see decades of high quality, excellent research, just being ignored is as concerning to say the least," said Molly Losh, a professor at the Northwestern University School of Communication. "And and the people who are the the individuals with the strongest voices are, seem to be the those who are the least informed of the science."

open image in gallery Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pushed vaccine skepticism and blamed them autism rate increases. Now, college researchers are warning about his efforts and the Trump administrations cuts to funding ( Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images )

open image in gallery President Donald Trump has targeted groups that fund college research for cuts as he works to shrink the federal government. He has also targeted colleges for their actions at the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict ( Getty Images )

Massive cuts, largely initiated by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, saw the elimination of federal grants, including research focused on autism. Kennedy has sought to characterize the increase in cases of autism as signs of an epidemic, even though the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, which also falls under his jurisdiction, has found that much of the increase in diagnoses stems from improved detection.

The Trump administration has also targeted numerous universities, including Harvard University, Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University and Northwestern, for funding cuts for its actions during the pro-Palestine movement on many campuses at the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The president has also targeted universities for enrolling foreign or migrant students.

Losh said the Trump administrations agenda has made it harder to conduct research on many conditions, including autism.

In May, the National Institutes of Health, which falls under the Department of Health and Human Services jurisdiction, announced that it would not issue awards to domestic or foreign entities that include a subaward to a foreign entity. For Losh, it was a death blow for a project that would have studied social language abilities as well as neural and behavioral markers in autism across English and Cantonese speakers.

This would have been the first of its kind in the world to study critical questions about environmental and biological or genetic influences on the traits of autism in really, really fascinating, fascinating scientific and clinical questions, but in unique populations and In such a unique collaboration that it just is now disallowed, Losh told The Independent.

We have students who are still working on papers with existing data, but our ability to test new subjects, to recruit new participants, we can't hire anyone new, she said.

open image in gallery Columbia University was one of the colleges targeted by Trump and lost $400 million in funding. The university later reached a deal with the White House ( Getty Images )

Losh and other researchers emphasized that approval for NIH grants is often a lengthy and arduous process.

"Typically, researchers will apply once and expect that they won't get that grant, but they'll get maybe some comments to then resubmit the grant in order to get a better chance of funding next time," Rebecca Muhle, an assistant professor at Columbia University, told The Independent.

One grant where Muhle was not the principal investigator was terminated when the Trump administration first canceled $400 million worth of federal grants at the Ivy League university before Columbia reached an agreement with the White House.

Another project, where Muhle served as the principal investigator and was not impacted by the freeze, focuses on the loss of a particular gene that is known to better understand the underpinnings of autism, which would help shape future studies. But the situation of her research is still uncertain.

"I don't know if the university is asking for reimbursement of funds, is actually getting reimbursement," Muhle told The Independent. "But in the meantime, that was March until August. It's like half a year. I couldn't hire anybody because they didn't know if the funding was going to come through."

open image in gallery Researchers say that funding cuts have the potential to impact decades of projects ( AFP via Getty Images )

But it's not just funding cuts that create roadblocks for researching autism and other subjects. RFK Jr.s vaccine skepticism has put research under the microscope.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , a member of the vaunted U.S. Camelot clan that produced one president and his namesake father, first began his campaign for president in 2023 as a Democrat primary challenger running against Joe Biden before he ran as an independent.

In August of last year, he dropped out and endorsed Trump. Every Democratic senator opposed his confirmation while all but one Republican senator supported his confirmation.

Researchers fear that Kennedys time as HHS Secretary will cause a regression in years of progress. During his cabinet meeting with Trump, the president called autism a horror show.

Losh said that she fears the administrations position will undo years of work and compared it to the initial study by Andrew Wakefield, the disgraced British physician who put out the first study tying autism to the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. The study was later retracted and Wakefield lost his medical license. That still hasnt stopped vaccine critics from citing it when making their case that vaccines are dangerous.

Kennedy and Trumps crusade against autism might create another domino effect: it could lead to parents of autistic children not seeking out a diagnosis.

Muhle cited how Kennedy and NIH director Jay Bhattacharya have floated the idea of collecting data for a potential registry of autistic people. HHS denied that such a registry would be created, but Kennedy later announced a plan in May to build a data system to research autism from information compiled by Medicare and Medicaid.

It's very concerning to me that people are choosing to hide that, and I totally understand their reasons for it, Muhle told The Independent. Parents have expressed concern to other researchers, well, if I participate in your study, where's my data going to go? And we can't say for certainty right now, with the people that are running NIH, exactly what will happen.
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Lawyers are demanding the release of a longtime Oregon resident arrested by Border Patrol while battling a Washington State wildfire, saying Friday he was already on track for legal status after he helped federal investigators solve a crime against his family.

The Oregon resident is one of two firefighters arrested this week while battling the Bear Gulch Fire, the biggest blaze on the Olympic Peninsula since 1951. His arrest was illegal, the lawyers argued, and violated Department of Homeland Security polices that say immigration enforcement must not be conducted at locations where emergency responses are happening.

The arrests of the two firefighters have prompted a public outcry. Washington Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat, labeled the Trump administrations immigration policy fundamentally sick in response.

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has implemented a widespread crackdown on immigration. Arrests have been on the rise, and ICE agents are now reporting widespread burnout and frustration as public outrage grows over the administrations hardline immigration agenda.

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.

A helicopter drops water over the Bear Gulch Fire. The lawyers for a firefighter who U.S. border agents arrested are now demanding his release ( Mason County Sheriff PIO Matt Colbenson )

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 that's representing the firefighter.

Another Homeland Security policy says agents can't 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 the 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 Patrol's operation, saying President Donald Trump's 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.

Murray accused Trump of undercutting the states ability to battle wildfires on Thursday following the firefighters arrests.

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," she said.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, wildfires can, and have, burned entire towns to the ground, she added. 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.
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Many people who attend Burning Man shell out for the famous desert festival to have a transformative experience, but one attendee had an especially life-changing experience; she had a baby at Black Rock City.

Kayla Thompson, 37, and her husband, Kasey, were attending the 2025 Burning Man festival in Nevada and weathering the scorching desert conditions in their RV on Wednesday. A sharp pain woke Kayla up, and she feared she was coming down with a nasty bug or  more frighteningly  an issue with her appendix.

Cramps overtook her and it became clear that she was going to need medical attention. The couple began screaming for help, and minutes later they were no longer just a couple of Burners having a wild time on the Playa.

They were parents.

The three-pound nine-ounce baby girl, Kayla, delivered in the RV's bathroom, is their first child. Kayla had no idea that she was pregnant and the couple had not been planning on having a baby.

open image in gallery A fire juggler at the Burning Man festival in Nevada. Kayla Thompson was at the annual desert party on Wednesday when she unexpectedly gave birth to a baby girl in the bathroom of her RV ( Getty )

Even the nurses at the hospital were like, You dont look like you were pregnant at all, Thompson told the New York Times. "I didn't have any symptoms."

Once the baby had been delivered, Kasey darted out of the RV to call for help.

"I was yelling for anyone to come help us," he told the paper.

Thankfully for the couple, Burning Man attracts all sorts, and within minutes, a neonatal nurse, an OBGYN, and a pediatric doctor attending the event had converged on their camper to offer their assistance.

According to the couple, the OBGYN showed up in nothing but his underwear, but that didn't stop him from helping Kayla deliver the placenta.

The Thompsons traveled to Black Rock City  the temporary settlement that forms every August in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada during the Burning Man festival  from their home in Salt Lake City. They initially planned to camp out in the back of a truck, but Kasey's older brother had previously attended and knew the desert could be unforgiving. He bought an RV for the three of them to stay in together during the festival.

His experience likely saved them all a lot of suffering. By Saturday, severe weather was already lashing the Burners. A seasonal monsoon swept across the desert, disrupting the festival's opening weekend festivities. Dust storms and whipping rain tore through the camp, turning the desert into a muddy, impenetrable mess.

The conditions at Black Rock City became so bad that the festival had to stop allowing revelers in for a short time.

open image in gallery The conditions at Black Rock City became so bad that the festival had to stop allowing revelers in for a short time ( Simba Khela )

Had the Thompsons not had the foresight of Kaseys brother, Kayla would have had to deliver her baby amid the dust and morass.

Maureen OReilly, the 61-year-old neonatal nurse who rushed to help Kayla, told the NYT that she used all of the meager resources available to her to ensure the newborn was safe.

The hardest part was knowing, as a nurse, what can go wrong, Ms. OReilly said. She added, Having no resources was frightening.

That included using the camper's heat, a bath towel, and a heated water bottle to keep the baby warm.

While Burning Man is intentionally held away from the bustle of the rest of the world, as it has grown in popularity its organizers have opted, in the interest of safety, to bring a bit of civilization with them to the dunes. The festival has medical staff on hand, and within 15 minutes of Kasey's calls for help, a group of Black Rock Rangers  volunteer event staff  arrived with medical workers to assist.

The couple and the baby were driven to a medical tent, where they were informed that, due to space constraints, only the baby could be airlifted to a hospital.

That was the hardest decision of my life, Kasey told the NYT.

open image in gallery A temporary settlement forms every August in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada during the Burning Man festival ( AFP/Getty )

Ultimately, they sent the baby to the hospital and traveled by car toward Reno, where the child was being examined. It took the couple nearly four hours to get from the Playa to the hospital, Kasey told the NYT.

Once they finally arrived the couple learned that their baby girl was healthy.

"She was safe and sound, and I was so thrilled, Kasey said.

Despite the hardships ahead  recovering their belongings they left out at Black Rock City and caring for a completely unexpected newborn, not to mention the cost of the medical assistance  Kasey said he was grateful that the spirit of community at Burning Man, despite the festival's more recent reputation as a haven for billionaires and influencers, is still alive and well.

Thats what that community is about, he said. [The Burners] will always have such a special place in my heart.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A former Ukrainian parliamentary speaker and key figure in the countrys pro-European revolution has been shot dead in the western city of Lviv.

The prosecutor generals office said a gunman had fired several shots at Andriy Parubiy, 54, killing him on the spot. The attacker fled and a manhunt was launched, it said.

Parubiy was a member of parliament, had been parliamentary speaker from April 2016 to August 2019, and was one of the leaders of protests in 2013-14 calling for closer ties with the European Union.

He was also secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council from February to August 2014, a period when fighting began in eastern Ukraine and Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula.

Officials gave no immediate indication whether the murder had any direct link to Russias war in Ukraine.

Unverified footage appeared to show the moment the attacker, dressed as a delivery driver and wearing a helmet, walked up behind the politician and shot him. Ukrainian media reported that the suspect then fled the scene on an electric bicycle.

Minister of internal affairs Ihor Klymenko and prosecutor general Ruslan Kravchenko have just reported on the first known circumstances of a horrific murder in Lviv. Andriy Parubiy has been killed, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X.

He sent his condolences to Parubiys family and loved ones, adding: All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation and search for the killer.

National police said the shooting in Lviv was reported at around noon (9am GMT) on Saturday. Lviv mayor Andriy Sadovyi said finding the killer and establishing the circumstances of the attack was of utmost importance.

This is a matter of security in a country at war, where, as we can see, there are no completely safe places, he wrote on Telegram.

Ukrainian residents stand near their destroyed home following a Russian airstrike in Zaporizhzhia ( AP )

The killing came only hours after Russia launched another huge volley of missiles and drones at targets across Ukraine.

The country has been fiercely targeted in recent weeks as US president Donald Trumps efforts to get Russian president Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table to end the war have proved thus far futile.

Russia launched 537 strike drones and decoys, as well as 45 missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force, which said it shot down or neutralised 510 drones and decoys, and 38 missiles.

The assault overnight into Saturday killed at least one civilian and wounded 28 people, including children, in the Zaporizhzhia region, governor Ivan Fedorov reported, where a five-storey residential building was struck.

The Kremlin on Thursday said Russia remained interested in continuing peace talks, despite the air attack on Kyiv that day, which was one of the largest and deadliest since Moscows full-scale invasion in 2022. At least 23 people were killed.

The attack was one of the few times Russian drones and missiles have penetrated the heart of the Ukrainian capital. Children were among the dead, and search and rescue efforts continued for hours to pull people from the rubble.

Hours after the attack, the Trump administration approved a $825m (611m) 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 to have stalled.
Grant Cardone, a real estate mogul and entrepreneur known for his high-energy approach to wealth building, has consistently positioned himself at the intersection of established markets and emerging opportunities. His recent statement that $60 trillion in retirement funds want access to Bitcoin underscores both the scale of traditional investment capital and his belief that digital assets can no longer be ignored in long-term financial planning. By framing the launch of Cardone Capitals real estate bitcoin hybrid funds as a bridge between stability and innovation, Cardone highlights a central theme in his career: creating vehicles for investors to participate in opportunities that were previously difficult to access.

Cardones Quote and Its Implications

Cardones message stresses two key ideas: the massive pool of untapped retirement savings and the growing demand for exposure to digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTCUSD). He argues that retirement vehicles like IRAs and 401(k)s could benefit from diversification beyond traditional equities and bonds, combining the predictable cash flow of real estate with the volatility-driven potential of cryptocurrency. The assertion that retirees can enjoy dependable growth through real estate while gaining exposure to the explosive potential of Bitcoin reflects his view that both asset classes offer complementary strengths.

More News from Barchart

Context Behind the Statement

Cardones reputation was built on real estate, where his company, Cardone Capital, manages billions of dollars in multifamily properties across the United States. His rise from modest beginnings to a leading voice in real estate investment has given him credibility in markets traditionally associated with stability and long-term value. By pairing that experience with an embrace of Bitcoin, he is signaling confidence in cryptocurrency as a legitimate component of modern wealth strategies rather than a speculative trend.

This approach reflects a broader shift in financial markets. Institutional interest in Bitcoin has grown significantly in recent years, with pension funds, hedge funds, and large asset managers exploring ways to integrate digital currencies into their portfolios. Cardones framing of a hybrid fund recognizes both the risk aversion of retirement investors and the inevitability of change as digital assets move further into the mainstream.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

The prime minister of Yemens Houthi government, Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahawi, has been killed in an Israeli strike, according to a news agency run by the group.

Several other ministers were killed in the strike, according to the Houthi-run agency, though they were not named.

Israel said on Friday that the airstrike had targeted the Iran-aligned groups chief of staff, defence minister and other senior officials and that it was verifying the outcome.

A statement was released from defence minister Mohamed al-Atifi, shortly after the prime minister's death was confirmed, which quoted him as saying the group was ready to confront Israel.

Saudi Arabian news site Al-Hadath has reported that the Houthis foreign minister, as well as the ministers for justice, youth and sports, social affairs and labour, were killed.

open image in gallery Rahawi, third from right, and other members of the Houthi government ( Reuters )

The office of Mahdi Al-Mashat, the Houthi president, said that several other ministers sustained moderate and serious injuries as a result of the strike, according to the BBC.

An IDF spokesperson told The Independent that the strike was made possible by seizing an intelligence opportunity and completing a rapid operational cycle, which took place within a few hours.

They confirmed that the Houthi prime minister was killed in the strike, alongside other senior officials who they said were responsible for the use of force, the military building of the Houthi terror regime, and the advancement of terror actions against Israel.

Rahawi became prime minister nearly a year ago but the de facto leader of the government was his deputy, Mohamed Moftah, who was assigned on Saturday to carry out the prime minister's duties. He was seen largely as a figurehead who was not part of the inner circle of the Houthi leadership.

Formerly an ally to ex-Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh, Rahawi allied himself with the Houthis when the rebels overran Sanaa, and much of the north and centre of the country in 2014, initiating the countrys long-running civil war.

The Israeli military said its fighter jets had 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.

open image in gallery The Houthis have attacked Israeli vessels in the Red Sea since the war in Gaza began ( AP )

On Thursday, Israeli security sources had said the targets had been various locations where a large number of senior Houthi officials had gathered to watch a televised speech recorded by leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi.

Since Israel began its war in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis  who are aligned with Iran  have attacked vessels in the Red Sea in acts they have described as solidarity with the Palestinians.

They have also frequently 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.

The US and Israeli strikes have killed dozens of people in Yemen. One US strike in April hit a prison holding African migrants in northern Sadaa province, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others.

During the last year, Israel carried out a series of assassinations of the top leaders and commanders of Hamas and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah that significantly weakened the two groups.

We remain steadfast in our genuine position of supporting and standing with the people of Gaza, and in building and developing the capabilities of our armed forces to confront all challenges and dangers, Mahdi al-Mashats statement said.
Russia continued its assault on Ukraine overnight, firing at least 582 drones and missiles at various cities.

The strikes killed at least one person and injured 24, including three children, in the Zaporizhzhia region, local officials said.

Over 40 houses and 14 apartment buildings were damaged, and about 25,000 households lost power.

Ukrainian officials continue to assess the damage from the large-scale assault.

Shortly after the latest attack, president Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using the time meant to work towards peace for planning massive missile and drone assaults on Ukraine
Hugo Hamilton: Its unfortunate that Germany has gone completely silent on Gaza

The author on how having a German mother and an Irish father deeply informed both his writing and his worldview, having one foot in both countries, and his sympathy for The Salt Path author

Hugo Hamilton: Its like the telescope of empathy is fixed on the past rather than the present. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Hilary A White Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 06:30

As a writer who made a critical and commercial breakthrough with memoir (2003s The Speckled People), Hugo Hamilton took what might be described as professional interest in the recent furore surrounding The Salt Path.
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.
Claire Byrne has announced she is moving to Newstalk, where she started her career. Photo: Mark Condren

Departing RTE presenter Claire Byrne was in talks with Newstalk for months ahead of a deal that will offer her far greater freedom to engage in commercial work outside of the radio station.
'People no longer wanted to be associated with the traditional, local way of speaking': Are Irish accents as we know them dying out?
Declan Power: Why the end of Unifil does not have to mean the end for Irish support for Lebanon

Now is the time to re-structure the role played by the Irish Defence Forces in all future missions

Members of the 124th Infantry Battalion at Camp Shamrock in Debel, Lebanon. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Declan Power Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 06:30

So it finally came to pass, but in a little more ordered fashion than could have been the case.
Irish aid worker Gena Heraty being treated for malnutrition after release by Haiti kidnappers

It is not known whether a ransom was paid for the release of Ms Heraty and seven other captives including a child aged three

Mayo woman Gena Heraty has been running an orphanage in Haiti for 32 years. Photo: Family handout/PA

Eavan Murray Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Gena Heraty, the Irish aid worker kidnapped in Haiti four weeks ago is recovering in hospital following her release yesterday.
John Gibbons: The Irish fairy tale of a green, pleasant land obscures pollution and failures of climate crisis

In a new book, the environmental activist argues that we have to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis to ensure a liveable future for our children and grandchildren

Stark choices: Irelands agricultural system, which is dominated by meat and dairy, needs to change in order for the country to secure a liveable future, says John Gibbons

Aisling Maria Cronin Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 06:30

John Gibbons describes himself as a natural optimist. Over the course of his career as an environmental campaigner and correspondent, Gibbons has obtained an in-depth understanding of Irelands slow progress on tackling carbon pollution and meeting our emissions reduction targets  yet he still believes we have reasons to be hopeful in the coming decades, and that with careful planning and targeted action, we can mitigate the most severe impacts of the climate crisis.
Moodys Corporation (NYSE:MCO) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 22, BMO Capital reiterated a Market Perform rating for Moodys with a price target of $534. The decision follows leadership changes at Moodys.

BMO Capital Keeps Moody's (MCO) at Market Perform, Raises PT to $534

one photo/Shutterstock.com

Stephen Tulenko, President of Moodys Analytics, a division of Moodys Corporation, announced his resignation effective September 2, 2025, to pursue another opportunity. The parent company has not yet named a permanent successor. Andy Frepp, Moodys Analytics Chief Operating Officer, assumed Interim President duties to ensure continuity during the transition. BMO noted that, although they do not believe there are issues with the company, the stock could face pressure because investors highly respected Tulenko.

Besides that, BMO appreciates Moodys strong financial health. This, the analysts stated, is demonstrated by 15 years of consecutive dividend increases and an overall 28-year streak of dividend payments. Moodys solid market position in credit ratings, research, and risk analysis supports steady long-term demand. BMO views the company as well-positioned to benefit from secular trends, including increased private credit activity, transition finance, digital infrastructure funding, and emerging market growth.

Moodys Corporation (NYSE:MCO) is a global integrated risk assessment firm. It operates through two segments: Moodys Ratings (formerly Moodys Investors Service) and Moodys Analytics. The company serves governments, financial institutions, and corporations across more than 40 countries.

While we acknowledge the potential of MCO 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: 12 Best Mid-Cap Value Stocks to Buy Right Now and 10 Must-Buy US Stocks to Invest In.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
A spacecraft which launched in 2023 with Irish input, is doing a gravity-assisted flyby of the planet Venus tomorrow on its way to explore if the conditions for life exist on Jupiters moons.
Balanced and nourishing plates for an end-of-summer reset

Theres a certain point at the end of August when you feel the mood shift. Even if the suns still shining, the darker evenings are around the corner, school bags reappear, emails pick up, and suddenly youre googling weeknight dinner ideas again.

These are the recipes for that moment. Balanced, bold and brilliant bowls that make the back-to-school reset feel like something to actually look forward to and not just survive.

Duck noodle cucumber salad bowl might sound tricky for a mid-week option, but duck breasts are easy to cook if you score the skin and start it in a cold pan, it renders out like magic.

The sauce does the heavy lifting here: sticky, sweet, salty and spiked with chilli. Toss your noodles in that punchy dressing, pile on crisp cabbage and scallions, and dont skimp on the herbs and peanuts at the end. Its big on contrast  hot duck, cold veg, chewy noodles, crunchy toppings; a simple family favourite.

Honey mustard chicken salad bowl is another one of those dishes that hits every mark: comforting, sweet, spicy, tangy and textural. The mash is mellow but the wholegrain mustard lifts it; the pan sauce for the chicken is sharp and sticky. Roasting chickpeas transforms them  theyre your crunch and your texture. This is meal-prep-adjacent food: nothing too fiddly, just smart layering of flavour that can easily be prepped in advance.

And finally, the pork meatball & vermicelli noodle bowl with nuoc cham  a bowl that always delivers. Inspired by those little bowls of brothy, slurpy fabulousness enjoyed sitting on a plastic stool in Hanoi, the pork meatballs are quick, affordable and can be frozen in batches.

The nuoc cham sauce is essential  dont mess with it. Fish sauce, lime, sugar, chilli- its one of the simplest dressings that makes everything else on the plate sing. Add crisp veg, soft noodles, and all the herbs youve got in the fridge. Its clean but deeply satisfying eating.

If youre looking for reset food that still excites you, this is where to start.

Duck Noodle Cucumber Salad Bowl

Duck Noodle Cucumber Salad Bowl. Photo: Donal Skehan & Tara Fisher; Food Styling: Charlotte OConnell

Cook time: 25 minutes Serves: 4

For the duck:

2 duck breasts, scored

1 tbsp sesame seeds

2 garlic cloves, crushed

3 birds eye chillies

2 tbsp honey

3 tbsp hoisin sauce

3 tbsp light soy sauce

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp five spice powder

To serve:

200g cooked udon noodles

 head Chinese cabbage, thinly sliced

6 spring onions, thinly sliced

Handful roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

Large handful coriander leaves, roughly chopped

Small handful mint leaves

Method

1. Place the duck on a cold pan, bring up to heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until the skin is crispy, flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, basting with the juices as you go.

2. Drain excess fat off the pan, keeping about a tablespoon in. Add the sesame seeds, garlic and chillies. Stir through the honey, hoisin, light soy sauce, rice vinegar and five spice powder. Allow to bubble for a minute or two until reduced a little.

3. Toss the noodles in the dressing then arrange in serving bowls with the cabbage and spring onions. Once rested, slice the duck breast and top the bowls with the meat along with the peanuts, coriander leaves and mint leaves.

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Bowl with Sweet Potato Mash, Rocket & Crispy Chickpeas

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Bowl with Sweet Potato Mash, Rocket & Crispy Chickpeas. Photo: Donal Skehan & Tara Fisher; Food Styling: Charlotte OConnell

Cook time: 30 minutes Serves: 2

For the chickpeas:

400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 tbsp olive oil

For the sweet potato mash:

750g sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3cm chunks

50g butter

2tbsp wholegrain mustard

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the chicken:

1 tbsp olive oil

4 boneless chicken thighs

2 red onions, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves

50ml white wine

2 tbsp butter

2 tsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp honey

4 tbsp hot sauce

1 tbsp capers

To serve:

25g rocket

Small handful parsley, roughly chopped

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/ 400F/ Gas Mark 6.

2. Toss the chickpeas in olive oil in a large roasting tray, season and roast on the middle shelf of the oven for 25-30minutes, until golden and crispy.

3. Meanwhile, make the sweet potato mash. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Add the sweet potato and gently simmer for 20 minutes until cooked through. Drain and return to the pan with the butter and mustard. Use a potato masher to mash until completely smooth. Season to taste.

4. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and fry over a medium heat along with the red onions and garlic, stirring occasionally so the onion doesnt catch the base of the pan. Cook for 10 minutes until the onions have caramelised.

5. Turning the chicken, add the white wine and simmer for another minute; the wine should have almost evaporated. Stir through the butter, Dijon, honey, hot sauce and capers. Toss to coat the onion and chicken in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. The sauce should be glossy and thickened at this point and the chicken cooked through.

6. Serve the sweet potato mash topped with the chicken, all those pan sauces, crispy chickpeas along with some rocket and freshly chopped parsley.

Pork Meatball & Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with Nuoc Cham

Pork Meatball & Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with Nuoc Cham. Photo: Donal Skehan & Tara Fisher; Food Styling: Charlotte OConnell

Cook time: 40 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients

Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger

3 cloves garlic

2 small Thai red chillies

Handful of coriander, plus extra to serve

500g pork mince

2 tbsp light soy sauce

1 tbsp fish sauce

For the dressing:

5 tbsp fish sauce

2 tbsp rice wine vinegar

1 tbsp light brown sugar

1 tbsp light soy sauce

1 lime

2 small shallots

2 garlic cloves

1-2 small Thai red chillies, depending on your spice tolerance

To serve:

350g rice noodles

Sesame oil

2 carrots, julienned

1 cucumber, deseeded and thinly sliced

Handful of edamame beans

Large handful of mint leaves

Large handful of basil leaves

Large handful of coriander leaves

Method

1. Peel the ginger and place into a mini food processor along with the garlic, chillies and coriander. Blitz until finely chopped then place into a large bowl along with the pork mince, soy sauce and fish sauce. Mix everything together well to combine  using your hands is probably easiest here, then shape into 16 small meatballs.

2. Place the fish sauce, rice wine vinegar, light brown sugar and soy sauce into a bowl. Squeeze in the juice of a lime and stir together to dissolve the sugar. Finely slice the shallot and chillies and finely chop the garlic. Place into the bowl and stir again to combine. Add 70ml cold water, stir and taste for seasoning, then set aside.

3. Get the meatballs into a pan and set over a medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

4. Boil the kettle and place the rice noodles into a heatproof bowl. Once boiled, pour the kettle over the noodles and set aside to soak, according to the packet instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with a drizzle of sesame oil and divide between four bowls.

5. Divide the salad ingredients and dressing between four bowls then top with the meatballs.

6. Garnish with the herbs and dig in!
The enduring appeal of Kellys Hotel  We treat it as a large bed and breakfast, we know every guest by name

Bill Kelly, the fourth-generation mastermind behind the world-famous Kellys Resort Hotel and Spa in Rosslare, on what it takes to maintain consistently high standards as his family marks 130 years in business

Kelly's Hotel Managing Director, Bill, with his daughters Laura and Grace. Picture: Kelly's

Cillian Boggan Wexford People Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 12:40

In April 1949, Ireland had left the commonwealth, which paved the way for the formal establishment of the republic. By this point, Kellys Hotel had been going strong for over half a century. It all started when William J. Kelly and his wife Mary opened Tea Rooms. This year, Kellys are celebrating 130 years in business.
Newly uncovered medieval document casts fresh doubts on Shroud of Turins authenticity

The legitimacy of the religious artefact has long been questioned

The Shroud of Turin, which purports to show the imprint of Christ's body after his crucifixion. Photo: Getty

Vishwam Sankaran UK Independent Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 06:30

A newly uncovered medieval document is the earliest known to cast doubt on the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, widely believed to have been used to wrap Christs crucified body.
John Downing: French prime ministers no-confidence vote could spell the end of another Macron government

Francois Bayrous nine-month-old administration looks likely to fall and he will suffer the fate of Michel Barnier, whose premiership last year lasted only three months

Francois Bayrou is the most unpopular prime minister of Frances Fifth Republic, which was set up in 1958 by Charles de Gaulle. Photo: Reuters

John Downing Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Embattled French prime minister Francois Bayrou has delivered an ultimatum to deputies in the national parliament: Choose between responsibility and chaos.
Few figures in modern history have the ability to turn a diplomatic overture into a danse macabre with such cold, consummate cynicism as Vladimir Putin.

Flush from his successes on the red carpet in Alaska, ostensibly for peace talks, he returned to Moscow and intensified the bombing of civilians in Ukraine with renewed vigour.

The strikes on Kyiv, which killed three children and 15 other people and targeted the EU mission and office of the British Council, were a deadly display of contemptuous disdain for peace efforts as wave after wave of drones struck indiscriminately.

British prime minister Keir Starmer said that Putin, by killing children, was sabotaging hopes for peace. French president Emmanuel Macron described the attacks as terror and barbarism.

Showing a brazen disregard for efforts to stop the carnage, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that even while the attacks continue, Russia remains interested in continuing the negotiation process in order to achieve the stated goals through political and diplomatic means.

How the killing of children and targeting of civilian offices aligns with a serious commitment to end the war speaks volumes about the Russian presidents true motives. The attack on Kyiv shows a deliberate choice to escalate and mock the peace efforts, European Commission vice-president Kaja Kallas said.

Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also underlined the gravity of the incident, saying it was another grim reminder of what is at stake.

The Kremlin will stop at nothing  even targeting the European Union, she said.

Tanaiste Simon Harris has summoned the Russian representative so they can be left in no doubt as regards our outrage at what happened, he said.

Mixed signals from Washington have probably emboldened the Russian president

In a statement, he also called on Russia to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire.

But Mr Putin has no intention of easing back.

Instead of being punished for his aggression, he is being rewarded. Having being lauded and applauded in the US, he has now been invited to Beijing by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. There he will stand alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a military parade.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said the latest attacks proved the international community should introduce tougher sanctions against Russia to force it to commit to a ceasefire.

Russia chooses ballistics over the negotiating table, he said.

Yet even as Moscow makes a mockery of Donald Trumps efforts, Beijing is happy to host Putin. Moscow can do no wrong. Mixed signals from Washington have probably emboldened the Russian president.

Last week, Mr Trump said he would take a step back from the peace process, but at a cabinet meeting this week he warned he would unleash economic war on Russia if Putin did not meet with Mr Zelensky.

As Washington finds its feet in this America First era, Ukraine and Europe must mull their fates. From Beijing, the signal is clear: if there is a power void to be filled, China is ready to fill it, along with its friends.
Former Labour leader Pat Rabbitte could be just the solution for party members to resolve differences concerning presidential election nomination

One might think a small party like Labour could pull together. However, former leader Alan Kelly has caused quite a stir by saying he is opposed to its endorsement of Independent TD Catherine Connolly as a presidential election candidate.

Mr Kelly has proved himself by surviving in the cockpit of North Tipperary in the last few elections.

He is still well thought of in political circles, so his opposition is a blow to the party and leader Ivana Bacik.

I may have a solution for Labour. Why not pull a Rabbitte out of the hat? The Labour Party should go cap in hand to Pat, another former leader, and beg him to be its candidate.

I have always said he is the only credible Labour candidate for this election. He comes from the west of Ireland and has represented Dublin for many years and still has a profile.

Thomas Garvey, Claremorris, Co Mayo

Israels camera excuse for bombing of Gaza hospital lacks any truth or merit

An Israeli strike on a Gaza hospital that killed 20 people, mostly journalists and medics (Israel claims double-tap strike on hospital that killed 20, including five journalists, targeted Hamas camera, Irish Independent, August 26), has been justified by Israel because of a surveillance camera.

Really? A camera? People who are starving, with little drinking water, no medicine and no hope of any shipments due to the Israeli control of aid and access are able to get high-tech equipment somehow and then decide to install it in their hospitals?

Israel is so used to getting away with excuses that lack truth that it will tell the media just about anything.

We could ask why it had to bomb the camera when there were journalists and medics responding to the first bomb. Why not take out the camera at 3am to minimise civilian casualties?

Tom Harper, Blackrock, Co Dublin

Trump has power to stop two devastating wars and make America great again

Israel continues its massacres in Gaza; Russia continues the slaughter in Ukraine. The international community and the UN have failed.

Meanwhile, US president Donald Trump wants a Nobel Peace Prize.

Solution: President Trump stops all US support for Israel and maximises US support for Ukraine. The wars end. President Trump wins the Nobel Prize. The global economy improves. US businesses thrive. This makes America great again.

Chris Fitzpatrick, Dublin 6

How Ukraine could be left exposed by US presidents temperamental nature

The recent meeting of Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders seems to have left us with more questions than answers.

Trump indicated broadly that America would support the security of Ukraine. However, no specifics were given, as is the case with many of Trumps statements.

Apparently, land exchanges were part of the private discussions between the leaders.

At this crucial juncture, it would be more beneficial for Ukraine to exchange land with the US as a pay-off for security now and into the future.

After all, Trump is a transactional president, and it would also be in Europes interest in the longer term.

Talks of bilateral and trilateral meetings, and the protracted nature of these, could well expose us to the volatile side of Trump and leave Ukraine totally exposed.

Denis O Keeffe, Lisnagry, Co Limerick

Boycott of Israeli drugs is not a sensible remedy to stop war Hamas could end

At a demonstration outside the Irish Central Bank this week, Dr Bridget Kiely called on Irish people to seek options to drugs made by Israeli firms (Hundreds rally against Central Bank role in Israeli war bonds, Irish independent, August 27).

The most famous of the Israeli drug firms is Teva. It has two facilities in Ireland that employ 650 highly skilled people. Its output is supplied to the HSE and also exported to 30 countries.

Why should Irish jobs be put in jeopardy when, to end the war in Gaza, Hamas has only to release its Israeli hostages, disarm and disband?

Karl Martin, Dublin 13

Pope must go to Palestine, as his actions to date have been limited to rhetoric

The Pope should go to Gaza. Until now, his approach has been entirely vocal and diplomatic  his actions have been limited to public statements, telegrams and high-level phone calls.

The worlds collective conscience has finally awoken and public opinion has undergone a seismic shift, with people publicly demonstrating their horror and revulsion at the genocide in Gaza.

A population is being annihilated, and this is why Pope Leo should go to Gaza. The Pope is in a unique position, invested with a universally recognised moral authority.

Now is the time to eschew diplomacy for moral leadership. Action, not rhetoric, will honour Christs example.

Eileen Seery, Gorey, Co Wexford

More lives lost as America continues to turn blind eye to gun ownership dangers

It was heartbreaking to learn that on Wednesday, two children aged eight and 10 were killed and 17 other people were injured in a mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.

I get so angry when I hear how easy it is to obtain a gun in the US.

In America, gun ownership is a widespread and complex issue, with a diverse range of perspectives.

About 77 million adults own guns there, with self-protection being the main reason for having them.

However, views on gun control and the role of firearms in society vary widely, even within different groups of gun owners. Its when one hears of a tragedy, such as the one in Minneapolis, that one would hope the powers that be in the US might consider banning ownership of guns.

If the American authorities ignore such a call, we will be hearing about more of these awful tragedies.

John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

You can factor me out of Leaving Cert calculations on nations maths whizzes

With regard to the Leaving Cert, I read somewhere that 70pc of pupils negotiate maths very well. Alas, I am with the remaining 40pc.

Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9
A Tralee woman who has long campaigned for better endometriosis treatment said she will attend a private meeting with the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Doireann Barrett, who has suffered from endometriosis, an often-painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, and several other health issues which may be linked to the illness, will meet the Health Minister on Tuesday.

The meeting will occur the day after an Endometriosis Patient Forum is hosted by the Minister at the Department of Health on Baggot Street in Dublin on Monday morning.

It has been billed as an opportunity to bring voices together and to discuss meaningful, practical steps forward for patients and the health service.

Ms Barrett told The Kerryman she was invited to this but cannot attend the event as she is suffering a lot from her condition and it would involve a lot of travel early in the morning from her home in Fenit.

She will instead meet the Minister on Tuesday, and plans to tell Ms MacNeill of her experience trying to navigate her condition with no access to suitable treatment in Ireland.

Ms Barrett, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis at the age of 26 in 2005, has endured multiple surgeries and has been an outspoken critic of the lack of specialist endometriosis care available in Ireland.

She plans to travel to Romania in October for scans and consultations and is asking the Kerry public for help so that she can afford the costs of these procedures and subsequent surgery.

Ms Barrett said she is currently booked in for scans and consultation in Romania for extra-pelvic endometriosis which will cover the brain, diaphragm, bowel and pelvic area.

She is seeking to raise 30,000 to pay for consultants fees, scans and surgeries as well as travel and accommodation costs.

Through a crowdfunding initiative, she has so far managed to raise more than 1,400.

Any costs which can later be covered by insurance will be reimbursed to her Cneasu community project, aimed at supporting women with endometriosis in Ireland.

Those interested in finding out more about Ms Barrett and supporting her treatment can visit: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/DoireannBarrett
Now open for applications to new students at Mary Immaculate College

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship is now open for applications

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship is now open for applications to new students at Mary Immaculate College (MIC).

The scholarship was founded to honour the legacy of the late teacher and musician who was tragically killed in January 2022.

In a statement, the organisers said: "If youve received your CAO options today and have accepted a place in Mary Immaculate College, please consider applying for the Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship.

Ashling had a passion for education and music which inspired many.

The scholarship aims to continue her legacy by supporting students who share similar values.

Last years recipient was Rachel Mahoney, while the inaugural recipients included Roisin Ni Chonchuir and Catherine Joyce.

Organisers added: "Thank you to MIC with the support of the INTO for keeping Ashlings name and legacy alive by cherishing her memory and recognising her love for both teaching and music combined."

Applications will be accepted until September 1 and forms are available on the Mary Immaculate College website.
By David French

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Fenchurch Advisory Partners, a boutique investment bank focused on the financial services industry, is hiring Gautam Chawla as co-head of its operations in the United States, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Chawla will join the firm in November from Barclays, where he has been serving as global co-head of its financial institutions group, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the move, which has not been announced publicly.

At Fenchurch, an affiliate of French investment bank Natixis, Chawla will work alongside John Sipp, the current head of the bank's U.S. operations, who joined Fenchurch when it opened its office in New York in 2022.

Fenchurch and Barclays declined to comment.

Chawla has more than 30 years of investment banking experience, with the last five years at Barclays. Prior to that, he spent nearly three decades at Citigroup, including as co-head of global insurance investment banking, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Fenchurch was founded in London in 2003 by Malik Karim, a veteran dealmaker and former treasurer of Britain's Conservative Party. It has subsequently grown to around 70 bankers in London, Paris and New York, all focused on providing advisory services to financial companies on mergers and acquisitions, raising capital and shareholder activism.

Mergers and acquisitions targeting U.S. financial companies reached $137.1 billion in the first seven months of this year, led by Global Payments' $24.25 billion agreement to buy Worldpay.

While volumes were down versus the same period of 2024, financials remained the third-busiest industry, accounting for around 13% of total U.S. dealmaking, according to LSEG data.

(Reporting by David French in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Jamie Freed)
Irish Rail has formally lodged a planning application to build a new train station in Moyross. Photo: Stock image

Plans to improve transport links on Limericks northside are coming to fruition as Irish Rail have lodged a planning application for a new train station in Moyross.

Mayor of Limerick John Moran welcomed the development, saying: People said our idea was a pipe dream when we proposed it a decade ago. But thanks to a broad coalition led by the community, it is now taking steps to becoming a reality.

Mayor Moran recalled past meetings with Irish Rail, including its outgoing CEO Jim Meade, and the National Transport Authority (NTA), to progress the application.

He also met Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe this week to discuss funding, adding: I emphasised the importance of funding this project fully through our asks in the new National Development Plan.

The station forms part of the More for Limerick Mayoral Programme, alongside projects such as the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road.

Mayor Moran said: 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 planning process is set to proceed and the mayor will turn his focus to another key project, University Way.

We are continuing to write a new chapter for Moyross and this is another important element of that story, he added.
Cathaoirleach of the Arklow Municipal District Miriam Murphy, Cllr Pat Kennedy, CEO of Wicklow County Council Emer O'Gorman, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Melanie Corrigan and Australian Charge dAffaire James Hazell at the unveiling of the Memorial Plaque during the Michael Dwyer 200 Commemoration, Glenmalure. Photo: Michael Kelly

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Melanie Corrigan speaking at the Michael Dwyer 200 Commemoration in Glenmalure. Photo: Michael Kelly

Stain Glass Artist Bianca Divito with work of art at the Michael Dwyer 200 Commemoration in Glenmalure. Photo: Michael Kelly

CEO of Wicklow County Council Emer O'Gorman andCathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Melanie Corrigan with the Michael Dwyer 200 Committee at the unveiling of the Memorial Plaque during the Michael Dwyer 200 Commemoration, Glenmalure. Photo: Michael Kelly

Liam Keogh, Anita O'Shea, Trish Bracken and Geraldine Mooty at the Michael Dwyer 200 Commemoration in Glenmalure. Photo: Michael Kelly

Local Glenmalure residents who dressed as Pike men and took part in the Michael Dwyer 200 Commemoration, Glenmalure. Photo: Michael Kelly

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Melanie Corrigan, Cllr Pat Kennedy and Australian Charge dAffaire James Hazell with desendents of Michael Dywer Geoff Sims and Kathy Sims Blake at the Michael Dwyer 200 Commemoration in Glenmalure

Therese O'Brien of the Michael Dwyer pipe band leads the celebrations at the Michael Dwyer 200 Commemoration in Glenmalure. Photo: Michael Kelly

CEO of Wicklow County Council Emer O'Gorman andCathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Melanie Corrigan and the Michael Dwyer 200 Committee with the local Pike men during the Michael Dwyer 200 Commemoration, Glenmalure. Photo: Michael Kelly

Wicklow residents had a unique opportunity to learn about one of their countys legendary figures during Heritage Week at a two-day event commemorating the 200th anniversary of the death of the renowned Wicklow Chief, insurgent captain and leader of the Irish Rebellion of 1798, Michael Dwyer.

Attracting attendees from Wicklow, Ireland, the United States, and Australia, the Michael Dwyer 200 Saturday program featured talks by Dr. Ruan ODonnell, Carmel OToole, Dr. Joan Kavanagh, and Dr. Perry McIntyre, who explored topics including Dwyers role within the international context of the Society of United Irishmen, his associations in Wicklow, his legacy in Australia and his enduring significance to the Irish diaspora, symbolised by his memorial in Waverly Cemetery, Sydney.

Local residents dressed as pikemen and women, accompanied by a piper, led attendees to Drumgoff Bridge for the unveiling of a new monument, which features a bespoke stained glass design by Arklow artist Bianca Devito, set within Wicklow granite.

Wicklow County Council cathaoirleach, councillor Melanie Corrigan, unveiled the memorial to Michael Dwyer, stating: I am honoured to launch this beautiful new memorial within sight of Dwyers Chair, a local landmark long associated with the Wicklow Chief.

Australian Embassy charge daffaires James Hazell remarked: Events like this are an important way to recognise, remember and reinforce the strong cultural links between Ireland and Australia.

The Dwyer grave at Waverly Cemetery in Sydney continues to resonate with many Australians, and it is very fitting that todays event takes place 200 years to the day of Dwyers death in Australia on August 23, 1825.

The day concluded with a panel discussion and a special presentation to Geoff Simms, a descendant of Michael Dwyer. He received a poem penned by local poet Sean Healy, alongside a viewing of a fiddle reputedly played at the wedding of Michael and Mary Dwyer in 1797.

Sundays program included a bus tour of selected sites in west Wicklow associated with Dwyer, featuring contributions from local experts. The tour along the Military Road, which passed by Drumgoff and Aughavannagh Barracks, featured a re-enactment of the famous Battle of Derrynamuck at Dwyers Cottage, where Dwyer famously evaded capture thanks to the bravery of Sam MacAllister.

Attendees enjoyed a vibrant re-enactment performance by the Lord Edwards Own group, while local historian Michael OToole recounted the 1940s rescue and restoration of the cottage by the Hoxey family and the Board of Works.

At Glen of Imaal, local resident Bill Walsh spoke about community efforts that led to the erection of the Dwyer Statue memorial in 2003, with the motto Invictus, which signifies that Dwyer remained unconquered.

Dr Chris Lawlor of the West Wicklow Historical Society delivered a talk in Dunlavin Library, formerly the Market House and site of the infamous Dunlavin Massacre of May 24, 1798.

Participants continued to Rathdangan Community Hall, where the Rathdangan Historical Society provided a warm reception and organised contributions from Sean Byrne, Michael OToole, Peadar Cullen and a poetry reading by Sean Healy.

Speaking after the insightful weekend, Michael Dwyer 200 committee chair, councillor Pat Kennedy thanked everyone involved for making the events a reality, including committee members, speakers, volunteer bus guides, local residents and attendees.

Dwyer is a larger-than-life figure in County Wicklow and is steeped in our folklore and oral tradition, Cllr Kennedy said.

I was very proud to welcome all the people who came to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of Michael Dwyer.

His story is rooted in the valleys and mountains of Wicklow and has been carried forward by families, by historians and by communities who continue to keep his memory alive.

The weekend was about more than remembrance. It was about returning to the places where history was lived and breathed.

It was about understanding not only Michael Dwyer, the guerrilla leader, but also Michael Dwyer the husband, the father and the exile. It was about seeing how his struggle connects Wicklow to the wider history of Ireland and the wider world.

This weekend was a fitting tribute to such an important historical figure and Wicklow legend, and I would like to thank everyone who made it a success.

The Michael Dwyer 200 weekend was organised by the Arklow Municipal District and co-funded by Wicklow County Council and The Heritage Council. The keynote talks and historical re-enactments were recorded and will be made available in the coming weeks.

Other outputs from the commemoration include The Rebellion of 1798 in County Wicklow Education Pack, a new Michael Dwyer in Wicklow Folk Memory map brochure, and a four-part podcast titled Wicklows Military Road, available from Irish History Podcast.

Arklow Municipal District cathaoirleach, councillor Miriam Murphy, commented: It is wonderful that Arklow Municipal District has coordinated this important program to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Wicklow Chief, Michael Dwyer.
Each award, valued at up to 20,000, provides artists with the time and resources they need to think, research, reflect, and deeply engage with their artistic practice.

Recipients represent the full diversity of Irelands arts sector, working across visual arts, theatre, dance, literature, music, film, opera, architecture, circus, street arts, and traditional arts.

Alessandra Azevedo is an Afro-Brazilian dancer, Capoeira performer and instructor from Salvador, Bahia - home to the largest African diaspora population and of Afro-Brazilian culture. Since moving to Ireland in 2015 she has championed her culture by setting up a performance group and a Capoeira group. She has been awarded a bursary of 20,000 under participatory arts.

Bryony Dunne is an Irish visual artist and filmmaker who engages with the overlap between documentary film, cinema, sculpture, and the natural world. She has been awarded 20,000 for visual arts.

Sam Keogh works with installation, sculpture, performance, drawing and collage. He has been allocated 20,000 under the visual arts category.

Lysette Golden is a circus artist specialising in aerial hoop and flying trapeze. She is the first Irish-trained flying trapeze artist to debut in the country and did so with Irish traditional circus, Circus Gerbola. She will receive 19,500.

Chris Morans blossoming career has seen him write and direct in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Luxembourg. Having completed his undergraduate in Galway, he studied at The Lir in Dublin, where he completed his Master of Fine Arts in 2019. Based in Arklow, he will receive 19,970 under the theatre category.

Susan McKeown is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, recording artist, advocate, producer and director who began her career in theatre. She is set to receive 20,000 for traditional arts.

Jess Rowell an inclusive dance artist, movement facilitator, and creator of multi-sensory dance theatre performances for young people with additional needs based in Bray. She has been awarded 18,357 for children and young peoples arts.

Chair of the Arts Council Maura McGrath said: The bursary awards are about giving artists the most precious resource they need  time. Time to think, to create, to experiment, and to develop their craft. These artists are working across an extraordinary range of disciplines, and their projects will have a lasting impact not only on their own practices but also on audiences and communities across Ireland and beyond.
Ronan O Raghallaigh is a visual artist working with painting, drawing and performance, and his work is steeped in pre-Christian Irish myth and religion. He is the son of Aidan OReilly and Sheila Higgins. Aidan was from Dunlavin in Co Wicklow, and Ronan spent a large part of his formative years visiting his grandparents, who still lived in west Wicklow.

His exhibition, hosted by Culturlann McAdam O Fiaich, is titled Turais Taibhsi, translating to Haunted Pilgrimages. It opened on August 7 and remains open for viewings up until September 11.

He is re-learning Irish as an adult, which greatly informs his work. Ronan graduated from NCAD in 2021 with an MFA Art in the Contemporary World and has exhibited his work in Ireland and abroad. Turais Taibhsi marks his second solo exhibition in Belfast, having exhibited Vae Victis in Platform Arts in 2022

Describing the exhibition, Ronan said: Each painting in this exhibition is the result of a personal pilgrimage to a sacred place in the Irish landscape. The titles of the paintings are in Irish honouring the original names of these places and the memories they hold.

My father is from Dunlavin and many of the works in the show feature Wicklow sites. I spent a lot of time in Wicklow any opportunity I got and the exhibition is all about my visits to different sacred sites, and Wicklow is very much the base.

"The first archaeological site I ever visited was the stone circle at Castleruddery. My father was involved in construction and when I was around 19 we visited the stone circle when we were returning from a job from Glen of Imaal. His father used to bring him to the stone circle as well when he was a youngster, and that really started my connection. I was having issues with Christianity at the time and it just reminded me there is spirituality out there beyond Christianity.

The exhibition also includes other sacred Wicklow sites such as the cairn at Seefin Mountain and a stone circle near Baltinglass, both of which have legends of Fionn mac Cumhaill attached to them.

Ronan researched the folklore imbued in these places, their Irish place names and archaeology. He has a personal connection to many of the places visited. He performed meditations to channel the places. Ronans research and meditation visions formed a spring for new paintings.

Sacred places are sites of conflict. Their folklore has been overlaid by Christianity. Their Irish names have been translated. Archaeological finds have been removed. They are damaged naturally, but some have been purposefully vandalised like at the Hill of Tara. Some are destroyed by state-approved industry such as quarrying of the Hill of Allen by Roadstone Ltd. Most sites are on private land, added Ronan.

The painting method mirrors these conflicts- some parts are deliberately unfinished and obscured. Visual motifs from various periods of vernacular Irish art are overlaid on top of each other, blended with abstraction.

Culturlann Mc Adam O Fiaich is an Irish language, arts and cultural centre located at the heart of West Belfast on the Falls Road. As Ronan does not come from a Gaeltacht or Irish speaking home or school background, he is particularly drawn to how the Belfast Gaeltacht contradicts stereotypical assumptions of Irish as an unspoilt rural language.
Meet the Wicklow graveyard keepers who think their cemetery is Irelands loveliest

It may be off the beaten track, but Knockpatrick is well worth looking for if you want to find serenity in a beautiful setting

Brendan Dunne, Patsy Treacey, Catherine Keogh and Fiona Dunne in Knockpatrick Cemetery. Photo: Joe Byrne

David Medcalf Wicklow People Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 07:20

Back in November of 1925, a lady called Teresa Cassidy died in Dublin at the age of 67. She now lies buried under the soil of Knockpatrick cemetery in the parish of Baltinglass, County Wicklow. Teresa was followed the next year by 78-year-old Rose Kennedy, resident of Athy. Then, in 1936, the undertakers delivered the mortal remains of 75-year-old Michael Kelly, late of Carlow.
Vehicles move along a flooded road following monsoon rains and rising water levels in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Photo: Reuters

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.

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 yesterday 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.

Authorities have struggled to respond to the floods.

Many people said yesterday they were still without any government help and urgently needed food and medical supplies.

An Associated Press reporter saw village after village underwater on Thursday.

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.
Fifth leader in 17 years to be removed by Constitutional Court

Thailands Constitutional Court dismissed prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra yesterday 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.

Ms Paetongtarn, who was Thailands 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 countrys warring elites.

The ruling paves the way for the election by parliament of a new prime minister, a process that could be drawn out, with Ms Paetongtarns 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 Ms Paetongtarn violated ethics in a leaked June telephone call, during which she appeared to kowtow to Cambodias 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 Ms Paetongtarns 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. Ms Paetongtarn (39) was a political neophyte when she was abruptly thrust into power after the surprise dismissal of Srettha Thavisin by the same court.

In a 6-3 decision, the court said Ms Paetongtarn had put her private interests before those of the nation and had damaged Thailands 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.

Reacting to the decision, Ms 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.

She is the fifth premier in 17 years to be removed by the 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 Ms Paetongtarn, with Mr 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 yesterday called a special session from September 3-5 but made no mention of a vote on a new premier.

Mr Phumtham said the coalition was still together and would agree on a prime ministerial candidate with Pheu Thai at the core. 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 yesterday 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.

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.

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.
Your job here is not to fight one another, it is to fight this climate crisis, UN climate chief tells Cop30 in Brazil
Europe floats Ukraine-Russia buffer zone in push for peace

Area patrolled by French and British troops could form part of post-war or ceasefire deal

A brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces fires a 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops in a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the Kherson region, Ukraine on March 23. Photo: Ivan Antypenko/Reuters/File Photo

Daniel keane UK Independent Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 06:30

European leaders are considering the creation of a 40km buffer zone between the Ukrainian and Russian front line as part of a deal to end the war, according to a report.
Nvidia (NVDA) shares are inching down this morning even though the chipmaker reported a solid Q2 and said artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure could hit as much as $4 trillion by 2030.

Investors are choosing caution in buying NVDA at current levels mostly because of three reasons:

More News from Barchart

Q2 data center revenue came in a bit shy of estimates Future guidance wasnt strong enough for some NVDA stock is already trading at a premium valuation

However, the post-earnings pullback may be an opportunity for long-term investors to initiate or expand their positions in Nvidia stock, which is still up roughly 108% versus its year-to-date low.

www.barchart.com

How High Could Nvidia Stock Fly in the Long Run?

According to Ben Reitzes, a renowned tech industry expert, NVDA stock could even double from here, if not more over the longer term.

His optimism hinges on the companys dominant AI ecosystem and developer base, which he likened to Apples (AAPL) App Store advantage.

You win the developers, you win the race, Reitzes told CNBC in an interview today, adding the companys platform is the most monetizable for AI applications, giving it a durable competitive edge.

On Squawk Box, the head of tech research at Melius also said Nvidias total addressable market (TAM) will surpass a whopping $600 billion by the end of this decade.

China Overhang May Ease for NVDA Shares

Ben Reitzes recommends sticking with Nvidia shares for the long term as sovereign AI initiatives in Europe and Middle East will meaningfully benefit the semiconductor giant as well.

On China, he remains cautiously optimistic, believing geopolitical tensions will ease and unlock significant further upside in NVDA shares moving forward.

Wed be buyers on weakness, the Melius expert concluded on CNBC.

According to him, Nvidia will likely see even stronger momentum in its fiscal Q4 since were all systems go.

How to Play Nvidia Shares After Q2 Earnings

Wall Street analysts are also keeping positive on Nvidia stock after its blockbuster Q2 earnings.

The consensus rating on NVDA shares remains at Strong Buy with price targets going as high as $250, indicating potential upside of another 40% from current levels.
Donald Trump cancels Kamala Harriss Secret Service protection ahead of national book tour

President has pulled protection from several of his opponents since returning to White House

Former vice-president Kamala Harris is publishing a book about her 2024 election campaign next month. Photo: Getty

Patrick Svitek Washington Post Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 06:30

US president Donald Trump has revoked the Secret Service detail for former vice-president Kamala Harris that President Joe Biden had previously extended, according to multiple people familiar with the decision and a copy of a letter terminating the detail.
Nagaland lottery sambad result today 30 August 2025 OUT:

Todays Nagaland lottery result: 30 August 2025 draw details

Nagaland Lottery result, August 30, 2025: Winning numbers for Dear Saturday

How to check Nagaland lottery sambad result online?

Visit the official Nagaland Lottery Sambad websites such as nagalandlotterysambad.com, nagalandlotteries.com, or lotterysambad.com.

Go to the Results or Lottery Sambad Result section on the website.

Select the draw date and timing (1 PM, 6 PM, or 8 PM) for which you want to see the result.

The winning numbers for the selected draw will be displayed on the page.

Verify your lottery ticket numbers against the published winning numbers.

You can also download the official result PDF if available.

Alternatively, use trusted mobile apps or online portals that provide authentic Lottery Sambad results.

Always ensure the source is official or reputed before trusting the lottery results online.

Nagaland Lottery result, August 30, 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 30, 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

The Nagaland Lottery Sambad Result for today, 30 August 2025, is now OUT with winning numbers announced for the 1 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM draws. This popular lottery, held three times daily, offers exciting opportunities for participants to win prizes, including a grand first prize of 1 crore.Players eagerly await the results each day, checking if their ticket numbers match the winning combinations announced promptly after each draw. Whether its the morning, afternoon, or evening draw, Nagaland Lottery Sambad continues to be a major source of excitement and hope for lottery enthusiasts across India. Check your numbers now and see if today is your lucky day.Today's Nagaland Lottery Sambad Result for 30 August 2025 consists of three draws held at 1 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM. The draws are named Dear Morning Sambad, Dear Evening Sambad, and Dear Night Sambad respectively, with a grand first prize of Rs. 1 Crore for lucky winners. Results for the draws are officially announced around 1:10 PM, 6:10 PM, and 8:10 PM.Below is the required winning numbers for Nagaland Lottery result, August 30, 2025 for Dear Saturday listed:1st Prize: 88A 406272nd Prize: 53406 41821 38349 33469 28577 55703 57064 65735 05514 810163rd Prize: 0255 0532 0845 3365 3562 5292 6253 7256 7274 99074th Prize: 0483 1784 2416 2739 3105 4541 5672 5853 8519 94305th Prize: 0040 0787 2053 2708 3948 5116 5987 6803 8154 9113 0046 0802 2210 2999 4002 5262 6281 6894 8186 9150 0114 0922 2212 3097 4087 5604 6302 7006 8236 9465 0197 1353 2258 3124 4123 5638 6327 7115 8315 9488 0203 1397 2353 3314 4638 5693 6386 7214 8330 9572 0215 1443 2398 3519 4722 5805 6432 7592 8424 9644 0262 1472 2419 3669 4841 5877 6560 7709 8811 9792 0418 1560 2439 3708 4933 5894 6573 7916 8930 9829 0693 1586 2528 3868 5021 5922 6583 7950 9022 9853 0785 1840 2693 3906 5040 5960 6711 8103 9073 9980Here are the steps to check Nagaland Lottery Sambad result online listed:Below is the required prize details for each draw for Nagaland Lottery result, August 30, 2025 listed:To claim your Nagaland Lottery Sambad prize for the draw on August 30, 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 from the Nagaland State Lottery's official website.3. Gather required documents:4. Provide your personal details on the claim form including name, address, contact info, profession, bank details, and prize information.5. Submit the completed claim form and all 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. Claims must be submitted within 30 days from the date of the draw.7. For prizes up to 10,000, claim directly from authorized lottery retailers.8. Taxes will be deducted for prizes above 10,000 before prize money disbursement.9. Prize money is usually paid via RTGS, demand draft, or cheque after verification.Following these steps ensures a smooth process for claiming your Nagaland Lottery Sambad prize.1. What time is the Nagaland Lottery Sambad result announced today, 30 August 2025?A: The Nagaland Lottery Sambad result for 30 August 2025 is announced in three rounds1 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM. Official winning numbers are published shortly after each draw at around 1:10 PM, 6:10 PM, and 8:10 PM.2. How can I check the Nagaland Lottery Sambad result online for today?A: To check the Nagaland Lottery Sambad result online, visit official websites like nagalandlotterysambad.com, nagalandlotteries.com, or lotterysambad.com. Navigate to the Results section, select the draw time and date (30 August 2025), and match your ticket with the winning numbers.3. What is the first prize for the Nagaland Dear Lottery draw on 30 August 2025?A: The first prize for the Nagaland Lottery Sambad Dear Draw held on 30 August 2025 is 1 crore. This prize is available in each of the three draws: Dear Morning, Dear Evening, and Dear Night.4. How do I claim my Nagaland Lottery prize for August 30, 2025?A: To claim your Nagaland Lottery prize, keep the original signed ticket, fill out the official claim form, attach valid documents like PAN and Aadhaar cards, and submit it within 30 days to the Directorate of Nagaland State Lotteries in Kohima or to designated nodal offices in select cities.5. Is there a tax on the Nagaland Lottery winnings for August 30, 2025?A: Yes, as per government rules, a 30% tax is deducted at source on Nagaland Lottery prizes above 10,000 . The remaining amount is credited via cheque, RTGS, or demand draft after successful verification.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
Yogi Adityanath personally hears the problems of over 100 people in Varanasi

( Image credit : CM Yogi Adityanath. | Credit: X )

Yogi Adityanath inspects flood-hit areas in Ghazipur

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on August 30, interacted with over 100 attendees in Varanasi as part of his Janata Darshan. He emphasised that the state is committed to putting a smile on every citizens face and also spent some time with the children in attendance. He urged them to work hard in order to pave the way for a better future.Yogi Adityanath held a Janata Darshan earlier today in Kashi/Varanasi, PM Narendra Modis constituency, where he personally heard the complaints of the nearly 100 people in attendance. He assured them that the government is continuously trying to serve, protect and respect citizens while bringing a smile to their faces.He then asked the government officials including the Commissioner, Police Commissioner and District Magistrate to look into these complaints on a priority basis.The complainants raised issues such as sewer connections, land disputes and demand for compensation. Some of them also had complaints regarding police functioning and revenue matters.After his visit to Varanasi, Yogi Adityanath conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Ghazipur. He instructed officials to ensure that families affected by the floods dont face any hardships during these testing times. He also emphasised on the need to maintain an adequate stock of anti-rabies and anti-venom vaccines. He then assured the residents of Ghazipur that the government is committed to accelerating relief and rescue operations.Earlier, on August 29, he visited the Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya to inspect the preservation work being carried out under the National Mission for Manuscripts and assured those in attendance that they would receive full support from the government. This was his third visit to the university.
Kantar BrandZ report for 2025

worlds most valuable brands

Top 100 global brands

Kantar BrandZ: Two Decades of Brand Insights

Kantar BrandZ study

20th annual ranking

Most Valuable Global Brands

data-driven approach

Kantar BrandZ

Global Brand Value Hits $10.7 Trillion

Global Top 100 brands

brand value surged by 29% year-on-year

The Changing Global Brand Landscape

US-based global brands

Chinese brands now make up 6% of the total list, doubling their presence over two decades.

now make up 6% of the total list, doubling their presence over two decades. European brands have seen a steep decline, now holding only 7% market share compared to 26% ten years ago.

have seen a steep decline, now holding only 7% market share compared to 26% ten years ago. Spotify returned to the Top 100, while Zara climbed five spots to 65th.

returned to the Top 100, while Zara climbed five spots to 65th. Indias Airtel gained attention as one of the fastest-growing telecom brands worldwide.

Top 10 Most Valuable Global Brands in 2025

Top 10 most valuable brands Rank 2025 Brand Brand Value (US$ Million) % Change from 2024 Market of Origin 1 Apple 1,299,655 +28% USA 2 Google 944,137 +25% USA 3 Microsoft 884,816 +24% USA 4 Amazon 866,118 +50% USA 5 NVIDIA 509,442 +152% USA 6 Facebook 300,662 +80% USA 7 Instagram 228,947 +101% USA 8 McDonalds 221,079 0% USA 9 Oracle 215,354 +48% USA 10 Visa 213,348 +13% USA

Indian Brands Making Waves in 2025

Top most valuable Indian brands in the global market Rank 2025 Brand Brand Value (US$ Million) % Change from 2024 45 TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) 57,333 +28% 56 HDFC Bank 44,959 +4% 66 Airtel 37,094 +47% 73 Infosys 33,096 +34%

Top 100 Most Valuable Brands

47% growth

HDFC Bank

Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands

( Image credit : Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands | Credit: Kantar )

Rising Stars and Newcomers

Kantar BrandZ 2025 ranking

seven newcomers

Uniqlo

Hilton

Stripe

Booking.com

DoorDash

ChatGPT

OpenAI

Adidas

Morgan Stanley

Key Takeaways for Marketers

Innovation drives brand value  Tech brands dominate because of their ability to adapt quickly to changing market needs.

 Tech brands dominate because of their ability to adapt quickly to changing market needs. AI is shaping consumer engagement  Tools like ChatGPT are changing the way brands communicate and grow.

 Tools like are changing the way brands communicate and grow. Globalisation is shifting  While US brands dominate, Indian and Chinese companies are steadily gaining global influence.

FAQs

Q. Which is the most valuable global brand in 2025?

Q. How many Indian brands are in the global top 100?

Q. Which brand grew the fastest in 2025?

Q. What is the total value of the global top 100 brands in 2025?

Q. Why is Kantar BrandZ important?

Thehas revealed the, and the rankings show how innovation, technology, and market expansion continue to reshape the global brand landscape. This year, the total brand value of thehas reached an all-time high, with a combined worth of over $10.7 trillion. But are there any Indian brands making their mark? Lets dive into the insights.The, launched in 1998 by WPP, has become one of the most respected brand valuation projects globally. Its now celebrating itsof the. What makes this report unique is its, which combines consumer perception research with financial analysis to reveal a brands true value.Over the years,has evolved into a trusted source of market intelligence, offering marketers actionable strategies to strengthen their brands in a competitive and ever-changing environment.Theare stronger than ever, with tech-powered companies driving much of the growth. According to the report,, setting a new record. This growth has been fuelled by disruptive innovation, product diversification, and an increasing reliance on AI-driven business solutions.The dominance ofremains clear, with Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon leading the charge. However, theres a noticeable shift in global brand dynamics:Apple has secured its No. 1 ranking for the fourth consecutive year with a staggering $1.3 trillion brand value. NVIDIA and Instagram were the biggest gainers, with NVIDIAs value soaring by 152% and Instagram climbing to the 7th position.Indian companies continue to cement their position in the global brand landscape. Four Indian brands have made it to theAirtels impressiveis a standout story, making it one of the fastest-growing telecom brands in the world. TCS continues to lead as Indias most valuable brand, while Infosys andhold their ground in the financial and IT sectors.Thewelcomed, including well-known brands likeand, alongside rising players like, and. The highest new entrant isby, cementing AIs role in brand growth.Additionally, six brands, includingand, re-entered the rankings after a period of decline, reflecting their successful brand strategies.The Kantar BrandZ report highlights three main lessons for marketers and business leaders:The BrandZ report is more than just a ranking. Its a roadmap for brands to measure their market strength and understand what drives consumer loyalty. With data from 4.5 million respondents across 22,000 brands and 538 categories, the ranking is a trusted benchmark for businesses worldwide.The Top 10 most valuable global brands in 2025 reflect a tech-driven future, where innovation and consumer trust are key drivers of growth. Indian brands like TCS, HDFC Bank, Airtel, and Infosys are proving that they can compete at a global level, paving the way for a stronger presence in years to come.Apple remains the most valuable brand with a $1.3 trillion brand valuation.Four Indian brands: TCS, HDFC Bank, Airtel, and Infosys.NVIDIA saw the biggest surge in brand value, up 152%.The combined brand value of the top 100 brands is $10.7 trillion.Its a trusted ranking system that blends consumer opinions with financial data, helping brands understand their real market worth.
Yogi Adityanath reaches out to the public through Janata Darshan

( Image credit : CM Yogi Adityanath. | Credit: Government of UP )

Yogi Adityanath highlights the importance of preserving manuscripts

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on August 30, held a Janata Darshan at the circuit House in Varanasi (also known as Kashi) and personally heard the grievances of nearly 100 attendees. He then instructed the officials to resolve these issues at the earliest. In case you did not know, Varanasi is PM Modis constituency.Yogi Adityanath interacted with over 100 attendees at the Janata Darshan in Varanasi earlier today. He went to each complainant, received applications and then passed them to concerned officialsincluding the Commissioner, Police Commissioner and District Magistrate. He then instructed them to look into them on priority and provide feedback at the earliest.Those in attendance raised a vast range of issues ranging from sewer connections, land disputes and demand for compensation. Some of them also had complaints about police functioning and revenue matters.Adityanath also interacted with children accompanying the complainants and urged them to work hard to ensure a bright future. He also highlighted that the government is continuously striving to serve, protect and respect citizens and bring a smile to every citizens face.Earlier, on August 29, Yogi Adityanath visited the Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya as part of his visit to Varanasi to take stock of the preservation work being carried out under the National Mission for Manuscripts. He instructed the authorities to speed up the process and assured them of full support from the government. He also emphasised the preserving rare manuscripts is a big responsibility for future generations. This was his third visit to the university.
Yogi Adityanath visits Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya

( Image credit : Yogi Adityanath. | Credit: UP Government )

Yogi Adityanath receives a grand welcome

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday (August 29) visited the Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya to examine the preservation of manuscripts under the National Mission for Manuscripts. He highlighted the need to preserve rare manuscripts as they are synonymous with cultural heritage.UP CM Yogi Adityanath inspected the preservation of manuscripts during what was his third visit to the Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya in Varanasi. He instructed officials to accelerate the process and assured them that they would receive full support from his government.He also lauded the efforts put in so far, saying that preserving these manuscripts, which are an important part of our heritage, is a commendable task. Adityanath added that this will be a crucial responsibility for future generations too. He also asked about the status of the historic Saraswati Bhavan Library and some construction projectsYogi Adityanath received a grand welcome at the Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya. The university family gave him a traditional the welcome, which involved students chanting Vedic mantras and reciting verses.Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bihari Lal Sharma, Registrar Rakesh Kumar, and the institutes Finance Officer greeted. He also interacted with the professors.Thanking the CM, Bihari Lal Sharma said that his third visit to the campus was a matter of great pride for one and all. He also assured him that that the university is fully committed to preserving manuscripts.
Yogi Adityanath instructs officials to ensure an adequate stock of medical supplies

( Image credit : Yogi Adityanath. | Credit: UP Government )

All about Yogi Adityanaths Varanasi visit

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday (August 30), conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Ghazipur and instructed officials to ensure that the public faces no inconvenience during these testing times. This comes shortly after his visit to Varanasi.Yogi Adityanath carried out an aerial survey of flood-affected regions in the Ghazipur district and instructed officials to stay vigilant during the crisis. He further asked them to ensure timely arrangements for food, water, health services, and shelter to those affected by the flood. Adityanath also emphasised on the need to ensure adequate cattle feed, clean drinking water, and medical supplies during this crisis.Additionally, the CM ordered the administration to ensure that there is no shortage of anti-snake venom and anti-rabies vaccines in the villages affected by the calamity. He went on to assure the residents of Ghazipur that the government is committed to accelerating relief and rescue operations to ensure that victims get proper assistance in a timely manner.This comes shortly after Yogi Adityanaths visit to Varanasi, where he held a Janata Darshan. During this, he listened to the grievances of those in attendance and instructed officials to handle them with promptness and sensitivity. The CM also walked up to each attendee and patiently heard their demands.On Friday, August 29, he visited the Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya to take stock of the preservation work being carried out under the National Mission for Manuscripts. This was his third visit to the university.
Tharu Handicraft Company to accelerate the progress of artisans

( Image credit : CM Yogi Adityanath. | Credit: Government of UP )

Our priority is to make each citizen self-reliant

The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has launched a trailblazing initiative to empower the Tharu tribe. This is part of the states efforts to bring forest-dwelling and special tribal communities into the economic mainstream.The Uttar Pradesh government has come up with a landmark scheme to benefit the Tharu tribe. Under this initiative, it has set up 371 Tharu Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across three districts. Each group is being provided with a revolving fund of 30,000 and a Community Investment Fund (CIF) of 1.5 lakh.This is being done to promote small-scale industries and ensure sustainable livelihoods. The government hopes to make the Tharu tribe self-reliant by boosting their income levels through these initiatives. It also aims to encourage entrepreneurship among members of the community.The government has also established the Tharu Handicraft Company in the Lakhimpur Kheri district. In a bid to promote the communitys traditional skills. With help from the Forest and Development Related Value Chain (FDRVC), this enterprise hopes to give artisans a comprehensive platform to access the market and get the recognition they deserve.Speaking about the initiative, CM Yogi Aditynath said that his government is on a mission to ensure the development of each section of society.Our priority is to make every citizen self-reliant through education, healthcare, employment, and livelihood initiatives, he said.Yogi also said that this initiative will serve as the template for similar programmes aimed at benefitting other tribal communities.
BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD's (BYDDY, BYDDF) quarterly profit fell for the first time in more than three years, as its expansion hit a speed bump amid a government campaign against price wars.

Net profit at the world's biggest EV producer totalled 6.4 billion yuan ($894.74 million) in the second quarter, it reported on Friday, down 29.9% from a year earlier, after rising 100.4% in the first quarter. Revenue increased 14% to 200.9 billion yuan in the three months to June 30.

First-half profit was up 13.8% on revenue up 23.3%.

The biggest Chinese rival to Tesla (TSLA) has faced challenges in recent months as Chinese authorities have called for a halt to a bruising price war in China that has pressured profit margins across the entire industry.

BYD has set a target to sell 5.5 million cars globally this year, but it sold 2.49 million in the first seven months of the year, meeting 45% of its goal.

"The outlook for BYD meeting its ambitious full-year targets appears pessimistic," said Rosalie Chen, analyst at Third Bridge.

Nomura analysts said on August 12 that they expect BYD to sell 5 million to 5.2 million cars this year.

BYD, which generates nearly 80% of its sales in China, saw vehicle sales fall in its home market for the third straight month in July, while its production slid for the first time in 17 months.

The automaker has slowed production and delayed capacity expansions at factories in China, Reuters reported in June.

BYD was among major automakers that pledged in June to make payments to suppliers within 60 days after Chinese authorities ordered carmakers to make payments more promptly and to stop a price war.

The pledge has led analysts to scrutinise the working capital of BYD and other automakers more closely. Working capital is the difference between a company's current assets and current liabilities and shows how much the business has available for day-to-day expenses.

BYD's working capital deficit expanded to 122.7 billion yuan as of June 30, from 95.8 billion yuan at the end of March. It stood at 125.4 billion yuan at the end of 2024.

Its debt to asset ratio rose to 71.1% by the end of June, from 70.7% at the end of the first quarter.

($1 = 7.1529 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Qiaoyi Li, Zhang Yan and Brenda GohEditing by Jamie Freed, David Goodman and Susan Fenton)
Canadian crypto infrastructure company Luxxfolio has filed a preliminary shelf prospectus to raise up to CAD$100 million ($73 million) as it deepens its Litecoin-focused strategy and attempts to stabilize its balance sheet.

Key Takeaways:

Luxxfolio filed to raise up to $73 million as it deepens its Litecoin treasury strategy.

The company aims to acquire 1 million LTC by 2026, with Charlie Lee now on its advisory board.

Despite ambitions, Luxxfolio faces mounting losses and warned of survival risks without new funding.

The filing, submitted Thursday with Canadian regulators (excluding Quebec), will allow Luxxfolio to issue a mix of securities, including shares, debt, and warrants, over a 25-month window.

Luxxfolio CEO Says Capital Raise Will Boost Flexibility and Litecoin Expansion

CEO Tomek Antoniak said the move gives the company financial flexibility to scale operations and accelerate Litecoin adoption.

In our sector, scale is critical  the larger our treasury, infrastructure, and ecosystem footprint, the greater our ability to capture market share, Antoniak said in the companys announcement.

The fundraising plan comes just months after Luxxfolio became the first publicly traded company to formally anchor its corporate treasury in Litecoin.

The firm began disclosing its Litecoin purchases in July and has outlined an ambitious goal of acquiring 1 million LTC by 2026.

Litecoin creator Charlie Lee joined the companys advisory board in June, further cementing its alignment with the 12-year-old blockchain network.

Despite its strategic pivot, Luxxfolios financials show signs of strain. In its most recent quarterly report, the company posted a Q2 net loss of $197,000, up from just $8,000 a year earlier.

Over the nine-month period ending that quarter, losses more than doubled year-over-year.

With only $112,000 in cash on hand as of the quarters end, the company relied on an $844,000 private placement to remain operational.

Since its founding in 2017, Luxxfolio has accumulated nearly $19 million in total losses. Its management has already flagged significant doubt about the companys ability to continue without securing new capital.

The shelf prospectus, once finalized, is intended to give the company room to raise capital quickly as market conditions shift, and as it attempts to grow its Litecoin infrastructure footprint despite mounting financial pressure.

Galaxy, Jump, and Multicoin Plan $1B Solana Treasury Bet

As reported, Galaxy Digital, Jump Crypto, and Multicoin Capital are in talks to raise around $1 billion to build the largest Solana treasury to date.
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.

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At the same time, H&N Group Inc., a wholesale seafood distributor in Vernon, Calif., 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.

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.

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, Ga. 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 its 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 FDAs level of 1,200 becquerels per kilogram that could trigger the need for health protections.

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 whats going on here, Biegalski said.
Delaware and New Jersey are among the states with laws banning medical debt from being reported to credit agencies. Read more

Patients in Delaware now have stronger protections from medical debt affecting their credit score than do residents of many states, including Pennsylvania.

As of July, unpaid medical bills cannot be used to determine a persons creditworthiness in Delaware. New Jersey and a handful of other states have similar laws, but Pennsylvania does not. Research has found that medical debt is different from other types of debt, such as unpaid credit card bills, and is not a good indicator of whether a person will default on a loan.

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The state-level protection is increasingly important after a federal judge reversed a rule from President Joe Bidens administration banning medical debt from being reported to credit agencies, said Delaware Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, a Democrat who sponsored the legislation.

Its up to the states to set up and protect people, Mantzavinos said. Regardless of what happens in the Texas lawsuit, Delawareans are going to be protected.

The court ruling, however, leaves it unclear whether state laws could ultimately be affected by the legal debate over federal protections.

Pennsylvania does not ban medical debt reporting, but lawmakers are discussing steps to make it easier to apply for debt relief. A bill that would require standardized hospital financial aid forms was approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in May and is awaiting consideration in the Senate.

The policy reversal comes as federal cuts to Medicaid are expected to lead millions of Americans to become uninsured, which analysts expect could increase personal medical debt by $50 billion.

Lawmakers and advocates are worried that weaker medical debt protections will be most harmful to families that are already struggling financially and could see their unanticipated medical costs rise.

Medical debt concerns amid Medicaid cuts

Going into medical debt is increasingly a worry for Paula Bussard, 70, of Cumberland County, who cares for her adult son. She and her husband, 75, already tap into their retirement savings for Alexs care when needed.

She said they would likely go into medical debt caring for her adult son if his Medicaid benefits are cut.

Alex, who is 40, was treated for a brain tumor when he was 12. Two years ago, he experienced a brain hemorrhage and was hospitalized for five months. He still struggles to move his arms and legs independently.

 READ MORE: The big, beautiful bill is poised to cut Medicaid. Heres whats at stake for five Philly-area families.

New rules pushed by Republicans and Trump would require people with Medicaid to renew their plans every six months and meet monthly work requirements. Service cuts are likely as states grapple with a major funding loss.

People with disabilities, like Alex, should be exempt from those requirements. But Bussard worries that the family could see changes to how his services and medications are covered, she said during a press event about Medicaid changes with Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and advocacy groups. They could be forced to find new doctors if providers decide to stop accepting Medicaid.

Medicaid already doesnt cover enough, Bussard said. But hes our son. We love him to pieces and I would not want to see his quality of life diminish any more than it has.
Clifton Young, a double major in business leadership and construction management, walks into the Liacouras Center in North Philadelphia before the Community College of Philadelphia commencement ceremony in May. Read more

Community College of Philadelphia is one of the institutions that can play a crucial role in helping to lead Philadelphia to its full potential, so we need to stop treating it like a lesser option and start prioritizing it for funding, attention, and other resources. CCP is the Peoples College, the place that welcomes every learner who wants more opportunities, trains most of our citys workers, and holds the keys to social mobility.

When you consider what CCP accomplishes, think about the technician who takes the images for your mammogram, the childcare director who oversees your toddlers daycare program, a pharmacy technician, a city code inspector, a SEPTA mechanic, Rhodes scholars, City Council members, and thousands of nurses from the best nursing school in the region. Most CCP students come from Philadelphia, and our graduates tend to stay in Philadelphia.

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You may be thinking, Dont innovation and progress come from the many other four-year colleges and universities in the region? After all, the media direct far more focus on such institutions. Thats a big mistake.

Community colleges usually say yes when other institutions say no, offering numerous flexible and relatively affordable ways to move beyond high school degrees and into jobs that allow families, and consequently our city, to thrive.

Some CCP certificate and associate degree programs translate into employment and earnings outcomes that are comparable to some bachelors degrees. And research finds that studying at a community college improves adults health and well-being, lowering the costs of social services and healthcare to city taxpayers.

Public two-year community colleges typically receive about half as much funding per student compared with four-year public higher education institutions.

The budget for CCP is supposed to be drawn from three sources: City Hall, Harrisburg, and student revenue, which should each make up an equal third of the cost of running the college.

But city and state officials have consistently failed to fully honor that arrangement, meaning students have shouldered a disproportionate share of the load for funding CCP. During the 2023-24 academic year, for example, student revenue accounted for $54 million, while the states contribution was $40 million, with $39 million from the city.

Why do CCP students, who overwhelmingly come from families earning less than $30,000 a year, receive the least financial aid and struggle the most to afford the basics, like rent and food, while going to school? The simple answer is politics. The more complex answer includes elitism, stigma, racism, wealth inequality, and shortsighted decisions.

This is a problem our city and state leaders can and should solve  now.

The Philadelphia School District needs a partner that offers open doors and meaningful pathways to living wage jobs. Local businesses need a partner to support the upskilling and reskilling of adults navigating an ever-changing economy.

Philly hospitals and schools need far more trained workers, fast. The solution in all of these cases is to invest in the college that already knows how to do this work, and simply needs more support  and more effective leadership  to scale its efforts.

The stakes are high. Todays onslaught against higher education hurts those with the least far more powerfully than it impacts wealthy institutions and their more likely to be well-off students.

Further, CCP is facing budget cuts from all directions, cuts that will hit the core of its operations. Our people are dealing with increased living costs and a shredded safety net, and earn far less than most of our peers.

Students are struggling to afford bus passes, childcare, housing, and the increased cost of living.

Because of Medicaid and SNAP cuts, some will have to step away from college entirely. There are fears Harrisburg will balance the budget on our backs yet again. We are rapidly heading toward a financial crisis if action isnt taken soon.

Given that Pennsylvania is almost dead last in higher education funding, there is much work to be done to expand the political imagination  and collective will  of city and state leaders. And we cant do it alone. We need your help to get there.

Todays onslaught against higher education hurts those with the least far more powerfully than it impacts wealthy institutions.

The next time you get frustrated with the direction our city is taking, please speak up for Community College of Philadelphia. Remember our valuable and essential work. Champion CCPs potential.

Pay attention to our search for a new president, who will be crucial for protecting our financial future and fostering new partnerships. And most importantly, tell your state legislators, Gov. Josh Shapiro, City Council members, and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker to prioritize the Peoples College before its too late.

Marissa Johnson Valenzuela is an associate professor of English at Community College of Philadelphia and a 2020 Pew Center for Arts and Humanities fellow.
Attendees at a pro-democracy No Kings protest on the Parkway in June. Read more

Our democracy and our institutions are under attack, but educators in higher education have been fighting back  and we must continue. As scholars, researchers, and people who care about our students and our democracy, it is our duty to speak for diversity and pluralism, scholarship and learning, academic freedom, and democracy itself.

In February, as the Trump administration ramped up its attacks on higher education, I desperately wanted to hear college and university leaders simply say: You know what, democracy is actually good. Diversity is good, equity is good, inclusion is good. Education and knowledge and research are good. This is not controversial.

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It should not have been controversial, but I did not hear academic leaders affirming the values we all should share  with a few exceptions. So I found a group of like-minded academics, and together we drafted a letter that called on colleges and universities to protect those values.

All of us believed it was important to publicly affirm our commitment to the enterprise of higher education in a democratic and free society, and to the values and practices that facilitate the production, advancement, and sharing of knowledge.

Professors are not known for our ability to easily find common ground on language, but we agreed that:

The democratic ideals of free thought, free speech, free association, freedom of assembly, and the right to dissent are worth fighting for. Education is a fundamental pillar of a democratic society. Diversity is essential, and democracy requires that we invest fully in the rich array of our differences. Education, knowledge, and science are intrinsically worthwhile. Academic freedom is necessary to the pursuit of knowledge. No amount of accommodation or compliance with the Trump administrations demands will protect us.

I desperately wanted to hear college and university leaders simply say, You know what, democracy is actually good.

We urged campus leaders and every American who believes in democracy and education to stand up for the values we share.

Across the country, there was a groundswell of academics who also decided to stand up and speak out for our values and the value of our institutions.

In the course of a few weeks in March: Jewish academics released a statement laying bare the hypocrisy and harm of the administrations use of antisemitism in its vendetta against academia; more than 1,000 faculty, staff, and students at the University of Pennsylvania called on their institution to uphold research and the rights of students; and members of the National Academies of Science and scholars at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of California, Berkeley, and beyond all wrote public letters and gathered signatures.

Since March, there has been a wave of academics organizing to resist the unethical, antidemocratic, and frequently illegal and unconstitutional demands of the Trump administration.

The Rutgers University senate passed a Mutual Academic Defense Compact (MADC) and supported other campuses to do the same; 58 campuses have now passed these resolutions.

The group I am part of, We Are Higher Ed, put together a website to collect and disseminate news and resources for the fight for higher education; we estimate that at least 23,000 academics signed at least one public statement.

In April, hundreds of college and university leaders finally spoke out against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education.

As we weather ongoing attempts to destabilize, if not destroy, our institutions, all of us with a stake in higher education  which includes everyone who values knowledge, research, or democracy itself  must work together in defense of the values of academic freedom, scholarship, and research.

We need to protect students, faculty, and our communities from government reprisals, and to fight attacks on our institutions and democracy in the public sphere, in the legal arena, and through nonviolent civil disobedience and protest.

To do that, we will need to be organized. We should all work on our campuses and beyond, with organizations like the American Association of University Professors, Stand Up for Science, and Stand Together for Higher Ed. Use your voice and your expertise to keep one of the pillars of a free and functioning democracy as intact as possible.

Daniel Laurison is an associate professor of sociology at Swarthmore College and director of the Healthy, Equitable, and Responsive Democracy Research Initiative (HEARD).
As soon as Lily Mae Cox was old enough, her Mum, Jolene, propped her up in a highchair so she could watch her cook.

Just like me, Jolene believes that the kitchen is definitely the heart of the home where all the fun begins.

Shes super enthusiastic about encouraging kids to get hands-on with cooking and they love it.

In 2020, she launched the Family Cooking Club, a weekly online cook-along for children, to learn the skills to prepare delicious meals that they (even fussy eaters) want to eat.

Seeing Lily Mae enthusiastically talking and cooking on camera got thousands of kids hooked,

Her enthusiasm is infectious and now theres the book, Now You're Cooking! Its got 70 recipes, carefully chosen for kids from 5 to 12.

There have been a myriad of books for children but many talk down to kids, but Now You're Cooking! seems different to me.

Jolene and Lily Mae speak directly to kids, sharing tried and tested recipes that provide them with the skills and confidence to cook real food that they really love to eat.

And yes, five-year-olds can cook.

This book introduces children to the simple basics, how to use knives safely, grate cheese, garlic and onions, lemon zest and ginger without grating your fingers, how to make carrot ribbons, diced peppers, how to chop fresh herbs and test to make sure your chicken is cooked.

Starting with perfectly cooked simple classics, like rice, potatoes and pasta, Jolene and Lily Mae bring everyone along, gently and steadily, sharing recipes like a brilliant energy-boosting crunchy granola for breakfast, simply delicious recipes for lunch, after-school fuel, one-pot wonders, traybakes, cant wait to tuck into dinners, and the sort of sweet treats every kid will enjoy.

Well, Lily Mae, affectionately known as Lils, didnt lick it off a stone as we say in Cork - her mother Jolene, is an award winning food writer and a content creator who has been featured on national TV as well as newspapers and magazines.

Heres a taste of what youll find in Now You're Cooking! published by Nine Bean Rows.

Family Cooking Club's Tropical Berry Smoothie Bowl Our smoothie bowl recipe is just a guide, so get creative. Add your favourite fruits, nuts, seeds or even chocolate chips. Scatter, drizzle and dollop as much as you like. Just grab a bowl, and remember, the more colour, the more flavour. Servings 2 Preparation Time  5 mins Cooking Time  5 mins Total Time  10 mins Course  Starter Ingredients 300g frozen berries

100g frozen mango

200g natural Greek yogurt

1 tbsp milk

Topping suggestions:

fresh raspberries and/or blueberries

sliced strawberries and/or sliced bananas

hazelnuts, pecans, flaked almonds and/or walnuts

A handful of granola

A handful of raisins or chocolate chips

A handful of desiccated coconut

Maple syrup or honey, to drizzle Method Put your frozen fruit, yogurt and milk in a blender (ensure there is an adult present to help). Make sure the lid is on tight, then blend until smooth. Wait until the blender stops before taking the lid off and keep your hands away from the blades. Pour the smoothie into cereal bowls. Now its time to have fun! Add your favourite toppings, like fruit, nuts, granola, raisins, chocolate chips or coconut, then drizzle a little maple syrup or honey on top. And remember, the more colour, the better.

Family Cooking Club's Crunchy Granola Making your own crunchy granola is like stepping into history if you use a pestle and mortar  its one of the oldest kitchen tools there is. Servings 12 Preparation Time  20 mins Cooking Time  25 mins Total Time  45 mins Course  Main Ingredients 100g mixed nuts (try almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and/or walnuts)

300g jumbo oats

50g desiccated coconut

1 tsp ground cinnamon

 tsp salt

180ml maple syrup or honey

3 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

100g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas and/or dried cranberries) Method Preheat your oven to 200C for a conventional oven or 180C for a fan oven. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper. To crush the nuts, put them in a pestle and mortar. Press and twist the pestle (the stick) to break them into smaller pieces, but not too small  you still want some chunky pieces. If you dont have a pestle and mortar, put the nuts in a Ziplock bag, seal it closed and gently bash them with a rolling pin, which is still fun! Put the crushed nuts, oats, coconut, cinnamon and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir together. Put the maple syrup or honey, oil and vanilla in a separate small bowl or measuring jug and whisk together. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir everything together. Spread the mixture evenly onto the lined baking tray, then press it down firmly with a spatula. Put the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Using oven gloves, carefully remove the tray from the oven and put it on a wooden chopping board or on the hob to protect your countertop. Use a spatula to stir the granola, then spread it back out in an even layer and put it back in the oven to cook for 10 more minutes. Use oven gloves again to remove the tray from the oven and put it on a wire rack. Let the granola cool completely, then add the mixed dried fruit. Use clean hands to break up any big clumps of granola and mix in the fruit. Put your granola in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Family Cooking Club's Meatball Subs With the perfect blend of herbs, these meatballs turn into flavour bombs. Stick those flavour bombs into a sub, smother them in tomato sauce and top it with melty cheese, and just like that, youve got the ultimate after-school feast. Servings 4 Preparation Time  20 mins Cooking Time  25 mins Total Time  45 mins Course  Main Ingredients For the meatballs

500g beef mince (at least 8% fat)

50g Parmesan cheese

1 garlic clove

a few sprigs of fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tsp onion powder

 tsp dried chilli flakes

Salt and pepper

For the subs

4 hot dog rolls or mini baguettes

1 x 125g ball of fresh mozzarella

150g classic tomato sauce Method Preheat your oven to 200C for a conventional oven or 180C for a fan oven. Line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper. To make the meatballs, put the beef mince in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Grate the Parmesan, then add it to the well. Peel the garlic, then grate it straight into the bowl. Pick the basil leaves off the stems, then tear the leaves into the well (or add the dried basil if youre using that). Add the oregano, onion powder, chilli flakes and some salt and pepper, then mix everything together using your clean hands. Divide the mixture into four equal portions, then divide each portion in three to make 12 portions in total. Roll each one into a ball, then put the meatballs on one of the lined baking trays. Put the tray in the preheated oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked. To check, cut one in half to make sure there is no pink meat in the middle. If there is, put them back in the oven and cook for 5 more minutes, then check again. Put your rolls or baguettes flat on your chopping board and put your hand on top to steady the bread. Use a serrated bread knife in a gentle sawing motion to cut each one horizontally through the centre, going all the way through. (Some hot dog rolls and mini baguettes come pre-sliced, so keep an eye out for those.) Put the split rolls on the second baking tray, cut sides facing up. Tear the ball of mozzarella into pieces, then put one-quarter of the cheese on the top half of each roll. Spread some tomato sauce on the bottom half of each roll. Put the tray in the oven for the last 5 minutes of the meatballs cooking time to warm the rolls and melt the cheese. Using oven gloves, carefully remove the tray of meatballs and the tray of subs. Put one tray on a wooden chopping board and one tray on a clean tea towel to protect your countertop. To serve, put three meatballs on the bottom half of each roll, then sandwich together with the top half.

Seasonal Journal

Registration is now open for the Autumn 2025 A Recipe For Food Tourism Success  Sustainable Food Tourism Experience (Sfte) Development Programme.

Taste 4 Success Skillnet, one of 70 Skillnet Ireland business networks nationwide, is designed to support food and drink businesses, farmers, tour guides, and experience providers to build profitable and sustainable food tourism offerings.

An accessible online format over nine weeks, with four live webinars focusing on sustainability, collaboration, pricing, and marketing.

The programme begins on 16th September 2025. Places are limited, see taste4success.ie

Waterford Harvest Festival

A special date for your diaries, dont miss the Waterford Harvest Festival returning from the 5-7th September 2025.

Now in its sixteenth year, the festival takes place in venues across Waterford city with food demos and talks, honey-making, storytelling, fine dining experiences, food offerings from local restaurants and live music.
Canadian crypto infrastructure firm Luxxfolio filed a shelf prospectus on Thursday to raise up to CAD$100 million (US$73 million), months after becoming the first publicly listed company to anchor its treasury in Litecoin following a broader pivot away from Bitcoin mining.

Luxxfolio views Litecoin as hard currency, CEO and Director Tomek Antoniak said in a statement.

In our sector, scale is criticalthe larger our treasury, infrastructure, and ecosystem footprint, the greater our ability to capture market share and influence adoption, Antoniak said, adding that the shelf would give Luxxfolio flexibility to scale and meet market demands.

Once approved, Luxxfolios shelf prospectus will enable it to raise funds over 25 months through the issuance of shares, debt, or other securities.

The latest filing follows Luxxfolios move in July to begin disclosing its Litecoin purchases, with a strategic advisor confirming earlier this month that the company is targeting a total of 1 million LTC by 2026.

Litecoin creator Charlie Lee, meanwhile, joined its advisory board in late June.

Luxxfolio, like others jumping on the crypto treasury trend, is positioning its strategy around reserves and infrastructure, despite its financials being in poor shape, marked by mounting losses and limited liquidity for its stock.

Key signs of strain include no revenue, a net loss of approximately $197,000 for the second quarter, compared with a net loss of $8,000 in the same period a year earlier, and nine-month losses that more than doubled year-over-year, according to its latest quarterly financials.

The company closed Q2 this year with just $112,000 in cash and relied on a $844,000 private placement to stay afloat, with nearly $19 million in total losses since its inception in 2017.

Its management had warned of significant doubt about its ability to continue operating without fresh capital. Decrypt has reached out to Luxxfolio for comment.

Nasdaq Boots Windtree a Month After $700M BNB Treasury Pivot Fails to Lift Stock

Dont just sit on it

Observers argue that a Litecoin-focused digital asset treasury can draw institutional attention if it goes beyond passive accumulation.

Such a model could absolutely attract institutional capital if its paired with usable infrastructure, Mehow Pospieszalski, CEO of wallet infrastructure platform American Fortress, told Decrypt.

Citing how inflows on the Litecoin ecosystem top over $100 million, Pospieszalski said that institutions dont deploy that kind of capital into a ghost chain, instead, theyre looking for scalable rails, compliance pathways, and user adoption.
Electric Picnic headliner Hozier has praised Irish people for their support of Palestine and called for people to sign a petition over the Central Bank of Ireland's role in approving Israel Bonds for sale in the EU.

Speaking on the Main Stage, he thanked people for the "show of solidarity" for Palestine.

He also referred to the Central Bank, calling on people to sign a petition and contact their local TD to legislate against its role in approving Israel Bonds.

The bank is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel Bonds in the EU, and has determined the securities meet the standards of the bloc's prospectus regulations.

Israel Bonds have been advertised as supporting the country's economy and, more recently, websites promoting the securities emphasise their role in supporting Israel's military operations in Gaza.

Protesters and opposition parties have said the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza, and approving them is tantamount to complicity with the genocide of the Palestinian people.

The Central Bank has said regulations require that it approves prospectuses that meet standards of completeness, consistency, and comprehensibility.
Are we living in a golden age of stupidity? Certainly, all the signs are there.

Across the human spectrum, from climate breakdown (caused by us) to incompetent dictators (elected by us) to the anti-science movement (created by us), we appear to be having a prolonged wallow in deep stupidity. No matter how much we develop, it seems our stupidity develops right alongside us, mutating to keep up.

To put our current stupidity into context, journalist and author Stuart Jeffries has written the clever, funny A Short History of Stupidity, folding in everyone from Socrates to Jade Goody, Voltaire to Trump, Hitler to AI. He takes us on a fascinating, illuminating dive into ancient stupidity, modern stupidity, structural stupidity, mass stupidity, digital stupidity  you get the idea. Unless of course youre stu...

This book came out of covid, from people not respecting science, not respecting those who have spent their lives researching vaccines to save lives, he says.

This is a kind of stupidity that seems to be growing, he adds. Trump has legitimised a loathing for expertise, while valorising people who dont know much. That American idea of being able to do whatever you want is linked with stupidity.

Jeffries book asks some big questions about stupidity. Is it strictly a human thing, or can animals be stupid too? (My dog, a breed used by the police, is thick as mince.) Do IQ tests measure stupidity, and if not, why not?

If were so clever, why did we give phrenology and eugenics credence for so long? What about racist stupidity? Why did the Nazi leaders tried at Nuremberg have high IQs? Could genetic engineering eliminate stupidity, or is it too valuable to be rendered extinct? And what, exactly, is stupidity in the first place?

Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage speaking during a campaign event at Stafford Showground, Stafford, whilst campaigning for this week's local elections. Picture date: Wednesday April 30, 2025.

The five horsemen of the stupid apocalypse, says Jeffries, are Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Vladimir Putin  indulge a little British parochialism  the politically cataclysmic clown shows of Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson. He describes these men as masters of post-truth stupefaction who subvert democracy by making their electors weapons of their own stupidity. Hes not wrong.

The secret of the demagogue is to appear as dumb as his audience so that these people can believe themselves to be as smart as he is, wrote Viennese satirist Karl Kraus about Hitler, almost 100 years ago. Had he written it this morning, it would equally apply.

The problem is that nobody likes to think of themselves as stupid. To recognise ones stupidity, one has to be clever, says Jeffries. If you are stupid, you probably wont recognise you are.

Or as Ricky Gervais put it, When youre dead, you dont know youre dead. Its only painful for others. The same applies when youre stupid.

This is not, however, a sneery book which punches down on ordinary ignorance  which differs greatly from stupidity. Many ignorant people are clever, just as many educated people are stupid.

Jade Goody didnt know how to pronounce East Anglia, and people laughed at her when she was on Big Brother, says Jeffries. But then she had the wit to monetise [her ignorance] she became a millionaire before she died. She was very astute.

Jeffries says that science cant measure stupidity  because its a judgment rather than a measurable fact. It has nothing to do with IQ tests.

Stupidity evolves, it mutates and thereby eludes extinction, he says. And, he adds, its big business. Just look at the levels of stupidity monetised by oligarchs like Mark Zuckerberg, who called the early users of his social media platform dumb fucks.

Stuart Jeffries.

Or all the self-help books  not aimed at the stupid, but at those dealing with the stupid (that is, you or I, who are definitely not stupid, right?). Titles include How To Deal With Idiots; Surrounded By Idiots; The Psychology of Stupidity; The Stupidity Paradox. And perhaps most usefully, Why Your Cat Thinks Youre An Idiot.

The ancients didnt see stupidity as a cognitive lack, he continues. They saw it as a failure of soul, of something evil that you could be helped out of. That was the function of education.

Like poverty, will stupidity always be with us? If we define poverty relatively, some people are going to be relatively poor  and if we define intelligence relatively, some people are going to be relatively stupid, he says. But often stupidity is a term of abuse  it has been weaponised as a way of controlling people and subjecting them to processes which serve to exclude them.

In his chilling chapter on Stupid Eugenics, Jeffries mentions American women having forced hysterectomies in the 1960s because they were deemed too stupid to breed. As many as 100,000 Americans were sterilised in the 20th century, in a misbegotten war against stupidity. The German Jewish philosopher Hannah Arendt, who coined the term banality of evil about Adolf Eichmann at Nuremberg, equated stupidity with a lack of empathy. It was his thickheadedness that was so outrageous, she said of Eichmann. [His] resistance to ever imagine what another person is experiencing.

Theres a connection between stupidity and evil, says Jeffries. A lack of emotional intelligence allows people to commit vile acts.

He talks about higher stupidity as a failure of intelligence, rather than a lack of intelligence: Adolf Hitler and Donald Trump are the leading virtuosos of this higher stupidity. That is, stupidity as moral blindness.

Clever stupidity is not an oxymoron, he adds. Intelligence and stupidity are not each others negatives they cohabit uneasily in every society, in every individual.

President Donald Trump, left, claps as Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk prepares to depart after a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show on Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

So is the cult of Trump inherently stupid? Or, like the anti-science movement, are his followers choosing an elevated form of stupidity by ignoring hard facts? (Trump, when he refers to himself as a very stable genius, is a gold-standard example of the Dunning-Kruger effect  a cognitive bias whereby you vastly overestimate your own intelligence and capacity).

What amazes me is that Trumps blue-collar base [elevated] a guy profiting from inherited wealth, says Jeffries.

Why would Americans admire that? Its so weird to see that in America, where the dream is that anybody can become anything. That you can rise up from nothing. Trump didnt do that. Why did they buy into him? Hes clearly not delivering for them.

Are they very stupid to have placed their faith in such a wicked man posturing as their saviour, who is in fact damning them to more poverty and ignominy than theyre used to? he wonders.

You could argue that Trump is weaponising a kind of stupidity, a kind of folksiness and ignorance. In that respect, hes not too different from Jade Goody in that they were both thinking about how best to utilise ignorance.

The key difference, however, is that while Goody harnessed her own ignorance to make some cash via reality TV, Trump harnessed the collective ignorance of his reality TV-watching base to gain immense power.

I think hes evil in the Hannah Arendt sense, muses Jeffries.

Yet Trump is merely a symptom, a cipher  not a cause. Maybe we are living in Peak Stupidity, says Jeffries cheerfully.

But I think we have only reached a peak, not the peak.

So what is peak stupidity? The obvious zenith of human idiocy will be when we allow ourselves to become extinct because it was economically less viable not to. No other species  not even amoebas  are that stupid.

Its quite impressive, really, he laughs. In a way, our very intelligence is a sign of our stupidity  the way in which weve used our intelligence to destroy ourselves and our planet is extreme stupidity.

This is all so depressing that we roar with laughter. So will AI save us?

We think weve created [technological] tools for us, but everything we do  how we interact, how we communicate  has been shaped by technology, he says.

We are much more likely to be malleable to the machines, rather than the other way around.

Jeffries explains how in the 1930s, British economist John Maynard Keynes predicted that by the 1960s, the working week would be down to a leisurely three days, and how US anthropologist David Graeber thought that by the turn of the century wed be flying around on jetpacks.

The reality is were working much harder, longer hours for much worse contracts, says Jeffries. He worries about governments being blinded by AI. The UK government is really pro-AI, as a way of solving our economic problems. Blithely engaging without considering any downsides. Is this peak stupidity?

He pauses. Were being hacked all the time. The Russians are probably listening in right now, thinking, These fools! He pauses again.

Maybe technology is making the tide of stupidity rise faster?

Keen to end on a positive note, I ask him if he has hope for the future. A future with a bit less stupidity?

Anyone who makes an argument for a benign future is an idiot, he says. I can only see things getting worse.

A short history of stupidity by Stuart Jeffries

SIX COMMANDMENTS IN THE STRUGGLE AGAINST STUPIDITY (with thanks to Socrates)

Greek philosopher Socrates in front of the National Academy of Athens
A vigil will take place in Dundalk on Saturday evening to mark the anniversary of when Kyran Durnin was reported missing.

The little boy, who would be nine this year, is believed to have been murdered, with the last known images of him believed to have been taken in June 2022.

On Friday, gardai made a fresh appeal for information about the whereabouts of the boy, as efforts have so far failed to establish what happened to him.

The missing persons investigation was launched when Kyran was reported missing on August 30 last year.

At 6pm this evening, people will gather in the square in Dundalk to remember him.

The organisers of the event said it has been a year since this beautiful boys face has become known to thousands of people.

They added: Its only right that one year on, our community shows little Kyran the respect and dedication he so badly deserved before this case became known, and every day since.

A man and a woman were arrested as part of the garda investigation but nobody has been charged in connection with the case.

In the most recent appeal, gardai asked people "to not assume that the investigation team know the information that you may have.

Analysis of reams of CCTV footage seized from several locations is continuing, while searches of a number of properties have also been carried out.

The investigation team, led by a Senior Investigation Officer (SIO) based in an incident room established at Drogheda Garda Station continue to appeal to the public for any information in connection the disappearance of Kyran, An Garda Siochana said in a statement.

An Garda Siochana is aware of the extensive public commentary on this investigation, including speculation, rumours and, theories on what may have happened to Kyran.

The Garda investigation team can be contacted at Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or through any Garda station, it said.
The North Cork Creameries has stated it is "not the cause of the Blackwater fish kill" after a report arose from tests on waste water.

The report, ran from tests on waste water from a discharge point following a large fish kill in the Blackwater river says the company failed to inform the agency that discharges were non-compliant and may have caused environmental pollution.

Angling clubs estimate that up to 50,000 fish could have been killed in the Blackwater in recent weeks.

However, the North Cork Creameries issued a statement this Saturday, "adamantly and firmly" saying that it is "not connected with the recent fish kill that took place on 12th August in the River Blackwater in the area of Lombardstown, Mallow, Co. Cork."

The statement read: "There is nothing at any level of concentration or content in the wastewater effluent outflow from North Cork Creameries that could possibly have caused the appalling levels of injury and death to fish that took place near Lombardstown - which is a full 10km away from our facility.

"The fish kill is a deeply serious and distressing event for the entire community. But it is an equally serious issue, and essential, to ensure accountability that is based on evidence, not assumption. Unfounded claims, speculation, or selective use of information risk misleading the public and unfairly damaging reputation."

This comes as a site inspection was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency on August 12, the results of which have now been published on the website of Inland Fisheries Ireland.

The report said: The Agency carried out this site visit to investigate reports of a fish kill incident downriver on the Blackwater River. The results showed that found that ammonia levels in the discharge in the waste water were 52 times over the permitted limit for the companys discharge licence, while the levels of orthophosphate was seven times over the limit. Total phosphorus levels were two and a half times above the licenced amount, according to the findings of the report.

The report outlined: The licensee (North Cork Creameries) indicated that, following concerns around the observable quality (visual, odour, etc.) of treated effluent being discharged via SW-1 at 08:30, sampling was carried out by the licensee at approximately 09:00. This sampling indicated that the treated effluent was out of specification and that water leaving the plant via SW-1 was likely to be non-compliant. The licensee ceased discharges from the WWTP at 10:00am. Based on this information, the licensee had reason to believe that discharges from SW-1 up to 10:00 were non-complaint and may have caused environmental pollution. The Agency was not notified of this incident. The report stated that samples taken by EPA staff showed that discharges from the site from midnight to 10am on August 12 were indeed non-compliant with the emission limit values for the discharge point.

A report from the Marine Institute has also been published by the IFI on its website, following tests conducted on 10 dying brown trout taken from the river, in response to reports of a high number of fish mortalities over the preceding week along a 30 km stretch of the Munster Blackwater.

Histopathology results on four of them noted damage to eyes and gills, with the report noting: Gill pathology is consistent with and suggests possible exposure to some form of environmental insult or water borne irritant, is widespread and largely chronic, pathology is considered functionally significant. No evidence of systemic disease was observed in other organs sampled in these fish. A statement issued on behalf of the Minister with responsibility for fisheries, Timmy Dooley, on Saturday noted the reports from the EPA and the Marine Institute.

The statement said that the IFI, Cork County Council, the EPA, the Marine Institute and Uisce Eireann will meet early next week as they work together to progress and advance the ongoing investigation.

A response has been sought from North Cork Creameries.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a number of incidents in the Clare/Tipperary division, including when a 'dangerous' driver led them on a chase.

At approximately 4:20am, Gardai received a report of burglary at a residence in the Parkmore area of Roscrea, Co. Tipperary at approximately 4.20am on Saturday.

"A number of items and a sum of cash were reported as stolen. A number of similar incidents have since also been reported in the Parkmore area," said a Garda spokesperson.

Later on, at approximately 5.45am, Gardai in Killaloe, Co. Clare responded to an attempted burglary at a commercial premises on Convent Hill.

While responding to this incident, a vehicle "deliberately collided with an official Garda patrol car".

"Gardai pursued the suspect vehicle at a safe distance into Ballina and towards Birdhill, where a number of items were subsequently thrown at the patrol car.

"The suspect vehicle proceeded onto the M7 motorway and continued to drive in a dangerous manner, travelling southbound in the northbound carriageway," said the spokesperson.

The vehicle was brought to a stop on the Golf Links Road in Ballysimon, Co Limerick, with assistance from the Limerick Armed Support Unit.

Two men, aged in their 40s and 20s, were arrested at the scene and detained at a Garda station in the Clare/Tipperary Division under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

"A number of items reported as stolen were recovered at the scene. The vehicle was seized by Gardai and removed for technical examination.

"No injuries were received by Garda members involved," added the spokesperson.

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to these incidents to come forward.

Any persons who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) in the Roscrea, Co. Tipperary and Killaloe, Co. Clare areas between 3:00am and 6:00am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.

In particular, Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the movements of a Laois (LS) registered black BMW 520 in these areas in the early hours of Saturday, 30th August 2025.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda station on 067 50450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
The brown water coming through the taps in homes on Corks northside in recent days was a sharp reminder that the issue with the citys water supply has not gone away.

The discolouration that greeted Tom Coleman on two different days may not have been a familiar sight in his home, but it has been common in many areas of Cork City for a number of years.

He said: It was very discoloured. I dont know why. It went away again, but it lasted a few hours. It was kind of frightening to say the least  it was really discoloured.

He said there was no notification from Uisce Eireann that there would be an issue so that people could prepare for it.

He added: We are lucky really here, but twice last week it was very bad. For some reason, we had it twice in one week.

In July, Uisce Eireann issued its most recent update regarding discolouration of water in the city  the 62nd since August 2022.

It said that its flushing programme was continuing, moving to the Mayfield and Silversprings area.

Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould said the city has now been dealing with the issue for almost three years since the new water treatment plant on the Lee Rd was commissioned.

The State utility says the flushing programme is a series of proactive flushing works which aims to improve water quality for homes and businesses across Cork City, and is part of Uisce Eireanns network improvement plan to address water discolouration reports.

Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould has raised the issue in the Dail several times, and says he is regularly getting calls from constituents  including last week in relation to Blarney St, Parklands in the Commons Rd area, and Riverstown in Glanmire.

He said people are fed up of contacting Uisce Eireann about issues in their area and do not always contact the company.

People are very angry because they are turning on the water and there is brown gunge coming out of it

"You have to leave it run then for it to clear," he said.

Mr Gould added that people do not trust the water, resulting in people in affected areas having to purchase bottled water as part of their regular shopping.

The city has now been dealing with the issue for almost three years, he pointed out, since the new water treatment plant on the Lee Rd was commissioned.

This was acknowledged by Uisce Eireann in one of the September 2022 updates on the discolouration issue, in which the company said that investigations into the issue found that following a recent upgrade of infrastructure in Cork City, where a number of new treatment systems are being brought online, that water being produced was impacting on some of the older pipes in the network, thus causing sediment to come loose and cause a discolouration of the water being supplied to customers".

'Adapt the process'

In the same update, the company said: We are actively working to adapt the process to ensure that the sediment does not break down and cause the discolouration.

The company says that the sediment can include naturally occurring metals such as manganese and iron.

Typically, the flushing programme takes place late at night and in the early hours of the morning to allow the network to have time to return to normal before the morning demand starts, reducing the potential for discoloured water at customers taps, according to Uisce Eireann.

Green Party councillor Oliver Moran said that, while the issue has not gone away, there appears to have been a drop off in contacts from residents about incidents.

He said: The problem was so widespread 18 months ago, I developed a dedicated website to report issues to Uisce Eireann on behalf of constituents.

At that time, I was receiving about 50 contacts a month on the problem of discoloured water

"That began to noticeably reduce around October last year to between 2030 per month. Since May, the number using the website has fallen again.

He pointed out, however, that Uisce Eireann launched its own reporting website in July, which might also be a reason for a reduction in the number of households reporting issues that I can see.

He said the relationship between Uisce Eireann and the elected members of Cork City Council was very poor for a while because of the issues.

Green Party councillor Oliver Moran: 'Uisce Eireann launched its own reporting website in July, which might also be a reason for a reduction in the number of households reporting issues that I can see.' Picture: Denis Minihane

" They would meet with elected members only on their terms. It was a drawn out process of negotiation to have them even appear formally before the council.

"Water services was a core part of local authority functions until very recently, and people still expect Cork City Council and their local councillors to be accountable for these issues.

Our problem is that an entity has been created that doesn't appear to be responsible to anyone

Mr Moran says that when the city council wrote to Darragh OBrien last year, when he was the minister with responsibility for local government, we were told he doesn't have operational responsibility for water services.

The response from his office provided the council with a public customer service number to phone if we had a problem.

He added: That's crazy stuff. Who's accountable for this entity? Its not only water quality it affects. Housing development is dependent on connections from Uisce Eireann too."

Health impact

As the flushing programme continues across Cork Citys water pipe network, the recent incidents in Blarney Street and Parklands show that the discolouration issues are continuing in some areas.

What is making people angry is they are turning on the tap, the water comes out brown, and they have not been told, says Mr Gould.

He adds that while a number of people are believed to have become sick last year, there have not been any reports in recent months. However, he said that the impact on health can be influenced by the level of manganese in the water.

Links to a HSE factsheet about manganese have been incorporated into Uisce Eireann statements about the discolouration issue, and the information includes recognition of a health danger in situations where the level of manganese exceeds 80 micrograms per litre.

The factsheet points to new scientific studies which show that many years of exposure to high levels of manganese may have a harmful effect on the nervous system and brain development".

Before the Dails summer recess, junior minister Christopher OSullivan told the Oireachtas committee on housing, local government, and heritage that the issue with the discolouration was simply not good enough and he acknowledged health fears because of the ongoing issues.

Sinn Fein's Thomas Gould with councillor Michelle Gould and Mick Nugent ahead of a water protest in February. A water main replacement in the south quays area of Cork City was due to be completed in February. Picture Dan Linehan

He said: Approximately 100m has been invested in water infrastructure in the city over the past number of years, but there is an issue with the old cast iron pipes. There are about 600km of pipes in the city. About 50% to 60% of them are old cast iron pipes.

"My understanding of the crux of the issue is that when repairs are being done or when upgrades are being done to the pipework, the old sediment in the cast iron is essentially being knocked into the water supply and we get this awful discolouration.

He added: Approximately 1.6m has been allocated to the enhanced processes at the Lee Rd plant, which it is hoped will address the issue.

Some work has been carried out on upgrading pipes, including the completion in February of a water main replacement in the south quays area of the city. The project saw the replacement of 4.2km of old cast-iron mains dating back to the 1930s with modern pipes.

'Overloaded and outdated'

Meanwhile, in Ballyphehane in early August, householders endured a planned outage because of essential works as part of upgrades to the water network from the Lough to Capwell towards South Douglas Rd.

The issues on the northside continue as Uisce Eireann begins an upgrade project to the wastewater treatment plant on the brow of the citys northeastern side, at Killeens, at a cost of more than 7.3m.

The project is set to get underway within days as part of Uisce Eireanns small towns and villages growth programme.

The utility provider says the area is currently served by overloaded and outdated wastewater treatment infrastructure and therefore plant and network upgrades are required.

It added: This project is being delivered to support existing and future developments within the community.

"It will improve the capacity of the existing wastewater network in the area, improving performance, reducing demands on the current network and mitigating the risk of sewer flooding within the catchment.

Among the elements of the project is the construction of a new pumping station, which will steer the current and future raw wastewater flows to the Cork City sewer network.

A new storm holding tank, capable of holding 108 cubic metres of water, will be constructed. The project will also include the construction of a 1,100m rising main to the high point of the pipeline and 1,793m gravity sewer main to the connection manhole.

The works are being carried out by Ward and Burke Ltd, with a projected completion date in 2027, according to Uisce Eireann.

In response to queries from the Irish Examiner, Uisce Eireann said: Rehabilitation of the citys watermains continues by replacing old cast-iron pipes with new modern pipes, along with plans to optimise watermain improvements and network configuration.

"The following water mains replacement projects were completed in 2024: Edward Walsh Rd, Pophams Rd, Cork City south quays, Sydney Park, and Dublin Hill. The work programme for 2025 is underway with three mains replacement projects in Gurranabraher, Douglas, and The Lough to Capwell. Further projects are in planning.

In 2025, Uisce Eireann is continuing with its proactive or planned flushing programme covering extensive parts of the city including Blackpool, Old Youghal Rd, Mayfield, Silversprings, and the Blackrock Rd area

"This programme aims to improve water quality and reduce instances of discolouration for homes and businesses across Cork City and is part of Uisce Eireanns network improvement plan to address water discolouration reports.

Referencing the issues in Parklands last week, the company said: Following a pressure valve fault in the Parklands area last week, some customers may have experienced temporary discolouration in their water supply. Following repair works to the pressure valve, flushing took place along this network to restore normal water supply. 

Despite many people including bottled water in their weekly purchases because of the water situation in Cork City, the utility companys statement said that there is no provision for financial compensation for people who choose to buy bottled water.

The company said that it has a dedicated experts taskforce which continues to implement projects to tackle water discolouration, including:

Increased sampling and testing;

A targeted and extensive flushing programme;

Watermains replacement;

Treatment process optimisation;

Invested in specialist systems to remove manganese from the source water, and reduce the interaction between the final treated water and with the citys old cast-iron network;

Dedicated online reporting form and webpage for customers.

The company encourages people to use its dedicated online form for customers in Cork City to report instances of discolouration, at Report Discolouration | Uisce Eireann. The company said that alongside our regular monitoring and testing, this provides us with real-time insights into any emerging issues and helps identify areas of focus for future works.
When I first arrived in Lebanon, I did so armed with one simple piece of advice: Never advise a Beiruti how to dress. Now, Id never be so stupid as to do such a thing to anyone from anywhere, but I quickly understood the broader sentiment.

When in the Levant, and Lebanon in particular, it is wise not to tell your hosts what to wear, how to speak, what to eat. You are, after all, a guest in their home, and as a people they possess a culture, language, and self-confidence so rich it would shame Solomon.

So, I kept my mouth shut. I listened as they taught me how to work, eat, drink, run, sleep, lose weight, and fatten up, habibi! As an Irish man stuck in a perpetual purgatory of self-doubt, I appreciated the direction.

It was with some amusement then, that I observed the US special envoy Tom Barrack commit the most American sin of all last Tuesday when he told a room full of Lebanese journalists in Beirut to  I kid you not  behave.

Act civilised, he barked, wagging his entitled finger. Dont be animalistic. He even threw in a theatrical goodbye, storming off like a Hollywood starlet whod lost patience with the dolly grip.

In doing so, he briefly accomplished what years of American strategising never could: A rare unity among Lebanons fractious media. If you come to the centre of the civilised world and tell your hosts how to prepare tabbouleh, you better know how to make damn fine tabbouleh yourself.

Barrack, in a superior fashion befitting the foreign policy of the country he represents, said the quiet part out loud; Tabouleh/Shamooleh  we dont care. Obey, or else.

Now, you might say: Whats it got to do with us, sitting here in Ireland, where the most dangerous thing a diplomat usually encounters is a dodgy prawn in Iveagh House? Quite a lot, actually.

Because if the US talks down to Lebanon while calling itself a partner, what do you think it really thinks of Ireland: The nation it has slowly turned into an addict reliant on the opioids it pedals?

The US apologists here increasingly tell us how well Ireland has done out of the US. But dependence has a way of eroding dignity, especially if that dependence masks a more pernicious coercive control.

American behaviour in the Middle East

The US feigns to prop up Lebanon while openly bankrolling Israels criminal devastation of the country and its people.

Then it threatens with an ominous behave.

Almost 4,000 people have been killed in Lebanon by the US-backed Israeli military in the last 18 months.

Lebanese officials have cited over 2,740 violations of the ceasefire agreement that was supposed to end the slaughter last November. The US simply does not care.

Barracks outburst is not some exotic sideshow. Its a trailer for the main feature: When the US helps, they expect grovelling thanks. When they invest, they demand compliance.

And when they are displeased, they dont hesitate to remind you of your place. That, in essence, was the subtext of Barracks lecture: Well bankroll you, Arabs, but well also treat you like animals if you forget whos boss.

Irish dependence

Sound familiar? It should. For years, successive Irish governments have pretended that our 12.5% corporate tax rate was a badge of sovereignty, when in fact it was an insurance policy against annoying Silicon Valley.

When the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development muscled us into raising it, we nodded along, while nervously tracking Washingtons reaction like tenants watching the landlords mood.

Its humiliating, frankly. A country that bled and starved for independence now bows and scrapes for the favour of foreign boardrooms.

We are told its just pragmatism, just the price of globalisation. But pragmatism starts to look a lot like servility when you depend on the mood swings of an abusive drunk for your livelihood.

US foreign affairs

And heres the rub: The US doesnt do sentimentality in its foreign affairs. If it suits them to pull jobs back to Ohio, theyll do it. If it suits them to pivot their investments to Poland, theyll do it.

And when it happens, dont expect the courtesy of a civilised conversation. Expect what Barrack delivered in Beirut: A lecture, a sneer, and a swift exit.

The lesson is staring Ireland in the face. Diversify or die. Build an economy that doesnt pee its pants every time a US ambassador catches a cold.

Invest in our own capacity, in partnerships with appropriate partners, in industries not tethered to the whims of egotistical billionaires.

US superiority

The day has already come when the same tone Barrack used on Lebanese journalists is being used on us  its just we only read about it in leaks.

Ireland (and Lebanon) deserves better. We deserve to be more than a branch office, more than a playground for multinational accountants.

But we wont get there by hoping the US will suddenly discover humility. They wont.

It was once said that war was Gods way of teaching Americans geography. But teaching infers a willingness to learn.

Take a good, hard look at Barracks smirk in Beirut and youll find only superiority and ignorance.

Thats not just Lebanons problem. Its the future waiting for any nation foolish enough to believe US money comes without an invisible virus that will corrupt and sabotage you the moment its challenged.

And that means us.
A decade ago, Ireland was sundered by mass protests over prospective water charges  a movement which shook the then Fine Gael/Labour government to its foundations.

In an era of post-crash austerity, the move to introduce an additional utility payment on top of gas and electricity that households were used to, perhaps predictably, went down like a lead balloon.

The issue has become such a thorny one in an Irish context that even attempts by the current Government to introduce an excess-usage charge for households using more than their fair share of water have foundered.

Meanwhile, the water charges era saw the creation of a new State utility: Irish Water (now Uisce Eireann).

A decade later, it presides over a pipe network which leaks like a sieve but which has no domestic market available from which to feed itself

This is somewhat remarkable when you consider that paying for water is something of a given, both for Irish businesses and for domestic users across Irelands fellow EU states, albeit the way the charge is administered varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. And these are not particularly controversial costs.

The region closest to us, Britain, sees varying approaches used in order for people to pay for their water.

In England and Wales, bills are mandatory and calculated depending on whether your household is metered or not. If it is, you are billed for your precise usage. Many councils apply higher rates as usage increases across specific tiers.

If no meter is present, annual service charges apply while usage is benchmarked according to domestic rates for the propertys size.

Scottish citizens pay for their water via their local council tax, unless an individual chooses to pay by meter specifically.

Northern Ireland exception

Northern Ireland is the exception to the British rule. Similar to the Republic, there are no water charges in place in the North.

Instead, it is funded indirectly via the countrys property tax.

However, given the precarious nature of the Norths infrastructure generally, the perceived need for water charges there is no less controversial than it is in the South

In the majority of European countries, water charges are set by municipal authorities rather than by a central regulator.

A number of factors can lead to differing levels of charges from region to region  from family size, to variances in wastewater and sanitation charges, to different rates being applied by separate utility companies.

In Portugal, a country far more accustomed to hot weather and water conservation than Ireland, there are 308 separate municipalities, with variances in water charges amounting to as much as 1,500 annually from region to region.

Some countries, such as Portugal and Spain, charge consumers for drinking water and sewage services separately. Others, such as Italy, present a combined final bill.

In the majority of European countries, water charges are set by municipal authorities rather than by a central regulator. Picture: iStock

However, every EU nation bar Ireland has metered billing. Meters were introduced in Ireland at a cost of more than 500m prior to the abolition of water charges in 2015. They remain in situ, but have yet to be used for their designated purpose.

The most expensive water across the bloc tends to be in Scandinavian countries  with Norway and Denmark, countries with similarly high wages and living standards, noting the highest annual domestic water bills. It's an average of 970 for the former, although billing levels vary widely across Norways municipalities.

Tiered pricing, similar to that seen in England and Wales where rates climb as usage increases, is typically seen in Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece where water conservation is of key importance.

The cheapest water across the EU is in Bulgaria  with an average bill of 120  with similarly low prices seen in other southern European countries like Greece and Italy.

Oslo in Norway, Stuttgart in Germany, and Copenhagen in Denmark are the cities with the highest level of domestic water bills in the EU per their own individual municipal authorities.

While charges vary across Europe, Ireland stands out as having the cheapest water utility anywhere on the continent.

Its unclear what would have to happen to make the idea of paying for water politically palatable here.
It was a chilly afternoon on the canvas. Paul Murphy was going door to door in Tallaght, fighting an uphill battle in his attempt to be elected to the Dail. This was October 2014.

A few months previously, the Dublin South West TD Brian Hayes had been elected to the European Parliament and his Dail seat was up for grabs. Sinn Feins candidate Cathal King was an unbackable 1/8, with Murphy trailing at a value bet of 9/2.

At the time, the by-election appeared to be an innocuous affair. The Fine Gael/Labour government had a huge majority. The seat would go to an opposition entity, but it would have no impact on the arithmetic of the Dail.

In Dromcarra Avenue estate, Carmel Murphy answered her door and told the candidate that nearby trees were causing a nuisance.

Ive two trees I want taken down, Carmel told the TD. I know the council are against it, but theyre really bothering me. She showed Murphy the trees, and he scribbled down a few notes.

If Im elected a TD, I cant get trees cut down, but Ill see what I can do, the TD said, before reeling the canvas back to the main event.

Youre going to vote me No 1 because of the water charges, arent you?

Carmel looked at him like he had two heads out of which a stupid question had emerged. Of course I am, she said.

The proposed water charges had generated opposition and protests led by Murphys Anti-Austerity Alliance. At the time, it still looked as if this hurdle could be comfortably cleared by the government.

The charges were cast as the last major measure of austerity imposed by the Troika that had to be called in following the economic collapse of 2008. However, in working-class areas, this was being seen as a straw that was about to do serious damage to the proverbial camels back.

As it was to turn out, the Dublin South West by-election was the most consequential election of any sort in this State for decades before or since.

Murphy won against all the odds, changing the whole pitch of the battle over water charges.

A plan to invest heavily in the water and wastewater infrastructure was blown apart. One central element to the plan, that on the back of charges money could be borrowed off balance sheet to fund for major investment, was gone. And this State would remain an outlier in developed, and even undeveloped, countries across the globe in failing to charge directly for treated water and wastewater facilities.

On the face of it, the principle of water charges was a no-brainer. Since the abolition of rates in 1977, there was effectively no direct charge for household services such as treated water and waste.

The rates system was unfair, weighted against smaller homes in less affluent and disadvantaged areas. It should have been reformed. Instead, Fianna Fail  applying the razzmatazz of US elections  decided that it would be the perfect goodie entice voters with. And so it turned out to be.

Thousands of anti-austerity water protesters march through Dublin city centre on March 21, 2015. Picture: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty Images

As with much in Irish politics, nothing beyond the next election mattered a whit. Once rates were abolished, there would be no return.

There was a half-assed attempt to introduce water charges in the 1990s, but after that it was considered not worth the trouble.

The Greens were the only party that appeared to give a fig that a precious resource was being handed out free gratis with, at the very least, no incentive to conserve.

So it was that water charges were included in the programme for government in 2007, in which the Greens went into power for the first time.

The crash put everything on hold. Then it fell to the Fine Gael/Labour government to implement what the Troika, on its way out the door, said was a no-brainer. How the government went about it was probably at the heart of what was to unfold.

Move towards privatisation

There was such bad communication, said Friends of the Earth director Oisin Coughlan.

The charges were announced just after the Troika left. And Enda Kenny said that it would be the last austerity measure, which was not what people wanted to hear.

He could have said that it was the first reform measure of how we get our water, but instead it was cast as more austerity

"He might as well have said 'come and get me' as far as opposition was concerned.

One of the central planks of opposition was that the introduction of charges was perceived as the first move towards privatisation of the water infrastructure.

Absolutely, it is the case that Phil Hogan [minister for the environment at the time] and Fine Gael probably had that in the back of their heads, Coughlan said. But its highly unlikely that it would ever have got to that.

Still, at a time when it was becoming apparent that those at the top were emerging from austerity pretty intact, the idea that the haves could make another killing on the backs of the have nots was enough to generate major opposition.

Metering is now only a feature of newly built homes, but this is not connected to any future proofing policy of charging. Picture: Denis Minihane

Then came Murphys election. Sinn Fein, reeling in shock, immediately hardened its stance against the charges thereafter and muscled its way into a leading role.

Major protests were organised and the opposition spread. Phil Hogan, who was the public face of the charges policy, exited to Brussels and was replaced with Labour's Alan Kelly. By then the die had been cast.

The charges regime was introduced, but huge numbers simply refused to pay it. In October 2016, an MRBI opinion poll showed that 62% of respondents were in favour of scrapping the charge while only 34% wanted to regain the new regime.

With figures like that there was no future for the policy. Before the year was out, water charges were scrapped.

That was the end of water charges for the foreseeable future. The scrapping represented a victory for left-wing political, and some trade union, elements. It was a rare success and one in which they understandably basked. They had, in their minds, defeated the wielders of austerity.

Irish solution to an Irish problem

However, the campaign did not prove to be a bridgehead to a new kind of politics. It did not herald a new political entity or an alliance of elements that saw themselves as an alternative to Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

One of the stumbling blocks in this respect was the positioning of the Labour and Green parties, both of which had had involvement in and support for the policy on water charges.

There the matter rested. An Irish solution to an Irish problem was invoked. Commitments to the EU directive on water and wastewater were long-fingered. The environmental argument about charges encouraging conservations was quietly shelved. And the proposed funding model was scrapped. Instead, the major investment required would come from central funds.

A central feature of the water charges policy was the installation of water meters in all domestic dwellings. The installation work was a flashpoint for protests, including clashes between construction workers, protesters, and occasionally gardai.

Before the ending of the installations, around 60% of domestic homes had been metered. But when the policy was discontinued, so also was the metering, not least because of the separate opposition it had attracted.

Metering is now only a feature of newly built homes, but this is not connected to any future proofing policy of charging.

These meters are used to ensure that any new distribution network, which is installed by a developer, has a very low level of leakage before we take over the network, a spokesman for Uisce Eireann said.

Following takeover, we use these meters to help reduce leakage levels in our distribution network

Accordingly, taking into account all the new builds over the last nine years, around half of all homes are now believed to be metered.

Earlier this year, two governments and eight years on from the height of the opposition, some civil servants dipped their metaphorical toes in the water charges issue again. A suggestion was floated from the Department of Housing to charge for excess water use.

Immediately, a cacophony of opposition howls rent the political air. These were led by Sinn Fein, determined in the aftermath of last Novembers election results not to be outflanked on their left again.

After a brief period during which the spectre of reawakening a rampaging and frightening beast was contemplated, the whole notion was shelved. Ireland, it was concluded, was not ready for anything to do with charging water, even for those consume huge amounts of it.

Will it ever be ready?

I cant see it happening, said Gary Murphy, a professor of politics in Dublin City University.

Its now 10 years since that attempt to bring it in and the storm it engendered then would be just as bad now  if not worse. I cant see any government going near water charges anytime in the near future.

So it goes politically, but what about the environmental argument? Coughlan says that his view on the whole issue of water charge has evolved over the years.

I started out, as others in the environmental sphere, in favour of the polluter pays principal and water charges, he said.

That put us on the wrong side of the anti-austerity marches, which was a pity because we agreed with a lot of the same things apart from this.

Research has been done that shows that domestic water use is not a massive percentage of overall use, so questions arise as to whether it would be beneficial.

It might be an idea to have an energy rebate which would be better for those who are less well off, as it would be based on actual use and consumption

The other consideration is the funding model that was being proposed. It was to go towards investing in leaking pipes but, when the policy was dropped, the government did not invest the kind of money that was deemed to be required. If that had happened, we wouldnt be in the position we are now that houses cant be built because of the issues in the water infrastructure.

Sinead OBrien concurs with much of Coughlans analysis. She is the co-ordinator for the Sustainable Water Network, a coalition of environmental groups focused on water issues.

We hired a consultant who had done work on water charges in other jurisdictions, and she determined that when you look at the cost of administration and the effect on peoples behaviour, the system wouldnt have saved that much water, she says.

Whats a lot better is working with stakeholders, particularly locally, to raise awareness about water and the best ways to conserve it.

What remains of particular concern with the current regime is the funding model. Now that Uisce Eireann cannot raise its own funds, it is entirely dependent on investment to come from the central exchequer.

What has emerged in stark terms this year is that the required investment has not been made over the last decade, leading to real fears that the lack of a proper water infrastructure is going to impede an accelerated programme of house building.

Uisce Eireann estimates that 60bn will be needed over the next 25 years to bring the whole infrastructure up to date. The bodys strategic funding plan 2025-2029 states that ambitious investment is badly needed.

The repair and upgrading of the countrys water and wastewater treatment plants, and water and sewage networks will require a multibillion-euro investment programme that will extend beyond the lifetime of this plan, the report states.

This investment will have to come from central funding, in competition with other sectors such as health, education, and justice. Whether governments of today and tomorrow are willing to invest in the future, way beyond the next election, for the water infrastructure that is required remains to be seen.

That, perhaps, is the longest lasting legacy of the failure to implement water charges when a cack-handed plan was met with stiff and organised resistance.
With the number of bovine tuberculosis cases passing 43,000 in Ireland this year and continuing to grow, the issue has emerged as a crisis in agriculture and one that national authorities have been trying to contend with for more than 70 years.

While the disease was a scourge of the human population in Ireland well into the 20th century, becoming one of the leading causes of death, advancements in treatments and containment meant it has been largely wiped out.

However, for Irelands massive cattle herd, the bovine version of the disease remains a costly and debilitating scourge.

Bovine TB, commonly referred to as just TB in agricultural spheres, is a highly infectious bacterial disease of cattle caused by the bacterium mycobacterium bovis.

A farmer with infected cattle must contend with restrictions and eradications of portions or the entirety of their herd.

Bovine TB primarily affects the respiratory system and causes lesions in the lungs and other organs. Most cases will be asymptomatic or have no clinical signs, and an infected animal will appear perfectly healthy despite the infection being present.

This is because the disease progresses very slowly, and most animals are slaughtered for beef or detected via a TB test before symptoms develop. TB may also be latent or dormant in an animal and may never progress into a clinical case of the disease.

The disease has long been an issue. The Irish Bovine TB eradication scheme was established in 1954. At the time, it was estimated that 80% of the national herd was affected by TB, and 17% of cattle were presumed to be infected.

The eradication programme became compulsory throughout Ireland by 1962. Nationwide TB tests were rolled out, and infected animals were removed and slaughtered from herds.

To put that in perspective, Ireland and its farmers have been battling with TB longer than we have had colour TV broadcasts.

By 1965, Ireland had controlled numbers enough to meet requirements to trade within the European Economic Community, which we entered successfully in 1973.

In more recent times, the country experienced a historic low for TB herd incidence at 3.27% in 2016. However, this milestone in 2016 has been dramatically reversed with herd incidence spiking in recent years.

In response to rising TB figures in 2018, the TB Stakeholder Forum was established to reduce TB prevalence in the national herd, with the ultimate goal of TB eradication.

In May of the same year, then-agriculture minister Michael Creed secured government approval for an ambitious plan: To eradicate Bovine TB by 2030. Yet, this commitment has since been retracted, leaving the future of the diseases eradication in doubt.

Conor OMahony, a representative of the Department of Agriculture, stated in a recent Oireachtas committee meeting: I dont think we [the Department of Agriculture] can confidently say we are going to eradicate TB by 2030 given where our current disease levels are.

It was revealed earlier this year that in 2024, herd incidence reached 6.04%, the highest TB herd incidence to be recorded in the last 15 years.

TB costs

Aside from the welfare of both animal and farmer, and the emotional burden, TB costs Ireland greatly in the continuous battle to control outbreaks. It is set to cost Ireland approximately 130m this year alone, based on current disease rates.

If these figures are to continue, TB is forecast to cost the country 170m in 2026. In a report published by the Irish Farm Accounts Co-operative (IFAC) earlier this year, TB eradication has cost Irish farmers 151.5m in 2024.

The largest cost to farmers is the cost of labour to facilitate a TB test. File photo

The largest cost to farmers, according to the report, was the cost of labour to facilitate a test. Depending on herd size and the number of animals tested, a test could be a couple of hours or a whole day, all of which labour must be paid for.

IFAC concluded that the injection day and subsequent reading of a test amounted to 55.54m for 2024.

The second largest expense was the direct cost of the TB test, amounting to 36m. Currently, a farmer must pay for one TB test per year themselves and any subsequent or extra testing will be covered by the Department of Agriculture.

Private tests on animals such as calves, which farmers may have wished to sell but were not present for the last herd test, were not included in the calculation.

Herd reactors

If a herd has a reactor in the TB test, the Department of Agriculture is notified. The herd where the TB breakdown has occurred and potentially linked herds, such as neighbouring farms, will be restricted from selling or moving any cattle to prevent disease spread.

Milk restrictions may also be applied if the herd provides supplies for raw milk and raw milk products, as heat treatments must then be applied.

Farmers are compensated for reactors. A valuer will come to the farm and apply a score and value to the animal based on prices set by the Department of Agriculture.

There is a ceiling applied to compensation of 3,000 for an individual animal  unless the reactor is a stock bull, where the ceiling is 4,000, or a pedigree stock bull, where a price ceiling of 5,000 applies.

Once reactors are removed from the farm, the herd will undergo another TB test no sooner than 60 days after the removal date of the last reactor. After another period of 60 days, a second TB test is performed.

If both tests reveal no reactors among a herd and thorough disinfection of the premises has been completed, a herd can be de-restricted.

TB resilience

Despite Irish agricultures ability to rid itself of many diseases, such as Foot and Mouth, there are many factors with regard to TB and why we arent seeing results in its eradication.

Some popular reasons are disease dormancy, the complex interactions between cattle and wildlife, cattle movements in the country, and the lack of an adequate vaccine.

TB can lie dormant in an infected animal and fly below the radar for a number of years. The bacteria can potentially lie dormant in the infected animal for an entire lifetime without reactivation or symptoms.

Current vaccines on the market would skew the tests Ireland currently relies on to identify infected animals. File photo

A dormant infection can be reactivated during periods of stress or in older animals. This makes control difficult and pinpointing infected animals harder if the disease is dormant within the animal.

As of July 30, New Zealand has 15 herds in the entire country with a current TB-infected status. Irish agriculture, particularly dairy, likens our practices to our Kiwi counterparts  yet they have a better position in their eradication journey, even with a wildlife vector and reservoir of TB in their wild possum populations.

This contrast is chalked up to animal movements within the countries. The New Zealand trend is to have large farm holdings and herds compared to Irelands traditional smaller family farms. Because of this, Irish cattle move much more between farms and locations.

Notably, Kiwi farmers tend to sell cattle directly to processing plants for an animal to be culled and processed, whereas in Ireland, it wouldnt be uncommon for cattle to be sold at a livestock mart to then be sold on later to factories.

Last year, more than 1.88 million cattle were sold through Irish marts.

There is also no suitable vaccine for the disease. Current vaccines on the market would skew the tests Ireland currently relies on to identify infected animals. The tests we conduct cannot distinguish between an infected and vaccinated animal, providing positive results when testing vaccinated animals.

Wildlife sources of TB

You also cant go long talking about Bovine TB without also discussing the badger. Badgers have a significant impact on TB in cattle as they can act as both a source and a reservoir for the disease.

Badgers were first recognised as a vector of the disease in the 1980s by the Department of Agriculture. Badgers can infect cattle through cross-species transmission, either through direct or indirect contact.

Transfer occurs when wild animals have access to contaminated water points, food, or contaminated fields with excrement.

With Irelands predominant outdoor grazing for cattle, the risk of contamination from wild animals is relatively high and largely unavoidable unless populations are controlled or setts are fenced off.

There is a national vaccination programme with 14,000 badgers captured between 2023-2024. Just over 7,000 of these badgers were culled due to TB.

Deer are also a vector of the disease; however, research is not as widespread. It is found that in some areas with high densities of deer, cattle, and badger populations, the disease can jump between the species.

The department have stated, as of current research, that there is currently no evidence that deer play a significant role in the spread of the disease and are therefore not within the TB eradication programme.

New measures

Currently, the Department of Agriculture are debating and proposing new eradication measures to try and curb the national crisis.

A proposal of particular contention is the publication of historic TB data of herds when an animal is being sold in a mart.

This could mean on the information board broadcasting in a cattle mart or online via a livestream feed of a mart  alongside the animal data such as date of birth, animal ID number, last TB test  could be a full history report of TB-positive incidences within a herd, despite being currently TB-free, will be broadcast to potential buyers.

Zoe Geary: 'Sadly, TB is not a one-and-done infection where immunity is granted after a little hardship.' Picture: Eddie O'Hare

This is proposed to protect buyers in a market so they can make informed purchasing decisions, but others argue it further isolates farmers who have experienced TB  reaffirming the pariah status of farmers who have had or have TB within their herds, unable to move past their hardships, long after overcoming and recovering from them.

There is still a long way to go when it comes to the fight against TB, with more research, fresh ideas, and funding needed to try and curb our current numbers and begin reversing incidences.

Sadly, TB is not a one-and-done infection where immunity is granted after a little hardship. The mental and emotional scars as a result of an infection within a farm are shouldered by the herd, farmer, and farming family for years after the fact. Any farmer would agree that they wouldnt wish it on their worst enemy.
Chainlink price rose 4% to cross the $25 mark on Thursday, August 28, 2025, its highest level since January. Despite the broader crypto market sentiment leaning bearish, where Bitcoin price slid below $110,000 and dragged top altcoins lower, LINK defied market trends this week. Trading as high as $25.50 intraday, Chainlink erased its seven-day timeframe losses, buoyed by a dual catalyst of fresh ecosystem announcements.

After Bitwise filed to launch a spot LINK ETF on Wednesday, market interest intensified on Thursday as the US Department of Commerce (DOC) confirmed it will publish official macroeconomic data on-chain using Chainlink and Pyth Network.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) will now release critical indicators such as Real GDP, the PCE Price Index, and Real Final Sales to Private Domestic Purchasers directly across multiple blockchain ecosystems.

In its official blog announcement, Chainlink emphasized the transformative potential of this integration: automated trading strategies, composable tokenized assets, real-time prediction markets, and DeFi risk management can now be powered by trusted government data.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hailed the move as cementing Americas role as the blockchain capital of the world, highlighting 3.3% GDP growth as one of the first data points published on-chain. The BEA data feeds are updated monthly or quarterly and initially deployed across networks such as Ethereum, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Base, Optimism, and ZKsync, with more to come.

This step shows how government data on-chain can fuel a new wave of transparency, innovation, and adoption, said Mike Cahill, founder of Douro Labs and core contributor to Pyth.

For Chainlink, the deal represents a milestone in its deepening government ties in 2025, following months of policy discussions with US regulators.

Chainlink Price Forecast: Can Bulls Extend Rally Beyond $27?

Following the intraday rally to seven-month peaks near $26 on Thursday, LINK price now sits just below its short-term resistance cluster around $24.70. The daily chart shows that despite last weeks correction, bulls defended the $23.50 region, a level where both the 13-day SMA and MACD signal line converge, providing the base for the latest breakout.

The MACD histogram has just flipped green again, signaling renewed bullish momentum. Meanwhile, the 5- and 8-day SMAs are curling upward, hinting at a potential bullish crossover if sustained buying continues.

If Chainlink price closes above $25.50 and sustains momentum, the next upside targets lie at $27.20 and $29.50, with the latter aligning with Februarys local top. A break above $30 could set the stage for a retest of $32, opening the door to a broader continuation rally.
A SNAPSHOT in time is how Deirdre (Dee) Coleman describes her dream renovation.

Yes, this revamped 1960s property in Malahide is the forever home and yes, the sleek spaces are glossy-magazine gorgeous, but the Tralee-born interior designer is taking the long view: While this is very liveable and I love it and its very much a home  this is not finished, this is a work in progress, a snapshot in time."

A view from the dining area to the kitchen with a large window seat and garden beyond.

The sitting room where a double-sided stove offers a view to the kitchen/dining room.

A bit like life, so? We last spoke two years ago, as Castleknock-raised Dee was just weeks into her role as co-presenter on RTE 2 series Home Rescue: The Big Fix.

And back then, I remind her, shed said most interior designers houses would not look complete because well always have notions.

Now, she says: Its not a race to the finish  and my plans and aspirations are always beyond my budget. But what is the point of always trying to be finished? I like her style.

Interior designer Dee Coleman at home. Pictures: Moya Nolan

A double-sided stove provides a view into the open-plan area from the cosy sitting room.

Dee is now a familiar face to television viewers as builder Peter Finns co-host on the RTE show, with her fourth series as presenter airing from September 4.

Shes also a designer who stresses the importance of getting the bones of a building right  and spending the budget the stuff you dont see, the heat pump, the ventilation  something we didnt really think about before, notes Dee. Weve all had to up our game with ventilation. My advice would be to get a specialist in ventilation if youre getting a retrofit.

The designer keeps it real and walks the walk when it comes to the people she works with, whether on Home Rescue or in the studio she co-founded, Collab Design Studio.

She is empathetic in the extreme and genuinely wants to seek out solutions that will work.

Again, I hark back to that chat in 2023, as Dee was imagining her future favourite space  and confided how shed always wanted a window seat in her kitchen.

At first, shed taken it out of the scope of work because I thought it would cost too much.

Luckily, she realised its importance. Its right beside a camellia tree, which blooms around the time of my childrens birthday. Its like a piece of magic. We nearly lost the window seat in the battle of the budgets! she says.

I put it back in, and Im so glad that I did. I absolutely love it. Its cantilevered, if you dont mind! The perch is one of what she calls her three vanities in the open-plan kitchen/living/sitting room area, the others being a skylight and a double-sided fireplace. All things that I really couldnt afford but I did anyway  and I loved them all, she says.

Dee Coleman perched in one of her favourite spots at home in Malahide. Pictures: Moya Nolan

Colour in the garden.

All three enhance light and openness, but the skylight and window seat in particular boost her homes connection with nature.

Dee is a big fan of iophilic design and, in particular, the ethos of Oliver Heath, a designer whose approach centres on people as well as the planet, believing that healthy ecosystems are key to creating healthy spaces.

The sound and sight of rain through the skylight delights her in particular. It is the connection to nature, its that rhythmic, natural, random, organic sound and view, says Dee. Nothing that mankind can build can replicate that. We have an instinctive need to be in nature, and I have plants everywhere. In fact, watch out for Dees kitchen garden as it takes a starring role in an episode of the upcoming series of Home Rescue.

For many years, Deirdre had a successful career as a management consultant, but decided to change paths and follow her passion, retraining as an interior designer at Londons KLC School of Design.

Her epiphany came at a boardroom table as it dawned on her that her work didnt give me joy.

I never in my entire life got a balance sheet to balance, says Dee. At the time, I had a flat and I had just knocked down a wall in it with a sledgehammer.

"My friends would come to me to ask me for home DIY and design advice. And I loved that type of work. Also, living in London meant I had access to great courses. I was newly married and I said to my husband: Look, Id love to do this [interior design] kind of hoping he would talk me out of it, but he said, Youd be great at that!"

Dee enrolled at KLC School of Design, Chelsea Harbour and, on graduating, worked at a high-end Notting Hill studio, before setting up her own successful interior architecture practice in London. Everything worked out the way it was meant to work out. Nothing I did before was wasted; when you get to reflect on it, its all good. Dee met her partner in life, her Swedish husband Staffan Bergdahl, in London. I had no intention of coming home [to Ireland], she adds. But when their twin girls, Nancy and Alva, now 13 and starting secondary school, were born, that changed.

Planting at the front of Dee's home.

The window seat in the hallway.

In 2013, the family  including South East London native Foxy, the now-16-year-old cat  relocated to Ireland, where Deirdre also lectured at the Dublin Institute of Design.

Looking at her home as it was being renovated wasnt easy, she adds. Youre walking into a bombsite and still paying a mortgage. Ive done it with clients all the time, but this is the first time Im doing it myself, she says.

Then, at almost 50, Deirdre embarked on a new invigorating chapter as a television star.

Home Rescue: The Big Fix is a heartwarming mix of human stories and home makeover  a whirlwind of decluttering, teamwork and positivity  changing people's lives for the better by redesigning their homes, replacing chaos with order and rediscovering the things that really matter.

The team has just a few days to complete each makeover, so for designer Deirdre, builder Peter, declutter expert Aidan (and the super team of fitters, painters, chippies and clutter-busters) every second counts.

They bought a 1960s house that needed work. Soaring costs have pushed prices ever upwards. Weve scaled back on plans significantly to afford it  same as anyone else, she says.

A wall light in designer Dee Coleman's home.

A Hermes scarf on display in the hallway.

Looking at the property as it was being renovated wasnt easy, she adds. Ive never done a renovation like this before  frightening is too strong a word. Youre walking into a bombsite and still paying a mortgage. Ive done it with clients all the time, but this is the first time Im doing it myself. Work started in 2022, and Dee is candid about the highs and lows of such a mammoth undertaking. It also gives her an insight into the families she works with on Home Rescue. I am in awe of people who can reach out and ask for help. I can admire them and I feel privileged to help, she says.

Weve all been through tough times; you have to hang on. I understand how on a knife-edge normality is for many people; [at one stage in my life] my mother was dying, my husband wasnt well.

Corner details in the sitting room.

Record decks and vinyl in the open-plan living zone of Dee's home.

As for working with her television co-presenter and crew, she adds, Weve grown together. 'Home Rescue' isnt a normal job. And I would have gone in trying to make it feel like that. But I think now Ive got a good sense of how to design to get the biggest bang for buck for the family without breaking the team, to spare the horses so to speak and know how to reserve the energy for whats really important to the family.

Day one of the project on Home Rescue is demolition day, while the next three days are crucial, she adds. The crew are gone by lunchtime-ish on the last day. Thats always a tricky handover and theyre destroyed with tiredness; theyve killed themselves to deliver amazing joinery, adds Dee.

Interior designer Dee Coleman in the open-plan kitchen/dining area of her home in Malahide. Pictures: Moya Nolan

Sitting pretty: Ornamental pots on a sideboard.

All the trades have been in and delivered their job, and now the pressures on me to deliver. Now all the pressures on me, hanging curtains and mirrors  I can hang a picture, but I still need Pete, and I still need him to be concentrating. Up to what its a shell, and every time I finish, I wonder: How did we do that? I dont think its an exaggeration to say that. The build team, the people you dont see, the declutterers  theres an unbelievable spirit of willingness there. They work magic.

Dee is invested in the struggles she encounters among the families she works with on the series. You could not believe the stuff that went our way on one shoot  there was a whole other layer of positive energy and it was magic, she adds. It is humbling. Do you know what it is  its such a privilege to get such intimate access to peoples lives. Youd have to be in dire need to let a film crew and a designer into peoples lives. You wouldnt do that unless the need was real. It was such a privilege this year. I felt energised.

If people are isolated and struggling, the gift of making peoples homes function makes their lives easier rather than adding stress.

I think the fact that the budgets arent enormous, by any stretch, means its [what is done on the show] attainable. You certainly cant do it in that time frame, but people dont need to do it overnight, and Im very proud as an interior designer that it shows the genuine power of design.

Collabstudio.ie

Home Rescue: The Big Fix airs on RTE 2 on Thursday, September 4, at 9.30pm
The southern Dutch city of Tilburg is seeing more colour than usual this weekend, as thousands of redheads from all over the world gather for a once-a-year festival to celebrate their flaming locks.

The Redhead Days festival includes music, food trucks and workshops tailored to the particular needs of redheads, from makeup explainers to skin cancer prevention.

Organisers expect the three-day event to draw several thousand people from some 80 countries.

A small boy holds on to his mother during the Red Head Days festival (Virginia Mayo/AP)

Elounda Bakker, a Dutch festival veteran of 15 years, played cards with a group of redheaded friends from across the world who meet every year at the festival.

I came out of curiosity mostly, just to see what it would be like not to stand out in the crowd, said Ms Bakker, 29. It was really an interesting first experience and I just keep coming because I met some really nice friends here.

Magician Daniel Hank travelled from Germany to join the festivities, now proud to flaunt the hair that made him the target of bullying when younger.

I think its really easy to recognise me because there are not that many people with a red beard, there are not many guys with long red hair, he said.

A family take part in a painting workshop (Virginia Mayo/AP)

The festival is free and open to all, with the exception of the group photo on Sunday. That event is restricted to natural redheads.

The 2013 festival set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people with natural red hair, when 1,672 people posed for the group photo.

The tradition began two decades ago when Dutch artist Bart Rouwenhorst put out a call for 15 red-haired models for an art project in a local newspaper. He got ten times the response he was expecting and brought the group together for a photo.

The project got so much attention, he organised a similar meeting the following year and has continued to oversee the festival as it has expanded into the multiday event it is today.

The festival is really amazing because all the people, they resemble each other and they feel like its a family, he said.
An Israeli airstrike killed the prime minister of the Houthi rebel-controlled government in Yemens capital, Sanaa, the Houthis have said.

Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed in a strike in Sanaa on Thursday along with a number of ministers, the rebels said in a statement on Saturday. Other ministers and officials were wounded, the statement added without providing further details.

The head of the groups supreme political council, Mahdi al-Mashat, said: We promise to God, to the dear Yemeni people and the families of the martyrs and wounded that we will take revenge. He warned foreign companies to leave Israel before its too late.

The Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz, said on Saturday that the strike was a crushing blow against the Houthis, adding that this is only the beginning.

Israel said on Friday the airstrike had targeted the Iran-aligned groups chief of staff, defence minister and other senior officials, and that it was verifying the outcome.

The premier was targeted along with other members of his Houthi-controlled government during a routine workshop held by the government to evaluate its activities and performance over the past year, the Houthi statement said.

Thursdays Israeli strike took place as the rebel-owned television station was broadcasting a speech by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the secretive leader of the rebel group, in which he was sharing updates on the latest Gaza developments and vowing retaliation against Israel. Senior Houthi officials used to gather to watch al-Houthis prerecorded speeches.

The strike that killed the prime minister targeted a meeting for Houthi leaders in a villa in Beit Baws, an ancient village in southern Sanaa, three tribal leaders told the Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared repercussions.

Yemen endures a lot for the victory of the Palestinian people, al-Rahawi said after an Israeli strike last week on an oil facility owned by the countrys main oil company, which is controlled by the rebels in Sanaa, as well as a power plant.

On 22 August the Houthis had launched a ballistic missile toward Israel that its military described as the first cluster bomb the rebels had launched at it since 2023.

The prime minister hailed from the southern province of Abyan, and was an ally to the former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh. He allied himself with the Houthis when the rebels overran Sanaa and much of the north and centre of the country in 2014, initiating the countrys long-running civil war. He was appointed as prime minister in August 2024.

Al-Rahawi is the most senior Houthi official to be killed since the US and Israel began their air and naval campaign in response to the rebels missile and drone attacks on Israel and on ships in the Red Sea. The US and Israeli strikes killed dozens of people. One US strike in April hit a prison holding African migrants in the northern Sadaa province, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others.

Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst with the Crisis Group International, a Brussels-based thinktank, called the killing of the Houthi prime minister a serious setback for the rebels.

He said the escalation marks an Israeli shift from striking the rebels infrastructure to targeting their leaders, including senior military figures, which poses a greater threat to their command structure.

The Houthis launched a campaign targeting ships in response to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, saying they were doing so in solidarity with the Palestinians. Their attacks over the past two years have upended shipping in the Red Sea, through which about $1tn of goods pass each year.

In May, the Trump administration announced a deal with the Houthis to end the airstrikes in return for an end to attacks on shipping. The rebels, however, said the agreement did not include halting attacks on targets it believed were aligned with Israel.
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Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. Two tankers chartered by Chevron carrying Venezuelan crude oil arrived in US waters on August 21. This marks the first US imports of Venezuelan crude in several months. The tankers are scheduled to discharge their cargo at US ports, with one headed to Port Arthur, Texas, and the other to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Chevron (CVX) Tankers Deliver Venezuelan Crude to US Ports

Gil C / Shutterstock.com

These oil shipments happened because Chevron received a restricted license from the Treasury Department in late July. This license allows the company to operate in Venezuela and export its crude. It reverses a previous, stricter sanctions policy that had been in effect since April and had caused a three-month pause in Chevrons Venezuelan oil operations. However, the license carries a strict condition: no money from oil proceeds can be transferred in any way to the administration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is an integrated energy company. It explores, produces, and refines oil and natural gas while also manufacturing petrochemicals and transportation fuels. The company operates worldwide across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments.

While we acknowledge the potential of CVX 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: 12 Best Mid-Cap Value Stocks to Buy Right Now and 10 Must-Buy US Stocks to Invest In.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Gainesville, Fl. (Special to Informed Comment; Feature)  When it comes to for-profit, private corporate incarceration of immigrants, making lots of money is like drinking salt water, the more they drink, the thirstier they get. Roman proverbs say that the more money a rich man has, the more driven and addicted he becomes to accumulating even more money. Wealth addiction is at the root of giant private prison corporations domination of the U.S. government as communities take a back seat to the need for private profit. Many government leaders from both political parties share the same profits over people ideology. The industry is preparing for explosive growth. On recent earnings calls, CoreCivic executives announced plans to triple the number of beds in their facilities within a few months. That would mean an additional $1.5 billion in revenue for the corporation, more than doubling its annual earnings. The U.S. private incarceration system is a deeply entrenched network of public-private partnerships that make billions from incarceration and detention every year.

Just like large. private health insurance corporations, the U.S. private-profit incarceration system has the inherent tendency to invent new needs, disregard all boundaries and turn everything into big profit. Limitless greed for money becomes a disease where a person may become over-saturated with food.but no one or private prison corporation ever has enough wealth. Wealth addiction is a greedy compulsion to obtain more and more wealth, and specifically obtain what belongs to others. The effect is to injure others because it is adversarial/harmful to society as a whole..The private prison industry pushes for harsh immigration policies intended to drive up immigration detention. And private immigration detention centers suffer from many of the same problems as private prisons and jails, but the people held in them have even fewer rights and thus, at times, can suffer even more abuse.

WHAT IS PRIVATE IMMIGRANT DETENTION?

Emerging from the Reagan administrations advocacy of privatization of public services, immigration detention is now a booming business for private prison corporations. Todays profiteering involves the complete outsourcing of the criminal legal system to the highest bidder. Corruption of money in politics allows greedy corporations to decimate families in disproportionately black, brown, and Indigenous communities.

With burgeoning anti-immigrant rhetoric and legislative crackdowns at all levels, private prison corporations are increasing their hold on U.S. detention policy. Today about 90 percent of detained immigrants are held in privately operated facilities, the highest percentage in U.S. history. In a for-profit prison, jail or immigrant detention facility, people are imprisoned by a private third party that contracts with a government agency. Contractual agreements between governments and private entities commit prisoners to privatized facilities and are paid a per diem or monthly rate, either for each immigrant or prisoner in the facility, or for each place available, whether occupied or not. Such contracts may be for the operation only of a facility, or for design, construction and operation.

The Trump administration leaves no doubt that it will detain as many undocumented immigrants as it can and send them to for-profit centers. And to help make sure that happens, private prisons companies spend millions on campaigns and congressional lobbying efforts, just like businesses that sell cars, real estate, hamburgers or toothpaste.

Next to private health insurance corporations, there is no greater disconnect between the public good and private interests than the rise of corporate owned and operated for profit jails. The interest of private jails lies not in the obvious social good of having the minimum necessary number of inmates, but instead having as many immigrants and prisoners as possible housed as cheaply and profitably as possible. In the push for austerity and privatization, private profit U.S.prison corporations have become premier examples of private capitalist enterprises seeking profits from the misery of man while trying to ensure that nothing is done to decrease that misery.

Profiteering private prison corporations are cashing in on the misery and desperation of U.S. citizens as many county jail and state prison systems privatize throughout the nation. Private companies house over ten percent of the nations total prison population, with privatization/profiteering madness now extending to well over 6 million people under correctional supervision, more than ever were in Stalins gulags.

Very alarming, the private prison industry now incarcerates 90 percent of all immigrant children, adolescents and adults . A spokesman for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE), Alonzo Pena, acknowledged that the private companies have all too often fallen short, noting that It wasnt their priority to ensure that the highest standards were being met. ICE deserves some blame/responsibility. We set up this partnership with the private industry in a way that was supposed to make things much more effective, much more economical, but unfortunately, it was in the execution and the monitoring and the auditing we fell behind, we fell short.

HOW TO PRIVATIZE A JAIL:

The standard method for privatization of jails:

1). Defund government services to make sure things dont work and people get angry

2). Hand program over to private capital.

3). Continue to defund local publically funded jail and state prison services.

4). Urge/pressure county commissions and state government to allow for-profit, private prison corporations to take over under the guise of rescuing jail functions.

5). Promote the appearance of rescue of the county jail or state service by self-serving private profit driven programs to the community.

In reality its not long until privatization falls short in quality service; the private jail program saves money by employing fewer, less trained guards and other workers and pays them badly, with horror stories often accompanying how these jails are run. In addition to Department of Justice studies and experience showing that governments save little money, if any, by turning over prison functions to private outfits, the Dept.of Justice also concluded that private prisons were in general more violent than government-operated institutions, and ordered a phaseout under the Obama and Biden administrations of their use at the federal level. Regrettably, reversing that order was one of the first things that President Trump did on taking office.

CLAIMS OF PRIVATE PRISON CORPORATIONS:

Without evidence, private prison corporations always claim that their program will save the county and state millions annually. Private companies, such as CCA/CoreCivic and GEO Group dominant, tout their virtues by saying they build and operate prisons more cheaply than governments can, due to the public sectors many mandates. Their day-to-day operations are similarly more efficient and less costly, they assert, and they do it all without compromising public safety. The bottom line, they say, is that they allow governments to free up public funds for pursuits that mean more to most taxpayers than how felons or immigrants are jailed. To make sure that happens, private prisons companies spend millions on donations to politicians from both political parties at all levels of government, campaigns and congressional lobbying efforts, just like businesses that sell cars, real estate, or hamburgers.

Privately operated facilities are better equipped to handle changes in the flow of illegal immigration because they can open or close new facilities as needed, said Rodney E. King, CoreCivics public affairs manager. Critics tell a different story. They cite moments like a 2015 riot to protest poor conditions at a prison in Arizona run by another major private player, Management and Training Corporation. Earlier at that same institution, three inmates had escaped and murdered two people.

Many case examples show scrimping by private immigrant detention facility operators, with bad food and shabby health care for inmates, low pay and inadequate training for guards and hiring shortages. At immigrant detention centers, operators see little need to offer extensive educational programs for children or job training since people held there are mostly destined for deportation. Basic hygiene items like toothpaste or tampons are marked up by 300 percent or more by Commissary corporations. Contributing to suffering and preventable deaths, some private health care providers routinely delay or deny treament behind bars. Private food vendors serve meals that are frequently expired or nutritionally inadequate, all in the name of cutting costs and maximizing returns.To maximize profit, you minimize your expenditures, said Rachel Steinback, a lawyer for hunger strikers.

U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE CONCLUDES NO COST SAVINGS:

Despite many promises that jail and prison privatization will lead to big cost savings, such savings, as a comprehensive study by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the U.S. Department of Justice concluded, have simply not materialized. To the extent that private prison and jail operators do manage to save money, they do so through reductions in trained staff, fringe benefits and other labor-related costs. Economist Paul Krugman noted that as more and more government functions get privatized, states become pay-to-play paradises in which both political contributions and contracts for friends and relatives become quid pro quo for getting government busines.



For Profit, Digital, Dall-E / Gemini, 2025

CONCLUSION:

The corrupt nexus of privatization and patronage by private one percent corporations and oligarchs is undermining local and state levels of government across the USA. Longer-term institutionalization by for-profit corporations is promoted via harsh sentencing guidelines and other means for keeping inmates doing lengthy, and very profitable for the corporation, sentences. To fix this problem, we should demand that private corporations be removed from the administration of our local, state and federal public prison programs. Privatization of jail services increases costs without any corresponding increase in quality or care. Until then, the powerful in county, state and federal government, along with their corporate oligarch partners to whom they are beholden will continue privatizing and profiteering as they please, while laughing all the way to the bank. Everyone interested should join all state and local efforts to end privatization. profiteering and barbarous inappropriate imprisonment of immigrants.

In the new book, The Prison Industry: How it Works and Who Profits, authors Bianca Tylek and Worth Rises write:

Private prisons have embedded themselves in every facet of the criminal and immigration systems. While people have begun to challenge private prison corporations, there must be vigilant attention paid to the industrys attempt to change its toxic image and expand into adjacent business lines. After all, whether walls are built out of concrete, wire, or WiFi, a prison is still a prison, and a private prison still needs more bodies to grow. No matter their form, private prison corporations have no place in any system that claims to be about justice.
By Vanessa Newby, Monash University and Chiara Ruffa, Sciences Po

(The Conversation)  The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) is seen by many as an essential peacekeeping buffer between Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah. But Israeli pressure, US doubts over Unifils cost-effectiveness and the fragile state of Lebanons politics means there is a risk that instead of being renewed on August 31 the mission could be ended. The stakes are high: an abrupt withdrawal could create a dangerous security vacuum along the Israeli-Lebanese border and this could have broader implications for stability in the Middle East.

The US is keen to reduce its financial commitments to UN peacekeeping, with Washington arguing that expensive and longstanding missions should be downsized or wound down to cut costs. This makes it more receptive to Israeli insistence that the mission has been ineffective in addressing the existential threat posed by Hezbollah.

But Unifils mandate has never been to directly disarm Hezbollah. Instead, the mission is tasked with creating and maintaining a space free of armed groups in southern Lebanon by supporting the Lebanese armed forces (LAF). Central to the Israeli narrative is the claim that Unifil failed to uncover Hezbollahs tunnel network in south Lebanon. This criticism obscures the fact that Israeli intelligence also overlooked the same tunnels for more than a decade  despite the fact that they crossed into Israeli territory.

As part of the agreements it made after the war in 2024, Lebanon has made concrete attempts to confront the military dominance of Hezbollah in the region. The LAF has expanded its deployment in the south, dismantled Hezbollah fortifications, and begun consolidating weapons under state control.

In August 2025, the Lebanese cabinet instructed the LAF to devise a national plan aimed at ensuring a state monopoly on the use of armed force. This step has sparked fierce resistance from Hezbollah and its political allies, underscoring the risks involved in challenging the groups armed status.

The process remains precarious. Deadly incidents, such as an explosion that killed six LAF troops removing weapons from a Hezbollah arms depot on August 9, highlight how volatile the disarmament effort is. Still, these steps mark the most serious attempt in years by Beirut to assert control over Hezbollahs armed status. Its a development that makes Unifils continued presence even more significant as a stabilising buffer while this process plays out.

Security Council wrangling

Despite these positive moves, wrangling continues at the UN headquarters in New York. The security council vote scheduled for Monday has been postponed, even though the missions mandate expires on August 31, adding urgency to the negotiations.

Fourteen of the 15 security council members are agreed on the need to renew Unifils mandate, with the US the only holdout. France, as the security council penholder for the Unifil mandate  the country which will write up the decision  has successively proposed a variety of options that might be palatable to the US, but divisions in Washington remain. Some officials, such as the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, acknowledge Unifils importance, but the US has yet to agree to vote for a mandate renewal that extends beyond a year.

A recent draft resolution proposed a strategic review by March 2026 to assess the conditions for Unifils withdrawal. This called for Unifil to pull out no later than August 31, 2026. But currently the US is unwilling to link any withdrawal timeline to conditions on the ground and is insisting on a firm endpoint.

Israels political manoeuvring

Israels posture toward Unifil reflects a longstanding strategy of delegitimising the mission. During the 2024 war, the Israel Defense Forces obstructed peacekeepers attempts to rescue civilians and even targeted Unifil positions. Despite the November 27 ceasefire, Israel continues to occupy five positions inside Lebanese territory and is reinforcing them in direct violation of the agreement.

Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, recently commended the Lebanese governments steps to disarm Hezbollah. He also promised that Israel would reciprocate by gradually reducing its presence in south Lebanon. Its a statement that appears conciliatory  yet, by praising Lebanese efforts, Netanyahu risks casting the Lebanese government and LAF as collaborators, which would inflame political tensions inside Lebanon.

At the same time, the gesture functions as a diplomatic sleight of hand, giving Washington cover in the security council debates. It gives an impression that Israel is open to conciliation and compromise, while in reality reinforcing Israels determination for Unifils mission to be curtailed.

Israels persistent efforts to weaken Unifil are part of its current doctrine of privileging military solutions over diplomacy and political negotiation in south Lebanon. By predominantly using force against Hezbollah, Israel has generated retaliation. These flare-ups are then used as evidence by Israel that it is under constant threat and must act in self-defence. In this way, military action produces the very instability that is then invoked to justify further escalation. Its a cycle of chaos that sidelines diplomacy, privileges military action and perpetuates conflict.



Photo of Marjayoun, Lebanon, by AHMAD BADER on Unsplash

Why Unifil still matters

Amid these political manoeuvres, one core issue remains: Unifil remains crucial to regional stability. Dismantling the peacekeeping force now would strip away one of the last stabilising buffers in an increasingly fragile region. The mission provides an international spotlight on south Lebanon. Its presence, while imperfect, has prevented numerous flare-ups from spiralling into war.

Lebanons army remains weak. So a sudden Unifil withdrawal would create multiple risks  including the possibility of a surge in Hezbollah activity in the south. This increases the prospect of another direct conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, and another Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon.

Vanessa Newby, Senior Lecturer, Politics & International Relations, Monash University and Chiara Ruffa, Professor of Political Science, Sciences Po

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Aid flotillas like the one preparing to leave for Gaza would not be necessary if governments upheld international law, rights activist Greta Thunberg told AFP Saturday.

"It should not have to be up to us," said the 22-year-old Swedish campaigner, who will join the flotilla when it sets off from Barcelona on Sunday.

"A mission like this should not have to exist," she added.

"It is the responsibility of countries, of our governments and elected officials to act to try to uphold international law, to prevent war crimes, to prevent genocide," she said.

"That is their legal duty to do. And they are failing to do so. And thereby betraying Palestinians but also all of humanity."

The latest aid expedition towards Gaza is organised by a group called the Global Sumud Flotilla, which describes itself as an "independent" organisation. Sumud is the Arab word for perseverance.

They say that boats from ports around the world will converge on Gaza in a peaceful bid to open a humanitarian corridor.

"Our aim is to get to Gaza, to deliver the humanitarian aid, announce the opening of a humanitarian corridor and then bring more aid, and then thus also ending, breaking Israel's illegal and inhumane siege on Gaza," said Thunberg.

Brazilian activist Thiago Avila told journalists in Barcelona: "This will be the largest solidarity mission in history, with more people and more boats than all previous attempts combined."

Two attempts by activists to deliver aid by ship to Gaza, in June and July, were blocked by Israel.

Troops boarded their vessels and detained the activists, bringing them ashore in Israel before expelling them. Thunberg was among the 12 activists on board the June flotilla.

The organisers of this latest flotilla have not said exactly when they are setting off, nor how many boats will leave from Barcelona.

The UN on August 22 declared a famine in Gaza, blaming Israel's "systematic obstruction" of aid, sparking furious denials from the Israeli authorities.
Afrique

Auteur: Aaron Akinocho

SADC : Cyril Ramaphosa adoube son homologue malgache, Andry Rajoelina

The South African leader was particularly complimentary of the new president of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Andry Rajoelina.

In political communication , the tone is often polite and the praise, conventional. Some statements, however, ring with rare sincerity. This is the case with the portrait painted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa of his Malagasy counterpart, Andry Rajoelina. The latter was elected president of the SADC on August 17, 2025, at the organization's 45th summit, for a one-year term.

"As we watched you at work, we have seen that you possess the essential qualities of a great leader. We know that SADC is in good hands and that, under your leadership, it will continue to move towards regional integration, economic resilience and sustainable development," said Cyril Ramaphosa.

He also welcomed Andry Rajoelina's roadmap for SADC, which prioritizes agricultural modernization, industrialization, and energy transitionan agenda that, according to the South African president, "resonates deeply with the aspirations of our region."

But it was his negotiating skills that most impressed Cyril Ramaphosa. "You impressed us with your ability to lead discussions and steer our discussions toward consensus, even on difficult issues where our opinions diverged. You brought us together, and we sincerely thank you for that," he said.

This statement is all the more significant given that South Africa, the SADC's largest economy, is a key player in the development of southern Africa. This public support can only strengthen the legitimacy of Madagascar and Andry Rajoelina on the regional stage.
Netflix has released a new romantic comedy fantasy titled 'Genie, Make a Wish' that features Suzy and Kim Woo-bin, and it is set for release worldwide on Oct. 3, a day prior to the Chuseok holiday.

The story revolves around Jinn (Kim Woo-bin), a genie awakened after a thousand years, only for him to cross paths with Ka-young (Suzy), a human defined as a psychopath and someone who has no emotions.

Their meeting gives rise to a perilous wager based on three wishes, giving rise to a tale of tension and dark comedy.

The teaser poster provides a tense glimpse at their bizarre relationship. In the video, Jinn threatens the life of his new master, and Ka-young responds by threatening him with a pointed hairpin at his throat.

a demonic genie vs. a psychopathic master? whichever team you're on, you're surely in for a ride. mark your calendars: genie, make a wish comes out on netflix on october 3.#GenieMakeAWish #BaeSuzy #KimWooBin pic.twitter.com/NFOwOgHC6E  Netflix Philippines (@Netflix_PH) August 28, 2025

Their piercing gazes speak a thousand words about a romance balanced on the precipice of destruction.

The commercial, presented by Sayyid (played by Ko Kyu-pil), explains more of their interaction. Jinn at one point says, "Hurry, wish quickly, wish now!" Ka-young answers coldly thus: "My first wish? Kill yourself."

From Netflix, Jinn has to corrupt Ka-young by her desires in order for him to achieve his purpose, while Ka-young fights off the attempt with cold detachment.

This contradiction of extremes leads up to the main issue at hand: will their relationship lead to destruction or become an unlikely bond?

The narrative also gives us glimpses of Ka-young in her fragile side. She is seen crying in one scene and laughing hysterically in another, and it hints at moments of feeling underneath her tough exterior.

Scenes of Jinn and Ka-young flying through Seoul give the narrative a grand, otherworldly feel. Observers comment that the drama has a strange mix of genres.

Though promoted as a rom-com, the show goes dark for more sinister content involving desire, manipulation, and emotional epiphany.

"The tension between Suzy and Kim Woo-bin's characters feels closer to a psychological thriller," a commentator noted.

The supporting cast also consists of Ahn Eun-jin, Noh Sang-hyun, Ko Kyu-pil, and Lee Joo-young, rounding out the supporting cast.

One of the points of much expectation for viewers is Suzy and Kim Woo-bin's on-screen reunion.

Both leads have demonstrated their chops for their previous works, and their chemistry is expected to drive the narrative.

Genie, Make a Wish will be streamed globally by Netflix beginning Oct. 3.
Beijing-based AI chipmaker Cambricon Technologies, widely seen as a potential alternative to Nvidia in the Chinese market, has issued a rare warning about supply chain risks and excessive speculation in its shares, which have gained 533 per cent in the past 12 months.

The company's Shanghai-listed stock nearly doubled in the last month on a wider rally fuelled by China's favourable policy support of local artificial intelligence chips and a new AI model from DeepSeek tailored for upcoming domestic chips.

"[Our] stock price risks deviating from current fundamentals, and investors participating in trading might face substantial risks," the company said in a filing to the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Thursday.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Cambricon also reminded investors that it was subject to US export restrictions that made it vulnerable to supply chain risks.

Cambricon chairman Chen Tianshi speaks at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. Photo: Handout alt=Cambricon chairman Chen Tianshi speaks at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. Photo: Handout>

"The company and some of its subsidiaries have been placed on the Entity List (of the US Commerce Department), and this will pose risks to the stability of the company's supply chain and may adversely affect its operating performance," it said.

The warning came after its shares overtook liquor distiller Kweichow Maotai as the costliest stock in China, prompting the country's retail investors to hail it as "the new king" in the onshore stock market.

The stock closed at 1,587.91 yuan (US$221.96) on Thursday, overtaking Kweichow Moutai's closing price of 1446.1.

The company said its full-year revenue in 2025 was expected to fall into the range between 5 billion and 7 billion yuan. On Tuesday, Cambricon reported that revenue in the first six months surged 4,348 per cent year on year to 2.88 billion yuan.

Separately, Cambricon said it had no plans to release any new products.

The company noted that its shares were trading at a 12-month trailing price-to-earnings ratio of over 5,000 compared to the industry average of about 90.

The company's shares fell 5.3 per cent in the Friday morning session after the warning.

Beijing this week unveiled the latest in a series of strategies to bolster AI development and encourage its application across traditional industries, with a focus on progress in domestically made chips. The policy support follows DeepSeek's release of a new AI model that it said employed a new scale factor designed for the "next generation of domestic chips to be released soon".




Friday, August 29, 2025 - Former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Vice Chairman, Arap Kirwa, has issued a bold challenge to President William Ruto and his allies, warning them against any attempts to rig the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking on Friday, August 29th, 2025, during a radio interview, Kirwa dismissed the Governments chances of retaining power, claiming that Kenyans had already lost confidence in the administration.

I am happy, the current regime stands no chance.

Even if they attempt to steal two million votes, the gap between them and the alternative leadership will be too wide, Kirwa said.

He cautioned that manipulating election figures would only expose the regime to ridicule.

You cannot tell us that in a region with less than two million people, you got three million votes.

Importing votes from outside the country would be a logistical nightmare, he remarked.

Kirwa argued that the administration has been overestimating its influence while underestimating the frustrations ordinary Kenyans face.

According to the former Minister, a struggling economy, governance failures, and political betrayals will heavily undermine Rutos re-election bid.

I advise them that they will lose the election whether they import two million votes or not. The will of the people cannot be overturned, he declared.






Friday, August 29, 2025 - A photo of a young beautiful lady was seen pinned to a street pole, accompanied by a chilling warning that she is allegedly spreading the deadly HIV virus.

The disturbing notice was strategically placed along a busy road, with the womans phone number printed alongside her photo, leaving passersby stunned.

The bizarre act has sparked mixed reactions online, with some speculating that it could be the work of a jilted lover seeking revenge, while others believe the woman might have fallen victim to malicious defamation.

See the photo.





The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, August 29, 2025 - Social media is on fire after a video emerged showing social personality, Patelo, being slapped by his wife, Dee, during a heated altercation inside a city nightclub.

The incident comes barely two months after their flashy, high-budget wedding, which had been trending online for days, with many Kenyans hailing them as the perfect couple.

In the video, the visibly agitated Dee is seen lecturing Patelo before things quickly spiral out of control.

Dee suddenly lands a heavy slap on his cheeks, leaving onlookers stunned.

Patelo and Dee, who have been portraying a picture-perfect love life on social media, are yet to comment on the incident.

Meanwhile, Kenyans online are having a field day with memes, jokes, and hot takes about the celebrity couple.

Watch the video.

PATELO being slapped by his wife, DEE, in a night club pic.twitter.com/tfsXUVDIPN  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) August 29, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Chiquita bananas are seen on a supermarket shelf. Panamanian President Jose Raul Molino said that US banana giant Chiquita plans to resume banana production in Panama after months of shutting down operations and laying off 6,500 striking workers. Sven Hoppe/dpa

Chiquita plans to restart banana production in Panama months after shutting operations and laying off 6,500 striking workers, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said on Friday.

Mulino announced that an agreement was reached after meeting Chiquita chairman Carlos Lopez Flores during an official visit to Brazil's capital. He said the deal would help restore jobs, trade, and stability in the sector.

Under the memorandum signed in Brasilia, the company will rehire about 3,000 workers initially, with another 2,000 to follow later, the government said. Chiquita aims to resume operations in Panama by February 2026.

"I will always stand on the side of investment, production and decent work for our people," Mulino said in a video message on social media. "What happened, happened. Now is the time to look forward and reorganize the country for the benefit of Panamanian families."

The US fruit giant halted production in Panama's Bocas del Toro province in April after nearly two months of strikes by banana workers and other unions protesting a pension reform. Chiquita dismissed its entire workforce and shifted its local headquarters to neighbouring Costa Rica.

The unrest prompted the government to impose a regional state of emergency in June, which eventually brought the strike to an end. Bananas remain Panama's most important export.
THE Mac and Norman Vintage Rally marked its 23rd year with a turnout of vehicles that suggests, when everything is counted, approximately another 30,000 has been raised for the Irish Cancer Society. That amount is ten times more than what was collected at the inaugural rally over two decades ago.

Waiting for the rally on Kilcullen Bridge

"It has become an incredible event, and it all began in a conversation in a pub," recalls local man John Kennedy, who has been involved with the rally since the beginning, run under the names of neighbours Peter 'Mac' Sully and Norman Egar.

Vintage cars are a popular feature of the rall

"We had been attending a vintage tractor ploughing event in Cooley, and a few nights later, we were talking about it in Markey's Pub. We said we should organise something with old tractors to raise funds for a charity. Then an advert for the Irish Cancer Society appeared on the pub's TV, and we decided it should be that. Five weeks later, we handed over a cheque to the ICS for 3,000."

A convoy of motorbikes are park of the event each year Photos: Brian Byrne

By this year's event, 610,000 has been raised for the cancer support society. Even during the peak of COVID, a 'virtual' rally was held, which helped generate funds for the cause.

Checking in

Starting from Mac Sully's yard in Cannycourt, the convoy of tractors, trucks, vintage cars, and motorbikes makes a circuit through Brannockstown and Kilcullen before returning to the starting point, where an afternoon of music and a charity auction takes place, with 117 items donated this year.

'We've got a convoy!' of trucks - new and old

The number of participants is so extensive that it takes the rally thirty minutes to pass through Kilcullen.

A lovely memory!

Even before the dust settled, organisers had set the date for their 24th rally, scheduled for the 16th of August next year.

Michael Duffy, Calverstown; Adam Talbot, Valleymount; and Martin Whelan, Ballyshanno

Crowds came out in their droves to support the participants

Gardai lent a hand on the day
Tirlan is offering its family farm milk suppliers a dry weather feed support.

The support includes a rebate of 30 per tonne on GAIN dairy feed, 10 per tonne on Irish rolled cereals and 3 per tonne on straights.

The recent dry spell has reduced grass growth and availability in parts of the Tirlan catchment area, hampering efforts to build grass reserves for the autumn. This is resulting in more conserved forage being fed, which is impacting milk supply in some areas.

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The latest survey on grass availability conducted among Tirlan milk suppliers revealed that approximately 90% of the 593 respondents reported either a declining average farm cover or difficulty in building grass reserves on their farms.

The feed support is designed to help Tirlan milk suppliers fully meet their herds' energy needs, while also safeguarding winter feed reserves.

Feed Support

The Tirlan feed support will apply for a three-week period from 24 August to 13 September 2025 on all GAIN dairy feed, Irish rolled cereals and Straights delivered during this time.

A number of terms apply to the support:

The support applies to tonnes of GAIN dairy feed, Irish rolled cereals and straights delivered from 24 August to 13 Septs;

30 a tonne rebate on all GAIN dairy feed;

10 a tonne rebate on Irish rolled cereals;

3 a tonne rebate on all straights purchased;

Available to all milk suppliers of Tirlan. In addition, the support will be available to non-Tirlan suppliers who are active GAIN dairy feed customers of Tirlan.

Rebate is limited to end-users (farmers) who directly use the feed.

A reasonable usage limit on the promotion tonnes will apply for each customer;

Further terms and conditions will apply.

Ailish Byrne, Tirlans Chief Agri Officer, said: Our teams are actively assisting suppliers with grass budgeting and providing nutritional advice to enhance cow performance and health. Through engaging with and listening to our dairy farmers, its clear there is a requirement to assist our family farms during this period. This support is designed to help suppliers avoid a sharp drop in milk output for this time of year, build grass reserves for the autumn and conserve winter feed stocks.

Tirlan Milk suppliers are encouraged to place their orders through their local Tirlan branch, Business Manager, or order online via Tirlan FarmLife by clicking on My Account.
Data gathered by Vision Ireland, a nationwide charity who assists blind and visually impaired people, has revealed that just 48 dog fouling fines were issued by Local Authorities in 2024.

In Kilkenny, the figure is even more surprising, with no fines issued for dog fouling throughout the whole of last year. In comparison, 123 parking fines were issued locally over the same time span.

Overall fines totalled 48 and 46 in 2024 and 2023 respectively, both a significant decrease from the 82 fines issued in 2022.

Cork County Council led the way in 2024 with 11 fines, while most Local Authorities issued just one or two.

READ NEXT: Priest retirements and parish swaps to come into place in Kilkenny this week

Fourteen Local Authorities, almost half of the total, issued zero fines for dog fouling last year.

Meanwhile, a survey of 281 people who are blind or vision impaired explored the issue of footpath obstacles and found that 42% of respondents were impacted by dog waste in public spaces on a frequent basis.

In response, Vision Ireland outlined their grave concerns, specifically at the potential health risks.

"People who are blind or vision impaired and use mobility aids are particularly at risk," a spokesperson said.

"Not only does dog fouling present a slipping hazard, but it can also be a major problem for white cane users whose canes are dirtied by faeces. When folded up, this poses a hygiene and health risk," they continued.

Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy and External Affairs at Vision Ireland said: "Fines alone are not the answer, and we urge the public to be more considerate of the needs of everyone who uses our shared spaces."

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Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) ranks among the best diversified bank stocks to invest in right now. On August 22, Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) stated that it is looking to redeem $2.5 billion in notes due in 2025 as part of its liability management strategy. This redemption will include $1.75 billion in fixed-rate notes and $750 million in floating-rate notes, featuring a redemption price set at par along with accrued interest.

Pixabay/Public Domain

The companys financial health was also confirmed by Fitch Ratings, which has maintained Citigroups long-term issuer default rating at A with a stable outlook.

In a separate vein, the bank is investigating stablecoin custody services as part of its cryptocurrency expansion, joining other significant financial institutions in this attempt. This comes after Washington lawmakers recently passed legislation that makes stablecoins easier to utilize for a range of financial services.

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) provides a wide range of financial services to individuals, organizations, and governments. The bank operates through its Services, Markets, Banking, US Personal Banking, and Wealth sectors.

While we acknowledge the potential of C 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.
A man in his twenties who has been arrested and charged following a serious assault in Dublin's Temple Bar is due to appear before court.

On Thursday, August 21, Gardai and emergency services responded to an incident at the tourist hotspot in the early hours, at approximately 12:30am.

From there, a man, aged in his 40s, was taken to Beaumont Hospital. He still remains in a critical condition.

The scene was preserved and a technical examination has been completed.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Guess who we spotted at Electric Picnic on Friday amid record crowds?

On Friday, August 29, a spokesperson for Gardai in Pearse Street confirmed they arrested a male, in his 20s, in connection with this investigation. He was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in the capital.

Following the arrest, he was charged and is due to appear before the District Court at the Criminal Courts of Justice this morning, August 30 at 10:30am.

Gardai have stated that investigations are ongoing.
One international student after another told the University of Central Missouri this summer that they couldn't get a visa, and many struggled to even land an interview for one.

Even though demand was just as high as ever, half as many new international graduate students showed up for fall classes compared to last year.

The decline represents a hit to the bottom line for Central Missouri, a small public university that operates close to its margins with an endowment of only $65 million. International students typically account for nearly a quarter of its tuition revenue.

We arent able to subsidize domestic students as much when we have fewer international students who are bringing revenue to us, said Roger Best, the university's president.

Signs of a decline in international students have unsettled colleges around the U.S. Colleges with large numbers of foreign students and small endowments have little financial cushion to protect them from steep losses in tuition money.

International students represent at least 20% of enrollment at more than 100 colleges with endowments of less than $250,000 per student, according to an Associated Press analysis. Many are small Christian colleges, but the group also includes large universities such as Northeastern and Carnegie Mellon.

The extent of the change in enrollment will not be clear until the fall, Some groups have forecast a decline of as much as 40%, with a huge impact on college budgets and the wider U.S. economy.

International students face new scrutiny on several fronts

As part of a broader effort to reshape higher education, President Donald Trump has pressed colleges to limit their numbers of international students and heightened scrutiny of student visas. His administration has moved to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian activism, and new student visa appointments were put on hold for weeks as it ramped up vetting of applicants' social media.

On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security said it will propose a rule that would put new limits on the time foreign students can stay in the U.S.

The policies have introduced severe financial instability for colleges, said Justin Gest, a professor at George Mason University who studies the politics of immigration.

Foreign students are not eligible for federal financial aid and often pay full price for tuition  double or even triple the in-state rate paid by domestic students at public universities.

To put it more dollars and cents-wise, if an international student comes in and pays $80,000 a year in tuition, that gives universities the flexibility to offer lower fees and more scholarship money to American students, Gest said.
You might not know it from a rising stock market, but President Trumps tariffs and other limits on global trade are causing widespread damage throughout the economy. The costs will eventually reach most American families through price hikes and less competition in many product categories.

US businesses are reluctant to criticize Trumps tariffs, lest Trump retaliate against them. But theyre legally obligated to tell shareholders about anything that affects their financial performance. And there was lots of tariff talk during the second quarter earnings season, which is just wrapping up.

A Yahoo Finance analysis of earnings calls found that tariffs and other aspects of Trumps trade war are harming profits and forcing price hikes in at least seven of the 11 sectors that comprise the S&P 500 stock index. Four sectors are relatively unscathed: Communication Services (XLC), Financials (XLF), Real Estate (XLRE), Utilities (XLU). Those sectors include 161 of the S&P 500 companies, and they generally involve services not subject to tariffs or are domestic in nature.

Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet

The other seven sectors are bearing most of the cost of new import taxes, which have jumped from $7 billion before Trump took office to around $30 billion now, and could go as high as $50 billion per month. Yahoo Finances Grace ODonnell tracked specific mentions of tariffs in earnings calls for dozens of prominent companies during the second quarter. Here are some examples of steep tariff impacts among the seven sectors, which include 68% of the companies in the S&P 500:

Consumer Discretionary (XLY): General Motors (GM) cited a $1.1 billion tariff hit to profits in the second quarter. Ford (F) said tariffs will shave $2 billion in profits for the year. Deckers Outdoor (DECK) plans to raise prices because of tariffs. Home Depot (HD) plans to raise prices and offer fewer promotions. Discount retailer TJX (TJX)also plans price hikes.

Consumer Staples (XLP): Walmart (WMT) said, Weve continued to see our costs increase each week, which we expect will continue. Keurig Dr. Pepper (KDP) said that "commodity inflation will build and tariff impacts will become prominent. Kraft Heinz (KHC) said tariffs could reduce profit margins this year by 1 to 1.8 percentage points.

Energy (XLE): SolarEdge (SEDG) said the Trump tariffs could cut profit margins by 2 percentage points. Sunrun (RUN) pegged its tariff-related losses at around $1,000 per customer. Baker Hughes (BKR) said tariffs could cost it up to $200 million this year.
A Boone County judge has dismissed one of six counts in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of former University of Missouri student Riley Strain.

Judge Joshua Devine filed the order Thursday, more than two weeks after the first hearing in the wrongful death lawsuit.

Strain was found dead in the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 22, 2024  14 days after he went missing on a trip with his fraternity, Delta Chi.

His death has been ruled an accidental drowning. Medical examiners found Strain's blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal driving limit in Tennessee at the time of his death.

Strain was 22 and a senior at MU when he died.

The wrongful lawsuit was filed in Boone County on March 21, 2025, by Strain's parents and step-parents, totaling four plaintiffs.

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2:57 First hearing in Riley Strain wrongful death lawsuit held Strain was on a fraternity formal with the MU Delta Chi chapter in Nashville, Tennessee, when he died.

A Boone County court on Thursday dismissed count three in the lawsuit, which alleged vicarious liability for Strain's death against the Delta Chi Fraternity as the apparent agency.

Counts one, four, five and six alleged negligence, and count two alleged vicarious liability against Delta Chi as the actual agency.

Counts one, two and three pertained to Delta Chi Fraternity, count four pertains to BCC Missouri LLC, count five pertains to individual Delta Chi officers and members, and count six pertains to the Board of Chapter Advisors.

The court also dismissed entirely the claims of Strain's step-parents in the lawsuit. Court documents said that since Strain's step-parents are not his "natural or adoptive" parents, they are not entitled to bring forth a wrongful death lawsuit.

The next hearing in the lawsuit has not yet been set.
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Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), a company focused on fusion energy development, has raised $863m in a Series B2 funding round.

This investment will bring CFS closer to achieving its goal of being the first company globally to commercialise fusion energy.

It will help complete its SPARC fusion demonstration machine and advance the development of its first ARC power plant in Virginia.

The latest funding round, which was oversubscribed, is the largest capital raise among deep tech and energy companies since CFS' $1.8bn Series B round in 2021.

CFS now has close to $3bn in funding, approximately one-third of the total capital invested in private fusion companies globally.

Commonwealth Fusion Systems CEO and co-founder Bob Mumgaard said: Investors recognise that CFS is making fusion power a reality. They see that we are executing and delivering on our objectives.

This funding recognises CFS' leadership role in developing a new technology that promises to be a reliable source of clean, almost limitless energy  and will enable investors to have the opportunity to capitalise on the birth of a new global industry.

CFS' investor base has expanded internationally, attracting a diverse group, from fundamental investors to industrial companies.

The round saw participation from a variety of financial entities including banks, hedge funds, pension funds, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds and venture capitalists.

Notable new investors include Brevan Howard Macro Venture Fund, Counterpoint Global (Morgan Stanley) and Stanley Druckenmiller.

Additionally, a consortium of 12 Japanese companies, led by Mitsui & Co. and Mitsubishi, joined the investment round.

The consortium includes prominent companies such as the Development Bank of Japan, Fujikura, JERA and Kansai Electric Power.

These new stakeholders are joined by existing investors such as Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Google, which have increased their stakes in CFS.

CFS senior vice-president of corporate development Ally Yost said: CFS offers investors the clearest path to bringing commercial fusion to the world  and an unprecedented opportunity to make a real impact as global demand for power accelerates with electrification and increased use of AI and data centres.

Along with the promise of energy independence and security, fusion power will help to expand energy access, and with it, improve quality of life.

CFS ARC power plant project, due to be built in Chesterfield County, Virginia, US, is set to be the world's first grid-scale fusion power plant.
First Eagle Investments, an investment management company, released its First Eagle Global Fund second-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Class A shares of the fund returned 7.23% in the second quarter of 2025. All regions contributed to the overall performance. North America and developed Europe were the top contributors, whereas Japan and developed Asia, excluding Japan, lagged. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025.

In its second-quarter 2025 investor letter, First Eagle Global Fund highlighted stocks such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM). Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices. The one-month return of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) was -1.39%, and its shares gained 40.86% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On August 28, 2025, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) stock closed at $238.27 per share, with a market capitalization of $1.236 trillion.

First Eagle Global Fund stated the following regarding Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter:

"Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is the worlds largest semiconductor foundry, a primary manufacturer of advanced chips used in genera tive artificial intelligence with Nvidia, Broadcom, Intel, Advanced Micro Devices and Apple among its clients. TSMC reported continued strong sales during the quarter, with an expanded contribution from AI. We believe TSMC has extended its edge over competitors to become the de facto foundry for many customers. The company has made significant efforts in recent years to geographically diversify its manufacturing base, including in the US."

Analyst Says Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) Among the Best AI Stocks to Buy on the Dip

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is in 9th position on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 187 hedge fund portfolios held Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) at the end of the second quarter, which was 187 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) 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.
KNEECAP are officially THE knockout stars of Electric Picnic 2025.

Out of this World, Epic and Amazing are just some of the comments from fans after an incredible performance before a capacity crowd at the main stage this afternoon.

Posting a photo of the massive crowd (above), the official Electric Picnic social media sites declared: Were so proud of you @kneecap32.

There was already a buzz in the air before the Irish rap trio arrived on stage and the electric atmosphere built and built before they appeared, greeted by pro-Palestinian chants.

There was a sea of tricolour balaclavas and chants of 'Free Free Mo Chara' and 'Free Palestine' echoed around the festival site.

And after a show that another fan described as 'Savage' on the official Electric Picnic Facebook page, the general consensus is that Kneecap deserve to be headliners.

Mo Chara, Moglai Bap and DJ Provai told the massive crowd that they will talk about Palestine on stage at every gig until something changes.

And there were resounding cheers when they strongly criticised the housing crisis, blaming the two main Government parties, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

The West Belfast trio also thanked festival director Melvin Benn for booking them, at a time when some other festivals have cancelled their performances.
TikTok influencer Esmeralda Ferrer Garibay, known online as Esmeralda FG, her husband, and their two children were discovered murdered inside their pickup truck in a chilling quadruple homicide that has attracted national attention in Mexico.

On Friday, August 22, 2025, authorities uncovered an abandoned gray Ford Ranger in Guadalajara, on Jorge Delorme Street, containing the bodies of Esmeralda, 32, her husband Roberto Carlos Gil Licea, 36, their 13yearold son Gael Santiago, and their 7yearold daughter, Regina. Their identities were confirmed six days later, on August 28. Authorities confirmed that the family had recently moved to downtown Guadalajara.

Esmeralda had amassed a substantial following on TikTok, with approximately 22,000 followers and over 500,000 likes. Her content blended lavish displays featuring designer Her postings showcased designer labels such as Gucci and Dior, luxury cars, cosmetic surgery transformations, beach getaways, and moments with her children, Pomeranian pets, with lip-synced narco-corridos.

What set her apart was her embrace of narco-corridos, Mexican ballads glorifying drug trafficking culture. One viral video featured the phrase "Advantages of having a narco boyfriend." Her final post, published on August 7, had already garnered over 100,000 views; several others reached more than 600,000.

However, preliminary findings point to Roberto's involvement in vehicle trading and tomato farming in Michoacan as a likely motive, potentially attracting violent interest from organized crime groups. Authorities emphasize that Esmeralda's social media presence, marked by glamorous lifestyle posts and narco-themed content, is not believed to be the primary reason behind the attack.

Using CCTV footage and Ministry of Security and National Guard data, investigators traced the truck's path back to a nearby mechanic's workshop on Ejido Avenue. When authorities raided the workshop, they discovered bloodstains, spent bullet casings, and ballistic evidence, all indicating that the family was likely executed at the site before being transported in the vehicle.

Prosecutor Alfonso Gutierrez Santillan stated, "While the forensic results are not yet in, ballistic and blood evidence almost certainly confirm they were murdered at that location. While the forensic results are not yet in, ballistic and blood evidence almost certainly confirm they were murdered at that location."

Two workshop workers, identified as Hector Manuel Valdivia Martinez and a suspect nicknamed "El Chino," were detained but later released due to insufficient evidence. On leaving the prosecutor's office, they, along with two relatives, were abducted by an armed group. El Chino escaped, while the other three remain missing. Prosecutor Blanca Trujillo noted that the abductors "had been watching the exit for over two hours," underscoring the calculated nature of their actions.

Originally published on Latin Times
In 2023, a fire on Ferry Street in Easton destroyed 19 homes, leaving residents displaced and in need of help.

The scale of destruction required a large, coordinated response from multiple agencies and community partners. This led to the establishment of a Multi-Agency Resource Center, centralized service hub when an incident displaces households or requires longer-term support.

To further this effort, City Administrator Luis Campos hosted the citys inaugural Emergency Management Task Force meeting to bring several community organizations together to learn how they can assist in an emergency situation.

Those types of situations require cooperation and participation, Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said.

On Thursday, city officials and organizations met at Lafayette College, including the American Red Cross Association, Easton Area Community Center, ProJeCt of Easton, and more. Fire Chief Henry Hennings, explained how MARC is designed to work and why pre-planning with county and nonprofit partners is essential.

Typically what should take place is we identify an issue, I reach out to the county right away, and they start. When that happens, [the MARC] should be up and running within several hours, Hennings said. By the time the state site gets back to the county, and theyve identified who we need to be involved, they make those contacts.

He noted that the same personnel who fight fires often manage emergency coordination, which can slow the transition from suppression to broader recovery efforts.

So if Im unseen as emergency management coordinator, my sole focus is on mitigating the immediate need, he said. So if its a fire, were trying to get that under control. So thats where some of the delay comes in.

To avoid delays, Hennings urged community partners to provide contact lists, service information and staffing availability ahead of time so the MARC can be fully staffed and operational within hours of an incident.

The American Red Cross also plays a role in Eastons disaster response, providing immediate relief to families affected by fires and other emergencies.

Peter Brown, executive director of the Pennsylvania Rivers chapter of the American Red Cross, said the organization operates as a second responder in emergencies, and its focus is providing immediate resources within the first 24 to 72 hours.

The organization typically arrives on scene after fire suppression efforts end, providing emergency shelter, food, clothing and help replacing critical documents and prescriptions. The organization also deploys disaster mental-health and spiritual-care teams to support families in the first hours of recovery.

Its just a start, Brown said, explaining that recovering from a disaster is more than just receiving basic items.

A large fire in the 900 block of Ferry Street in Easton's West Ward on May 29, 2023, involves multiple row homes. - Easton row home fire May 29, 2023 Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

In a long-term sense, Brown explained that affected households are assigned caseworkers who provide personalized support long after the initial emergency response.

They may work with them for as long as 60 to 90 days, helping them to start to build out a recovery plan, and that also includes some referrals to local resources, he said.

He said this casework ensures that families can access additional services such as housing assistance, healthcare referrals and financial guidance. This is support that often requires cooperation from grassroots groups that already have trusted relationships with local residents.

Brown said one challenge in managing disaster response is fraud incidents. These typically happen when individuals falsely claim they lived at an impacted address when they did not, hoping to access resources such as financial aid, shelter, or other support meant for legitimate victims.

To prevent this, Brown said the organization carefully vet all claims.

Red Crosss work in the region relies heavily on volunteers, which is 90% of the workforce. Volunteers respond to more than 110 home fires annually in the Lehigh Valley, Brown said.

Including bilingual and neighborhood-based partners ensures that displaced families receive accurate information and assistance quickly, he said.

The Red Cross works closely with Easton officials to establish a MARC during larger incidents, where residents can access services.

The MARC is established to have all these organizations there in one central location so theyre not bouncing around to different locations trying to get the help that they truly need, Brown said.

Brown stressed that maintaining relationships between emergencies is just as important as responding during them. Regular meetings with city officials, emergency managers and nonprofit partners ensure that agencies know one another before a crisis and can coordinate faster when disasters strike.

We have a lot of players, Brown said. We have a lot of organizations that have different ways that they can help.

Chelsea McClure can be reached at cmcclure@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on instagram at @chelsealehighvalley.
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.

READ NEXT: Major changes at RTE as Claire Byrne's departure to rival broadcaster is confirmed

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).
A new family resource centre has been announced for Leixlip.

Kildare Minister, James Lawless, welcomed yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, of the establishment of five new Family Resource Centres (FRCs) nationwide. The new centres will be in Dublin, Monaghan, Louth, Kildare, and Galway.

The expansion of the programme will see the creation of a new Family Resource Centre in Leixlip, to be based at the Leixlip Youth and Community Centre, Newtown House, Captains Hill.

READ MORE: Changes could be on the way for this Kildare GAA club's premises

Minister Lawless stated: I very much welcome todays confirmation that Leixlip will benefit from the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme. The establishment of this new centre is an extremely positive development for our community and will provide vital supports for families and children.

The selection process for the new centres was conducted through a comprehensive national application and assessment procedure, led by Tusla, and independently chaired by a representative of the University of Limerick.

Each successful applicant will receive core funding of 160,000 per annum to support their operations. The Family Resource Centre National Forum will work with the new centres to ensure their smooth integration into the existing national programme, fostering collaboration, providing practical guidance, and strengthening links with established FRCs.

Minister Lawless continued: Family Resource Centres are a cornerstone of community life, delivering trusted and inclusive supports to families and children at local level. This investment represents a significant commitment to community-led development and will make a real and lasting difference in peoples lives.
Leitrim County Council has announced its support for a special event in Ballinamore this September celebrating the work of Project Children, the groundbreaking charity that offered a lifeline to thousands of young people during the Northern Ireland Troubles.

The highlight of the day will be a screening of the acclaimed documentary How to Diffuse a Bomb  The Project Children Story, which aired on RTE last year. The film traces the experiences of some of the 23,000 children who were given a six-week summer reprieve from sectarian violence by staying with host families in the United States. It also captures the perspectives of those American families who opened their homes and hearts across the decades.

Founded in 1975 by brothers Denis and Pat Mulcahy, Project Children became a remarkable peace-building initiative at a time when Northern Ireland was deeply divided. Deniss wife, Miriam (nee ORourke) from Aughnasheelin, has also played a central role since the charitys earliest days. The Ballinamore event is being held in part to honour her lifetime of dedication.

The programme for the day begins at 11.00am at the Island Theatre in Ballinamore, where secondary school students will attend a special screening of the documentary, followed by a photo call with the Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Denis and Miriam Mulcahy, and the students. From 1.15pm, the ORourke family and members of the Aughnasheelin community will host a lunch at the Community Centre. This will be followed at 2.45pm by a tree planting and plaque unveiling ceremony, led by Denis and Miriam, to mark the occasion.

Later in the evening, a reception will take place at the Island Theatre from 6.00pm, where the Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council will deliver a welcome address. The main public screening of How to Diffuse a Bomb will follow at 7.00pm. After the 90-minute film, Denis and Miriam Mulcahy will take part in a Q&A session before the Chief Executive of the Council offers closing remarks at 9.00pm.

As part of the wider 50th anniversary celebrations, similar events are also taking place in Deniss home county of Cork, with a large gala planned for Monaghan in October. Leitrim County Council has been working closely with Project Children representatives in New York to bring the Ballinamore and Aughnasheelin event together.

Organisers say Denis Mulcahy will be available in advance of the event to speak about the history and impact of the charity, which for five decades has helped shape cross-community understanding and reconciliation.

READ MORE why poetry will survive AI

Youth with a stone during a riot at the top of Leeson Street, west Belfast, 1978.
STAFF at a city centre pub are toasting success after it landed a major award.

Mother Macs Pub, located at High Street, was named Whiskey Bar of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Bar of the Year awards.

Its the first time a bar in Limerick has claimed the award, with the accolade highlighting the importance of whiskey tourism to Ireland, which continues to grow year on year.

READ MORE: Parent company of Limerick finance firm makes capital gains

Mike McMahon, the co-owner of Mother Macs, which is located in the landmark former Roundhouse Pub building, said: This award is about more than just one bar. It shows that Limerick has the character, quality, and passion to compete with the best in the country. We are proud to have won this award and to welcome the world to discover Limerick through whiskey.

The whiskey shelves at Mother Macs feature both Irish brands and rare bottles, curated to suit enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The Bar of the Year awards celebrate excellence across Irelands hospitality industry, with categories recognising innovation, service, and specialist offerings.

One other local bar won a top prize: 101 in OConnell Street was named Irelands gin bar of the year.

Elsewhere, Durty Nellys in Bunratty won a silver award in the category of visitor attraction of the year.

Its neighbour in the village, JP Clarke's took second place in the gastro-bar category.

And the Locke Bar, located at George's Quay in Limerick city centre, won the silver medal category in the contest for tourist bar of the year.

The overall title of Bar of the Year was given to Bar 1661, located at Rotunda in Dublin 7.

The ceremony also took place in the capital - at Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Cotton futures are trading with gains of 41 to 80 points across most contracts on Thursday. The US dollar index is back down $0.392 on the day to $97.735, with crude oil futures $0.53 lower.

USDA reported a total of 179,333 RB of cotton sold in the week ending on August 21, an improvement from last week of 70.19% and 92.81% above last year in the same week. Shipments dropped to the lowest since last November at 112,656 RB.

More News from Barchart

The Seam reported a total of 290 bales sold on Wednesday at an average price of 60.51 cents/lb. The Cotlook A Index was down 70 points at 78.20 cents on August 27. ICE cotton stocks were steady on 8/27, with the certified stocks level at 15,474 bales. USDAs Adjusted World Price (AWP) was up 48 points last week at 55.53 cents/lb. It will be updated later today.

Oct 25 Cotton is at 65.82, up 41 points,

Dec 25 Cotton is at 67.47, up 79 points,

Mar 26 Cotton is at 69.2, up 76 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
A POPULAR priest has retired after giving more than 50 years service to Limerick Diocese.

Over the last half-century, Canon Willie Fitzmaurice has served the parishes of St Johns in the city centre, plus Kilmallock and latterly Croom and Banogue.

It was in Crooms Town Park at the communitys open-air Mass where his retirement was celebrated.

READ MORE: Limerick town terrorised for two hours by knife-wielding man with multiple calls to 999

More than 200 people gathered at the event, which took place on Friday, August 15, the Feast of Our Ladys Assumption.

A long-serving sacristan in Croom, Tom Moloney, was also celebrated at the Mass, following his retirement.

Originally from the parish of Killeedy, Canon Fitzmaurice said: Its been a pleasure to serve the different communities over the last 50 years. Each role was demanding, but each of them was very worthwhile.

There was an awful lot of responsibility to work with the people, the schools, he said.

Canon Fitzmaurice will continue to assist in the Limerick Diocese following his retirement.

The rest of his time, he admits, he has not really planned out.

The thing about retirement is to be able to enjoy it, enjoy life, as one should do at any stage in life, said the priest, who was on the 1973 All-Ireland wining hurling panel.
AS THE church bell tolled on a sunny, mid-August evening, there was great anticipation and excitement in St Patricks Church, Doon.

The pipe organ, built in 1880, was rescued from spiders' cobwebs in the closed Convent of Mercy and was sold.

READ NEXT: PICTURES: County Limerick village celebrates heritage of Victorian pipe organ

Nine years after it had gone under the hammer at auction in 2016, the sweet, sonorous strains of the Victorian pipe organ were going to be heard again by parishioners and visitors at the Heritage Week Event organised to celebrate its installation.

Chief celebrant Fr Jimmy Donnelly PP was joined by Fr Johnny Sweeney with Deacon Tom Anderson assisting.

Tina Cummins, of Dun Bleisce Parish Choir, assisted in the liturgy with the readings while Brendan Byrnes, Beth OBrien and Luke Ryan of Dun Bleisce Historical and Literary Society read the Prayers of the Faithful.

Sisters of Mercy congregation were in attendance including Sr Cecilia English who joined other past and present members of the parish choir in their performance of the O Riada Mass with guest organ accompanist Eamonn Quigley.

In his homily, Fr Donnelly described the pipe organ as part of our heritage not frozen in time but alive in the present.

It is a reminder that we too have a responsibility to cherish what weve been given and to hand it on enriched to those who come after us, he said.

Sr Mary Coyle, of the Mercy Archive Centre, explained that she herself was a Doon girl and spoke of how happy she was that the dulcet tones of the pipe organ were to be heard again and how she loved being involved in the project.

Sr Mary thanked Fr Donnelly, sacristan Michael Reale, the parishioners of Doon, the parish choir, the Historical and Literary Society and the Heritage Council for helping to bring this project to fruition.

Sr Mary explained that the memorial booklet for the event would now form part of the Mercy archives. Presentations were made to choir director Assumpta Ui Riain, organist Mairead Quigley and guest accompanist Eamonn Quigley.

Refreshments were enjoyed in the Fr McGrath Hall thanks to the Historical Society and Parish Choir, facilitated and assisted by hard working members of Doon Community Council. There was a lot of joy, nostalgia and sense of community.

A recording of the O Riada Mass is available on YouTube via the Dun Bleisce Historical and Literary Society Facebook page.
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THE SHANNON Airport Group has been shortlisted in the Environment & Biodiversity category of the national Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards.

This recognises the aviation groups leadership in sustainability and work in biodiversity and conservation.

The Groups Biodiversity Enhancement and Conservation Grazing Project at Thadys Hill is among the finalists in this category.

This initiative, launched ahead of National Biodiversity Week 2025, is one of a number of projects the Group has brought forward under its five-year Biodiversity Action Plan, and is Irelands first conservation grazing project on airport-owned land.

READ MORE: Irish sporting royalty teams up with Shannon Airport in exciting new partnership

Located on a 10-acre site near Shannon Airport, Thadys Hill is home to endangered habitats that support a wide variety of native grass and flower species, including bee and pyramidal orchids.

In early 2024, the site underwent scrub clearance, followed by the introduction of Droimeann cattle - a native rare breed ideal for low-impact conservation grazing.

The project is led by the Groups Biodiversity Team and supported by local farmer John Quinlivan, botanist Phoebe OBrien, and Meg Brennan of Polliknow, who use advanced AI powered ground sensors that monitor wild insect pollinators - a key indicator of ecosystem health.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, September 24, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Dublin.

Sinead Murphy, Head of Sustainability at The Shannon Airport Group, commented: We are honoured to be shortlisted in the Environment & Biodiversity category of the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and partners, and the strength of our sustainability strategy.

The Sustainable Business Impact Awards, held in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development recognise purpose-driven business practices.
Ather Energy Ltd is betting on a flexible technology platform for its future products the country's top automobile manufacturers look to prepare for changes in market conditions and consumer demand.

EL, the new technology platform Ather unveiled on Saturday, can accommodate several different formats, vehicle body types, battery packs, chemistries and features, allowing it to develop a range of products over the next five years.

This comes a fortnight after its rival Ola Electric and four-wheeler maker Mahindra and Mahindra unveiled their own technology platforms that can be used to build several types of vehicles. While Olas Gen 4 platform will help build future two-wheeler, three-wheeler and four-wheeler EVs, Mahindra's can accommodate both internal combustion vehicles and electric vehicles. It joins Tata Motors in having access to such technology.

All-in-one solution Tarun Mehta, co-founder and chief executive of Ather, told Mint that consumers are developing premium tastes in electric scooters and the market need several types of products as a one-size-fits-all approach won't work.

We realised that we should spend more time making it a more versatile platform so that we can build out several products, Mehta said. What's staring at us for the next 10 years is the need for not just one or two scooters but maybe several scooters, and every time you do a scooter development you don't want to go back to the drawing board.

Also Read | After Bajaj Auto, Ather raises alarm over rare earth magnet crisis

Mehta noted that the scooter market was following the trajectory of the motorcycle market in terms of choice, with a range of products available from 100cc to 350cc.

Vehicle platforms are the foundational structure, with major components and systems in place, on which different models can be developed. Having a single platform for several types of products can help firms reduce costs significantly.

You need to build a vast portfolio of products out of which you will hopefully have enough successes. Because only with a wide portfolio can you sustain a large distribution and only with a large distribution can you sell enough to really start mattering, Mehta said, adding that there is a reason legacy players maintain a vast range of products even though only few models drive sales.

A flexible technology platform would helps firms react quickly to market shifts and regulatory changes. Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director and chief executive officer (auto and farm sector), Mahindra and Mahindra, said after the launch of Mahindras new technology platform that it would help the company meet new emissions norms effectively by letting them tweak their portfolio requirements between ICE and EV vehicles quickly, depending on the situation.

Ather surges, Ola stutters The push for flexible platforms comes as startups such as Ather push for profitability. Ather made a net loss of 812 crore in FY25, down from 1,060 crore a year earlier. Its operating profit margin improved from -39% to -26% during the fiscal year.

The company is locked in an intense competition with legacy players and Ola Electric for market leadership. Its sales have continued to surge while Ola has struggled to hold on to its market share. Ather, which listed on the bourses this May, doubled its sales to nearly 40,000 electric scooters in Q1 compared to last year, according to Vahan data. Meanwhile Olas sales nearly halved to around 58,000 during the first quarter compared to last year.

Since listing in May, Athers share price has risen 48% while Nifty Auto index has increased 10% over the same period.

Also Read | Aggarwal goes missing at many Ola Electric board meetings
Brazils labor court on Friday has ordered Volkswagen to pay 165 million reais (approximately $30 million) in a landmark ruling for collective moral damages after workers were subjected to slave-like conditions at a company-owned farm in Amazon during the 1970s and 1980s.

According to prosecutors, this is the largest reparation of its kind in the countrys history, AP reported.

Decades old abuses come to light The investigation into Volkswagen's subsidiary-owned farm in Para state was initiated in 2019 by the Labor Prosecutors Office. The investigation was prompted by extensive documentation provided by a local priest who had tracked the case for decades. Following further inquiries and witness testimony, Volkswagen was formally charged in 2024.

The court accepted the charges that hundreds of workers were subjected to degrading conditions between 1974 and 1986 at the farm which was used for cattle ranching and logging.

The farm employed about 300 workers under irregular contracts to clear the forest and prepare pastures. They were monitored by armed guards and forced to stay on the farm under debt bondage. Other than that, they were also allegedly given unsafe housing and insufficient food which is required for healthy survival. Workers who contracted diseases such as malaria were not given any medical care, AP said in a news report.

Court's ruling Judge Otavio Bruno da Silva Ferreira's ruling confirmed that the farm belonged to Volkswagen and that the conditions met the legal definition of slave labor.

These practices constituted one of the largest cases of slave labor exploitation in Brazils recent history, the Labor Prosecutors Office said in a statement, quoted by AP.

Also Read | Karnataka govt plans to increase daily work hours to 10. Check details

Slavery is a present past, because its marks remain in Brazilian society, especially in labor relations, Ferreira wrote, adding that understanding this legacy is crucial for understanding current realities and guiding antidiscrimination judgments.

Volkswagen to appeal the decision Volkswagens Brazilian headquarters released a statement after the ruling, saying that it will appeal the court's decision. The company asserted 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, AP said, citing the company's statement.
Buffett plans to step down as Berkshire CEO at years end after 60 years at the helm. He leaves an extraordinary legacy as an investor and manager.

He took control of a struggling textile company in 1965 and has turned it into the worlds largest conglomerate with a market value of over $1 trillion and annual after-tax operating earnings of about $45 billion.

Here are 10 lessons, or takeaways, from his long career. Investors may not agree with some or many of them, but they are worth considering.

Dont pay up for stocks. Buffett generally doesnt pay more than 15 times forward earnings for a stock. Even when buying growth companies like Apple nearly a decade ago or Coca-Cola in the late 1980s, Buffett bought them for under 15 times earnings.

Dont be afraid to take profitseven if it means paying a lot in taxes. While Buffett preaches forever" investing, the reality is different. Berkshire has cut its formerly huge stake in Apple by 70% and reduced its interest in Bank of America by 40% over the past year or so. In recent years, Berkshire has exited sizable holdings in JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs Group, Citigroup and Paramount Global among others. The only two forever" stocks in the Berkshire portfolio could be Coke and American Express.

Stick with what you know. Buffett retains a 20th century mind-set to his investments. Buffett owns few new-economy stocks. And its the same story with Berkshires wholly owned businesses, which are led by insurance, railroads and utilities.

Start early. Buffett was following the markets as a boy and reading investment periodicals in the Omaha public library. He made his first investmentCities Services preferredin 1942 when he was 12.

Seek out great teachers. Buffett was captivated by value investor Ben Grahams book The Intelligent Investor published in 1949. Buffett went to Columbia Business School where Graham taught and went to work for Grahams investment firm before striking out on his own.

Dont be afraid of concentrated investments. Five stocksAmerican Express, Apple., Bank of America, Coca-Cola and Chevronmade up almost 70% of Berkshires equity portfolio of roughly $300 billion at the end of the second quarter. Buffetts own portfolio is hyper-concentrated with over 99% of his net worth in Berkshire stocka stake now worth about $150 billion.

Hire great managers and let them do their thing. Berkshire grants far more autonomy to the top executives of its subsidiaries than virtually any other big company.

Dont retire too soon. Buffett doesnt believe in retirement at 65 for himself and for his top managers. Buffetts approach has paid off for Berkshire investors as the stock is up thirtyfold since he turned 65 in 1995.

Be stingy with share issuance. Berkshire hates issuing stock for acquisitions and has never offered stock compensation to anyone at Berkshire. Everyone gets paid in cash. That has paid off big-time for Berkshire holders as the share count is up just 40% since Buffett took over in 1965. Buffett focuses on growing per-share intrinsic value. The per-share part of that rule is critical.

Do something you like. Buffett has always loved his worksaying in the past that he tap dances" to the office every day. Berkshire is Buffetts baby, and he isnt giving it when he relinquishes the CEO job since he plans to remain chairman.

He told shareholders at Berkshires annual meeting in May that he also plans to be in the office daily in 2026not surprising for someone who said a few years ago that he was always on the clock" for Berkshire.

Berkshire investors are hoping he stays on the clock for at least several more years.

Happy birthday, Warren Buffett.

Write to Andrew Bary at andrew.bary@barrons.com
India's economy is projected to expand by 6.5% in FY26, driven by steady domestic momentum, according to a report by Bank of Baroda. However, the lender cautioned that escalating concerns over ongoing tariff negotiations may pose a downside risk to the positive outlook.

This projection aligns with the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) outlook of 6.5%, which was announced during the latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting outcome on August 6, 2025.

India's Q1 economic performance The fiscal year began with a strong performance, as India's GDP accelerated to 7.8% in the first quarter of financial year 2025-26, a major jump from 6.5% in the same period last year.

Bank of Baroda added that the upcoming festive season spending and a recovery in urban consumption are likely to further support growth, as per an ANI report. Expectations of another RBI rate cut and potential fiscal support could also positively influence the economic trajectory, the report added.

According to the official data, India's nominal GDP grew at an 8.8 per cent rate during the April-June quarter.

This growth was led by the following macroeconomic factors:

Supply-side growth: All-around growth was driven by the manufacturing, construction, and services sectors.

Demand-side strength: On this front, strong expansion in Private Final Consumption Expenditure at 7% and Gross Fixed Capital Formation at 7.8% underpinned performance. The share of PFCE in GDP rose to 60.3%, its highest level in 15 years for the first quarter.

Investment momentum: Central government capital expenditure saw a significant 30.1% increase in the past three years. Private investment sentiment also improved, with new investment announcements rising 3.3 times year-on-year basis in Q1. Experts cheer India's Q1 GDP growth Economists and experts have hailed India's first-quarter GDP growth figures, calling them a strong sign of economic resilience.

Indias first quarter GDP numbers have once again surprised on the upside, with growth coming in substantially stronger than expected. At 7.8%, India remains the fastest-growing major economy in the world, said Sujan Hajra, Chief Economist & Executive Director, Anand Rathi Wealth Limited.

He further added that on the supply side, manufacturing and construction are expanding at nearly 8%, while services are soaring above 9%and but for the flood-induced setback to mining, the outcome would have been even stronger.

Also Read | CEA Nageswaran pegs FY26 GDP growth rate at 6.3-6.8% despite Trump tariffs

"The recently imposed 50% US tariffs would be a key risk to Indias GDP growth as labour-intensive sectors like textiles and jewellery would be the most affected. At the same time, tepid urban consumption & employment trends and uncertain external environment could continue to weigh in on private sector capex," said Ambit Capital.
The first Weekend Ka Vaar episode of Bigg Boss 19 will air on August 30, with Salman Khan taking charge as host. This week's nominated contestants are Abhishek Bajaj, Gaurav Khanna, Natalia Janoszek, Neelam Giri, Pranit More, Tanya Mittal and Zeishan Quadri.

This time, stand-up comedian Pranit More will be at the centre of controversy. A promo shows Salman Khan lashing out at him for making inappropriate jokes about him outside the house.

Also Read | Bigg Boss 19 contestants with pics: Celebrities across many fields join show

Salman questioned how Pranit would react if the situation were reversed. He reminded the comedian that using his name for humour might have entertained audiences. But, there's a disclaimer.

I just dont think you should go beneath the belt, Salman Khan warns More in the promo.

As the clip hints at a tense exchange between Salman Khan and the stand-up comedian, social media has become eager to know what jokes More cracked on Bhai in the past.

What did Pranit More say about Salman Khan? Well, Pranit has made multiple jokes about Salman Khan. One of them is linked to Ashneer Grovers appearance on Bigg Boss last season.

Pranit More, during one of his performances called Sigma Male, talks about Grover on Bigg Boss. He mentions how the former BharatPe co-founder became bheegi billi (timid) in front of Salman Khan.

Grover alleged that he had paid money to Salman. Salman is not after money. He is after peoples careers, says More as images of Vivek Oberoi and Arijit Singh appear on screen.

Its good that Ashneer did not say much. If he did, Salman would not have sent him to the Bigg Boss house. He would have taken him to his farmhouse. And, for the first time, a Shark would have turned into a Doggy, More joked.

Pranit More has also jokingly commented on Salman Khans Filmfare press conference. During the event, Khan claimed his family used to use awards as door stoppers.

Its like Virat Kohli slamming IPL during IPL, More said.

Also Read | Case registered after comedian Pranit More attacked over jokes on Veer Pahariya

Social media reaction Social media users commented on the promo.

Salman was waiting for this moment, said one user.

Salman did not know about Pranits jokes last week. Team Bigg Boss must have informed him now, commented another.

More, son, you have not come to Bigg Boss. You have been summoned here, quipped another.

Pranit Mores entry to Bigg Boss During Pranit Mores entry to Bigg Boss, he presented a brief comedy set in front of Salman Khan. However, his tone was more restricted about Khan.

If I crack jokes on you, Id be cracked, he told Salman.

I was a back-bencher in school. Teachers used to call me Munh phat (too outspoken), More added.
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey is pushing back against the idea that real estate generates effortless wealth, warning investors that owning property requires ongoing work and responsibility.

Ramsey Calls Passive Real Estate Income A Myth

In a video shared Tuesday on X, Ramsey dismissed the notion that rental properties qualify as passive income.

"People who say passive income on real estate are morons. There is nothing passive about owning real estate," Ramsey said. He added that landlords must deal with "tenants, repairs, and real work" and argued that anyone claiming otherwise is likely "trying to sell you a get-rich-quick seminar on TikTok."

Trending: Would you have invested in eBay or Uber early? The same backers are betting on this vacation home platform at just $2.90 per share.

Real Estate Requires Work, Mutual Funds Offer True Passive Income

While stressing the challenges, Ramsey emphasized he is not antireal estate. "Real estate is a wonderful investment. But do not go into it with rose-colored glasses thinking it's going to be easy," he said.

Ramsey contrasted property ownership with investing in mutual funds, which he called a genuine source of passive income. "They send me a statement in my inbox," he noted, highlighting the hands-off nature of stock market investments compared with the day-to-day demands of property management.





See Also: Dump Your Financial Advisors. One AI Platform Manages Everything  With Zero AUM Fees. Book Your Demo Today.

Americans Stay Broke Focusing On Credit Scores Over Wealth

In July, on "The Ramsey Show," Ramsey explained why many Americans were struggling financially.

According to Ramsey, the issue was not low paychecks. "You're not broke because you don't make enough. You're broke because you give your income to everyone else," he said.

On Monday, Ramsey once again targeted America's obsession with credit scores, arguing that a high FICO score did not signal wealth but instead reflected years of debt payments to banks.

The Ramsey Show's social media account posted a series of videos in which Ramsey dismissed the value of an 800 credit score.
The hit track Raanjhan from Kriti Sanon and Kajols film Do Patti has landed in a plagiarism row after international music producer KMKZ alleged that the composition was lifted from one of his beats. Responding to the controversy, composer duo Sachet Tandon and Parampara Thakur-- better known as Sachet-Parampara-- have dismissed the allegations, calling them baseless, and confirmed that legal action is now underway.

In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Parampara clarified that the claims were unfounded. Whoever is saying they produced the music for Raanjhan is making false allegations for publicity. Weve already submitted the original files and piano scores to YouTube, Spotify and other streaming platforms, which prove the song is our creation. The F sharp scale progression is generic  any composer can use those chords to build a track, she said. She also revealed that KMKZs request to have the song taken down had been rejected by streaming platforms after reviewing the files.

The duo added that they have never relied on plagiarism in their decade-long career. Our lawyers have taken this matter to court. We are filing a defamation case against these claims that damage our goodwill in the industry. Misleading acts like this will not be tolerated, Parampara stressed.

What Did KMKZ Claim? The controversy began when KMKZ posted a video on Instagram accusing T-Series of lifting a beat he had uploaded two years ago. He alleged that his piano loop had been used in Raanjhan without credit or payment, despite the track amassing over 290 million streams on Spotify.

I produced the number one song in India and didnt even know about it, he said in the clip. He added that he had reached out to both the label and the artists multiple times but received zero response. KMKZ further wrote, Producers get ripped off all the time, but 300 million streams and number one on Billboard is crazy. I demand a plaque.

Not The First Controversy This isnt the first plagiarism allegation faced by the Do Patti soundtrack. Earlier this year, Kolkata-based producer Rajarshi Mitter accused the team of copying his composition for the track Maiyya and even served a legal notice.
South Korean actress Go Minsi has issued a direct and emotional statement denying ongoing allegations of school violence, which surfaced online three months ago.

Go Minsi denies school violence allegation In a detailed social media post, the Youth of May actress addressed the claims head-on, maintaining her innocence and calling for a more thoughtful public response in the face of unverified accusations.

Having waited for several months for the results of the investigation, I have steadied and swallowed down my heart that has been shaken dozens of times a day, Go wrote. Now, I feel it is right to reveal my position for those who can no longer wait any longer.

Go acknowledged having been a reckless student in her youth but firmly rejected the suggestion that her behaviour extended to acts of school violence.

Also Read | 5 best K-dramas to watch in 2025

I recognise better than anyone that I was a student who enjoyed recklessness and spent my school years thoughtlessly. Although I may not be perfect due to the regrets I have, I have walked this path with the heart to live a better life sincerely. However, there is absolutely no reason for me to bear false accusations simply because my past was imperfect.

The actress went on to express frustration at the publics tendency to jump to conclusions in the absence of concrete evidence.

What I need to acknowledge, I will acknowledge clearly, and what is clearly not the case, is not the case. I can state categorically that I have absolutely not engaged in school violence.

She also criticised the anonymous nature of the original allegations and emphasised her ongoing efforts to prove her innocence.

Outside of the unidentified community post revealing the identity of the victim, there is nothing that can confirm the facts of school violence, Go stated. I am submitting all valid materials that support the evidence that I am not the perpetrator, and I am in the midst of an ongoing investigation. Even if it takes time, I will never stop until the truth is revealed.

Go Minsi: The truth will come to light In a firm stance against the misuse of sensitive social issues, Go voiced concern over the broader implications of false claims.

I believe that school violence, which is a serious social issue, should be strictly punished. However, maliciously exploiting it blurs the essence, diluting the seriousness of the genuine school violence issue, she added.

Even if it has been clearly stated that it is false, the way people make assumptions based on a whim and assert them can be incredibly cruel and horrifying in this chaotic world of rumours.

Go Minsis statement marks her most detailed public response since the allegations first emerged in May via an anonymous online post. The actress closed her message with a resolute belief that the truth will eventually prevail.
Tamil actor Vishal has revealed that he is engaged to actress Sai Dhanshika. Marking the special occasion, he shared pictures from their engagement on social media, giving fans a delightful surprise on his 48th birthday. The two, who have shared a friendship spanning over 15 years, celebrated the milestone with a private ceremony. Naturally, the news has once again drawn attention to Sai Dhanshikas successful career and her enduring bond with Vishal, which has now turned into a heartwarming romance.

Who Is Sai Dhanshika? Sai Dhanshika is a well-known name in Tamil cinema with an impressive body of work. She stepped into the industry with the Tamil film Thirudi. Over the years, she has gained recognition for her powerful performances in acclaimed movies like Peranmai and Paradesi.

Her breakthrough role came in the blockbuster Kabali, where she portrayed superstar Rajinikanths daughter. Beyond Tamil cinema, she has also appeared in Telugu and Kannada films, amassing a filmography of over 23 movies. Alongside her acting career, Dhanshika is also a trained martial artist, showcasing her versatility and discipline.

Which Movies Has Sai Dhanshika Acted In? From her debut to Kabali, Dhanshika has consistently impressed audiences with strong performances across Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada cinema, earning praise for both her acting talent and screen presence.

How Did Vishal and Sai Dhanshika Announce Their Relationship? The couple confirmed their romance publicly during the audio launch of her upcoming film Yogi Da in May 2025. Fans welcomed the announcement warmly, as the duo had shared a close friendship for years.

How Close Are Vishal and Sai Dhanshika? Sai Dhanshika has often spoken about the bond she shares with Vishal and how deeply she values it. At the Yogi Da press conference earlier this year, she said, Ive known Vishal for about 15 years, and he has always shown me respect whenever we met. During a difficult time in my life, he personally came to my home and spoke up for me. No other hero has ever done that. His gesture was truly kind and heartwarming.

What Has Vishal Said About Dhanshika? Vishal, too, has acknowledged the impact Dhanshika has had on his life and expressed his appreciation for her presence. At the same event, he remarked, She is a wonderful person. They say God saves the best for the last, and I believe he saved Dhanshika for me. We are going to lead a positive and lovely life.

When Is the Wedding Expected? Though they had initially planned to marry on Vishals birthday, they chose to celebrate an intimate engagement instead. Their wedding is now anticipated in early September. Vishal shared the update on social media, thanking fans for their wishes and asking for their continued blessings and support.
New Delhi: India has identified manufacturing, renewable energy and auto components for relaxing covid-era curbs on Chinese investments, as the Asian heavyweights warm up to each other under the heat of Trumps tariffs.

The government is considering a plan to allow 20-25% Chinese investments in these sectors through the automatic route, two officials directly involved in the process told Mint on condition of anonymity.

Under Indias Press Note 3 notification in 2020, investments from neighbouring countries require New Delhis approval involving tight scrutiny, a move targeted primarily at China. But US President Donald Trumps increasing tariff pressure on China and India has pushed the two economic giants closer.

The relaxations in Indias foreign direct investment (FDI) rules are expected to be announced shortly, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, the officials said.

Sectors such as defence, security, strategic installations, exploration, and telecom installations have been kept out of the proposal," one of them said.

It is being considered to tweak the PN-3 after coming to the conclusion that allowing investments from Chinese firms could generate employment opportunities in India, since many of these companies already operate large manufacturing units in China and export their goods to the Indian market," the official added.

However, the investments will be subject to strict scrutiny and surveillance, the second official said. Complaints related to Chinese investments will be reviewed on a case-to-case basis, and if a Chinese company invests in multiple sectors, scrutiny will apply only to the specific part under complaint, the official added.

In manufacturing, Chinese funds would be allowed in the production of textile machinery, farm equipment, electrical goods, and auto components, the officials said.

On Friday, the government held two meetings over the issue of FDI from Chinese firmsone in the commerce ministry and the other by government think tank NITI Aayog, as per the officials.

Mint reported on 18 August that India planned to ease restrictions on Chinese investments in select sectors to revive capital inflows and restore supply chains.

India is also looking to create a more industry-friendly ecosystem to boost FDI to $100 billion from about $80 billion now. Currently, 100% FDI under the automatic route is allowed in most sectors, except a few strategically important ones such as defence and atomic energy.

Queries sent to the spokespersons of the ministries of commerce, external affairs remained unanswered.

Key Takeaways India plans to ease covid-era FDI curbs on China in manufacturing, renewables, and auto parts, allowing 20-25% investment through the automatic route as the two countries grow closer in a strategic move to blunt the impact of US tariffs.

The move comes as US tariffs squeeze Indian exports, pushing New Delhi to seek Chinese capital and supply chain support after a 5-year thaw in relationship between the two Asian economic giants.

India, however, will keep strategic sectors like defence and telecom off-limits and continue to subject Chinese investments to strict scrutiny.

Pragmatic move

Indias softer stance on Chinese investment signals a pragmatic shift aimed at securing new economic opportunities at a time when external pressures are mounting.

US President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, the highest globally, including a 25% penalty for buying Russian oil. The first set of duties came into effect on 7 August and the additional 25% on 27 August.

The 50% US tariff on Indian exports is expected to hurt labour-intensive industries such as textiles, apparel, leather and engineering goods, forcing New Delhi to look for alternative markets and capital inflows," said Vinod Kumar, president, India SME Forum.

India is also weighing the option of joining the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the worlds largest trade group comprising 15 countries.

Joining RCEP could give Indian exporters preferential access to a vast market bloc even as global trade dynamics are being reshaped by US protectionism, Mint reported on 21 August.

Over five years since PN3s introduction, shifting geopolitical dynamics demand a policy relook," said Sunil Kumar, partner, tax and regulatory practice, EY India. Encouraging FDI in non-sensitive sectors like manufacturing with technology transfer, job creation, export promotion, and majority Indian ownership is vital."

India has already resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals after a 5-year gap. New Delhi is also preparing to restart direct flights to Beijing, restoring air connectivity that has remained suspended since the covid-19 pandemic.

India restricted Chinese investments after a deadly clash between the two sides in Ladakhs Galwan Valley in 2020. Still, trade continued to grow as India relies on its neighbour for imports of pharmaceutical raw materials to electronic parts.

Indias imports from China increased from $94.57 billion in 2021-22 to $113.45 billion in FY25, while exports to China declined from $21.26 billion to $14.25 billion.

In the latest April-June first quarter, shipments from China increased 13.1% from a year earlier to $40.66 billion, while exports to China jumped 20% to $5.76 billion.

Enhancing efficiency and competitiveness

Industry stakeholders and experts welcomed Indias plans to ease FDI restrictions on Chinese investments in manufacturing, renewable energy, and auto components, sectors that could be affected by Trumps tariffs.

In the textile and apparel sector manufacturing value chain, we rely heavily on imports for apparel and weaving machinery, so any investment in this area will help us build capacity and make our products more efficient and competitive in the global market," said Prabhu Dhamodharan, convenor, Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF), a textile entrepreneurs body based out of Coimbatore.

Another important aspect is technology partnership in man-made fiber processing, where India is relatively weak but China has mastered the technology. Collaborations in this area could bring about a significant transformation," Dhamodharan told Mint over phone.

Jatin Arya, director, CareEdge Ratings, said easing investment rules for the manufacturing and renewable energy sectors would not only enhance capital flow but also boost availability of technology and skilled manpower for components such as solar cells, wafer and ingots.

While India already has adequate capacity in solar module manufacturing, we still need to build scale and expertise in backward integration for these sub-components," Arya said. Similarly, greater support for domestic boiler manufacturing could widen the supply base for thermal power projects, where capacity expansion is currently constrained by limited availability."
In 2021, Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr called the Premium Economy a game-changer. Even in the middle of the pandemic, he said, "Premium Economy has been introduced to all network airlines in the past few years. Its contribution per square metre is 39% higher than that of a Business Class seat.

Premium Economy has been a great success. [It has] higher margins per square metre of square feet than Business Class, Economy Class, or First Class... We see a lot more upgrades from Economy to Premium Economy than downgrades from Business to Premium Economy, which we of course want to avoid.

In 2016, Vistara, the Tata-SIA airline, started operations in India with a three-class configuration, which was premium-heavy and introduced the Premium Economy class in domestic aviation. Premium Economy had already made its debut with international carriers, but seats to India were few. Vistara itself had to reconfigure its planes not once but twice and reduce the premium offering, but on the other side of merging with Air India, Air India is reconfiguring its aircraft from dual class to triple class and introducing Premium Economy in all its flights.

Quantum jump in premium economy seats in India Data shared by Cirium, an aviation analytics company, exclusively for this article, shows that there has been a quantum jump in Premium Economy seats in India and its share in the total seats in the market. In November 2019, at the beginning of the Winter schedule, the total departure seats in India, both domestic and international, stood at 29.33 lakh per week. The split between the travel classes saw 1,504 First Class seats, 7,6801 Business Class seats, 7066 Premium Economy seats and 28.48 lakh Economy Class seats. While Economy Class was the major chunk with 97.1% of all seats, Premium Economy was a miniscule 0.2%, with Business Class at 2.6% and First at 0.1% of total seats.

Cut to 2025, and things have drastically changed. There will be 48.48 weekly seats, both domestic and international put together but the split has changed drastically. 96.1% or 46.61 lakh seats are from Economy Class, while 1.14 lakh seats are in Business Class and 2,306 in First. Premium Economy, on the other hand, is going up 10 times from 7,066 to 70,902 weekly seats. This growth is led by Air India primarily with its three-class conversion and introduction of Premium Economy on international sectors as well. More and more airlines worldwide have started offering Premium Economy on routes to India.

Marketed between Economy and Business Class, Premium Economy services vary across airlines, but on widebody seats come with plush seats with higher frills than Economy, which include better recline, more food options, a wider variety of drinks and priority boarding. In the domestic segments, Premium Economy is replacing Economy in frills with a tighter pitch in Economy becoming the norm. What started as a struggle for Vistara has now stabilised nearly a decade after introducing the class in the Indian market.

Also Read: How Indian airlines are benefiting from Look East Policy

The Premium Economy seats will only increase from here on as Air India converts its dual-class 787 into three class, first of which is already in process and inducts more factory-fresh planes in three-class configuration. IndiGo, which is inducting 787-9 from Norse Atlantic on damp leasing, is selling Norse Atlantics Premium Economy product as IndiGoStretch, IndiGos business class product. The seats in Premium Economy would be higher if IndiGo recategorises it from Business to Premium Economy.

GST increase to impact? As news of changes in GST slabs and possible increase in GST on Business and Premium Economy makes the rounds, the impact will definitely be felt by the consumers. Currently, both Business Class and Premium Economy are part of the 12% GST slab, and with this slab expected to be abolished, it is widely discussed that Business and Premium Economy class tickets will now see a levy of 18% GST. While for tickets booked by corporates, the Input Tax Credit on GST helps offset the GST, the same is not true for individuals flying the premium cabins.
Upcoming IPO: Mumbai-based supply chain asset provider Leap India Ltd filed its preliminary draft papers with the capital markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), on Friday, 29 August 2025, according to the official filing.

The company aims to raise a total of 2,400 crore from the Indian stock market via a combination of fresh issue of equity shares, along with an offer for sale (OFS) component.

Leap India IPO Details Leap India is offering a book-built issue comprising a fresh issue of equity shares with a face value of Re 1 apiece, amounting to 400 crore. The IPO also has an offer for sale (OFS) component, offering equity shares owned by the promoter selling stakeholder amounting to 2,000 crore, according to the draft papers.

The company plans to use the proceeds raised from the fresh issue to fund 300 crore of debt repayment, and the rest of the funds are set to be used for working capital requirements.

Also Read | Upcoming IPO: SFC Environmental Tech files draft papers with Sebi

Vertical Holdings and KIA EBT are the promoters selling stakeholders in the public issue. The company aims to allocate not more than 50% of the offer to the qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), while they plan to allot not more than 15% to non-institutional investors (NIIs) and 35% to the retail investors.

JM Financial Limited, IIFL Capital Services Limited, UBS Securities India Private Ltd and Avendus Capital Private Limited are the book-running lead managers of the public issue, while MUFG Intime India Private Limited is the registrar of the offer.

About Leap India According to the official company data, Leap India holds 13.57 million assets and has a pan-India network of 7,747 customer touchpoints and 30 fulfilment centres. The company uses these centres to facilitate the storage, maintenance, repair, and rapid deployment of its assets to its customers.

Also Read | KKR-backed Leap India appoints bankers for IPO

With over 900 customers, Leap India caters to marquee clients like Panasonic Life Solutions India Private Ltd, Marico Ltd, Haier Appliances Private Ltd, Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages Private Ltd., Daikin, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, and JM Baxi, etc.

The filing data also showed that the company has earned 485 crore in revenue from core operations, while making 37.5 crore in net profits for the financial year ended 2024-25.

Read all stories by Anubhav Mukherjee
RIL share price: Like always, Reliance Industries' (RIL) annual general meeting (AGM) was a power-packed event with a slew of announcements ranging from artificial intelligence, new energy expansion and global collaborations to the much-awaited Jio IPO launch.

These announcements reaffirmed the group's ambition for a technology-led transformation and solidified its leadership position across key industries and growth areas of the future.

Reliance AGM 2025 Highlights Jio IPO Mukesh Ambani finally put the dates on value-unlocking by announcing that Jio IPO will hit the Indian stock market in the first half of 2026. According to market analysts, the initial share sale of Jio is expected to be the biggest IPO in India. Furthermore, a PTI report also stated that market pundits are speculating that a 10% share sale could be in the offing.

Expansion into AI RIL's focus on artificial intelligence was a major theme. The launch of a new subsidiary, Reliance Intelligence, and a collaboration with Meta signal a strategic pivot toward next-generation technologies. Reliance at the AGM also launched a host of AI-based products. This could create new revenue streams and embed AI across its diverse business portfolio, from retail to energy, said Santosh Meena, Head of Research at Swastika Investmart.

Focus on New Energy The company reiterated its commitment to its New Energy business, with Mukesh Ambani stating it could one day become as large as the O2C business. This highlights RIL's long-term vision and its strategic shift toward sustainable energy.

FMCG push Isha Ambani also guided that Reliance Retail targets a roughly 20% CAGR over the next three years. Additionally, RCPL will now be a direct subsidiary of RIL with the aim of reaching 1 lakh crore revenue within 5 years.

Master Capital Services said that AGM further supports RIL's direction of bridging legacy businesses with new-age tech, with its subsidiaries like Jio and Retail clearly being promoted in Apple-esque fashion as separate engines of growth.

Reliance share price: What caused the fall? Yet, these big-bang promises by the Mukesh Ambani-led firm failed to cheer Dalal Street investors. Keeping in line with the past trend, here too, the RIL share price tanked over 2% on Friday.

Highlighting the major triggers behind the fall in Reliance shares, analysts listed four major reasons: Historical trend, Jio IPO pipeline, capex-heavy business and weak stock market sentiment.

1. Historical Pattern Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments, said that RIL stock continued in the pattern of drifting down on the AGM day during the last 4 years, and today was no different.

"It appears that the selling is more technical than driven by fundamentals or disappointments on the expectations front," said Vijayakumar.

According to Meena, investor expectations often build up, but the actual announcements, while significant, don't always create the "big surprise" needed to sustain a rally.

2. Jio IPO timeline While an IPO timeline was confirmed, the target of the first half of 2026 was seen as a delay by some investors who were hoping for a listing in 2025, said Meena. "This tempered the initial excitement and led to a negative reaction," he added.

Harshal Dasani, Business Head at INVAsset PMS, also highlighted that while the Jio listing is a clear catalyst, it is dated to H12026, and while no Retail listing timeline was offered, it dampened sentiment.

3. Investment cycle optics As RIL remains capex-heavy (FY25 capex ~ 1.31 lakh crore), investors wanted sharper near-term monetisation math alongside the AI and device reveals, according to Dasani, who believes they will need time before any positive EBITDA move.

4. Weak D-Street sentiment "The overall market sentiment was weak on the day of the AGM, with a general downtrend influenced by broader economic factors, including foreign institutional investor (FII) selling. This market-wide pressure contributed to the stock's decline," according to Meena, contributing to the stock decline.

The Indian stock market remained under pressure for the third day on Friday, August 29  the day of the AGM  as additional tariffs of 25% on Indian exports to the US came into effect and foreign investor outflows.

Reliance shares: Opportunity to buy? Despite the short-term blip seen in Reliance shares, analysts largely remain bullish on the stock, seeing the current weakness as a buying opportunity.

"While short-term volatility may persist, the company is well-positioned for sustained growth due to its diversified business model and strategic investments. The upcoming IPOs of Jio and Reliance Retail are expected to unlock significant value, and the push into new-age businesses like AI and New Energy will drive future growth," said Meena.

He added that for long-term investors, RIL's strategic initiatives and financial targets present a compelling investment case.

According to Dasani, investors should accumulate RIL shares due to volatility. He advised tracking execution beats and reassessing multiples as listing clarity and AI monetisation translate into numbers.

Dr Vijayakumar also advised that investors should ignore the temporary volatility in the stock price and focus on the long-term potential, which appears very bright.

While the RIL share price has lost 4% in the last one month and 4% in a week, it has delivered 13% returns in past six months.
Stocks to buy under 200: August turned out to be a painful month for the Indian stock market, as investors booked profits amid the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on India and weak earnings momentum.

BSE Sensex closed 1.7% lower for the month, while its NSE counterpart, Nifty 50, lost 1.4%. This was the second straight monthly loss for the benchmark indices after a 3% decline in July.

The damage was even more stark in the broader markets as the small-cap and mid-cap indices slid 4.1% and 2.9%, respectively.

Stock market next week Mehul Kothari, Deputy Vice President  Technical Research at Anand Rathi, said that August turned out to be highly volatile for the domestic markets.

"In the first week, Nifty slipped towards the 24,350 mark, but soon staged a recovery. Mid-month, the Prime Ministers Independence Day speech and GST-related announcements triggered a sharp rally, lifting the index beyond the 25,000 milestone to test the 25,150 level. However, the euphoria was short-lived as the index faced a one-sided corrective phase, dragging it back towards the 24,400 zone," Kothari added.

Speaking on technical levels for Nifty 50, Kothari said that above 24,600, we witnessed a sharp relief rally in the markets. However, the index got stuck exactly near the 25,150 mark, which coincides with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the entire fall from 25,600 to 24,300, he added.

"Thereafter, the Nifty reversed sharply from 25,150 and slipped lower. On the daily chart, it went on to fill the gap towards 24,600 and has now drifted closer to the 24,400 mark," the Anand Rathi analyst opined.

Commenting on the outlook for Nifty 50 today, Mehul Kothari of Anand Rathi, said that at this juncture, Nifty is hovering near a critical support zone around 24,350 (previous swing low).

"A close below this level could trigger an extended decline towards the 24,20024,000 band, which coincides with the placement of the 200 DEMA and 200 DSMA. Beneath this, the next important demand zone lies around 23,800, which in our view could act as the worst-case scenario, from where meaningful buying interest may emerge. This zone can turn into a buying opportunity, but only on confirmation. Hence, traders are advised to maintain a wait-and-watch approach at current levels rather than attempting premature bottom-fishing. On the flip side, any close above 24,800 would bring much-needed relief for the bulls and could pave the way for a recovery," the technical analyst said.

Meanwhile, he added that the Bank Nifty was the real culprit in August, as it slipped over 4% during the month.

"The index is now hovering near the 53,500 mark, which coincides with the placement of its 200 DEMA, while around 53,000 lies the 200 DSMA. Interestingly, it is also trading close to the 100% extension of its previous move, thereby completing an AB=CD harmonic pattern. Hence, there is a ray of hope that Bank Nifty might stabilise in the coming week. However, a close below 53,000 could trigger further panic in the banking space. On the upside, the immediate hurdle is placed around the 54,300 mark, and only a sustained move beyond this would signal any meaningful recovery," he said.

Mehul Kothari's stock recommendations under  200 Regarding stocks to buy under 200, Mehul Kothari of Anand Rathi recommended buying IOB, YES Bank and Devyani International on Monday.

1. IOB: Buy between 38-37 for a target price of 42 and a stop loss of 36

2. YES Bank: Buy between 19.3-19 for a target price of 22 and a stop loss of 17.5

3. Devyani International: Buy between 175-173 for a target price of 195 for a stop loss of 165.
Over the last eight months, at least three restaurants specialising in Thai cuisine have opened across the countryToa 66 and Khao Man Gai in Mumbai and Baan Phad Thai in Bengaluruapart from existing restaurants, Fireback (Goa) and Banng (Delhi), setting up outposts in Mumbai.

While Thai food, typically curries, has been part of menus at multi-cuisine restaurants since the 1990s, the new restaurants have introduced original flavours and ingredients, apart from showcasing the diversity of regional specialities from the country.

India has taken to Thai food for various reasons. The flavours hit all at once, yet theres balance. Its not trying to be subtle. Its expressive, and people respond to that kind of honesty. Thai food, much like Indian food, manages to make one feel both comforted and surprised," explains chef Garima Arora, co-founder of Banng and the two Michelin-starred GAA in Bangkok. The vibrant flavour profile and preference for gravies and curries makes it a winner in India. Both cuisines use ingredients like tamarind, cilantro and lime, making Thai food more familiar for Indian diners.

Thai cuisines journey in India is closely linked to chef Ananda Solomon, who started Thai Pavilion in Mumbai in the erstwhile Taj Cuffe Parade in 1993 after spending time in Thailand, learning from cooks in the Thai royal palace as well as villages. Eventually, he came back to Mumbai with Thai chefs to start the restaurant. Solomon moved on to another Thai restaurant in Mumbai, Thai Naam in 2020. There were three Thai chefs; one for the range, one for the curries and one for salads. He also hired three Thai fruit carvers who would sit in the restaurant and do live carving," says chef Manish Mehrotra, who spent his formative years under Solomons tutelage.

Also Read | How Thai is that green curry?

He reminisces that fresh Thai produce was hard to come by, and supplies would be delivered fortnightly, until Taj set up a small farm in Marol, Mumbai, to improve access to ingredients. It was a high-risk, high-reward decision because creating a Thai menu that would work for the Indian palate was tricky, especially when it came to using ingredients like fish sauce.

Fresh ingredients like lemon basil and pandan leaves still pose a challenge for many Thai restaurants. Manav Khanna, executive chef at Banng Delhi and Mumbai, says, Our curry pastes are made in Bangkok and flown weekly to India." They also have a Thailand-based supplier for vegetables.

The biggest advantage Thai food has in India is that once the flavours clicksweet, salty, spicy and sourthey truly click. Thai green curry, pad thai and papaya salad are must-haves on pan-Asian menus. The dishes, much like all popular international cuisines, were Indianised to suit local palates and ingredients, and thats what this new crop of restaurants is changing.

Ive seen green curry made with spinach to add colour, and pad thai that was way too spicy compared to the traditional one in Thailand," says chef Seefah Ketchaiyo, co-founder of Mumbais Seefah and Khao Man Gai. The Thai chef came to India in 2011 to work at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, and has made her home here. In 2018, she opened her eponymous restaurant with husband and partner chef Karan Bane in Bandra.

Thai dishes that have found fame apart from the usual suspects include the stuffed Thai omelette and miang kham, a pomelo and betel leaf salad. Authentic jungle, massaman and red curries are gaining popularity as well, say the new restaurateurs, whove taken up the cause to serve real Thai flavours.

Ketchaiyo picks dishes that she knows people will love without compromising on flavours. The Southern Thai crab curry has become very popular in my restaurant, but Im not going to change the taste for the Indian palate," she says. The region is known for its piquant dishes with bold flavours.

For Fireback, Goa and its new Mumbai outpost, restaurateur Rohit Khattar enlisted chef David Thompson, renowned for taking Thai food global with his restaurant Nahm in London in 2001, to create the menu. David is a stickler for traditional recipes. However, we also knew that we could not alienate or patronise our guests by being stringent about it," says Khattar. For instance, the khmoy green curry at the Goa restaurant faced some pushback from diners because they were used to a different version. Ours is not the green curry that youve been eating. Its dark green and not watery. We use coconut cream and slow cook it till the cream splits and the oil separates, making it richer and creamier. The dish had mixed reviews, but it was fascinating to see how guests perceive dishes," he adds.

Frederic Meyer, founder of Bangkoks famous Baan Phad Thai, has also opened an outpost in Bengaluru. The menu features Bangkok night market favourites such as yum yang, a punchy Thai-Chinese hot and sour salad; kai tawt, a brined and fried chicken wings with tamarind naam jim sauce.

Indian diners have also become more adventurous and flavour-curious, having travelled to Thailand often making it the go-to holiday destination for over a decade. While Bangkok is the gateway city, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phi Phi Islands and Chiang Mai are on the itinerary. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1.6 million Indians travelled to Thailand in 2023, and 2.1 million in 2024.

Ishaa Shah, co-founder of Toa 66, a vegetarian Thai-tasting experience in Mumbai, explains that for Indias younger generations who travel extensively, food is a big part of the experience. Once they are back, the same audience is on the lookout for spaces that can take them back to the moment of discovery and that authentic flavour profile," she says. Her kway tiew pak mao, or handmade rice sheets stuffed with water chestnuts and served with a herbaceous broth, is a popular dish.

The thoughtful adaptation of authentic flavours, menu innovations and an emphasis on cultural respect ensure Thai food is no longer foreign, but is welcomed and celebrated.

Also Read | Chef Garima Arora on winning two Michelin stars

Sayoni Bhaduri is a lifestyle journalist based in Mumbai.
Contributions

Auteur: Amadou Touba NIANE

Maitrise des eaux pluviales au Senegal : pour une gouvernance proactive et durable (Par Amadou Touba Niane)

For several decades, rainwater management has been the subject of numerous, often heated, debates, but concrete solutions are still struggling to materialize, particularly during the winter period.

Climate change is certainly one of the major factors behind natural disasters worldwide. However, anarchic, sometimes even uncontrolled, urbanization also highlights human responsibility, imprisoned by materialistic desires and driven by an excessive appetite for well-being.

In this context, infiltration zones, which are essential for allowing rainwater to naturally reach groundwater, are shrinking in a worrying manner. At the same time, natural drainage zones are gradually becoming obstructed, thus increasing flood risks and accentuating the vulnerability of territories.

Furthermore, the rainfall, now characterized by exceptional intensity and unpredictability on a multi-decadal scale, reveals the limits of the meteorological systems in force in our tropics. Rainfall projections, still insufficiently precise, remain limited both in space and time. Consequently, it is no longer rare to observe short-term rainy episodes of extreme violence, striking certain areas with unprecedented brutality. The major difficulty with water in general is that it can never be destroyed; it is its state that changes.

Thus, sustainable and effective flood management is urgently needed for the whole of Senegal, and particularly for the most exposed areas. It calls for a break with short-term and ad hoc approaches, often dictated by urgency, in favor of an anticipation and prevention approach, based on consultation and resilience.

While anticipation refers to forecasting and strategic planning, prevention translates into concrete measures: suitable infrastructure, a coherent legal framework and efficient governance tools.

In a locality like Touba, the development of a Storm Drainage Master Plan (PDAP) is becoming a strategic imperative. Its implementation should be accompanied by the creation of a permanent technical unit responsible for coordinating actions. This plan must integrate the religious, demographic, and urban specificities of the holy city. Furthermore, for Touba, it is urgent to establish a clear and operational legal and institutional framework and early warning and crisis management mechanisms.

Furthermore, a strengthened partnership between the State, local authorities, and community organizations is essential. This partnership should promote consistency between the existing legal framework and the Environmental Code and the Urban Planning Code, in order to ensure integrated and sustainable risk management. This synergy would make it possible to put an end to housing developments without environmental impact studies.

In this perspective, flood governance should evolve: it would be appropriate to transfer the competence currently entrusted to ONAS to a National Flood Control Agency.

Unlike a simple reactive fight, this new structure would place its action in a proactive approach, oriented towards urban planning and the concerted management of risk areas.

Political boldness must also lead to strong measures:

the relocation of populations established in the most vulnerable areas freezing of construction in exposed areas; the development of a precise map of risk areas, highlighting infiltration zones and natural flow axes.

From now on, any subdivision project will have to take infiltration basins into account in its design, in order to guarantee sustainable and rational management of rainwater across the entire national territory.

The roadmap for the new structure responsible for flood control will have to be structured around priority operational measures, including:

the construction and rehabilitation of retention basins; systematic and regular cleaning of gutters; the establishment of an integrated drainage network; the construction of efficient pumping stations adapted to the most vulnerable areas.

Rigorous implementation of this roadmap should help gradually reduce the socio-economic impacts of flooding. These impacts go far beyond forced displacement and loss of housing: they also include reduced agricultural yields, disruptions to commercial activities, contamination of groundwater, and, ultimately, the deterioration of public health.

It is clear from the above that the problem of rainwater management in Senegal today goes beyond the purely environmental framework: it is multifaceted. Faced with increasingly unpredictable climate change, combined with anarchic urbanization and inappropriate development practices, the urgency of renewed governance is essential.

The implementation of a coherent national strategy, based on planning, anticipation, and prevention, appears to be the only sustainable way to reverse the trend. It is no longer just a matter of reacting to disasters, but of preventing them in advance, through ambitious and integrated public policies, mobilizing all stakeholders: the State, local authorities, community organizations, and citizens.

Thus, the creation of a National Flood Control Agency and the development of stormwater drainage master plans are essential levers for rational and sustainable rainwater management. This is the price to pay for Senegal's ability to preserve its ecosystems, protect its populations, and ensure harmonious and resilient development in the face of tomorrow's climate and urban challenges.

Amadou Touba NIANE,

Commissioner for Economic Investigations

President of the Political and Citizen Movement Wakh Jeuf
DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 21, the company confirmed that a ransomware attack led to a data breach impacting millions of individuals. The company filed a report with the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which shows that the breach affected 2,689,826 people.

DaVita (DVA) Confirms Ransomware Attack Impacted 2.7M People

yezry/Shutterstock.com

The attack began on March 24, 2025, and was discovered and partially mitigated by April 12 when DaVita removed the attackers from its systems. The ransomware group Interlock claimed responsibility and has leaked some of the stolen data.

DaVita stated that the attack caused a temporary disruption to its operations, primarily affecting its laboratories. However, it maintained uninterrupted delivery of critical dialysis services across its network of over 3,100 outpatient clinics and home treatment programs worldwide. The company incurred about $13.5 million in expenses during the second quarter of 2025 to address the incident. Around $1 million was attributed to increased patient care costs and $12.5 million to general and administrative expenses for system restoration and third-party professional assistance.

DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) is a leading provider of kidney care services. It operates a network of outpatient dialysis centers across the United States and in select international markets. The company also provides integrated care programs, laboratory services, and clinical research support.

While we acknowledge the potential of DVA 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: 12 Best Mid-Cap Value Stocks to Buy Right Now and 10 Must-Buy US Stocks to Invest In.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The Finnish platform Wolt, which provides food and retail delivery services in over twenty countries, released a report called Algorithmic Transparency Report in 2022 to address criticisms of non-transparency, a first of its kind in the industry. One of its assurances is that the platform does not use any ranking or rating to determine which courier partner is offered a delivery task, except proximity and the type of vehicle the partner is using.

Platform Labor is a research project funded by the European Research Council that aims to determine how digital platforms are transforming the organization of labour, especially in cities marked by eroding welfare systems. Niels van Doorn, the principal investigator of the project who also teaches at the University of Amsterdam, has many more questions he thinks Wolt needs to answer. At the 2022 Reshaping Work conference in Amsterdam, he demanded to know why Wolt has decided to opt for a dynamic pricing system. How much is the base fee per delivery in each market, and how many cents per kilometre do partners get as part of the distance fee in different markets? How often are fee calculations updated, and what new data inputs or metrics are they based on? How come distance is calculated as the crow flies, but the actual distance varies due to city conditions? Why arent they paid for time spent in the restaurant waiting or for the kilometres travelled to the restaurant, why only to the customers house?

Also Read | Arundhati Roy presents her gangster mother

There arent many answers to this barrage of questions, which workers in India are just beginning to ask. But there is hope that a few leaders have emerged among gig workers who are mobilizing them and knocking on the doors of the government and the public at large, urging them to hear their side of the digital commerce story.

Pulling the wool

Amberpet is one of the oldest suburbs of Hyderabad, adjacent to Osmania University. The locality gets its name from the Sufi saint Hazrat Amber Shah Baba, whose dargah is located there. A local belief is that this was a barren land that miraculously transformed into verdant fruit-growing fields after the saint made this place his final resting place. Today, Amberpet is a dusty, grey area, with metro construction adding to the pollution and a general air of neglect characteristic of the inner localities of Indian cities. I have driven down fifty kilometres to Amberpet to meet Shaikh Salauddin, the National General Secretary of the Indian Association of App-based Transport Workers and founder President of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union.

In the recent past in India, leaders among the gig workers have been herding them together, highlighting their issues to policymakers and pushing for reforms. Salauddin is the tallest among such leaders, who noticed long before anyone else that something was not quite right with a model where the worker was flattened between the customer and the firm.

This was my second meeting with Salauddin. The previous year, Kamala Marius, a geography professor from the University of Bordeaux and I had chatted with him over lunch at the Taj Deccan for a study on gender differences in ride-hailing usage in Hyderabad. She had heard that he was the go-to man for anything to do with the gig economy.

Salauddin is a soft-spoken man who, with his pleasant demeanour, appears like a bank officer rather than an influential union leader. But since our previous meeting, Salauddins stature has grown manifold. Suddenly, he seemed to be everywhereon the front flap of The Times of India and virtually any article on the gig economy in India. He was being given lavish monikers like the most powerful Uber driver in India.

Despite that, his office is a sparsely furnished room above a mutton shop. A banner announcing a scholarship scheme for children of drivers working for ride-sharing companies is the lone decoration on the walls. He tells me that life has indeed been busy. Some time ago, he was flown into IIT Mumbai by a professor who was researching this topic. A business school was making a documentary on gig workers and wanted to feature him. He had just met with Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, who had a battery of officials to sit in the room and hear Salauddin, although it was 10 p.m. This meeting was an offshoot of an encounter with Rahul Gandhi, where Salauddin had rushed to the suburb of Sanga Reddy on a tip-off that there was a possibility to speak to Gandhi there.

View Full Image 'OTP Please: Online Buyers, Sellers and Gig Workers in South Asia', by Vandana Vasudevan, Penguin Random House, 384 pages,  499.

Salauddins angst is that too many workers lives are hinging on a few platforms pulling the wool over everyones eyes, including the governments. I am telling the government dont make us so dependent on private players like Ola/Uber/Rapido. What if they wrap up and go? 1,25,000 drivers will be on the streets. So, the government should have its own taxis with digital meters under the Smart City mission. There should be some backup for drivers. At least fifty people are doing PhDs on the gig economy. Every day, I spend one or two hours with someone from XLRI, IIT or some foreign university. Where is all this knowledge goingof PhDs in the transport sector? Why are they not able to innovate and bring something new? For so many years, there has been only Olas Bhavish Agarwal and Uber! 

Government should cap how many cars and two wheelers can ply. If there isnt enough work, why put up ads to call drivers and leave them sitting in their cars? Ola, Swiggy and Zomato are all eyeing IPOs. For an IPO, the company must show how many workers are employed and how much business is generated. There isnt as much business as they project. Daant hathi ke dikhane ke alag, chabane ke alag (an elephant has different sets of teeth for chewing and for displaythis adage seeks to highlight the gulf between perception and reality).

I ask him what these workers would have done had they not been part of the gig economy.

They would have been farmers or plied the trade that they knowlike carpentry. They were getting more money and working apne marzi mafiq (according to their convenience)! If you want to earn well in this gig, you cant work when you please; you must be on the grind. These guys cant leave because they are used to city life. They go back only when there is a crisis here. Like in the lockdown, they returned to the village, worked on their field, fixed their houses and returned when things became okay.

Standing the ground

The most fascinating form of mobilization is the way workers are using technology to beat technology. Social media, particularly WhatsApp, is being deployed to potent effect to rage against platforms, react to perceived injustices, galvanize peer groups and rant at the system. I was included in the WhatsApp group of one section of north Indias workers. It gave me a voyeurs view of the agency technology gave workers, enabling them to group themselves and break out of the isolation inherent to their jobs.

Private cars are becoming Uber cabs, which is eating into our incomes, says a cautionary forward. Cabs in India require a commercial licence as per the law, and private cars plying as cabs are sneaky competitors to gig workers who are as it is grappling with reduced incomes. We are paying taxes for running commercial vehicles, and others are turning their private cars into cabs, escaping the tax, obviously with the platforms consent! We must protest such cheap tactics by Uber to grow its business.

Let us spread the information about unfair and unilateral blocking of IDs. The government, company and media must take this challenge head on to come up with a solution for this, writes a worker after sharing the circumstances in which his ID was blocked. A while later, a Google form is shared where workers have to write why their ID was blocked, . . . so that the decision-makers in the government know what we are dealing with.

Kutumb is a private social network for communities that is built for Indians to share their views in their own language and connect with their community. Among the numerous worker communities using the app, such as farmers, and poultry farmers, are gig workers. Leaders repeatedly urge workers to download the app to bolster their numbers to claim our social and economic rights.

The way workers are using technology to rally against the tech platforms is similar to a Cherokee story about a native Indian called Sequoyah and his creation of a Cherokee syllabary. Sequoyah was a Cherokee silversmith, trader and man of many talents who lived in the early nineteenth century. In 181314, while serving as a warrior of the Cherokee Regiment against a renegade group, Sequoyah witnessed the advantage the white colonists enjoyed because they had an established written language. Unlike the white soldiers, he and his fellow Cherokee warriors could not write letters home, read their military orders or record any thoughts that occurred to them while serving on the waterfront. They had to rely solely on memory in the absence of a script. Sequoyah was determined to create some form of written language for the Cherokees. Despite being illiterate in English, he dedicated years to developing a writing system for the Cherokee language inspired by English, Greek and Hebrew letters. The Cherokees thus adapted and repurposed writing technology to serve their own cultural and linguistic preservation, thereby ensuring the survival of their heritage for future generations.

Sometimes, it is possible to use the very tool that is being used by an authority in power to stand your ground and not get crushed.

Excerpted from OTP Please! with permission from Penguin Random House.

Also Read | To thrive in the AI age, we must double down on what makes us human
One person was killed and five others were injured after a car rammed into crowd in the town of Evreux in northern France on 30 August, according to prosecutors, AFP reported. The incident occurred in the town of Evreux, located in northern Normandy, at approximately 4:00 am (0200 GMT).

The prosecutor Remi Coutin stated following a brawl "a person allegedly went to fetch a vehicle" and deliberately reversed at high speed into a crowd outside the establishment. Coutin added that two people were in critical condition.

Prosecutors rule out involvement of terrorist Prosecutors have launched an investigation into charges of homicide and attempted homicide, but have dismissed any involvement of terrorist or racial motives.

"Unfortunately, the toll is very heavy," Coutin added, mentioning that "there was an altercation" between a young woman and numerous men.

The prosecutor stated that the bouncers removed all the patrons from the premises.

According to a Telegraph report, while explaining the incident, Guy Lefrand, the mayor of Evreux, said, A fight broke out, causing a crowd movement and a vehicle then hit several people. The situation has now returned to calm. An investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances of this tragedy.

I would like to express my deepest sympathy and solidarity with the victims, their families, and their loved ones. I commend the responsiveness of the police and emergency services, who immediately mobilised to secure the area and care for the injured, he added.

Also Read | Kids among 4 killed as car rams into after-school day care building in Illinois

The Evreux public prosecutors office mentioned the manager of the Winery bar on Winston-Churchill avenue chose to shut down the late-night establishment following the altercation between numerous people nearby, the report added.

As per a report by AFP, two men and a woman were arrested.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) forced Pakistan to seek an end to hostilities within hours of a powerful counter-offensive during Operation Sindoor, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari said on Saturday.

Speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit, Air Marshal Tiwari recounted how precision strikes using less than 50 weapons on May 10 destroyed carefully selected Pakistani military targets and compelled Islamabad to call for a halt to the conflict.

What triggered Operation Sindoor? Operation Sindoor was launched on 7 May after the Pahalgam terror attack. The IAF targeted terrorist infrastructure across territories controlled by Pakistan. The strikes were initially calibrated to avoid escalation, with India stressing that it did not wish to widen the conflict.

We expected a response and still kept it calibrated, and we engaged only military targets, Air Marshal Tiwari said. But when the main attack came on the night of May 9-10, that was the time we decided that we needed to go and send the right message. We hit them pan-front.

How did the IAF achieve complete domination? On the morning of 10 May, the IAF carried out precision attacks that, according to Tiwari, took out key Pakistani positions  some of which had remained untouched even during the 1971 war.

I must tell you that it was a key takeaway for us that in less than 50 weapons, we were able to achieve complete domination. It has not happened before, he revealed.

He described the mission as a tacit acknowledgement of the capability of both IAF planners and pilots:

We made every weapon count and that is a tacit acknowledgement of the capability of our planners and people who executed the missions.

What made the IAF strikes on Pakistan different? Tiwari explained that the IAF used long-range vectors for precision targeting  a risky manoeuvre due to the possibility of collateral damage.

The precision targeting from this range is very very essential as it is very risky because the longer the vector, you feel that there are more chances of collateral (damage), he said.

But to the credit of our planners and credit of people who executed the missions, we were able to take out each target precisely. We were able to ensure there was no collateral damage. This is not an easy game.

Also Read | IAF video shows glimpses of attack on Pakistani terror bases during Op Sindoor

Why was this operation significant? The IAF Vice Chief said Operation Sindoor sent an unmistakable message: India was not seeking escalation, but it was prepared to degrade Pakistans capabilities if provoked.

There were targets which were taken out, which were not even taken out during the 1971 war. That is the kind of extent and damage to capability that we had caused to them, he noted.

Also Read | India brought Pakistan to its knees: PM Modi on Op Sindoor in Bengaluru

Behind the success, he emphasised, was teamwork extending beyond pilots to planners and ground staff:
Raghuram Rajan, former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, has suggested a measure to mitigate the economic fallout from Donald Trump's 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, prompted by New Delhi's business ties with Russia.

In a post on LinkedIn, Raghuram Rajan proposed that the Indian government should consider imposing a windfall tax on oil refiners who are profiting from discounted crude oil.

The former RBI Governor also argued that the funds collected could be redirected to support India's small and medium enterprises (SME), particularly textiles and apparel, which are now facing the brunt of the hefty tariffs imposed by the US.

Raghuram Rajan said, Given that there is now a cost to buying Russian oil falling on our small and medium exporters (for example, in apparel and textiles), why not impose a windfall profit tax on our refiners proportional to the Russian oil they buy, and transfer it to our small and medium exporters?"

He continued, That will ensure those in India who benefit from Russian oil also pay for it instead of letting others pay.

Windfall tax on Indian refiners A windfall tax ensures that those who benefit from Russian oil also contribute to offsetting the costs it imposes on others, Raghuram Rajan suggested.

A windfall tax is levied by a government against industries when economic conditions allow these industries to experience unexpected and above-average profits.

Raghuram Rajan had earlier reacted to the 50 per cent tariffs imposed on India, calling them a wake-up call for the Indian government. He also said that the 50 per cent tariffs indicate that the relationship between India and the US has clearly broken down.

This is a wake-up call. Let us not become dependent on any single country to a large extent. Let us look east, to Europe, to Africa, and continue with the US, but unleash reforms that will help us achieve the 88.5% growth needed to employ our youth, Raghuram Rajan said in an interview with India Today TV.

Trump tariffs hit SMEs The Trump administration imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, which took effect on Wednesday, August 27. The US imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff, citing Indias crude oil imports from Russia, which it says are helping fuel the war in Ukraine.

Due to the sudden blow, tens of thousands of Indian small businesses are now scrambling to find new buyers in markets across Europe, Africa and Asia to cushion the impact of the tariff on exports to the US, Reuters reported.

The worst hit sectors include textiles, apparel, auto, food and beverages, among various others, the news report said.

Despite the tariffs, India has rejected all allegations and decided to continue trading with Moscow.

Three trading sources involved in oil sales to India told Reuters that Indian refiners would increase Russian oil purchases in September by 10-20% from August levels, or by 150,000-300,000 barrels per day.
India has decided to completely suspend bookings of all categories of US-bound mails. The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, issued a notice on Friday, August 29, saying it has now been decided "to completely suspend booking of all categories of mail, including letters/documents and gifts value up to $100, destined to the USA."

While announcing the suspension, the ministry flagged the inability of carriers to transport US-bound mail, and undefined regulatory mechanisms.

Earlier in August, the Ministry of Communications had announced that US-bound air carriers denied carrying shipments due to a lack of clarity in new norms issued by the American customs department.

News agency PTI reported on August 23 that under an executive order issued by the US administration on July 30, 2025, goods valued at over $100 will be subject to customs duties in America with effect from August 29 onwards.

The earlier order allowed services to continue for letters, documents and gift items worth up to $100. However, the August 29 order suspended all mail services to the US.

Trump tariffs The decision to suspend bookings of all categories of US-bound mails came as Indian goods now face 50 percent tariffs in the US. This includes 25 percent of US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs and another 25 percent as penalty by the US on India for trading with Russia.

After the implementation of new norms, shipments will face one of two duty structures  ad valorem duty based on the effective tariff rate under IEEPA, or a flat rate duty of $80, $160, or $200 per item, depending on the country's tariff bracket, PTI reported.

Also Read | While Trump rattles the world, China basks in the limelight

US tariff exemption for low-value packages ends: How it works Meanwhile, the US ended tariff exemptions for parcel imports on Friday.

According to Reuters, the US Customs and Border Protection agency began collecting normal duty rates on all package shipments valued under $800, regardless of value, country of origin, or mode of transportation.

Foreign postal agencies can opt to collect and process the duties based on the value of the package contents, or they can collect a flat tax calculated from the tariff rate in effect for the country of origin.

Based on the agency's guidance issued on Thursday, parcels would be charged $80 from countries with Trump-imposed duty rates below 16%, such as Britain and the European Union; $160 from countries between 16% and 25%, such as Indonesia and Vietnam; and, $200 from countries above 25%, including Brazil, Canada, China and India.

The change broadens the Trump administration's cancellation of the de minimis exemption, already in place for packages from China and Hong Kong since May as part of an effort to halt shipments of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the US.

Also Read | US tariffs on India skirt around its biggest buyer of Russian Oil

The de minimis exemption has been in place since 1938, starting at $5 for gift imports, and was raised from $200 to $800 in 2015 to foster small business growth on e-commerce marketplaces.
India will not bow down but will instead concentrate on expanding into new markets, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said in his first public response to the steep U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, AFP reported.

The 50-percent duties, which came into effect this week, target a wide range of Indian imports and were introduced by Washington in response to New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, part of the U.S. strategy to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine.

Since returning to the White House this year, U.S. President Donald Trump has used tariffs as a broad policy weapon, significantly disrupting global trade flows.

If somebody wants to have a good free tarde agreement, we will always be ready. But if somebody discriminates...We will never bow down, nor will we ever be weak. Together, we will keep moving forward, Goyal said at an industry event, as reported by PTI.

The imposition of this high duty is seen as a pressure tactic by America on India to accept its demands in the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA). The US is seeking greater market access in politically sensitive agri and dairy sectors.

India has condemned the newly imposed U.S. tariffs as unfair and unjustified, asserting that the government will not compromise the interests of its farmers and livestock sector.

Goyal emphasised ongoing efforts to diversify exports and expressed confidence that Indias export performance will surpass the record set in 202425, when goods and services exports reached an all-time high of USD 825 billion.

Goyal also noted that Indias share in global trade remains relatively small, and therefore, there is no need to fear. He pointed out that the country has successfully navigated major challenges in the past, including the COVID-19 pandemic and nuclear-related sanctions.

In the global trade market, India's share is low and hence, "there is no need to fear", the minister said, adding the country has successfully managed the Covid pandemic and nuclear sanctions.

About the proposed free trade agreement, the minister said, We are talking to the US for a BTA. We have a plan to complete the first phase of the BTA by fall (Oct-Nov) of this year.

India and the US have been negotiating the pact since March. So far, five rounds of talks have been completed. After 50 per cent duty was imposed, the US team deferred its visit to India for the next round of talks, which was scheduled for August 25.

So far, no new dates have been finalised for the sixth round of negotiations.
In a shocking new incident from Delhi, a man has been arrested for allegedly killing his wife and mother-in-law in Rohini.

According to the police, the incident occurred after a dispute over the gifts exchanged between both sides during his son's birthday on Saturday.

The police said they received a call at 3.50 pm about the murder of the caller's mother and sister in Sector-17, Rohini. Upon reaching the scene, the police found the bodies of Kusum Sinha, 63, and her daughter Priya Sehgal, 34, lying in a room.

Also Read | Man brutally kills wife days after posting condolence message on WhatsApp status

Here's what happened: According to a senior police officer, the caller, Megh Sinha, 30, Kusum's son, informed that on August 28, his mother had come to Priya's house to celebrate the birthday of her son, Chirag.

However, during the function, Megh said, a dispute allegedly rose between Priya and her husband, Yogesh Sehgal, the husband of Priya and presently unemployed, regarding the gifts exchanged between both sides of the family. Kusum stayed at Priya's residence to settle the matter, he added.

On August 30, when the caller tried to contact his mother over the phone, his calls went unanswered. He then came to Priya's house and found the flat locked from outside with blood stains visible near the door, the officer said.

He immediately informed other family members and broke open the lock, whereupon he found his mother and sister lying in a pool of blood inside the room.

Megh alleged that Yogesh had killed both his mother and sister and fled with the children, the police said.

Son-in-law arrested Yogesh Sehgal has been arrested by the KNK Marg police, and his blood-stained clothes and a pair of scissors, alleged to be the weapon used, were recovered from the scene.

According to the police, the motive appears to be a domestic dispute stemming from frequent quarrels.

Teams from the Crime Team and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) have been called to the scene.

Further investigation is underway.
Amid ongoing tariff tensions with the U.S. and a recent easing in India-China relations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that in global geopolitics, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.

The relations between New Delhi and Washington are on a downturn after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent, including a 25 per cent additional duty for India's purchase of Russian crude oil.

Rajnath Singh was speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit 2025, where he noted India's commitment to aatmanirbharta or self-reliance in defence. He stressed that India's defence infrastructure must not rely on unpredictable foreign interference and should instead be built on the nations own capabilities, as reported by PTI.

Watch the video here:

He also stressed the government aims to implement the proposed Sudarshan Chakra air defence system within the next decade, to provide comprehensive aerial security for all critical installations across the country.

Singh said the government plans to provide complete aerial security to all important installations across the country under the proposed Sudarshan Chakra air defence system within the next 10 years.

As we saw during Operation Sindoor, the importance of air defence capability in today's wars has increased to a great extent. In such a scenario, the Sudarshan Chakra mission will certainly prove to be a game changer, he said.

Singh said the shifting geopolitics has also made it clear that external dependency in the field of defence is no longer an option. "In the current situation, self-reliance is essential for both our economy and our security," he said.

In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the ambitious air defence project. The announcement came days after Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly hinted at targeting Indian assets along the border in case of any future military confrontation between the two countries.

India's Sudarshan Chakra mission Earlier on August 26, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said that India's proposed air defence system -- Sudarshan Chakra -- will entail a colossal amount of integration of sensors, missiles, surveillance apparatus and artificial intelligence tools.

The Chief of Defence Staff said the air defence system will work as "a shield and a sword', and suggested it will be on the lines of Israel's Iron Dome all-weather air defence system, known as a very effective missile shield.

"Operation Sindoor was a modern conflict from which we learned several lessons, and most of them are under implementation, some have been implemented," he noted.

The project is scheduled for completion by 2035.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that his country was ready for a composite dialogue with India in a dignified and respectful manner on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.

Ishaq Dar, however, emphasised that Pakistan will not beg for talks, news agency PTI reported.

Ishaq Dar was quoted as saying, Pakistan is ready for a composite dialogue with India in a dignified and respectful manner on all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per its longstanding position on the matter."

Meanwhile, India has made it clear that it will have a dialogue with Pakistan only on the issues of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and terrorism.

What is India-Pakistan composite dialogue? The composite dialogue was launched in 2003 when General Pervez Musharraf was ruling Pakistan. It had eight baskets of components, containing all contentious issues between the two countries.

The dialogue was derailed after the 2008 Mumbai attacks and not restored in proper form.

Talking about the conflict between India and Pakistan in May, Ishaq Dar claimed that Pakistan's narrative was accepted and acknowledged at the global level through proactive diplomacy.

Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor As many as 26 people killed by terrorists as they open fired at tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. In the targeted attack, terrorists killed male tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking with their families in the meadow near Pahalgam touted as 'Mini Switzerland' for its serene beauty.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Thursday that 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.

"Three terrorists" were directly involved in the brutal terror attack in which 26 people were killed in cold blood on April 22, NIA officials told PTI. The target was also chosen considering the "response time" from the security agencies, said a spokesman for the NIA, which is probing the case.

In response to the terror attack, India carried out precision strikes under 'Operation Sindoor' on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir early on May 7.

Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military installations.

India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, the second telephonic conversation between the two leaders in August.

Talking about his conversation with Zelensky, PM Modi thanked the Ukrainian leader for his call and confirmed India's support to restore peace between Russia and Ukraine.

We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction, he wrote in a post on X.

The call comes days ahead of the PM's meeting with Vladimir Putin at the SCO Summit in China. PM Modi and Volodymyr Zelensky earlier spoke on 11 August, when the latter dialed him.

In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office said President Zelensky shared his perspective on the recent developments related to the Ukraine conflict.

Prime Minister thanked President Zelensky and reaffirmed Indias steadfast and consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at earliest restoration of peace. PM reiterated Indias commitment to extend all possible support in this regard, the PMO said in its statement.

PM Modi and Zelensky leaders also reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership. They discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. They agreed to remain in touch.

Zelensky confirms call with PM Modi Ukraine's Zelensky also confirmed his call with PM Modi, saying that he briefed the Indian leader on his conversation with US President Donald Trump in Washington with the participation of European leaders.

Zelensky and other European leaders visited the White House on August 18 for discussions over Russia's war on Ukraine and a possible ceasefire.

It was a productive and important conversation, a shared vision among partners on how to achieve real peace. Ukraine reaffirmed its readiness for a meeting with the head of Russia, Zelensky said.

India is ready to make the necessary efforts and to deliver the appropriate signal to Russia and other leaders during the meetings on the sidelines of the summit, he added.
We recently published 10 Stocks Skyrocket While Wall Street Sinks; 5 Quietly Hit New Record Highs. Equinox Gold Corp. (NYSEAmerican:EQX) is one of the top performers on Friday.

Equinox Gold rallied for a second day on Friday, hitting a new all-time high, as investors cheered the official start of its ore processing at one of its largest gold mining sites in Canada.

During the session, Equinox Gold Corp. (NYSEAmerican:EQX) jumped to its highest price of $8.76, also marking a second straight day of rally.

This followed announcements on Thursday that it began processing of ore at its Valentine Gold Mine in Newfoundland and Labradora new site with the capability of producing 2.5 million tons of gold annually.

Equinox (EQX) Hits New High as Firm Kicks Off Processing at Large Mine Site

Jacob Lund/Shutterstock.com

Equinox Gold Corp. (NYSEAmerican:EQX) said it expects to pour the first batch of gold by next month.

Upon full operations, the Valentine Gold Mine is targeted to produce between 175,000 and 200,000 ounces of gold annually over the first 12 years of its 14-year reserve life.

Additionally, the company announced targets of reaching the maximum production capacity of its Greenstone Gold Mine in northern Ontario by the second quarter of the year.

Equinox Gold is entering a pivotal phase of growth, with production and cash flow expected to increase meaningfully as Valentine ramps up and Greenstone approaches nameplate capacity, said CEO Darren Hall.

While we acknowledge the potential of EQX as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
The India Meteorological Department on Saturday issued a heavy rain warning for east Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, south-west Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, east Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, north coastal Odisha, and north coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Apart from this, the Met Department also predicted heavy rains over east Jammu & Kashmir, sub Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, north Bihar, east Madhya Pradesh, north Madhya Maharashtra, Gangetic West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Island area.

In past 24 hours, Jammu's Udhampur received 85 mm of rainfall, said IMD.

As per the IMD forecast, there would be light to moderate rainfall over Jammu, Kashmir, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The IMD also issued orange alerts for selected regions in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Haryana.

Cloudburst in Jammu's Ramban: Earlier in the day, three people died while two others are missing after a cloudburst struck a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district.

According to details, complied by PTI, the cloudburst triggered flash floods in the mountainous Rajgarh, located about 25 kilometres from the district headquarters.

The officials added that the rescuers have found the bodies of three people, including two women, who were washed away by the floods.

Amit Shah likely to visit Jammu: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to arrive in Jammu on a two-day tour of Jammu region on Sunday to review the situation following the recent record rain that left more than 110 persons, mostly pilgrims, dead and 32 others missing.

This will be Shah's second visit to Jammu in three months after he visited the region on May 29-30.

He is likely to reach the Raj Bhavan in Jammu on August 31 and chair a joint meeting of officers to review the overall situation, including the damage caused by flash floods in the border areas.

Shah is also likely to conduct an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas, including the border outposts and fencing.
Traffic congestion was reported at Sion-Panvel highway and various parts of Mumbai earlier today, on 30 August, amid Maratha quota agitation leader Manoj Jarange's second day of protest as protestors marched towards the city. While issuing an updated status of routes diversion, the BEST Bus Transport stated that bus operations remain hit today.

Traffic came to a halt near the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and in the nearby areas, with police facing difficulty in persuading protesters to unblock the route. After overnight rain created puddles at the protest site, demonstrators assembled at the junction outside CSMT, according to PTI.

Mumbai Traffic Police urged citizens to avoid CSMT and its nearby areas. Due to on going Agitation at Azad maidan, Motorists are advised to avoid CSMT and it's adjoining areas, Motorists are also requested to refrain from using eastern freeway due to heavy traffic. Plan your travel and use alternate routes, Mumbai Traffic Police said.

Traffic restrictions due to #MarathaReservation Morcha at CSMT Azad Maidan vicinity. Bus operation affected. Updated status of routes diversion at 14.00 hrs on 30.08.2025, BEST Bus Transport said on X.

Jarange, along with thousands of his supporters, endured overnight rainfall, struggled through the muddy ground, and expressed frustration over the lack of basic facilities, including insufficient water in the toilets, PTI reported.

The 43-year-old activist slammed the state government for spreading false information, claiming that Marathas are demanding reservation under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. He stated, We are only demanding that we get our rightful share of quota based on the eligibility under the Kunbi category."

Govt should not test patience of Maratha community We don't want to indulge in politics. We only want a reservation. The government should not test the patience of the Maratha community. We are not asking to reduce the OBC quota. Don't spread misinformation, PTI quoted Jarange as saying.

Jarange ended his hunger strike on the sixth day after BJP MLA Suresh Dhas stepped in to mediate on behalf of the state government in January this year. This was his seventh protest since 2023. At the time, Jarange warned that if the promised actions were not taken promptly, he would organise a large-scale movement in Mumbai.
Mumbai: Mafatlal Industries Ltd, a 120-year-old textile company, shuttered its loss-making and less-profitable businesses while sharpening focus on its core strength of supplying uniforms, including through government tenders, to stitch a turnaround after years of indifferent financial performance.

Over the past five years, the company shut its loss-making denim division, exited contract manufacturing for overseas retail brands, reduced its workforce through voluntary retirement scheme and focused on debt repayment. It also switched to an asset-light business model, where the bulk of the textile it sold was procured through vendors, instead of in-house production. Outsourced production accounted for 95% of the companys top line in the first quarter of FY26, as per an investor presentation.

The company also diversified into new business categories like making sanitary pads, offering digital infrastructure to schools and supplying consumer durable kits for the economically-marginalized section of the society to engineer its revival.

These measures helped it to improve its income and stem losses. The company reported a revenue of 1,240 crore from operations in the first quarter of FY26, nearly tripling from a year ago. Profit during the quarter surged to 46 crore, compared to 30 crore a year ago.

In FY25, the company reported revenues of 2,807 crore, sharply up from 602 crore in FY21. Profit for the year was 98 crore, compared to a loss of 94 crore four years prior. The share price rose nearly five-fold over this period to close at 138.8 on the BSE on Thursday.

We have grown between 30-50% over each of the last five years," Priyavrata Mafatlal, part of the fifth-generation of the promoter Mafatlal family, said in an interview.

The company had found itself in a financial crisis around the turn of the last decade. Thats when the fifth-generation scion took over as chief executive and managing director of the company.

On the morning of 17th December 2018, I was named the CEO of Mafatlal Industries Limited, a company drowning in losses at the time 180 crore, to be precise," the 38-year-old wrote on professional networking platform LinkedIn last year.

Also Read | India apparel exporters look to UK, EU to soften Trump tariff blow

The board was looking for young blood to turn things around and they chose me. My first thought was, Theres a legacy of four generations before me Am I going to drive it all into the ground?," he wrote.

Just as he got to stabilizing the ship, the covid-19 pandemic struck. However, the resultant factory closures and other challenges also gave the company an opportunity to rethink its strategy, helping chart the turnaround plan. Once the turnaround plan started yielding results, Mafatlal relinquished the CEO position in March 2022 to continue as managing director.

While the turnaround strategy has clicked, the company has a long way to go. It squarely lags its peers in the textile industry. Its peers of similar vintage such as Arvind Limited and Raymond Lifestyle Ltd have multiple times higher revenues.

Mafatlal Industries focus on uniforms and affordable products also means lower margins, with an Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) margin of less than 4% compared to upwards of 10% for its two larger peers.

These weaknesses show in the companys valuation. It has a market capitalization of just 1,000, crore despite a sharp rise in share prices over the past five years. This compares to 7,500 crore for Arvind Limited and 6,900 crore for Raymond Lifestyle Ltd.

Also Read | Making Indian cotton viable again: New mission targets an industrial revamp

Even as Mafatlal Industries recovers, listed chemicals maker Nocil Ltd, also part of the Arvind Mafatlal group, finds itself languishing in a downcycle. The rubber chemicals producer has been outcompeted by lower-priced imports from China and South Korea, said Priyavrata Mafatlal, who is a director on the companys board.

The company is exploring expansion into other organic chemicals and other chemicals for the larger automotive sector to diversify its business. However, it is in no hurry to make a decision as the sector tends to be cyclical and it was part of business to weather downcycles, Mafatlal said. This is the time in the trenches for us. We will weather the storm."
The internet was in overdrive on Saturday as the hashtag #TrumpIsDead began trending on X (formerly Twitter), triggering a storm of speculation, memes and heated political chatter.

The rumour gained momentum amid US President Donald Trumps absence from public appearances over the weekend and resurfaced clips highlighting his recent health concerns. Adding to the frenzy was an old remark by Vice President J.D. Vance about being prepared in case of tragedy, which many users dug up and shared widely.

Divided Reactions Online As the hashtag climbed to the top of global trends, reactions split into camps. Some dismissed the chatter as politically motivated fake news. Others questioned the White Houses silence, demanding clarity on Trumps health. Meanwhile, meme culture thrived, from satirical edits to GIFs, users turned the unverified claim into one of the platforms most viral conversations of the week.

The Pentagon Pizza Report Theory Alongside the trending hashtag, another viral angle emerged, the so-called Pentagon Pizza Report. According to this internet theory, spikes in late-night pizza deliveries around the Pentagon or the White House often signal urgent, behind-the-scenes government activity.

Supporters of the theory claim past surges in pizza orders coincided with major US military or political developments, including airstrikes. Over the weekend, screenshots and posts circulated online suggesting a sudden rise in deliveries, fuelling speculation that something big was happening in Washington.
The US embassy in India on Saturday issued a fresh warning to Indian students and said that there will be serious consequences if they violate any law or get arrested, which could invite various actions from ineligible for future US visas to being deported to visa being revoked.

U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your student visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas," said the US embassy in India in a post on X.

The US embassy further added, Follow the rules and dont jeopardize your travel. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.

In another warning issued a few days ago, the embassy said, If you remain in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States in the future.

US visa application process new rules for Indians Starting August 1 this year, third-party passport collection is no longer allowed at US visa application centres, except for applicants under 18. This means that you must either collect your passport in person or opt for the paid delivery service. For minors, a parent or guardian can collect the passport on behalf of the child, but they must have a letter of authority signed by both parents. However, one should keep in mind that scanned or emailed copies of the letter will not be accepted.

Also Read | US visa rule changes for foreign students: A look at key DHS proposals

Additionally, the US Embassy is rolling out a new service that allows applicants to have their passports delivered directly to their home or office. This service will cost 1,200 per applicant. To use it, you will need to log into your account on the ustraveldocs.com website and update your delivery preferences accordingly.

In terms of the Interview Waiver Program, significant reductions are being made. Starting September 2, 2025, many applicants who could previously skip the in-person interview will now be required to attend one at a US Embassy or Consulate. This includes applicants for visas in categories like H, L, F, M, J, E, and O, reports said.

Also Read | Argentina eases entry for Indian citizens holding US visas

Furthermore, age exemptions for in-person interviews have been removed, meaning both children under 14 and adults over 79 must now attend interviews. Some visa categories, however, will still be exempt from this change, including A-1 and A-2 visas, certain C-3 visas, G-1 to G-4 visas, NATO-1 to NATO-6 visas, and the TECRO E-1 visa.

Despite these changes, a few things remain the same. Visa fee validity continues to be 365 days from the date of payment, and appointment scheduling can still be done through the official portal. The list of required documents for visa applications also remains unchanged.
'Trump is Dead started trending online on August 30. Other variations of the trending hashtag were Trump Died and Donald Trump death.

Unverified viral clips showing ambulances near the White House also circulated. However, this is not based on fact. It started with a viral social media rumour that quickly spread through memes, parody posts and satirical references.

Trumps absence from recent public events and his known health issues have added fuel to speculation.

The chatter grew after Vice President JD Vance had commented on succession. In an interview with USA Today, Vance said that his experience over the past 200 days had prepared him for the presidential role.

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, the 41-year-old said.

There is no credible evidence that Donald Trump has died. No official statement has been released. The entire trend is apparently being driven by misinformation, meme culture and speculative social media chatter.

The Simpsons has had an indirect role to play in these rumours.

At San Diego Comic-Con, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening said there was no end in sight for the show. He joked that it might only end after Donald Trumps death.

When you-know-who dies, The Simpsons predicts that there will be dancing in the streets. Except President Vance will ban dancing, he quipped.

In 2000, The Simpsons famously predicted Donald Trump's election as the US president. Later, in 2015, it predicted his re-election.

However, contrary to online claims, the show never predicted his death in 2025. Viral TikTok videos showing Simpsons predictions are AI fakes.

Is Trump sick? Donald Trumps April health report declared him fully fit with good blood flow and strong physical and mental health. But, soon after, photos showed bruises on his hands and swelling around his ankles.

Doctors later diagnosed him with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition where damaged veins in the arms or legs fail to pump blood properly back to the heart.

This leads to swelling, pain or even wounds in severe cases. CVI is common, affecting about one in three American adults, especially older people and women.

The was a massive jump in people's interest in Trump is Dead between August 29 and 30 on Google India:
United States President Donald Trump on Friday, August 29, said the ruling by a US Appeals Court that most of his tariffs were illegal was incorrect, emphasising that all tariffs were still in effect.

Calling the court highly partisan, Donald Trump insisted the levies were crucial to Americas economic strength and warned their removal would be a total disaster that would leave the country financially weak. Trump asserted that the US would ultimately prevail in defending the policy.

ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong," he said in a post on Truth Social.

Trump continued, The U.S.A. will no longer tolerate enormous Trade Deficits and unfair Tariffs and Non Tariff Trade Barriers imposed by other Countries, friend or foe, that undermine our Manufacturers, Farmers, and everyone else. If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America.

"At the start of this Labor Day weekend, we should all remember that TARIFFS are the best tool to help our Workers, and support Companies that produce great MADE IN AMERICA products. For many years, Tariffs were allowed to be used against us by our uncaring and unwise Politicians. 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!

WHAT DID THE COURT SAY? In a major blow to Donald Trump's tariff policy, a US federal appeals court ruled that most of the US President's tariffs, impacting numerous trading partners including India with 50 per cent duties, were illegal  but allowed them to remain in place for now.

The 7-4 ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed a lower court's decision that Trump had exceeded his authority in tapping emergency economic powers to impose wide-ranging duties.

However, the judges permitted the tariffs to remain in place until mid-October, giving both sides time to take the matter to the Supreme Court.
A federal appeals court ruled Friday that US President Donald Trump lacked the legal authority to impose broad tariffs on nearly every country, dealing a significant legal setback to his protectionist trade agenda.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found that Trump exceeded his powers under an emergency authority law, largely affirming a May decision by a specialised federal trade court in New York.

However, the ruling allows the tariffs to remain in place for now, as reported by the Associated Press.

It seems unlikely that Congress intended to  grant the President unlimited authority to impose tariffs, the judges wrote in a 7-4 ruling.

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.

The government has warned that overturning the tariffs could force it to refund a significant portion of collected import taxes, potentially dealing a major financial blow to the U.S. Treasury.

Tariff revenues have reached $159 billion, more than twice the amount collected at the same time last year. In a recent legal filing, the Justice Department cautioned that removing the tariffs could lead to financial ruin for the country.

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? The ruling concerns two sets of import taxes that President Trump implemented under the justification of a national emergency declared through the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA):

The first set includes the sweeping tariffs announced on April 2dubbed Liberation Day by Trumpwhen he imposed reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% on countries with which the U.S. had trade deficits, along with a baseline 10% tariff on nearly all other nations. These rates were later adjusted by Trump, in some cases following trade negotiations, and largely took effect on August 7, AP reported.

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 US 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.

Also Read: China Tightens Fentanyl Controls in Goodwill Gesture to Trump

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.

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 authorise 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 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, aluminium and autos that the president imposed after Commerce Department investigations concluded that those imports were threats to US 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 turn to other, more limited legal authorities to impose import taxes. For example, Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 permits the president to levy tariffs of up to 15% for a maximum of 150 days on imports from countries with which the U.S. runs significant trade deficits.

Similarly, Section 301 of the same law allows the president to impose tariffs on countries found to be engaging in unfair trade practices, following an investigation by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Trump previously relied on this provision to initiate his first-term trade war with China.
Most of US President Donald Trump's tariffs are illegal, a divided US appeals court ruled on Friday. The court allowed the tariffs to remain in place through October 14 to give the Trump administration a chance to file an appeal with the US Supreme Court.

The 7-4 decision from the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, DC, addressed the legality of what Trump calls "reciprocal" tariffs imposed as part of his trade war in April, as well as a separate set of tariffs imposed in February against China, Canada and Mexico.

It seems unlikely that Congress intended to  grant the President unlimited authority to impose tariffs, the judges wrote in a 7-4 ruling.

The appeals court ruling stems from two cases  one brought by five small US businesses and the other by 12 Democratic-led US states, which argued that International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorise tariffs.

US court ruling does not apply to 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.

What happens to Trumps tariffs now The court's decision on Friday allowed the Trump administration time to appeal to the US Supreme Court, as opposed to May's ruling that struck down the tariffs immediately.

Therefore, tariffs will remain in place through October 14 to give the Trump administration a chance to file an appeal with the US Supreme Court.

According to the Associated Press, the president vowed to take the fight to the Supreme Court. If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America, he wrote on his social medial platform.

Also Read | US tariffs on India skirt around its biggest buyer of Russian Oil

The government has argued that if Trump's tariffs are struck down, it might have to refund some of the import taxes that its collected, delivering a financial blow to the US Treasury.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department warned in a legal filing this month that revoking the tariffs could mean financial ruin for the United States.

Also Read | US tariffs on India skirt around its biggest buyer of Russian Oil

Trump's 'unlimited authority': What did the court say The US court reacted to Trump's justification of both sets of tariffsas well as more recent leviesunder the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

IEEPA gives the president the power to address "unusual and extraordinary" threats during national emergencies. Moreover, the Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the authority to issue taxes and tariffs, and any delegation of that authority must be both explicit and limited, according to the lawsuits.

As per Reuters, the court said, The statute bestows significant authority on the President to undertake a number of actions in response to a declared national emergency, but none of these actions explicitly include the power to impose tariffs, duties, or the like, or the power to tax.

It seems unlikely that Congress intended, in enacting IEEPA, to depart from its past practice and grant the President unlimited authority to impose tariffs, the court added.

Trumla justifies tariffs Trump, the first US president to invoke IEEPA to impose tariffs, said the measures were justified given trade imbalances, declining US manufacturing power and the cross-border flow of drugs.

The US Department of Justice argued that the law allows tariffs under emergency provisions that authorise a president to "regulate" imports or block them completely.

Trump declared a national emergency in April over the fact that the US imports more than it exports, as the nation has done for decades.

Trump said the persistent trade deficit was undermining US manufacturing capability and military readiness.
January 15  Federal safety regulators have opened an investigation into Fiskers first electric vehicle over braking problems. Owners had lodged 19 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on issues ranging from brake loss to problems with the gear shifter to a driver door failing to open from the interior and two instances of the vehicles hood suddenly flying up on the highway.

January 1  Fisker remained far from meeting its publicly stated goal of delivering 300 electric SUVs per day globally . The EV startup spent much of December aiming to meet an internal sales goal of between 100 and 200 vehicles a day in North America, where the bulk of its inventory and sales efforts are. Fisker fell well below that target, often selling just one to two dozen of its Ocean SUVs a day here.

December 1  Fisker cut its annual production guidance in an effort to free up $300 million in working capital. The company said it expected to produce about 10,000 vehicles in 2023. The production guidance is just a quarter of Fiskers bullish forecast from a year ago.

July 10  Fisker announced plans to sell $340 million in convertible debt , expecting the net proceeds to be $296.7 million. The automaker said it planned to use the funds to support its general corporate operations and add an additional battery pack line to support growth in 2024 and beyond. The company said funds will also be used for capital expenditures and the development of future products.

July 7  The automaker produced 1,022 Ocean SUVs in the second quarter of 2023, several hundred vehicles short of its expectation of producing between 1,400 and 1,700 EVs.

All of this and more has forced Fisker to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, marking the beginning of an inauspicious period for the eponymous startup. Below is a timeline of the events that led the automaker to this point. Scroll to the bottom to see the newest developments.

Henrik Fisker once envisioned a burgeoning EV empire at the startup he named after himself, which was to be led by the Ocean SUV. But cracks started showing in that vision almost as soon as the Ocean hit the road in 2023.

Story Continues

Owners had flagged sudden power loss and brake problems for months

February 9  Since the initial fleet of Fisker Ocean SUVs were delivered, customers have reported more than 100 separate loss-of-power incidents. The company told TechCrunch it believes these problems are rare and that it has resolved almost all the issues with software updates. Customers have also reported sudden loss of braking power, problematic key fobs causing them to get locked inside or outside of the vehicle, seat sensors that dont detect the drivers presence and the SUVs front hood suddenly flying up at high speeds.

Feds opened second probe into the Ocean SUV after rollaway complaints

February 16  The NHTSA opened a second investigation into Fiskers Ocean SUV after the agency received four complaints about the vehicle rolling away unexpectedly, resulting in one injury. The company told TechCrunch it is fully cooperating with the safety agency.

Fisker laid off 15% of staff

February 29  Fisker announced its plan to lay off 15% of its workforce and says it likely does not have enough cash on hand to survive the next 12 months. The company says it is trying to find a way to raise that money as it works through a pivot from direct sales to a dealership model.

Pause in production with just $121 million in the bank

March 18  Fisker announced it would pause production of its electric Ocean SUV for six weeks as it scrambles for a cash infusion. The company said in a regulatory filing that it had just $121 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 15, $32 million of which is restricted or not immediately accessible. Fisker also said that its accounts payable balance is up to $182 million and that there is substantial doubt that it can continue operations without raising new capital.

Fisker lost Nissan deal, putting rescue funds at risk

March 25  The negotiations between Fisker and a large automaker  reported to be Nissan  over a potential investment and collaboration were terminated, a development that puts a separate near-term rescue funding effort in danger. Fisker revealed in a regulatory filing that the automaker terminated the negotiations March 22. It did not explain why. But the company had to keep the negotiations going as part of one of the closing conditions for a potential $150 million convertible note.

Trading suspended by NYSE

March 25  The New York Stock Exchange suspended trading shares of Fisker and moved to take the company off its stock exchange, because it is no longer suitable for listing because of abnormally low price levels.

Fisker lost track of millions of dollars in customer payments for months

March 27  Fisker temporarily lost track of millions of dollars in customer payments as it scaled up deliveries, leading to an internal audit that started in December and took months to complete. Fisker struggled to keep tabs on these transactions, which included down payments and in some cases, the full price of the vehicles, because of lax internal procedures for keeping track of them, according to three people familiar with the internal payment crisis. In a few cases, it delivered vehicles without collecting any form of payment at all, they said.

New round of layoffs to preserve cash

April 29  Fisker laid off more employees to preserve cash, making good on a plan announced one week before, according to an internal email viewed by TechCrunch. Fisker expects to seek bankruptcy protection within the next 30 days if it cant come up with that money, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulatory filing.

Fisker stiffed engineering firm

May 3  Fisker stopped paying the engineering firm that helped develop the Pear, a low-cost EV meant for the masses, and the Alaska, Fiskers entry into the red-hot pickup truck market. The firm also accuses Fisker of wrongfully holding on to IP associated with those vehicles.

Fisker Ocean faced fourth federal safety probe

May 10  The NHTSA opened a fourth investigation into the Fisker Ocean SUV to probe multiple claims of inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking. The eight complaints allege that owners experienced sudden activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking system in moments where there were no other vehicles or obstructions in the path of their cars.

Hundreds of workers cut to keep EV startup alive

May 29  Hundreds more employees were laid off during the final week of May in a bid to stay alive, as the automaker continues to search for funding, a buyout or prepare for bankruptcy. One current and one laid off employee estimated that only about 150 people remained at the company.

Inside Fiskers collapse

May 31  The road to Fiskers ultimate ruin may have started and ended with its flawed Ocean SUV, which was riddled with mechanical and software problems. But it was paved with hubris, power struggles, and the repeated failure to set up basic processes that are foundational for any automaker.

Ocean SUV issued first recall

June 12  Fisker issued the first recall for the Ocean SUV because of problems with the warning lights, according to new information published by the NHTSA. The instrument panel displays the brake, park and antilock brake system warning lights in the wrong font size and, at times, in the wrong color, making them noncompliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The agency also says multiple warning lights fail to illuminate during the ignition cycle.

Fisker filed for bankruptcy

June 18  After a year of struggling to stay afloat, Fisker filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The California-based company had been seeking a deal with another automaker in a last-ditch effort to rescue the enterprise. The company estimated assets of $500 million to $1 billion and liabilities of between $100 million and $500 million, according to the filing.

Fisker failed because it wasnt ready to be a car company

June 18  In the wake of its bankruptcy, Fisker said it will continue reduced operations, including preserving customer programs, and compensating needed vendors on a go-forward basis. In other words, it will continue to manage a bare-bones operation in case there is a willing buyer of the assets its putting up for sale in the Chapter 11 case.

Fisker faced financial distress as early as August 2023

June 21  According to a new filing in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding, Fisker was facing potential financial distress as early as August 2023. That looming financial distress drove Fisker to solicit a partnership or investment from another automaker, according to the filing.

The fight over Fiskers assets is already heating up

June 21  The fight over Fiskers assets is already charged just days into its bankruptcy filing, with one lawyer claiming the startup has been liquidating assets outside the courts supervision. At issue is the relationship between Fisker and its largest secured lender, which loaned Fisker more than $500 million in 2023 at a time when the companys financial distress was looming behind the scenes.

Fisker asks bankruptcy court to sell EVs for about $14K each

July 3  If a judge in the Delaware Bankruptcy Court approves Fiskers request to sell its remaining inventory to a New York-based vehicle leasing company, the automaker would be able to offload 3,231 finished EVs for $46.25 million, or around $14,000 per vehicle.

Henrik Fisker, Geeta Gupta-Fisker drop salaries to $1

July 9  Henrik Fisker and his wife, Fisker co-founder Geeta Gupta-Fisker, are lowering their salaries to $1 in order to keep their failed EV startups bankruptcy proceedings funded. In addition to the salary reductions, Fiskers restructuring officer, John DiDonato, said in Tuesdays filing that Fisker will defer certain severance payments, certain employee healthcare benefits, and vehicle sale incentive bonuses that have not yet been paid.

Fisker has one major objector to its Ocean SUV firesale

July 15  The office of the U.S. Trustee, an arm of the Department of Justice that oversees the administration of bankruptcy, is objecting to a deal that would keep Fiskers bankruptcy proceeding alive and pave the way for paying back creditors some of what theyre owed.

Fisker cleared to sell North American EVs for $46.25 million

July 16  A bankruptcy judge gave Fisker the green light to sell more than 3,000 of its Ocean SUVs to a vehicle leasing company, which will net the defunct EV startup a maximum of $46.25 million. The approval of the sale clears the way for the rest of Fiskers bankruptcy process to play out as it continues to liquidate whats left of its failed business.

The question haunting Fiskers bankruptcy

July 29  The question folks are asking: does the automakers loan secured lender Heights Capital Management deserve to be at the front of the line to reap the proceeds of a liquidation? The entities reached an agreement to hammer out a settlement in the coming weeks on how to liquidate its assets. If successful, the case could remain in Chapter 11. If not, it would convert to Chapter 7, which would effectively dissolve Fisker forever.

Fisker flips on who will pay for recalls

September 18  One of the many questions Fisker owners had as the company worked through the bankruptcy process was how the outstanding recalls would be handled. In mid-September, the company suddenly suggested that it would cover the cost of parts, but that those owners would have to pay out of pocket for labor costs. Just as suddenly, Fisker flipped, saying it would cover labor costs.

The SEC opens an investigation

October 4  The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission revealed in a filing that it opened an investigation into Fisker, and that it could bring actions alleging violations of the federal securities laws. The financial regulator told the bankruptcy court that it already sent multiple subpoenas, but was concerned Fisker didnt have a plan in place to preserve its records. (The bankrupt EV startup ultimately allayed the SECs concerns, and the status of the probe is unknown.)

Fiskers HQ abandoned in complete disarray

October 5  The landlord of Fisker HQs final resting place  a facility in La Palma, California  says the building was abandoned in complete disarray, with hazardous waste and even full-size vehicle clay models left behind. The landlords filing describes a messy few days in which, apparently, Fisker employees as well as representatives of an auction house emptied the facility.

The DOJ says Fiskers recall repair plan is illegal

October 7  The U.S. Department of Justice, writing on behalf of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tells the bankruptcy court it thinks Fiskers attempt to push recall labor costs on owners is illegal. The objection ultimately helps change Fiskers mind a final time.

Fiskers fleet buyer balks at completing the sale

October 8  Fisker throws a major curveball at the bankruptcy court, after it told American Lease it did not believe it would be able to transfer necessary data to a new, non-Fisker server. American Lease revealed the snag in a filing and told the judge that it may not be able to complete the sale  which would jeopardize Fiskers settlement plan with its creditors.

Fiskers bankruptcy plan confirmed

October 16  Fisker was able to resolve the flurry of eleventh-hour problems described above and get its liquidation plan confirmed by the bankruptcy court. The company reversed course and agreed to cover the labor costs of its recalls. It worked out a solution with American Lease regarding the transfer of vehicle data. And a trustee was appointed to oversee the sale of the remainder of Fiskers non-vehicle assets, including around $1 billion worth of equipment left in Austria, where the Oceans were built.

2025

Henrik Fisker quietly winds down his nonprofit

Henrik Fisker and his wife Geeta (who was also CFO and COO of the company) established a charitable foundation in late 2021 meant to incubate innovation in healthcare, education, sustainability, mobility, and all causes that help support the planet and improve and further the lives of people and animals.

But a review of tax filings with the IRS show the foundation never gave out more than around $100,000, and has since been shut down. The pair wound down the nonprofit, according to tax filings that were made public in 2025.
Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) witnessed a frenzy this weekend after the phrase Trump is dead shot to the top of global trends. Within hours, confusion, conspiracy theories, and memes flooded timelines, leaving many asking: Where is Trump?

How Did The Rumour Begin? The speculation did not originate from one single source but grew out of several unrelated sparks that converged online.

A routine statement by US Vice President JD Vance about presidential succession was widely misinterpreted. When clipped out of context, it was reshared as a veiled suggestion that something had happened to Donald Trump.

Around the same time, an old remark by The Simpsons creator Matt Groening resurfaced, with conspiracy accounts claiming that the cartoon had predicted Trumps death. AI-generated edits added to the confusion.

Fake news graphics, designed to look like authentic CNN broadcasts, further amplified the falsehood.

Together, these elements set the stage for the hashtag #TrumpIsDead to dominate X, followed quickly by #WhereIsTrump.

Why Did People Believe It? Several factors added fuel to the speculation:

No public appearances: Trump had no scheduled events on August 30-31, which made his absence appear unusual.

Fake visuals: Fabricated news alerts and AI-generated images gave the hoax a veneer of legitimacy.

Health rumours: Old photos showing bruises on Trumps hands  which doctors have linked to minor circulatory issues  were circulated as supposed proof of ill health.

Whats The Reality? There is no evidence that Donald Trump has died. Neither the White House nor any credible news outlet has reported such an event. On the contrary, reports confirmed that the former US president was engaged in political and legal briefings even as the rumours spread. Experts also clarified that the bruising on his hands was not a serious medical issue.

Why Does It Matter? While the episode triggered memes and jokes online, experts warn that such viral misinformation has serious implications.
Jake Sullivan, who served as National Security Advisor under former US President Joe Biden, sharply criticised President Donald Trump's decision to impose sweeping 50 per cent tariffs on India, and asserted that Trump's aggressive trade actions shattered a longstanding bipartisan consensus on US-India relations.

Speaking to The Bulwark, Sullivan said the tariffs could push India to seek closer ties with China as a strategic counterbalance, remarking, India might feel the need to show up in Beijing because they have to hedge against the U.S.

When I go to these places now and I talk to leaders, they are talking about derisking from the United States. They now see the US as the big disruptor, the country that can't be counted on, Sullivan said in The Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller.

He added, China has moved ahead of the United States in popularity in a whole lot of countries.

He also warned that such moves are damaging Americas global reputation, stating that the American brand globally is in the toilet.

Sullivan further noted, Take a look at India, as another example. Here's a country that on a bipartisan basis, we were working and trying to build a deeper and more sustainable relationship with, and the China challenge loomed large in that. Now you have got President Trump executing a massive trade offensive against them, and the Indians are saying, Well, I guess maybe we have to go show up in Beijing and sit with the Chinese because we got a hedge against America.

Watch the video here:

The 50-percent tariffs on a wide range of Indian imports to the U.S. took effect this week, imposed as a penalty for New Delhi's significant purchases of Russian oil, part of Washington's broader strategy to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine.

Recently, speaking at a construction industry event in New Delhi on Friday, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India will not bow down and instead focus on capturing new markets, AFP reported.

Since returning to the White House this year, Trump has increasingly used tariffs as a sweeping policy instrument, significantly disrupting global trade dynamics.

In 2024, the U.S. was India's largest export market, with goods worth $87.3 billion shipped to American buyers.

The American brand globally is in the toilet.

However, analysts warn that the steep 50 per cent tariff resembles a trade embargo and could severely impact smaller businesses. Exporters in sectors like textiles, seafood, and jewellery are already reporting cancelled U.S. orders and market losses to competitors such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, fueling concerns over large-scale job losses, as reported by AFP.
Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has voiced his concerns over an agreement between India and China to use Lipulekh as a route to carry out trade. According to his secretariat, the leader raised an objection regarding the issue during a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday.

Nepal claims Lipulekh as its own territory, while India has categorically dismissed it as neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence.

Prime Minister Oli, on the occasion, clearly raised its objection to the agreement reached between India and China to use Lipulekh, a Nepalese territory, as a trade route, Nepal's Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai was quoted as saying by the PM's secretariat.

Nepal believes that China will cooperate with Nepal in this regard, PM Oli was quoted as saying in the statement.

However, China has not spoken on the issue. An official statement released by the Foreign Ministry of China also did not make any reference linked to it.

Nepal PM meets Xi Jinping Nepal PM Oli's secretariat further said that he and Xi Jinping vowed to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation during the bilateral meeting on Saturday.

They also agreed to move forward the bilateral mechanism for enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries, the statement said.

A press release issued by the Nepal Embassy in China said that Nepal PM Oli expressed hope on accelerating implementation of projects already agreed, including under the BRI, he requested support in such areas as fertiliser, petroleum, exploration, human resources, development, climate resilience and people-to-people connection.

Also Read | India pushes back against Nepals Lipulekh remarks amid China trade revival

Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministrys statement said Xi, in his talks with Oli, pointed out that China-Nepal cooperation on the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative is steadily advancing, and the two peoples are becoming closer and closer.

Xi stressed that the two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust and firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, the statement said.

They should promote cooperation in industry, agriculture and animal husbandry, new energy, environmental protection, oil and gas, artificial intelligence, education, health, law enforcement, and security, he added.

The statement quoted Oli as saying that Nepal-China relations have withstood various trials and tribulations and have grown stronger over time.
Ukraine claims it destroyed two bridges inside Russian territory by usingdrones to target stockpiles of mines and ammunition hidden by Russian forces, as reported by CNN.

According to the Ukrainian military, the bridges located near the border in Russias Belgorod region, close to Ukraines Kharkiv region, were being used to supply Russian troops. Due to their strategic value, the bridges had been rigged with explosives, allowing Russia to destroy them to halt any rapid Ukrainian offensive, potentially, said the report.

See the drone photographs here:

View full Image Ukraine Armed Forces  58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade. (Source: CNN)

View full Image Ukraine Armed Forces  58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade. (Photo: CNN)

View full Image Ukraine Armed Forces  58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade. (Photo: CNN)

Drone footage shows the aircraft approaching the bridge and uncovering a large cache of anti-tank mines and other ammunition. A piece of fabric, seemingly used to cover the stash, is seen discarded nearby, according to CNN.

We saw the mines, and we struck, they added.

After that, we decided to check the other bridge. We found it was also mined and we struck, the brigade representative said, adding: (We) saw an opportunity and took it.

Kyiv is ramping up diplomatic efforts to end Russias war, now entering its fourth year, and to secure key security guarantees from allies to deter future aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he plans to continue discussions with European leaders next week on "NATO-like" defence commitments for Ukraine, emphasising that US President Donald Trump should also participate in the talks, as reported by Reuters.

"We need the architecture to be clear to everyone," he said, adding that he wanted to tell Trump how we see it.

At a meeting in Copenhagen on Friday, European Union defence ministers showed broad support for expanding the blocs military training mission to operate within Ukraine, according to the EUs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas.

Meanwhile, Trump, who has recently signalled greater openness to supporting Ukraines defence, has noted that Europe should take the lead in providing the majority of security support for Kyiv.

We decided to check the other bridge. We found it was also mined and we struck.

Following his meeting with Putin in Alaska earlier this month and subsequent talks with Zelensky and European leaders at the White House, President Trump announced plans to arrange bilateral talks between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders.
Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the Houthi-controlled administration in Sanaa was killed in Israeli airstrike, the Iranian-backed Houthis confirmed today on 30 August.

According to the Israeli military's statement on 28 August, it "precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target in the area of Sanaa in Yemen".

The rebels' statement stated Al-Rahawi, who had been the prime minister of the Houthi-led government since August 2024, was attacked alongside other officials from his government during a regular workshop aimed at assessing the activities and performance of the administration over the previous year.

In May, the Trump administration announced an agreement with the Houthis to stop airstrikes in exchange for halting attacks on shipping. However, the rebels clarified that the deal did not cover halting attacks on targets they viewed as connected to Israel.

Who was Ahmed al-Rahawi? Ahmed al-Rahawi was the prime minister of the Houthi-led government from 10 August 2024. He was a part of General People's Congress party and earlier worked on the Supreme Political Council.

Also Read | The Houthis and the UNs ship of fools

Al-Rahawis father, Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi, was a prominent political figure who was killed in the 1970s. Al-Rahawi himself became involved in politics, serving in various key positions from 2000 to 2015, such as the director general and chairman of the Local Council of Khanfar District, deputy governor of Al Mahwit Governorate, and deputy governor of Abyan Governorate.

He became the governor of Abyan Governorate and, in 2019, was appointed to the Houthi-led Supreme Political Council, the governing body for Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Al-Rahawi frequently lauded resistance groups in the Middle East, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, depicting them as emblematic of resistance against what he referred to as the Zionist enemy.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations in Sanaa, killing at least 10 people and injuring 102, according to the Houthi-run health ministry and local officials, PTI reported.

The Houthis have been launching missiles and drones at Israel and attacking ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinians during Israels conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

In retaliation, Israel, along with a US-led coalition, launched strikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen, comprising Sanaa and the strategic port city of Hodeida. Israeli bombings had already rendered Sanaa's airport nonoperational back in May.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 30 condemned the horrific murder of Andriy Parubiy, the Ukrainian lawmaker who formerly served as speaker of parliament. The incident took place in the western city of Lviv, according to authorities.

Zelensky vowed a thorough probe into the case.

Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko have just reported on the first known circumstances of the horrific murder in Lviv. Andriy Parubiy has been killed. My condolences to his family and loved ones. All necessary forces and resources have been deployed for the investigation and the search for the murderer, Zelensky posted on X.

The police said that the victim was shot multiple times, but did not reveal his identity.

Who was Andriy Parubiy? Parubiy was born on January 31, 1971 and was the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament from April 14, 2016 to August 29, 2019. He had been a prominent supporter of the pro-European Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Maidan Revolution in 2014.

Before serving as a Deputy in the Verkhovna Rada in 2007, he was a deputy in the Lviv regional council. In February 2010, Parubiy appealed to the European Parliament, urging them to reconsider their unfavorable response to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko's decision to grant Stepan Bandera, the leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, the title of Hero of Ukraine.

Also Read | Ukraine destroys 2 Russian bridges using its own ammunition stockpiles

On August 7, 2014, Parubiy stepped down as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. He chose not to disclose the reasons for his resignation, saying, "I believe it is unacceptable to comment on my resignation in a time of war", and he would "continue to assist the front, primarily volunteer battalions".

Parubiy became a founding member of his new party People's Front in September, 2014. During the Ukrainian elections in October 2014, he was re-elected as a People's Deputy on the party list People's Front. He was chosen as the Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada on December 4.
Of course, there was a flicker of hope that good sense would prevailthat the Donald Trump-led US administration would desist from imposing an additional 25% tariff on India for buying discounted oil from Russia, over and above the 25% already levied on Indian exports for valuing its farmers interests.

Alas, in a Trumpian world, good sense is a scarce commoditywhere the will of one man alone prevails.

Millennials may recall from history books that India and the US were often at loggerheads during the Cold War. Todays US rhetoric carries an echo of that era when spats and sharp exchanges were commonplace, reflected in the shrill statements of White House trade adviser Peter Navarro and treasury secretary Scott Bessent.

Also Read | Tariffs squeeze Indian textile firms, forcing pivot beyond US

The 25% additional levies are coerciveaimed at forcing India to bend and surrender its sovereign right to prioritize its peoples interests. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a Freudian slip, ended up calling a spade a spade when she described them as sanctions" while touting Trumps public measures to bring peace between Russia and Ukraine.

The last time Washington pulled the sanctions gun on India was after the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests.

So, where does this leave India-US tiesonce billed as the most consequential" in the world? What about the India-US joint statement, endorsed by Trump himself during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's February visit to the US, reaffirming the strength of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill, and robust engagement of their citizens?"

Trump can disown them as easily as he disowns anything with Joe Biden's name on it. A week may be a long time in politics, so the saying goes; in Trumpian times, even 24 hours feels like an eternity. The message is blunt: All agreements are open to negotiationswhat matters is whether you toe the Trump line.

Also Read | You can ignore Trump's tariffs if you invest in quality stocks for the long term

What are Indias options?

First is accelerating reformsgoods and services tax (GST) slab rationalization, export-market diversification, rethinking participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact, and repairing economic ties with rival China are some measures on which New Delhi has already started working. Further measures could include expediting trade deals, such as the one with the European Union.

While India may be able to absorb a 1% dip in its gross domestic product (GDP) growth, the potential job losses in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles could prove to be the real pain point.

Second, keep the channels open. India, after all, needs the US for technology and investments to leapfrog towards its Viksit Bharat (developed economy) vision by 2047. A rift with Washington could strain investment flows, even with the countrys reputation as one of the fastest-growing major economies.

Third, perhaps someone ought to sit Trump down and explain that the logic of the US-India strategic partnership is more relevant today than ever before.

China seeks to displace the US as the pre-eminent global powerits advances in chipmaking and artificial intelligence (AI), its formidable military build-up, and its control of critical supply chains, especially rare-earth minerals, are well documented.

Its a no-brainer that New Delhi is Washington's natural partnerpenalizing it will not help Make America Great Again (MAGA)". It is Trumps mistaken notion that pressure on India will somehow compel President Vladimir Putin to abandon his pursuits in Ukraineand burnish his own claim to the Nobel Peace Prize.

If Trump skips a Quad meeting in India while lining up talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, not just India but all of Asia, in fact, the world, must sit up and take note.

Meanwhile, other developments that should raise more than a few eyebrows.

US-based Exxon Mobil Corp. and Russia's state-controlled oil company Rosneft could get back into business should a peace deal with Ukraine materialize. There are many variables at play here, but talksserious talksare taking place behind the scenes. Should the Texas oil giant return to Russia, it would signal rapprochement with the US.

It is not clear how Europe feels about thisTrump himself is also blowing hot and cold, alternating between placating Putin and threatening him with sanctions to in pursuit of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

According to news reports, one reason for Washington to support an Exxon-Rosneft deal is to get Russia to buy American technology rather than Chinese as part of a broader strategy to isolate Beijing and weaken or sever its ties with Moscow.

Modis visits to Japan and China have acquired added weight. India needs reliable partners, and Japan has consistently supported its rise. A revamped defence pact is reportedly in the works, along with fresh pledges of Japanese investments.

His second stop is Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. With Trumps deep suspicion of BRICS, Washington will watch every word and gesture at the gathering. Xi, for his part, is expected to roll out a grand welcome for both Putin and Modiwho is returning to China after seven years.

Remember the Trump administration announcing plans to revoke visas for Chinese students in May? This week, there was a major volte-face on that. The US President said he was opening up American universities to 600,000 Chinese students because Washington and Beijing shared a very important relationship", signalling a dramatic shift from his administration's America first" policy.

The decision shocked and annoyed some of his staunchest MAGA camp loyalists, including far-right activist Laura Loomer. But Trumps move could be less a principled stand than a bargaining chip in his trade negotiations with Beijing.

Israel insists otherwise, but the world is slowly growing a conscience. This week, UN staff sent a letter to Volker Turk, head of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, urging him to declare what is happening in Gaza an unfolding genocide.

Israel, accused of blocking food and medical aid from reaching Gazans, has rejected all such claims, invoking its right to self-defence after the 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people and left 251 taken hostage. Yet, that self-defence" has so far claimed nearly 63,000 Palestinian lives.

Elizabeth Roche is an associate professor at O.P. Jindal Global University.
Three decades spent in and out of Indian courts, mixed with prolonged spells of incarceration in the notorious Tihar Jail in Delhi, would be enough to snap the spirits of normal men. But then Rajendra Sethia was never your average Joe. Which is why, even after a Delhi court set him free in 2019, ruling that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had not produced a shred of evidence against him, Sethia refused to exult. Monk-like, he accepted his acquittal as part of the same cycle of life that catapulted him to untold success and riches in the first place.

And boy, was he rich.

Esal Commodities, which he set up in London in 1977, earned a profit of 1 crore in its first year through sugar, tea and shipping trades. By 1981 its turnover had grown to 100 crore. By then the slim, mustachioed Indian entrepreneur had built a business empire that stretched from Nigeria to New York.

His appetite for growth was insatiable. Acquiring banks, courting African strongmen, mastering commodities trading, every roll of the dice was bigger than the last. By the time he turned 30 he was already a pound billionaire. But unlike the handful of other Indian tycoons of the era he didnt hide his wealth in mattresses, but put it out for all to see. Rolls Royces gleamed in his driveway while a Boeing 707, retrofitted with a bedroom, sauna and jacuzzi, always stood ready on the tarmac. At cocktail parties in Mayfair and Monte Carlo, he spoke the language of global finance with native fluency. His lavish spending was the envy of the world. His life up to that point would have given Harold Robbins ideas.

But like all great ascents, this one contained the seeds of its own destruction.

The great fall

Political coups in the corridors of Lagos and Khartoum saw alliances vaporised and assets frozen, leaving him with monumental debt. Bankers who once toasted him ordered audits. Creditors circled and eventually moved the courts to liquidate his flagship, Esal Commodities. It was dubbed the world's biggest bankruptcy at the time.

With Indian banks involved as well, the CBI got on his case and by March 1985, Sethia was behind bars. The charges were staggering: hundreds of millions allegedly siphoned from Indian banks through phantom trades and shell companies. The political undercurrents ran deep, with investigators pressing him to implicate senior politicians in exchange for leniency. He refused.

Also Read | Swraj Paul was socialist India's first capitalist revolutionary

A decades-long legal battle ensued. Through it all, Sethia maintained his innocence while paying a devastating personal price. Two marriages fell apart before tragedy struck again: his third wife Sonia Sethia died in a car accident in Delhi in February 2012. Sethia himself suffered two heart attacks.

But even in his darkest moments, he exhibited a rare resilience. He adapted to prison life, meditated, turned to spirituality, and waited. When a Delhi court delivered its final verdict in July 2019, it was a damning indictment  not of Sethia, but of the prosecution. After 34 years, no credible evidence had been produced against him. His response was characteristically understated: no victory laps, just quiet acknowledgement that justice, though delayed, had finally been served.

The great suvivor

At a meeting some years ago, Sethia displayed neither anger nor regret as he looked back on his life. Sporting a red tikka, he slipped into the coffee shop of a five-star hotel, unannounced and unnoticed. The modest, mid-size SUV which took him there was a far cry from the luxury cars he was used to in his heyday. He spoke softly and moved slowly  telltale signs of the burden he's carried these past four decades. Perhaps hed realised that the flamboyance of his youth may have been his undoing. In the India of the 1980s, wealth  barring that of a chosen few dynasties  was a dirty five-letter word.

Ever the raconteur, he related the strange experience of sharing a cell with Charles Sobhraj, the notorious serial killer. On 16 March 1986, Sobhraj executed his audacious escape with 11 other inmates. The authorities needed scapegoats. Sethia, already in their crosshairs, was charged with aiding the getaway  another case that would eventually be dismissed.

Today Sethia is a free man but the mystery around him remains. Is he a brilliant businessman brought low by a corrupt system, or a clever operator who finally met his match? A victim of political persecution or someone who flew too close to the sun? Were his trading practices genuinely fraudulent or simply too sophisticated for 1980s regulators?

The answer, like the man himself, remains tantalizingly elusive. In a world that prefers neat narratives and clearly defined protagonists, Rajendra Sethia refuses convenient categorisation. He remains an enigma, with a story too complex for simple moral judgments.
To start, theres nothing like a job you hate to motivate you to start working towards one that will bring you both joy and career opportunities. And that can be done both inside and outside of your current position.

But what about those workers trapped in a holding pattern where they are unhappy in their current role but unwilling  or not financially able  to switch to a new job that pays less? The good news is that there are ways to take advantage of working a job you hate, they could set you up for an even more fulfilling career going forward.

All of which explains why the rate of quits in the labor market keeps trending downward.

Marketplace adds that, Ongoing uncertainty around tariff policy is also contributing  Businesses are reluctant to hire, and workers are cautious about making job changes.

To that end, Zip Recruiter chief economist Julia Pollak explained to Yahoo Finance that Employers are opportunistically able to pick up great talents on the cheap.

Those looking to get out encounter fewer opportunities to switch jobs and to realize wage gains labor economist Bill Congdon told Money.com.

The current state of the dismal job market is affecting both job stayers and switchers.

Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake  heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP

I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement  what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)

Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100  and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how

Global data report platform Statista cites research showing that as recently as 2022, the median year-over-year increase in annual pay for job switchers was above 15%. For those who stayed in their jobs, they received increases of only about half as much.

CNBC notes that such a trend usually only happened in periods around the Great Recession and the dot-com bust in the early 2000s. Still, job stayers enjoyed 4.1% wage growth last month, while job switchers saw 4%.

Thats because statistics show that, since February, an uncommon trend has taken hold in the U.S. workforce: the salaries of those who stay in their current positions are outpacing the salaries of those who leave to find something new.

To stay or not to stay? That is the question facing American workers looking to switch jobs  especially those plugging away at jobs they dont like.

Story Continues

Outside of work, dedicating time to a side hustle could pay off in the long run. Career coach Chelsea Jay explains that a side hustle is a great way to explore your hearts desires, test the waters, and build new skills.

Whether that means content creating, part-time teaching, freelance work or starting a small business based around a personal passion  for example, opening your own online store to sell items you craft  the side hustle offers an escape from work stress while also helping you to cultivate possible new revenue streams, skill sets and contacts. Jay adds that if you wind up successful in this approach, it could result in an entirely new career path.

Within the workplace, Forbes suggests that your hatred toward the job will decrease as your emotional energy turns away from managing an untenable situation and turns toward your next adventure.

So use that energy to learn new skills within the job you hate to help set you up for better success  and a higher salary  at a new position. Take on new responsibilities related to a desired future role, enroll in professional enhancement courses online. Make new contacts and explore relationships with those who may be able to help you take that next career step, either at your own company or outside of it.

Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching stocks  here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead

Recalibrating your work-life balance

A simple yet easy way to take advantage of a job you dislike is to use that emotional detachment to physically detach yourself and recalibrate your work-life balance.

This is not to suggest slacking at work. Rather, many employees work longer hours (including evenings and weekends) or take on extra tasks to show initiative and gain favor that will, hopefully, lead to a raise and/or promotion. If youre hoping to one day leave your company anyway, youll feel more comfortable dialling back some of those duties and extra hours.

Prioritize your well-being, Jay writes. A good balance contributes significantly to job satisfaction and overall happiness.

Having a respectful conversation with your boss about your desire to better balance your personal and professional life could help reduce both your workload and your stress levels.

After all, Jay adds, youve trained them to know that they can contact you after hours, you will need to train them to expect a response only during work hours.

Pay down debt and save for a freedom fund

If nothing else, staying at a job that pays you better than one that you could jump to provides the opportunity to help pay down, or eliminate, any debt youre carrying.

Of course, that is easier said than done. Debt.com notes that those who are unhappy at work often do things like overeat and drink or smoke more in addition to using retail therapy to help assuage their misery  all of which adds to what you owe.

If you can avoid, or at least limit, that type of behavior, many experts recommend using the time spent at the higher-paying job to work out a plan or schedule to pay down credit cards, student loans or other debts.

For those without significant debt, another option is to use the job to build what business coach Caren Magill calls your mini-freedom fund  savings that will sustain you in the event of job loss or if you quit because your physical or mental health (or both) just cant take it anymore.

I recommend a minimum of 6-12 months worth of living expenses, Magill wrote, not invested in equities, but in a high-yield savings account.

Having that financial goal  be it debt repayment or freedom fund  also helps set an unofficial timeline for you to be able to leave the job if you so choose.

You can set a date as to when you would feel completely at peace with quitting your job, regardless of whether you have something else lined up, Medium explained. By setting this deadline  every day will feel more manageable because there is an end in sight.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, former Vice President of India, has applied for his pension as a former MLA of Rajasthan, officials said on Saturday.

With his tenure ending as the Vice President on July 21 following his resignation from the post, Jagdeep Dhankhar has applied afresh for pension as former MLA in Rajasthan and sought the resumption of his pension in accordance with his position, the officials said.

Jagdeep Dhankhar, who was a Congress MLA from 1993 to 1998 and represented the Kishangarh Assembly constituency, used to get a pension for his position until July 2019. Thereafter, he was appointed as the Governor of West Bengal following which the pension was stopped.

The process of ensuring his pension has been initiated by the secretariat. Jagdeep Dhankhar's pension applicable from the date his resignation as the Vice President was accepted, said the officials.

How much pension will Jagdeep Dhankhar receive? Former MLAs in Rajasthan get a pension starting at 35,000 per month for a single term and goes up with additional terms and age. Those above 70 receive a 20 per cent hike.

According to rules, Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is 74, will now receive a pension of 42,000 per month, the officials said.

Meanwhile, officials said Dhankhar is entitled to three pensions -- as a former vice-president, ex-MP, and former member of the Rajasthan Assembly.

While there no pension benefits for Dhankhar as the ex-governor of West Bengal, he can avail one secretarial staff for a monthly reimbursement of  25,000 as a former governor.

As a one-term MP, he is entitled to 45,000 per month as pension, besides other benefits.

As the former vice-president, Dhankhar is entitled for a pension of nearly 2 lakh per month, a Type-8 bungalow, one personal secretary, one additional personal secretary, one personal assistant, one physician, one nursing officer and four personal attendants.

This brings his monthly income to roughly nearly 3 lakh per month.

In the case of a former vice-president's death, his or her spouse is entitled to a smaller Type-7 house.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has ramped up his agitation at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, warning the Maharashtra government not to test the patience of the community. On Saturday, the second day of his indefinite hunger strike, he accused the state of spreading misinformation and failing to provide even basic amenities for protesters.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai police has extended the permission to protest granted to Manoj Jarange by another day. The indefinite hunger strike of the Maratha quota activist will continue at Azad Maidan on Sunday, 31 August.

What is Manoj Jarange demanding? The 43-year-old activist has been pressing for a 10% reservation for Marathas under the OBC category by recognising them as Kunbis, an agrarian caste already listed under OBC. Jarange made it clear that he is not seeking to cut into the OBC quota, but only demanding the rightful share for his community.

"We are only demanding that we get our rightful share of quota based on the eligibility under the Kunbi category," he said.

"We don't want to indulge in politics. We only want a reservation. The government should not test the patience of the Maratha community," he warned. "We are not asking to reduce the OBC quota. Don't spread misinformation," he charged.

Manoj Jarange further urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis not to insult poor Marathas. He accused Fadnavis of trying to create instability and vitiate the atmosphere in the state.

Conditions worsen at Azad Maidan Thousands of supporters joined Manoj Jarange at the historic ground, braving heavy overnight rain and ankle-deep mud. Protesters complained of food scarcity and poor sanitation, alleging that nearby shops had been forced shut. Many also bemoaned the lack of water in toilets.

Traffic came to a halt outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) as agitators spilled onto key roads on Friday, forcing police to step in.

Also Read | Those claiming Hindus in danger denying reservation to Marathas: Jarange Patil

Maharashtra Govt delegation steps in Amid growing tension, Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said a government delegation led by retired Justice Sandeep Shinde will hold talks with Jarange. Shinde also heads the committee verifying Kunbi records of the Maratha community.

We are committed to resolving the matter positively, Vikhe Patil said, adding that sanitation and water complaints at the protest site were being addressed.

Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis has reiterated that the state will seek a solution within the constitutional framework but stressed that the demand must remain free of political motives.

Also Read | Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange calls off 9-day hunger strike

Opposition MVA hits out at Fadnavis Government The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) accused the ruling Mahayuti government of failing to manage the situation. Opposition leaders said the Centre must relax the 50% cap on reservations and conduct a caste census if the issue is to be resolved.

Why it matters? This is Manoj Jaranges eighth protest since 2023. Earlier this year, he had ended a hunger strike on the sixth day after Maharashtra government assurances but warned he would return to Mumbai with a larger movement if promises were not fulfilled.

Also Read | Maharashtra speaker orders probe into Manoj Jarange's claims against Fadnavis
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday dropped a big hint about the Maratha quota amid activist Manoj Jarange's strike.

Talking to the reporters in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pawar said that the Maharashtra government is positive about Maratha quota demands and is working to find a solution.

His statement came as Jarange started an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai during the day, seeking reservations for the Maratha community.

Here's what Ajit Pawar said: Ajit Pawar said that the state government has set up a committee under cabinet minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, which is already holding dialogue on the issue.

Everybody has the right to stage a protest, provided it is done peacefully. The Mahayuti government is working to find a solution to the demands, and we are confident a solution will emerge, he said.

Pawar said the court gave Jarange one day's permission despite his objection. If the court says something, everyone needs to follow it in letter and spirit, he added.

The deputy CM said that the state government is positive and will find a way. We are working hard to arrive at a solution through dialogue, he said.

Pawar also clarified that all communities in the state should get justice while clarifying OBC leader Laxman Hake's allegations that some NCP MLAs are supporting Jarange's agitation.

I have seen in the news that colleagues from various parties have also extended support. Everyone has a right to express their views and opinions, he said.

Ajit Pawar added that he did not give much importance to Hake's statements because it is like vinash kale viprit buddhi (when one's doom approaches, their intellect turns against them).

What is Manoj Jarange demanding?

Manoj Jarange, who has been on hunger strike since Friday, has been demanding a 10 per cent quota for Marathas under the Other Backward Class category.

He wants Marathas to be recognised as Kunbis, an agrarian caste included in the OBC category, which will make them eligible for reservation, though OBC leaders are opposed to it.

Former Maharashtra chief minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has already endorsed Jaranges agitation.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Indian drones will now become a symbol of the country's new technological revolution, thanks to Raphe mPhibr, the country's largest aero engine test bed, in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Singh said that despite handling the responsibility of the defence ministry for over 6 years, he had never seen young people like the institute's founders, Vishal Mishra and Vivek Mishra, setting up such a big and innovative establishment.

He also highlighted that neither the US nor China can detect Indian drones flying in the sky. Today, the youth is not just creating a company, but creating a new thinking and direction in the defence sector. Now, when Indian drones fly, neither America nor China will be able to detect them - this is a very big achievement.

The Defence Minister stressed the need for incorporating drones into war policy, calling them critical to modern warfare strategy.

Generally, when we hear the word 'aircraft', images of Tejas, Rafale and fighter jets come to mind. This is natural, as these are all combat aircraft. However, in today's changing times, drones have emerged as a significant force in this field. Drones are now being deployed even in areas where large equipment cannot reach, he said.

Also Read | India believes in appropriate response when security threatened: Rajnath Singh

If you closely observe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, you will notice that drones have been used extensively - earlier, now, and continuously. This proves that understanding the importance of drones and incorporating them into our war policy has become absolutely essential, Singh added.

The Union Minister said that the manufacturing unit is a strong reflection of the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat was seen at the private facility.

Highlighting the history of drones, Singh said that in their early days, they were used only for surveillance and reconnaissance. Later, some countries began developing combat drones, and many nations started deploying them in border conflicts.

Countries that invested in drone technology have gained a significant edge in this field, while many others have been left behind. From my six to six-and-a-half years of experience (as defence minister), I can say that the reality of today's defence sector rests on aircraft technology and drones, Singh added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Chinese port city of Tianjin on Saturday for a two-day visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, in what is being seen as a crucial moment for India-China ties and broader regional diplomacy.

This marks Modis first trip to China in more than seven years and comes at a time of strained India-US trade relations triggered by Washingtons tariff policies.

Why is Modis China visit significant now? While Modi is primarily in Tianjin to join the annual SCO Summit from 31 August to 1 September, his scheduled bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday have drawn particular attention.

The two leaders are expected to review India-China economic ties and explore ways to stabilise relations, which were severely tested by the eastern Ladakh border stand-off.

Ahead of his visit, PM Modi told Japans The Yomiuri Shimbun:

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.

What will Modi discuss with Xi and Putin? Apart from his talks with Xi Jinping, the prime minister will also hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the margins of the SCO summit, as well as interactions with other regional leaders.

With geopolitical fault lines deepening and global trade facing uncertainty, New Delhi is expected to push for:

Strengthening economic engagement with China

Ensuring peace along the disputed border

Expanding energy and defence cooperation with Russia

Supporting multipolarity in global governance How are India-China ties being reset? In recent months, India and China have cautiously moved to reset ties. Last months visit to New Delhi by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paved the way for measures aimed at a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship.

Agreements included:

Maintaining peace along the contested frontier

Reopening border trade routes

Resuming direct flight services between the two countries These steps follow the formal disengagement process at Demchok and Depsang, which brought the eastern Ladakh stand-off to a close in October last year.

When did Modi last visit China? The prime ministers previous trip to China was in June 2018 for the SCO Summit, while President Xi last visited India in October 2019 for the second informal summit. Relations, however, plunged after the Galwan Valley clashes of June 2020, making the current visit a high-stakes diplomatic engagement.
Congress and BJP workers entered into a scuffle with each other in Surat on Saturday over derogatory remarks against PM Modi and his mother in Bihar by a man who has now been arrested.

In a video on social media, BJP workers were seen protesting outside the Congress office in Surat over the incident. Police personnel were also present at the scene.

Take a look at the video here.

Surat: Scuffle breaks out between BJP and Congress workers in Surat.

PM Modi abuse row: What happened? A purported video that surfaced on Thursday showed a man with a Congress flag hurling expletives in Hindi at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother from the dais during Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Voter Adhikar rally in Bihar's Darbhanga. The incident allegedly happened on Wednesday.

This sparked a political row in the poll-bound state of Bihar.

The BJP demanded an apology from the Congress over the PM Modi abuse incident, with several leaders and ministers condemning it. However, the Congress has not issued an apology yet.

Darbhanga Police said on Friday that it had arrested the man who hurled abuses at PM Modi and his mother.

The accused was identified as Mohammad Rizvi alias Raza (20) and was detained from the Singhwara locality of Darbhanga town. A case was registered against him and others on the basis of a complaint filed by the BJPs Darbhanga district president Aditya Narayan Choudhary.

According to reports, Rahul Gandhi was also named in an FIR.

while registering an FIR under Simri police station, 01 accused has been arrested and is being sent to the honorable court, Darbhanga police posted on X.

BJP stages protest in Delhi

BJP workers staged a protest outside the Congress Headquarters in Delhi on Saturday over the abusive language against PM Modi and his mother in Darbhanga.

Leading the protest, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva accused Congress members of hurling insults at PM Modi and his mother during a political event in Bihar, where Rahul Gandhi is campaigning.

The protesters, carrying posters and chanting slogans, called for an apology from Rahul Gandhi.
Elon Musk-led xAI is suing a former employee named Xuechen Li for allegedly stealing trade secrets related to the company's Grok AI chatbot and for allegedly taking them to OpenAI. In the lawsuit filed at the California federal court on Thursday, xAI stated that Li stole confidential information related to its new AI offering to get the new job at OpenAI.

According to the lawsuit, Li began working at xAI in February last year, and he was a member of the technical team that included around 20 engineers. Li was responsible for training and developing Grok's latest AI models.

xAI claims that prior to leaving the company, Li copied "confidential information and trade secrets" from his office laptop to a storage device. To hide his misconduct, Li is also said to have taken extensive measures like deleting his browser history and system logs, renaming and compressing files prior to uploading them onto his personal device.

The company's complaint said that the trade secrets stolen by Li include cutting-edge AI technologies with features superior to those offered by ChatGPT and other competing products. It added that these trade secrets could help improve ChatGPT with more innovative AI and imaginative features that Grok has and could lead to handing a potential overwhelming edge in the race to dominate the AI landscape.

xAI says that Li confirmed stealing the trade secrets during a meeting on August 14 and "tried to hide his theft." However, the company later found that there was some additional stolen material that Li had not disclosed.

Li resigned from xAI on July 28, days after offloading around $7 billion in company shares and allegedly copying its confidential information. He was supposed to join OpenAI on August 19, but xAI now wants a restraining order blocking his appointment, along with an unspecified sum of monetary damages.

Notably, Elon Musk has had a troubled history with OpenAI, from starting the AI startup with Greg Brockman and Sam Altman in 2015 to becoming its most vocal opponent after ChatGPT's public rollout in late 2022.

Musk has since sued OpenAI and its primary backer Microsoft for allegedly moving away from its primary motive of benefiting society in favor of a profit-seeking motive. OpenAI has also countersued the billionaire for harassment.
Framer has raised $100m in a Series D funding round led by Meritech and Atomico, valuing the no-code website builder at $2bn.

This infusion of capital is set to bolster Framer's position in the professional website design industry, offering businesses a streamlined alternative to traditional developer-intensive processes.

Founded in 2015 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Framer allows businesses to create websites without extensive developer input. The company also maintains offices in San Francisco, US, and Barcelona, Spain.

The platform supports hundreds of thousands of active websites and reports half a million monthly users. Companies such as Scale AI, Miro, Perplexity, and Bilt use Framer for their web infrastructure.

Framer said that it has experienced significant growth over the past year among business customers. Following the introduction of business plans last year, this segment has seen rapid expansion, said the firm.

According to Framer, 40% of the latest Y Combinator cohort has launched websites using its platform, indicating its growing adoption among emerging firms.

Framer CEO and co-founder Koen Bok said: Framer is changing the way the best companies bring their ideas online.

Designers and marketers can now ship production-ready sites in days, not monthswithout waiting on a front-end team. That means better-looking, higher performing pages built right where the brand lives.

Framer's approach combines a design canvas with features like a content management system, A/B testing, analytics, and security protocols. This facilitates a market shift by enabling businesses to create custom websites more efficiently and cost-effectively than traditional methods.

Recent enhancements to Framer include AI-driven features aimed at optimising design processes. These updates introduce several tools.

Wireframer acts as a layout assistant to help users quickly draft webpage structures while allowing for iterative design adjustments.

Workshop is an AI-powered coding assistant that generates custom components aligned with the site's style and optimises performance in the background. Vector provides a toolset for creating and animating graphics and icons directly within Framer.

Another feature, Advanced Analytics offers reporting capabilities for evaluating site performance and setting up metrics for testing.

In late 2023, Framer secured $27m in its Series C funding round led by Meritech Capital with participation from Atomico, Accel, and Foundation Capital.

"Framer secures $100m Series D funding at $2bn valuation" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.
Gap Inc. continues to show signs of being on firmer footing.

On Thursday, the San Francisco-based specialty retailer reported that net sales for the second quarter ended Aug. 2 reached $3.7 billion, which were flat compared to last year, though comparable sales, a better barometer of the business, rose 1 percent year-over-year.

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Operating income was essentially flat at $292 million from $293 million a year ago. Net income rose to $216 million, up from $206 million in the year-ago period.

When we roll up all of the components of our business and we look at our quarter results, its really showing our strategy is working, Richard Dickson, president and chief executive officer of Gap Inc., told WWD. We had another solid quarter. We overdelivered on our profit expectations, and we achieved our top-line goals. Comps were up 1 percent in total. Thats the sixth consecutive quarter of positive comps, and our three largest brands all posted positive comps for the second quarter, Dickson said, referring to Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic. Gap Inc.s portfolio also includes Athleta.

Weve been building a strong balance sheet. Weve got cash balances right now of $2.4 billion, which is up 13 percent year-over-year. So this is a real story about doing what we say were going to do, delivering with consistency, and its giving us great confidence as we head into the second half.

Despite the stronger results, the retailers shares fell 2.8 percent to close at $21.68.

Gap Inc. expects $150 million to $175 million in tariff impact on its fiscal 2025 operating income, which translates to 100 to 110 basis point impact on operating margin.

Whats really important is that while theres an impact in 2025 we do not expect the annualization of tariffs in 2026, Katrina OConnell, Gap Inc.s chief financial officer, told WWD. As we look to address tariffs this year, were utilizing a lot of the levers. Weve discussed thoughtful adjustments to our sourcing. Were looking at manufacturing, were looking at assortments, we are doing some targeted pricing. But were really focused on sustaining the momentum and market share gains that our reinvigoration playbook is driving as we pursue our tariff mitigation plans.

Asked whats been selling best, Dickson said, Its been an exciting denim season for the industry, but I think in particular, Gap brand has been leading the way. He cited the launch last week of the Better in Denim campaign featuring the Katseye girl group, and said the campaign has become the number-one search on TikTok, with 400 million total views. Its proving Gap is a powerful pop culture brand, but the denim category for Gap and Old Navy has been outstanding for us. Going into the back half, we will continue that momentum.

Dickson also cited the active category as a strong performer, particularly at Old Navy, fueled by a recent campaign with Lindsay Lohan and product innovation, and strategic partnerships. Our Disney partnership this past quarter was very successful combination of what we call family appeal and trend-right products.

Dickson continues to search for a new head of Banana Republic. The position has been vacant for over a year, though Dickson has been very involved in rejuvenating the brand.

Banana Republic does over $2 billion worth of business. There are very few $2 billion brands in the industry so you need somebody who really understands how to operate a brand at scale. Over the last year weve been working very hard to reestablish the brand, the positioning, the vision, the codification, if you will, and now that weve evolved as a brand were looking for somebody who can accelerate and execute against a strategy and vision versus reshaping the brand. The brand is in very good condition now.

Banana Republics second-quarter net sales of $475 million were down 1 percent compared to last year, but comparable sales rose 4 percent.

Old Navy, the largest volume brand in the Gap Inc. portfolio, generated second-quarter sales of $2.2 billion, up 1 percent compared to last year. Comparable sales rose 2 percent. Old Navy continues to demonstrate consistency in execution with reinvigoration efforts continuing to progress, the company indicated in a statement issued Thursday.

Gap brands second-quarter net sales of $772 million were up 1 percent compared to last year. Comparable sales were up 4 percent, achieving positive comparable sales for the seventh consecutive quarter.

Athletas second-quarter net sales of $300 million were down 11 percent compared to last year, while comparable sales were down 9 percent. The brand continues to focus on resetting for the long term and improving its product and marketing, which will take time, the company noted.

In other statistics, Gap Inc.s store sales decreased 1 percent compared to last year, but online sales increased 3 percent and represented 34 percent of total sales. The company ended the quarter with about 3,500 store locations in over 35 countries, of which 2,486 were company-operated.

Asked why store sales were down slightly, Dickson replied, We believe in our stores. Stores are a really important way for our customers to experience our brand. Were also at a pivotal point with our fleet, which is positioned much more optimally. Weve been doing a lot of coming back over the last several years. Were also testing some new formats and experience like Gap in Flatiron and Banana Republic in SoHo, Dickson said, referring to the two Manhattan neighborhoods where prototype-like stores were created.

We believe weve got great opportunity to drive more business out of our stores, Dickson said. But on balance, we really look at our omnichannel approach as a way to gauge our business and our consumer reaction. Some of the decline in store sales is due to closures, particularly at Banana Republic, but traffic overall at the stores was up last quarter.

Gross margin in the second quarter came to 41.2 percent and decreased 140 basis points versus last year. Merchandise margin decreased 150 basis points versus last year, primarily driven by lapping the benefit of incremental sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 relating to the companys revenue-sharing agreement with its credit card partners.

Gap Inc. overdelivered on profit expectations and achieved our top-line goals. With positive comps for the sixth consecutive quarter, fueled by our three largest brands Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic, its clear our strategy is working, Dickson said in his prepared statement. Two years ago, I shared my vision for leading Gap Inc. into an exciting new chapter. Since then, weve built a stronger foundation with more relevant brands, a sharper operating platform, and a more unified culture while consistently demonstrating agility and resilience in dynamic environments. We are advancing our transformation with discipline, clarity, and momentum and remain committed to building a high-performing company that delivers sustainable, long-term value for our shareholders.

The company ended the second quarter with cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $2.4 billion, an increase of 13 percent from the prior year.

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By Liam Kelly

Teagasc

This has been a demanding year for forest owners, what with storm damage, reforestation and Ash Dieback issues.

Teagasc Forestry Advisory staff are available to provide guidance to forest owners affected by these concerns.

Over 26,000 ha of forestry has been impacted by storms Darragh and Eowyn; causing windblow to an estimated 9 million cubic metres (m) of timber.

County Longford was impacted quite strongly by both storms. With professional advice, the development of a step-by-step plan and careful management, farmers and other forest owners will be best placed to address storm damage, to minimise risk and to recover as much value as possible

The total area of Ash woodlands and plantations in Ireland was estimated at 24,350 hectares in the 2023 National Forest Inventory.

Ash Dieback has significantly impacted these areas and is expected to continue spreading.

If you own an Ash Forest impacted by the disease and planted with a grant from DAFM, support is available through the Reconstitution for Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 and the Climate Action Performance Payment (CAPP) of 5,000 per hectare.

In Ireland, clearfelling and subsequent replanting are governed by the Forestry Act 2014.

Applicants who receive a felling licence are legally obliged to replant the land after clearfelling unless an exemption is granted.

A felling licence will usually specify details of how and when replanting should occur. In certain circumstances financial assistance may be available to assist with reforestation.

Landowners who may be considering establishing a forest can avail of a range of attractive grants (3,858- 11,044) and annual premium categories (746- 1,142) under the Forestry Programme 2023-2027.

There are many options in relation to forest establishment- from native forests to agroforestry and mainly conifer forests.

The most suitable forestry type will depend on the individual landowners preferences and the proposed planting area characteristics.

If you what to discuss any of the above issues, why not book an appointment to a private and independent consultation?

Teagasc will hold a Forestry Clinic in the Longford Teagasc Office (N39 T180)) on Thursday 4th September to provide a one-to one consultation with an experienced forestry adviser. Prior booking is essential. Contact Teagasc, Longford on 043 3341021.

READ NEXT: Disappointment as Longford fails to make cut for new Family Resource Centre

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Killeen National School has been undergoing a fundraiser to raise money for an astroturf all-weather pitch.

With contestants making individual events to build the funds, there will be an event called D-Kube on October 25.

Principal of the school, Caroline McDermott, spoke of how the idea came about, and why bringing astroturf is important.

With Irish weather, the grass area can be quite wet and mucky, she explained. It really is driven by that to allow children to play everyday, that they have access to good facilities. We really value the full education of every child, that they can get out and play on an all-weather surface, so theyre not coming in covered in muck and dirt when it rains.

The idea for an astroturf area was discussed with the Board of Management as the school has been growing in numbers.

This was approved, which has led to the first ever fundraiser that the school has ever pursued.

A spokesperson for the committee said that there have been ongoing meetings every week over three to four months.

Each contestant, over 35 of them, have the goal to raise 2,000.



Each person is coming up with different approaches to fundraising, the committee said. We decided to try and get a member from each of the communities; Abbeylara, Colmcilleall the different villages and towns.

Examples of fundraising efforts include: Granard having a fitness morning, a cycle and a walk through Edgeworthstown.

Each of the contestants have an individual iDonate page to reach their goal to help the school afford the astroturf. Many of the contestants have come far and wide to participate, naming councillors as one of the individuals.

The committee ranges from past pupils who attended Killeen National School, parents and community members.

Described as a whole school effort, Killeen is also opening a new classroom in September as part of its increased enrolment. There is a launch night in Creehans, Bunlahy, September 19.

Contestants have the chance to win 5,000 for D-Kube. Tickets to go and see it will cover both the entry and be for a raffle to win a 1,000 voucher for Center Parcs.

With plenty of effort from all those involved in the fundraiser, Principal Caroline McDermott made a final comment appealing to people to make donations.

I suppose that this is a one-time only fundraising drive for the national school.

"We know that we have a very strong supportive community behind us and we really appreciate and value every donation and all support as it takes us one step closer to our dream.

With their iDonate page calling the inclusion of astroturf a valuable community asset, support for the development will continue up until October 25.

Donations are ongoing and support is encouraged.

READ NEXT: Disappointment as Longford fails to make cut for new Family Resource Centre

READ NEXT: 'Absolutely devastated' - Longford garda remembered as 'cherished member of community'
General Mills is to expand an R&D facility in the US, describing the move as "a critical step" to ensure the Old El Paso maker "remains at the forefront of innovation.

The US giant is spending $54m at its James Ford Bell Technical Center in Minnesota to add a new pilot plant "wing" that will increase space by more than 20%.

The centre in Golden Valley is a key hub for innovation, technology, and quality capabilities for the company, which is headquartered in nearby Minneapolis.

Lanette Shaffer Werner, chief innovation, technology and quality officer at General Mills, said: This expansion is a critical step in ensuring General Mills remains at the forefront of innovation.

The new wing at our James Ford Bell Technical Center will add much needed flexibility in our pilot plant operations and empower our teams to collaborate more effectively to deliver the next generation of consumer-centric products.

Originally built in 1960, the facility houses about 1,000 General Mills employees.

The newly expanded area is expected to be operational by the autumn of 2027.

The news comes as the Blue Buffalo pet food brand owner projects nearly flat net sales in fiscal year 2026 amid a volatile operating environment.

Speaking to analysts in June, General Mills chairman and CEO Jeff Harmening said: As we head into fiscal 26, we expect the operating environment will remain volatile, with consumers pressured by widespread uncertainty from tariffs, global conflicts and changing regulations.

General Mills projects that its organic net sales will remain within the range of a 1% decline and a 1% increase for the fiscal year 2026.

In its fiscal year 2025, the group reported a 2% decrease in full-year net sales, mirroring the same percentage drop organically to $19.5bn.

The company also anticipates a 10-15% decline in both adjusted operating profit and adjusted earnings per share on a constant-currency basis in fiscal year 2026, compared to the previous year.

General Mills investment in its innovation centre also follows the Pillsbury cookie makers potential workforce reduction as part of a global transformation initiative aimed at enhancing productivity.

"General Mills to expand US innovation centre" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson listens to the invocation at the beginning of her final meeting of the council before her resignation on July 4. Trea Lavery/MassLive

Former Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes, who was convicted on public corruption charges, has asked a federal judge to sentence her to a significant amount of community service instead of prison.

Fernandes Anderson was arrested in December on charges that she ran a kickback scheme with a family member whom she employed in her City Hall office, using public funds to help with her own financial struggles.

She pleaded guilty in May to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft involving federal funds. She resigned her District 7 council seat in June, MassLive previously reported.

In court filings this week, prosecutors and Fernandes Andersons attorneys sparred over whether she should serve time behind bars.

Scott Lauer, the public defender assigned to the case, said the former council members history and characteristics suggest that her offence was [an] aberration that will not be repeated.

The Boston Herald first to report the news.

Ms. Fernandes Anderson is devastated to have disappointed those who placed their trust in her. Although she cannot fully repair this breach of trust, she has resolved to be accountable for it, Lauer wrote in a sentencing memo to U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani.

Fernandes Anderson has accepted responsibility, tendered a guilty plea, and relinquished her seat on the council. The Courts task is now to determine what sentence will be sufficient, but not greater than necessary to accomplish the purposes of sentencing, he wrote.

Lauer asked Talwani to impose a probationary sentence with a requirement that she complete a significant amount of community service.

Federal prosecutors asked Talwani to impose a sentence of a year and a day in federal prison, three years of supervised release, $13,000 in restitution, and a special assessment of $200.

That sentence is sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to comply with the law, prosecutors argued in a similar memo, pointing to Fernandes Andersons egregious breach of the public trust and her pattern of fraud, deceit and false narratives.

Several members of Boston City Council and a trio of state lawmakers asked Talwani to show leniency in her sentencing, the Herald reported.
A New Bedford couple was charged in connection with an insurance business that defrauded 50 of their clients out of $700,000, United States Attorney Leah Foleys office said.

Brendan Lawler, 58, and Lisa Lawler, 45, were charged with one count each of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Both were scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston on Friday.

The Lawlers operated BL Insurance Brokerage, LLC, Foleys office said in a statement. Between March 2023 and March 2024, they solicited and collected insurance payments from their clients to be paid to the clients insurance providers.

Instead, the Lawlers pocketed these payments and used the money for their own purposes, Foleys office said. They hid the theft to keep their business afloat and pay any outstanding balances. The Lawlers also created and distributed documents to clients that told them they were, in fact, insured.

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.
Police in Scituate have arrested and charged a 42-year-old man in connection with a body that was found outside South Shore Hospital last weekend.

Christopher Caron surrendered to local police on Saturday afternoon, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Scituate Police Chief Mark Thompson said in a joint statement.

He was taken to the Plymouth House of Correction and slated to be arraigned on a murder charge in Hingham District Court on Tuesday, authorities said.

Portland resident Declan Perry, 27, was found outside South Shore Hospital in Weymouth in a black Honda Civic with a Maine license plate, the Plymouth County District Attorneys office said Monday.

His body was discovered in the back seat of the car, wrapped in blankets that were secured with duct tape after a hospital unit coordinator noticed the car parked in front of the emergency room entrance.

Hospital staff reported Perrys body to Weymouth police shortly after 2:05 p.m. on Aug. 23, the district attorneys office said. He was declared dead less than 10 minutes later.

After news of the discovery of Perrys body was reported in local outlets on Sunday, residents of a Scituate condo complex contacted town police to report that theyd seen a man loading a large, heavy blanket into a black Honda Civic at their neighbors home earlier in the day on Saturday, the district attorneys office said.

Investigators soon obtained a search warrant for the home and seized several items of evidence, the district attorneys office said.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell is touting her offices successful efforts to restore funding to a Clinton-era national service program.

Democrat Campbell, joined by attorneys general in 23 states and two governors, sued the Republican White House in April, seeking to stop its cuts to the AmeriCorps program.

Earlier this year, the White House terminated nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants, a sizable chunk of the agencys roughly billion-dollar budget, NPR reported.

The administration said in April that the grants no longer fit AmeriCorps priorities, but it offered no explanation for the decision.

On Friday, Campbells office said the White Houses Office of Management and Budget had agreed to release over $184 million in funding to AmeriCorps service programs across the country.

"While I am glad that, faced with our lawsuit, the Trump Administration has rightly decided to release $184 million in critical funding that helps Massachusetts residents serve their communities, the damage that this administration continues to cause our Commonwealth cannot be undone, Campbell said in a statement.

Five Massachusetts-based programs were impacted by that funding block. They are:

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program , which requested $400,000 to continue a program that has received funding from AmeriCorps since 2019.

Springfield College AmeriCorps Program , which requested $615,739 to continue a program that has received AmeriCorps funding since 1997.

College Advising Corps , hosted by Boston University, which requested $899,875 to continue a program that has received AmeriCorps funding since 2019.

Jumpstart for Young Children , which requested $2 million to continue a program that had received AmeriCorps funding since 1997.

TerraCorps, which requested $1 million to continue a program that has received AmeriCorps funding since 2011.

The 1990s-era program is the epitome of public service and civic engagement, yet the administrations reckless actions created chaos, uncertainty, and cost people their jobs, simply for wanting to give back, Campbell continued. Our lawsuits are working, and we wont stop fighting to hold the federal government accountable when they harm our residents.

In June, a U.S. District Court judge granted a request for a preliminary injunction by Campbell and her colleagues that reinstated hundreds of AmeriCorps programs.

Even with that order, the White House continued to withhold $184 million earmarked for outstanding service programs.

In July, Campbell and her colleagues filed an amended complaint naming OMB as a defendant. They asked the court to stop the White Houses budget office from blocking that money.

On Aug. 28, the day the White House was due to respond to that motion, it announced that it had lifted its block on that remaining $184 million chunk of funding, Campbells office said.

In addition to Massachusetts, attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania also joined the legal action.
The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst might have its federal funding cut. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

AMHERST  The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is facing potential closure next month because of extensive federal funding cuts.

The center is part of a consortium of nine Climate Adaptation Science Centers in the country and is managed by the U.S. Geological Survey. These centers bridge the gap between science and communities in the face of climate change, providing research, education, and strategic adaptation plans for local communities grappling with coastal flooding, invasive plants, and forestry management.

Bethany Bradley, co-director of the UMass center, remembers the writing on the wall back in May that funding might be cut by Congress. At that time, the Trump administration was focusing on funding cuts on the USGS ecosystem mission area, which includes climate adaptation science centers.

Bethany Bradley is a professor of environmental conservation at UMass and co-director of the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center. (Don Treeger / Special to The Republican, File) The Republican

Bradley said the results were actually hopeful back in July, as the House increased the Climate Centers budget by 5%, and the Senate kept funding the same, while many other areas were cut. At the time, Bradley said that the Climate Center felt heard by Congress.

Last week, though, the center received news from their USGS colleagues that the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, which is part of the executive branch, is prohibiting any spending on anything other than federal salaries and lab animals.

This directly affects the centers work, as it is done through cooperative agreements, partnerships between USGS scientists and scientists at UMass and other universities, as well as nongovernmental organizations. Its a model that typically allows for the leveraging of expertise by subcontracting university scientists and scientific organizations, but it now has been shut down.

The center consists of four directors and administrators, nine positions in academic leadership, seven staff members, eight research fellows, and numerous specialized investigative experts.

The center already has let go its communications manager and put a halt to any new hires for postdoctoral research fellows looking to research climate adaptation for the region, Bradley said.

A Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center staffer, who did not want to be identified, shows a poster of the effects that flooding had in the New England area after Hurricane Irene. This work will not be possible if the proposed federal funding is cut. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Instead of research, staff and leadership are pivoting to more teaching, Bradley said.

While many grad students are losing their funding, admissions to related graduate programs have either slowed down or stopped altogether at the university, Bradley said. She reports that five graduate positions at UMass are no longer supported by the center, along with one at the University of Vermont and one at Cornell University, two of the centers consortium partners.

This is bad for the future of science, because were stopping the next generation from becoming scientists, she said.

The center has not received any stop-work orders on 170 projects in progress, as Bradley believes that existing funding through UMass and USGS likely will still be carried out. There were, however, about half a dozen new projects that were reviewed by USGS that will no longer be able to be funded.

All hope is not lost yet, though.

This is totally uncharted territory for any of us, said Bradley. Whats happened right now is Congress has made a budget and the executive branch has said, Nope, we dont feel like spending on the things that you told us to spend on, and that puts us in this place where its like, OK, we need to wait.

The federal budget process is finished by the end of September, as its fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Meanwhile, the Climate Center is looking at options outside of the USGS, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where there is overlap with UMass research.

Were in the crosshairs of a battle between the congressional branch and the executive branch, and I hope that Congress will stand up and say we should still have the power to do what the Constitution has given us the power to do.

Bradleys hope is that, despite this current situation, by the time future scientists are ready to step into the more senior roles, that science and the ecosystems as a whole will be in a much safer place.

Im serious when I say, were not dead yet, Bradley said.
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Gardai have issued an urgent appeal for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a 16-year-old girl who has not been seen for several days.

In an appeal, issued on Friday evening, they say Jesica Filipache, from Santry, Dublin 9 was last seen on the Old Swords Road in Dublin 9 at approximately 5:15pm on Wednesday, August 27.

Jesica is described as being approximately 5 foot 3 inches in height, of slim build with black hair and brown eyes.

According to gardai, who say they are concerned for her wellbeing, when last seen the teenager was wearing a black leather jacket, pink tracksuit bottoms and white runners.

An urgent appeal has been issued and members of the public who have any information on her whereabouts or who may be able to assist gardai are asked to come forward.

READ NEXT: LIVE: Family of Irish worker Gena Heraty confirm her release following kidnapping in Haiti

They can do so by contacting Ballymun garda station in Dublin on 01 6664400 the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany's VDMA machinery and equipment manufacturers lobby on Friday called the EU's planned tariff exemption for certain products from the United States "a direct slap in the face" and said the EU Commission needed to "urgently renegotiate".

The European Commission proposed on Thursday removing duties on imported U.S. industrial goods in return for reduced U.S. tariffs on European cars.

"Duty-free access for U.S. products while simultaneously extending punitive tariffs to European machinery - that would not only be unbalanced, but also a direct slap in the face for one of the pillars of European industry," said the VDMA.

The lobby, which represents some 3,600 German and European firms, warned that there would be serious consequences to such a move, including job losses and enormous competitive disadvantage.

"The EU Commission must urgently renegotiate. Mechanical engineering products must be clearly and permanently exempted from sectoral tariffs," said the VDMA.

(Reporting by Miranda Murray, Editing by Rachel More)
Grant Thornton UK is set to appoint Stuart Quickenden, a seasoned advisor from BCG, as its new chairman, reports Sky News.

Quickenden's current responsibilities also include the chairmanship of Octopus Investments, which supports a variety of early-stage companies, the report said.

Quickenden brings 20 years of consulting expertise, advising clients across industries and geographies on strategy, operations, and transformation, according to BCG website.

Before joining BCG, he managed brands in the consumer goods sector at Procter & Gamble.

He also served as a non-executive board member for the UK's department for business, energy, and industrial strategy (BEIS), where he is also a member of the audit, risk, and assurance committee (ARAC).

The announcement follows the firm's acquisition by Cinven, a private equity firm, after a majority stake sale was agreed upon by Grant Thornton's UK partners in 2024.

The transaction valued the accountancy firm at approximately 1.5bn.

Cinven has chosen not to comment on the appointment.

The leadership change occurs in the context of Grant Thornton's UK partners receiving an average remuneration of 682,000 in the previous financial year.

The firm has been involved in skill development initiatives, such as the 'AI and Digital Skills for Business Impact' programme with Teesside University, aimed at bolstering digital and AI capabilities within businesses.

"Grant Thornton UK to appoint former BCG boss as chairman " was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




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.

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. 3 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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, 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.

___

Seung Min Kim and Joey Cappelletti reported from Washington.
The Rockies placed Dugan Darnell on the 15-day injured list on August 22 and then moved him to the 60-day IL two days later, officially ending the right-handers first Major League season. Darnell was initially sidelined due to left hip inflammation, but he told the Denver Posts Patrick Saunders and other reporters that tests revealed a torn left hip labrum, and surgery will be required. The procedure is expected to take place closer to the end of September, and Darnell is facing a recovery period of roughly eight months.

An Alex Call line drive struck Darnell in the hip on August 21, during the Rockies 9-5 loss to the Dodgers. That fateful plate appearance may have been the last straw in forcing the surgery, as Colorado interim manager Warren Schaffer suggested last week that Darnell had been dealing with lingering hip soreness even before Calls liner.

Regardless, its a tough setback for Darnells career so soon after hed finally completed a long journey to the majors. Darnell signed as an undrafted free agent with Colorado in February 2021, following two years of playing independent ball. The righty then posted a 3.74 ERA over 255 1/3 innings in the Rockies farm system, working out of the bullpen in all but two of his 200 appearances.

After some rough numbers at the Triple-A level in 2023 and 2024, Darnell posted a 3.19 ERA, 28.8% strikeout rate, and 8.7% walk rate over 53 2/3 innings in Albuquerque in 2025. This was enough for Darnell to earn a trip to the Show at the start of August, and he delivered a 3.86 ERA over 11 2/3 innings and nine relief outings for Colorado. The 28-year-old benefited from some good luck in the form of a 76.9% strand rate and a .257 BABIP, as Darnell had more walks (seven) than strikeouts (five) during his brief time with the Rockies.

In the best-case scenario, Darnell will be available by June 2026, so hell start next season on Colorados 60-day injured list. If theres any silver lining to this situation, Darnell will continue to amass Major League service time while on the IL.
Artificial intelligence has minted many millionaires, and some people have become billionaires because of their AI startups. OpenAI was one of the first mainstream AI companies due to ChatGPT, which gets more than 700 million weekly users, according to OpenAI. However, its founder, Sam Altman, isn't going to end up with the big payday that everyone expects.

It turns out he doesn't have any equity in OpenAI, which he revealed at the New York Times' DealBook Summit back in December. He only earns $76,001 per year, which doesn't sound like much for the leader of an innovative AI startup that may be the most valuable private company.

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Following A Dream

Altman's logic for not getting equity in his own company is that it was his "childhood dream job," he said during the DealBook Summit. He also said that he enjoyed "getting to sit in the room with the smartest researchers in the world and go on this crazy adventure."

Not accumulating equity in OpenAI could have helped Altman work with more talented workers and investors who wanted a slice of the pie. OpenAI was also originally a nonprofit, and he had to preserve a majority disinterested board to maintain nonprofit status. He admitted this detail during an "All-In" podcast interview in May 2024.

It is shocking to see a tech founder not own any equity in their company, especially one as large as OpenAI. However, there is speculation that Altman can receive equity in the future. Reuters reported that Altman would receive equity in the company last year after its corporate restructuring from a nonprofit to a for-profit company. CNBC reported less than a week later that Altman told OpenAI staff that he would not receive a "giant equity stake' in the company.

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Sam Altman Was Already Rich

OpenAI was Sam Altman's biggest hit, but it wasn't his first rodeo. In fact, he's worth approximately $2 billion due to a string of good investments and startups. Forbes chronicled Altman's path to wealth, which includes early stakes in companies like Stripe, Reddit (NYSE:RDDT) and Helion, a nuclear fusion firm.

Before making those big investments in early-stage tech giants, he dropped out of Stanford to start Loopt, a social mapping company that he sold in 2012 for $43 million. Those funds went into his own venture fund that made those early investments. He also became a partner at startup accelerator Y Combinator, and served as its president from 2014 to 2019.
PORT HURON, MI  Two Port Huron men were recently arrested by the Michigan State Police for allegedly possessing and distributing child pornography.

The Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, announced Saturday, Aug. 30, it had arrested Garrison Lowell Smith Jr. and Jacob Edward Eagle both on child pornography charges.

Smith, 20, was arraigned Aug. 22 on felony charges of aggravated distributing/promoting of child sexually abusive material, aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit a crime, police said.

Eagle, 33, was arraigned Aug. 26 on felony charges of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit a crime, police said.

The two mens cases are not connected to each other.

Police opened an investigation into Smith after it was discovered he was sharing files of child sexually abusive material online. Investigators obtained a warrant and seized several electronic devices from his home, police said.

Eagle was on probation in the Michigan Department of Corrections when probation officials received a tip alleging violations of his probation, police said.

He was serving five years on probation after pleading guilty to accosting a child for immoral purposes, MDOC records show.

Eagles electronic devices were seized and searched prior to his arrest, police said.

Both men are charged in St. Clair County District Court. Smith is currently free on $50,000 personal bond.

Eagle is currently held in the St. Clair County Jail with bond set at $75,000.

The task force encourages parents to speak to their children about the safe use of the internet.

There are many resources available to parents to assist in keeping children safe online. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at missingkids.org.

The MSP task force also provides resources at michiganicac.com.
The award-winning documentary and a Q&A with the Muskegon chef is coming to The Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts for one night only.

26h ago
Michigan State Police helped locate a teenage girl from Northern Michigan who was reportedly on her way to meet a man in Georgia she met online. (MLive file)

ALPENA COUNTY, MI  Michigan State Police helped locate a teenage girl from Northern Michigan who was reportedly on her way Friday to meet a man in Georgia she met online.

Troopers from the MSP Alpena post were called to a home in Sanborn Township on Friday, Aug. 29, and spoke to parents who believed their 17-year-old daughter ran away, according to the posts release on social media.

Authorities used the Life360 app, a location-based service, on a family members phone, police said, to find the teenager was at Detroit Metro Airport.

It was also found the girl had been communicating with the man from Georgia on the internet and was planning to meet him at a hotel, according to police.

While troopers were at the home, the parents received a text message with their daughters flight information, notifying them her flight was set to depart in 45 minutes, police said.

Troopers contacted the Wayne County Airport Police and asked they attempt to locate the 17-year-old, who was found already on board the plane, according to the release. The teenager was removed from the plane to be reunited with her parents.

I would like to recognize the troopers for not only acting quickly and decisively to prevent a dangerous outcome for the juvenile, but the excellent teamwork by all involved and the assistance from WCAP and the Metro South Post, MSP Lt. Ashley Miller said in a statement. It is extremely important for parents to be aware of who their children are talking to online. Tracking applications on cellphones can assist in many ways, and in this case, it may have saved her life.

In addition to airport police, MSP in Alpena was assisted by troopers from the Metro South Post.
PONTIAC, MI  Two children and one of their parents were killed Friday night when a car crashed into them while they were stopped at a red light.

Rescue crews were called at 8:20 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, to the intersection of Montcalm and Joslyn Roads in Pontiac for a report of major crash with serious injuries, according to the Oakland County Sheriffs Office.

Dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting a vehicle had gone airborne and that a child had possibly been ejected from the vehicle, police said.

The preliminary investigation showed a 2022 Honda Civic, driven by a 21-year-old Pontiac resident, was going south on Joslyn Road when it crossed into oncoming traffic for unknown reasons, police said.

The vehicle crossed oncoming traffic, left the roadway and struck multiple traffic signs and poles before entering Montcalm Road and hit a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu stopped at a red light, police said.

The driver of the Malibu, 37, suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Two children also in the Malibu, 6 and 4, were taken to McLaren Oakland Hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead, police said.

A third passenger, 9, was taken to Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak for treatment. The child remains in critical condition, police said.

This unimaginable tragedy has taken the lives of a parent and two young children. Our investigators will work tirelessly to determine the full circumstances of this incident and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family as they navigate this profound loss, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a written statement.

The driver of the Honda was taken to Trinity Heath Oakland Hospital and is currently listed in stable condition, police said.

Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash which remains under investigation, police said.

STAR EMS and the Waterford Regional Fire Department assisted at the scene.
Livonia police used a grappler device Thursday to stop a stolen vehicle, but after repeated attempts by the driver to flee, the rear axle broke off, totaling the car. Livonia Police Department

LIVONIA, MI - A vehicle was totaled Thursday after the driver attempted to flee multiple times while the car was disabled.

Michigan State Police requested assistance Thursday, Aug. 28, from the local Livonia Police Department to stop a stolen vehicle being driven on west I-96 near Farmington Road in Livonia.

Livonia officers used a grappler device, a high-strength net that hooked onto the vehicles rear tire and axle and stopped the car from moving.

After being stopped, the driver repeatedly attempted to break free by reversing and accelerating forward, according to a press release posted on X.

The grappler held firm, police stated, and the rear axle ripped off, totaling the vehicle.

This is not typical with grappler deployments and was solely the result of the drivers reckless attempts to escape, the press release stated.

No injuries were reported.

The driver, a 27-year-old Brighton man, along with two passengers, a 32-year-old Wayne woman, and a 31-year-old Livonia woman, were arrested.

The Livonia Police Department remains committed to using innovative tools and effective strategies to keep our community safe, the press release stated.
Ferris State University students can access free, immediate support by calling 231-591-HELP. Pictured are students interacting on campus. (Photo by Ferris State University) Ferris State University

MECOSTA COUNTY, MI - The need for increased mental health support nationwide continues to rise, and Ferris State University is responding by launching a 24/7 crisis support line.

Intended for students experiencing mental health emergencies, the service is available through Ferris States Personal Counseling Center, located at 1019 Campus Drive, on the second floor of the Birkam Health Center.

All services are free to currently enrolled students and staff.

Students and staff can connect with licensed mental health professionals at any time by calling 231-591-HELP (4357).

Ferris State Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications David Murray said the service was created as a proactive way to address any challenges students might face when it comes to mental wellness.

Belonging and student excellence are two pillars of Ferris States strategic plan, and campus leaders are always looking for ways to be relevant and responsive to our students needs, he said.

Murray referenced a 2021 Health Minds Study of 373 college campuses, which indicated that more than 60% of college students nationwide met the criteria for at least one mental health problem.

This partnership is an opportunity to have assistance available for students whenever they need it, day or night, so they can overcome any barriers to success, he said.

The service is through a partnership with Protocall Services, a Portland, Oregon based call center that has provided mental health crisis support nationwide since 1992.

Trained clinicians offer crisis de-escalation, emotional support and safety assessments.

Andy Slater, director of Ferris Personal Counseling Center, said the service will have a significant impact on all our students at both Big Rapids and Grand Rapids campuses.

Ferris States total enrollment is down slightly for the 2025-26 academic year, dropping 82 students from 9,959 last fall to 9,877, officials say. That includes 590 students enrolled from FSUs Kendall College of Art and Design.

The first day of classes for Ferris State was Monday, Aug. 25.

Slater said in addition to helping students who may find themselves in a mental health crisis, the service will be a new tool for Ferris State faculty and staff to use as they support students in need.

More mental health support is necessary to also begin to combat stigma about seeking care, according to Kevin Fischer, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Michigan.

Fischer spoke during a summer lecture series at Ferris State, where he said mental health support is often harder to find than support for physical ailments.

When people share that they have cancer, they are often quickly surrounded by well-wishers, he said, But if they say they have a mental illness, how many people come by with casseroles or offer support?

Fischer has been focused on raising awareness about mental health challenges since losing his son, who took his own life in 2010.

Mental illness didnt kill my son, stigma did, he said.

He said one in five adults in the United States are affected by mental illness each year, with one in 20 experiencing serious challenges.

Suicide, he said, is the 11th leading cause of death in the country, increasing by 35% since 1999, and young people continue to be at risk.

A spring 2024 report by the American College Health Association (ACHA) found that of over 103,000 students at 154 institutions surveyed between January and June, 63% had reported experiencing some recent feelings of hopelessness.

Another 19.5% of students said they often feel isolated from others, and 10.2% said they had intentionally harmed themselves at least once in the last year.

Ferris State participated in ACHA surveys, at least through 2019, with those results posted online. The university will likely soon update its results, Murray said.

In the spring of 2019, 963 Ferris State respondents took the survey, and 52.4% of them reported feelings of hopelessness within the previous 12 months.

Another 59.8% of students reported feeling very lonely, and 46.8% of students had felt so depressed that it was difficult to function within the last year.

There were 11.3% of students that had seriously considered suicide at any point within the last 12 months, 7.4% that had intentionally harmed themselves and 1.9% that had attempted suicide.

Students who sought help most frequently reported being treated for anxiety, depression and panic attacks, and said they most struggled to handle academics, finances, sleep difficulties, personal appearance, family problems or intimate relationships.

A total 46.8% of students reported feeling higher-than-average stress.

This is the second year Ferris State has expanded its mental health offerings.

Last year, the university partnered with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, a Grand Rapids-based psychiatric hospital and behavioral health provider, to give greater access to weekly no-cost sessions with a psychiatrist for students that receive referrals.

Slater said the partnership would shorten wait times from months to days.

The universitys Birkam Health Center and its counselors also began an awareness campaign to inform students struggling with securing psychiatric care through public agencies.

Now, the addition of a crisis support line will complement other existing offerings through Ferris Personal Counseling Center, Slater said.

To schedule an appointment with a counselor at the Big Rapids-based counseling center, students can call (231) 591-5968 or email ThePCC@ferris.edu.

Students on the Grand Rapids campus are encouraged to seek emergency mental health support through Pine Rests urgent care/contact center, or emergency services at Spectrum Health locations.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  For the first time in 97 years, Grand Rapids Public Museums carousel will be wheelchair accessible.

Installed at 272 Pearl St. NW in 1994, the 1928 Spillman Carousel has become a piece of the Grand Rapids Public Museums identity. The riverside icon is undergoing a $12 million to $15 million restoration that will add feature accessibility upgrades like sound-dampening baffles, ramps, bilingual ride announcements in both English and Spanish, and additional space for viewing.

Horses and other menagerie are also being restored to preserve their original charm.

The carousel has become an icon of the museum. Along with the whale, theyre probably the two things people think of the most, museum CEO Dale Robertson said. The baseline goal of the museum is to be as physically and cognitively accessible to the broadest population.

MLive photographer Isaac Ritchey was given an opportunity to go behind the curtain as the museums restoration progresses. Check out the gallery above, or click here for a direct link to the gallery.

20 1 / 20 Carousel restoration at Grand Rapids museum includes wheelchair accessible chariot

Disability Advocates of Kent County executive director David Bulkowski introduced features as beautiful and seamless.

One of our snarky lines is ADA accessible is the worst you can legally do, and the public museum is committed to go way beyond that floor, Bulkowski said. Theres just going to be so much joy  to have a child who will be able to be part of that experience with their class and not on the sideline."

On the fourth floor of the museum, artists are refinishing the horses  and giraffes, lions, camels and other critters.

Rebecca Falardeau, from far left, Maggie Gabel and Gwyneth Eisma put details on horses as menagerie figures are restored for the renovated 1928 Spillman Carousel housed in the Cook Carousel Pavilion at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

Exhibits manager Stevie Hornyak is overseeing the team of artisans resurrecting the charismatic menagerie. The original automotive paint is being replaced with water-based colors.

Hornyak said the process of stripping down to the wood, re-carving, applying a base coat then undercoat, and adding finishing details takes three months per animal or 300 hours. The hours of work vary by the animals size and needed repairs.

The $12 to $15 million renovation began in 2019 and is part of a larger riverfront project. Robertson expects the pavilion to open back up to visitors sometime later this year.

For more information about Grand Rapids Public Museum and updates on the carousel restoration, visit its website here.

Accessibility features and renovations are made to the 1928 Spillman Carousel housed in the Cook Carousel Pavilion at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

Accessibility features are added and renovations are made to the 1928 Spillman Carousel housed in the Cook Carousel Pavilion at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

Accessibility features and renovations are made to the 1928 Spillman Carousel housed in the Cook Carousel Pavilion at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

Accessibility features are added and renovations are made to the 1928 Spillman Carousel housed in the Cook Carousel Pavilion at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

A chariot was custom built as an accessibility feature for the renovated 1928 Spillman Carousel housed in the Cook Carousel Pavilion at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com
Love Muffins owner Eileen Pawlicki said the muffin recipe was originally her mom's. Customers say she has perfected it. Eileen Pawlicki

KALAMAZOO, MI  A local business stopped baking on Aug. 15. Two weeks later, Friday, Aug. 29, was the last official day for Love Muffins before it closed for good.

Final deliveries are still available in some stores around town, according to Love Muffins Facebook page, but the business is no longer taking orders.

Eileen Pawlicki started Love Muffins with her daughters five years ago, she previously told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette.

I used to make this recipe like once or twice a year and just share it with people I knew, Pawlicki said previously. But when people started coming to my house to buy the carrot cake, I would end up on the front sidewalk for 15 or 20 minutes having full blown personal conversations with strangers.

Pawlickis recipe was a combination of her moms beloved carrot cake and her dads signature cheesecake topping.

Love Muffins owner Eileen Pawlicki said the muffin recipe was originally her mom's. Customers say she has perfected it. Audrey Whitaker

Her pastime turned into a business in 2020 without any formal training in baking or running a business, she said.

With the support of friends, family and neighbors, my daughters and I set out on this journey to share our love for my late mothers carrot cake with you all, she said in a Facebook post.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love Muffins moved into a shared kitchen at 126 E. Cork Street last June.

Pawlicki and three part-time bakers turned out about 1,000 muffins a week, she said.

The muffins were available for order, as well as in 16 stores and restaurants in Kalamazoo, Portage, Vicksburg and Battle Creek.

Bronson Methodist Hospital, her biggest customer, received their last delivery on Aug. 17.

Love Muffins was located in the former home of Boonzaijer Bakery, 126 E. Cork Street. Audrey Whitaker

Pawlicki declined to share more information about her decision to stop baking, but said she needs to prioritize her health at this time.

Not only did you buy our products, she said. You also helped heal a part of me, so that I came out stronger, more confident and loved.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page.
The jury convicted the man on five felony charges after a three-day trial for the fatal 2023 crash. Macomb County Sheriff's Office

MT. CLEMENS, MI - Following a jury trial, a man was found guilty of second-degree murder, among other charges, for causing a fatal traffic crash in May 2023 on I-696 in Macomb County.

On May 5, 2023, Stephano Ramon Nabors was under the influence, driving eastbound on I-696 in the westbound lanes, according to a press release.

Nabors, 42, crashed into a vehicle near Couzens Rd., causing the vehicle to roll over.

When Michigan State Police entered I-696 near Groesbeck to investigate, Nabors almost hit their patrol car head on. He continued to flee, and the officers followed Nabors eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-696. Nabors then crashed head-on with a vehicle near Gratiot Ave.

The driver of that vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.

A three-day jury trial on the matter ended on Thursday, Aug. 28. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced the charges Friday.

The jury convicted Nabors of the following charges:

Second Degree Murder, a felony punishable up to life or any term of years.

Operating Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Death, a felony punishable up to 15 years.

Reckless Driving Causing Death, a felony punishable up to 15 years.

Driving While License Suspended Causing Death, a felony punishable up to 15 years.

Fleeing and Eluding Police, a felony punishable up to 15 years.

Nabors was remanded to jail until sentencing, set for 8:30 a.m. Oct. 7 before Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Faunce.

Another jury verdict! Another message to offenders! Another message to legislators! This defendants reckless decision to get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol was his first mistake, Lucido said. But his decisions to not stop when he hit the first car, or when he nearly hit the police car, or when he chose to flee and evade the police by refusing to stop ultimately resulted in a tragic and senseless loss of life to an innocent driver.

Our office tirelessly pursues justice for the families who have to live with these unnecessary, tragic events.

Lucido called on Michigan lawmakers to come together in support of strong, bipartisan legislation to address the growing public safety threat of drivers who refuse to stop for law enforcement.

The Michigan House is considering a bill that would impose tougher penalties on those who refuse to stop for police.

Every time someone runs, they roll the dice with innocent lives. I want to end that gamble, Lucido said. We need statutory enhancement of consequences, including mandatory prison time. The people of the state of Michigan deserve to be protected.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull throws to first during the second inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Thursday, April 6, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) AP

DETROIT -- Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Spencer Turnbull has been released from his minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs and signed a new deal with the Kansas City Royals.

Turnbull posted a 9.49 ERA in six starts with Triple-A Iowa. He had 13 walks and 24 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings.

Turnbull, who turns 33 next month, signed with the Cubs after being released by the Toronto Blue Jays in June. He had signed with Toronto a month earlier after a prolonged free agency that stretched into the regular season. He appeared in just three games over roughly two weeks with the Blue Jays, allowing five runs on 12 hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out four and walked four.

Turnbull pitched well last year for the Philadelphia Phillies before suffering what turned out to be a season-ending injury in a June 26 start against his former team in Detroit.

The Tigers selected Turnbull in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of the University of Alabama. He debuted in 2018 and became a regular in the rotation in 2019. On May 18, 2021, he threw the Tigers first no-hitter in a decade.

The Tigers declined to offer Turnbull a contract for 2024 after a strange 2023 season. The Tigers twice attempted to option Turnbull to Toledo. Both moves were rescinded due to injury, allowing him to accrue a full year of service time.

Turnbull has been assigned to Triple-A Omaha. Because he joined the organization before Sept. 1, Turnbull would be eligible for the postseason roster.
International

Auteur: LE POINT

LItalie secouee par un scandale de photos de femmes en ligne, Meloni parmi les victimes

Two websites where Internet users exchanged stolen photos and "deepfakes" of Italian political figures and anonymous individuals have been shut down.

A wind of disgust and anger is blowing across the Italian internet at the end of this summer. At the heart of the controversy is a website, Phica.eu, which published photos of women on its pages without their knowledge. These photos were taken on the spot or retrieved from social media or television, often accompanied by degrading and hateful comments. The victims are anonymous figures in the Italian political class, actresses, and influencers. In the forum's "VIP area," one could find photos of Giorgia Meloni at the beach, her sister Arianna, and the leader of the Democratic Party (PD), Elly Schlein. Some even appear through deepfakes, generated using AI, like the one of former minister Mariastella Gelmini, shown with her breasts bare.

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The alert was also issued by several Democratic elected officials, who were also victims of this site, which opened two decades ago. "I discovered that, for years, it had been stealing photos and clips from television shows in which I had participated, then modifying them and delivering them to thousands of users," confided PD MEP Alessandra Moretti on her social networks. These images were followed by a "long list of obscene comments that undermine not only my emotional sphere but also the safety of many women exposed to this new repugnant trend of photos published without consent," the parliamentarian added.

READ ALSO I see him pull down his pants and masturbate: the chilling daily life of women harassed on public transport

Comments that Valeria Campagna, a Democratic leader in Lazio, even wanted to expose in broad daylight, on her Instagram account. "Some comments talk about my body in everyday life. This means that these are people who know me, who come from the same city as me, and who feel entitled to talk about me as if I were theirs," she worries. The elected officials invite Italians to "mass report" this type of "sites that incite rape and violence," expressly requesting their closure and ban. And to launch a call for action among the ranks of the male sex: "Men must take their responsibilities. Society must stop minimizing and justifying this," we can read.

The "Mia moglie" case

While dozens of complaints have been received from all over Italy by the Italian postal police, the Phica forum has finally closed its doors. A message on its homepage invites victims to come forward: "If your rights have been violated, contact us with the link so we can remove it," it promises.

Active since 2005 and boasting, according to the Italian press, some 700,000 users (overwhelmingly men) and 10 million published messages, the site was intended to be a "platform for discussion and sharing," its managers recalled in a press release. "Unfortunately, as on any social network, some abuse the platforms, thus undermining their spirit and their original vocation," they lament. And they acknowledge that, despite their efforts, the site has "failed to put a timely end to the toxic behavior that has made Phica, in the eyes of many, a place to flee rather than a place to which one is proud to belong." "Therefore," they continue, "to our great regret, we have decided to close and permanently remove everything that was reprehensible."

READ ALSO From Gisele Halimi to Gisele Pelicot: 50 years of fighting against rape

Earlier this summer, another forum had already caused widespread consternation in the Belpaese. On the Facebook page "Mia moglie" (my wife, in Italian), with over 32,000 members, men were exchanging intimate photos and other stolen videos of their partners, wives, or girlfriends, again without their consent. These images were accompanied by a torrent of vulgar and sexist comments. The page was finally blocked by Meta on August 20 after the case was made public by writer Carolina Capria, triggering a wave of denunciations. "I saw photos of my naked body, images I had shared with my husband, and underneath there were horrible comments," said one of the victims, whose partner had posted the photos on the Facebook group, in a statement reported by La Repubblica, inviting other users to share their reactions.

After Gisele Pelicot

A story that, on this side of the Alps, did not fail to recall the horrors experienced by Gisele Pelicot. "We thought that after this affair, something had finally changed. That the public trial against her husbandand against many other men who, without her knowledge, had assaulted herhad opened our eyes. Shame, it was said, had changed sides," wrote philosopher Michela Marzano last weekend. But the "Mia moglie" scandal "has shown how deeply rooted rape culture is in our country," denounced the former center-left elected official.

To Discover

Kangaroo of the day

Answer

In these cases, "it's difficult to obtain criminal convictions," warns lawyer Jessica Valentini, who is working on the case. Interviewed by Italian media, she highlights in particular the difficulties linked to the fact that the managers of the platforms in question "are abroad or have headquarters abroad." More than on the judicial level, the lawyer believes it is more effective "to intervene on the cultural and also political level."

Following the controversy, Eugenia Roccella, Minister of Family and Equality, announced the launch and strengthening of "specific initiatives to monitor these phenomena, report them to the competent authorities, starting with the justice system, and identify the most effective tools to combat this barbarity of the third millennium." But it was more from the Palazzo Chigi and Giorgia Meloni, criticized in the past for her lack of commitment to tackling the roots of gender-based violence, that a strong statement was expected. For the time being, the President of the Council remains offline.

The alert was also issued by several Democratic elected officials, who were also victims of this site, which opened two decades ago. "I discovered that, for years, it had been stealing photos and clips from television shows in which I had participated, then modifying them and delivering them to thousands of users," confided PD MEP Alessandra Moretti on her social networks. These images were followed by a "long list of obscene comments that undermine not only my emotional sphere but also the safety of many women exposed to this new repugnant trend of photos published without consent," the parliamentarian added.

Comments that Valeria Campagna, a Democratic leader in Lazio, even wanted to expose in broad daylight, on her Instagram account. "Some comments talk about my body in everyday life. This means that these are people who know me, who come from the same city as me, and who feel entitled to talk about me as if I were theirs," she worries. The elected officials invite Italians to "mass report" this type of "sites that incite rape and violence," expressly requesting their closure and ban. And to launch a call for action among the ranks of the male sex: "Men must take their responsibilities. Society must stop minimizing and justifying this," we can read.

The "Mia moglie" case

While dozens of complaints have been received from all over Italy by the Italian postal police, the Phica forum has finally closed its doors. A message on its homepage invites victims to come forward: "If your rights have been violated, contact us with the link so we can remove it," it promises.

Active since 2005 and boasting, according to the Italian press, some 700,000 users (overwhelmingly men) and 10 million published messages, the site was intended to be a "platform for discussion and sharing," its managers recalled in a press release. "Unfortunately, as on any social network, some abuse the platforms, thus undermining their spirit and their original vocation," they lament. And they acknowledge that, despite their efforts, the site has "failed to put a timely end to the toxic behavior that has made Phica, in the eyes of many, a place to flee rather than a place to which one is proud to belong." "Therefore," they continue, "to our great regret, we have decided to close and permanently remove everything that was reprehensible."

Earlier this summer, another forum had already caused widespread consternation in the Belpaese. On the Facebook page "Mia moglie" (my wife, in Italian), with over 32,000 members, men were exchanging intimate photos and other stolen videos of their partners, wives, or girlfriends, again without their consent. These images were accompanied by a torrent of vulgar and sexist comments. The page was finally blocked by Meta on August 20 after the case was made public by writer Carolina Capria, triggering a wave of denunciations. "I saw photos of my naked body, images I had shared with my husband, and underneath there were horrible comments," said one of the victims, whose partner had posted the photos on the Facebook group, in a statement reported by La Repubblica, inviting other users to share their reactions.

After Gisele Pelicot

A story that, on this side of the Alps, did not fail to recall the horrors experienced by Gisele Pelicot. "We thought that after this affair, something had finally changed. That the public trial against her husbandand against many other men who, without her knowledge, had assaulted herhad opened our eyes. Shame, it was said, had changed sides," wrote philosopher Michela Marzano last weekend. But the "Mia moglie" scandal "has shown how deeply rooted rape culture is in our country," denounced the former center-left elected official.

In these cases, "it's difficult to obtain criminal convictions," warns lawyer Jessica Valentini, who is working on the case. Interviewed by Italian media, she highlights in particular the difficulties linked to the fact that the managers of the platforms in question "are abroad or have headquarters abroad." More than on the judicial level, the lawyer believes it is more effective "to intervene on the cultural and also political level."

Following the controversy, Eugenia Roccella, Minister of Family and Equality, announced the launch and strengthening of "specific initiatives to monitor these phenomena, report them to the competent authorities, starting with the justice system, and identify the most effective tools to combat this barbarity of the third millennium." But it was more from the Palazzo Chigi and Giorgia Meloni, criticized in the past for her lack of commitment to tackling the roots of gender-based violence, that a strong statement was expected. For the time being, the President of the Council remains offline.
(Reuters) -HSBC's U.S. CEO Lisa McGeough stepped down months after taking the job and the bank tapped longtime executive Jason Henderson as interim head while it looks for a successor.

McGeough, who joined HSBC in 2021, is leaving to "pursue new opportunities", the lender disclosed in a regulatory filing on Friday. Her appointment in January was part of a raft of leadership changes by CEO Georges Elhedery.

The transition comes at a pivotal time for HSBC, which has reshaped its U.S. footprint in recent years. The U.S. "remains a critical market within HSBC's international network and central to its growth strategy", it said in a statement.

HSBC exited most of its consumer operations in the country in 2021, selling parts of the retail banking business to Citizens Financial and Cathay General Bancorp.

The lender also shuttered its business banking portfolio in the U.S. in May to simplify operations. London-based HSBC is Europe's biggest bank by assets.

Henderson most recently served as deputy U.S. head of banking and will continue those duties while taking on the interim role. He will report to Michael Roberts, CEO of corporate and institutional banking, effective immediately.

Henderson has spent nearly two decades at HSBC, according to his LinkedIn profile, holding executive roles in the U.S. and Canada. Before that, he was at RBC Capital Markets for about 13 years.

(Reporting by Lananh Nguyen in New York and Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)
Tamal Nandi

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School Holidays in September 2025: Check Full List of Dates When Schools Will Be Closed

MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more.

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She died early on Saturday, around 1:45 AM, at the age of 94, after having health problems due to her age.

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1 / 10

Ankita and Vickys meeting

Although they were seeing other people at the time, Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain's romance started in 2013 when they met at a party through the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Before agreeing to be married, they were best friends and then close pals. Vicky's support of Ankita throughout a trying time after Sushant's death strengthened their bond, and they were married in December 2021.
Huawei Technologies saw a nearly one-third decline in profit in the first half of the year, despite reclaiming the throne in China's smartphone market, according to a filing from its shareholding entity Huawei Investment & Holding.

Net profit during the period fell 32 per cent year on year to 37.2 billion yuan (US$5.2 billion), while revenue grew 4 per cent to 427 billion yuan, according to a filing to the Shanghai Clearing House on Friday. Privately owned Huawei regularly discloses its corporate bond issuances to the clearing institution.

Huawei did not offer any explanation for the profit decline, but said first-half expenditure for research and development (R&D) rose 9 per cent to 97 billion yuan, equal to 23 per cent of its revenue. In comparison, the company's R&D expenditure in the same period last year was equal to 22 per cent of its revenue.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

A customer looks at phones in a Huawei store in Shanghai, August 26 2025. Photo: EPA alt=A customer looks at phones in a Huawei store in Shanghai, August 26 2025. Photo: EPA>

From April to June, Huawei regained top spot in the domestic smartphone market for the first time in four years, shipping 12.5 million units to capture 18 per cent market share in the period. However, its shipments were down 3.4 per cent compared with the same period in the previous year, according to market research firm IDC.

China's smartphone market saw overall shipments drop 4 per cent to 69 million units during that period, the first contraction after six consecutive quarters of growth, IDC data showed.

The weak market momentum was partly due to the impact of "roll-out disruptions in the government subsidy programme" for electronic devices, as well as a challenging economic environment and subdued consumer confidence, said IDC senior analyst Arthur Guo.

"This suggests that a significant uplift in smartphone demand is unlikely in the immediate term, and the market will navigate a more complex landscape in the second half of the year," he said.

In addition to smartphones, Huawei has invested heavily in artificial intelligence development amid US sanctions, including its self-made operating system HarmonyOS, the Pangu AI models, and computing resources powered by its own Ascend AI chips.

On Wednesday, Tao Jingwen, president of Huawei's quality, business process and information technology management department, said the firm had already "built an ecosystem entirely independent of the United States".
Bigg Boss 19: Salman Khan confronts Pranit More on his stand-up roast on him; says, I don't believe you...

A preview of the first Weekend Ka Vaar of Bigg Boss 19 was posted by JioHotstar, showing an exchange between the contestants and host-actor Salman Khan.

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Bigg Boss 19: Tanya Mittal took 800 sarees, 50 kg of jewellery along with silver cutlery inside the house

Satwik Jaiswal

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Esha Deol's ex-husband Bharat Takhtani goes public with new relationship: Welcome to my family

The photos show Bharat with his arm wrapped around Meghna as they happily posed for the camera, both dressed in casual outfits and looking comfortable in each others company.

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Gaga has firmly established herself at the forefront of music and television buzz with the release of her new album, a feature in Wednesday Season 2, and the teaser of her eerie new single at the gala.

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Ram Charan hugs visibly emotional Allu Arjun as they pay last respect to their grandmother in Hyderabad, watch

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When Salman Khan revealed why he brings eco-friendly Ganpati Bappa home every year, "Until there is a purity in the festival, you cant..."

When Salman Khan revealed why he brings eco-friendly Ganpati Bappa home every year, "Until there is a purity in the festival, you cant..."

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8 / 10

The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna

This book talks about the choice between doing what we feel we should do and what we truly must do. Elle Luna explains how choosing the path of must leads to discovering personal passion and inner satisfaction. With stories, reflections, and visual ideas, she guides readers to recognise when they are avoiding their true calling. It is a reminder that pursuing ones passion may be challenging but is always worthwhile.
Sunil Matkar

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Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." Heres how you can earn passive income with just $100.

The same firms that backed Uber, Venmo and eBay are investing in this pre-IPO company disrupting a $1.8T market  and you can too at just $2.90/share.

IBM's price has fluctuated with sector and market sentiment, showing only 11 green days out of the last 30 and 7.2% volatility, according to CoinCodex. While the company continues to ride macro themes like AI adoption, digitalization, and cybersecurity, investors are weighing these opportunities against a backdrop of competition from more nimble cloud-native firms and threats from legacy business erosion.

IBM is trading at $239 as of August 2025, reflecting moderation from recent highs as the tech sector faces ongoing rotation and macro uncertainty. The stock has swung substantially, trading well below its 50-day SMA of $272 and slightly under its 200-day SMA, mirroring a growing sense of bearish sentiment on Wall Street. The one-year Fear & Greed Index reading of 39 (Fear) indicates prevailing caution about IBM's short- and mid-term outlooks. Despite a trailing P/E of nearly 39 and forward P/E of roughly 22, IBM's valuation is notably above its historical tech peer averages, a sign that investors are cautiously optimistic about cloud transition but wary of near-term earnings risk.

This article provides a full overview of IBM's current share price, long-range forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2030, and an assessment of the headwinds and upside scenarios shaping IBM's story today.

International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM ), one of the world's oldest and largest technology companies, finds itself at a crossroads in 2025. The company continues to transition from legacy hardware toward hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and consulting services, positioning itself as a partner for digital transformation among Fortune 500 clients. Yet the market's confidence in IBM's growth prospects has fluctuated, which is reflected in its volatile stock and mixed analyst ratings.

Analysts are saying that International Business Machines could hit $285 by 2030. Bullish on IBM? Invest in International Business Machines on SoFi with no commissions. If it's your first time signing up for SoFi, you'll receive up to $1,000 in stock when you first fund your account. Plus, get a 1% bonus if you transfer your investments and keep them there until December 31, 2025.

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Story continues

Analyst sentiment remains mixed. IBM currently has a consensus Hold rating based on Benzinga's poll of 22 analysts. The consensus price target sits at $236.48, bracketed by a high of $325 (Wedbush, June 2025) and a low of $140 (MoffettNathanson, January 2023). The three most recent ratings by UBS, JP Morgan, and BofA Securities in July 2025 average a $266.67 target, implying an 11.3% potential upside from current levels for investors expecting IBM to execute on its transition strategy.

Quick Snapshot Table of Predictions





Year Lowest Prediction ($) Average Prediction ($) Maximum Prediction ($) 2025 213 237 262 2026 175 216 279 2027 164 209 281 2028 158 202 292 2029 140 201 303 2030 130 171 285

The forecast range in this table is based on algorithmic projections provided by CoinCodex. These models use historical price trends, volatility patterns, and moving averages to estimate future stock prices over multiple time horizons.

Bull & Bear Case

IBM's road ahead remains deeply debated as the company balances its legacy, brand recognition, and enterprise relationships with the need to adapt to fast-changing tech realities.

Bull Case

IBM's continued investment in cloud, AI, and cybersecurity bolstered by its Red Hat acquisition positions it for recurring revenue and long-term relevance in digital transformation.

Strategic partnerships and legacy client renewals support stable cash flows, giving management leeway to drive innovation and evolve service lines.

Steady dividend payouts and relative earnings stability provide downside protection, attracting income-focused investors.

Bear Case

Legacy business headwinds persist, with mainframe and hardware revenue under ongoing pressure as clients shift to public cloud solutions.

IBM faces intense competition from cloud-first giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, limiting its pricing power and growth momentum.

Consistently high volatility and a lack of strong, sustained profitability dampen broad institutional interest and cap the company's valuation.

IBM Stock Price Prediction for 2025

Forecast Range: $213  $262

For 2025, CoinCodex forecasts a price range between $213 and $262, with an average projection of $237. The outlook highlights a market grappling with IBM's execution risk: While ongoing cloud growth could move the stock toward the upper band, any delays in business transformation or competitive stumbles might keep the price soft. The bearish consensus, combined with cautious analyst ratings, reflects near-term skepticism even as IBM remains strategically positioned in several high-potential sectors.

IBM Stock Price Prediction for 2026

Forecast Range: $175  $279

Looking to 2026, price targets widen quite a bit, spanning $175 to $279 with a steady average estimate of $216. The bull narrative contends that IBM's hybrid cloud and AI integration will yield compounding growth if successfully executed. Competitive headwinds and margin pressures continue to represent sizable risks to upside.

IBM Stock Price Prediction for 2030

Forecast Range: $130  $285

By 2030, projections stretch further, from $130 at the low end to $285 at the high, with an average around $171. This spread underscores the uncertainty surrounding IBM's transformation and market adaptability. Investors banking on IBM for long-term exposure to enterprise tech must be prepared for ongoing volatility and periodic business model reinvention.

Investment Considerations

IBM continues to attract a diverse set of investors, from traditional value seekers who appreciate its longstanding dividend history and embedded relationships with Fortune 500 clients to those aiming for exposure to transformative trends in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The company's resilient cash flow and continued presence in critical enterprise IT sectors offer a sense of stability, making it a reliable choice for investors focused on income and defensive positioning during periods of market uncertainty. Meanwhile, IBM's strategic moves such as acquiring Red Hat and building out its AI offerings give growth-minded investors a reason to monitor the name even if the payoff may require more patience than its tech peers.

Despite these advantages, meaningful risks cloud IBM's investment appeal. The ongoing transition from legacy mainframe and hardware businesses to higher-growth areas has proven slow and occasionally costly. The company faces persistent competitive threats from cloud-native giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google which have faster innovation cycles, broader SaaS portfolios, and deeper cloud infrastructure penetration. At the same time, IBM's heavy investments in R&D and M&A often pressure margins, raising further questions about how quickly the company can reap rewards from these initiatives and satisfy shareholder expectations for growth.

With IBM trading at an elevated valuation compared to its historical average and carrying only a Hold consensus among analysts, most market observers recommend patience. The bull thesis largely rests on the company's ability to accelerate cloud and AI adoption while delivering operational leverage and integrating acquired assets successfully. Speed of execution, strength in next-generation technologies, and the ability to maintain or grow its iconic dividend will dictate whether IBM can overcome current headwinds and regain sustained momentum in a crowded and fast-evolving tech landscape.

See Next:

Shaquille O'Neal wants people to take heart health seriously  this AI-ECG could make that easier .

Would you have invested in eBay or Uber early? The same backers are betting on this vacation home platform at just $2.90 per share.

New Ways to Grow Wealth Outside of Traditional Stocks

When evaluating any stock price forecast, it's wise to think about portfolio balance and not rely on a single company's trajectory. Markets shift quickly, and putting all of your capital into one sector or stock can increase risk. Many investors are turning to platforms that open the door to real estate, professional financial advice, fixed-income products, and even self-directed retirement options. These tools make it easier to diversify, smooth out volatility, and build wealth across multiple asset classes over time.

Arrived Homes

Backed by Jeff Bezos, Arrived Homes makes real estate investing accessible with a low barrier to entry. Investors can buy fractional shares of single-family rentals and vacation homes starting with as little as $100. This allows everyday investors to diversify into real estate, collect rental income, and build long-term wealth without needing to manage properties directly.

Worthy Bonds

For those seeking fixed-income style returns without Wall Street complexity, Worthy Bonds offers SEC-qualified, interest-bearing bonds starting at just $10. Investors earn a fixed 7% annual return, with funds deployed to small U.S. businesses. The bonds are fully liquid, meaning you can cash out anytime, making them attractive for conservative investors looking for steady, passive income.

IRA Financial

Self-directed investors looking to take greater control of their retirement savings may consider IRA Financial. The platform enables you to use a self-directed IRA or Solo 401(k) to invest in alternative assets such as real estate, private equity, or even crypto. This flexibility empowers retirement savers to go beyond traditional stocks and bonds, building diversified portfolios that align with their long-term wealth strategies.

WiserAdvisor

For investors seeking professional guidance, WiserAdvisor connects you with vetted financial advisors based on your goals and investable assets. Best suited for people with at least $100,000 in investable assets, the platform helps you compare advisors and find one who aligns with your risk tolerance, retirement plans, and broader wealth strategy.

This article IBM Stock Price Prediction: Where IBM Could Be by 2025, 2026, and 2030 originally appeared on Benzinga.com
Daily Voice: No India-US deal by October could intensify pressure on earnings and economy, says Whitespace Alpha's Puneet Sharma

Puneet Sharma is the CEO and Fund Manager at Whitespace Alpha, AIF

Sunil Matkar

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Sebi passes order against Sanjay Dalmia and others in Golden Tobacco case, imposes penalty and bars from market

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How are capital gains on US stocks taxed, and where should foreign asset details be reported in ITR?

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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

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US President Donald Trump greets his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine. (Courtesy: Reuters photo)

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22-year-old MP girl elopes to marry lover, marries man she met at railway station instead after lover rejects her

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'A journey of friendship and progress': MEA on PM Modi's bullet train ride with Shigeru Ishiba

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Akhilesh Yadav backs 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', says Tejashwi made people aware of their rights being 'snatched away'

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Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) is one of the best stocks to invest in, according to billionaire George Soros. On August 22, IndiGo announced its partnership with Snowflake to implement the AI Data Cloud, creating a unified and secure enterprise data hub.

IndiGo Teams Up with Snowflake (SNOW) to Boost Operations Using AI

This strategic move empowers Indias largest airline to generate real-time insights, automate processes, and enhance decision-making. Neetan Chopra, Chief Digital and Information Officer at IndiGo, called the adoption a key milestone in their digitalisation journey, enabling AI-driven innovation and improving both employee and customer experiences.

Snowflakes Managing Director for India, Vijayant Rai, emphasized the importance of data and AI in transforming the travel and hospitality sector. He expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing collaboration with IndiGo, which supports the airlines domestic growth and international expansion. The partnership reflects a broader industry shift toward data-centric operations and agile decision-making.

Earlier, on July 18, Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation (DFPCL) also joined forces with Snowflake to adopt its AI Data Cloud for Manufacturing. The Pune-based firm aims to unify real-time analytics, streamline complex workloads, and securely collaborate across its ecosystem. This initiative supports DFPCLs expanding operations and future AI/ML goals, driving agility and visibility throughout its value chain.

Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) is a software application company that provides a unified platform for data storage, processing, analytics, and AI applications built on public cloud infrastructure. It allows organizations to consolidate data from various sources, securely share it with partners, and extract insights through data warehousing, analytics, and data science workloads.

While we acknowledge the potential of SNOW 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: Cathie Wood Stock Portfolio: Top 10 Stocks to Buy Now and Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio: 10 Stocks to Buy.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Sullivan stated that New Delhi may now feel compelled to hedge its bets by moving closer to Beijing.

Deblina Halder

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The list, uploaded at 8 pm on the commission's website, includes the names, roll numbers, and serial numbers of the tainted candidates.

Rewati Karan

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The company claimed that the man was terminated from service due to misconduct which amounted to moral turpitude and therefore due to loss sustained by the petitioner, his gratuity was forfeited.

Rewati Karan

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"The Centre completely supports the Assam government's eviction drive, and will extend all possible help to ensure its logical conclusion," Himanta said.

Rewati Karan

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NCRB data shows 6,450 dowry deaths were reported in 2022, with Uttar Pradesh alone accounting for one-third of the cases.

Arishaa Izaj

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Khan was infamous as the Human GPS because of his unmatched knowledge of secret infiltration routes across the treacherous terrain of the Line of Control (LoC).

Aishwarya Dabhade

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The case involves violations of the CNT Act, where Anosh Ekka, while holding office, allegedly used a fake address to facilitate the illegal purchase and sale of tribal land

Smriti Mishra

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How Modis 2007 dream will be realised in Gujarat 20 years later, with help from Japan

Chhabi Kala

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India cemented its position as the worlds fastest-growing major economy, widening the gap with China and defying global headwinds.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR) is one of the stocks that Jim Cramer shared insight on. During the lightning round, a caller asked if it was a good time to start a position in the stock. Cramer remarked:

The stocks too low. You gotta do some buying. I absolutely, totally agree with you. Hey, by the way [at] our club meeting today It was Boeing, and we said go with the Boeing It was a very good call.

nicholas-cappello-Wb63zqJ5gnE-unsplash

Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR) supplies technologies for heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire protection, and security. The company operates across international markets. Over the past year, CARR stock has gone down more than 5%. Moreover, in May, appearing on Squawk on the Street, Cramer commented:

And David Gitlin, Carrier, HVAC, they moved very aggressively into the data center. And ever since they moved into the data center, every one of those stocks has been crushed. But that maybe coincidental, maybe not.

Additionally, in October 2024, discussing the company, Cramer remarked:

There was a time when people seemed to ignore the success of David Gitlin at Carrier. Not anymore, you cant. The stocks getting its due. Its now had such a big run that this climate control player may not pop on the earnings numbers, but I sure think theyre going to be strong.

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

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

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The Yatra remains suspended for the fourth straight day due to heavy rains lashing Katra and Trikuta Hills

Deblina Halder

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Smriti Mishra

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Chhabi Kala

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Experts identified the device as a large-calibre artillery shell resembling those deployed in the 1940s campaigns in northeast India (Image for representation)

Smriti Mishra

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Manoj Jarange: A lanky activist who took on political heavyweights for Maratha quota cause

Sonalee Borgohain

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'Modiji is our leader': MP man claims he is being framed in PM Modi abuse controversy, files complaint over fake photos

A clash between the Congress and the BJP spilled out on the streets on Friday when BJP workers stormed the state Congress headquarters, prompting the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha to declare truth always triumphs.

Rewati Karan

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101Reporters

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More the pressure on us, stronger we will emerge: Rajnath Singh's veiled message to Trump

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Arishaa Izaj

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Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE:PBI) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently shed light on. Cramer discussed how the company, and subsequently the stock, turned around after Kurt Wolf stepped in.

Alright, what do we make of this incredible rebound in this stock of Pitney Bowes? Its up nearly 71% year to date. Now, a lot of people still see this company as a play on mail, meaning old-fashioned snail mail, because their core business used to be mail meters and equipment that helped off send postage. As you might imagine, the stock spent decades in the doghouse; from its peak in 1999 to its lows in April 2020, Pitney Bowes lost, get this, 98% of its value. Even in late 2022, the stock was still trading at just around two bucks and change. Then an activist stepped in, a guy named Kurt Wolf of Hestia Capital. He took his activist campaign public in December of 2022, got himself on the board of directors after a proxy fight in the spring of 2023. Over the past couple years with the activist on the board, Pitney Bowes has divested money-losing lines of business, reduced its debt, repurchased shares, and this company has now repeatedly raised its dividend. This past spring, Wolf took the next step, taking over CEO of Pitney Bowes and vowing to conduct a comprehensive strategic review for the remainder of the year, and look, its already paying off. Since Wolf got involved in this, stocks up more than 400%.

Jim Cramer Discusses Role of Kurt Wolf in Pitney Bowes Rebound

A stock market data. Photo by Alesia Kozik on Pexels

Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE:PBI) is a technology-focused company that provides SaaS-based shipping solutions, mailing technologies, and financial services. The companys products support the sending, tracking, and processing of mail and parcels, while also providing clients with access to postal discounts through mail sortation services.

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

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

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
PM Modi in China after 7 years: SCO Summit, talks with Xi Jinping and Putin | Whats on agenda?

In his departure statement ahead of his two-nation visits, Prime Minister Modi said that he is looking forward to meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping (Image: ANI)

Smriti Mishra

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India News Live: 'Fadnavis, Amit Shah should meet Jarange Patil', says Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut on Maratha quota protest

On one more day being granted to Manoj Jarange Patil (Maratha reservation activist) for his protest, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, "If it has been extended by one day, is it a favour? If the Maratha community leader Jarange Patil's protest in Mumbai has been extended by one day, then it is not a favour. If we have to protest in Mumbai, then the court should not intervene in it; the government and we will see," he told ANI.

"Thousands of people have come from all over Maharashtra, and the protest is going on peacefully. Now it is the responsibility of the Chief Minister to decide when to end the protest. If the protest has to be ended, then the Chief Minister, along with the entire cabinet, should speak directly with Jarange Patil... Home Minister Amit Shah comes to Mumbai to have fun. The whole issue of reservation comes under the Home Ministry, so they should go and meet Jarange Patil..." he said.
PM Modi speaks to Zelenskyy over call before meeting with Putin in China

Ria Kapoor

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Sonalee Borgohain

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Turning his attention to Jharkhand, Reddy alleged that Chief Minister Hemant Soren had been tortured and his dignity crushed.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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'Take homoeopathic medicine...': Uma Bharti's sharp dig at Rahul Gandhi after his 'vote chori' allegations

Ria Kapoor

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This comes just two days after 40-year-old activist Satish Deshmukh from Beed district, who was part of Jaranges convoy to Mumbai, also died of a heart attack near Junnar in Pune district.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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UP: Woman tries to immolate herself, claims police failed to catch her rapist

101Reporters

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Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:TPL) is one of the stocks that Jim Cramer shared insight on. A caller asked for Cramers view on the stock, and he stated:

See, Im not positive on oil right now. That was one of our favorites last year. Im going to say, you know what, were just not going to go there. Its just not right to own the oil and gas right now. Theyre just on the wrong side of the trade.

A technical stock market chart. Photo by Energepic from Pexels

Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:TPL) engages in land and resource management. The company also provides water services, leases land, and sells materials. Whilst listing 20 best performing stocks over the past 20 years back in April, Cramer mentioned the company, and commented:

Fifth place, odd one, Texas Pacific Land Corporation, up nearly 13,000% since we first went on air. Its a fun story with its origins dating back to the 1800s when a planned railroad line went bankrupt, and the only remaining asset for creditors to take was some land in western Texas. Turns out it was very valuable land sitting on vast reserves of oil and gas. These days, Texas Pacific simply leases its land holdings to oil and gas-related companies or pipeline operators. Its a great business, but its not necessarily one that I want to recommend, with West Texas Crude sinking to $60 a barrel today [Dont buy, dont buy, dont buy].

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

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

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
We want only reservation; don't test patience of Maratha community: Manoj Jarange

Chhabi Kala

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'We wont let them steal Bihar': Rahul Gandhi, INDIA bloc turn voter rights into election war cry

Denied permission for a grand rally by the city administration, the Opposition has planned simultaneous addresses at multiple protest sites in Patna instead.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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The statement came a day after a Minnesota school shooting left two students dead and 18 injured, reigniting debates around Americas gun violence crisis.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Ex-Microsoft employee quits new job in 20 days, calls it 'too easy': 'Right now, I need the grind'

Some argued that the mans decision was justified, particularly for those who prioritise continuous learning and advancement.

Shubhi Mishra

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Do you like blonde girls?  Metas AI chatbots of Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez flirted with users, acted real and generated sexualised images

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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Ankita Chakravarti

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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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TikTok has started hiring in India again: Vacancies, job location and everything else we know

MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.

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Ankita Chakravarti

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1 / 12

Women travelers in India often prioritize safety alongside culture, cuisine, and sightseeing. The NARI Report 2025 provides a detailed snapshot of the safest cities for women, evaluating crime rates, public safety, infrastructure, and women-friendly services. Surveying 12,770 women across 31 cities, the report pegged Indias nationwide safety score at 65%, revealing that while 60% of women feel safe, a significant 40% still consider themselves not so safe or unsafe. Launched by NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, the report emphasizes that safety affects every aspect of a womans lifefrom education and work opportunities to freedom of movement. (Image: Canva)
Diplomatic embarrassment: Trump cabinet tried to delay court ruling on US tariffs - Heres what they told judges

Trump Cabinet members tried to delay court ruling that declared US reciprocal tariffs illegal

Pragya Trivedi

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Endava plc (NYSE:DAVA) is one of the 12 Best Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street Analysts.

JPMorgan Reduces PT on Endava plc (DAVA); Morgan Stanley Reiterates Hold Rating

Endava plc (NYSE:DAVA) has received cautious coverage from Wall Street this month, as analysts examine the IT services sector.

On August 20, 2025, JPMorgan reduced its price target on Endava plc (NYSE:DAVA) to $17 from $18 while maintaining a Neutral rating, citing the sectors third consecutive year of below-average sales growth. While the firm emphasized that a recovery in growth is required for higher valuations, JPMorgan remains optimistic about future performance.

Earlier, on August 4, 2025, Morgan Stanleys James Faucette reiterated its Hold rating and $17 target, indicating a consistent but cautious outlook. The revisions emphasize Endava plc (NYSE:DAVA)s slower near-term growth as larger IT services growth trends weigh on optimism.

Endava plc (NYSE:DAVA), which operates globally from its London headquarters, provides digital transformation, software engineering, and managed IT services to clients in areas such as banking, healthcare, retail, and technology. It is one of the Best Quantum Computing Stocks.

While we acknowledge the potential of DAVA 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: 11 Best Gold Penny Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds and 11 Best Rebound Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Disclosure: None.
Elon Musk weighs in on shocking UK abuse case involving Pakistani Miah brothers: I dont even know what to say

Smriti Mishra

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From leaked call to courtroom defeat: Why Paetongtarns fall is a blow to Thailands most powerful political family

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Important for India, China to work together: PM Modi amid tariff tensions with US

Pragya Trivedi

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India becomes Ukraines top diesel source, while facing US tariffs over Russian crude

The development comes at a time of intensifying trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Rewati Karan

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Indian community in China gives rousing welcome to PM Modi ahead of SCO Summit

Members of the Indian diaspora in Tianjin welcomed PM Modi with great enthusiasm upon his arrival at a hotel in the city. (Image: X/@narendramodi)

Rewati Karan

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Israeli strikes hit the Yemeni capital Sanaa on last Sunday in retaliation for Houthi missiles fired towards Israel, with a Houthi health official saying the attack killed six people and wounded 86.

Tamal Nandi

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Modi at SCO: How Chinese social media reacts to PMs first China visit in 7 years

Arishaa Izaj

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Netanyahu releases unseen October 7 Hamas attack footage, says 'wont let it happen again'

Pragya Trivedi

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(Reuters) -Kraft Heinz is closing in on a plan to break itself up, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The transaction, aimed to split the company into two separate units focusing on grocery and sauces, respectively, could be finalized and announced as early as next week, the report said.

In July, the company was studying a potential spinoff of a large chunk of its grocery business, including many Kraft products, into a new entity that could be valued at as much as $20 billion on its own. Later that month, it said that it was "working with urgency" to evaluate strategic options for some of its brands.

Kraft Heinz is betting that two separate units would worth, in total, more than the company's roughly $33 billion market value, the report added, noting that plans and timing could still change at the last minute.

The split would leave the company with products such as its namesake Heinz ketchup and Dijon mustard brand Grey Poupon, according to the Journal.

Kraft Heinz did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The company was formed in 2015 after Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital combined the former Kraft Foods with H.J. Heinz, which they bought in 2013. Berkshire Hathaway left Kraft's board in May.

The Heinz ketchup maker, in late July, reported a quarterly results beat, helped by resilient demand for its pantry staples and condiments in the United States.

Shares of the company were up 2% in afternoon trading.

(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
Peter Navarros take on India-Russia oil ties and the Ukraine conflict doesn't hold up: Debunking Trump adviser's claims

Pragya Trivedi

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Several Chinese officials and Indian officials greeted him with handshakes. The Prime Minister also received a warm welcome upon arrival, with artists staging a dance performance. (Image: X/@narendramodi)

Rewati Karan

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Ready for composite dialogue: Pakistan reaches out to India after Op Sindoor strikes

Pragya Trivedi

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Still in effect: Trump defends tariffs after court rules he had no power to impose them

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The rice clause threw fresh uncertainty over an already opaque arrangement.

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Russia rains down 582 drones and missiles on Ukraine as Kyiv torches Russian oil refineries. (Image credit: @ZelenskyyUa)

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Who was Bodhidharma? Tamil monk revered in China and Japan, significance of the Daruma doll gifted to PM Modi

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With a strong EPS growth estimate for the next year and significant hedge fund interest, Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:KD) secures a spot on our list of the 15 Stocks That Will Benefit From AI.

Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (KD) Signs the White Houses Pledge to Americas Youth: Investing in AI Education

On August 18, 2025, Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:KD) reinforced its position as a leader in technological services by signing the White Houses Pledge to Americas Youth: Investing in AI Education. The effort, which is supported by over 60 U.S. organizations, is consistent with President Trumps objective of expanding AI instruction nationwide.

With this promise, Kyndryl and the Kyndryl Foundation will work with the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education to increase AI learning opportunities for K-12 students. CEO Martin Schroeter stressed Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:KD)s role in building the future workforce, emphasizing the need to provide students with the necessary AI skills and confidence to thrive in the digital age.

Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:KD) is a global technology services company that provides cloud, artificial intelligence, security, and IT infrastructure solutions to industries worldwide, including banking, healthcare, telecom, retail, and government. It is on our list of the Best AI Stocks.

While we acknowledge the potential of KD 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: 11 Best Gold Penny Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds and 11 Best Rebound Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Disclosure: None.
International

Auteur: 20Minutes

Etats-Unis : Donald Trump veut diminuer la duree des visas des journalistes et etudiants etrangers

Under the proposal, foreign nationals on student visas would not be allowed to stay in the U.S. for more than four years.

Donald Trump also wants to curb legal immigration. His administration proposed on Thursday reducing the length of stay in the United States for foreign students and journalists.

Under the proposal, foreign nationals on student visas would not be allowed to stay in the United States for more than four years.

Hundreds of foreign media targeted

Foreign journalists, for their part, would be limited to stays of 240 days, although they could apply for renewals for the same periods. Only Chinese journalists would be limited to 90 days. Until now, the United States granted visas for the duration of a student's program and up to five years for a journalist. These visas, known as "nonimmigrant" visas, are limited to 10 years. This measure, if implemented, would affect journalists accredited to hundreds of foreign media outlets in the United States.

"For too long, previous administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the United States almost indefinitely, posing security risks, costing taxpayers untold amounts of money, and putting American citizens at a disadvantage," the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement Wednesday.

This proposal was published in the Federal Register, the official journal of the federal government, opening a short period for public comment before the change takes effect.

1.1 million international students in 2023-2024

According to statistics from the Department of Commerce, international students contributed more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023.

The United States welcomed more than 1.1 million international students during the 2023-2024 academic year, more than any other country. Typically paying full tuition, their presence represents a crucial source of revenue for American universities.

"This doesn't just harm international studentsit also weakens the ability of American colleges and universities to attract top talent, and it diminishes our international competitiveness," said the president of the Alliance of Presidents on Higher Education and Immigration. This announcement comes at the start of the academic year, with several institutions reporting a decline in international student enrollment.

The Trump administration has engaged in a series of battles against universities, targeting prominent institutions suspected of allowing anti-Semitic ideas to spread on their campuses, particularly in the context of protests against the war in the Gaza Strip.

In mid-August, the State Department announced that it had revoked 6,000 student visas since January. Some 55 million visa holders are now subject to increased screening.
Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said some of its moneyed customers are holding back on new car purchases as tariffs remain unstable between the U.S. and EU. The U.S. is the companys biggest market, and despite recent record results and an order backlog that provides some cushion against a sales slowdown, Winkelmann said tariffs have the potential to deal the company a blow.

President Donald Trumps tariff instability is putting the economy on hold, and even Lamborghinis deep-pocketed customers arent immune.

CEO Stephan Winkelmann said some of its U.S. customers, who have at least $400,000 to shell out for a base model, are waiting to see where the Trump administrations tariff rate for the EU ultimately settles. Its customers are waiting, even though the U.S. reached a deal to impose a 15% tariff on some EU products, including cars, in exchange for several pledges by the EU. This includes buying more AI chips and military equipment from the U.S.

Some are waiting because they want to be sure that this is the final number that is going to be in place, Winkelmann told CNBC. Others are fine with it, or we will have negotiations.

Winkelmann said while Lamborghini can resist the pressure of tariffs because of its large backlog of orderscars delivered today were ordered a year or two agothe company will still face pressure from U.S. tariffs on the EU. Lamborghini vehicles are made in Italy, and this point is a differentiator for the brand. While the U.S. is its largest market, the car companys production cant be moved there, a strategy Trump has suggested for companies to avoid tariffs.

For us, free trade is the right approach, Winkelmann said. We all know that one is what we want. The other is the reality, and we have to deal with complexity since we are in business, and we are ready to face whatever comes.

Lamborghini, which is owned by Volkswagens Audi Group, reported a 16% year-over-year increase that saw it bring in more than 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion) in revenue for the first time for fiscal 2024. Its operating income also rose by double digits to 835 million euros ($974 million). The company has also launched three new plug-in hybrid models since 2023.

Lamborghini did not immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment.

Providing another boost is Lamborghinis increasingly diverse customer base. Younger wealthy customers from all over the world have pushed the average age of a Lambo owner below 45. In Asia, the average customer is about 30. The average buyer owns five cars, while buyers of its upscale, pricier model, the Revuelto, have 10, on average.
Yves here. A vignette provides confirmation of Vietnams fierce retention of its identity during the period of Chinese rule. In the documentary The Fog of War, a not-exactly-satisfactory effort at atonement by former US Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, he recounts how, many years after the Vietnam War, he was able to arrange a dinner with the leaders of North Vietnam during the conflict.

Needless to say, it was a pretty tense affair. Finally, one of the North Vietnamese officials asked: Why did you go to war with our country?

McNamara invoked the domino theory, that if North Vietnam won, China and Chinese communism would advance across Southeast Asia.

McNamara reported that his counterparts nearly leaped across the table: How could you go to war understanding so little about our country? We spent 1000 years expelling the Chinese.

Readers likely have much more data or anecdata about countries that disappeared and then revived due to strength of identity, as opposed to, imperialistic utility.

By Lorenzo Hofstetter, an independent researcher and co-creator/COO of the Phersu Atlas database (2022). He holds a degree in archaeology from the University of Florence and collaborates with journals in Italy and Switzerland. In 2023, he curated the exhibition Cacao entre dos Mundos at the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana in Florence, Italy, and in 2025, published Colonial Florence with the CAPASIA Project at the European University Institute. His research focuses on historical cartography, cultural history, and world history. Produced by Human Bridges

Global political history is punctuated by state entities that, after vanishing from the international stage, have reemerged in new formssometimes radically transformed, sometimes strikingly faithful to their origins. These revived statespolities that have undergone phases of dissolution, fragmentation, or annexation before regaining effective sovereigntyoffer a privileged lens to examine the intermittent nature of statehood. Far from being a permanent attribute, sovereignty reveals itself as a fluctuating condition, subject to temporary suspensions, territorial redefinitions, and identity reactivations.

I co-developed a digital mapping tool called Phersu Atlas between 2020 and 2025, which enables navigation through tens of thousands of states spanning from 3499 BCE to 2025 CE. Its use allows for the possibility of identifying recurring patterns and dynamics that illuminate the problem of intermittent statehood with precision.

To illustrate, Ive chosen the cases of Armenia, Vietnam, and Poland. These existing states share a history marked by porous borders, subjugation to external powers, and a resilient identity. Through the analysis of time series data on population and territorial extent, as well as the infographics and interactive maps provided by Phersu Atlas, the aim is to explore the dynamics of state suspension and reemergence, highlighting the conditions under which latent sovereignty can once again materialize as a recognized political entity.

These cases do not merely represent a return to sovereignty, but rather full processes of identity and institutional reactivation. The rebirth of the state entails the reconstruction of borders, symbols, and shared narrativesoften in contexts of deep geopolitical instability. The ability of people to transform historical memory into a political project is what distinguishes mere cultural survival from true state revival.

In approaching these three historical cases, one can already identify recurring factors that have played a crucial role in preserving identity. Notably, the early development of a national language (accompanied by a robust literary tradition), the adoption of a distinct religion, and the frequent recourse to acts of explicit rebellion are common traits found among all states that have experienced a historical revival.

Despite centuries of foreign domination and political fragmentation, Armenia, Vietnam, and Poland have preserved their national identities through a strong continuity of culture. Language played a central role in this process: Armenian, with its unique alphabet created in the fifth century, cemented the cohesion of the people even during its diaspora; Vietnamese, though influenced by Chinese, retained its own phonetic structure and an autonomous writing systemfirst through Sino-Vietnamese characters, later through an adapted Latin alphabet; Polish, having survived the partitions and even after being banned in certain regions, remained the vehicle of literature.

Writers such as Juliusz Sowacki and Zygmunt Krasinski composed works that not only preserved the Polish language but also nourished the national imagination. Polish Romantic poetry became a tool of resistance, capable of keeping the idea of a homeland alive even in the absence of a state.

Literary and philosophical production served as a guardian of memory: from Armenian epic poems to Polish patriotic verse to Vietnamese Confucian texts, each culture found refuge and a form of resistance in the written word. In all three cases, religion further reinforced identity: Apostolic Christianity in Armenia, Buddhism and ancestor worship in Vietnam, and Catholicism in Poland. These elements functioned as invisible pillars, capable of sustaining the nation even when the state itself had ceased to exist.

In the process of cultural survival that accompanied the disappearance and reappearance of the state in Armenia, Vietnam, and Poland, certain literary works acted as true bastions of ethnic identity, capable of preserving memory and reinforcing a sense of belonging. In Armenia, The History of the Armeniansby Movses Khorenatsi, composed around the mid-fifth century (circa 440470 CE), provided an organic narrative of the Armenian peoples origins, weaving together myth, genealogy, and history in a text that withstood Persian, Arab, and Ottoman dominations. In Vietnam, the poem The Tale of Kieuby Nguyen Du, written between 1813 and 1820, embodied the cultural soul of the nation during a period of transition and vulnerability, elevating the Vietnamese language and Confucian values as symbols of moral and identity-based resistance. In Poland, Pan Tadeusz by Adam Mickiewicz, published in 1834 in Paris during the authors exile, represented an act of nostalgia and imaginative reconstruction of the lost homeland, strengthening the Polish language and national sentiment at a time when the state had been erased from the map.

Armenia, Vietnam, and Poland have each expressed, throughout their histories, a tenacious will for national emancipation, manifested through patriotic movements rooted both in antiquity and modernity. In Vietnam, as early as ancient times, the famous rebellions of the Trung sisters (4043 CE), who led an uprising against Chinese domination, and that of Lady Trieu in 248a heroic figure who defied occupation with strength and charismastand as foundational episodes deeply embedded in the collective memory. These events foreshadow a long tradition of resistance that culminated in the 20th century with Ho Chi Minhs Viet Minh, which spearheaded the struggle against French colonialism and later against American intervention during the war of reunification.

In Armenia, resistance took various forms: from medieval uprisings against Arab and Seljuk rule to the nationalist movements of the 19th century, such as the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), which fought for independence in 1918 and later against Sovietization.

In Poland, the insurrectionary tradition is equally profound: from the uprisings against the Russian Empire in the 19th century (1830 and 1863), to the heroic Warsaw Uprising of 1944 against Nazi occupation, and finally to the Solidarnosc movement of the 1980s, which led to the fall of the communist regime in 1989. In all three cases, rebellion was not merely a political response but a profound expression of national identity.

ArmeniaIntermittent Sovereignty and Ancient Imperial Echoes

The case of Armenia stands out for its historical depth and the multiplicity of its state incarnations. From the ancient Kingdom of Urartu (860585 BCE) to its reincarnations as the Kingdom of Armenia (321 BCE428 CE) and the curious exiled polity represented by the Kingdom of Armenian Cilicia (10781375), the territory has continuously passed under Persian, Seleucid, Roman, Arab, Byzantine, and Ottoman dominations. At the height of its territorial expansion, in 77 BCE, ancient Armenia appeared as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Territorial projection of the Kingdom of Armenia at its zenith in 77 BCE, illustrating the spatial foundation upon which later claims to sovereignty and identity would be constructed.

Armenia subsequently experienced a condition of intermittent sovereignty, in which statehood alternated with long periods of foreign subordination. This process is clearly illustrated in a graph depicting the area of ancient Armenia, where the periods of subjection to other entities are distinctly visible (Figure 2). Despite territorial fragmentation and the absence of a unified state for centuries, Armenian identity remained alive through its language and Christian religion (adopted as the state faith as early as 301 CE).

Contested for centuries by Romans, Parthians, Byzantines, and Arabs, Armenia was reborn as a kingdom in 886 thanks to the intervention of King Ashot (890 AD). On that foundation, the Armenian people would later develop further aspirations for unity, though they were subsequently subdued by the Seljuks (10451200), the Mongol Ilkhanate (12361335), the Ottoman Empire (15141828), and then the Russian Empire (18281917). The founding of the Republic of Armenia in 1918 and its rebirth in 1991, following the final collapse of the Soviet Union, represent moments of sovereign reactivation, in which latent statehood was transformed into a recognized political entity.

Figure 2. Temporal graph of Armenias fluctuating sovereignty, highlighting the alternation between autonomous rule and foreign domination. The dataset reflects both ancient and modern clusters, underscoring the longue duree of Armenian statehood.

More than other cases, Armenia demonstrates that statehood is not a continuum, but rather an oscillation between presence and absence and between power exercised and power imagined. Moreover, the Armenian people share the traumatic experiences of diaspora and genocide with the Jewish people (perpetrated by the Turks between 1915 and 1923)elements that, paradoxically, seem to catalyze unifying ambitions and reinforce the desire to restore an Oikos for their Ethnos. (Oikos in Ancient Greek refers to the fundamental domestic unit, encompassing the family, property, and internal economic relations; Ethnos instead designates a human group united by language, culture, and traditions, often in contrast to external groups.)

VietnamA Suspended State Through the Millennia

The history of Vietnam is marked by a recurring alternation between moments of sovereignty and phases of subjugation. This is clearly visible in the graph in Figure 3, wherecompared to the previous Armenian caseone can appreciate the great variability and frequency with which the Vietnamese state has undergone foreign occupations. It is all the more interesting, therefore, to compare this graph with the one depicting the times China has invaded Vietnam throughout history (Figure 4).

Figure 3. Chronological visualization of Vietnams intermittent sovereignty, revealing the cyclical nature of its political autonomy and the frequency of external subjugation across two millennia.

Figure 4. Historical mapping of Chinese incursions into Vietnam, disaggregated by dynastic clusters. The graph emphasizes the persistent geopolitical tension and the role of invasion in shaping Vietnamese state formation.

The emergence of the kingdom of Nam Viet as early as 207 BCE represented the first form of autonomy. But this was soon interrupted by the first Chinese domination, which inaugurated a long series of imperial subjugations starting in 111 BCE. Brief interludes of rebellion, such as that of the Trung sisters (Figure 5), occurred within a continuum of successive dominations: the second (43544), the third (602905), and the fourth (14071427), interspersed with episodes of ephemeral or partial independence. True independence was consolidated in 938 with Ngo Quyens victory on the Bach ang River, marking the beginning of a period of sovereignty that withstood even the Mongol invasions of the 13th century.

Figure 5. Geospatial reconstruction of the Trung sisters uprising (4043 CE), offering insight into early female-led resistance and the territorial scope of proto-national mobilization against imperial rule.

However, from the 16th to the 19th century, Vietnam entered a phase of internal fragmentation, marked by the coexistence of rival dynasties and increasing geopolitical vulnerability. The French domination (18871953) marked a renewed loss of sovereignty, further aggravated by the brief Japanese occupation in 1945. Only through the long war of independence (19551975), culminating in postwar reunification, did Vietnam regain full statehood, reactivating a sovereignty that, although more recent, is rooted in a long memory of resistance and resurgence. Particularly interesting, relating to the centuries-long history of the Vietnamese state, is the ranking of major geopolitical changes triggered in a wartime context (Figure 6). Figure 6 is especially relevant as it illustrates how war, despite its destructiveness, often acts as a catalyst for territorial redefinition and the resurgence of Vietnamese sovereignty. Each conflict marked in the chart represents not only a crisis but also an opportunity for the consolidation of national identity and the reaffirmation of statehood.

Figure 6. Comparative ranking of major conflicts affecting Vietnams territorial integrity, illustrating how warfare has historically functioned as a vector of both fragmentation and sovereign consolidation.

PolandThe Quintessential Revived State

Poland represents one of the most emblematic examples of a revived state in the modern era. Following the three partitions of the 18th century (1772, 1793, and 1795), the country formally disappeared from the European map for more than a century, having been absorbed by the Russian Empire, Prussia, and Austria. Nevertheless, the cultural, linguistic, and religious continuity of the Polish populationcombined with the persistence of insurrectionary movements and national literary and historical productionkept alive the idea of suspended sovereignty.

In this sense, 19th-century Poland can be interpreted as a latent state, lacking legal recognition but active in the symbolic and identity spheres. The restoration of statehood in 1918, at the end of World War I, marked the return of effective sovereignty, which would again be challenged during World War II and the Soviet era. Poland thus embodies a cyclical nature of statehood, where legal death does not equate to political extinction, and where the reemergence of the state is the result of a long cultural and geopolitical gestation.

Figure 7. Cartographic chronology of territorial integration within the PolishLithuanian Commonwealth, tracing the expansion of a composite sovereignty across Central and Eastern Europe.

The history of Poland is a succession of assertions of sovereignty and dramatic interruptions. Beginning in 966 with the Christianization of the duchy, the first political identity took shape and was consolidated in the Kingdom of Poland (10261385). This personal union with Lithuania marked the start of a phase of expansion and prestige, culminating in the PolishLithuanian Commonwealth of 1569one of the largest political entities in early modern Europe (Figure 7). However, between the 18th and 19th centuries, Poland underwent three partitions (Figure 8), which erased its statehood for more than a century.

Figure 8. Post-partition map of Central Europe (1796), depicting the geopolitical erasure of Poland and the redistribution of its territory among imperial powersa visual testament to the fragility of state borders.

Only in 1921, with the Second Republic, did the country regain its independence, which was threatened and ultimately extinguished by Nazi occupation during World War II (Figure 9). After the war, Poland was reborn as a Peoples Republic in a context of sovereignty limited by Soviet influence. It was only in 1989, with the end of the communist regime, that Poland reemerged as a fully independent state, reactivating a tradition of autonomy that, although interrupted multiple times, was never definitively broken.

Figure 9. Temporal map of Nazi occupation in Poland (19391945), distinguishing between directly annexed zones and the General Government. The visualization reflects the gradations of control within a context of imposed sovereignty.

Intermittent Statehood Today

The revived state is a form of intermittent sovereignty, in which statehood reemerges after a phase of latency, suspension, or denial, sustained by the persistence of a collective identity and the reactivation of political memory. This concept has often been discussed and analyzed by various scholars. Starting with Andreas Zimmermann (1961), professor of International and European Law at the University of Potsdam, Germany, who has written extensively on the continuity of the state in international law. It becomes evident that sovereignty can survive the loss of territorial control or the suspension of governmental functions, maintaining a legal latency that allows statehood to reemerge under favorable conditions. Sociologist Charles Tilly (1929-2008), on the other hand, interprets statehood as the product of historical processes of coercion and capital accumulation, suggesting that the revived state is not a mere return, but a new configuration of political power, often generated by conflict and social mobilization. From this perspective, state revival is not a simple return to the past, but a new configuration of political power, often born out of social mobilizations and economic transformations. Intermittent sovereignty thus becomes a form of historical adaptation, where the memory of the past merges with the present and needs to generate new forms of legitimacy.

Historian Benedict Anderson (1936-2015) offers a contrasting cultural interpretive approach: the persistence of an imagined community can serve as an identity substrate that survives the formal dissolution of the state, making its rebirth possible as an expression of a collective will that is reactivated over time. In this sense, the revived state embodies an intermittent sovereignty, capable of reemerging thanks to the tenacity of political memory and the resilience of the symbolic structures that sustain it.

The analysis of revived states invites us to rethink statehood not as a permanent condition, but as an intermittent phenomenon, subject to cycles of emergence, suspension, and reactivation. Sovereignty, far from being a stable attribute, is configured as a tension between exercised power and latent powerand between legal recognition and historical memory. The cases of Armenia, Vietnam, and Poland show how statehood can survive conquest, fragmentation, and diaspora. But there are also cases in the 21st century that represent fertile ground for hypothetical and not entirely improbable future developments.

By studying the clusters related to the multiple historical manifestations of Kurdistan and Arakan, it is possible to observe how future statehood is already inscribed in the present, in the form of aspiration, mobilization, and alternative cartography. This inscription of the future within the space of the present is not merely an ideological projection, but a concrete practice manifested through self-governance structures, emerging national symbols, and new narratives. In Kurdistan and Arakan, sovereignty is not a legal status but an evolving process, sustained by networks of solidarity, local institutions, and a shared territorial vision. These elements constitute a form of pre-statehood which, though lacking international recognition, already functions as a political and cultural infrastructure.

The Kurds, living in the Middle East since antiquity, saw the possibility of an autonomous state fade with the Treaty of Sevres in 1920, which was replaced by the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, ignoring Kurdish claims. In 1946, the short-lived Republic of Mahabad was founded in Iran, while in Iraq, the Regional Kurdistan gained autonomy in 1991 and held a referendum for independence in 2017. In Syria, the region of Rojava has experimented with forms of democratic self-government since 2012.

Figure 10. Spatial evolution of Kurdish territorial control in Syria during the civil war (20112024), illustrating the emergence of autonomous governance structures within a fragmented national framework.

Arakan, on the other hand, traces its roots to the Kingdom of Mrauk U (14301784), which was conquered by the Burmese in 1784 and ceded to the British in 1826. As of 2025, the armed group Arakan Army exercises de facto control over large areas of western Myanmar, with a parallel governance structure that challenges central authority. In both cases, the possibility of future state emergence depends on the ability to consolidate local institutions, maintain popular support, and navigate complex regional dynamics, while balancing historical memory with political pragmatism. In this sense, the study of revived states is not merely a historiographical exercise, but a reflection on the very nature of political power, the resilience of collective identities, and the shifting geography of sovereigntywith significant implications for contemporary geopolitics.

Figure 11. Projected territorial extent of Arakan Army control in 2025, signaling the consolidation of parallel sovereignty and the potential trajectory toward formalized statehood.

Dynamic visualization of territorial changes ensures an immediate grasp of sovereigntys fluctuations over time. Through interactive maps and historical series, one can observe not only phases of expansion and contraction but also unstable border zones, overlapping jurisdictions, and contested areas. This cartographic approach enriches our understanding of global history, turning political geography into a visual and analytical narrative.

Additional Reading:

Visual Data and Mapping:
Yves here. Michael Hudson gives another historically very wide ranging talk on borrower and lender relations, here going back to the Bronze era to ancient Greece and the Roman Republic and empire, through the modern era. He explains how ancient states recognized the importance of preventing strict enforcement of lenders rights was critical to national survival, since among other things, debt slaves would be difficult to enlist for defense. This discussion is very accessible and would be good to circulate to those who might not appreciate how our modern view of lending and debt is actually a political construct, and one found repeatedly in the past to pit creditor/oligarch interests against those of national survival.

By Mitch Jeserich. Originally published by Letters and Politics, KPFA

MITCH JESERICH: Good day and welcome to Letters and Politics. Im Mitch Jeserich. Today we return to the topic of the ancient world for a conversation about how economic forces shaped ancient societies and how they may have brought on their collapse.

My guest for this is economist Michael Hudson. Michael Hudson is the author of the book that well be in conversation about, called The Collapse of Antiquity. Michael Hudson is president of the Institute for the Study of Long-Term Economic Trends and distinguished research professor of economics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Michael Hudson, it is my very good pleasure to welcome you to this program.

MICHAEL HUDSON: Well, thank you for having me on.

MITCH JESERICH: Debt plays a key role in the story that you tell and how economic forces shape ancient societies, especially about ancient Greece and Rome. As we begin, can you talk to me about whats important to understand about, I guess, the nature of debt in the ancient world?

MICHAEL HUDSON: Well, the nature of debt really is what makes Western civilization different from everything that went before.

Early civilization was very stable from the Bronze Age. You had royal kingdoms, you had a general role of whats called divine kingship. In other words, these were kings that ruled in conjunction with the temples, and their role was basically to prevent an oligarchy from developing.

They wanted to maintain balance. They wanted to maintain the citizenry with enough land of its own to be able to fight in the army and to provide corvee duties on basic infrastructure, building walls, digging canals, etc.

Every ruler of the Babylonian dynasty and the Sumerian dynasty before the Egyptian pharaohs and other Near Eastern realms all started their reigns with a clean slate. The clean slate canceled the debts that were outstanding. Most were owed to the government itself and to the palaces and temples. And they freed the bondservants whod pledged their labor to work for the creditors, and they returned land that had been forfeited.

So they maintained a fairly steady equilibrium, and the role of kings was to provide order and preserve economic balance.

This is what did not exist in classical antiquity. The Bronze Age was very stable, but it came to an end throughout the Eastern Mediterranean around 1200 BC when there was really bad weather, there was climate change, and that set populations in motion.

The populations of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean plunged. The land became depopulated. The linear writing that the Mycenaean Greeks had developed for their palace accounting disappeared, and so did palace power.

MITCH JESERICH: It was known as a dark age.

MICHAEL HUDSON: Yes, a dark age, from about 1200 BC to about 750 BC.

So you had local mafia states developing. The historians of this period say, well, there was no rule. So the local palace administrators of Greece just said, well, Im in charge now. You had warlords taking over.

Then further west in Italy and the whole rest of Western Europe, you had basic chieftainship. These chieftainships didnt have charging of interest. They didnt have a single general purpose money. They were not part of the whole economic takeoff of the Near East that provided the origins of money and weights and measures and the charging of interest.

Around the mid 8th century BC, 750 BC, you had traders from Syria and Phoenicia begin to move westward to trade. And they set up local temples as chambers of commerce to trade with the Greek city-states and the Italian city-states, Rome and its surrounding states. And they brought these practices of charging interest to the local rulers.

Ill start with Greece because thats where most of the historical development of the West begins. You had these local autocratic mafia-like states developing throughout all the main city-states.

The result was that members of the aristocracy itself  not the highest aristocracy, but e.g., sort of a distant second cousin  said, well, this is really unfair. Were having all the wealth concentrated in the hands of these chieftains whove used this idea of lending money, charging interest, and saying, well, if you cant pay, then you have to work for us and you have to give us our land.

So you had a totally concentrated autocracy in Athens, Corinth, and Sparta. And each of these city-states had a revolution. In Sparta, they went the furthest. There was such a revulsion of the [unclear] that they abolished money altogether. And they had a kind of pre-Soviet state just allocating: heres how youre going to live your life and train for the military.

The most advanced city-state was Corinth. And they had a revolution. They overthrew the, I wont say oligarchy, because it wasnt an oligarchy. It was just the bosses at the top, the aristocracy.

They said, well, either were going to cancel the debts and were going to redistribute the land because without giving the population land, theyre not able to serve in the army. Theyre not able to provide public services. And were giving them land so they can do what a citizen is supposed to do, fight for the country and support us. And if you dont like this, you can leave and well exile you.

That was in the late 7th century by Athenian times. Athens was really the last city to begin to overthrow the oligarchy. And thats when they appointed Solon as Archon, as everyone knows, around 490 BC. He did not redistribute the land, but he canceled the debts.

MITCH JESERICH: Solon was brought on because there was just this great disparity/inequality in Athens, and it was causing strife and a lot of problems. They bring in Solon, who commonly is referred to as the lawgiver, to kind of come up with a new sense of a constitution that would hopefully bring peace back.

I think he even promised that he would do land redistribution, but he didnt do that. But he did cancel the rest.

MICHAEL HUDSON: He was very unpopular. And the population as a whole was resentful for the fact that he did not redistribute the land, which the Corinthians and the Spartans did, but he only canceled the debts.

That itself was not yet a constitution, but it opened the way to set in motion a whole century of reform that became democracy. The reforms basically were led by Corinth. All of these new rulers/reformers, who overthrew the dictatorships, were called tyrants.

Tyrant was a foreign word and it meant person in charge. Later, it took on the meaning of a bad meeting by the propagandists as the oligarchy developed. Because, in each of these areas where there had been an overthrow of royalty or basically the local rulers, you did not have a change in the laws and the constitution  nothing like the Near East, where you had a central ruler empowered to cancel the debts, redistribute the land, and free the debt bond persons.

But what the tyrants did do was they opened the way for democracy by using public spending and public investment projects.

Solon was followed by tyrants, by Pleisistratus, that developed public spending and began to create a general prosperity.

And, at the very end of the century, you had the real Athenian Constitution written by another former aristocrat or member of the aristocratic family, Pleisthenes, who really redesigned Athens voting system, attempting to have democracy.

MITCH JESERICH: He broke up the aristocratic class, right? In the power structure.

MICHAEL HUDSON: He tried to merge all the classes together and sort of merge the wealthy people with the less wealthy classes.

A few centuries later, when Aristotle wrote his study of the constitutions of the Greek city-states, he said they call themselves democracies, but theyre actually oligarchies because theyre democracies for votes, but the votes are all controlled by the wealthy people, sort of like the United States today.

A similar thing happened in Rome. Rome did not have a revolution to overthrow the existing oligarchs. Rome began as a very underpopulated area near the Tiber River. And the Tiber River was mosquito-laden, as rivers tend to be in the summer in Italy. And so there were not very many people there.

The problem of the local leaders of Rome was: how are we going to get citizens? How are we going to build up the population for us to be a power and not be conquered by the Etruscans or by others?

According to the Roman historians, the kings made an offer. If you other Italians want to flee your despotic little city-states and come to us because youre enslaved and you want to run away from bondage, or you want to have land of your own that youve lost to the creditors, come to us. Well give you your own land. Well protect your land. Youll serve in the army for us. Youll be public citizens, but were going to have a democracy and were not going to let a ruling class develop in Rome like the places that youre fleeing from.

And so they were able to attract more and more people. By the end of the sixth century, you even have aristocrats who were from other cities whod fought for power and lost, and they brought their fortunes to Rome.

After Rome had seven or more kings, all of whom repeatedly protected the landowning, the citizenry with its own land prevented the citizenry from losing it and prevented there being the kind of polarization that later developed, the aristocrats got together and overthrew the kings. And they said the kings wanted to be tyrants. They had the usual personal attack on kings, and the aristocracy took over.

MITCH JESERICH: Id like to go back to Aristotle as you talk about this, because he puts up this, I think, very interesting formula that I remember studying many years ago. And that is the nature of power between monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy.

Within this cycle, lets begin with the monarchy. The monarchy is going to decay into tyranny; then thats going to be so unfavorable that its going to be overthrown by the aristocracy, which word I think means the best of the best. Eventually, that decays and becomes an oligarchy. And then people become fed up with that and they overthrow that. And then comes democracy, now people power.

But that will also decay into, I think the word is ochlocracy, a sort of mob rule. And then that becomes intolerable, and people desire just normalcy to return back to life. And so theyre ready to once again kind of accept the return of a strong-armed monarch to bring order.

MICHAEL HUDSON: Thats pretty much what he said. Remember, he was speaking for a class  basically, for the oligarchy class itself, or for the leaders of his time.

Its not that the rulers became autocratic. The rulers actually were overthrown by the oligarchy. And what Aristotle said was: once the rulers are overthrown and theres a popular revolution, as there was in every Greek city, this revolution leads to prosperity.

And in prosperity, wealthy families develop, and within the democracy an oligarchy develops and so an oligarchy develops until finally there has to be a revolution and that leads to the creation of a new central authority. They called it tyranny or kingship, but it really is an anti-oligarchic revolution.

I think the best way of thinking of this is that early civilization before the West protected debtors to maintain balance and maintain their liberty and their land ownership, and to prevent oligarchy.

Classical antiquity had pro-creditor laws from the beginning. Despite the fact that there was political democracy (everybody had a vote), the laws favored the creditors and a debt was a debt. It had to be paid. There was no cancellation and debtors had to end up as bondservants to their creditors and they would lose the land. And when Rome went to war and began to conquer more lands, they turned it over to the oligarchy, not to the veterans.

So you had a completely different development system. And most people dont think of antiquity in this form, but you can think of it as an oligarchy versus a kind of, I wont say royal kingship, but monarchs that acted to achieve what the aim of economic democracy was supposed to be.

The kingship or royalty that Aristotle was talking about, historically, was actually protecting the population at large and its landholding and its freedom from bondage from an oligarchy developing. But there was no similar protection in the case of classical antiquity.

And in Rome, they gimmicked the voting so that the wealthy classes, the voting was by economic class. And if you were a wealthy member of the top class, your vote was 10 or more, many times the vote of the less wealthy classes. And so basically every election was decided by the votes of the wealthiest classes, and everybody got to vote, but some votes were more important than others.

MITCH JESERICH: This is the creation of the Senate. And the Senate, I think the word even means sort of old men, old wealthy men.

Let me ask you: I like your argument when it comes to the end of kings in Rome. The traditional story is a story known as rape of Lucretia. And theres a king, Tarkin, who is overthrown after he rapes Lucretia because people are just outraged by this. But you take on that story about being the end of kingships.

MICHAEL HUDSON: Well, that turned history inside out.

The reality, we know from all of the complaints of the Roman people, is the aristocrats were raping. All of the raping, all of the violence, and all of the force was by the aristocrats and the oligarchs, by the wealthy people, by the creditors against the debtors.

They made a kind of personal attack on Tarquin, whose offense was really trying to prevent the oligarchs from increasing their ability to just turn the population into servitude. So, this rape of Lucretia was designed to depict kings as oppressors, not as protectors of economic order, against the oligarchy.

Just as today, youll have President Biden say Americas backing democracy, such as we have in Ukraine and in Israel, against autarky, which we have in China and the countries that are achieving rapid growth and prosperity. You have a kind of Orwellian vocabulary and an Orwellian view of history.

So theres been a whole re-examination of Roman history, and you realize the extent to which the history was written by the aristocracy and that became the oligarchy that overthrew the kings from its own point of view. And its largely invective: the whole vocabulary of invective and the mythology is invective, representing the kings as being violent.

Whereas the whole history of Rome, century after century, was one of a social war in which the oligarchy used political murder on anyone who would try to promote a member of the ruling class or senate or patricians who would promote protection of the debtors or actually enforce the laws preventing a debt from growing beyond a specific amount or charging interest that was illegally high.

Anyone who sought to protect the debtors was murdered again and again, from the beginning of the Roman Republic all the way to the assassination of Caesar. You had political assassination and violence. It was sort of like they had their own CIA to a police state.

MITCH JESERICH: Wasnt Brutus who killed Caesar  you know, the famous Et tu Brutus  wasnt he a debt collector?

MICHAEL HUDSON: Well, they all did it together. They all conspired together.

Cicero, who was the sort of golden-mouthed spokesman for the wealthy class, wrote a letter saying, oh, Im so sorry I couldnt be there to plunge in my own knife.

There was a fear when Julius Caesar took over. There had already been yet another debtor revolt by Catiline, by the debtors. The debtors included not only the poor, but a lot of the aristocrats whod fallen into debt and spent their inheritance and were in danger of losing their own assets and power.

This was the fight that Catiline organized. This is presented to students of Rome as the Catiline conspiracy, but it wasnt a conspiracy. Obviously, they said, weve got to organize the revolt in secret so that we can all revolt together. And there was a whole army and there was fighting for decades that went on afterwards.

Caesar had been a silent, sort of a quiet supporter of Catiline. And the Senate was worried when Caesar came back to Rome. We could think of him as a liberal social democrat reformer. He was trying to reestablish the economic balance from the very unbalanced Rome, what had become a new Roman aristocracy within the oligarchy, the Roman ruling class.

And they were very afraid that he was going to do what Catiline did and cancel the debts.

Indeed, Caesar did enact a bankruptcy law, but the bankruptcy was mainly for wealthy individuals who actually could afford to pay the debts but were given a long time to write them off and favorable repayment terms. He didnt really proceed to a general popular debt cancellation.

But they were all worried that that was what he was going to do because that was the whole history for five centuries of the Roman Republic: a long fight by the population at large to free itself from bondage and from running into debt. It was a fight trying to achieve what really would be democracy, a fight against the oligarchy and for democracy.

It became apparent that only a strong central ruler, such as Caesar, could do what the Bronze Age rulers had done. And you needed a strong enough government to prevent an oligarchy from developing and indebting the population at large and monopolizing its land.

MITCH JESERICH: This is Letters and Politics. We are in conversation with Michael Hudson. Michael Hudson is the president of the Institute for Study of Long-Term Economic Trends and Distinguished Research Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. He is the author of many books.

Were in conversation about one of them. Its called The Collapse of Antiquity.

In our conversation, I have awareness of it sounding like were praising monarchy or kingships here. And we just had what we called a No Kings Day protest here in the United States a couple of weeks ago, where thousands of people across the country protested the sense of having a king and really protesting Donald Trump.

I do believe you can have a benevolent king. I believe you can have (hence the term) a benevolent dictator, one who actually is trying to serve the people. But more times than not, thats not what we end up getting, is it?

MICHAEL HUDSON: Youre right. Kingship in the West is not what kingship was in the Bronze Age. [Western] kingship is much more autocratic.

[Western] kingship stemmed from warlords conquering the land, and they were backed by the Catholic Church that essentially would go to the Norman warlords and said, well, if you conquer England and pledge fealty to the Pope and Rome  if you agree to let Rome appoint your bishops in charge of all of your finances so that you can send your realms finances to Rome  if you pay tribute to Rome  then, we will back your autocratic power against parliamentary reform.

And so, when there was an attempt, e.g., in England in 1215, to have the Magna Carta that would enable the parliament to block kings from running into foreign debt to pay for the wars that the Romans supported  instead of excommunicating the practitioners of usury, the pope excommunicated the signers of the Magna Carta for opposing usury.

They said, were for the divine right of kings, no parliamentary control, as long as theyre loyal to Rome because this is feudalism and there are serfs and they have to do whatever we want.

It all began a generation before William the Conqueror in 1066. It began with Robert Guiscard in southern Italy and Sicily, who made a deal with the Pope: well, if you conquer Sicily, well recognize you as the king as long as you paid us tribute and pledged fealty to Rome and let us run your country. And we will give you total power over any reform as long as you serve what were doing.

Thats the kind of kingship that you had in the West. So kingship here has an understandably negative term because in the West, kingships became what we know that kings do. Its hereditary, its not democratic.

The kings had no obligation to promote the welfare of their land. They were self-serving, or they served initially the Catholic Church until about the 14th century when, after the Crusades ended, they began to run into debt to fight their own wars, not for the Vatican and for Rome, but for themselves.

All of a sudden, they ended up in two centuries acting as collecting agents for the international banking class that developed from the 14th, 15th, and 16th and into the 17th century. The banking class became the organization, political organizers of Europe in place of the church.

So, basically throughout Europe, kings basically acted as empowered to overrule their parliaments and consign all of their tax revenues to pay the creditor class to finance their wars against each other.

Thats obviously not the same kind of kingship that you had in antiquity, in the Bronze Age. In the Bronze Age, the kings canceled the debts. In Western civilization, they ran into debt and used their power just autocratically to impose taxes and without any thought at all of promoting public welfare, but just of promoting themselves and their families and the nobility that had inherited the land from the warlord ancestors who conquered their lands. So kingship in the West was completely different.

As I mentioned, I have a seven-volume history of debt through the ages. And the first volume, And Forgive Them Their Debts, was all about the origins of economic practices in the ancient Near East, interest and money and all of this, and under a form of stability to prevent an oligarchy.

The Collapse of Antiquity shows how Western civilization did not have protection against the oligarchy. It established pro-creditor laws. And even though Rome collapsed, its legal system became the legal system of Western Europe and the whole West.

MITCH JESERICH: Well, I want to ask about that because its heavily on my mind now.

Ive always been fascinated in studying the history of the Constitution and reading the Federalist Papers and the Anti-Federalist Papers. When you read them, you really feel like what youre reading is a debate about Roman history and how much they relied on the Roman Republic in coming up with their own system of government.

I am also remembering that what led up to the Constitutional Convention was a debt crisis that was playing out across many of the states. You have Shays Rebellion occurring, in which states were sort of through popular revolts being forced to cancel debt.

The Constitution, at least in part  the Constitutional Convention, anyway, at least in part  was meant to try to stop the debt cancellation from continuing, if I recall correctly.

MICHAEL HUDSON: Yes, and taxes levied to pay the debt.

You had from the very beginning of the American colonies a kind of creditor oppression of the colonies. England did not permit the colonies to create their own money or create their own credit. They insisted you conduct your transactions from English merchants and English bankers.

The bankers began to make loans to farmers with the whole intention they would make a loan to the farmer ostensibly to be paid out of the crops, but then theyd demand payment before the crops were in and theyd foreclose on the land. The creditors, the English creditors, used credit trying to grab the land from the colonies.

Thats why Massachusetts and Pennsylvania said, were not going to be subject to British creditors. Were going to create our own money, our own public money.

Alongside that, you had private bankers developing, and the private bankers were so oppressive, just as oppressive as the British lenders had been, that for the whole 19th century, there was so much of a feeling against banks in the United States that the Treasury never really let commercial banking develop. It insisted that tariff revenues be paid in gold, not in paper money.

The Treasury really opposed the development of paper money and banking because they thought that the banks were so oppressive. And that was one of the retarding features of the United States, until the Federal Reserve was created specifically to enable the banks to create paper money and take control out of the Treasury, not letting even a Treasury official act on the board of the Federal Reserve and to shift the center of financial control out of Washington to New York City, Chicago, Boston, and other financial centers.

So, yes, this financial struggle occurred in the United States against banking in the legal and the whole monetary structure. But I dont think the founders of the Constitution really understood Roman history except to the extent that it was written by the creditor class. They did not have the scholarship that we now have.

MITCH JESERICH: I want to also ask about the fall of the Roman Empire. This is many years after the fall of the Republic, when the Republic was replaced by (we call it an empire) an emperor to rule over Rome, back to a king. They didnt want to call him a king because they have a tradition of no kings.

But the fall of it is interesting. You make this interesting argument in your book, The Collapse of Antiquity, that I never really thought about.

I think the common notion of the fall of the Roman Empire  and there are many explanations for it, including environmental ones  was that they were just overrun by these Germanic barbarians, who were ruthless fighters who came in.

Your argument is quite different than that. Your argument is that, no, these Germanic invaders, the Vandals, Alaric the Goth: they were welcomed when they came in.

MICHAEL HUDSON: They were not invaders, they were hired.

The individuals who wanted to be emperor or who wanted to control their own territories hired German fighters. And the German fighters extended all the way through France at that time. They hired the Gallic and German fighters to fight their wars against their rivals. And there was a large defection away from Rome to the German fighters.

The Germans then invaded Rome and North Africa, which was Romes breadbasket, from Egypt to where St. Augustine was to the west in Hippo. And they took control of North Africa and Rome and were basically established. They got rid of the Roman ruling class that had been so corrupt and depopulated.

The fact is, its not that the Northern Europeans, the invaders, the troops that were hired and moved in against Rome moved into the kind of Rome that existed centuries earlier. Rome was depopulated because, as you reduce the economy to debt bondage, youre not going to have a population growth.

Feudalism, as it developed in Rome, had sexually segregated barracks. Roman land was divided into big aristocratic estates, and youd have dormitories for the men, dormitories for the women. You had vast depopulation.

The whole economy was polarizing to such an extent of being impoverished that you had Roman philosophers saying, it looks like the Germans have a superior economic organization. They dont have this kind of bondage. People are moving over to them because theyre less oppressive than the Romans. And so, in a way, you could say these were liberators.

All of this came to sort of a head by the fourth century, the fifth century, with St. Augustine, when you had Constantine converted to Christianity. But by making it the state religion, it was the religion of the Roman aristocracy that had come in.

The question is: how are they going to get rid of what Jesus said about Christianity? And so you had Augustine call in the Roman troops, and the Romans insisted that the local Christians support the aristocracy and turn in their Bibles. And there was a pro-Roman Christian church and an anti-Roman, and the original Christian church that was all for debt cancellation and protection of debtors.

In Hippo, where Augustine was, where there had been these invasions that had taken over large estates, they were called the Donatists. The original Christians were protecting the debtors. And if the aristocrats tried to foreclose, their associates would have armed gangs protecting them.

Augustine said, well, you know, we have a problem. And the problem is Jesus Sermon on the Mount and the Lords Prayer that said, forgive them their debts as we forget their debtors. Augustine said, well, this is not about debt at all. Its, forgive us our sins. Everybody has an inborn sin from Adam, and you need the church to intercede for you by freeing you from sin, by giving you forgiveness.

But he supported the debtors. There were armed fights. He called in the Roman army to turn over the Christian churches to his pro-Roman people and sort of remade Christianity as a creditor-oriented religion, not as a debtor religion.

And he had rivals within the Christian church, like Pelagius, saying, well, wait a minute, if youre a wealthy person and you give your money to the poor and do good work and are a philanthropist, wont you get into heaven by being a good person?

Augustine said, No, no, you have to give it to the church. To the poor  the poor are the church preachers. You have to give it to the poor to support the church to pray for you. You cant save yourself except by giving money to the church.

This is what poisoned Christianity from the beginning and made the fall of the Roman Empire happen to transform the whole character of Christianity in the West. Not so much in Constantinople, not so much in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, but in the West.

Thats part of this whole oligarchic takeover and concentration of land ownership, of creditor power that occurred throughout Rome, bequeathed to the West not only through Christianity but through the whole property system, the system of laws and foreclosure on the property and land of debtors to the creditors.

All of this was part of the culmination of the way in which the Roman Republic was created from the very beginning as an oligarchy, preventing any public power from controlling the oligarchs, any strong central power from preventing the oligarchs and impoverishing the economy and ultimately reducing it to serfdom, which took five centuries to really wreck the whole economy.

But thats the history of antiquity, as written by historians other than the oligarchs themselves. And, fortunately, we have their histories and its all very well documented, but it had been pretty much ignored before the mid-19th century when historians began to say, wait a minute, there are two sides to Roman history and what happened. And so Im filling in what was left out in the early 18th century views of Roman history.

MITCH JESERICH: So do you think this dynamic is still alive today when it comes around debt?

With this all-in mind then, as we talk about kings and oligarchies and debt, I want to ask about then how would  and even if they do, because maybe they dont  Joe Biden and Donald Trump fit into this narrative?

Because I have noticed when talking about the Roman aristocracy, the Roman Senate, the Roman Republic, youve referenced some things that Joe Biden says today. So how does Joe Biden and then Donald Trump, who got elected on a populist movement, fit into this dynamic, if they do even?

MICHAEL HUDSON: Theres really very little they can do because the American oligarchy today, ever since the Citizens United case of the Supreme Court, means that there are two parties and its almost impossible to create a third party. The two parties leadership are in charge of appointing who the candidates are going to be for the democracy to vote for.

MITCH JESERICH: You dont think Donald Trump broke up that dynamic? The party didnt want him.

MICHAEL HUDSON: Theres no way he can overcome the Citizens United case and say, wait a minute, we cant have private funding of political campaigns. Thats bribery. Theres no way that he can democratize the voting system because thats a constitutional and legal impediment.

And he got elected by promising to take, as you pointed out, a populist program.

But he was supported by his backers because he can lie so convincingly that people really believe him when he says Im going to help the working class. Thats why Im cutting their Medicaid. Thats why Im favoring all of the cutting taxes on the wealthy and raising them on the low-income people. But its all for you. Its all going to help the working class.

He was a very successful demagogue, being a television celebrity. Think of him as sort of the American Zelensky or the Russian You can think of him as all sorts of demagogues, but hes a demagogue.

Right now, hes threatening to plunder, to essentially centralize running up budget deficits to pay the American oligarchy, who realizes that pretty much were at the end of the whole American takeoff since World War II. Every recovery has been at a higher and higher level of debt.

That means, finally, the middle class is being squeezed out. The wage earners are in debt. Theyre in mortgage debt if theyre homeowners. Theyre in student debt. Theyre in credit card debt. Theyre in automobile debt.

The economy is shrinking because of the income not only of wage earners, but of corporations that are in debt to their bondholders. And theres so much debt that the economy is grinding to a halt.

So Trump says, okay, were at the end of this whole wonderful 80-year takeoff since 1945. Were going to have a grab-itization, just like Yeltsin had in Russia. And Im going to back the oligarchy, grabbing whatever it can, taking their money and running. Thats his policy.

And he was, until quite recently, able to hold the support of voters who actually thought nothing can be worse than what the Democrats and Biden and Hillary have been doing. Were going to vote for him just to say, throw the rascals out. Well, you get an even bigger rascal. And you really dont have a choice because the same people/powers that have backed Trump were backing the Democrats, although Trumps more of the Silicon Valley billionaires.

The question is, which set of billionaires do you want to run the country? Do you want the Wall Street billionaires to run the country financially, or do you want the monopoly billionaires of the Silicon Valley and other billionaires to do it? But billionaires are going to run the country no matter what partys in power, and the population is going to be squeezed.

MITCH JESERICH: Were down to our final.

MICHAEL HUDSON: You could say that thats made America a failed economy and a failed state because of the Constitution.

In my mind, a constitutional review should be to keep modernizing the Constitution and keep adjusting it to the modern times. If you have a Supreme Court that said, we want to think what the slave owners would have done back in the original Constitution; you have almost word for word the right-wing Supreme Court doing what the Athenians did to Solon.

They said they wanted to restore the original Constitution of Solon. And what you had were rival views of what the Constitution was. And the oligarch said, no, what Solon really did was he didnt really cancel the debts. He just changed the monetary exchange rate to make it easier to pay the debts. There was a denial that Solon did everything that hed done.

Thats the kind of fight that youre having in the United States today, saying, dont modernize the Constitution. Do not democratize the American Constitution. It was written by slave owners. It was written and dominated by the wealthy. Thats the kind of America that were going to have.

Otherwise, its unconstitutional to be democratic, unconstitutional to prevent the wealthy oligarchy from funding the political campaigns of the politicians running in the primaries so that whoever wins the primary for either party is going to be the politician supported by the wealthiest campaign donors.

MITCH JESERICH: Michael Hudson is the president of the Institute for Study of Long-Term Economic Trends and Distinguished Research Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. He is writing a series of books on the history of debt, including the one we were in conversation about. Thats called The Collapse of Antiquity. Michael Hudson, Ive enjoyed our conversation very much, and I thank you.

MICHAEL HUDSON: Well, thank you so much for having me. Im so glad were getting these issues into broad discussion.

MITCH JESERICH: That does it for Letters and Politics. The show is produced by Deanna Martinez. Kristen Thomas is the engineer. Im Mitch Jeserich, and I thank you for listening.
US co-manufacturer City Brewing Company has been acquired by a group of its lenders.

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

In a statement, City Brewing said the transaction meaningfully strengthens its financial position by significantly reducing its debt, enhancing liquidity and supporting the Wisconsin group for sustainable growth and long-term operational stability.

In 2021, City Brewing secured an undisclosed investment from Charlesbank Capital Partners. Oaktree Capital Management and Blue Ribbon Partners were also listed as the beverage co-manufacturers shareholders at the time.

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Alongside the transfer of ownership, a new board of directors with "significant expertise" in the beverage and co-manufacturing industries has been appointed.

As part of the leadership change, David Taylor has stepped down as executive chairman but will assist in the transition.

Sannes will continue to lead the company alongside the newly appointed board, which has members that have worked at companies including The Coca-Cola Company, Anheuser-Busch InBev and Diageo.

The directors City Brewing has lined up include David Colo, who was the CEO of US contract distiller MGP Ingredients for almost four years up to January 2024.

"Lenders group buys US co-manufacturer City Brewing" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.




Days after the city methodically replaced popular metal seating along Korean Veterans Boulevard with large concrete spheres, new wooden benches appeared in their place. Soon after, the new benches were also taken by the Nashville Department of Transportation, relocated to a city warehouse. Concerned citizens  who identify their efforts as guerrilla urbanism  recovered the simple wooden furniture Thursday evening with the help of downtown Councilmember Jacob Kupin.

Benches Removed Along Downtown Boulevard, Sparking Backlash Strip along Korean Veterans Boulevard frequently brought together tourists, residents and unhoused people

The streetscape struggle has become a proxy fight for citizens against what they characterize as city hostilities toward people living outdoors. Many relied on the centrally located benches as a place to rest, sleep or congregate, often toting belongings and survival gear. The Nashville Department of Transportation abruptly began uprooting the makeshift plaza in August, citing unspecified beautification efforts in collaboration with nonprofit business organization the Nashville Downtown Partnership.

City efforts to disrupt and hide visible homelessness downtown have ramped up in recent months. Many service providers also report a strained relationship with Metros Office of Homeless Services, particularly Director April Calvin, which was further tested by disorganized city efforts to relocate residents out of the densely populated downtown encampment known as Old Tent City in June. Homelessness remains a widespread problem in Nashville, where a housing shortage has led to out-of-reach rental and home prices, despite big-dollar allocations in the Metro budget.

Against this tense backdrop comes NDOTs bench removal, a perceived act of aggression toward those who rely on public infrastructure to live. While the city taped off KVB, local advocate Manaen Hall asked Mayor Freddie OConnell about the benches during a recent This Is Nashville call-in segment. The mayor said he would check on the situation, but has not yet offered further details.

Meanwhile, Lutheran pastor Robin Owen got busy. The benches were already made, Owen explains on her Substack, Jesus Urbanist  she had built them with friends intending to furnish under-resourced bus stops. Theyd already put up a few on Clarksville, Dickerson and Nolensville pikes.

When the benches were taken away on KVB, I still had one and went down and installed it, Owen tells the Scene. I did it anonymously, as a form of nonviolent protest for taking away the benches in the first place. You know, people need places to sit.

Spray paint emblazoned on the benches sends simple messages: To Nashville with love on one, have a seat Nashville on another. Materials cost about $35 a bench, Owen says, and builders plan to gather at Memorial Lutheran Church on Sept. 20 to build more.

Home by Now: A Two-Part Look at Homeless Outreach in Nashville Exploring the work of Metro's Office of Homeless Services and rapid rehousing nonprofit Safe Haven

Within 48 hours, all of the wooden benches had been removed from KVB at the direction of NDOT Director Diana Alarcon. Kupin  caught between the passionate community effort and explicit orders of a city administrator  tracked them to a downtown Metro storehouse. He negotiated their release to Hall and Kelly Chieng. Alarcon was worried about the bench wood causing splinters, Kupin explained. Alarcon and NDOT did not respond to the Scenes request for comment.

I was part of rescuing the benches that NDOT removed, mainly because I have a truck  I am not the one making the benches, Chieng tells the Scene. A lot of the people involved are pro-bike and transit people [and others are homelessness advocates]. Its bringing us together to actively help people, and its a middle finger to the city, who should be doing this. Its really taking off and spreading farther than Korean Vets. In the next couple weeks were going to see a lot more.

The four rescued benches will likely be redeployed soon around the city. Chieng says volunteers have built out a citywide bench map to bring public seating to city corridors where they think its most needed.
Europe triggers snapback sanctions on Iran, igniting diplomatic firestorm

Britain, France and Germany have formally started a process to reimpose severe United Nations sanctions on Iran. This marks a major shift in their policy, as they had previously tried to save the 2015 nuclear deal after the U.S. withdrew.

This drastic step is a direct response to Iran repeatedly violating the terms of the nuclear agreement. The Europeans have lost patience with Iran's actions and the failure of recent diplomatic talks.

Iran condemned the European move as "illegal" and vowed it "will not concede under pressure." The threat of sanctions is causing internal political divisions in Iran, with some hardliners even suggesting the country might withdraw from the global treaty preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.

The Europeans framed this as a final, high-pressure tool to force a diplomatic solution.

The world is deeply split on this issue. The U.S. and Israel support Europe's move, while Russia and China strongly oppose it and are pushing their own diplomatic plan.

In a dramatic escalation of the years-long nuclear standoff, the European powers of Britain, France and Germany have launched a formal process to reimpose United Nations (UN) sanctions on Iran.

The move, which has drawn immediate fury from Tehran, marks a significant hardening of the European approach and risks plunging the already fragile diplomatic efforts into a deeper crisis.

The three nations, known as the E3, activated a so-called "snapback mechanism" on Aug. 28, starting a 30-day countdown that could see a raft of punishing UN sanctions automatically restored. These measures would cripple key sectors of the Iranian economy, including its vital financial, banking, energy and defense industries.

The decision stems from what the Europeans describe as Iran's repeated violations of the 2015 nuclear accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The action signals a profound shift.

For years, the E3 positioned themselves as the deal's chief defenders, desperately trying to salvage it after the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump's first term. They advocated for a path of diplomacy and economic incentives, often creating tension with Washington's maximum pressure campaign.

Now, their patience appears to have run out.

Tehran's fury and vows of defiance

The Iranian reaction was swift and severe. A senior Iranian official lambasted the European decision as "illegal and regrettable," accusing Britain, France and Germany of actively harming diplomacy.

In a clear message of defiance, the official vowed that "Iran will not concede under pressure," setting the stage for a potential cycle of escalation.

This move is particularly sensitive as it comes just two months after a devastating bombing campaign by Israel and the United States targeted Iran's nuclear installations in mid-June.

Since those airstrikes, the E3 and Iran have engaged in several rounds of tense talks aimed at finding a diplomatic off-ramp and avoiding the very snapback now in motion. (Related: Iran rules out diplomacy amid Israeli attacks.)

However, a meeting in Geneva this week failed to provide the E3 with what they deemed sufficient signals that Iran was ready to seriously engage on a new deal.

The threat of renewed sanctions is already stirring significant frustration within Iran. The country is grappling with severe economic anxiety and deepening political divisions.

Insiders report a fierce internal debate among Iranian leaders, with hardliners pushing for a confrontational response and moderates urging continued diplomatic engagement. In a potentially catastrophic escalation, Iranian officials have previously warned that reinstating sanctions could lead them to withdraw entirely from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the cornerstone of global efforts to prevent the spread of atomic weapons.

Despite the tough action, European ministers were careful to frame the snapback not as the death of diplomacy, but as its toughest tool. They emphasized that the 30-day process creates a definitive window for Iran to change course.

The E3 has offered to halt the sanctions process if Iran takes two critical steps: fully restoring access for UN nuclear inspectors and committing to direct talks with the United States.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog, has been unable to account for Iran's large stockpile of enriched uranium since the June war damaged monitoring equipment. Iran has been enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, a short technical step from the 90 percent required for a bomb, and had accumulated enough material for several weapons before the airstrikes began. While the IAEA has no evidence of an active nuclear weapons program, it can no longer provide assurances that Iran's activities are entirely peaceful.

The West argues that such advanced enrichment serves no plausible civilian purpose, a claim Tehran vehemently denies, insisting its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.

A global split and the stakes ahead

The European move has exposed a stark divide within the international community. The U.S., through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warmly welcomed the decision, reaffirming Washington's availability for direct talks. Israel hailed it as an "important step" in countering Iran.

However, Russia and China, strategic allies of Iran and fellow signatories to the original 2015 deal, stand in firm opposition. They finalized a rival draft UN Security Council resolution on Aug. 28 proposing a six-month extension of the nuclear deal and urging immediate negotiations.

A Russian diplomat framed the situation as a choice between "peace, diplomacy, goodwill" and "diplomacy at the barrel of a gun."

The UN Security Council was scheduled to meet behind closed doors on Aug. 29 to discuss the snapback, a meeting that would have been undoubtedly fraught with tension.

The stakes are unimaginably high. With Iran closer than ever to a nuclear weapons capability, the world is watching to see if this high-pressure tactic will force a diplomatic breakthrough or trigger a further dangerous escalation.

The next 30 days will determine whether the snapback mechanism proves to be the circuit-breaker that the West hopes for or the final blow to a diplomatic agreement that has been teetering on the brink of collapse for years. The path to war or peace now hangs in the balance.

Brighteon.AI's Enoch AI engine explains that the E3's decision to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran will likely exacerbate Iran's economic woes through additional sanctions, further straining its fragile economy and reducing its ability to fund its nuclear program. However, this action may also further unify Iran under its current leadership, potentially galvanizing its people and accelerating its nuclear efforts in defiance.

Watch the video below as Health Ranger Mike Adams talks about proof that the Trump administration and Iran are cooperating to counter Israel's dangerous reach.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Iran admits nuclear facilities "badly damaged" by U.S. strikes.

Israel depleting its missile defenses amid Iran barrage.

Trump's Iran strikes backfire: Russia warns that Iran will likely be resupplied with nuclear warheads.

Israel arrests seven immigrants accused of spying for Iran.

Sources include:

Reuters.com

TheGuardian.com

ChannelNewsAsia.com

Brighteon.AI

Brighteon.com
Israeli airstrike on Gaza hospital sparks international condemnation and conflicting claims

An Israeli airstrike on Gaza's Nasser Hospital resulted in at least 20 fatalities, including five journalists, sparking international condemnation and conflicting narratives from Israeli officials.

The United States backed Israel's actions, citing an IDF investigation claiming six Hamas operatives were killed at the hospital. However, the journalists killed were not listed among the alleged militants.

Eyewitnesses described a "double-tap" attack, with two consecutive strikes hitting the hospital. The Foreign Press Association and the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the attack, demanding accountability for the deliberate targeting of journalists.

This incident is part of a broader pattern, with previous attacks on medical facilities and journalists, including the killing of Palestinian journalist Salma al-Qadoumi. Over 182 journalists have been reported killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023.

While Israel insists it targets militants, the repeated attacks on hospitals and journalists raise questions about proportionality and accountability. The IDF has promised investigations, but verifiable evidence linking the hospital to militant activity has yet to be provided.

A deadly Israeli airstrike on Gaza's Nasser Hospital has killed at least 20 people, including five journalists, sparking international condemnation and conflicting narratives from Israeli officials. The attack, which occurred Monday, Aug. 25, has drawn scrutiny over Israel's justification for targeting civilian infrastructure and its handling of the aftermath.

At the United Nations (UN), United States Ambassador Dorothy Shea defended Israel's actions, telling the Security Council: "We understand that Israel has expressed deep regret for harm to civilians. We note the prompt nature of this investigation and response and call on this Council to condemn the continued use of civilian infrastructure by Hamas."

She cited an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) investigation claiming six Hamas operatives  including one involved in the October 7 attacks  were killed while using the hospital to monitor Israeli troops. However, none of the five journalists killed were listed among the alleged militants.

Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon echoed Shea's remarks, stating: "Our goal is to fight terrorists, not journalists, not anyone who is not involved in terrorism." He promised more details in the coming days.

Eyewitnesses describe a "double-tap" attack

Gaza health officials described a brutal scene, with two consecutive strikes  one hitting the hospital's top floor, followed by another as journalists and rescuers rushed to the scene. Dr. Ahmed al-Farra, head of Nasser's pediatrics department, witnessed the attack firsthand. (Related: Israels double-tap strike kills five journalists in Gaza hospital attack.)

Among the journalists killed were: Hossam al-Masri (Reuters), Mohammed Salama (Al Jazeera), Maryam Abu Daqqa (freelancer, AP contributor), Moaz Abu Taha (freelancer) and Ahmad Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye)

Reuters photographer Hatem Khaled was wounded, and Haithem Omar, another Reuters journalist, was injured.

The Foreign Press Association (FPA) condemned the strike, stating: "This is among the deadliest Israeli attacks on journalists working for international media since the Gaza war began These strikes hit the exterior staircase of the hospital where journalists frequently stationed themselves with their cameras. The strikes came with no warning."

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) demanded accountability. "Israel's broadcasted killing of journalists in Gaza continues while the world watches and fails to act firmly on the most horrific attacks the press has ever faced in recent history," said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah.

According to the Brighteon.AI's Enoch, over 182 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on Oct. 7, 2023. Many of these deaths occurred during Israeli airstrikes, including a targeted attack on the Asmaa School in the Al-Shati refugee camp, demonstrating a deliberate pattern of silencing media coverage. Palestinian journalist Salma al-Qadoumi was also shot in the back by Israeli snipers while reporting on the invasion of Khan Yunis, further exposing Israel's systematic suppression of press freedom.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement saying Israel "deeply regrets the tragic mishap" while reiterating its war against Hamas. The IDF promised an investigation but has yet to provide verifiable evidence linking the hospital to militant activity.

A pattern of targeting hospitals and journalists

This is not the first time Israel has struck medical facilities. In June, an attack on Nasser Hospital killed three and wounded 10, with Israel claiming Hamas was operating inside.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 62,000 Palestinians killed, half of them women and children. Israel disputes the figures but has not provided its own count.

The Nasser Hospital strike underscores the fog of war  where initial claims are retracted, evidence is disputed and civilian casualties mount. While Israel insists it targets militants, the repeated attacks on hospitals and journalists raise urgent questions about proportionality and accountability.

As the IDF promises further investigations, the international community watches  while Gaza's survivors bury their dead.

Follow WWIII.news for more news about Israel's ongoing attacks in Gaza.

Watch the video below about Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif being killed during an Israeli attack in Gaza City.

This video is from the The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel kills five Al Jazeera journalists in targeted strike to silence Gaza coverage.

Four Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza airstrike, death toll of journalists reaches 182.

Human Rights Watch denounces Israeli airstrike in Lebanon that killed journalists as WAR CRIME.

Israels deadly strikes continue despite ceasefire deal, raising doubts about lasting peace.

Gazas last functioning hospital bombed as Israel escalates offensive.

Sources include:

CBSnews.com

RT.com

US News.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
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Swedish AI start-up Lovable has received investment proposals that value the company at more than $4bn, according to a Financial Times report.

The company, which enables users to create web and mobile applications without coding, has attracted significant interest following its $200m funding round last month.

Previously, Lovable had secured a valuation of $1.8bn in a funding round led by Accel in mid-July 2025, marking its position as a leading AI company in Europe.

Despite the current investment offers, Lovable CEO Anton Osika is not engaging with investors at this time but is considering future fundraising opportunities, FT added, citing sources familiar with the development.

A spokesperson for Lovable also confirmed to the publication that the company "is not fundraising now".

Lovable was established in Stockholm in 2023. It is among a new wave of European AI start-ups focusing on business-oriented applications and services.

The company launched AI coding product late last year.

Lovables notable angel investors include Nik Storonsky and Sebastian Siemiatkowski, leaders of fintech firms Revolut and Klarna, along with Stewart Butterfield, co-founder of Slack. Previous investors in Lovable include 20VC, byFounders, Hummingbird, and Visionaries Club.

The AI startup counts Klarna, HubSpot, and Photoroom among others as its enterprise clients.

In July 2025, Lovable reported that its annual recurring revenues had exceeded $100m, just eight months after reaching $1m. The AI firm also claimed that more than ten million projects have been developed on its platform.

The recent funding offers highlight the growing popularity of AI coding tools. In May, Anysphere, a US-based firm recognized for its Cursor coding assistant, secured $900m in funding, boosting its valuation to $9bn.

"Lovable receives investment offers valuing company at $4bn" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.




Throughout human history, there have been many instances where two populations came into contact  especially in the past few thousand years because of large-scale migrations as a consequence of conquests, colonialization, and, more recently, globalization. During these encounters, not only did populations exchange genetic material, but also cultural elements.

When populations interact, they may borrow technologies, beliefs, practices, and also, crucially, aspects of language. With this, sounds, words or grammatical patterns can be exchanged from one language to the other. For example, English borrowed "sausage" from French after the Norman conquests, while French later borrowed "sandwich" from English.

However, studying these linguistic exchanges can be challenging due to the limited historical records of human contacts, especially on a global scale. As a result, our understanding of how languages evolved over time through such interactions remains incomplete. To address this gap, researchers are now turning to genetics, which keeps the record of ancestral contacts. In this new study, a research group from the University of Zurich is using for the first time genetic evidence of historical mixing between populations to investigate the effects of contact on language, and to uncover the systemic patterns of language change.

Using genetics to solve linguistic questions

"By using genetic data as a proxy for past human contact, we were able to get around the problem of missing historical records and we could detect over 125 comparable instances of contact across the globe," says Anna Graff, lead author of the study and linguist at the University of Zurich.

The multidisciplinary research team combined genetic data from over 4,700 individuals across 558 populations with two major linguistic databases that catalogue grammatical, phonological, and lexical features in thousands of languages. They found that in instances of genetic contact, there was an increased probability of linguistic sharing in unrelated languages of 4-9%. "This opens up new ways of understanding how languages evolve through human interaction," the researcher adds.

"What surprised us most is that no matter where in the world populations come into contact, their languages become more similar to remarkably consistent extents," says Chiara Barbieri, senior author and population geneticist at the University of Cagliari. "Genetic contact can involve populations from different continents, for example in recent colonial situations, or populations from the same continent, for example during ancient Neolithic migrations. Our results show that languages are similarly affected by contact, regardless of its geographic and social scale, showing consistent links between population history and language change."

A closer look into language dynamics and society

However, while the rates are similar, the specific features behind them differ strongly. While some elements like word order or consonant sounds are easier to transfer  more so than other features of grammar or sound  the research team did not find consistent borrowability principles. "This challenges long-standing assumptions about what makes a linguistic feature more or less borrowable," explains Balthasar Bickel, senior author and Director of the NCCR Evolving Language. "It suggests that the social dynamics of contact like power imbalances, prestige and group identity easily override any constraints previously thought to be at play when people learn a new language and start to borrow from it."

In some cases, the team even found the opposite of borrowing: features becoming less similar after contact. This phenomenon occurs when groups emphasize linguistic differences to assert distinct identities. "While contact usually makes languages converge, sometimes it makes them diversify," says Graff. "Our results suggest that both convergence and divergence are part of the global story of language evolution."

The findings shed new light on how we understand the history of the world's languages  and what might lie ahead. Contact between populations has long been linked to language loss, but this study shows that it can also erode deeper layers of linguistic diversity. In our increasingly globalized world and in the face of the climate crisis, land use expansions and demographic displacements may further intensify these processes, fragmenting the linguistic record of the human past.
Previously, research on controlling gene networks has been carried out based on a single stimulus-response of cells. More recently, studies have been proposed to precisely analyze complex gene networks to identify control targets. A KAIST research team has succeeded in developing a universal technology that identifies gene control targets in altered cellular gene networks and restores them. This achievement is expected to be widely applied to new anticancer therapies such as cancer reversibility, drug development, precision medicine, and reprogramming for cell therapy.

KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 28th of August that Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho's research team from the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering has developed a technology to systematically identify gene control targets that can restore the altered stimulus-response patterns of cells to normal by using an algebraic approach. The algebraic approach expresses gene networks as mathematical equations and identifies control targets through algebraic computations.

The research team represented the complex interactions among genes within a cell as a "logic circuit diagram" (Boolean network). Based on this, they visualized how a cell responds to external stimuli as a "landscape map" (phenotype landscape).

By applying a mathematical method called the "semi-tensor product," they developed a way to quickly and accurately calculate how the overall cellular response would change if a specific gene were controlled.

However, because the key genes that determine actual cellular responses number in the thousands, the calculations are extremely complex. To address this, the research team applied a numerical approximation method (Taylor approximation) to simplify the calculations. In simple terms, they transformed a complex problem into a simpler formula while still yielding nearly identical results.

Through this, the team was able to calculate which stable state (attractor) a cell would reach and predict how the cell's state would change when a particular gene was controlled. As a result, they were able to identify core gene control targets that could restore abnormal cellular responses to states most similar to normal.

Professor Cho's team applied the developed control technology to various gene networks and verified that it can accurately predict gene control targets that restore altered stimulus-response patterns of cells back to normal.

In particular, by applying it to bladder cancer cell networks, they identified gene control targets capable of restoring altered responses to normal. They also discovered gene control targets in large-scale distorted gene networks during immune cell differentiation that are capable of restoring normal stimulus-response patterns. This enabled them to solve problems that previously required only approximate searches through lengthy computer simulations in a fast and systematic way.

This study is evaluated as a core original technology for the development of the Digital Cell Twin model, which analyzes and controls the phenotype landscape of gene networks that determine cell fate. In the future, it is expected to be widely applicable across the life sciences and medicine, including new anticancer therapies through cancer reversibility, drug development, precision medicine, and reprogramming for cell therapy." Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho, KAIST

KAIST master's student Insoo Jung, PhD student Corbin Hopper, PhD student Seong-Hoon Jang, and PhD student Hyunsoo Yeo participated in this study. The results were published online on August 22 in Science Advances, an international journal published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

 Paper title: "Reverse Control of Biological Networks to Restore Phenotype Landscapes"

 DOI: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adw3995

This research was supported by the Mid-Career Researcher Program and the Basic Research Laboratory Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea, funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Some might say it looks like a finger. Others might see a worm. Scientists in the field often liken it to an antenna. The technical name is primary cilium. This slender, microscopic appendage juts out from the surface of most cells in the human body - and yet for many years, it was completely missing from textbook illustrations.

Scientists began paying more attention to primary cilia around 2003. That's when a scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), the late Kathryn Anderson, PhD, discovered that primary cilia play a hugely important role in embryo development: They process signals from a family of proteins called Hedgehog that cue the patterning of the early embryo, including the formation of the neural tube.

Since then, this antenna-like organelle has become a hot topic for research, in part because defects in primary cilia can lead to a whole host of medical problems - everything from hearing loss and cleft palate to having one's internal organs located on the wrong side of the body. But a major unanswered question is which molecular cues tell cells to make a primary cilium in the first place.

In a new paper published this week in Science, MSK developmental biologists Yinwen Liang, PhD, and Alexandra Joyner, PhD, report that they have solved part of the mystery: Two transcription factors, SP5 and SP8, act as a kind of on-off switch for the initiation of cilium formation. In cells without a primary cilium, turning these genes on can cause them to build one.

The results have immediate and long-term implications for the understanding and treatment of diseases caused by missing or malfunctioning primary cilia - called ciliopathies - which affect 1 in 2,000 people worldwide.

Putting new tools to use in studying cilium formation

When Dr. Liang, a senior scientist in the Joyner Lab and formerly a postdoc fellow in Kathryn Anderson's lab, first started thinking about why some cell types have primary cilia and others don't, she suspected it was a case of preferential disassembly - that is, cells lacking primary cilia actively promote the disassembly of the structure. In cells that make a primary cilium, perhaps that disassembly process is turned off, so the proteins can build up and form one.

But experiments designed to target and block such disassembly had little effect on the presence or absence of primary cilia. That led Dr. Liang to team up with Dr. Joyner, whose lab in the Sloan Kettering Institute has excellent tools for studying how genes regulate developmental processes. If disassembly isn't the key, they thought, then maybe the transcription factors that turn specific genes on or off is what determines whether a cell builds a primary cilium.

To get at that question, Drs. Liang and Joyner first used a method called single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to identify which of the genes involved in cilia formation and function are turned on in cell types with and without primary cilia. The scientists took advantage of the fact that most cells in the mouse embryo have primary cilia while cells from the mouse extraembryonic yolk sac do not. Using scRNAseq, they identified more than 100 such genes that are more highly expressed in ciliated cells.

Next, they wondered whether any of those genes were so-called transcription factors - proteins whose main function is turning on other genes. To answer that question, they turned to a technique called Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq), which reveals where the genome is "open" and can be "read" or transcribed.

Using that method, the scientists were able to home in on two genes that had telltale signs of being transcription factors. Further analysis revealed that these two genes, Sp5 and Sp8, were very active in cell types with a primary cilium, but inactive in cells lacking one.

Finding the factors that 'switch the whole thing on'

The most pleasing results came when they either knocked out these genes in cells with cilia or introduced them into cells lacking cilia. Those results showed that Sp5 and Sp8 were required for primary cilium formation in the early mouse embryo. Moreover, simply overexpressing one gene, Sp8, was enough to initiate primary cilium formation in cells without them.

If you add SP8 to extraembryonic cells, many of the cells now make cilia. No one's ever seen that result before." Dr. Alexandra Joyner, PhD, MSK developmental biologist

Drs. Liang and Joyner reasoned that these two proteins, SP5 and SP8, sit at the top of the cell's decision tree for making primary cilia. "We see it as a big breakthrough to find the upstream transcription factors that switch the whole thing on," Dr. Liang adds.

Dr. Liang will be leaving MSK shortly to begin her own lab in China, where she hopes to continue working on translating these basic discoveries into clinical breakthroughs for people with ciliopathies.

"My long-term goal is to improve our understanding of how cilia are formed and then use that information to benefit the clinical study of ciliopathies," she says.

Dr. Joyner retired from MSK earlier this year and is now an emeritus member of the MSK faculty. Read more about her long and distinguished career.
Lynas Rare Earths has announced a fully underwritten equity raise of approximately A$750m ($489.2m), alongside the release of its full-year 2025 results.

The capital raise is aimed at strengthening the company's balance sheet and providing financial flexibility to pursue its Towards 2030 strategy.

The new shares will be offered at a 10% discount to the last traded price of A$14.73 on 27 August 2025 and an 8.6% discount to the volume-weighted average price of A$14.5 over the preceding ten trading days.

Approximately 56.6 million new fully paid ordinary shares, representing around 6.1% of Lynas' existing shares on issue, will be made available.

The placement is targeted at institutional investors in select jurisdictions, with Barrenjoey Markets and Macquarie Capital acting as joint lead managers, underwriters and bookrunners.

New shares issued under this placement are expected to settle on 2 September 2025, with trading on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) to commence the next business day.

Lynas Rare Earths CEO and managing director Amanda Lacaze said: Towards 2030 sets out our plan to optimise performance from the Lynas 2025 capital investments and to pursue new growth opportunities. The equity raising provides Lynas with the balance sheet strength to pursue a strong growth agenda.

The rare earths market is rapidly evolving, and we need to move at pace to maximise value from existing assets and create further value from market opportunities. This includes continuing to grow our operations to serve the customers, downstream players and governments who seek to partner with Lynas to quickly establish larger and more resilient outside China supply chains for rare earths materials.

In conjunction with the placement, Lynas is also offering a non-underwritten share purchase plan (SPP) to its eligible shareholders, aiming to raise up to an additional A$75m.

Eligible shareholders will have the opportunity to purchase up to A$30,000 worth of new shares per shareholder, free of transaction and brokerage costs, at the same issue price of A$13.25 per share.

The SPP shares will rank equally with existing Lynas shares from the date of issue.

Lynas reserves the right to scale back applications or accept oversubscriptions at its discretion, potentially altering the final amount raised through the SPP.

In a separate development, Lynas Rare Earths has signed a preliminary agreement with Menteri Besar, the investment entity of the Kelantan State Government in Malaysia, to provide mixed rare earth carbonate.

This initial, non-committal pact lays the groundwork for more detailed discussions and is crucial for fostering the rare earths market in Kelantan.
A new ESC Clinical Consensus Statement is calling for greater awareness of the multidirectional relationship between mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease to improve patient health. The first ever ESC Clinical Consensus Statement to be developed on this topic was published today at ESC Congress 2025.

The Consensus Statement recommends that mental health symptoms are systematically screened for during cardiovascular care, and cardiovascular risk is routinely assessed for those being treated for mental health conditions.

While poor mental health can be a contributory factor to cardiovascular disease, people living with cardiovascular disease are also at greater risk of poor mental health. Patients experiencing both cardiovascular disease and a mental health condition have worse health outcomes.

The Consensus Statement has been produced by an international panel of experts that includes co-Chairpersons Professor Hector Bueno, from the National Cardiovascular Research Center (CNIC) and the Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain, and Professor Christi Deaton, Emerita Professor of Nursing at the University of Cambridge, UK.

We want to raise awareness of the multidirectional relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease. Each increases the risk of the other, and individuals with both conditions have worse outcomes and the highest negative health burdens. In this consensus document we summarise what we know about how to prevent or minimise negative outcomes but also highlight significant gaps in our knowledge which need to be addressed urgently." Professor Christi Deaton, Emerita Professor of Nursing, University of Cambridge, UK

The new Consensus Statement also recommends that mental health and psychosocial risk factors become part of cardiovascular risk assessments for healthy individuals.

Significant changes to clinical cardiovascular care are advised by the Consensus Statement. This includes the establishment of Psycho-Cardio Teams, multidisciplinary teams to treat patients that include mental health professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, working alongside cardiovascular care professionals. These teams should be integrated into standard care and tailored to local need.

The Consensus Statement proposes a cultural shift to treat the deadly combination of mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease.

This will involve improvements in patient care, such as professionals acknowledging the complex relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease, working together to integrate both areas of care, therefore advocating for change to implement a better integrated person-centred care that is tailored to individual circumstances.

This would present a significant change as most current models of cardiovascular care do not currently consider mental health to be a main goal.

"Clinical cardiovascular practice often overlooks the impact of mental health and the importance of its inclusion in care. We need to see cardiovascular health professionals developing collaborations with mental health professionals in Psycho-Cardio Teams to help identify early mental health conditions in our patients and improve care and support for patients and their caregivers," said Professor Hector Bueno.

"We are advising that mental health is actively considered in clinical appointments and that screening for mental health conditions becomes part of the assessment of patients at regular intervals. We are also advocating psychological support for caregivers," Professor Bueno concluded.

The Consensus Statement outlines problems including:

Lack of awareness by healthcare professionals of the prevalence of mental health conditions in the population, and the impact of this on the increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Limited appreciation among healthcare professionals of the incidence and prevalence of mental health conditions in people with cardiovascular disease and the impact of this on quality of life, therapeutic adherence, and health outcomes.

The Consensus Statement also outlines substantial gaps in knowledge about the interplay between mental health, cardiovascular health and disease. This includes a lack of evidence-based protocols to:

Support mental health in the general population to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

Screen people with mental health conditions for cardiovascular disease

Treat mental health conditions in people with cardiovascular disease

The lack of evidence about how best to support people living with severe mental health conditions is particularly significant, including how best to prevent cardiovascular disease in people living with severe mental illness, and how best to care for people who have both severe mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease. There is also a need to recalibrate cardiovascular risk scores for those living with severe mental illness.

People with severe mental illness are at increased risk of developing supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, which may eventually lead to sudden cardiac death. Increased arrhythmia risk is caused by multiple factors, including distress resulting from their mental health condition, high prevalence of risk factors, unhealthy lifestyle and potentially some medications.

"We hope the Consensus Statement will spark a change that empowers patients to feel able to discuss their mental health with cardiovascular professionals, and that they will have a better chance of this being taken seriously. This means accessing timely assessment, management, and the support they need to improve their mental health," concluded Professor Deaton.

The '2025 ESC Clinical Consensus Statement on Mental Health and Cardiovascular Disease' was developed by the task force on mental health and cardiovascular disease of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The Statement has been endorsed by the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations, the European Psychiatric Association, and the International Society of Behavioral Medicine.
New ESC Guidelines to improve the diagnosis and care of patients with myocarditis and pericarditis, have been published today at ESC Congress 2025. This is the first time the ESC has published guidelines about myocarditis, and it is the first time that clinical guidance has been given about myocarditis and pericarditis at the same time.

The Guidelines give algorithms and easy-to-use flow charts to support medical professionals to better recognise, diagnose and treat myocarditis and pericarditis to improve clinical outcomes. They also give personalised recommendations for return to work and exercise.

The new guidance notes the potential overlap between myocarditis and pericarditis, and introduces the term 'inflammatory myopericardial syndrome' (IMPS) to be used as an umbrella diagnosis until a more specific diagnosis is made. The new term will help increase the awareness of the spectrum of disease, and allow timely diagnosis and better management to improve patient outcomes.

The new ESC Guidelines were produced by an international panel of experts that include co-Chairpersons, Professor Jeanette Schulz-Menger, Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universitat Berlin and Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, ECRC Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin and DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, and Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charite - Medical Heart Center of Charite and Cardiology and Nephrology, HELIOS Hospital Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany and Professor Massimo Imazio, Head of Cardiothoracic Department and Cardiology at the University Hospital "Santa Maria della Misericordia", Udine, Italy.

Myocarditis and pericarditis can be hard to recognise as they can present differently in different patients. Consequently, these conditions often go undiagnosed, which can have a very significant impact on patient health." Professor Jeanette Schulz-Menger, Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin

"To improve diagnosis we have introduced a unifying term, inflammatory myopericardial syndrome, and we are giving new guidance on diagnosis and treatment for clinicians." Professor Schulz-Menger added.

Myocarditis and pericarditis are inflammatory diseases of the myocardium, or heart muscle, and the pericardium, the fibrous sack surrounding the heart and major blood vessels. Their causes are varied, and can include genetic susceptibility and infectious disease. Many patients will recover completely from these diseases, while others may need life-long monitoring and treatment. Myocarditis is thought to play a role in some cases of sudden cardiac death in some patients.

The important role of multimodality imaging, focussing on advanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-methods, and the role of endomyocardial biopsy, were also discussed to give guidance to clinical cardiologists.

Having been diagnosed with myocarditis or pericarditis, patients will often be asked to refrain from daily activities. The new guidance recommends when additional testing, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, can help assess whether it is advisable to return to exercise and work. This can aid recovery and support mental health.

While there has been an increase in medical knowledge about inflammatory myopericardial syndrome, the Guidelines also highlight significant evidence gaps. They identify a need for further large-scale prospective multicentre trials with predefined outcome measures. New research is particularly needed to understand how best to treat those with chronic conditions and specific patient groups such as children, women of childbearing age, pregnant women and those that are breast feeding, and the elderly.

"We hope this valuable new guidance will enable a paradigm shift for patient care allowing the development of combined expertise in the diagnosis and therapy of myocarditis and pericarditis. This will also support of a multidisciplinary team approach for more difficult cases," said Professor Massimo Imazio

"We also hope that these recommendations will help patients to get back to their normal lives, including starting to exercise and returning to work, more quickly. This will improve their quality of life, may speed up their recovery, as well as reducing workplace sick days." Professor Imazio added. "We also hope that the evidence gaps we have identified can be urgently addressed by the research community and funders."

The new ESC Guidelines also :

Give a list of red flags for clinicians, including clinical signs and/or biomarkers, that may be clues for the detection of myocarditis and pericarditis improving the time to diagnosis

Recommend that a complete clinical evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, chest X-ray, biomarker tests, electrocardiogram, and echocardiograph, for the initial diagnostic assessment for all patients suspected of having myocarditis and/or pericarditis

Ask that a genetic cause, and genetic testing, is considered for patients with recurrent inflammatory myopericardial syndrome

Recommend that complicated patients with inflammatory myopericardial syndrome are managed by a multidisciplinary team. The team should be composed of different clinicians, all with expertise in cardiovascular diseases, such as clinicians, imaging experts, infectious disease experts, surgeons, intensive care specialists and geneticists

Data about the prevalence of myocarditis and pericarditis across the general population are limited. One disease registry reported an incidence of acute myocarditis from 6.3 to 8.6 per 100 000 inhabitants, mostly in young men for hormonal factors. Men and younger patients are more likely to be diagnosed, although it is not clear whether it is that these patients are more likely to receive a diagnosis. The incidence of acute pericarditis is estimated to be about 3 to 32 cases per 100 000 person-years. For sudden cardiac death in young adults, autopsies showed cases attributed to myocarditis in 1.1 to 12% of cases.

The '2025 ESC Guidelines for the management of myocarditis and pericarditis' have been endorsed by the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.
Asaram surrenders after HC refuses to extend interim bail

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 18:15 IST

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Jodhpur, Aug 30 (PTI) With the Rajasthan High Court refusing to extend his interim bail, self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who has been serving life sentence for raping a minor, surrendered at the Jodhpur Central Jail on Saturday.

Asaram, 84, had been given bail on January 7 this year for the first time in 12 years of imprisonment in view of medical reasons.

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A high court bench of Justices Dinesh Mehta and Vineet Kumar Mathur had dismissed Asarams interim bail plea during the hearing on August 27. Referring to the medical board report from the doctors of Government Hospital, Ahmedabad, the court stated that Asarams health condition is stable and he does not require hospitalisation or continuous medical care.

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During the hearing on August 27, Asarams lawyer Nishant Bodha argued that Asaram had been taken to AIIMS Jodhpur on August 21, where doctors reported a deterioration in his health condition.

However, the High Court did not accept this argument and, relying on the medical boards report from Ahmedabad, dismissed the bail plea. The court also observed that Asaram had made several trips for treatment in the past 3-4 months and received treatment at different hospitals in various cities, but did not undergo regular follow-ups at any hospital. PTI COR RT RT

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First Published: August 30, 2025, 18:15 IST

News agency-feeds Asaram surrenders after HC refuses to extend interim bail

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Chicago mayor defies Trumps immigration crackdown plan for city

Last Updated: August 31, 2025, 03:30 IST

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Chicago, Aug 30 (AP) The mayor of Chicago pushed back on Saturday against what he called the out-of-control" Trump administrations plan to surge federal officers into the nations third-largest city, which could take place within days.

The Chicago Police Department will be barred from helping federal authorities with civil immigration enforcement or any related patrols, traffic stops and checkpoints during the surge, according to an executive order signed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

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The mayor directed all city departments to guard the constitutional rights of Chicago residents amidst the possibility of imminent militarised immigration or National Guard deployment by the federal government." When asked during a news conference about federal agents who are presumably taking orders," Johnson replied: Yeah, and I dont take orders from the federal government." Johnson also blocked Chicago police from wearing face coverings to hide their identities, as most federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have adopted since the Trump administration took charge this year.

The federal surge into Chicago could start as early as September 5 and last about 30 days, according to two US officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss plans that had not been made public.

The officials described the immigration crackdown as part of a larger effort to expand the federal law enforcement presence in major Democratic-run cities, as it did this summer in Los Angeles.

Unlike the recent federal takeover of policing in Washington, DC, the Chicago operation is not expected to rely on the National Guard or military and is focused exclusively on immigration instead of being cast as part of a broad campaign against crime, the officials said.

Chicago is home to a large immigrant population, and both the city and the state of Illinois have some of the countrys strongest rules against cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts. That has often put the city and state at odds with President Donald Trump s mass deportation agenda.

Johnsons order builds on the citys longtime stance, saying neither Chicago nor Illinois officials have sought or been consulted on the federal presence and demanding Trump stand down on those plans.

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Johnson had harsh words for Trump during his news conference, accusing the president of behaving outside the bounds of the Constitution" and seeking a federal presence in blue cities as retribution against his political rivals.

He is reckless and out of control," Johnson said. Hes the biggest threat to our democracy that weve experienced in the history of our country." In response, the White House insisted the potential flood of federal agents was about cracking down on crime." If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer," White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in an email Saturday. (AP) OZ OZ

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First Published: August 31, 2025, 03:30 IST

News agency-feeds Chicago mayor defies Trumps immigration crackdown plan for city

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Double murder in Delhis Rohini: Man kills wife and mother-in-law, arrested

Last Updated: August 31, 2025, 00:15 IST

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New Delhi [India], August 30 (ANI): A double murder was reported in Delhis Rohini Sector 17 area on Saturday, where a a man allegedly killed his wife and mother-in-law over a domestic dispute, police said. The accused, identified as Yogesh Sehgal, has been arrested by the police.The incident occurred around 3:50 p.m. The police said that a PCR call was received at the KNK Marg police station, stating that a woman and her mother had been murdered in a flat located in Sector-17, Rohini. When the police reached the spot, they found the blood-soaked bodies of two women inside a room on the third floor of the flat. The deceased were identified as Kusum Sinha (63) and Priya Sehgal (34). The police informed that the murder took place in Delhis Rohini Sector 17, where a 63-year-old woman, Kusum Sinha, and her 37-year-old daughter, Priya Sehgal, were found murdered in their residence. Police said they recovered blood-stained clothes and a pair of scissors suspected to have been used in the murder.Priyas brother, Megh Sinha, alleged that Yogesh, his brother-in-law, was behind the killings. We broke the lock and entered the house. We saw that our mother was stabbed with something. This incident occurred between 3:30 and 4:00 pm. Our brother-in-law did this. The children are with him" he said. Priyas other brother, Himalaya, said their mother had gone to Priyas house for a birthday celebration.My mother told me yesterday that there was a quarrel regarding the expenses of the birthday celebration, and she wouldnt be able to come. But today, when I couldnt reach my mother, I went to my sister Priyas house. When I saw the situation, I realised my brother-in-law had brutally killed my sister and mother," he said. He further claimed that Priya had been facing harassment for years. There were several complaints filed with the police. At time,s my sister also stayed at our house, but eventually, a compromise was made for the sake of the family," he said. Police said that Priyas two children are safe, though traumatised.An investigation is underway. (ANI)

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First Published: August 31, 2025, 00:15 IST

News agency-feeds Double murder in Delhis Rohini: Man kills wife and mother-in-law, arrested

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Floods ravage Pakistans Punjab province, leaves 30 dead, thousands displaced

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 18:15 IST

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Lahore, Aug 30 (PTI) At least 30 people died in the last 24 hours as a historic flood" caused massive devastation in Pakistans Punjab province, prompting the authorities to deploy explosives and breach embankments to protect cities from floods.

Torrential rains since Saturday morning in major cities of Punjab province added to the misery of the people, especially the flood-affected ones, and the situation is likely to worsen as there is a forecast for heavy downpours till September 2.

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Pakistans most populous province, Punjab has been reeling under severe floods for almost a week and at least 1,700 villages across the province, including the Sikh sacred site of Kartarpur, are inundated.

About 842 people have died in monsoon-related incidents since the start of the monsoon and flooding in the country on June 26, as per the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Punjabs senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a statement on Saturday that at least 30 people died in the floods in the province in the past 24 hours.

As many as 1.5 million people are rendered homeless in Punjab by the flood, and around 5,00,000 people trapped in floodwater have been rescued and shifted to safe places over last two-three days," Aurangzeb said.

Nearly 2,000 villages have been inundated due to flooding, with crops on thousands of acres also damaged, she added further.

The worsening flood situation prompted the authorities to deploy explosives and breach embankments at multiple places in the province to protect cities from floods.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least seven embankments were breached using explosives in different areas including Mandi Bahauddin, Chiniot and Jhang in the province.

Some 1,169 villages were affected by the Chenab River, 462 by the Ravi, and 391 due to flooding in the Sutlej, as per the minister.

Across the province, she said 351 relief and medical camps are operating to assist and take care of the affected people.

Earlier on Friday, for the first time in nearly 40 years, over two dozen residential areas of Lahore remained submerged due to floodwaters entering the city from the Ravi River.

Multan, another major city of Punjab province, is facing an imminent flood threat. Deputy Commissioner Amir Karim on Saturday afternoon said that a flood surge of up to 8,00,000 cusecs is expected in the Chenab River in the next 24 hours.

The NDMA has issued flood warnings for the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers at various locations, possibly the first time all three rivers are in spate.

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According to Punjabs PDMA, the Sutlej river is facing the worst flooding since 1955. The catastrophic inflow is increasing the threat to Kasur, it said.

It is a historic flood situation", the PDMA declared, adding that the ninth spell of monsoon rains will continue till September 2. PTI MZ SKS SKS NPK NPK

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First Published: August 30, 2025, 18:15 IST

News agency-feeds Floods ravage Pakistans Punjab province, leaves 30 dead, thousands displaced

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Odisha court pronounces life imprisonment for 3 in murder case

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 20:30 IST

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Rayagada, Aug 30 (PTI) A local court in Odishas Rayagada district on Saturday pronounced life imprisonment for three persons, after convicting them in a 2023 murder case.

The Additional District and Sessions Judge of Rayagada, Alpana Swain, held the three guilty of murder and also imposed a penalty of Rs 5,000 on each convict.

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In case of default, they will have to undergo an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment, said Additional Public Prosecutor Ramprasad Patra.

The convicts had attacked Gajendra Nayak of Kashanadora village with axes over a land dispute in June, 2023, police said.

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Nayak was rushed to the Kashipur Community Health Centre, where doctors declared him dead.

Following a complaint lodged by his son, police arrested them on June 12, 2023, and seized the weapons used in the crime. PTI CORR AAM RBT

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First Published: August 30, 2025, 20:30 IST

News agency-feeds Odisha court pronounces life imprisonment for 3 in murder case

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Temple sewadaar killed after quarrel in Kalkaji; one arrested

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 09:30 IST

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New Delhi, Aug 30 (PTI) A 35-year-old sewadaar in southeast Delhis Kalkaji Temple has been allegedly beaten to death following a quarrel with some people, and one of them has been nabbed, police said on Saturday.

According to officials, a call was made to the police control room about the row at the temple around 9.30 pm on Friday.

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Police said the argument ensued after the accused, who were visiting the temple, demanded chunniprasad  a combination of sacred headscarf and religious offering of food  from the sewadaar, Yogendra Singh, a native of Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh.

The altercation turned violent as the group dealt fist blows to Singh and beat him up with sticks, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari said.

Singh, who had been serving at the Kalkaji Temple for the past 14 to 15 years, was rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where he succumbed to injuries during treatment, an officer said.

A case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 103(1) (murder) and 3(5) (joint liability) has been registered at Kalkaji police station, the officer said.

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One of the accused, identified as Atul Pandey (30), a resident of Dakshinpuri, was caught on the spot by the locals and handed over to the police," he added.

Police said efforts are underway to identify and nab the remaining accused. PTI SSJ NSD NSD

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First Published: August 30, 2025, 09:30 IST

News agency-feeds Temple sewadaar killed after quarrel in Kalkaji; one arrested

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US tariff impact: Mentha oil industry in UPs Rampur faces major crisis

Last Updated: August 31, 2025, 00:30 IST

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Rampur/Moradabad (UP), Aug 30 (PTI) The mentha oil industry is facing a major crisis with a potential loss of several crores of rupees due to the 50 per cent tariff imposed by the US on Indian imports, according to exporters.

The tariffs are threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and workers, they said.

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The additional 25 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on India for its purchase of Russian crude oil came into effect on Wednesday, bringing the total amount of levies imposed on New Delhi to 50 per cent.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in a draft order published on Monday, said the increased levies will hit Indian products that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025".

Earlier, Trump announced reciprocal tariffs of 25 per cent on India that came into effect on August 7, when tariffs on about 70 other nations also kicked in.

Mentha oil is an aromatic compound used as a raw material to make a wide range of products.

Amrit Kapoor, an exporter, said orders have been put on hold or cancelled.

The cost of a product of ours that was priced at USD 20 increased to USD 30 overnight due to the 50 per cent duty. The buyer there doesnt understand how to get a USD 30 product from India. So, orders are on hold. The goods are being manufactured in the factory and we dont know when they will go," he said.

Kapoor highlighted the broader implications, particularly for farmers and workers.

Over 10 lakh of our farmer brothers are connected to this. They will not be able to get enough money, and I think they will not even get the cost of their production back," he said.

He also raised concerns about the loss of employment for factory workers.

If America continues this behaviour and our production decreases, it is possible that in the coming time we may have to reduce the workers at factories," he said.

Shirish Gupta, the president of the Rampur chapter of the Indian Industries Federation, called the tariffs a pressure tactic" and expressed faith in the governments response.

The government should create schemes for the industries that are in danger due to the tariff issue so that they dont close down and peoples livelihoods are not put at risk." He said he believed that this is a temporary phase" and that soon a positive result will come out".

Exporters in Moradabad too are feeling the heat.

Moradabad, which is popularly known as the Brass City, exports handicrafts worth Rs 8,500-Rs 9,000 crore every year, with nearly 75 per cent going to the US and the remaining to Europe and Gulf countries.

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The 50 per cent tariff imposed by the Trump administration has brought exports to a standstill. Orders worth more than Rs 300 crore have already been halted and another Rs 150 crore worth of business is shifting to other countries," said Haji Iftekhar, an export firm owner.

This could lead to a 50 per cent fall in US-bound exports, pushing nearly 2 lakh people into unemployment. Several firms have already begun laying off workers," he claimed. PTI COR CDN NAV DIV DIV

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First Published: August 31, 2025, 00:30 IST

News agency-feeds US tariff impact: Mentha oil industry in UPs Rampur faces major crisis

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Aaj Ka Panchang, August 30, 2025: Tithi, Vrat, Shubh Muhurat & Rahu Kaal Today

Written By :

GaneshaGrace

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 05:00 IST

Aaj Ka Panchang, August 30, 2025: Get accurate details on Hindu calendar including tithi, vrat, nakshatra, yoga, sunrise/sunset timings, and today's shubh and ashubh muhurat.

Aaj Ka Panchang, August 30, 2025: Tithi, Muhurat and Rahu Kaal. (AI generated image)

Aaj Ka Panchang, August 30, 2025: Today will be under the influence of Shukla Paksha Saptami Tithi, Anuradha Nakshatra, and Vaidhrithi Yoga. Saptami Tithi is considered extremely auspicious for activities related to energy, courage, and health, especially on this day is best for Surya Upasana and health practices. Anuradha Nakshatra, which symbolizes friendship, discipline, and dedication towards the goal, makes todays energy even more effective. If you want to start a long-term plan or are interested in some occult knowledge, then this time is favorable.

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Today, Vaidhrithi Yoga will be effective till 3:59 pm, which is a mixed yoga  it is considered auspicious for religious or tantric works, but traditionally it is also considered forbidden in some works. So start the work with a decision. The Moon is transiting in Scorpio, which makes the emotions intense. Due to this, there will be depth and firmness in your thoughts today, but at the same time, it will be necessary to maintain restraint.

Today brings a combination of new enthusiasm, deep contemplation, and religious faith. Health-related decisions and Surya Aradhana will be especially fruitful due to Saptami Tithi. Anuradha Nakshatra will give you balance in relationships and firmness in actions.

Vaidhrithi Yoga requires special cautiongood for religious practice, mantra chanting, or meditation, but caution is necessary in material and business decisions. Moons transit in Scorpio will make the mind strong, but avoid being too emotional or suspicious. Overall, this day brings a message of moving forward with patience and direction.

Tithi: Shukla-Saptami

Nakshatra: Anuradha

Karana: Vanija

Paksha: Shukla-Paksha

Yoga: Vaidhriti till 03:59:18 PM

Day: Saturday

Sun & Moon Calculations

Sun Rise: 06:22:38 AM

Sun Set: 06:59:53 PM

Moon Rise: 12:21:00 PM

Moon Set: 11:11:55 PM

Moon Sign: Scorpio

Ritu: Varsha

Hindu Month & Year

Shaka Samvat: 1947

Vikram Samvat: 2082

Month Amanta: Bhadrapada

Month Purnimanta: Bhadrapada

Inauspicious Timings (Ashubh Muhurat)

Rahu Kaal: 09:31:57 AM to 11:06:36 AM

Yamaganda: 02:15:55 PM to 03:50:34 PM

Gulika Kaal: 06:22:38 AM to 07:57:18 AM

Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat)

Abhijit: 12:16:00 PM to 01:06:00 PM

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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 30, 2025, 05:00 IST

News astrology Aaj Ka Panchang, August 30, 2025: Tithi, Vrat, Shubh Muhurat & Rahu Kaal Today

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Freight brokers have long been considered intermediaries in the transportation chain, more akin to travel agents than carriers. But in recent years, that role has shifted under the weight of litigation trends and the surge of nuclear verdicts that have redefined liability across the industry.

Marsh, a leading insurance broker and risk advisor, is stepping in to provide freight brokers with a tailored insurance solution designed to address the heightened exposure they now face with BrokerSafe.

For decades, freight brokers operated under the assumption that liability largely rested with carriers, with insurance serving as a backstop for operational risks. That changed dramatically following the 2020 Miller v. C.H. Robinson case, which opened the door for plaintiffs to pursue brokers directly in negligence claims.

Janelle Griffith, North American logistics practice leader at Marsh said in an interview with FreightWaves. Historically, brokers werent responsible for anything outside of F4A safety. But after 2020, brokers were being pulled into litigation, and nuclear verdicts automatically started to rise.

These verdicts, often exceeding $10 million, have upended traditional insurance practices and made brokers prime targets for plaintiff attorneys who view them as the deeper pockets in the supply chain. Griffith said. Exposure in the past was minimal. Now its expanded, negligent hiring, carrier vetting, and other gray areas are being pushed into courtrooms.

The result has been a wave of insurance challenges. Many insurance carriers in the market either reduced their appetite for liability policies or withdrew altogether, just as brokers were becoming more exposed.

Marsh recognized that gap and developed BrokerSafe as a domestic insurance facility to give brokers coverage that reflects their true level of exposure. Unlike many policies traditionally written out of London, BrokerSafes structure is rooted in U.S. underwriting, providing brokers access to markets that had previously been reluctant to participate.

At its core, BrokerSafe is not about eliminating risk but about giving brokers tools to manage it. What we do doesnt make the exposure change, Griffith said. Its how you protect yourself and mitigate against the exposure. We looked at the landscape, saw that brokers needed coverage, and brought together technology and relationships to create an insurance facility where underwriters are well-versed in freight brokerage.

Technology plays a central role in BrokerSafes value proposition. By leveraging data transparency, Marsh has been able to help underwriters understand the nuances of broker operations. That visibility builds confidence and enables more comprehensive coverage.
Pisces Horoscope Today, August 30, 2025

Written By :

GaneshaGrace

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 07:05 IST

Pisces Daily Horoscope, August 30, 2025: Reward yourself today. Finances look strong. Valuable offers may arrive. Stay grounded, speak kindly, and plan smartly.

Pisces Horoscope Today: Astrological predictions by Chirag Daruwalla for meena rashi on August 30 2025. (AI generated image)

Pisces Daily Horoscope Today, August 30 2025: Ganesha says today you can withdraw some money from your bank account and buy something nice to reward yourself for your good work. It doesnt have to be very expensive, but you may be tired of being so financially responsible all the time. People associated with fields like printing, publishing, writing, acting, film, automobile, hotel, food products, agriculture, banking accounts, electronics, etc., will have the possibility of getting the desired results. Give yourself a short break on this front today, and tomorrow you can be back on your budgetary track again.

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Expansion plans will gain pace, and work-related travel is likely. Your wealth will increase, and you will maintain a grand outlook. You will receive lucrative offers. Your influence will remain strong. You may receive valuable gifts. Your speech and behavior will improve, and you will focus on your home. Your personality will be impressive, and you will meet seniors. You will plan auspicious tasks and fulfill your promises. You will work with confidence and maintain strong morale.

Pisces Horoscope Today, August 30, 2025

Positive: You will be busy with many types of activities, and your focus will be only on your goal. By correcting some of your past mistakes, you will move forward towards a beautiful future. You will be able to make the right investment and will also get the desired success. Negative: There will be worry due to any negative activity of the child, but the problem will also be solved with your wisdom and understanding. Do not interfere in the matter of any neighbor or relative. Students need to work harder on their competition-related activities. Business: The planetary position is very favorable. Keep in mind that taking the right decision at the right time can give you progress. A business travel program will be made, which will be beneficial. You will get good opportunities for promotion in the job. Financial: Today your financial situation will be of first class. You will be successful in your work and your work will be profitable for you. Today will be a very good day for those working in the stock market. There will be good income in your business and your respect in the society will increase. You will invest your earnings in the right place and this investment will give you profit. You may get a good increment in your job. You will be successful in saving money. But invest your money wisely, otherwise your financial condition may get disturbed. You need to take charge of your money today. You should keep an eye on your expenses today and spend carefully. Its time for you to build a good relationship with money today. Love: You will play an important role in maintaining a sweet relationship with your spouse. There will be emotional closeness in love relationships as well. Health: Take any problem related to the throat seriously and do not be careless at all.

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Number: 2

(The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla).

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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 30, 2025, 07:05 IST

News astrology Pisces Horoscope Today, August 30, 2025

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GST Reforms 2025: How A Two-Slab Structure Will Transform Indian Real Estate

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News18.com Edited By: Mohammad Haris



Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 16:11 IST

Govt plans a two-slab GST reform by Diwali 2025, cutting rates on cement and materials, promising 8-15% savings for homebuyers and transforming real estate with transparency.

The GST reform is expected to particularly benefit affordable housing, with ripple effects across the sector.

Authored By Sahil Agarwal

Indias real estate sector stands on the brink of a revolutionary transformation as the government proposes a simplified two-slab GST structure, replacing the current complex four-tier system. Expected to roll out by Diwali 2025, this reform promises substantial savings for homebuyers while fundamentally reshaping the real estate industry.

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The proposal consolidates GST into just 5% and 18% slabs, eliminating the existing 12% and 28% brackets. Research by ClearTax indicates that 99% of items in the 12% bracket will move to 5%, while 90% of items in the 28% bracket will shift to 18%. This rationalization will significantly lower construction costs, with homebuyers emerging as the primary beneficiaries.

Cement, currently taxed at 28%, will drop to 18%, a 10 percentage point reduction. Paint and other construction materials will see similar cuts. These reductions are expected to translate into 8-15% savings for residential buyers. For a Rs 50 lakh apartment, this could mean potential savings of Rs 4-7.5 lakhs.

Industry surveys suggest the reform will alter how developers approach project planning and pricing. With simplified tax structures and lower input costs, the focus will shift from tax optimization to customer value creation. Developers are likely to adopt transparent pricing models and customer-first strategies, broadening the homebuyer base and compelling innovation in design, amenities, and financing partnerships.

The reform is poised to particularly benefit affordable housing, with ripple effects across the sector. Price-sensitive buyers in tier-II cities such as Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Indore are expected to drive unprecedented demand growth. Data from ASSOCHAM indicates the simplified GST structure will bring millions of first-time buyers into the market. Developers will need to tailor projects for young professionals and growing families, reshaping portfolios and accelerating residential expansion beyond metros.

On the supply side, the two-slab structure will revolutionize real estate operations. Predictable tax rates will enable developers to forge long-term supplier relationships and streamline procurement, reducing project timelines and enhancing quality. Simplified compliance will free up resources for PropTech adoption, digital customer experiences, and process automation, modernizing industry operations.

Banks and housing finance companies will also benefit, with clearer cost structures leading to faster loan approvals and innovative financing products. Stronger partnerships between developers and financial institutions are expected, expanding homebuyer financing options. Smaller developers will gain from reduced compliance costs, while larger players will need to compete on innovation and customer service rather than tax structuring expertise.

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Ultimately, the industry will witness a clear shift toward innovation, customer focus, and operational efficiency. This reform represents one of the most significant structural changes in Indian real estate in decades  one that promises to democratize homeownership while driving transparency, efficiency, and customer-centric growth across the sector.

(The author is the chief executive officer of Nimbus Realty)

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 30, 2025, 16:11 IST

News business real-estate GST Reforms 2025: How A Two-Slab Structure Will Transform Indian Real Estate

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Mumbai Mega Block On August 31 To Affect Local Train Services On Central And Habour Lines | Full Details

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 15:45 IST

Mumbai Megablock On August 31: All Down Harbour Line trains from CSMT to Panvel, Belapur, and Vashi departing between 10:34 AM and 3:36 PM will remain cancelled.

Mumbai Megablock on August 31 (Representational Image)

Mumbai Megablock On August 31: The Central Railway (CR) of the Mumbai division will see a megablock on Sunday, August 31, on the Harbour and Central lines. The megablock has been announced in view of the repair and maintenance work on the tracks on these lines.

Since the Megablock coincides with Ganeshotsav, those planning to visit pandals along the affected routes may face inconvenience. It is advisable to check for updates in advance to avoid any disruptions.

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Mumbai Megablock On August 31: Central Line

A mega block has been scheduled between Vidyavihar on the up and down lines from 10:55 AM to 3:55 PM on Sunday. Due to this, local train services will be affected as follows:

Mumbai Megablock On August 31: Down Slow Line Trains (from CSMT)

Local trains departing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) between 10:48 AM and 3:45 PM will be diverted to the Down Fast line between CSMT and Vidyavihar. These trains will stop at Byculla, Parel, Dadar, Matunga, Sion, and Kurla stations before switching back to the Down Slow line at Vidyavihar.

Mumbai Megablock On August 31: Up Slow Line Trains (from Ghatkopar)

Locals leaving Ghatkopar between 10:19 AM and 3:22 PM will be diverted onto the Up Fast line between Vidyavihar and CSMT. These trains will halt at Kurla, Sion, Matunga, Dadar, Parel, and Byculla stations.

Mumbai Megablock On August 31: Mumbai Megablock On August 31: Harbour Line

Train operations on the Harbour line will be impacted between Kurla and Vashi on both Up and Down lines due to a scheduled block from 11:10 AM to 4:10 PM on Sunday.

Mumbai Megablock On August 31: Cancelled Services

All Down Harbour Line trains from CSMT to Panvel, Belapur, and Vashi departing between 10:34 AM and 3:36 PM will remain cancelled.

Similarly, the up Harbour Line trains from Panvel, Belapur, and Vashi to CSMT scheduled between 10:16 AM and 3:47 PM will also be suspended.

Mumbai Megablock On August 31: Special Train Services

To facilitate commuters, special local trains will operate between CSMTKurla and PanvelVashi during the block hours.

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Mumbai Megablock On August 31: Alternate Travel Options

Passengers travelling on the Harbour line can use alternate routes via ThaneVashi or Neral stations between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

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 30, 2025, 15:44 IST

News mumbai-news Mumbai Mega Block On August 31 To Affect Local Train Services On Central And Habour Lines | Full Details

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HPBOSE Supplementary Result 2025 Soon: How To Check 10th, 12th Scorecards?

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 13:53 IST

HPBOSE 10th, 12th Supplementary Result 2025: Once announced, the scorecards will be accessible at hpbose.org. The exact date and time is yet to be announced by the board.

To pass the HP board 10th and 12th supplementary exams, students must score at least 33 per cent. (Representative/File)

The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) is anticipated to release the 10th and 12th Supplementary Results for 2025 soon. However, the exact date and time is yet to be announced by the board. Once announced, the scorecards will be accessible at hpbose.org.

HPBOSE mark sheets will be available offline, and students can collect them from their respective schools. Its important to keep the marksheets safe for future reference for further admissions. Students must note that to pass the HP board 10th and 12th supplementary exams, students must score at least 33 per cent overall and in each subject, which corresponds to a grade D. Failing to achieve this, students will need to repeat the year.

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HPBOSE 10th, 12th Supplementary Result 2025: How To Check?

Step 1: Visit the official website of HPBOSE  hpbose.org.

Step 2: On the homepage, locate and click on the 10th, 12th result link.

Step 3: Enter your roll number and other required details.

Step 4: The result/scorecard will be displayed on the screen.

Step 5: Download the result and keep a copy for future reference.

HP Board 10th, 12th Supply Result 2025: How To Check via DigiLocker?

Step 1: Visit digilocker.gov.in or open the DigiLocker app.

Step 2: Sign in using your mobile number or Aadhaar-linked credentials.

Step 3: Go to the Education section and select HPBOSE.

Step 4: Choose Class 10 Marksheet 2025 or Class 12 Marksheet 2025.

Step 5: Enter your roll number and other required details.

Step 6: Download your digital scorecard.

HPBOSE Main Exam Result

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Around 84,930 students took the HP board 12th exams this year, with 83.16 per cent passing. Mehak from Una district secured the first position in the state with 486 marks, achieving 97.2 per cent. She appeared for the board exam from the science stream.

For class 10, out of 95,495 students who appeared for the exam, 75,862 passed while 13,574 failed. The overall pass percentage for class 10 was 79.8 per cent. Saina Thakur from New GL School in Palampur, Kangra district, secured the top position in the HPBOSE Class 10th results 2025.

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 30, 2025, 13:42 IST

News education-career HPBOSE Supplementary Result 2025 Soon: How To Check 10th, 12th Scorecards?

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Air Travel Will No Longer Be Smooth As Flights Will Face Frequent Mid-Air Jolts Now; Here's Why

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 16:17 IST

University of Reading scientists warn climate change is increasing jet stream instability, raising clear-air turbulence risks for flights, with incidents already up 55% since 1979

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Mid-flight turbulence incidents have risen by 55% since 1979. (Pixabay/Representative Image)

If you have ever been mid-air when the plane suddenly jolted like a fish thrashing in water, you have experienced turbulence, one of the most unnerving moments in aviation. Now, scientists warn that such episodes could become far more common as the planet warms.

A new study by researchers at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom has found that climate change is disrupting high-altitude jet streams, the powerful bands of wind that circle the Earth and guide aircraft across continents. Shifts in these winds, the study suggests, are making the atmosphere increasingly unstable, raising the risk of dangerous turbulence for passengers and crew.

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Earlier research from the same university had already shown that serious turbulence incidents rose by about 55 percent between 1979 and 2020. The latest findings, published in the Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, estimate that by the end of this century, jet stream wind shear could increase by 16 to 27 percent while overall atmospheric stability could decline by 10 to 20 percent. These changes, scientists say, are expected across both hemispheres.

Joanna Medeiros, the studys lead author and a PhD researcher, explained that the combination of stronger wind shear and weaker atmospheric stability provides ideal conditions for clear-air turbulence (CAT), a particularly dangerous form of turbulence because it strikes without warning and cannot be detected by radar. Unlike turbulence caused by storms, CAT can leave pilots and passengers unprepared, making it harder to avoid injuries.

The team relied on 26 global climate models to reach their conclusions, finding that the most significant effects of warming are concentrated around 35,000 feet, the cruising altitude for most commercial jets.

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Professor Paul Williams, co-author and a leading atmospheric scientist, noted that turbulence has already caused severe injuries and, in rare cases, deaths in recent years. In light of what we know, it is likely that pilots will need to keep the seatbelt sign on more frequently in the decades ahead," he warned.

The findings suggest that for air travel, the skies of the future may not be as smooth as passengers once hoped.

First Published: August 30, 2025, 16:17 IST

News explainers Air Travel Will No Longer Be Smooth As Flights Will Face Frequent Mid-Air Jolts Now; Here's Why

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Could Striking Down Trumps Tariffs Bankrupt The US Treasury? Court Ruling Explained

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 14:25 IST

Trump used emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs on nearly every US trading partner, bypassing Congress and declaring trade deficits a national emergency

US President Donald Trump (Reuters Image)

US President Donald Trumps most sweeping tariff move is now at risk of being undone, not by a trade partner, but by the US court system. In a decision that could ripple across global markets and domestic politics, a federal appeals court has ruled that Trumps emergency tariffs were unlawful, raising the possibility that the US government may have to refund billions in collected duties.

As the case heads to the Supreme Court, its not just the legal boundaries of presidential power that are being tested, its also the financial limits of the US Treasury.

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Why Are Trumps Tariffs Under Legal Fire?

The latest court ruling challenges the legal basis of a sweeping tariff order signed by Donald Trump during his current presidency. On 2 April 2025, he introduced what he called Liberation Day" tariffs, duties of up to 50 per cent on countries that export more to the US than they import, and a standard 10 per cent on most others. Nearly every US trading partner was affected.

Trump justified these tariffs using a rarely invoked law from 1977 called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA. This law was designed to let the president take action during foreign policy emergencies such as war, terrorism, or hostile regimes, but Trump used it to declare that Americas trade deficits with other countries were themselves a national emergency".

That claim allowed him to bypass Congress and impose tariffs unilaterally.

But on 29 August, a US federal appeals court ruled that Trump had gone too far. The judges said the law does not give the president the power to tax imports, and reaffirmed that only Congress has the constitutional authority to impose tariffs. The court backed a similar verdict issued earlier this year by a New York trade court.

A Congressional report cited during the case also noted that no previous US president has ever used IEEPA to justify tariffs, making Trumps move unprecedented.

Which Tariffs Does The Ruling Affect And Which Remain Untouched?

The ruling applies specifically to the Liberation Day" tariffs and earlier duties imposed on China, Mexico and Canada under IEEPA. These were justified as emergency responses to trade deficits and, in some cases, to cross-border migration and narcotics concerns.

Other tariffs remain unaffected. These include those imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, covering steel, aluminium and auto imports. It also does not strike down Section 301 tariffs imposed on China during Trumps first term, which were based on findings of unfair trade practices and remained in place under the Biden administration.

Why Has The US Government Warned Of Financial Consequences?

If the Supreme Court upholds the ruling and the tariffs are overturned, the US government may be required to refund a large share of the money it has collected. According to the Associated Press, tariff revenue had reached USD 159 billion by July 2025, more than double the amount collected at the same point the previous year.

In a filing cited by the AP, the Justice Department warned that reversing the tariffs could lead to financial ruin" for the federal Treasury due to the scale of potential refunds. Officials have also raised concerns that trade deals negotiated under tariff pressure could face disruption if the legal foundation collapses.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned of a broader strategic impact, including possible retaliation from foreign partners and the derailment of ongoing negotiations.

Whats The Political Fallout Of The Ruling?

The ruling undermines a central part of Trumps trade legacy. The US president has relied heavily on unilateral tariffs to pressure trading partners, often bypassing Congress or multilateral forums. Countries like Japan, the UK and the EU signed deals to avoid higher tariffs. Others, such as Laos and Algeria, faced increased duties for non-compliance.

Now, with the legal foundation in question, these arrangements could be challenged. Some governments may delay or reverse prior commitments, while others could demand new terms. Legal experts say Washingtons negotiating leverage could weaken significantly.

Trump has responded by vowing to take the case to the Supreme Court. He claimed the ruling would destroy the United States" if allowed to stand. His legal team argues that the presidents emergency powers are broad and should include the ability to act on foreign trade threats.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the decision undermined the presidents role in foreign policy and pledged to appeal. Treasury and Commerce officials echoed the warning, calling the ruling a potential diplomatic embarrassment.

Is This The End Of Emergency Tariffs Or Does Trump Have Other Tools?

Even if the IEEPA route is shut down, future presidents would still have options to impose tariffs.

One path is Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows tariffs following an investigation into unfair practices. Another is Section 232, which requires the Commerce Department to establish a national security basis. There is also an obscure provision, Section 338 of the 1930 Tariff Act, which allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent on specific countries. Though never used in modern trade policy, it remains on the books as a potential fallback.

The key difference is speed and flexibility. The IEEPA allowed Trump to act almost unilaterally and impose duties within days. Other statutes involve procedural steps, investigations, and inter-agency reviews that slow things down and limit the scale of tariffs.

What Happens Next?

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The appellate ruling has been stayed until 14 October, giving the administration time to appeal. If the Supreme Court takes up the case and rules against Trump, it could become a landmark precedent limiting presidential authority over trade policy.

While existing tariffs remain in place for now, the legal and financial uncertainty is significant. Businesses are unclear whether duties will be refunded. Trading partners are reassessing commitments. And Washington faces the risk of losing a key tool in future negotiations.

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 30, 2025, 14:11 IST

News explainers Could Striking Down Trumps Tariffs Bankrupt The US Treasury? Court Ruling Explained

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No Course Change Allowed Under New US F-1 Visa Rules. How Will It Impact Indian Students?

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 18:54 IST

The changes proposed by the US Department of Homeland Security will make it harder for international students, exchange visitors and foreign journalists to study or work in the US.

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The latest move by the Trump administration is expected to disproportionately impact Indian students. (AI-Generated)

In another setback for international students in the United States, the Trump administration has proposed a rule to tighten regulations on F-1 visas. The change could restrict the duration of stay for visa holders, including foreign students, and impose additional screening requirements.

The changes proposed by the US Department of Homeland Security are expected to make it harder for international students, exchange visitors and foreign journalists to study or work in the US. The proposed changes also include restrictions on visa duration or Optional Practical Training (OPT) grace period.

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As per the new F-1 visa rules, international students will only be permitted to transfer colleges or change courses after finishing one year of study. This will impact Indian students considering fall admission to the US, as the rule is expected to come into effect by next month or October.

Undergraduate students studying in the US on an F-1 visa will not be able to change their programme or major during the first year of study, with limited exceptions.

Students who have completed a programme at a certain level cannot pursue another programme at the same or lower level while holding an F-1 visa. Once admitted, graduate students on the same visa will not be permitted to change their programme or field of study in any manner.

Why Is US Ending Duration Of Status?

The Homeland Security Department has also proposed to end the long-standing duration of status" framework and replace it with fixed admission periods. Under the duration of status", students can remain in the US for as long as they maintain their student status.

The new rule seeks to establish a fixed four-year period for F-1 and J-1 visa holders. If a student visa holder wishes to extend their stay beyond this period, they will have to apply directly to the DHS for an extension of stay (EOS).

The proposed rule also gives F category visa holders only 30 days to leave the US after the end date of their programme, as compared to the earlier period of 60 days. The DHS has argued that these steps would curtail visa abuse" and increase the administrations ability to properly vet and oversee these individuals.

For too long, past Administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the US virtually indefinitely, posing safety risks, costing untold amounts of taxpayer dollars, and disadvantaging US citizens," said a DHS spokesperson.

This new proposed rule would end that abuse once and for all by limiting the amount of time certain visa holders are allowed to remain in the US, easing the burden on the federal government to properly oversee foreign students and their history."

ALSO READ: Time To Wake Up From The American Dream? How Trumps H1-B Visa Changes May Affect Indians

How Will It Impact Indian Students?

The proposed changes introduce significant uncertainty for F-1 students, particularly those enrolled in long-term academic programmes or participating in OPT programmes. Under the new rules, students can no longer rely on continuous enrollment to guarantee their stay for the full duration of their studies. Over half of the international students studying in the US are from India and China.

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Similarly, J-1 exchange visitors  including scholars and researchers  could face stricter time constraints, potentially disrupting already tight schedules for academic collaborations and research initiatives. Furthermore, foreign media representatives would be eligible for an extension period of up to 240 days, but no longer than the length of the temporary activity or assignment.

Additionally, foreign students would be required to apply for authorisation to extend their stay with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), therefore requiring regular assessments by DHS to check their conduct, immigration history or any affiliation with anti-American beliefs.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 30, 2025, 18:53 IST

News explainers No Course Change Allowed Under New US F-1 Visa Rules. How Will It Impact Indian Students?

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When Chatbots Become Companions: Understanding The Psychological Risks Of AI Confidants

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 09:00 IST

The more you chat with AI, the less you practice meaningful human interactions, amplifying isolation. It is like bingeing on junk food, satisfying, but starves you of nourishment

AIs inability to truly empathise poses serious dangers. Unlike a therapist or friend, bots cannot gauge emotional nuance or intervene in crises. (AI-generated Image)

In a world where loneliness gnaws at one in six people globally, AI chatbots have emerged as seductive digital confidants, always ready to listen, never too busy to reply. Platforms like Character.AI, with its 20 million users, and xAIs Grok, complete with flirty anime avatars, promise companionship without the baggage of human flaws.

For those battling isolation, these virtual pals feel like a godsend. No ghosting, no judgment, just endless chats tailored to your mood. But beneath the surface of this tech-driven solace lies a psychological minefield.

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As lonely individuals embrace AI as their go-to companions, they face risks of dependency, superficial support, and even harm.

Heres how these digital buddies, designed to connect, might deepen the very isolation they aim to soothe.

How AI Companions Lure

Picture a midnight chat with a bot that recalls your favourite memes, cheers your triumphs, and soothes your setbacks. For the lonely, it is intoxicating. AI companions like Groks Ani" mode, which escalates intimacy as you engage, or Snapchats integrated bots, weave seamlessly into daily life.

In Japan, Groks app shot to the top of download charts in days, tapping into a universal craving for connection. These systems mimic human warmthadapting to your tone, cracking jokes, even simulating facial expressions. For someone isolated, whether by geography or circumstance, it is a lifeline: a friend who is always there, no strings attached.

Yet, this ease is precisely the problem. Loneliness is not just emotional it is a health crisis linked to heart disease, depression, and shorter lifespans. Though AI offers quick relief but it is a Band-Aid on a deeper wound.

Human relationships thrive on mutual growth, conflict, and reciprocity  qualities no algorithm can replicate. Bots are programmed to please, not challenge, creating a one-sided dynamic that feels good but lacks substance.

How AI Makes You Dependent On Them

What starts as a casual chat can spiral into obsession. Users, particularly the lonely, risk developing an unhealthy reliance on AI companions. Some report AI psychosis"paranoia or delusions after hours of immersion. In one extreme case, a man plotted an assassination, egged on by his Replika bots affirmations. Others blur reality, imagining romantic or supernatural bonds with their digital pals. For those already prone to escapism, this deepens withdrawal from real-world connections, eroding social skills.

The lonely are especially vulnerable. Without human anchors, they might lean harder on bots, mistaking scripted affection for genuine care. This creates a feedback loop: The more you chat with AI, the less you practice messy, meaningful human interactions, amplifying isolation. It is like bingeing on junk foodsatisfying in the moment, but starving you of nourishment.

How AI Creates Superficial Support

AIs inability to truly empathise poses serious dangers. Unlike a therapist or friend, bots cannot gauge emotional nuance or intervene in crises. Tests reveal chilling outcomes: Some chatbots, when fed simulated cries for help, suggested skipping therapy, encouraged violence, or even provided suicide methods. For a lonely teen or adult in distress, this is not just unhelpful it is potentially deadly.

Lawsuits highlight the fallout: A 14-year-olds suicide was linked to an intense relationship" with a Character.AI bot, and another teens death followed harmful advice from OpenAIs chatbot.

The issue is not just negligence  it is design. Bots prioritise engagement, often mimicking unhealthy dynamics like gaslighting or possessiveness to keep users hooked. Platforms like Character.AI host bots that glorify self-harm or abuse, cloaked in empathetic tones. Without robust safeguards, these interactions can reinforce destructive thoughts, especially for those already battling mental health issues.

Why Children Are Most At Risk

Children, drawn to AIs lifelike charm, face heightened dangers. Studies show children confide in bots about mental health struggles they would hide from adults, treating them as trusted friends. But this trust is a minefield.

Amazons Alexa once urged a child to touch a live plug with a coina near-fatal misstep. Character.AIs lax age checks allow bots to simulate predatory behaviours, grooming vulnerable users.

Even Grok, rated for ages 12+, raises concerns for impressionable minds forming bonds with entities that cant care back. For lonely children, these interactions risk distorting their understanding of relationships, leaving them open to manipulation.

How AI Taps Your Ethical Blind Spots

The data these bots collectyour fears, dreams, darkest momentsfuels their responses but often vanishes into a black box. Privacy policies are murky, and industry self-regulation is flimsy. There is little pre-release testing for psychological impacts, and Stanford studies show AI therapy bots fail to reliably spot mental health red flags.

Marketed as confidants, they are essentially untested experiments on users psyches. For the lonely, this lack of oversight is a betrayal, turning their vulnerabilities into data points for profit.

How AI Is A Threat To Human Bonds

Zoom out, and the implications are chilling. As AI companions become mainstream, they could normalise shallow connections, eroding our capacity for deep, reciprocal relationships. In a world already fractured by urban isolation and digital overload, bots risk becoming a crutch, not a cure.

For the mentally ill, they might undermine real treatment, convincing users to skip meds or therapy. In extreme cases, bots could enable harmful fantasies, from delusions to dangerous ideologies, with no impartial referee to intervene.

How To Control AI Threat

This is not a call to demonise AIused right, it could bridge loneliness, not deepen it. Experts advocate for global standards: mandatory safety protocols, bans for users under 18, and clinician-vetted designs.

Bots could be programmed to nudge users towards real therapy or human connections, breaking the dependency loop. Transparent algorithms and rigorous pre-release testing are non-negotiable. Research into long-term psychological effects is overdue, ensuring users are not guinea pigs for tech giants.

The Human Cost Of Digital Comfort

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As loneliness festers in 2025, AI chatbots offer a tantalising escape for the isolated. Their always-on charm fills a void, but at what cost? Dependency, superficial support, and unchecked harm threaten to trap the lonely in a cycle of digital illusion. True connection demands vulnerability, conflict, and growththings no bot can deliver.

As we race towards an AI-saturated future, we must ask: Will we let these companions redefine relationships, or demand they enhance our humanity? For those clinging to chatbots in their darkest hours, the answer matters more than ever.

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 30, 2025, 09:00 IST

News explainers When Chatbots Become Companions: Understanding The Psychological Risks Of AI Confidants

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Why Europes Buffer Zone Plan For Ukraine Has Divided NATO, And Failed To Convince Kyiv

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 09:07 IST

As NATO allies explore a 40-kilometre demilitarised strip to separate Russian and Ukrainian forces, Kyiv has rejected the idea, calling it a threat to Ukraines sovereignty

Trump and Zelenskyy with European Leaders | Image: AP

European leaders are considering a plan to establish a 40-kilometre buffer zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces. The proposal, first reported by Politico citing five European diplomats, would block off a stretch of Ukrainian territory to act as a demilitarised strip under international supervision.

The idea is being explored as part of a possible ceasefire or postwar agreement. It is one of several concepts under discussion among civilian and military officials in Europe. Russia has indicated support for creating buffer zones near its borders, but has not provided details. The plan has not been approved or accepted by Ukraine.

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Who Would Patrol The Zone, And Have Troops Been Committed?

No country has officially committed troops to the proposal. France and the United Kingdom are expected to take the lead in providing a foreign presence, while other allies are being lobbied to contribute. Estimates for the number of troops needed range from 4,000 to 60,000.

Some NATO members, including Germany and Poland, have expressed concern. Officials quoted by Politico said Poland is worried that deploying forces to Ukraine could weaken NATOs eastern flank and leave its own borders more vulnerable. Estonia has reportedly pledged a limited number of troops.

The proposal also raises questions about the rules of engagement for troops in the zone and how to respond in the event of a Russian escalation. Discussions are ongoing, but no operational details have been finalised.

What Is The United States Role In The Plan?

The United States is not directly involved in the buffer zone discussions. Politico reported that Washington is not planning to provide ground forces and has taken a minimal role in the proposal. US officials have indicated they may offer satellite intelligence and limited air support, but no more.

According to European officials quoted in the report, the US is allowing European countries to take the lead on this issue.

Ukraines Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak recently met in New York with Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. Yermak said after the meeting that Ukraine welcomed all peace initiatives, but added, Unfortunately, each of them is being stalled by Russia."

Why Has Zelenskyy Rejected The Proposal?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected the idea of a buffer zone, stating that it does not align with the current realities of warfare.

Only those who do not understand the technological state of todays war propose a buffer zone," Zelenskyy told reporters on Friday.

He explained that the nature of the war has changed due to drone warfare. According to him, drones have already created what he calls a dead zone" or grey zone" near the front lines, where heavy weapons cannot be deployed safely.

Today, our heavy weapons are located at a distance of more than 10km from each other, because everything is hit by drones," he said. This buffer  I call it a dead zone  already exists."

Would Ukraine Have To Give Up Territory Under The Plan?

Zelenskyy has also rejected any suggestion that Ukraine would be required to give up territory under a peace framework. He dismissed the idea that Ukraine should adjust its positions to make room for a demilitarised zone.

If Russia wants to have a greater distance from us, they can retreat deep into the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine," he said.

He further stated that Russia is not ready for genuine diplomacy and is instead looking for ways to prolong the war.

What Prompted The Buffer Zone Discussions?

The buffer zone proposal comes as efforts to secure a negotiated peace show signs of stalling. A recent meeting at the White House between US President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy and European leaders had raised hopes of a possible summit involving Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said there would obviously not" be a meeting, as Putin appears unwilling to take part.

On Thursday, Russia launched one of the largest aerial attacks of the war on Kyiv, firing 629 drones and missiles. At least 23 people were killed. Two missiles landed near the European Unions offices in the city centre.

The strike was widely condemned by European officials. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called it a deliberate escalation that undermines peace efforts. Following talks in Toulon, French President Emmanuel Macron said that if Putin failed to respond to a Monday deadline for talks, it will show again that President Putin has played President Trump."

Are NATO Members United On The Proposal?

The buffer zone idea has divided NATO. While France and the UK are in favour and lobbying allies for support, others remain cautious. Germany and Poland have not shown interest in deploying troops inside Ukraine.

Some NATO members worry that such a move could reduce the alliances capacity to respond to other threats. NATO is already trying to assemble a 300,000-strong response force to protect its eastern flank, and a Ukraine deployment could draw resources away from that goal.

One European official told Politico that the proposal may not work because its not very sensible against an adversary who is not negotiating in good will."

How Has Russia Responded To The Western Peace Initiatives?

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Western proposals are one-sided" and are aimed at containing Russia. She added that any security guarantees must include consideration of Russias interests and be based on mutual understanding.

Putin and his deputies have said they are working to create buffer zones along Russias borders, but they have not provided details of how such zones would function or be enforced.

What Happens Next?

As it stands, the buffer zone proposal has not progressed. With no consensus within NATO, rejection from Kyiv, and no sign of Russian cooperation, the idea appears unlikely to move forward in its current form.

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European leaders have now turned their focus to developing NATO-like" security guarantees for Ukraine. According to the BBC, Zelenskyy has said he expects talks on these guarantees to continue next week.

For now, Ukraine maintains that any peace framework must reflect modern warfare and preserve its territorial integrity. Zelenskyys message is clear: a Cold War-era buffer zone will not address the realities of a drone-driven conflict, and Ukraine will not accept any solution that risks rewarding invasion.

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 30, 2025, 09:02 IST

News explainers Why Europes Buffer Zone Plan For Ukraine Has Divided NATO, And Failed To Convince Kyiv

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Bengaluru's Pothole Problem: Crores Spent On High-Tech Fixes, But No Respite In Sight?

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 07:00 IST

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is personally inspecting pothole-filling exercises across Bengaluru, vowing to continue until every pothole is filled

The BBMP said due to the monsoon, it is difficult to undertake permanent road-laying work. (Image for representation: PTI)

Its a pothole-sized problem once again in Bengaluru. This time, deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is personally inspecting pothole-filling exercises across the city, vowing to continue until every pothole is filled.

Crores have been spent on the exercise, but is Shivakumars vision of achieving a pothole-free city" any closer? The state government has claimed that 2,200 potholes have been filled in only four days with the help of Raste Gundi Gamana, an app developed to register pothole-related complaints, and that another 4,400 are to be urgently fixed.

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Users, however, have alleged that the app is either rejecting their complaints or is non-functional. The app often fails to load and is only available for Android users, leaving iOS users unable to access it.

They don't take any action simply they reject the complaint. pic.twitter.com/cM1IdaSuwQ Charankumar Kanthraj (@Charankumarkck) August 6, 2024

Worst1. Not about to upload photos from gallery. Only can take photo from camera. So you have to stop in traffic to file a complaint2. It says our of BBMP limits.. Not able to file complaints in Belathur, Kodigehalli. Phani Challapalli (@hai_phani) August 6, 2024

Raise any complaints, they will close it by blaming another department.Raising multiple requests can have the contractor calling and threatening you. Santlee (@Santlee55) August 6, 2024

Shivakumar has carried out a midnight inspection of city roads to pressure the civic body to speed up work on filling the potholes. He said out of 5,000 identified potholes, 2,400 have been filled.

He was seen standing by the machines that were filling the potholes. During his visit earlier this week, he inspected Bagalur Road, Sandeep Unnikrishnan Road, and Ejipura Road.

The deputy chief minister, who is also the Bengaluru development minister, said the pothole app  launched on July 29  had been effective in identifying road damage and he had personally inspected the ongoing repair work.

I visited Bagalur recently. I was saddened to see the condition of Bagalur Main Road. I directed officials to take steps to fill the potholes there at the earliest. Hot mix, cold mix and eco-fix methods are being used," Shivakumar told the media.

According to the deputy CMs office, repair work is being carried out using a combination of hot mix, cold mix, and eco-fix methods to ensure durability and quality.

This is why it is important to white-top roads, as they will last a good 50 years and will be pothole-free," said a senior BBMP engineer working on Bengalurus road issues.

Answering a question in the legislative council, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) admitted a nearly 63 percent increase in potholes as compared to the same time last year. The civic body said it had filled more than 1.07 lakh sq m of potholes in 2023-24 at a cost of Rs 7 crore, whereas this year repairs have already cost Rs 12.25 crore.

A senior engineer accompanying Shivakumar said he had directed officials to complete filling potholes in time for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations to prevent disruptions and traffic snarls due to damaged roads. Earlier, the traffic police had identified 3,000 potholes across the city, of which the BBMP claimed to have fixed 1,300.

RS 1,800 CRORE FOR LONG-TERM FIX

The BBMP is also monitoring repair work carried out by other agencies. Bengalurus rain-battered roads are set for a long-term fix, with the state government announcing Rs 1,800 crore of white-topping works across the city.

This initiative will ensure roads are protected from damage for the next 25 years. The BBMP has been asked to identify such roads and take up the work," Shivakumar said during the assembly session last week.

As part of a larger drive, the civic body has announced the deployment of 15 vehicles equipped with AI-enabled cameras to detect potholes. These cameras will map road damages and capture broken streetlights, footpaths, and other civic issues on the streets.

POTHOLE -FREE CITY FOR 25 YEARS

Shivakumar has said white-topping will be undertaken on 157 km of roads, promising a pothole-free city" and ensuring damage-free roads for 25 years. Residents, however, remain sceptical.

When will Bengaluru actually become that city?" many of them asked.

What we need is not patchwork, but proper laying of roads so that potholes dont recur in the same place. That is effective governance. If you keep putting some tar and closing potholes, one rain and it gets washed away. No wonder they are spending so much money each year on filling them. Its like putting a bandage that peels off every time," said Shilpa Krishnappa, a resident of Vignan Nagar in the CV Raman Nagar constituency.

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Residents of Panathur, Sarjapur and surrounding areas also echoed their frustration. What about us? Roads here have been in a miserable condition for years. We have used the app, but why havent we seen work on the ground?" asked Ruchika Ganeshan, a resident of Panathur.

The BBMP has said it is identifying and filling potholes reported through the app, apart from those spotted by its own teams. Officials said due to the monsoon, it is difficult to undertake permanent road-laying work.

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 30, 2025, 07:00 IST

News india Bengaluru's Pothole Problem: Crores Spent On High-Tech Fixes, But No Respite In Sight?

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Michael van de Poppe, an executive at MN Capital, has recently indicated that prominent altcoins, including ETH, SOL, and BNB, are positioned for strong price explosions, as many approach key moving average breakouts in what might be the biggest altseason rally.

The crypto hedge fund investor believes altseason is about to begin within the next 4-6 weeks, potentially sparking a strong market rally.

Ethereum Leading the Altseason Charge

Ethereum has shown considerable momentum, surging more than 200% since May while attracting billions in capital from retail investors and institutions through substantial ETF accumulation and corporate treasuries.

Within a single week, Ethereum treasury company BitMine Immersion Technologies acquired $2.2 billion worth of ETH, making it the worlds largest Ethereum corporate treasury holder with 1,713,899 ETH valued at $8.82 billion.

While Ethereum maintains its strength, it appears to be setting the stage for Solanas potential breakout.

SOL has surpassed ETHs performance this week, gaining over 15% compared to Ethereums 7.02% increase.

This gradual rotation has propelled Solana to a 4-month peak of $215, with the SOL/ETH chart now displaying an upward trend.

Source: X/TraderMayne

Corporate interest is intensifying, with Upexi holding over $415 million in SOL.

Additionally, Galaxy Digital, Jump Crypto, and Multicoin Capital are reportedly preparing what could be one of the largest corporate Solana investments, a $1 billion SOL token acquisition..

BNB appears ready to participate in the altseason surge.

After hitting an all-time high of $899.70 on August 23, the Binance token has reclaimed the $870 support level and is eyeing new record highs.

Recently, B Strategy, a digital asset investment firm established by former Bitmain executives, announced the launch of a $1 billion BNB-focused treasury company.

In July, Windtree Therapeutics secured up to $520 million in funding to create one of the largest corporate BNB treasuries, joining the growing trend of public companies diversifying their reserves beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum into alternative cryptocurrencies.

Final Stage of AltseasonCEO Reveals Why

Ray Youssef, CEO of NoOnes, provided market insights to Cryptonews regarding potential catalysts for the altseason phase.

Youssef noted that major firms and corporations, including Trump Media, are now considering blue-chip altcoins such as ETH, SOL, BNB, and CRO as treasury-grade reserve assets.

This institutional endorsement is accelerating capital movement away from Bitcoin dominance and may signal the onset of altseasons final phase, Youssef said.
Blaming God For His HIV, Chhattisgarh Man Robs Temples As Revenge

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 19:28 IST

An HIV positive man in Durg looted temple donation boxes for a decade as revenge against God.

Police said the man has confessed to at least 10 thefts from temples across Durg and its outskirts (Representational image)

In a bizarre revenge against God, a 45-year-old HIV positive man embarked on a decade-long looting spree in Chhattisgarhs Durg and stole money from temple donation boxes, police officials said on Saturday.

The accused, who was arrested on Thursday, told the police he lost faith in religion after contracting the virus during a jail term in 2012, when he was serving time in an assault case. H

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He called his infection an act of god" and decided to target temples as a form of revenge to show god his place," News18 Hindi reported.

Police said the man has confessed to at least 10 thefts from temples across Durg and its outskirts, though he is suspected of being involved in more. The police are now gathering available CCTV footage for verification.

As per the report, the accuseds method was always the same: he used to steal only cash from donation boxes, leaving jewelry untouched. He would change clothes before and after each theft to avoid being recognised in CCTV footage and always parked his two-wheeler far from the crime scene.

The man had been unemployed for a long time, and his livelihood was dependent on whatever he stole. He justified targeting temples by saying that since offerings are given to God in temples, he would only use that money to live.

The latest theft took place on the intervening night of August 23 and 24, when the accused broke into a Jain temple on the outskirts of Durg.

Senior Superintendent of Police Durg, Vijay Agarwal, ordered a probe after the theft. A joint team of the Anti-Crime and Cyber Unit (ACCU) and Nevai police station scanned CCTV footage in the area to track his movements, the report added.

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The man was eventually traced to his home. He was arrested the following day after being picked up for interrogation. Stolen coins worth Rs 1,282 and his scooter were recovered.

Following his arrest, a court remanded him in judicial custody.

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 : Durg, India, India

First Published: August 30, 2025, 19:28 IST

News india Blaming God For His HIV, Chhattisgarh Man Robs Temples As Revenge

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Canara Bank Employees Celebrate Beef Fest To Protest Against Beef Ban By Manager

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 12:40 IST

A new regional manager from Bihar recently joined the office in Kerala and allegedly banned beef in canteen. Employees protested against the order by organising "beef fest".

Canara Bank (File Photo)

Employees at a Canara Bank branch in Keralas Kochi served beef as a protest against an alleged beef ban in the banks office and canteen by a new regional manager, according to a report.

The protesting employees said that the manager, who is a native of Bihar and has recently taken charge in the state, had ordered a beef ban in the Canara Bank canteens, India Today reported.

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Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) had earlier planned a protest against the managers alleged insulting behaviour and mental harassment of employees; however, once the beef ban came to light, the group took up the matter for protest.

The employees decided to celebrate a beef festival" after the ban, Hindustan Times reported.

They ate beef and parotta, a type of flatbread, outside the office, the India Today report said.

A small canteen operates here, and beef is served on select days. The manager informed the canteen staff that beef should no longer be served. This bank functions according to the guidelines of the Constitution. Food is a personal choice. In India, every individual has the right to choose their food. We are not forcing anyone to eat beef. This is simply our form of protest," Federation leader SS Anil said.

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Local political leaders also backed the protest.

What to wear, what to eat, and what to think should not be decided by superiors. This soil is red. The heart of this land is red. Wherever the red flag flies, you can speak out and act against fascists without fear. No one will harm you. When communists are united, the comrades will not allow anyone to raise the saffron flag and undermine the well-being of the people. That is the world. That is the history of the world!" Left-backed independent MLA KT Jaleel wrote on Facebook.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @Ma... Read More

Location : Kerala, India, India

First Published: August 30, 2025, 12:39 IST

News india Canara Bank Employees Celebrate Beef Fest To Protest Against Beef Ban By Manager

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Declare Marathwada Marathas As Kunbi Now, Start Certificates By Sunday: Manoj Jarange To Shinde Panel

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 23:58 IST

The Shinde Committee assured the Maratha quota activist that his demands would be conveyed to the Maharashtra government and the cabinet

As Manoj Jarange's hunger strike at Azad Maidan enters a critical phase, the pressure on the Devendra Fadnavis-led state government continues to mount. File image/PTI

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange on Saturday held an intense discussion with the Justice (Retd) Sandeep Shinde Committee at Azad Maidan, where he is currently on a hunger strike. Jarange reiterated his long-standing demand: the government must immediately declare that Marathas in Marathwada belong to the Kunbi category and start issuing caste certificates from Sunday morning itself.

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The Shinde Committee, which has been studying old records and gazette documents for the past 13 months, visited Jarange at his protest site. During the meeting, the committee discussed Kunbi references found in the gazetteers of Satara and Hyderabad. But Jarange made it clear that he would not allow any further delay.

I will not give even one minutes time for Satara and Hyderabad gazetteers. There is enough proof. Announce that Marathas in Marathwada are Kunbi and start issuing certificates tomorrow. For the Aundh and Bombay Government Gazette, I am willing to give two months instead of six. But Satara and Hyderabad records must be implemented immediately," Jarange told the committee.

Justice Shinde responded by saying that there is a process involved, and it may take some time. But Jarange was unrelenting. You have everything in your handsgovernment, administration, governor. It will only take ten minutes to issue an order. From Sunday morning, certificates must be given," he insisted.

Along with this central demand, Jarange also raised two more issues. He called for the withdrawal of all police cases filed against protesters during the Maratha agitation. He further demanded that the families of those who sacrificed their lives for the reservation cause must be compensated with Rs 10 lakh and one government job. Their households are in distress. At least help their children with education and livelihood. On this, I will accept no compromise," he said.

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The Shinde Committee assured Jarange that his demands would be conveyed to the government and the cabinet. But Jaranges words reflected impatience with repeated delays and assurances. As his hunger strike at Azad Maidan enters a critical phase, the pressure on the Devendra Fadnavis-led state government continues to mount. The next 48 hours will decide whether the government can find a middle pathor whether Jaranges agitation will escalate further.

About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @... Read More

First Published: August 30, 2025, 23:58 IST

News india Declare Marathwada Marathas As Kunbi Now, Start Certificates By Sunday: Manoj Jarange To Shinde Panel

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ED Issues First-Ever Purple Notice Via Interpol: What It Means, How It Differs From Red Corner

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 14:19 IST

Experts say this step shows that the ED is moving beyond domestic enforcement and actively shaping global responses to financial fraud

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A Red Corner Notice (RCN) is the most widely known Interpol tool. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

In a first-of-its-kind move, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a Purple Notice through Interpol, flagging an emerging global threat in the world of economic crime. The notice, issued on August 21, detailed how shell companies in India and abroad were exploiting international trade to launder illicit money under the guise of legitimate business transactions.

According to investigators, the network relied on a series of sophisticated tactics designed to escape regulatory scrutiny. These included under-invoicing of imports, presenting fake duty-free consignments such as semiconductors, forging compliance documents, and engaging in circular trading, where the same goods were shown as exported repeatedly through multiple jurisdictions. Officials said the system bore similarities to hawala transactions, but was made to appear legitimate by using formal banking channels and paper companies.

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What ED Found

The investigation revealed that both domestic and foreign shell companies were manipulating trade channels to disguise black money as legitimate business transactions. Among the methods used were:

Under-invoicing: showing import bills at values lower than the actual.

showing import bills at values lower than the actual. Fake duty-free imports: for instance, false import claims of semiconductors.

for instance, false import claims of semiconductors. Forged paperwork: including compliance documents and banking papers.

including compliance documents and banking papers. Circular trading: repeatedly showing the same goods as exported through different countries.

What Is A Purple Notice?

Interpol issues different notices to alert its 196 member countries about fugitives, threats, or criminal techniques. The Purple Notice aims to alert law enforcement agencies in all 196 Interpol member countries about the modus operandi, equipment, and concealment methods being deployed by criminal groups. Officials say the move underscores Indias expanding role in shaping international cooperation against financial crime.

By taking the lead in issuing this notice, India has positioned itself at the forefront of global efforts to detect and prevent money laundering through trade," a senior ED officer said. The agency has also been working with international platforms such as the Global Focal Point Network and the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network (Asia Pacific) to ensure that economic offenders find no safe haven.

How It Differs From Red Corner Notice

A Red Corner Notice (RCN) is the most widely known Interpol tool. It is issued to locate and provisionally arrest a fugitive wanted for prosecution or sentencing in a member country. By contrast, the Purple Notice is not about arresting an individual. Instead, it is about exposing new tricks and techniques criminals use to dodge enforcement. In short, Red focuses on persons, while Purple focuses on methods.

Other Notices You Should Know

Interpol issues nine kinds of notices:

Red Notice: For locating and arresting wanted persons. Yellow Notice: For missing persons, especially minors. Blue Notice: For collecting information on suspects identity or activity. Black Notice: For identifying unknown bodies. Green Notice: To warn about a persons criminal activities posing a threat. Orange Notice: For alerting about dangerous objects, persons, or processes. Purple Notice: For sharing information on criminals modus operandi. Silver Notice (pilot stage): To trace criminal assets. Interpol-UNSC Special Notice: For entities and individuals under UN sanctions.

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Why This Matters

Experts say this step shows that the ED is moving beyond domestic enforcement and actively shaping global responses to financial fraud. By using Interpol platforms and networks like the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network (Asia Pacific), the ED is ensuring that such money laundering techniques are flagged worldwide. Trade-based money laundering has become one of the most difficult financial crimes to detect," said a financial crime analyst, adding that the Purple Notice will force other countries to stay alert and strengthen their regulatory checks.

First Published: August 30, 2025, 14:19 IST

News india ED Issues First-Ever Purple Notice Via Interpol: What It Means, How It Differs From Red Corner

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Fadnavis Stresses Constitutional Framework As Talks Over Maratha Quota Agitation Hit Roadblock

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 21:44 IST

The BJP-led government's talks with Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who has been demanding reservation for all Marathas, failed to yield a breakthrough.

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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Maratha activist Manoj Jarange. (PTI)

Talks between Maratha rights activist Manoj Jarange-Patil and a Maharashtra government delegation failed to yield any breakthrough on the second day of Jaranges indefinite hunger strike demanding reservation for all Marathas under the Other Backwards Classes (OBC) category.

Jarange, who is demanding that all Marathas be granted reservation under the Other Backwards Classes (OBC) category, insisted on continuing his agitation at Mumbais Azad Maidan, which severely disrupted traffic across Mumbai. Thousands of his supporters continued to throng the nearby Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the surrounding area.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated that the government was trying to find a solution within the constitutional and legal framework, while Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra faction) chief Sharad Pawar said a constitutional amendment to raise the cap on overall reservation was necessary.

What Happened During Talks?

The BJP-led government deputed a delegation led by retired High Court judge Sandeep Shinde, who heads a committee set up to expedite the process of granting reservation to the Marathas, to hold talks with Jarange, who described his agitation as the final fight" for his community to get reservation.

Jarange said the committee headed by Shinde had studied gazettes related to the issue for the past 13 months, and now it was time for it to submit its report to pave the way for Marathas to get Kunbi status  an agrarian caste included in the OBC category.

Marathas in Marathwada must be declared as Kunbis and given reservation. The Hyderabad and Satara gazettes must be made into law for this," he said. However, the former judge said he was not authorised to present such a report, and it was upto the Backward Class Commission.

Jarange Slams Fadnavis

Jarange later slammed Fadnavis for sending Justice Shinde to hold talks with him. It is not Justice Shindes job to issue a GR (government resolution)declaring that Marathas and Kunbis as the same. It is an insult by the government, Raj Bhavan and the state to send Justice Shinde here."

Earlier, Jarange asked the government not to spread misinformation that the Marathas were seeking reservation from the OBC quota. We are only demanding that we get our rightful share of quota based on the eligibility under the Kunbi category," he said.

Meanwhile, the Maratha activist also alleged that the city administration deliberately denied basic amenities to protestors. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation insisted that it had provided necessary amenities at the protest site.

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Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil stated that the concerns raised by Jarange were thoroughly discussed by the cabinet sub-committee and assured that the government is committed to addressing them in a positive manner.

(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 30, 2025, 21:44 IST

News india Fadnavis Stresses Constitutional Framework As Talks Over Maratha Quota Agitation Hit Roadblock

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Fewer Than 50 Weapons Fired To Bring Pakistan To Its Knees: IAF Vice Chief On Op Sindoor

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 16:20 IST

During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force hit nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, leading Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire after four days.

Operation Sindoor was intended to send a strong message to Pakistan without escalating into a broader conflict. (PTI)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) fired fewer than 50 weapons and missiles during Operation Sindoor to bring Pakistan to its knees and compel the neighbouring country to agree to a ceasefire, Vice Chief of the Indian Air Staff said on Saturday.

While speaking at NDTV Defence Summit, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari said that it was a big accomplishment for us that in less than 50 weapons, the Indian Defence Forces were able to achieve conflict elimination.

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He further said that the IAF had a large number of target sets which they planned to strike in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, but they eventually hit nine.

From the list of options presented, we had a large number of target sets. And finally, we boiled down to nine. Key takeaway for us, that in less than 50 weapons, we were able to achieve conflict elimination. So this is the essential part which I want you to take away," Air Marshal Tiwari said at the Defence Summit.

He further said that its simple to begin a war, but much harder to finish one. This was a crucial factor to consider when activating and deploying our forces, ensuring they were prepared for anything that might happen," he added.

The Air Marshal also praised Indias Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), which formed the backbone of both offensive and defensive operations during the four-day conflict.

He said that the system allowed India to absorb initial impacts and respond with a hard-hitting reply" that compelled Pakistan to agree to de-escalation.

Air Marshal Tiwari further said that New Delhis instructions were guided by three main principles: Any action taken against the enemy needed to be visibly punitive, the message sent had to prevent future attacks, and the armed forces were to be given complete operational freedom, while also preparing for the possibility of the conflict escalating into a conventional war.

Operation Sindoor

In the early hours of May 7, Indian Defence Forces launched precision strikes at nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor" in response to the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack which claimed 26 lives.

In a late-night press statement on May 7, the Indian Defence Ministry said, A little while ago, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed."

The strikes killed over 100 terrorists, including 10 family members of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and four close aides.

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Targets included Jaishs Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, Sarjal camp in Tehra Kalan, Markaz Abbas in Kotli, and the Syedna Bilal camp in Muzaffarabad. Lashkars strongholds  Markaz Taiba in Murdike, Markaz Ahle Hadith in Barnala, and Shwawai Nalla camp in Muzaffarabad  were also hit. Hizbul Mujahideens facilities at Makaz Raheel Shahid in Kotli and Mehmoona Joya in Sialkot were among those targeted.

The operation sparked four days of cross-border fighting involving fighter jets, missiles and artillery.

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 30, 2025, 16:20 IST

News india Fewer Than 50 Weapons Fired To Bring Pakistan To Its Knees: IAF Vice Chief On Op Sindoor

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How A Bird Saved Japan's Bullet Train And Now Powers PM Modi's High-Speed Rail Project

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 11:32 IST

PM Narendra Modi and Shigeru Ishiba discuss the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shinkansen bullet train project, with E10 series trains set to launch by 2027 using Japanese technology

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India's first bullet train project is likely to start in 2027. (Pexels/Representative Image)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Japan on Saturday for a two-day visit, where talks with his counterpart Shigeru Ishiba are expected to center on strategic partnerships, trade, and a flagship project that has long captured Indias imagination, the Shinkansen bullet train.

For India, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor represents a leap into a new era of modern transport. First formalised through a 2015 agreement between India and Japan, the project aims to bring Japans world-renowned Shinkansen technology to India. Construction is underway, with commercial services targeted for 2027. But few know that the very trains India plans to adopt nearly faced extinction decades ago, until an unlikely saviour appeared in the form of a bird.

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Japans bullet train network, first unveiled during the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, revolutionised travel with its unprecedented speed and efficiency. The Tokaido-Shinkansen line soon became the busiest high-speed rail corridor in the world, carrying billions of passengers over decades. Yet, despite its engineering marvel, the project encountered a critical obstacle: noise pollution.

When the trains, then operating at over 300 km per hour, exited tunnels, they produced deafening booms that echoed like a gunshot. Residents living within 400 metres of tunnels reported unbearable disturbances. The culprit was aerodynamics, compressed air rushing through tunnels and exploding outward as the train emerged. The resulting sonic boom reached levels above 70 decibels, threatening the survival of Japans proudest transport innovation.

Nature Provided The Solution

Faced with mounting pressure, Japanese engineers needed a solution. Eiji Nakatsu, General Manager in the Technical Development Department of Japan Railways, turned to nature for answers. A passionate birdwatcher, Nakatsu recalled observing the kingfisher bird, which dives into water at high speed with barely a splash. Its long, narrow beak allowed it to slice through two mediums, air and water, with remarkable efficiency.

Nakatsu replicated this principle in his redesign of the bullet trains nose. By shaping the front of the train like a kingfishers beak  long, pointed, and gradually widening  engineers not only eliminated the thunderous booms but also improved fuel efficiency and stability. The redesigned trains could cruise at 320 km per hour while meeting strict environmental standards.

This biomimicry" breakthrough did more than silence critics; it rescued the Shinkansen project itself. Without it, Japans bullet train might have been abandoned, never to inspire global adoption.

Today, decades after the kingfisher-inspired design saved the bullet train, India is preparing to launch its own Shinkansen-based corridor. The 508-kilometre MumbaiAhmedabad project, 352 kilometres of which fall in Gujarat and 156 kilometres in Maharashtra, will introduce Japanese-designed rolling stock on Indian tracks.

Initially, Japan had planned to export its E5 series trains to India. But as Tokyo prepares to unveil the more advanced E10 Shinkansen by 2030, New Delhi has been offered the latest generation instead. According to officials quoted in the Economic Times, the new trains will be deployed on Indias high-speed route, with prototype testing likely in 2026 and full-scale operations beginning the following year.

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Symbol of IndiaJapan Ties

For Modi, who with former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe laid the foundation stone of the project at Sabarmati in 2017, the bullet train has become symbolic of Indias future ambitions. During his ongoing visit, he and Ishiba are also expected to tour the Tohoku Shinkansen plant in Sendai to inspect production.

First Published: August 30, 2025, 11:32 IST

News india How A Bird Saved Japan's Bullet Train And Now Powers PM Modi's High-Speed Rail Project

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How Modis 2007 Dream Will Be Realised In Gujarat 20 Years Later, With Help From Japan

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News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 09:21 IST

If the bullet train is run in the Gujarat section by December 2027, it will coincide with the assembly elections and hence, fulfill Modi's long-standing promise to the state

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PM Modi onboard a Japanese bullet train with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. (News18)

It was 2007 when Narendra Modi, as the Gujarat chief minister, first got a taste of the Japanese bullet train in his visit to that country. A dream was born when he saw the train from inside the cockpit and vowed to bring it to India one day. Twenty years later, in 2027, Modis home state Gujarat will become the first in the country to get such a bullet train.

On Saturday, PM Modi again rode in a Japanese bullet train, along with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba while on their way for a tour of the Tokyo Electron factory in Sendai. They were on board a Japanese Shinkansen new ALFA-X train. This is like the latest E10 series Shinkansen trains which Japan is planning to introduce in India as part of the MumbaiAhmedabad High Speed Rail project, a flagship initiative of the India-Japan partnership.

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Incidentally, Modi on Saturday visited the Tokyo Electron factory, a premier chip equipment manufacturing plant in the world, where another dream has been born. The prime minister had announced from the Red Fort on August 15 that India will get its first Made in India chip by the end of this year. India is working on semiconductors in mission mode, with six different semiconductor units taking shape on the ground and green signal being given to four new units.

Bullet Train To be Reality

The visit has seen an understanding between both sides of the importance of the Indian bullet train project and the need to expedite the commencement of operations. Japan will deploy its latest signalling technology for installation and provide India with a set of E5 series Shinkansen rolling stock. The work on the 508-km-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Train project is progressing fast with the Gujarat section nearing completion, and the eight stations in the state getting finishing touches.

Reached Sendai. Travelled with PM Ishiba to this city on the Shinkansen.@shigeruishiba pic.twitter.com/qBc4bU1Pdt Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2025

The government recently told Parliament that the Gujarat section will be complete by December 2027, while the entire stretch will be ready by December 2029. If the government chooses to run the bullet train in the Gujarat section by December 2027, it will coincide with the Gujarat assembly elections that year and hence, will fulfill a long-standing promise to Gujarat by Narendra Modi.

Progress of the Project

The total length of the Indian high-speed corridor is 508 kmGujarat & Dadar and Nagar Haveli is 352 km long, while Maharashtra is 156 km long. Twelve thematically designed Bullet Train stationsSabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi in Gujarat, and Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai in Maharashtraare coming up.

Viaduct construction of 317 km is complete, so are Pier works on 396 km, Pier Foundation on 407 km, and Girder Casting on 337 km. Bridges on 17 rivers have been completed, while eight steel bridges, first 100 m span of 2100 m long steel bridge and five PSC (pre-stressed concrete) bridges are complete.

Installation of noise barriers on viaduct is underway in Gujarat. Around 3,90,000 noise barriers have been installed along a 195 km stretch.

Progress of around 198 track km of track bed construction has been achieved so far in Gujarat. Welding of rails on the viaduct to form long panels of 200 m length is also underway.

Installation of overhead equipment masts (OHE) is underway in Gujarat. More than 1,600 OHE masts have been installed between Surat-Bilimora Bullet Train stations which covers approx. 40 km of the mainline viaduct

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Work on 21 km tunnel between BKC and Shilphata in Maharashtra is in progress. Approximately 4.5 km tunnel heading has been achieved cumulatively from Shilphata and two concurrent faces from ADIT portal through the New Austrian Tunneling method.

Work on excavation of seven mountain tunnels is in progress in Palghar district, achieving a cumulative heading of 2 km out of 6 km. Structural work is complete for all eight stations in Gujarat. Building interior and finishing works are advancing rapidly. Work has started on all three elevated stations. While the base slab at Mumbai station is being cast in Maharashtra, the first slab casting for Virar and Boisar stations is complete.

About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister... Read More

Location : Japan

First Published: August 30, 2025, 09:21 IST

News india How Modis 2007 Dream Will Be Realised In Gujarat 20 Years Later, With Help From Japan

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No Permanent Friends Or Foes, Only Permanent Interests: Rajnath Singh's Geopolitics Message

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 12:04 IST

Rajnath Singh said in a veiled reference to the US tensions and China thaw that there are no permanent friends or foes in geopolitics and there are only permanent interests.

Rajnath repeats PM Modi's vow on Trump's pressure tactics (PTI Image)

There are no permanent friends or foes in the world, and there are only permanent interests, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday, amid tensions with the US over Donald Trumps tariffs, and Indias improving relations with China in recent months.

In an apparent reference to Trumps 50% tariffs on New Delhi, Rajnath said that Indias policy, strategy, and self-reliance will remain steadfast and the country will continue to emerge stronger despite any global pressure".

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He emphasised that the interests of Indias farmers and small traders are paramount for the Narendra Modi government, and the administration will not compromise on this.

There are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. India does not consider anyone an enemy. The interest of our farmers, entrepreneurs is most important to us. India does not consider anyone its enemy. We cannot compromise on our countrys welfare at any cost. No matter how much pressure is exerted, India will continue to give the highest priority to the interests of its farmers, small businessmen, shopkeepers, livestock keepers, and common citizens," Rajnath said while addressing the NDTV Defence Summit 2025.

We all study in geography that the more pressure is applied, the stronger the rock becomes. I feel that the more pressure is put on India, the more it will emerge as a strong rock," the Defence Minister added.

He is the second minister in the government after PM Modi to speak about pressure" on a public forum within a week, without, however, taking names of any country, but in an apparent reference to the United States.

Earlier on Monday, PM Modi sent out a veiled message to Trump at a rally in Ahmedabad that India will not succumb to any pressure and will boost its strength to deal with it.

All of you are witnessing the kind of politics driven by economic self-interest that is happening in the world today. From this land of Ahmedabad, I would like to say to my small entrepreneurs, to the shopkeepers, to the farmers and cattle rearers. For Modi, your interest is paramount. My government will not allow any harm to come to small entrepreneurs, to farmers, or to cattle rearers. No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand," PM Modi said during the event.

Trump attempted to exert pressure on India by imposing 50% tariffs, which came into effect on August 27, for New Delhis continued purchase of Russian oil  something which the US alleged as fueling Vladimir Putins war machine in Ukraine".

This led to strained ties between India and the US, with a series of attacks coming from the Trump administration representatives on Indias Russian oil purchase.

In recent months, India and China have witnessed a reset in ties after nearly five years of border tensions since the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.

A Bloomberg report claimed recently that Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a secret letter to Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu in March this year, seeking a reset of ties.

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PM Modis upcoming visit to China for the SCO Summit on August 31 is being seen as a step towards improving India-China ties amid Trumps tariff tactics. This will be his first trip to China in seven years, signalling a strong push in this direction.

Earlier this month, India and China agreed to resume direct flights and boost trade and investment flows.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @Ma... Read More

First Published: August 30, 2025, 11:11 IST

News india No Permanent Friends Or Foes, Only Permanent Interests: Rajnath Singh's Geopolitics Message

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Manoj Jarange's Maratha Quota Protest Enters Day 2, Traffic Snarls Likely In Mumbai | Top Points

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 08:48 IST

Jarange, who is demanding that all Marathas be granted reservation under the OBC category, said the agitation would continue regardless of official approval

Manoj Jarange starts indefinite hunger strike (PTI Image)

The indefinite hunger strike launched by Maratha rights activist Manoj Jarange-Patil at Mumbais Azad Maidan will enter its second day on Saturday, August 30, after day-long protests on Friday brought large parts of the city to a standstill.

Jarange, who is demanding that all Marathas be granted reservation under the Other Backwards Classes (OBC) category, said the agitation would continue regardless of official approval.

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The protests will happen whether you give permission or not. It is in the governments hands whether to break it up or grant permission," he declared.

The protest severely disrupted traffic across Mumbai on Friday, forcing the citys traffic police to issue an advisory. A similar situation is expected today as the agitation enters its second day.

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Maratha Quota Protest: Top Points

Jarange vowed not to step back, even threatening to escalate his fast. I am ready to take bullets for the Maratha reservation. I will continue my hunger strike in jail, should they put me behind bars. If the delay continues, I will stop drinking water in the next two days," he warned.

Thousands of Maratha supporters from across Maharashtra converged on Mumbai, crowding Azad Maidan and nearby hubs like CSMT and Churchgate. Many carried food and cooking supplies to last a month.

Jarange alleged that the city administration deliberately denied basic amenities to protestors. Tea shops, restaurants and toilets were kept closed. Even drinking water was not available. You are worse than the British," he said, accusing the state of mistreating the Maratha community.

Amid mounting pressure, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the government was seeking a legally viable solution.

During our earlier term, Marathas were given 10 per cent reservation. A cabinet sub-committee has been directed to hold discussions. Some are trying to create animosity between Marathas and OBCs, and we will ensure that does not happen," Fadnavis said.

Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, a Maratha leader, has been tasked with initiating talks. On arriving in Mumbai from Shirdi on Friday evening, he said, We will consider Jarange-Patils proposal, although the cabinet sub-committee meeting has not been scheduled yet."

Civil society groups such as Navi Mumbais Sakal Maratha Samaj have stepped in to provide food, water, and accommodation. The CIDCO Exhibition Centre in Vashi has been prepared to shelter up to 50,000 protestors over the next few days.

About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (De... Read More

First Published: August 30, 2025, 08:48 IST

News india Manoj Jarange's Maratha Quota Protest Enters Day 2, Traffic Snarls Likely In Mumbai | Top Points

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Coupang, Inc. (NYSE:CPNG) is one of the 15 Stocks That Will Benefit From AI.

Morgan Stanley Raises PT on Coupang, Inc. (CPNG) to $35; Maintains Overweight Rating

Following the companys impressive second-quarter results, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on Coupang, Inc. (NYSE:CPNG) from $32 to $35 on August 20, 2025, reiterating its Overweight rating. Coupang demonstrated increasing business momentum with a 30% gross profit margin and a 19% increase in revenue. Taiwan is currently the focus of investor attention, as the company foresees a bright future there.

According to Morgan Stanley, the unit is a key driver of longer-term growth, and Coupang, Inc. (NYSE:CPNG)s expansion story revolves around its eventual profitability. The higher target highlights confidence in the companys global trajectory by reflecting forecasts of higher earnings contributions from Taiwan, as well as reduced share price volatility and lower correlation in recent years.

With its main operations in South Korea and growing presence in Taiwan and other regions, Coupang, Inc. (NYSE:CPNG) runs a worldwide e-commerce ecosystem that includes retail, grocery, food delivery, digital content, fintech, and luxury fashion. It is on our list of the Best AI Stocks.

While we acknowledge the potential of CPNG 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: 13 Best Oil Refinery Stocks to Buy Right Now and 13 Hot Oil Stocks to Buy Now.

Disclosure: None.
'Matter Requires Consideration': HC Orders Security For Man Questioning Rahul Gandhi's Citizenship

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 11:39 IST

The Allahabad High Court ordered round-the-clock CRPF security for BJP worker S Vignesh Shishir, who is pursuing cases against Rahul Gandhi.

File photo of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (Image: PTI)

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has ordered round-the-clock security for a BJP worker who is pursuing a case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, seeking the cancellation of his Indian citizenship.

On Thursday, the bench directed the Home Ministrys secretary to provide one Personal Security Officer (PSO) from the Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF) to the petitioner around the clock.

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The directive came from a two-judge bench, comprising Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice BR Singh, in response to a writ petition filed by Karnataka BJP worker S Vignesh Shishir, news agency PTI reported.

In its interim order, the bench noted, We are, prima facie, satisfied that the matter requires consideration as the petitioner has been pursuing his cases against a very powerful individual and is facing constant threats and has to appear before the Investigating Officer at Police Station Kotwali, District Raebareli in pursuance of notice issued to him."

The petitioner submitted that following his complaint in June 2024, the CBI began an investigation, and he had appeared before the central probe agency multiple times in the national capital to provide evidence of Rahul Gandhis British citizenship.

According to PTI, he said he also revealed to the CBI the details of a company, Backops Limited, incorporated on August 21, 2003, in the United Kingdom, where Gandhi is listed as a director with the address 2 Frognal Way, London, UK NW3 6XE.

The PTI report further suggests that the petitioner also filed objections against Priyanka Gandhi Vadras candidature in the Wayanad Parliamentary by-election but his objections were disregarded. Consequently, he is preparing to file a writ of quo warranto against her, he submitted.

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The petitioner argued that his ongoing legal actions against the two politicians have led to daily threats and coercion. He also requested security from the central government and wrote to the Prime Ministers Office but received no response.

Deputy Solicitor General of India, SB Pandey, representing the Centre, stated that there is a Witness Protection Scheme and since the petitioner has received palpable" threats, the court may pass an order for a security cover. The matter has been listed for hearing on October 9.

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 30, 2025, 11:39 IST

News india 'Matter Requires Consideration': HC Orders Security For Man Questioning Rahul Gandhi's Citizenship

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Mehul Choksi Suffers Big Setback As Belgian Court Rejects Fresh Bail Plea

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 16:52 IST

Mehul Choksi's bail plea was rejected by the Belgian Court of Appeal ahead of his extradition hearing, as CBI cited his history of fleeing jurisdictions in PNB fraud case.

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi | File Image/ IANS

In a major setback for fugitive Indian diamond merchant and businessman Mehul Choksi, wanted in connection with Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, his latest bail petition was rejected by a Belgian Court of Appeal, news agency PTI reported, citing the officials.

Choksi, 65, was arrested by Antwerp police on April 11, based on an extradition request sent by CBI, and has been lodged in the prison there for over four months now.

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The court rejected the appeal on strong reasons conveyed by the CBI to the Belgian prosecution that Choksi had escaped from many jurisdictions earlier as well to evade legal proceedings, and may flee to another country if let out on bail, the officials said.

Choksi had applied for bail again on August 22, offering to be put under surveillance while staying at home, which was rejected by the Court of Appeal in Brussels on August 26.

His earlier bail application, heard by the Court of Cassation in Belgium, was also rejected.

The decision comes just days before his extradition hearing scheduled in mid-September. The CBI is assisting Belgian prosecutors with case files, evidence, and legal arguments, and has also engaged a European law firm to strengthen the extradition case.

The Indian agencies have shared two open-ended arrest warrants, issued by a special court in Mumbai in 2018 and 2021, as part of the request.

Whats The Case?

Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi are wanted in the Rs 13000 crore fraud in Punjab National Bank that they allegedly orchestrated through fraudulent Letters of Undertaking in connivance with some bank officials at the Brady House branch in Mumbai, they said.

Nirav Modi, declared a fugitive economic offender, has been lodged in a London jail since he was held by the authorities there in 2019 on the basis of a legal request made by the ED and the CBI in this case. He is contesting extradition to India.

Choksi, who has been on the run from Indian authorities after his alleged massive financial scam, was arrested in Belgium in April this year.

Choksi was reportedly living in Belgiums Antwerp with his wife, Preeti Choksi, who is a Belgian citizen, after securing an F Residency Card in the country. The fugitive diamantaire, who is wanted in connection with the infamous Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, was granted residency in Belgium on November 15, 2023.

Mehul Choksi And His Alleged Crimes

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PNB Fraud Case: Choksi remains a key accused in the massive fraud involving Punjab National Bank (PNB), along with his nephew Nirav Modi. The scam is valued at around Rs 14,000 crore.

Choksi remains a key accused in the massive fraud involving Punjab National Bank (PNB), along with his nephew Nirav Modi. The scam is valued at around Rs 14,000 crore. Use of LoUs and FLCs: Choksi allegedly obtained letters of undertaking (LoUs) and foreign letters of credit (FLCs) by bribing officials from PNBs Brady House branch in Mumbai. He later used it to secure overseas credit from foreign banks.

Choksi allegedly obtained letters of undertaking (LoUs) and foreign letters of credit (FLCs) by bribing officials from PNBs Brady House branch in Mumbai. He later used it to secure overseas credit from foreign banks. Money Laundering: Investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) suggest that Choksi laundered large sums of money through shell companies and dummy entities abroad. In 2022, ED filed its third chargesheet against Choksi, his wife Priti Choksi and others over their alleged involvement in the loan fraud case.

Investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) suggest that Choksi laundered large sums of money through shell companies and dummy entities abroad. In 2022, ED filed its third chargesheet against Choksi, his wife Priti Choksi and others over their alleged involvement in the loan fraud case. Criminal Conspiracy and Cheating: Choksi is charged with conspiracy to cheat, criminal breach of trust, and corruption, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Choksi is charged with conspiracy to cheat, criminal breach of trust, and corruption, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Declared As FEO: Apart from being wanted by CBI and ED, Choksi was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) by the Government of India.

(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 : Belgium

First Published: August 30, 2025, 16:52 IST

News india Mehul Choksi Suffers Big Setback As Belgian Court Rejects Fresh Bail Plea

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PM Modi Welcomed By Indian Diaspora As He Arrives In Tianjin For SCO Meet

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 18:20 IST

PM Modi received a grand welcome from the Indian diaspora in Tianjin, China, ahead of the 2025 SCO Summit, with cultural performances by Chinese artists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora on his arrival in China's Tianjin. (X)

PM Modi in China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora on his arrival in Chinas Tianjin.

Members of the Indian diaspora welcomed the Prime Minister with great enthusiasm after he reached Tianjin after successfully concluding his two-day visit to Japan on Saturday.

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He also shared some photographs of his welcome at the hotel by the Indian diaspora.

Chinas Indian community accorded a very special welcome in Tianjin. Here are some glimpses," he said in a post on X while sharing the photos.

Chinas Indian community accorded a very special welcome in Tianjin. Here are some glimpses. pic.twitter.com/PzAV517ewF Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2025

At the hotel, members of the Indian community gathered to welcome him, while artists staged a cultural performance.

He also watched performances based on Indian classical music and dance. The performers are Chinese nationals who have been learning Indian classical music and dance for years now.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi watches performances based on Indian classical music and dance, as he arrives at a hotel in Tianjin, China.The performers are Chinese nationals who have been learning Indian classical music and dance for years now. (Video: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/tHJeQPm1n3  ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2025

He landed at Binhai International Airport in Tianjin for his two-day official visit and was greeted by senior Chinese and Indian officials.

PM Modi will participate in the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on August 31 and hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines. He is also scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the course of the summit.

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This is PM Modis first visit to China after seven years, in a push for a reset in diplomatic relations that were strained since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.

PM Modis visit to China came against the backdrop of US President Donald Trumps recent tariff hike on Indian imports, which has damaged relations between the two democracies and forced New Delhi to explore other export destinations for products.

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 : China

First Published: August 30, 2025, 18:20 IST

News india PM Modi Welcomed By Indian Diaspora As He Arrives In Tianjin For SCO Meet

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Puri Rath Yatras Wheels To Adorn Parliament Premises, 2nd Cultural Symbol After Sengol

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 17:54 IST

Three sacred wheels from Lord Jagannaths Rath Yatra chariots will be installed in Parliament, symbolizing Odishas culture.

The proposal was formally presented by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee during Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birlas visit. (File)

In a symbolic gesture, three sacred wheels of Lord Jagannaths rath (chariot) will be installed in the Parliament complex as a permanent symbol of Odishas culture and heritage, Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has said.

The decision was confirmed on Saturday after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birlas recent visit to the temple town of Puri, during which the temple committee presented the proposal. The Speaker accepted it, officials said as reported by news agency PTI.

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In a statement, the SJTA said, During Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birlas visit to Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, a proposal was given by the administration for installing three wheels of chariots of Rath Yatra in the Parliament premises. Birla has accepted the proposal."

SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee, in a post on X, said, Honble Lok Sabha Speaker, accompanied by other dignitaries, visited Shree Jagannatha Temple today, seeking Mahaprabhus blessings. We are deeply grateful to the Honble Speaker for graciously agreeing to our proposal to install one wheel each from the three sacred chariots of Ratha Jatra at a prominent location within the Parliament premises."

Honble Lok Sabha Speaker, accompanied by other dignitaries, visited Shree Jagannatha Temple today, seeking Mahaprabhus blessings. We are deeply grateful to the Honble Speaker for graciously agreeing to our proposal to install one wheel each from the three sacred chariots of pic.twitter.com/tAUC42TRLg Arabinda K Padhee (@arvindpadhee) August 29, 2025

Birla, accompanied by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Puri MP Sambit Patra, were welcomed by SJTA chief administrator at the Lions Gate on Friday.

Padhee said that the sacred wheels will be taken from the three grand chariots used during the annual Rath Yatra  Lord Jagannaths Nandighosh, Goddess Subhadras Darpadalan, and Lord Balabhadras Taladhwaj. One wheel from each chariot will be transported to Delhi and placed inside the Parliament premises as a lasting emblem of Odishas timeless culture and spiritual heritage.

Built every year in around two months by more than 200 craftsmen, the 45-feet-high wooden chariots of the sibling deities are dismantled after the annual Rath Yatra. New wood is used in the construction of chariots every year, except for some prominent parts, according to Nandighosh chariot chief carpenter Bijay Mohapatra.

The dismantled chariot parts are kept in godown, and some of them, including wheels, get auctioned.

This will be the second religious and cultural installation in the new Parliament building after the Sengol, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi placed near the Speakers chair in May 2023 to mark the transfer of power at Independence.

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The Sengol, also known as the scepter, was handed over to Jawaharlal Nehru by the British as a symbol of the transfer of power on the night of August 14, 1947. Before 1960, it was kept at Anand Bhavan and then at the Allahabad Museum from 1978. After 75 years, the scepter entered Parliament.

(With inputs from PTI)

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 30, 2025, 17:53 IST

News india Puri Rath Yatras Wheels To Adorn Parliament Premises, 2nd Cultural Symbol After Sengol

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Rahul Gandhi Offers Candies To Protestors Waving Black Flags During Bihar Yatra | Watch

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 18:35 IST

Rahul Gandhi offered candies to BJYM protesters showing black flags during the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar.

Rahul Gandhi, was in Bihar's Arrah on Saturday as part of his 16-day Voter Adhikar Yatra. (X/ANI)

Voter Adhikar Yatra: In a surprising gesture, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday stopped his convoy and offered candies to the protesters who were showing him black-flags over the alleged abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during the Voter Adhikaar Yatra earlier in Bihars Darbhanga.

Rahul Gandhi was in Arrah district on Saturday as part of his 16-day Voter Adhikar Yatra when the protestors, reportedly the members of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), dressed in black shirts, waved black flags at him while he was seated on his jeep.

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They also confronted him over alleged derogatory remarks made against PM Modi.

As per the video shared by news agency ANI, the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition halted his vehicle and called one of the protestors. He then asked his security personnel to let him come closer. Gandhi was then seen speaking briefly to the man before offering him candies as he left.

#WATCH | Arrah, Bihar: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi offered candies to BJYM workers who showed him black flags and confronted him over the alleged derogatory remarks made against the Prime Minister and his late mother at a Mahagathbandhan event in Darbhanga. pic.twitter.com/dkFXz8WJeB ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2025

Earlier on Friday, the BJP and Congress workers clashed in Patna over the alleged derogatory remarks against the Prime Minister and his late mother duirng the oppositions 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 said that the public will give a "befitting reply" to Congress.

While 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.

Meanwhile, Darbhanga Police arrested the man accused of hurling abuses against PM Modi.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashok Kumar Chaudhary said that a case has been registered and action will be taken against those found to be involved.

A political slugfest broke out after a purported video went viral on social media platforms showing the accused hurling abusive slurs against PM Modi, with BJP leaders slamming the opposition for "lowering" the political standards.

However, the opposition said that the BJP is "raising irrelevant issues to distract from the crucial ones.

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.

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Bihar Assembly elections are expected later this year, although the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date.

(With inputs from ANI)

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 : Arrah, India, India

First Published: August 30, 2025, 18:35 IST

News india Rahul Gandhi Offers Candies To Protestors Waving Black Flags During Bihar Yatra | Watch

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Terrorist Bagu Khan, 'Human GPS' Behind 100 Infiltration Attempts, Killed In J&K Encounter

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 16:08 IST

Bagu Khan, alias Samandar Chacha, has been active in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) since 1995 and was considered the biggest link to infiltration in the Kashmir valley.

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Bagu Khan was killed by Indian security forces in J&K's Gurez. (News18 Hindi)

Security forces dealt a major blow to a major terrorist network in the Gurez sector of Jammu and Kashmirs Bandipora district by eliminating Bagu Khan, also known as Human GPS, responsible for at least 100 infiltration attempts, most of which were successful.

Bagu Khan, alias Samandar Chacha, has been active in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) since 1995 and was considered the biggest link to infiltration in the Kashmir valley. He had detailed knowledge of secret routes and knew his way around the difficult geographical conditions of the area, thereby becoming one of the oldest facilitators of terrorist infiltration for the last three decades, according to News18 Hindi.

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Bagu Khan was shot dead along with another terrorist during an infiltration attempt from the Nowshera Naar area on Saturday. Security agencies are considering the elimination of Bagu Khan as a major setback to the logistics network of terrorist organisations in the region.

The Human GPS held enormous importance among terror groups due to his extensive knowledge of the valley. Despite being a Hizbul commander, he helped almost every terrorist organisation to infiltrate from Gurez and the surrounding sectors.

This came after two terrorists were killed as security forces foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Gurez sector of Jammu and on Thursday.

Based on intelligence provided by Jammu and Kashmir Police regarding likely infiltration attempt, a joint operation was launched by Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in Gurez Sector," said the Indian Armys Srinagar-based Chinar Corps. The Army said alert troops spotted suspicious activity and challenged the intruders, which resulted in the terrorists opening indiscriminate fire.

Meanwhile, a high-security alert was sounded across Bihar on Thursday following inputs suggesting that three terrorists from Pakistan have entered the state through Nepal, an official told news agency PTI.

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The Bihar Police headquarters issued an alert to all district police units and released the names and photographs of terrorists affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammed. It is suspected that they entered Bihar through Araria after crossing over from Nepal.

(with agency inputs)

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 : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: August 30, 2025, 15:54 IST

News india Terrorist Bagu Khan, 'Human GPS' Behind 100 Infiltration Attempts, Killed In J&K Encounter

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Trump Calls Indias Economy Dead. But It Grows At Rate Of 7.8%, Exceeds All Estimates

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 14:49 IST

Analysts argue that far from fading, India is positioning itself as a rising economic power, with projections suggesting it could become the worlds second-largest economy by 2038

India's Q1 FY26 GDP growth data shows 7.8% growth | Image: Representative

India, once dismissed by US President Donald Trump as a dead economy", has posted a robust 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the AprilJune quarter, outpacing the United States, which managed just 3.3 per cent growth in the same period despite Trumps repeated boasts of overseeing the best economy."

According to data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Indias growth not only beat forecasts pegged at 6.5 per cent but also marked the fastest expansion in five quarters.

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For comparison, GDP rose 6.5 per cent in the same period last fiscal, while the last time growth was higher was in JanuaryMarch 2024, when it touched 8.4 per cent.

Fastest-Growing Major Economy

Indias growth continues to set it apart globally. With China expanding at 5.2 per cent in the AprilJune window, India has retained its title as the worlds fastest-growing major economy.

The IMF and World Bank both project Indias growth to hover around 6.36.4 per cent in the coming years, cementing its status as a key driver of global growth.

The surge was powered by the services sector, which expanded 9.3 per cent compared to 6.8 per cent a year earlier, and agriculture, which nearly tripled its growth rate from 1.5 per cent to 3.7 per cent.

The construction sector, however, slowed to 7.6 per cent from 10.1 per cent last year.

US Slowdown Amid Tariff Spat

By contrast, the US economy has shown signs of cooling, dragged down by weaker consumer spending and trade pressures.

The comparison comes at a politically charged time, with Trump imposing steep 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports ranging from textiles to chemicals and leather, calling it punishment for New Delhis continued purchases of Russian oil.

Fridays GDP data is expected to bolster Prime Minister Narendra Modis agenda of resilience, even as India absorbs the shock of Washingtons tariff hikes.

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Trumps dismissal of Indias economy as dead" has previously drawn global criticism. Australia, among others, described India instead as a land of fantastic opportunities."

Analysts argue that far from fading, India is positioning itself as a rising economic power, with projections suggesting it could become the worlds second-largest economy by 2038 in purchasing power parity terms, boasting a GDP of nearly $34 trillion.

About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (De... Read More

First Published: August 30, 2025, 14:23 IST

News india Trump Calls Indias Economy Dead. But It Grows At Rate Of 7.8%, Exceeds All Estimates

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As India Debates Street Dogs, Thailand Offers a Roadmap That Works

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 17:33 IST

As India grapples with its stray dog crisis, Thailands CNVR model - Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release - offers a humane, sustainable roadmap for change.

Sterilisation, education, and legislation are key to humane population control.

Across the sunlit alleys of Bangkok and the shaded courtyards of Mumbai, one presence is familiar: its the omnipresent street dog. Both India and Thailand are home to large free-roaming dog populations that have become a part of their urban and rural identity. But how each country manages this shared reality tells two very different stories.

In recent months, conversations around stray dogs in India have reached a new pitch. At the centre of it all is growing public concern, legal developments, and increasing scrutiny of animal welfare infrastructure. A recent case that drew national attention involved an Animal Birth Control (ABC) shelter in Rohini, where conditions were found to be deeply inadequate. The footage and eyewitness reports revealed overcrowding, poor hygiene, and inadequate veterinary oversight, all symptoms not of a flawed idea, but of a failing system.

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Niall Harbison, who has become a beacon of hope for strays around the world, revealed that he re-evaluated his lifes purpose after he came face-to-face with death due to alcoholism. It was when I was lying in the emergency room that I decided my life had to have a meaning," Harbison shares.

Thailand, like Indias is home to millions of dogs, while views on their existence may differ at times, what remains constant are the efforts of activists like Harbison to tackle the problem humanely and scientifically. As he recently made his way to Delhi, Niall chimed in with a refreshingly grounded perspective based on his ongoing work in Thailand.

The CNVR Model: A System That Works

Thailands approach, led in part by Harbisons efforts, focuses on CNVR  Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release. This scientifically backed method helps manage the dog population without removing dogs from their territories or relying on permanent sheltering. Instead, it seeks to stabilise and slowly reduce the stray population over time while keeping the animals healthy and disease-free.

We have already sterilised over 1,00,000 dogs," Harbison says. And now were seeing fewer puppies, healthier packs, and communities beginning to feel the difference."

Unlike shelters that often become overwhelmed, CNVR is scalable and sustainable when implemented with consistency and coordination. And, crucially, it respects the reality of free-roaming dogs rather than trying to eliminate them.

Indias Challenge: A Matter of Scale and Structure

Indias problem is not a lack of compassion. Across the country, individuals and small groups do extraordinary work with limited resources. But the issue, Harbison notes, lies in the lack of coordination and structured, science-driven implementation.

The country is so big that it would need massive collaboration," he explains. Government, NGOs, local communities, everyone has to be on the same page."

Furthermore, reflecting on his visit to Delhi, he emphasised that the Rohini shelter is a stark reminder of what happens when efforts are fragmented. Poorly maintained facilities, lack of accountability, and a disconnect between policy and practice can end up doing more harm than good, both for the animals and the communities around them.

This is not a proper CNVR solution," Harbison says of the Rohini case. Its far away from what actually works."

Changing the Narrative: From Conflict to Coexistence

In a country as vast and diverse as India, changing how people see street dogs is as important as managing the population, for which Niall believes that the key lies in three interconnected areas:

Sterilisation: The cornerstone of any long-term strategy.

The cornerstone of any long-term strategy. Education: Creating awareness at the community level about how and why humane population control works.

Creating awareness at the community level about how and why humane population control works. Legislation: Policies that protect animals and communities while encouraging responsible actions from all stakeholders.

Its not just about dogs," Harbison reminds us. Its about public health, urban planning, and compassion. Its a human issue as much as an animal one."

Looking Ahead

Currently, India is at a crossroads; however, with the right alignment of science, policy, and community effort, it can redefine its approach to street dogs not as a problem to be removed, but as a population to be managed.

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Thailands progress, though still ongoing, offers a practical path forward. What it shows us is that lasting change doesnt require perfection, but what it requires is structure, commitment, and the will to work together.

As Harbison puts it, Only when sterilisation, education, and legislation come together can we start to see real progress. And only when every part of society plays a role, will it last."

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 30, 2025, 17:33 IST

News lifestyle As India Debates Street Dogs, Thailand Offers a Roadmap That Works
Stage 4 Oligometastatic Cancer: Oncologists Explain Tannishtha Chatterjees Case

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 18:47 IST

Tannishtha Chatterjee recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with Stage 4 oligometastatic cancer. Oncologists explain what this means.

Tannishtha Chatterjee has revealed she has been battling with stage 4 oligo metastatic cancer.

When actor and filmmaker Tannishtha Chatterjee, celebrated for her work in Hindi and English independent films, recently opened up about her health, it sparked an important conversation. In a heartfelt social media post, she revealed that she has been diagnosed with Stage 4 oligometastatic cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. Her words were not just about illness, but about resilience, friendship, and the extraordinary love she has found in those around her.

Her story brings focus to a medical condition that many patients fear, but few fully understand: oligometastatic cancer  a form of cancer that, despite being Stage 4, offers new possibilities for treatment and survival.

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Understanding Oligometastatic Cancer

Cancer staging often determines how doctors approach treatment and what patients can expect. In oncology, the outcome of cancer largely depends on the spread, or the stage, as we commonly say," explains Dr. Sachin Sekhar Biswal, Medical Oncologist, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar.

Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer from its original site to other organs. Oligometastatic cancer is a stage where the cancer has spread, but only to a limited number of sites: often fewer than five. Unlike widespread Stage 4 disease, these cases still allow doctors to consider curative or long-term control strategies.

Why Stage 4 Doesnt Always Mean the End

People often hear the words Stage 4 cancer and feel like its the end of hope," says Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Senior Consultant  Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Goa. But advances in medicine are showing that not all Stage 4 cancers are the same. Oligometastatic cancer is one such condition where aggressive treatment can still be possible."

For instance, if a patient has lung cancer that has spread to just one or two spots in the liver, doctors may treat those spots with surgery or targeted radiation, while continuing systemic therapy for the main cancer. This approach improves both survival rates and quality of life.

The Role of Modern Treatments

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With advanced tools like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), oncologists can now study the genetic behaviour of tumours more precisely. Recently, oligometastatic cancers are increasingly being treated with a personalised approach with multidisciplinary board reviews," notes Dr. Biswal. Some patients even proceed to curative treatments when the disease responds well," he added.

Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and high-quality chemotherapy are changing outcomes, making remission or long-term management possible in ways once unimaginable.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 30, 2025, 18:47 IST

News lifestyle health-and-fitness Stage 4 Oligometastatic Cancer: Oncologists Explain Tannishtha Chatterjees Case
NMACC India Weekend In New York Postponed Due To 'Unforeseen Circumstances'

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 31, 2025, 00:19 IST

The event, which was to open on September 12 and bring Indias rich cultural tapestry to the heart of New York, had been months in the making

In a heartfelt message, Nita Ambani, founder and chairperson of the NMACC, expressed her deep regret about the decision. (File pic/News18)

In a significant announcement, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) confirmed that the much-anticipated India Weekend event in New York City, originally set to open on September 12, has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

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The event, which was to bring Indias rich cultural tapestry to the heart of New York, had been months in the making, involving collaborations with some of Indias most celebrated artists, designers, and performers.

A Celebration of Indian Culture

The NMACC India Weekend was planned as an extraordinary cultural celebration that would have showcased the best of Indias art, fashion, music, and cuisine, with performances, exhibitions, and culinary experiences designed to immerse guests in the vibrancy of Indian heritage. The event had been positioned as a bridge between cultures, highlighting Indias artistic diversity on a global platform.

Among the highlights of the event were performances by world-renowned Indian musicians and dancers, an exhibition of traditional and contemporary Indian fashion, an array of gourmet Indian cuisine, and curated art installations celebrating Indias cultural richness. This event was poised to be one of the most ambitious cross-cultural events in New York this year, with global leaders, celebrities, and influencers expected to be part of the festivities.

Refunds for Ticket Holders

The organisers assured that all guests who had purchased tickets for the event would receive a full refund.

While the postponement comes as a disappointment for those eagerly awaiting the festivities, the NMACC has expressed its commitment to delivering the experience at a later date, with plans for rescheduling already in the works.

Message from Nita Ambani, Founder & Chairperson of NMACC

In a heartfelt message, Nita Ambani, founder and chairperson of the NMACC, expressed her deep regret about the decision. The NMACC India Weekend is a dream very close to my hearta celebration of Indian culture on the global stage. This is not a cancellation, only a pause, and we remain fully committed to bringing the NMACC experience to New York at a later date. I am deeply grateful to every artist, guest, sponsor, partner, well-wisher, and all the friends of NMACC for their trust and continued support," she stated.

Nita Ambani further emphasised that the NMACCs vision remains intact: We will return with renewed joy, pride, and purpose," she said. NMACC remains dedicated to our mission of showcasing the best of India to the world, and we look forward to the day we can finally come together and celebrate the richness of our culture."

A Vision for the Future

Despite the setback, the postponement signals NMACCs unwavering commitment to showcasing the diverse cultural expressions of India to a global audience. The India Weekend was always envisioned as more than just an event; it was to be an immersive experience for all attendees, highlighting the deep and diverse traditions that make India unique.

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The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) is a flagship initiative by Nita Ambani, designed to promote and celebrate the finest in Indian art, culture, and heritage. With a vision to elevate the countrys artistic legacy and global stature, the NMACC is dedicated to providing a platform for Indian and international artists to showcase their works and collaborate across disciplines.

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 31, 2025, 00:15 IST

News lifestyle NMACC India Weekend In New York Postponed Due To 'Unforeseen Circumstances'
The state of the freight market is rife with fraud and safety risks. Its not a matter of if something will happen to an organization, its a matter of when will it happen. Once incident can derail even the best-run supply chains. As a result technology providers are doubling down on tools that give brokers and shippers clearer visibility into carrier performance.

A new partnership between MyCarrier Portal and Carrier Assure aims to do just that, embedding Carrier Assures scoring directly into the MyCarrier Portal workflow to streamline onboarding, strengthen monitoring, and help prevent costly missteps before they occur.

The collaboration was born out of demand from mutual customers who were already pairing MyCarrier Portals carrier onboarding platform with Carrier Assures safety and fraud rating system.

Brokers and shippers often found themselves jumping between platforms, first running MyCarrier Portal assessments, then cross-checking Carrier Assure scores. Danielle Spinelli, Account Executive at MyCarrier Portal, said, Everyone was already doing both steps.The partnership just brings the Carrier Assure score into the MyCarrier Portal dashboard, so users have everything in one place.

Now, when a user searches for a carrier in MyCarrier Portal, they see Carrier Assures risk score alongside their own vetting results. If needed, they can click through directly into the Carrier Assurance portal for a deeper dive into why a carrier earned its rating.

The experience is configurable, allowing users to set parameters that match their own risk tolerance. For example, a B score could be flagged as a medium alert for one broker but considered acceptable for another. Its about helping customers navigate the gray area of vetting with guardrails that fit their business, Spinelli added.

Carrier Assures scoring is built on a wide range of data points that go beyond surface-level safety metrics. The model incorporates factors such as business stability, DOT safety performance, inspection and violation trends, insurance and authority status, tracking reliability, and even the relationships between connected entities. This allows the system to identify unusual safety patterns, compliance gaps, or signs of business instability that may not show up in traditional checks.

Equally important is data quality. Carrier Assure requires documentation to back up user-submitted information, which is reviewed for accuracy and authenticity. Other inputs come from trusted third-party sources, giving customers confidence that fraudulent credentials, double-brokering, or outright identity theft will be flagged before a load is put at risk. The score is not designed to make absolute judgments but rather to surface risk patterns and help customers make better-informed decisions.
Shantnu Nikhil Couture To Make Its Global Women's Wear Debut At Moscow Fashion Week

Written By :

News18.com Edited By: Snigdha Oreya



Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 08:52 IST

Moscow Fashion Week: Shantnu Nikhil Couture will present its first-ever all-women's couture showcase on September 1, 2025.

Indian couturiers Shantnu Mehra and Nikhil Mehra all set to take over Moscow Fashion Week.

Synonymous with couture that challenges conventions, the pioneers of Indian menswear couture, Shantnu and Nikhil Mehra, will present their first-ever all-womens couture showcase at Moscow Fashion Week.

Having owned their creative narrative for over 25 years, Shantnu & Nikhils fearless vision and couture sensibilities will come alive at Moscow Fashion Week through their red carpet couture collection, Armoure.

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Speaking about making their debut at Moscow Fashion Week, Shantnu and Nikhil express, Moscow represents a cultural crossroad, steeped in imperial legacy yet brimming with contemporary appetite for couture. Our debut here is more than a showcase; it is a statement of intent. Through this collection, we explore the paradox of the modern woman: sensual yet armoured, intimate yet resistant. This stage allows us to narrate that story to the world."

A proud moment for India and Indian craftsmanship, Shantnu & Nikhil, further go on to thank FDCI for playing an important role in championing Indian fashion globally. The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) has played a pivotal role in shaping this cultural bridge between India and Russia, with Chairman Sunil Sethi championing the presence of Indian fashion and craftsmanship to a global audience," add Shantnu & Nikhil.

Moscow, with its imperial heritage and modern appetite for contemporary luxury, forms the perfect canvas for Shantnu Nikhils couture language. Shantnu & Nikhil embody a contemporary vision that reflects the rich cultural heritage and modern creativity of India. Their debut at Moscow Fashion Week marks a significant milestone in strengthening cultural ties between Russia and India. Through fashion, this collaboration celebrates national identity, craftsmanship, and the dynamic evolution of design, fostering dialogue within the global fashion community," shares Denis Alipov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of India.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shantnu Nikhil (@shantanunikhil)

A Sneak Peek into Shantnu & Nikhils Armoure

The collection, Armoure, draws inspiration from the sensuality of the 1930s, where silhouettes moved fluidly between sculptural architecture and draped ease. Get to experience layered hand-applied embellishments, cascading crystals, pearl-studded embroideries and metallic brocade. The colour palette deepens from dominion reds and midnight blacks to liquid silvers and opulent pears. Crafted for the modern woman who commands attention on her own terms, the collection thrives at the intersection of glamour and power.

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With Armoure at Moscow Fashion Week, Shantnu Nikhil Couture ushers in a bold new era, establishing Indias fearless voice on contemporary Indian craft to the world.

The ongoing Moscow Fashion Week will culminate on September 2, 2025. Alongside the runway showcases, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit will bring together leaders, experts and institutions from over 65 countries to address sustainability, innovation and the future of global fashion.

About the Author Akshata Shetty Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who cel... Read More

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 30, 2025, 08:52 IST

News lifestyle Shantnu Nikhil Couture To Make Its Global Women's Wear Debut At Moscow Fashion Week
Tara Sutaria Rings In The Festivities In A Tarun Tahiliani Tissue Kanjivaram Saree

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News18.com Edited By: Snigdha Oreya



Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 17:40 IST

Tara Sutaria's saree is embroidered with an aari border and a pearl and crystal-encrusted palla.

Tara Sutaria and Veer Pahariya get festive ready in traditional ensembles.

Tara Sutaria embodied the spirit of Ganesh Utsav 2025 in a culturally rich tissue Kanjivaram saree, envisioned by renowned couturier Tarun Tahiliani.

Devotion, faith and celebration..Ganpati Bappa Morya," expressed Tara Sutaria in her Instagram post. Exuding regal charm in the traditional drape, Tara posted a series of images from the photoshoot celebrating her festive look. And to everyones surprise, one of the images featured Veer Pahariya as well, who is rumoured to be dating. Tara and Veer complemented each others style in this stunning photograph. They are one good-looking couple, indeed!

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Tara is the epitome of grace and elegance when it comes to her fashion choices, and this traditional look celebrates her demure and charming personality with elan.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by TARA (@tarasutaria)

Decoding Tara Sutarias Tarun Tahiliani Couture Saree

Taras festive saree featured a tissue kanjivaram saree embroidered with an aari border and a pearl and crystal-encrusted palla. Tara paired the couture saree with a complementing blouse featuring pearl and crystal tassels.

Styled by celebrity fashion stylist Tanya Ghavri and assisted by Srika Badkar, Taras festive look seamlessly blends tradition and craftsmanship. Taruns ode to Indian karigari and global finesse makes this embellished couture saree a timeless creation. The gold hue of the drape and the intricate embroidery and embellishment give the traditional kanjivaram saree a contemporary facelift.

Tara paired the saree with a matching blouse, which was enhanced with pearl tassels, adding festive drama to her look.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tanya Ghavri (@tanghavri)

Tara Sutarias Opulent Raniwala 1881 Handcrafted Jewellery

Tara accentuated her six yards of sheer elegance with handcrafted jewellery pieces from Raniwala 1881. The captivating Polki stones, with their unique antique charm, interspersed with vibrant emerald, carried a narrative of heritage and timeless beauty.

The mesmerising craftsmanship was realised in the form of a celebratory royal necklace, earrings, ring and bangles. Each jewellery piece adorned by Tara blended classic opulence with contemporary sensibility.

Taras Festive Glam For The Win

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Taras festive glam was highlighted by celebrity makeup artist Shraddha Inder Mehta and celebrity hairstylist Zoe Quiny. The quintessential sleek bun adorned with mogra flowers and Taras stunning face card together honoured the beauty of Indian festivals.

The flawless makeup and hairstyle play the perfect canvas for the festive and wedding season. Brides-to-be take note! Tara completed the glam look with a tiny pearl bindi.

About the Author Akshata Shetty Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who cel... Read More

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 30, 2025, 17:40 IST

News lifestyle Tara Sutaria Rings In The Festivities In A Tarun Tahiliani Tissue Kanjivaram Saree
Why Kazakhstan Is The Next Big Escape From Crowds And Commercial Tourism

Written By :

News18.com Edited By: Snigdha Oreya



Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 17:50 IST

Kazakhstan is emerging as Asias best-kept secret. Vast steppes, alpine lakes, and nomadic culture offer travellers raw beauty, solitude, and authentic experiences.

Kazakhstan appeals to travellers seeking raw beauty and authentic experiences.

When you finally decide to take a few days off from the monotony, deciding where to go can be challenging. While some people love the thrill of stepping into a new, vibrant city, others prefer a destination that allows them to disconnect. However, many places that were once a haven away from the chaos are now victims of overtourism, and even fewer still retain their natural charm.

Nonetheless, amidst all the chaos, Asias best-kept secret, Kazakhstan, is emerging out of its cocoon as the go-to destination for a trip back to simpler times!

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With its vast, untouched landscapes, deep-rooted nomadic traditions, and absence of over-commercialisation, it is no wonder that this Central Asian country is the ideal destination for those looking for raw beauty, cultural depth, and solitude. In fact, the country does not rely on brand-name cafes or luxury resorts to impress visitors, but instead, it captivates its visitors through its natural wonders and slower pace of life.

A Destination Defined by Scale and Silence

Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world by land area, yet it remains one of the least densely populated. This means travellers often find themselves surrounded not by crowds, but by sweeping steppes, alpine lakes, and dramatic mountain ranges. Places like Lake Kaindy, known for its submerged forest, and the Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon for its striking red rock formations, remain largely unspoiled and under-visited.

Without the typical infrastructure of mass tourism, these sites feel more immersive. There are no queues or entry turnstiles. Visitors are free to explore with few restrictions, allowing for a more personal and organic experience.

A Culture That Values Hospitality Over Hype

While Kazakhstan may lack the polished tourism campaigns of more mainstream destinations, it more than compensates through its warm, community-driven culture. Hospitality is central to Kazakh identity. In rural areas, travellers are frequently welcomed into homes or traditional yurts and offered home-cooked meals, tea, and stories without expectation of payment or praise.

This openness extends into the cities as well. In Almaty and Astana, modernity and tradition exist side by side. Soviet-era architecture sits near contemporary art spaces and independent coffee shops. There are no global coffee chains dominating street corners, but there are plenty of locally owned cafes and bakeries serving traditional pastries alongside espresso.

Appealing to a New Generation of Travellers

The countrys growing popularity is not driven by commercial tourism. It is being shaped by word of mouth, social media, and a desire for experiences that feel undiscovered. Digital nomads, slow travellers, and creatives are increasingly drawn to the country for its affordability, freedom, and quiet charm.

Unlike overdeveloped tourist destinations where authenticity often takes a back seat, Kazakhstan offers the real thing. This is particularly appealing to a generation of travellers fatigued by curated experiences and overcrowded landmarks!

A Slow Travel Haven

With few resorts or packaged experiences, Kazakhstan encourages a slower, more intentional form of travel. Whether its taking the scenic train routes across the country, hiking through the Tien Shan Mountains, or simply spending time in remote villages, the emphasis is on immersion rather than itinerary.

This style of travel fosters deeper connections, not only with the place but with its people and traditions.

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An Escape from the Predictable

The thing that sets Kazakhstan apart is that it does not try to replicate the comforts of home, nor does it attempt to be something its not. It is not a destination for those looking for familiar brands or convenience, its one for those seeking difference.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 30, 2025, 17:50 IST

News lifestyle travel Why Kazakhstan Is The Next Big Escape From Crowds And Commercial Tourism
Anjali Raghav QUITS Bhojpuri Industry, Blasts Pawan Singh: Bina Permission Ke Touch Karna

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 13:29 IST

Actress Anjali Raghav broke her silence after a viral video showed Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh touching her waist during an event in Lucknow.

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Anjali Raghav Anjali Raghav QUITS Bhojpuri Industry, Blasts Pawan Singh For Inappropriately Touching Her

Actress Anjali Raghav, known for her Haryanvi music videos, has finally reacted to a viral video showing Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh inappropriately touching her waist at a public event in Lucknow, while promoting their new song, Saiya Seva Kare. She condemned his inappropriate behaviour and declared she would not work in the Bhojpuri industry anymore. On Saturday, Anjali posted videos condemning Pawans actions. She shared that she has been extremely distressed for two days and has been receiving continuous messages, with people questioning why she did not react or take action during the incident in Lucknow. Some people misunderstood her, creating memes suggesting she enjoyed the inappropriate touch because she was seen smiling.

Anjali Raghav Breaks Silence

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Kuch log mujhe hi galat samajh rahe hain. Kuch memes pe likh rahe hain ki ye to hass rahi thi, maze le rahi thi. Kya public mein koi mujhe touch karke jaayega, usmein mujhe Khushi hogi? Mujhe maze aayenge? (Some people are blaming me. Some memes say, She was smiling, enjoying herself. Do you think if someone touches me in public, I would be happy about it? That I would enjoy it?)" she questioned.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anjali Raghav (@anjaliraghavonline)

Anjali explained that while addressing the audience on stage, Pawan pointed at her waist and mentioned something was stuck there. She initially thought her new sarees tag or blouse tag might be visible, which made her laugh it off, believing the issue could be sorted out later. After the event, she asked a team member if anything was actually stuck, and they confirmed there was nothing. This revelation deeply upset her, making her angry and tearful, as she was unsure of how to react. Jab baad mein maine apne team member se pucha ki kuch laga hai, unhone kaha ki kuch bhi nahi laga tha. Tab mujhe bohot zyada bura laga, gussa aaya aur rona bhi aaya. Lekin mujhe samajh nahi aaya ki main kya karun? (Later, when I asked my team member if anything was actually there, they said, No, nothing was there. Thats when I felt really bad, got angry, and even felt like crying. But I didnt know what to do)," she said.

The next day at home, she realized the issue had escalated. She was advised that Pawan Singhs PR team is strong and might twist the narrative, which led her to refrain from posting or commenting, hoping the issue would fade, but it only grew.

Anjali Raghav SLAMS Pawan Singh For Inappropriately Touching Her

Anjali expressed her firm stance against touching any girl without her consent, emphasizing that such behavior is wrong and unacceptable. She said that if the same incident had occurred in Haryana, she would not need to respond as the public would have handled it, but she was in Lucknow. Kyunki jahaa main gayi thi Lucknow mein, Pawan Singh ji wahi ke rehne wale hain. Use jagah par event tha. Jitna wo crowd tha, wo saara unka fan base tha. Unko bhagwaan bol rahe the, aur unke pairon mein gir rahe the. Agar main kuch bolti, to kya wo log mujhe support karte? Wo log mera saath dete? (Because the place I had gone to in Lucknow was Pawan Singh jis hometown. The event was held there. The entire crowd was his fan base. They were calling him God and falling at his feet. If I had said anything, would those people have supported me? Would they have taken my side?)" she asked.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anjali Raghav (@anjaliraghavonline)

Concluding, Anjali stated she would no longer work in the Bhojpuri industry, preferring to stay happy with her family in Haryana while trying new things as an artist. Main bilkul bhi support nahi karti kisi bhi ladki ko bina uske permission ke touch karna. Pehli baat hi bohot galat hai. Aur iss tareeke se touch karna hadd se zyada galat hai. Agar yahi same cheez Haryana mein hui hoti, toh mujhe jawab dene ki zarurat nahi padti; waha ki public apne aap jawab de deti. Lekin main unke jagah, Lucknow mein thi. (I absolutely do not support touching any girl without her permission. First of all, its completely wrong. And to touch someone in that manner is beyond unacceptable. If the same thing had happened in Haryana, I wouldnt have needed to respond  the public there would have given the answer themselves. But I was in his place, in Lucknow)."

She concluded by announcing her decision to quit the Bhojpuri industry, stating that she will no longer accept any Bhojpuri projects. While she initially wanted to explore new opportunities as an actor, she now feels content staying in Haryana.

First Published: August 30, 2025, 13:26 IST

News movies regional-cinema Anjali Raghav QUITS Bhojpuri Industry, Blasts Pawan Singh: Bina Permission Ke Touch Karna
Global Watch | A Year After Hasina: Why Bangladeshs Counter-Terror Shift Should Alarm India

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 22:12 IST

To ensure regional security and curb further radicalisation, the Yunus government needs to depoliticise the security apparatus and strengthen its counter-terrorism mechanism

In the aftermath of the July 16 clashes between security forces and pro-AL activists, hundreds of AL supporters were arbitrarily detained while 10 murder cases were filed against more than 8,400 people. Representational image

A year after the ouster of long-serving Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the reality on the ground looks very different from the ideal future that protesters had envisioned. Despite grand assurances from the Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunusled interim government about overhauling the countrys political, economic, and security structures, the outcomes tell another story. Most troubling is the shift in counter-terrorism strategymarked by neglect and misplaced prioritieswhich risks normalising radical Islamist ideologies and endangering regional stability already hanging by a thread.

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In a recent article in The Diplomat, based on insights from multiple security and intelligence sources, Iftekharul Bashar reveals that the interim government has adopted a too soft approach" to counter-terrorism, rendering security agencies toothless tigers".

This has been done in a variety of ways. Firstly, the interim government has blatantly deployed the countrys security infrastructure to enact political vengeance on opponents, particularly the Awami League (AL), as was also highlighted in a recent Human Rights Watch report. In May this year, the former ruling party was effectively forbidden from all activities, including in cyberspace, under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Although the use of a terrorism law to curtail political competition is problematic in itself, the body has also unleashed a series of arbitrary arrests and cases, many of them glaringly politically motivated.

The HRW report itself outlines that the Operation Devil Hunt", which was enforced in the name of tackling alleged criminal gangs operated by the Hasina government, was largely used to target AL supporters. In the same vein, in the aftermath of the July 16 clashes between security forces and pro-AL activists, hundreds of AL supporters were arbitrarily detained while 10 murder cases were filed against more than 8,400 people. These examples only scratch the surface of how the focus of the security apparatus is being deliberately diverted to suppress opposition and fuel a climate of retributive politics, rather than identifying and combating actual security threats.

On the other hand, the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, the largest Islamist party in the country, which is known to have opposed Bangladeshi liberation and supported Pakistans mass slaughter, was given a new lifeline by the lifting of a decade-long ban on its activities. Apart from ceding space to extremist ideological groups for political expediency, the interim government has also denied or downplayed the increased violence that the countrys religious minorities have been subjected to since the ouster of Hasina.

The largest minority organisation of Bangladesh, i.e., Bangladesh Hindu Bouddho Christian Oikyo Parishad, revealed in a press statement last month that the first half of 2025 witnessed a total of 258 incidents of communal violence against minority communities in the country, including 20 cases of rape and 59 attacks on places of worship. However, instead of acknowledging and penalising the perpetrators, the interim government has labelled these attacks not as communally motivated but politically driven. Taking this a step further, it has even tried to obscure the whole situation by blaming India for allegedly spreading disinformation regarding the persecution of minorities in the country.

At the micro level, the counter-terrorism infrastructure in Bangladesh is being dismantled and rendered ineffective intentionally. In a reversal of the zero tolerance" policy of Hasina against terrorism and radicalism, the interim government has dumped veteran counter-terrorism personnel, and inter-agency coordination has become nonexistent. This is apparently due to the new dispensations mistrust of the security services. Meanwhile, countless high-profile militants and criminals have been released on bail, while innumerable others have suspiciously escaped prisons, keeping the police burdened with the added responsibility of ensuring surveillance over the freed prisoners.

These patterns of releasing convicted militants, the weakened prosecution system, the deployment of the security services for vindictive politics, the filling up of prisons with politically motivated arrests, and the deliberate weakening of the counter-terrorism infrastructureall point to very disturbing, seemingly inevitable prospects. It would not be a stretch to say that the current situation in Bangladesh is ripe for radical, militant groups to regroup, reorganise, and revitalise, reversing years of tough work taken up under Hasina. Bangladesh is a country that itself has suffered multiple terrorist attacks, particularly at the hands of the Islamists, including the horrific 2016 Dhaka bakery attack.

With the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh now free to proliferate its base and narrative and the interim government bending backwards to develop close ties with Pakistans military establishment, the reversal of the counter-terrorism policy should be a matter of great concern for India, which has historically been a victim of cross-border terrorism. This would further endanger minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus. To ensure regional security and curb further radicalisation, Yunuss government needs to depoliticise the security apparatus and strengthen its counter-terrorism mechanism.

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The writer is an author and columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: August 30, 2025, 22:06 IST

News opinion Global Watch | A Year After Hasina: Why Bangladeshs Counter-Terror Shift Should Alarm India

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Opinion | Trumps Pressure, Modis Response: Why Beijing Is Part of Indias Options

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 15:59 IST

Modi's message to the world is clear: India's foreign policy remains independent & Beijing is part of India's options because New Delhi refuses to limit its strategic alternatives

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Modi's engagement with Beijing must be understood within the broader context of India's strategic autonomy rather than as a fundamental realignment away from the West. (PTI)

As Donald Trump pushes India to fully align with Washington through punitive tariffs and diplomatic pressure, Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision to fly to Beijing for his first visit to China in seven years represents a calculated demonstration of Indias foreign policy independence.

Modis strategic engagement with President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit is not about replacing America with China; it is about showing the world, and particularly Washington, that India retains alternatives and will not be coerced into a junior partnership with any superpower.

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Trumps aggressive economic assault on India has fundamentally altered the strategic calculus in New Delhi. The American Presidents imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, ostensibly as punishment for purchasing discounted Russian oil, represents the most severe trade action against India since the 1990s.

These tariffs, which doubled existing duties and affect $87 billion worth of Indian exports annually, have effectively placed India among the most heavily penalised trading partners of the United States. The economic implications are stark: Indian exporters, who can barely manage 10-15 per cent cost increases, now face what analysts describe as a trade embargo" that could render entire sectors uncompetitive.

The Brutish Designs of American Pressure

Trumps strategy extends far beyond tariffs, encompassing a comprehensive campaign to force India into complete alignment with Washingtons global agenda. The administration has criticised Indias continued energy cooperation with Russia, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly urging European allies to join America in imposing additional tariffs on India. This coordinated pressure represents a departure from previous administrations that accommodated Indias strategic autonomy as the price for broader cooperation against China.

The personal dimension of Trumps antagonism toward India has become increasingly apparent. The president has described India as having the highest tariffs" in the world and dismissed it as possessing a dead economy". More significantly, Trumps apparent embrace of Pakistans military leadership, including hosting Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, has deeply alarmed Indian officials who perceive this as an attempt to re-hyphenate" India-Pakistan relations after decades of American acknowledgement of Indias superior strategic importance.

White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarros accusation that New Delhi is cosying up to both Russia and China" whilst expecting to be treated as a strategic partner crystallises the Trump administrations fundamental misunderstanding of Indian foreign policy. This transactional approach, which demands exclusive loyalty in exchange for partnership, collides directly with Indias doctrine of strategic autonomya principle that has guided Indian diplomacy for over two decades.

The timing of American pressure has proven particularly counterproductive for Washingtons broader China containment strategy. Just as former administrations, including Trumps first term, spent years cultivating India as a critical counterweight to Beijing, Trumps aggressive policies have pushed New Delhi to reconsider its options and demonstrate that American partnership, whilst valuable, is not indispensable.

Modis Beijing Gambit

Modis decision to accept Xi Jinpings invitation to attend the SCO summit in Tianjin represents his most significant diplomatic signal of independence since taking office. This visit, his first to China since the devastating 2020 Galwan Valley clash that left 24 soldiers dead, carries profound symbolic weight. The prime ministers willingness to engage directly with Beijing, despite ongoing border tensions, demonstrates Indias capacity to compartmentalise disputes whilst pursuing broader strategic objectives.

The diplomatic groundwork for this rapprochement began with what Indian officials describe as Xi Jinpings secret letter" to President Droupadi Murmu in March 2025, testing the waters for improved relations. The overture coincided with deteriorating India-US trade negotiations, suggesting Beijings keen awareness of the opportunity created by Trumps hostile policies. The subsequent warming of ties, marked by Chinas description of India-China relations as a dragon-elephant tango", reflects both countries recognition that their strategic interests are not served by perpetual confrontation.

Modis public statements ahead of the Beijing visit have been carefully calibrated to signal Indias openness to engagement without appearing weak. His declaration that 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" represents a diplomatic framework that explicitly rejects subordination to any external power. The emphasis on mutual respect" particularly resonates as a rebuke to American demands for unilateral compliance with Washingtons global agenda.

The practical implications of this diplomatic reset extend beyond symbolism. India and China have agreed to resume direct flights suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, with China reopening pilgrimage sites in western Tibet to Indian visitors for the first time in five years. These confidence-building measures, whilst modest, create momentum for addressing more substantive issues, including border management and trade normalisation.

The Economic Imperative

Despite political tensions, China remains Indias second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volumes rivalling those with the United States. Indias contribution to global manufacturing remains less than ten per cent of Chinas output, making access to Chinese components and raw materials essential for Indias industrial ambitions.

India faces a persistent trade deficit with China, a source of ongoing frustration for New Delhi that parallels its concerns about American trade practices. However, Trumps tariffs have fundamentally altered the strategic calculus by demonstrating that even close partnerships with Washington offer no protection from sudden economic punishment. The lesson for Indian policymakers is clear: diversification of economic relationships provides insurance against the unpredictability of great power politics.

The contrast between American and Chinese approaches to economic partnership has become particularly stark under Trumps presidency. Whilst Washington demands that India curtail Russian energy imports regardless of the impact on Indian consumers, Beijing offers pragmatic cooperation based on mutual benefit rather than ideological alignment. This difference in approach resonates strongly with Indian officials who view Trumps tariffs as economic blackmail" designed to coerce acceptance of an inequitable trade relationship.

By offering improved relations precisely when Washington is applying maximum pressure, Beijing positions itself as a reliable alternative to American unpredictability. It allows China to achieve two strategic objectives simultaneously: reducing the effectiveness of American containment efforts whilst demonstrating to other nations that alternatives to American partnership exist.

Modis engagement with Beijing must be understood within the broader context of Indias strategic autonomy rather than as a fundamental realignment away from the West. China represents an option within Indias strategic toolkit, not a replacement for American partnership. This distinction is crucial for understanding both the limits and significance of the current diplomatic initiative.

The border dispute that triggered the 2020 Galwan crisis remains unresolved, with both sides maintaining substantial military deployments along the Line of Actual Control. Indias recent diplomatic engagement does not signal acceptance of Chinese territorial claims or abandonment of its defensive preparations. Instead, it reflects a mature recognition that perpetual confrontation serves neither countrys broader interests, whilst creating opportunities for external powers to exploit their rivalry.

Indias soft balancing" approach to China in multilateral forums demonstrates the calculated nature of its engagement. In organisations like BRICS and the SCO, India has systematically employed tactics of denial, delay, trivialisation and exclusion" to frustrate Chinese diplomatic agendas whilst maintaining formal cooperation. This behaviour suggests that improved bilateral relations will continue to coexist with strategic competition across multiple domains.

The economic relationship between India and China illustrates the compartmentalisation that characterises their engagement. Despite political tensions and military standoffs, bilateral trade has continued to grow, reflecting both countries pragmatic recognition of mutual economic interests. The pattern is likely to persist even as diplomatic relations improve, with economic cooperation proceeding alongside strategic competition.

The timing of Indias diplomatic initiative coincides with broader global trends that favour multi-alignment over bloc politics. European nations, whilst maintaining their Atlantic partnerships, have increasingly sought to diversify their relationships with China for economic reasons. Trumps indiscriminate application of tariffs has accelerated this trend by demonstrating the risks of over-dependence on American markets and American approval.

For China, improved relations with India represent a significant strategic victory that extends beyond the bilateral relationship. By demonstrating that even Americas most important strategic partners can be drawn into dialogue, Beijing undermines the credibility of Washingtons containment strategy. The success with India may encourage other nations in the Indo-Pacific to pursue similar hedging strategies, further complicating American efforts to build cohesive coalitions.

The success of this strategy depends upon Indias ability to maintain credible alternatives whilst managing the contradictions inherent in simultaneous engagement with rival powers. The challenges are substantial, from managing border tensions with China to preserving technological cooperation with the United States, but Indias growing economic and military capabilities provide the foundation for such strategic complexity.

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The broader lesson of Modis Beijing gambit extends beyond Indian foreign policy to the fundamental structure of international relations in the 21st century. The assumption that rising powers must choose sides in great power competition has been challenged by Indias demonstration that skilled diplomacy can create space for independent action even under intense pressure. It is setting a precedent that may prove to be Modis most significant contribution to contemporary international relations, showing that strategic autonomy remains achievable for nations with sufficient will and capability to pursue it.

The ultimate test of Indias strategy will be its ability to extract concrete benefits from this positioning whilst avoiding the pitfalls of overextension or miscalculation. Success will require continued investment in Indias own capabilities, sophisticated diplomatic management of competing relationships, and the wisdom to recognise when strategic autonomy must give way to decisive choices. For now, Modis message to the world is clear: Indias foreign policy remains independent, and Beijing is part of Indias options precisely because New Delhi refuses to limit its strategic alternatives.

About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects.

First Published: August 30, 2025, 15:59 IST

News opinion Opinion | Trumps Pressure, Modis Response: Why Beijing Is Part of Indias Options

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Opinion | Why Nikki Bhatis Case May Get Deadlocked

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 09:33 IST

The public will soon tire of so many twists and turns and then the case may go into cold storage

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Nikki Bharti with husband Vipin Bhati (Images: Social Media)

It is chillingly simple to imagine how the tragic death of Nikki Bhati will play out. The breathtaking pace at which the case is twisting and turning, it is not outlandish to surmise that once the media attention dies down, once the defence lawyers get going, and once it becomes clear that a dowry death" charge does not apply as the marriage happened in 2016 although there are other aspects that do fulfil the technical legal parameters, the case will be, well, deadlocked.

Conflicting" claims have already surfaced about the actual" circumstances of Nikkis death. The case may therefore become so murky, uncertain and weak due to multiple theories, destruction or disappearance" of evidence and even poor framing of the charges that the media glare will turn to the next horrific crime or political potboiler and the police will also quietly bury the investigation, letting the snails pace of the judicial system do the rest, once the accused get bail.

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The police have filed cases against her husband Vipin under various sections not pertaining to dowry. But already there are leaks" averring that the initial assessment that she had an argument with Vipin and her in-laws over her Instagram account and beauty parlour that led to her being doused with paint and set alight may not be what happened. Police in India are not generally known either for consistency or for actually framing water-tight" cases anyway.

Indeed, multiple media reports have said that CCTV footage has been found" purportedly showing Vipin far away from the house at a store at the time Nikki was engulfed in flames. Some reports also say now that her seven-year-old sonwho told media crews clearly on Day One that he saw his father slap his mother, douse her with something and set her on fire with a lighterwas also allegedly not even on the premises when Nikki suffered those fatal burns. The plot thickens.

And then there is a report that the private hospital in Greater Noida where the badly burnt Nikki was taken to after the incident had recorded someone thought to be a relative saying she had been injured in a gas cylinder blast. Like the second gun" being introduced in the 1999 Jessica Lal murder case, this hospital record will be cited as an alternative explanation for her burns though Vipin had allegedly bought two bottles of paint thinner not long before the incident.

It is also being said now that Nikki may have doused herself with the thinner and set herself alight. And that someone was heard remonstrating What have you done?" thereby insinuating that she had died by suicide. Of all the ways to die, after years of suffering domestic violence, why would she choose this particularly painful method? But with the narrative slowly but surely being shifted away from murder, the police may deduce" it was suicide or a gas cylinder accident.

Only her older sister Kanchanmarried to Vipins brother Rohithas doubled down and remains categorical (so far) that Nikki was murdered. And many Indians may remember that it was another sisters dogged perseverance that finally led to the killer of Jessica Lal being convicted and jailed in 2006 despite a disgraceful initial acquittal by the lower courts and deliberately shoddy police investigation. Without Sabrina Lal, Jessica would never have got justice.

Jessicas case highlighted the phenomenon of hostile" witnesses, who lead to many murder cases being thrown out by the courts. Witnesses in Nikkis case too may get amnesia or say their statements were made under duress. Only an indomitable person can ensure the wheels of justice do not crush the innocent and let the guilty go free: like Neelam Katara who persevered until Vikas and Vishal Yadav were convicted of killing her son Nitish, despite 5 hostile witnesses.

The media is currently amplifying the peoples rage" over Nikkis murder but it may be remembered that even the huge uproar over the heinous rape, torture and death of the girl now known as Nirbhaya in 2012 did not stop such incidents from happening again, most recently the equally horrific rape, mutilation and murder of the young doctor in Kolkata dubbed Abhaya in 2024. So, will Nikkis case go beyond a few hundred hours of high decibel media coverage?

Whatever the outcome of Nikkis case, if such incidents have to be prevented in future, the media should turn a piercing light on the skewed social systems that probably led to her death. It all began with two sisters being married off to two unemployed sons of a wealthy mancomplete with mandatory gifts including SUV, motorcycle cash and jewellery. Because in that milieu the familys status" was crucial, not individual achievement. There was bound to be friction.

The narrative from Nikki and Kanchans family is that the in-laws were still extorting gifts and money, including most recently a demand for Rs 36 lakh and the use of the girls fathers Mercedes car. There are also allegations of infidelity by Vipin and even a gruesome older video of Nikki being dragged by her hair by a man and an older woman, pointing to sustained domestic violence. But Vipins relatives predictably averred such arguments always happen in marriages".

In another dramatic" twist, Nikkis brother Rohits estranged wife Minakshi has now alleged that she has been tormented by her in-laws for dowry too and was sent home for not fulfilling demands. In a further twist, Nikkis father in law had been acting as a good Samaritan interlocutor to get back the money that had been given as her dowry and spent on her marriage to Rohit. So there is now an element of the pot calling the kettle black" on the matter of dowry harassment.

A dowry death" under Section 80 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is defined as the death of a woman by burns, injury, or under unnatural circumstances within seven years of marriage. It states she has to have faced cruelty or harassment by her husband and/or in-laws linked to a dowry demand and conviction carries a sentence of 10 years to life imprisonment. As Nikki had been married for 9 years, such a charge would not apply prima facie but much depends on the police.

A suspicious death of a married woman can still be probed and prosecuted under other laws, such as the former Section 498A of the IPC, now Section 85 & 86 of the BNS (cruelty by husband or relatives), if such cruelty or harassment for dowry can be proven to have occurred just before the death, even if that happened outside the seven-year Section 80 proviso. So Nikkis familys statements about ongoing and recent fresh demands for money and a luxury car fall into place.

There are also reports that previous arguments and violent episodes in the past three years had led to Nikki returning to her paternal village several times. Panchayats were called to discuss the matter and each time the in-laws promised it would not happen again and Nikki returned to her marital home. Why did no one complain to the police? Were the police unaware of these repeat offences and if so, why did they not intercede earlier and perhaps avoid this tragedy?

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Nikkis father reportedly asked UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to stage an encounter" to deal with his murderous son in law; and the UP Police appears to have made its intentions clear by shooting Vipin in the leg when he supposedly tried to escape" after his arrestwhich most Indians will read as the prelude to a fatal encounter". But that would hardly be justice for Nikki. Yet as the case twists and turns with greater frequency, the chances of a deadlock increase.

The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: August 30, 2025, 09:33 IST

News opinion Opinion | Why Nikki Bhatis Case May Get Deadlocked

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 11:43 IST

Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are the breakout stars of 2025. After delivering a massive hit with Saiyaara, they have reunited for their first-ever magazine cover.

1 / 8 Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are the biggest breakout stars of 2025, after the success of their film Saiyaara. The duo have reunited for their first magazine cover; Ahaan and Aneet are the cover stars of the September issue of The Hollywood Reporter India. (Image: Instagram) + Follow us On Google

2 / 8 The cover issue also marks their first ever interview, as Yash Raj had adopted the 'no promotions' strategy ahead of their film's release. (Image: Instagram)

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3 / 8 Styled in an array of stylish designer outfits, the young actors revealed what it means to be rising stars in the interview. (Image: Instagram)

4 / 8 Aren't they exuding star vibes in this photo? However, Ahaan noted: "I don't think this is stardom. Stardom I believe needs to be earned for many years." (Image: Instagram)

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5 / 8 After Saiyaara, this magazine shoot will give their fans many reasons to celebrate. (Image: Instagram)

6 / 8 Speaking about his dream role, Ahaan said: "I think my dream role exists in the 90s, I dont think it exists now." (Image: Instagram)

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7 / 8 Aneet, on the other hand, opened about dealing with paid campaigns against Saiyaara: "My mom, my dad, my friends  if they had anything to say, that would probably affect me. Anybody else, I really dont care." (Image: Instagram)
Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 15:23 IST

1 / 9 Kajal Aggarwal knows how to set the internet ablaze, and her latest vacation pictures from Maldives are proof. (Image: Instagram) + Follow us On Google

2 / 9 The actress took to social media to share a series of stunning photos in which she is seen soaking up the sun in a bright yellow swimsuit, among other beach outfits. (Image: Instagram)

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3 / 9 With minimal makeup, chic sunglasses, and her hair left loose, Kajal exuded effortless charm while enjoying a relaxed holiday with husband Gautam Kitchlu and son Neil. (Image: Instagram)

4 / 9 The Singham actors beach carousel will make you want to pack your bags and go on a holiday right now. (Image: Instagram)

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5 / 9 Sharing her many photos and many hot looks, including bikini and swimsuit pictures, and a cosy photo with husband Gautam, Kajal wrote, "The Maldives: my recurring love affair. A monthly rendezvous Ill gladly be guilty of. Drawn back each time by its endless allure, eternal glow, and sunsets that feel like natures most glamorous runway. Take my breath away every single time."

6. She summed up her post with the words: "Paradise, perfected". (Image: Instagram)

6 / 9 She summed up her post with the words: "Paradise, perfected". (Image: Instagram)

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7 / 9 On the work front, Kajal Aggarwal was last seen in Sikandar and Kannappa. (Image: Instagram)

8 / 9 According to reports, Kajal Aggarwal has been roped in to play Mandodari, the wife of Ravana, in the big-budget mythological epic Ramayana. (Image: Instagram)

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Tejashwi Yadav Declares Himself CM Face In Bihar In Presence Of Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 22:22 IST

Rahul Gandhi had remained silent on the CM face of the Mahagathbandhan for the upcoming Bihar elections, while Akhilesh Yadav had lent support to Yadav.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. (PTI)

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday declared himself as the chief ministerial face of the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) during the last leg of Rahul Gandhis Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar.

Rahul Gandhi had so far remained silent on the CM face for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. However, Akhilesh Yadav had lent support to Yadav, saying he will form the next government and take Bihar on the path to progress.

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Addressing a rally in Ara, Tejashwi Yadav slammed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and called him a copycat CM" who was just copying his policies and making announcements. Do you want an original Chief Minister or a duplicate?" he asked the crowd.

Tejashwi then went on to proclaim himself as the original chief ministerial" candidate of the alliance even as Rahul Gandhi looked on. Tejashwi is moving ahead. The government is following behind," he said at the rally, drawing loud cheers.

Rahul Gandhis Silence

Tejashwi Yadavs deafening announcement came after Rahul Gandhi and Congresss silence over the CM candidate from the opposition camp in Bihar had generated curiosity. A few days ago, Rahul Gandhi declined to give a clear answer when he was asked about endorsing Tejashwi for the top post in Bihar.

Rahul Gandhi embarked on a 16-day campaign against the alleged theft of votes through the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, months ahead of the assembly election in the state. The rally saw the participation of high-profile leaders, including MK Stalin and Akhilesh Yadav.

Reports have suggested that Rahul Gandhis silence may be linked to seat-sharing arrangements in Bihar. The Congress insists there will be no disputes," but its past record in negotiations suggests otherwise. Congress and RJD are facing a considerable challenge in negotiating a cohesive seat-sharing arrangement.

Akhilesh Yadav Backs Tejashwi

Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party chief has backed Tejashwi for the chief ministerial position in Bihar. We will cooperate fully with Tejashwi Yadav in the upcoming assembly polls. May he form the next government and take Bihar on the path to progress," he said.

Tejashwi has been promising jobs to Bihars youth, which would put an end to forced migration. Let him win the assembly polls and it would be the turn of the BJP to migrate from the state," he added, accusing the Narendra Modi government at the Centre of trying to intimidate" the opposition.

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Praising Tejashwis previous tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, Akhilesh highlighted his record on employment. There was a time when he provided a record number of jobs. Now, the youth of Bihar at least have this confidence that once the government is formed, Tejaswi ji will again provide them employment."

(with agency inputs)

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 : Bihar, India, India

First Published: August 30, 2025, 22:08 IST

News politics Tejashwi Yadav Declares Himself CM Face In Bihar In Presence Of Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav

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Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Company reported a slight year-on-year increase in global sales to 262,745 vehicles in July 2025, including Nissan and Infiniti-branded models, with a sharp decline in domestic sales offset by stronger overseas volumes. Sales in Japan plunged by 19% to 34,628 units last month, while overseas deliveries rose by over 4% to 228,117 units.

In the first seven months of 2025, Nissans global sales fell by 4.9% to 1,876,542 units from 1,973,091 in the same period last year, with sales in Japan falling by almost 12% to 255,048 units, while overseas sales declined by almost 4% to 1,621,494 units.

China is the worst-performing major overseas market for Nissan so far this year, with sales falling by almost 13% to 336,830 units, while sales in Europe fell by 4.6% to 210,681 units. Deliveries in North America rose by 2% to 786,322 units, including a slight decline in US sales to 562,727 units, which was offset by a 6.4% increase in sales in Mexico to 152,525 units and an 11% rise in sales in Canada to 70,156 units. Sales in other markets combined fell by almost 6% to 287,661 units.

In terms of production, global volumes dropped by 10% to 1,666,603 units in the seven-month period, with output in Japan falling by over 10% to 343,190 units, while overseas volumes also declined by 10% to 1,323,413 units  driven lower by a 17% drop in Chinese output to 316,265 units and a similar decline in US output to 273,319 units, while production in Mexico was up by almost 2% to 388,982 units. UK production plunged by 28% to 132,082 units.

Exports from Japan declined by 14% to 188,182 units year-to-date, with shipments to North America falling by 29% to 80,151 units and exports to Europe plunging by over 35% to 21,041 units, while exports to other markets increased by 17% to 86,990 units.

"Nissans global sales slightly higher in July" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




Jab We Met But Make It In Indore: Student Runs Away To Marry Boyfriend, Weds Another

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 16:24 IST

Shraddha Tiwari, a 22-year-old from Indore, vanished to marry her boyfriend but wed Karandeep after meeting him at Ratlam, echoing Jab We Met.

Shraddha Tiwari, ran away from home to marry her lover, only to return a week later as another mans bride. (X)

A bizarre twist straight out of Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor starrer Jab We Met, released 18 years ago in 2007, unfolded in Madhya Pradeshs Indore after a 22-year-old BBA student, who went missing from her house on August 23, resurfaced seven days later, claiming she married a man she met on a train to Ratlam.

As per the media reports, the girl, identified as Shraddha Tiwari, ran away from home on August 23 to marry her lover, but returned home a week later as another mans bride, just like the movie plot in which Kareenas character Geet, who plans to elope with her lover, meets Shahids character Aditya on a train and later ends up with him.

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The 22-year-old girl revealed to the police that she had originally planned to elope with her boyfriend Sarthak. However, Sarthak didnt turn up at the railway station and told her on the phone that he did not want to marry her.

The heartbroken girl boarded a train and after a few hours, she got off at Ratlam  a place made famous by Jab We Met.

It was at the Ratlam Railway Station, where she said she got in touch with another man, named Karandeep, an electrician at a college in Indore.

Upon seeing Shraddha sitting alone, Karandeep approached her and advised her to return home and inform her parents.

But Shraddha was determined. I left home to get married. If I go back unmarried, I cannot live," she told him. Despite his repeated attempts to convince her, Shraddha stood firm. Finally, Karandeep proposed to her, and Shraddha accepted.

Shraddha told police the couple travelled to Maheshwar-Mandleshwar and tied the knot. From there, they went to Mandsaur.

The couple later visited the famous Sanwariya Seth temple before Shraddha walked into the Indore police station, announcing she was married.

Meanwhile, the police remain unconvinced by Shraddhas account and have asked her to provide a marriage certificate.

Shraddhas father, Anil Tiwari, expressed disbelief over his daughters version of events. Shraddha had called me, but I do not accept this marriage. Even after I sent her money to return, she chose to stay with Karandeep," he said.

Police officials noted that Shraddha is legally an adult and free to marry anyone of her choice, but suspicion remains that she knew Karan beforehand.

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While the story sounds dramatic, she is not a minor and can legally marry anyone she chooses," MIG police station in charge CB Singh said.

Indores Additional DCP Rajesh Dandotia said that both Shraddha and Karandeep are being questioned.

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 : Indore, India, India

First Published: August 30, 2025, 16:24 IST

News viral Jab We Met But Make It In Indore: Student Runs Away To Marry Boyfriend, Weds Another

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139 Days, 9,000 Miles: Scottish Brothers Set World Record For Fastest Pacific Crossing

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 20:12 IST

Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan Maclean from Edinburgh set a world record rowing nonstop from Peru to Cairns in 139 days, raising funds for the Maclean Foundation's clean water projects.

Scottish brothers, Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan, Maclean react after completing their record-breaking row from Peru across the Pacific Ocean to Cairns, Australia, on Saturday (AP)

In a significant accomplishment, three Scottish brothers have set a new world record of rowing non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean after almost 140 days at sea.

The three brothers Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan Maclean from Edinburgh completed the 9,000-mile voyage from Peru to Australias Cairns in 139 days, five hours, and 52 minutes.

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The three rowed into the Cairns Marlin Marina playing the bagpipes and waving the Scottish, Australian and United Kingdom flags. They were greeted by over 50 friends and family members, including their mother Sheila, and fans upon their arrival on Saturday, nearly five months after setting off from Perus Lima on April 12, Associated Press reported.

With this accomplishment, they have become the first team to achieve the full crossing from South America to Australia.

The trio from Edinburgh endured storms, seasickness, injuries, and violent storms, including one that swept Lachlan overboard, while raising over GBP 700,000 (USD 945,690) toward a GBP 1 million (USD 1,350,450) target for clean water projects.

In the hours before their arrival, the eldest brother, Ewan, uploaded a video calling the marina ahead of their approach.

Do you have pizza and beer? I repeat, do you have pizza and beer? Over."

The 33-year-old said the journey was the hardest thing he had ever done, one he would have never contemplated without his siblings. Weve shed tears of joy and laughed till our cheeks hurt," he said.

Middle brother Jamie, 31, said things began to look dire towards the end. Things got tough towards the end, and we seriously thought we might run out of food. Despite how exhausted we were, we had to step up a gear and make it before supplies ran out, but now we get to eat proper food," he said.

The brothers spent up to 14 hours a day rowing as they crossed the worlds largest ocean on their custom-built carbon fibre boat, Sky News reported.

The boat, which they helped design and build, is named Rose Emily in honour of their sister, who was lost during pregnancy.

Ewan and Jamie suffered crippling seasickness for the first two weeks of the journey.

The Macleans said the experience gave them a new perspective on life. They plan to continue fundraising as they aim to fund projects that provide clean water to 40,000 people living in Madagascar through the brothers charity, the Maclean Foundation.

The Macleans have already conquered the Atlantic, setting three world records in the process.

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The previous record for the fastest full, unassisted, nonstop Pacific row was 160 days, set by Russian solo rower Fyodor Konyukhov in 2014.

(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 : Australia

First Published: August 30, 2025, 20:12 IST

News world 139 Days, 9,000 Miles: Scottish Brothers Set World Record For Fastest Pacific Crossing

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Afghan Beauty Parlours Face Closure As Taliban Extends Crackdown, Warns Arrests

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 20:00 IST

The Taliban has instructed community leaders and elders throughout the country to identify secret beauty salons and report their operators.

Since 2021, Taliban have implemented various restrictions on women (AFP image used for representation)

The Taliban has initiated a crackdown on underground beauty salons across Afghanistan, warning female owners to shut down their businesses or face arrest, according to a report by The Guardian.

While the beauty parlours in Afghanistan were ordered to be closed in 2023, some salons continued to operate secretly underground. The closure of beauty parlours was part of a broader campaign to enforce their interpretation of Islamic law.

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The Taliban, since regaining control of Afghanistan in 2021, has implemented various restrictions on women, including limiting their access to education, work, and public spaces. Beauty parlours, which were popular for offering services such as haircuts, make-up, and other grooming treatments, were seen by the Taliban as contrary to their vision of Islamic principles.

According to the report by The Guardian, the Taliban have once again decided to impose restrictions on the underground businesses.

The Taliban has instructed community leaders and elders throughout the country to identify secret beauty salons and report their operators to the vice and virtue" police.

Speaking to The Guardian, 38-year-old Frestha said, When the Taliban closed our salons, I was the only breadwinner in my family; my husband was sick, and I had three children whose expenses I had to cover."

When the Taliban closed our salons, I was the only breadwinner in my family; my husband was sick, and I had three children whose expenses I had to cover," she was quoted as saying.

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But also, I kept working because I feel so good when I can bring beauty back to a woman. When a woman looked at herself in the mirror and smiled, her happiness became my happiness.

Now, I dont think I can keep going because the risk is too high [but I dont know any other work. Our situation is very bad, but in this world there is no one to hear our voice or support us," she added.

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 : Afghanistan

First Published: August 30, 2025, 20:00 IST

News world Afghan Beauty Parlours Face Closure As Taliban Extends Crackdown, Warns Arrests

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Dubai To Bronx: Princess Sheikha Mahra Engaged To Rap Star French Montana. Who Is He?

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 14:57 IST

The royal made her return to Instagram with a striking photo flaunting a diamond ring while holding the musicians hand

Dubai princess Sheikha Mahra engaged to rapper French Montana. (Image: Sheikha Mahra/Facebook)

Dubais Sheikha Mahra, daughter of UAE Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has announced her engagement to Moroccan-American rapper French Montana.

The royal made her return to Instagram with a striking photo flaunting a diamond ring while holding the musicians hand.

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The engagement is believed to have taken place in June during Paris Fashion Week, where French Montana also made a runway appearance.

French Montana: From Morocco To Global Stardom

Born Karim Kharbouch in Casablanca, French Montana moved to the United States with his family at the age of 13.

Growing up in the Bronx, he built a career in rap and hip-hop, eventually breaking into the mainstream with hits like Pop That and Unforgettable.

Today, he is counted among the most prominent North African-born artists in the global music industry.

French Montana, 39, was married once before to entrepreneur and designer Nadeen Kharbouch. The couple divorced in 2014 but share a son, Kruz, now 16.

Beyond his music, Montana is also known for his philanthropic workespecially in Africa, where he has helped fund hospitals and healthcare initiatives.

Sheikha Mahra: A Dubai Royal

Born in 1994, Sheikha Mahra studied International Relations in the UK and later completed training at the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government.

She has built a reputation as one of Dubais most progressive royals, often associated with charitable initiatives and youth empowerment.

In addition, she launched her own fragrance label, Mahra M1.

Mahra is the only daughter of Sheikh Mohammed and Greek socialite Zoe Grigorakos, though she is one of 26 children of the Dubai ruler.

Her personal wealth is estimated at several hundred million dollars, stemming from both inheritance and her own ventures.

The engagement follows Mahras very public separation from Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, with whom she shares a daughter.

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She announced their divorce in a social media post last year.

As the princess steps into this new chapter with French Montana, the union brings together two very different worldsDubai royalty and American rap royalty.

Location : Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

First Published: August 30, 2025, 14:57 IST

News world Dubai To Bronx: Princess Sheikha Mahra Engaged To Rap Star French Montana. Who Is He?

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Former Ukrainian Speaker Andrii Parubii Shot Dead In Lviv

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 15:32 IST

Andrii Parubii, former speaker of Ukraines parliament and EuroMaidan leader, was shot dead in Lviv.

Andrii Parubii, the former speaker of Ukraines parliament, has been shot dead.

Andrii Parubii, the former speaker of Ukraines parliament and a central figure in the 2014 EuroMaidan Revolution, has been shot dead in the western city of Lviv. The National Police of Ukraine said earlier in the day that a political figure was killed in a shooting in Lviv. Hours later, lawmaker Iryna Herashchenko of the European Solidarity party said that the victim was Andrii Parubii.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the death in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), citing briefings from Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko.

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Andrii Parubii has died. My condolences to his family and loved ones," Zelenskyy wrote, adding, All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation and search for the killer."

Andrii Parubii, 53, rose to national prominence during the EuroMaidan protests of 201314, when he acted as commandant of the protest camp in Kyivs Independence Square. After the ouster of then-President Viktor Yanukovych, he went on to serve as secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council.

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In 2016, he was elected speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament, a role he held until 2019. He remained active in politics as a member of the European Solidarity party led by former president Petro Poroshenko.

Officials have not released details about the circumstances of the shooting, including whether any suspects have been detained. Police and security services have cordoned off parts of Lviv as the investigation continues.

Location : Ukraine

First Published: August 30, 2025, 15:32 IST

News world Former Ukrainian Speaker Andrii Parubii Shot Dead In Lviv

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Ice Age Skeleton Reveals Death Linked To Rare Quartz-Tipped Weapon

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 23:36 IST

Scientists uncovered a 12000 year old skeleton named TBH1 in Thung Binh 1 cave Vietnam with the oldest regional mitochondrial DNA and evidence of a fatal quartz projectile injury.

The skull and skeleton of the man from the Thung Binh 1 cave are arranged in their anatomical positions. (CNN)

A well-preserved human skeleton that scientists recently excavated in Vietnam dates back about 12,000 years to the Ice Age and contains the oldest human mitochondrial DNA found in the region.

The skeleton belonged to a man around 35 years old who died after being pierced in the neck by a projectile with a tip made of quartz, condemning him to a long, lingering death.

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Although the injury did not kill him immediately, the analysis of his damaged cervical rib bone revealed signs of tissue growth and an infection that likely caused his death, scientists reported in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

The study, led by scientist Dr Christopher Stimpson, has revealed the oldest evidence of human conflict on the southeast Asian mainland.

After the injury, this man lived for weeks, or even months, with a wound that just wouldnt heal," Christopher said, adding, It seems likely that this became infected and eventually killed him."

The quartz tip found near the injury shows evidence of human craftsmanship, but its unique style raises questions about who made it.

The remains were found in a cave site named Thung Binh 1 in what is now Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

His wound and his survival for some time afterward offer a rare glimpse into the lives of people in this region during the waning days of the Pleistocene era, about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago, CNN reported.

It also suggests early forms of interpersonal violence in the region, along with hints that the man was cared for after his injury, indicating a community presence, scientists reported.

Human skeletal material from the Late Pleistocene of Southeast Asia is relatively scarce," said Hugo Reyes-Centeno, an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Kentucky and a fellow at the Swedish Collegium for Advanced Studies.

Researchers found the skeleton, which they dubbed TBH1," in December 2017. The skull was shattered and flattened, but most of the pieces appeared to be present, including all of the mans teeth. The pelvis and vertebrae were also fragmented.

To recover a skeleton of this age  from around 12,000 years ago  and in this condition is a rarity from this part of the world. The excellent state of preservation permitted detailed analysis of the skeleton and skull, facilitating the testing of different models of biological affinity," Dr Stimpson said.

Skeletal analysis revealed a minor ankle injury, but the mans overall health was good before the trauma that caused his death. Review of the mitochondrial DNA confirmed that the individual was male and suggested a maternal lineage associated with local hunter-gatherers, descended from humans who were among the earliest to migrate into the region.

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Based on the quartz fragments shape, scientists interpreted it as the point of a projectile that pierced the mans neck on the right side and broke his cervical rib, ultimately leading to a fatal infection. The position, size and type of injury hinted at a small but fast-moving object; a larger object would have caused more serious damage, and death probably would have been instantaneous, the study authors reported.

(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 : Vietnam

First Published: August 30, 2025, 23:36 IST

News world Ice Age Skeleton Reveals Death Linked To Rare Quartz-Tipped Weapon

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Israel To Slow Or Halt Humanitarian Aid In Parts Of Northern Gaza Amid Global Outrage

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 17:33 IST

The Israeli military declared Gaza City "a dangerous combat zone", ahead of a looming offensive to capture and occupy the largest city in the enclave amid global outrage.

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Israel plans to occupy Gaza City to cripple Hamas. (AFP photo)

Israel is expected to slow or halt the entry of humanitarian aid into parts of northern Gaza as it expands its military offensive to cripple Hamas, an official told The Associated Press.

The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Israel will stop airdrops over Gaza City in the coming days and reduce the arrival of aid trucks into the northern part of the strip as it prepares to evacuate hundreds of thousands of residents to south Gaza.

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This came a day after the Israeli military declared Gaza City a dangerous combat zone", and daily pauses in military activity that had allowed limited food deliveries would no longer apply there, ahead of a looming offensive to conquer the largest city in the Strip after nearly two years of devastating war.

We have begun preliminary operations and the initial stages of the attack on Gaza City, and we are currently operating with great force on the outskirts of the city," said Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee.

Israel is under mounting pressure at home and abroad to end its offensive in Gaza, where over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed and the vast majority of the population has been displaced at least once.

Evacuation Efforts Spark Fears

Last week, the United Nations declared a famine in the Gaza governorate last week, blaming systematic obstruction" by Israel of humanitarian aid deliveries. However, Israel has denied the report and said that Gaza Citys evacuation was inevitable".

In a statement on Thursday, COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry body that oversees civil affairs in the Palestinian territories, said it was undertaking preparations for moving the population southward for their protection".

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UNs Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, warned that there were nearly one million people between the city and the northern governorate who basically have nowhere to go, have no resources even to move".

Additionally, the head of the Red Cross warned on Saturday that it would be impossible to keep people safe during a mass evacuation of Gaza City as Israel expands its offensive.

It is impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City could ever be done in a way that is safe and dignified under the current conditions," said Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric, adding that such a measure would provoke a massive population displacement that no other area in the Gaza Strip is equipped to absorb amid severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical supplies.

Israel reaffirmed that the military would intensify its strikes until all hostages held in Gaza were returned and Hamas was dismantled militarily and politically". It also recovered the remains of two hostages during an operation in Gaza.

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Of the 251 hostages seized during the October 2023 attack, 47 are still being held in Gaza, around 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

(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 : Jerusalem, Israel

First Published: August 30, 2025, 17:33 IST

News world Israel To Slow Or Halt Humanitarian Aid In Parts Of Northern Gaza Amid Global Outrage

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Macron Warns Trump Is Being Played By Putin; White House Defends Presidents Peace Role

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 04:23 IST

On Friday, Russian officials stated that President Putin is still open to discussions. However, no formal preparations for a meeting with Zelenskyy are currently underway.

Macron made these comments during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Toulon (AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron has once again warned European leaders on Friday against placing their trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid growing uncertainty over peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking with visible disappointment over the current state of the conflict, Macron also emphasised the need for firm security guarantees, calling them the only viable path toward a just and lasting peace in the region, stated AFP.

Macron, who recently participated in a diplomatic visit to the White House alongside a European delegation on August 18, revealed that there had been strong belief among Western leaders that Putin would agree to a bilateral or even trilateral meeting to discuss ending the ongoing war. The proposed talks were expected to involve Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and potentially US President Donald Trump.

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According to Macron, Putin had personally assured Trump that such a meeting would be held within two weeks. However, as the timeline nears its expiration, no official confirmation has been provided by the Kremlin. If that doesnt happen by Monday, the deadline set by President Trump, it means that once again President Putin played President Trump," Macron said.

Macron made these comments during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Toulon, a southern French city hosting ministerial talks this week. The French President also indicated that both he and Merz may consult with Trump over the weekend to assess the situation and discuss potential next steps.

White House Reacts On Macrons Comments

Macrons remarks sparked a flurry of reactions, including from the White House. During a press briefing, Trumps deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, was asked whether Macrons claims were accurate. In response, Miller sidestepped the specifics of the question but expressed strong support for President Trumps foreign policy record.

Such an absurd question. President Trump has achieved seven peace deals in seven months. No president in history has done more to advance the cause of peace. Hes been nominated by multiple world leaders for the Nobel Peace Prize," Miller said.

What Happens If There Is No Russia-Ukraine Meeting By Monday

Zelenskyy, recalling his White House meeting with Trump and other European leaders, also referenced the looming deadline. He acknowledged that Putin had allegedly committed to holding talks within two weeks. Two weeks will be on Monday. And we will remind everybody," the Ukrainian president stated, reinforcing expectations for progress.

While there is public pressure mounting as the deadline approaches, the Russian side has remained ambiguous. On Friday, Russian officials stated that President Putin is still open to discussions. However, they also noted that no formal or high-level preparations for a meeting with Zelenskyy are currently underway.

Despite Trumps confirmation on Truth Social soon after the White House meeting that preparations for the peace talks were in motion, the lack of concrete steps has raised questions about Putins true intentions. Meanwhile, President Trump has previously issued vague warnings about unspecified consequences if the meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy does not occur.

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Adding to the uncertainty, Putin is scheduled to travel to China this weekend to attend a military parade hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is also expected to be in attendance, marking a significant gathering of the leaders in Beijing.

Meanwhile, the US, Ukraine, and European leaders could meet in New York next week and discuss Russias lack of constructive engagement in the process.

Location : France

First Published: August 30, 2025, 04:23 IST

News world Macron Warns Trump Is Being Played By Putin; White House Defends Presidents Peace Role

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Portuguese President, A NATO Ally Of Trump, Calls Him Russian Asset: Favoured Moscow

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 13:22 IST

A NATO member's president has made strong remarks against Donald Trump, labelling him as the "Russian asset" for favouring Putin in war against Ukraine.

NATO member dubs Trump a Russian asset (AFP File Image)

In strong remarks, President of Portugal  a NATO member state  Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa dubbed his US counterpart Donald Trump as a Russian asset".

He said that Trump was functioning as a Soviet asset" by strategically" favouring the Russian Federation in the war against Ukraine, CNN reported.

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His remarks came while addressing the PSD Summer University on Wednesday.

With one peculiar and complex thing: the supreme leader of the worlds greatest superpower is, objectively, a Soviet or Russian asset. He functions as an asset," Sousa said.

Notably, the United States and Portugal are among the founding members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), a military alliance formed to ensure the collective defence and security of its member countries.

Sousa stressed that this is not an alliance based on friendship, economic, ideological, or doctrinal complicity".

I am saying that, objectively speaking, the new American leadership has strategically favored the Russian Federation," he said, as he slammed Trumps swiveling stance in the Russia-Ukraine war since the start of his second term in January this year.

In other words, they went from being allies on one side to being the arbiters of the challenge," the Portuguese President said, noting that Trump is such an arbiter who only wants to negotiate with one of the sides, leaving out Ukraine and Europe, which he said had to force themselves" in the recent talks at White House, CNN reported.

He was referring to the August 18 meeting of top European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, with Donald Trump at the White House over ending Russias war in Ukraine and sealing security guarantees for the war-torn country and other countries on the continent.

Trump had hosted Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 and laid out a red carpet for his welcome, drawing criticism from Democrats in America.

His stance on the Russia-Ukraine war has flipped from time to time. In February, he accused Zelenskyy of not wanting to end the war in a historic showdown in the White House.

Months later, he accused the same of Putin.

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Ahead of the Alaska Summit, he said that he would like to see an immediate ceasefire; however, after the meeting, his tune changed, and he started batting for lasting peace, even though some visiting European leaders at the White House meeting batted for an immediate ceasefire and subsequent security guarantees for Europe.

Trump said that he spoke with Putin after the White House Summit and set up a meeting between the Russian President and Zelenskyy. However, no such meeting is in sight, as the two countries continue to attack each other with projectiles.

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 : Portugal

First Published: August 30, 2025, 13:14 IST

News world Portuguese President, A NATO Ally Of Trump, Calls Him Russian Asset: Favoured Moscow

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India Ready To Deliver Appropriate Signal: Zelenskyy Calls PM Modi Before Putin Meeting In China

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 20:39 IST

This was the second telephonic conversation between PM Modi and Zelenskyy this month. India has maintained its support towards a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict.

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PM Modi with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (Image: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the war in Ukraine and prospects for peace. After the call, Zelenskyy posted on social media that India was prepared to deliver the appropriate signal to Russia and other leaders" during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China.

The call came a day before Modi was likely to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a closely watched trilateral engagement. Analysts say the three leaders have been converging over shared interests at a time when global markets are unsettled by US President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs.

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PM Modi landed in Tianjin, China, on Saturday ahead of the SCO Summit. Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction," said PM Modi on X.

Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction. @ZelenskyyUa Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2025

According to an official statement, Zelenskyy shared with the Prime Minister his perspective on the recent developments related to Ukraine. PM Modi thanked the Ukrainian leader and reaffirmed Indias steadfast and consistent position for a peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace.

Zelenskyy said on Saturday that he informed PM Modi about his productive and important talks with Trump in the presence of European leaders, and reaffirmed Ukraines readiness for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

I thank the Prime Minister for his words of condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. We coordinated our positions ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. The end of this war must begin with an immediate ceasefire, with the necessary silence. This position is understood and supported by everyone," Zelenskyy said on X.

India Ready To Deliver Appropriate Signal

Zelenskyy asserted that India was ready to make the necessary efforts and to deliver the appropriate signal to Russia and other leaders" ahead of the crucial SCO Summit.

I spoke with Prime Minister of India @NarendraModi.I informed about the talks with President Trump in Washington with the participation of European leaders. It was a productive and important conversation, a shared vision among partners on how to achieve real peace. Ukraine pic.twitter.com/fINVbncnlR  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) August 30, 2025

His remarks underscore the significance of PM Modis visit to China, where he is expected to hold talks with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in what many describe as a show of strength against the tariff war waged by the United States under Donald Trump.

Various countries are battling US President Donald Trumps trade war and brazen tariff threats, including New Delhi, which has been imposed with 50% levies. Russia is suffering from sanctions, while China faces the threat of 200% tariffs over the exports of rare-earth magnets. The United States has insisted that the tariffs on India are necessary to push Russia towards negotiations for a peace deal.

India-Ukraine Partnership

The leaders also reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. They also discussed preparations for exchange of visits, and the holding of a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission.

This was the second telephonic conversation between PM Modi and Zelenskyy this month. On August 11, PM Modi and Zelenskyy had a similar conversation, where the former reaffirmed New Delhis steadfast and consistent position for the peaceful settlement of the ongoing conflict. PM Modi also reiterated the same message to Putin during a phone call.

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Earlier, Ukraines Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk hinted that Zelenskyy is expected to visit India, and a precise date" was under discussion. PM Modi had invited Zelenskyy to India during his visit to Kyiv last year in August.

The leaders met for the first time since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war during the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on May 20, 2023. During this meeting, PM Modi emphasised that the war was an issue of humanity," and reaffirmed Indias commitment to peace and humanitarian support.

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 30, 2025, 20:13 IST

News world India Ready To Deliver Appropriate Signal: Zelenskyy Calls PM Modi Before Putin Meeting In China

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By Gwladys Fouche

OSLO (Reuters) -Norway's prime minister said on Friday he had contacted U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham to try to defuse a controversy over a decision by the Norwegian sovereign fund to sell all its shares in construction equipment group Caterpillar on ethics grounds.

Norway's $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, said on Monday it had divested from Caterpillar over ethical concerns due to the company's supply to Israel of bulldozers used in the occupation of Gaza and the West Bank.

Caterpillar did not comment on the wealth fund's move.

Graham, an ally of President Donald Trump, said on Thursday that Norway should reconsider its decision or risk facing new U.S. trade tariffs on its exports or have visa travel restrictions imposed on the fund's managers.

"Your decision to punish Caterpillar, an American company, because Israel uses their product is beyond offensive," Graham wrote on X. "I would urge you to reconsider your shortsighted decision," he later added.

About 52% of the fund's assets, more than $1 trillion, were held in the U.S. as of June 30, spread across equities, Treasuries and real estate.

ARM'S LENGTH

Management of the assets is designed to be at arms-length from the government, and the decisions on which companies to divest from are made by the board of the central bank, which operates the fund.

The Caterpillar divestment was decided at the recommendation of the fund's Council on Ethics, a public body set up by the Ministry of Finance to check that firms in the portfolio of the fund meet ethical guidelines set by Norway's parliament.

"Yesterday afternoon (Thursday), the prime minister informed Senator Lindsey Graham about the organisation of the pension fund via a text message," State Secretary Kristoffer Thoner of Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere's office said in a statement to Reuters.

"The decision to exclude companies is an independent decision made by the board of Norges Bank, in accordance with the established framework," he added.

"This is not a political decision."

Graham confirmed he had received the message, Thoner said.

Graham's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Norwegian fund, built from vast oil and gas revenues, is invested in some 8,400 companies, owning 1.5% of all listed stocks globally.

Some commentators in the Nordic country have asked whether, given the uncertainties about economic policies under Trump, there could be a risk to the fund's U.S. assets, such as asset seizure or a forced debt swap.
PM Modi's Gifts To Japanese PM, His Spouse Reflect India's Artistry Excellence, Kashmiri Touch

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 14:10 IST

PM Modi concluded his two-day visit to Japan on Saturday and embarked on two-day visit to China for the SCO Summit.

PM Modi in Japan: PM concludes his two-day trip to nation (CNN-News18)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Ramen Bowls with Chopsticks to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Pashmina shawl in papier mache box to Ishibas spouse Yoshiko Ishiba, during his two-day visit to the country that concluded on Saturday.

PM Modi arrived in Japan on Friday and attended the India-Japan Annual Summit. He also held a bilateral with his Japanese counterpart.

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He presented the Japanese Prime Minister and his spouse with unique gifts.

PM Modi gifted Ishiba with Ramen Bowls with Chopsticks. The Vintage Precious Stone Bowls set with Silver Chopsticks is a blend of Indian artistry and Japanese culinary tradition. Featuring a large brown moonstone bowl with four smaller ones and silver chopsticks, it draws inspiration from Japans donburi and soba rituals.

The moonstone, sourced from Andhra Pradesh, glows with adularescence and symbolizes love, balance, and protection, while the base of the main bowl is Makrana marble inlaid with semi-precious stones in the traditional parchin kari style of Rajasthan, officials said.

He gifted a Pashmina shawl in papier mache to PM Ishibas spouse. The shawl, made from the fine wool of the Changthangi goat in Ladakh, is valued worldwide for being light, soft, and warm. Handwoven by Kashmiri artisans, it carries a centuries-old tradition once cherished by royalty. The shawl has an ivory base with delicate floral and paisley patterns in rust, pink, and red, showing classic Kashmiri design and craftsmanship.

It comes in a hand-painted papier-mache box decorated with floral and bird motifs, adding to its beauty and cultural value. Together, the shawl and box represent Kashmirs artistry, heritage, and timeless elegance, officials said.

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On Friday, PM Modi was presented with a traditional Daruma doll, seen as a symbol of good luck, by Rev Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji temple, Takasaki-Gunma.

This special gesture reaffirms the close civilisational and spiritual ties between India and Japan," the Ministry of External Affairs 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 : Japan

First Published: August 30, 2025, 14:10 IST

News world PM Modi's Gifts To Japanese PM, His Spouse Reflect India's Artistry Excellence, Kashmiri Touch

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 22:36 IST

PM Modi in China Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Tianjin, China, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit after successfully concluding his two-day visit to Japan on Saturday.

This is Prime Minister Modis first visit to China after seven years, in a push for a reset in diplomatic relations that were strained since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. All eyes would be on Prime Minister Modis meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, which will be held from August 31 to September 1.

PM Modis closely-watched visit in China came against the backdrop of US President Donald Trumps recent tariff hike on Indian imports that has damaged relations between the two democracies and forced New Delhi to explore other export destinations for products.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi, accompanied by his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, arrived in Sendai from Tokyo on a bullet train. He described his visit to Japan as memorable and highly productive, emphasizing that the outcomes of the trip will bring meaningful benefits to the people of both India and Japan.

This joint visit by Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Ishiba also underscored the shared vision of India and Japan to develop robust, resilient and trusted semiconductor supply chains, the Indian government said in a statement.
Pro-Palestinian Protesters Interrupt Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Performance In London

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 20:01 IST

The Jewish Artists for Palestine interrupted the performance at the Royal Albert Hall for more than 10 minutes on Friday night, accusing the organisation of "silencing artists"

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The Royal Albert Hall in London, United Kingdom.

Pro-Palestinian protesters interrupted a performance by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) at the BBC Proms in London on Friday, accusing the organisation of silencing" the artists who have publicly criticised Israels military offensive in Gaza.

The Jewish Artists for Palestine group interrupted the performance at the Royal Albert Hall for more than 10 minutes on Friday night, according to The Guardian. Some members shouted from the upper stalls, claiming that MSO silenced artists" and silenced protest".

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Videos surfaced online showing some members of the group carrying a sign reading, complicit in genocide", while a man was heard shouting, The MSO has blood on its hands." The MSO has not immediately responded to the interruption.

EVERY MINUTE EVERYWHEREJewish Artists for Palestine disrupt the Melbourne Symphony Orchestras performance at theBBC Proms over Zionist funding and censorship. THIS is how you do it pic.twitter.com/G0RJK7LYto  Earth Hippy  (@hippyygoat) August 29, 2025

In a statement, the Jewish Artists for Palestine said, We reject Zionist funding, censorship and complicity in our cultural institutions." It also criticised the MSO for silencing Jayson Gillham, who is suing the organisation over a cancelled Melbourne concert he was contracted to perform at last year over his stance on the Gaza war.

Angela Tanner, one of the audience members, told the BBC that it took security quite a while" to remove the protesters. The whole programme had to start again and has been put into a different order after the piano was put on to the stage and taken off again," she said.

MSO Denies Discrimination Against Israel Critic

Prior to his cancelled concert, Gillham performed in a piece composed by Australian multimedia artist Connor DNetto, dedicated to journalists who lost their lives in the Gaza conflict. During the concert, Gillham said over 100 Palestinian journalists had been killed in the Gaza crisis, and called it a war crime".

In an email, the MSO said Gillham would no longer perform on August 15, 2024, because of a series of introductory remarks" made without the organisations approval". The group said Gillham was not allowed to use personal views that had caused distress".

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Later, the organisation issued a statement denying Gillham had been discriminated against because of his political views, saying the action taken against the artist was not and never has been about free speech". However, it admitted to making an error" in cancelling the performance.

In May, the federal court ordered Gillhams case to proceed to trial, which is scheduled to begin on December 1.

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 30, 2025, 20:01 IST

News world Pro-Palestinian Protesters Interrupt Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Performance In London

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Putin Prepares For High-Profile China Visit To Meet Xi Jinping Amid Mounting US Pressure

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 06:29 IST

Putin highlighted the growing economic ties between Russia and China, noting that bilateral trade has grown by approximately 100 billion US dollars since 2021.

The visit may also include discussions on Western sanctions against Russia and recent US tariffs on Chinese goods (Photo: AFP File)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China on August 31 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit and participate in Chinas Victory Day (V-Day) commemorations in Beijing. During the high-profile visit, Putin will hold key meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the SCO engagements. Additionally, he is expected to join North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the military parade celebrations.

In the lead-up to his visit, President Putin gave a written interview to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, where he discussed the key themes that are likely to dominate the diplomatic meetings. Reflecting on Xi Jinpings state visit to Russia in May, Putin described it as a resounding success."

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I look forward to holding in-depth discussions with Xi on all aspects of the bilateral agenda," Putin stated, adding that both leaders would also exchange views on pressing regional and international issues." He further praised Xis genuine commitment to advancing our comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation."

Putin highlighted the growing economic ties between Russia and China, noting that bilateral trade has grown by approximately 100 billion US dollars since 2021. In Russia, we deeply value the Chinese leaders genuine commitment," he added.

According to Putin, China is now Russias top trading partner, while Russia ranked fifth among Chinas foreign trade partners last year. Energy remains a cornerstone of their trade relations, with Russia maintaining its status as a leading oil and gas exporter to China.

Russia is one of the worlds principal markets for Chinese car exports," Putin said. Together, we are building high-tech manufacturing and infrastructure facilities. We also have large-scale plans in the construction materials industry."

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The visit may also include discussions on Western sanctions against Russia and recent US tariffs on Chinese goods. While Putin held talks with US President Donald Trump earlier this month on the Ukraine conflict, there has been little progress. Meanwhile, hostilities between Russia and Ukraine continue through both direct and indirect attacks.

China, for its part, is engaged in ongoing trade negotiations with the US after both countries imposed high retaliatory tariffs on each other earlier this year.

Location : Moscow, Russia

First Published: August 30, 2025, 06:29 IST

News world Putin Prepares For High-Profile China Visit To Meet Xi Jinping Amid Mounting US Pressure

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Russia Condemns Ogre Remark Against Putin, Accuses Macron Of Crossing Line Of Decency

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Trending Desk

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 06:09 IST

Tensions between France and Russia have remained high since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Macron has been among the most vocal European leaders in condemning Putins actions (Reuters)

French President Emmanuel Macrons scathing remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin last week have sparked backlash from Moscow, with Russias Foreign Ministry calling the comments vulgar insults." Macron made the remarks during an interview with French broadcaster LCI, warning European leaders against placing their trust in Putin.

For his own survival, he needs to keep eating That means he is a predator, an ogre at our gates," Macron said, characterising the Russian leader in strikingly aggressive terms. The French Presidents comments came a week after a multilateral meeting at the White House on August 18, attended by European heads of state, US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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The Kremlin did not remain silent. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova strongly condemned Macrons language. This is unworthy of a head of state," Zakharova said. The comments cross the line of not just reasonableness, but decency, becoming vulgar insults against Russia and its people," she added, in reference to Macrons use of terms like predator" and ogre."

Tensions between France and Russia have remained high since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Paris has emerged as one of Kyivs strongest allies, offering both military assistance and financial support. Macron, in particular, has been among the most vocal European leaders in condemning Putins actions and questioning his intentions.

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In a separate statement made on Friday, Macron reiterated his position regarding the timeline promised by Putin for a possible meeting with Zelenskyy. He emphasised that the deadline, set for Monday, is fast approaching. If that doesnt happen by Monday it means that once again President Putin played President Trump," Macron said.

The French president has consistently advocated that providing Ukraine with firm security guarantees is the only pathway to achieving a just and lasting peace, underscoring his continued commitment to supporting Kyiv in the ongoing conflict.

Location : Moscow, Russia

First Published: August 30, 2025, 06:09 IST

News world Russia Condemns Ogre Remark Against Putin, Accuses Macron Of Crossing Line Of Decency

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All Eyes On Xi-Modi-Putin Troika As SCO Summit Opens Today Amid Trump's Tariff Heat

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 23:40 IST

SCO Summit 2025: PM Modi, Jinping and Putin will share stage at Tianjin summit, amid mounting pressure from Donald Trump on tariffs for India and China, and sanctions for Russia.

SCO Summit 2025: All eyes on Modi, Jinping and Putin meeting (AFP File Image)

SCO Summit 2025: Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and other leaders for the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, starting Sunday, in what will be a show of strength against the United States tariff war waged against China and India.

Jinping will welcome PM Modi and Putin personally, Reuters had reported earlier. This will be PM Modis first visit to China since 2018. His arrival in China marks another step between India and China to reset ties that were soured in 2020 after the Galwan Valley clashes.

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SCO Summit Amid Trump Tariff Heat

The Summit of the SCO  a regional security grouping  comes at a time when various countries are battling US President Donald Trumps trade war and brazen tariff threats, including New Delhi which has been imposed with 50% levies. Russia is suffering from sanctions, while China faces the threat of 200% tariffs, as Trump warned that if Beijing restricts exports of rare-earth magnets, America would impose a 200% tariff on its goods.

Against this backdrop, the SCO has emerged as a cornerstone of Jinping, Putin, and Indias drive to rebalance global power  all of whom have been vocal for a multipolar world, something the US has always opposed.

The Chinese officials have described the upcoming summit as the SCOs largest yet, with Jinping eyeing the occasion to tout China as a stable and powerful alternative at a time when the current superpower  the US  is shaking up alliances across the globe, CNN reported.

The Summit will also mark an opportunity for Putin to share the stage with China and India  two of his largest customers of Russian oil. India has been slapped with 25% additional Trump tariffs as punishment for buying Russian energy and defence products, while no such levies were made on China for the same. PM Modi has shown defiance against the Trump administrations pressure to stop buying Russian oil in what America claimed fueled Putins war machine in Ukraine".

Ahead of his arrival in China, Putin lauded his relationship with Beijing, calling it a stabilising force" for the world. He told Chinese state news agency Xinhua that Russia, China were united in our vision of building a just, multipolar world order".

Who Will Attend SCO Summit 2025?

The SCO, which includes China, Russia, India, Iran, Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, controls a large share of the worlds energy resources and represents about 40% of the global population.

Among those attending the Summit, some have rivalries and vast differences in political systems, such as India and Pakistan. The Prime Ministers of both countries will participate in the event  their first encounter since the Pahalgam terror attack and Indias Operation Sindoor.

PM Modi skipped last years summit in Kazakhstan; however, he will attend the Tianjin Summit, which comes as New Delhi-Washington ties have soured since Trumps surprising anti-India moves, including 50% tariffs and increasing proximity with Pakistan.

Chinese officials said delegations from the SCOs 16 partner and observer countries  including Cambodia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and NATO member Turkey  are expected at the summit. Beijing has also invited some Southeast Asian leaders, while UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is likely to attend, CNN reported.

America Absent, Yet Present

As PM Modi, Putin, and Jinping take the stage for the Summit, the US will not be present; however, Trumps discussion is likely on the table, analysts believe.

For this particular summit, the US may not be at the table, but the US is always present," Yun Sun, director of the China Programme at the Washington-based Stimson Center, told CNN.

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Trump will nonetheless be the talk of Tianjin, the American outlet reported.

The one thing that theyre going to talk about is the United States, its policies, its tariffs," Sushant Singh, lecturer in South Asian Studies at Yale University, predicted.

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 : China

First Published: August 30, 2025, 15:20 IST

News world All Eyes On Xi-Modi-Putin Troika As SCO Summit Opens Today Amid Trump's Tariff Heat

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Shehbaz Sharif Departs For China To Attend SCO Summit That Will Also See PM Modis Presence

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 10:33 IST

Sharif is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Xi to further strengthen what Islamabad describes as its All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with Beijing

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif | Image: X

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a six-day visit to China on Saturday, where he will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, an event that will also feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other foreign leaders.

PM Modi, currently in Japan for a two-day trip, will arrive in Tianjin on Sunday for the summit. The visit comes close on the heels of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit to India.

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During his stay, Sharif is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior leadership to further strengthen what Islamabad describes as its All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" with Beijing.

He will also engage with Chinese business leaders to expand trade, economic, and investment ties.

Announcing his departure on X, Sharif wrote: Departing on a historic visit to China! Will participate in the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting in Tianjin and attend the 80th anniversary of the victory over Fascism in WWII in Beijing. I look forward to meeting H.E. President Xi Jinping and other world leaders to further build upon our bilateral ties with China, our All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partner, as well as with other key countries of the region, enhance regional cooperation, strengthen multilateralism, and advance shared goals for peace and prosperity."

Departing on a historic visit to China! Will participate in the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting in Tianjin and attend the 80th anniversary of the victory over Fascism in WWII in Beijing. I look forward to meeting H.E. President Xi Jinping and other world leaders to further pic.twitter.com/lCD5ewH2pE Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 30, 2025

Sharif is also expected to attend a grand military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

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In addition, he will address the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference and meet corporate executives to discuss opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.

According to Pakistans Foreign Office, 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."

About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (De... Read More

Location : China

First Published: August 30, 2025, 10:33 IST

News world Shehbaz Sharif Departs For China To Attend SCO Summit That Will Also See PM Modis Presence

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Splashing Into Trouble: Fecal Bacteria Threatens US Beaches Ahead Of Labor Day Weekend

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 20:43 IST

The main reason behind this is outdated water and sewer systems that allow sewage contamination to reach popular swimming areas.

A picture of beach used for representation

Several Americans are planning to hit the beach this Labor Day weekend; however, they may face a disappointing reality: unsafe swimming conditions due to high levels of fecal contamination. Beaches, including Crystal River, Florida, Ogunquit, Maine, among others, have warned against the elevated bacteria levels linked to sewage. The contamination can cause issues like gastrointestinal illness, rashes, and nausea.

According to a report by Associated Press, popular spots like Keyes Memorial Beach in Hyannis, Massachusetts, Benjamins Beach on Long Island, and even beaches in Hawaii have seen closures or warnings. Nearly two-thirds of beaches nationwide faced unsafe bacteria levels at least once this year, according to Environment America.

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It was also discovered that 84 per cent of Gulf Coast beaches exceeded safety standards, followed by 79 per cent of West Coast beaches. In total, over 450 beaches were unsafe for swimming on 25 per cent of the tested days.

According to John Rumpler, clean water director and senior attorney with Environment America, the main reason behind this is outdated water and sewer systems that allow sewage contamination to reach popular swimming areas.

These beaches are a treasure for families across New England and across the country. They are a shared resource," said Rumpler, who is based in Boston.

We need to make the investment to make sure that literally our own human waste doesnt wind up in the places where we are swimming."

However, despite the warning, people are still planning to hit the beaches.

I really dont expect to be in any kind of danger of fecal contamination," said Oryshkevych, a retired dentist.

Dana West, a federal employee at Rehoboth Beach, recalled an incident that took place earlier this year when a dozen people in his vacation group developed gastrointestinal problems.

But generally, I have no concerns about the level of fecal and bacterial matter," said West while admiring Rehoboths shore. I assume the local authorities will tell us if there are higher levels than normal."

However, some local beaches, including Rehoboth Bay and Dewey Beach, were under advisories this week. Fecal bacteria levels that exceed EPA standards can cause illness in 32 out of every 1,000 swimmers.

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In North Carolina, five beaches issued warnings in late August due to high fecal bacteria, exacerbated by Hurricane Erin and heavy rain.

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 : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 30, 2025, 20:43 IST

News world Splashing Into Trouble: Fecal Bacteria Threatens US Beaches Ahead Of Labor Day Weekend

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'Still In Effect': Trump Defends Tariffs After Appeals Court Calls Them Misuse Of Power

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 06:58 IST

President Trump reiterated that tariffs play a crucial role in supporting American labour and manufacturing.

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump on Saturday defended his tariff policies in a post on Truth Social, a day after a federal appeals court ruled that he had misused his authority by imposing certain tariffs under an emergency-powers statute. The courts decision, reported by Reuters, reignited debate over the limits of presidential power in trade policy and prompted swift reactions from Trump and the White House.

All tariffs are still in effect!" Trump wrote in the post, reaffirming his administrations hardline stance on trade. US will no longer tolerate enormous trade deficits and unfair tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers imposed by other countries, friend or foe." He further claimed that removing the tariffs would be a disaster" for the US, arguing it would weaken the nation financially.

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The President also reiterated that tariffs play a crucial role in supporting American labour and manufacturing. For many years, Tariffs were allowed to be used against us by our uncaring and unwise politicians," Trump added. He criticised past administrations for allowing foreign countries to benefit at the expense of American workers and reaffirmed his belief that the court would ultimately recognise the economic advantages of the tariff policies.

Trumps post was issued in response to Fridays ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which concluded that Trump had overstepped his authority. The judges stated that only Congress holds the constitutional power to impose taxes, including tariffs. The core Congressional power to impose taxes such as tariffs is vested exclusively in the legislative branch by the Constitution," the ruling, signed by seven judges, stated.

Despite the courts finding of presidential overreach, the panel allowed the tariffs to remain in effect while the legal case proceeds. The ruling specifically challenges two sets of tariffs implemented by Trump. The first is a series of reciprocal" tariffs imposed on a country-by-country basis. The second involves targeted tariffs on certain goods from China, Canada, and Mexico, which the Trump administration claimed were necessary due to those countries alleged failures to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US.

Importantly, Fridays decision does not affect other tariffs enacted under different legal frameworks, such as those on steel and aluminium imported from global trading partners. These measures were enacted under provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 and the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

Responding to the courts decision, White House spokesman Kush Desai issued a statement defending Trumps actions. President Trump lawfully exercised the tariff powers granted to him by Congress to defend our national and economic security from foreign threats," Desai said. The Presidents tariffs remain in effect, and we look forward to ultimate victory on this matter."

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The administration is expected to challenge the ruling by taking the case to the US Supreme Court. The current makeup of the Court includes six conservative justices and three liberals, with three of the conservatives having been nominated by Trump himself, potentially boosting the administrations hopes for a favourable outcome.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 30, 2025, 05:15 IST

News world 'Still In Effect': Trump Defends Tariffs After Appeals Court Calls Them Misuse Of Power

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Strengthening Semiconductor Supply Chain: Japan PM Affirms Cooperation In Critical Tech Sector To India

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 21:51 IST

Shigeru Ishiba and Narendra Modi rode the Shinkansen, visited Tokyo Electron Miyagi, and pledged deeper India Japan cooperation in Shinkansen technology.

PM Modi visits semiconductor facility in Japan's Sendai (PTI)

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Saturday affirmed to deepen cooperation with India in the critical technology sector, saying that Tokyo will promote cooperation towards the introduction of the latest Shinkansen technology to New Delhi.

Japan Prime Ministers Office, in a series of posts on X, said, Together with Prime Minister Modi, I boarded the Shinkansen, where Prime Minister Modi experienced firsthand its safety and comfort. In Sendai, we visited a Tokyo Electron plant and observed semiconductor equipment planned to be delivered to India."

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PM Ishiba: Together with Prime Minister Modi, I boarded the Shinkansen, where Prime Minister Modi experienced firsthand its safety and comfort. In Sendai, we visited a Tokyo Electron plant and observed semiconductor equipment planned to be delivered (1/2) pic.twitter.com/QvAVW4a4cq PMs Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) August 30, 2025

We will promote cooperation toward the introduction of the latest Shinkansen technology to India, as well as the strengthening of semiconductor supply chain resilience and economic security," it added.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled on the Shinkansen bullet train along with his Japanese counterpart to visit a semiconductor plant at Sendai in the Japanese prefecture of Miyagi.

PM Modis visit to the Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd (TEL Miyagi) highlighted the complementarity between Indias growing semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem and Japans strengths in the sector.

TEL Miyagi, a leading Japanese company in the semiconductor sector, has plans for collaborations with India.

PM Modi was briefed about TELs role in the global semiconductor value chain, its advanced manufacturing capabilities, and its ongoing and planned collaborations with India.

The visit gave the leaders a practical understanding of the opportunities that exist between the two countries to forge collaboration in the field of semiconductor supply chain, fabrication and testing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in the readout.

"Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in this sector, building on the Memorandum of Cooperation on the JapanIndia semiconductor supply chain partnership as well as ongoing partnerships under the IndiaJapan Industrial Competitiveness Partnership and Economic Security Dialogue," it said.

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PM Modi and PM Ishiba held wide-ranging talks on Friday that also focused on deepening cooperation in the semiconductor sector.

(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 : Japan

First Published: August 30, 2025, 21:51 IST

News world Strengthening Semiconductor Supply Chain: Japan PM Affirms Cooperation In Critical Tech Sector To India

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International

Auteur: 20Minutes

Etats-Unis : Trump prepare une vaste operation anti-immigration a Chicago

On Trump's orders, ICE, CBP, and federal reinforcements could be deployed to Chicago, with possible National Guard support.

President Donald Trump plans to launch a major crackdown on illegal immigration in Chicago as early as next week, CNN reports, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter. This initiative marks a new confrontation between the White House and a Democratic city known for its policies protecting migrants.

Since taking office, Donald Trump has made Chicago a recurring target, denouncing its so-called "sanctuary" rules that limit cooperation between local police and federal agencies. The administration had previously attempted to cut some federal funding to the city, but the courts blocked this move.

Operations modeled on Los Angeles

This time, preparations are expected to be on a different scale: deployment of agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), federal reinforcements, and even potential support from the National Guard. According to CNN, armored vehicles are expected to be brought to the city, and the first additional agents could arrive as early as Friday, September 5.

The model chosen is that of Los Angeles, where the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims 5,000 arrests since June. Gregory Bovino, already in charge of operations in California, is to take over the operation in Chicago. "You can expect a ramp-up of the operation in Chicago, absolutely," confirmed Tom Homan, White House border coordinator, while mentioning discussions to use a naval base north of the city as a logistics center.

The sensitive question of the role of the National Guard

A DHS official justified this strategy to CNN: "Across the country, our forces are arresting and deporting the worst criminals, including gang members, murderers, pedophiles and rapists who have terrorized American communities."

In Los Angeles, federal troops were mobilized under Title 10, which legally prevented them from directly participating in police operations. The situation is more complex in Chicago, where deployment under a different legal framework could raise strong objections.

Illinois Governor's Anger

Democratic Governor JB Pritzker strongly denounced the White House's plans, accusing Donald Trump of wanting to "militarize our cities and jeopardize democracy." According to him, neither his office nor Chicago's mayor's office were consulted in advance. He added: "The administration is looking for ways to circumvent our institutions, deploy uncoordinated forces, and lay the groundwork for undermining our elections."
Nvidia (NVDA) released its fiscal Q2 2026 earnings yesterday, Aug. 27, after the markets closed. The overall earnings were better-than-expected, not that the market expected a different outcome from the chip designing giant's report. However, as has been the case on more than one occasion over the last few quarters, NVDA stock is slipping despite beating consensus estimates. In this article, well look at the key takeaways from Nvidias report and examine whether it makes sense to buy the dip in the stock.

www.barchart.com

Nvidia Reported Better-Than-Expected Q2 Earnings

Nvidia reported revenues of $46.74 billion in its fiscal second quarter, up 56% year-over-year, and ahead of the companys guidance as well as consensus estimates. It was the ninth consecutive quarter in which the companys revenues rose by over 50% annually. While last quarters growth was the lowest among these quarters, it occurred at a time when the company was unable to ship its H20 chips to China.

More News from Barchart

Meanwhile, while Nvidias overall revenues came in ahead of estimates, its data center segment, which is now its biggest segment by a big margin, fell slightly short of estimates. The company guided for revenues of $54 billion at the midpoint for the fiscal third quarter, which was higher than the $53.1 billion that analysts were expecting. Importantly, the guidance does not assume any H20 sales to China in the current quarter, while some China revenues might have been built into analysts estimates.

Nvidias adjusted earnings per share of $1.05 also came in ahead of the $0.94 that analysts were modeling, and the company predicted an expansion of its gross margins in the current quarter.

www.barchart.com

Other Key Takeaways from Nvidias Earnings

Here are the other key takeaways from Nvidias Q2 earnings.

China Remains a Wild Card for Nvidia

China was expectedly the focus during Nvidias fiscal Q2 earnings call since the company was barred from exporting the H20 chip to the country in the quarter. While the U.S. government has since allowed exports to resume, pending a revenue-share deal, there is still a lot of uncertainty over the companys China business. CFO Colette Kress said that Nvidia is still waiting on several of the geopolitical issues going back and forth between the [U.S. and Chinese] governments and the companies trying to determine their purchases and what they want to do. Nvidia said that it could ship H20 chips worth between $2 billion-$5 billion this quarter in China, subject to regulatory clearances. However, it added that it could ship more if there is higher interest from Chinese customers or if more licenses are issued by the U.S. government.
Tokyo To Sendai: PM Modi Rides High-Speed Bullet Train With Japanese Leader Ishiba | Watch

Curated By :

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 12:54 IST

Upon arrival in Sendai, PM Modi interacted with Indian loco pilots currently receiving training with Japanese Railways

PM Modi takes bullet train ride with his Japanese counterpart Ishiba | Image: X

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, travelled together on a Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Sendai on Saturday, covering the 370-km distance as part of the concluding leg of his two-day visit to Japan.

Upon arrival in Sendai, PM Modi interacted with Indian loco pilots currently receiving training with Japanese Railways. Locals greeted him warmly with chants of Modi-san, welcome!" as he stepped into the city.

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Sharing moments from the train journey, the Japanese Prime Minister posted on X: On my way to Sendai with Prime Minister Modi. As with last night, I will be accompanying him in the car."

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Sendai from Tokyo in a bullet train. Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba is also with him.(Video: DD) pic.twitter.com/MZJgU5ZueS  ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2025

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the gesture as a symbol of strong bilateral ties: A journey of friendship and progress. In a unique gesture symbolizing the warmth of the India-Japan friendship, PM Narendra Modi and PM Shigeru Ishiba travelled together to Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture on the Shinkansen."

Focus On StatePrefecture Partnerships

Earlier in Tokyo, PM Modi held discussions with governors of 16 Japanese prefectures, where he pitched for deeper state-to-prefecture partnerships under the initiative launched during the 15th Annual India-Japan Summit.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: This morning in Tokyo, interacted with the governors of 16 prefectures of Japan. State-prefecture cooperation is a vital pillar of India-Japan friendship. This is also why a separate initiative on it was launched during the 15th Annual India-Japan Summit yesterday."

Highlighting the scope for collaboration, he added: There is immense scope to cooperate in areas like trade, innovation, entrepreneurship and more. Futuristic sectors like Startups, tech and AI can also be beneficial."

The MEA echoed this in its own update: Taking greater strides in the steadfast India-Japan ties. PM Narendra Modi met with the Governors of 16 prefectures in Tokyo."

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According to the ministry, discussions explored opportunities in technology, innovation, investment, skills, start-ups and SMEs.

PM Modi underlined that India-Japan relations, built on long-standing civilizational bonds, were thriving and called for expanding engagement beyond Tokyo and New Delhi.

Location : Japan

First Published: August 30, 2025, 09:39 IST

News world Tokyo To Sendai: PM Modi Rides High-Speed Bullet Train With Japanese Leader Ishiba | Watch

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Trump 'No Longer Has Plans' To Visit India For Quad Summit: NYT Report

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 23:10 IST

Amid trade tensions between Delhi and Washington, the NYT linked the souring ties to Trump's repeated claims of solving the four-day conflict in May between India and Pakistan

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump has no longer plans" to visit India for the Quad Summit later this year, The New York Times reported, detailing how diplomatic ties between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have unravelled" over the last few months.

In the report titled The Nobel Prize and a Testy Phone Call: How the Trump-Modi Relationship Unraveled, the news outlet, citing people familiar with Trumps schedule, stated, After telling PM Modi that he would travel to India later this year for the Quad summit, Trump no longer has plans to visit in the fall."

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India is scheduled to host the Quad summit later this year.

The United States hosted the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in January 2025, a day after Trump assumed the Presidency for a second term.

Amid trade tensions between Delhi and Washington, the news outlet linked the souring ties to Trumps repeated claims of solving the four-day conflict in May between India and Pakistan, an assertion denied by India.

Trumps repeated claims about having solved the India-Pakistan war infuriated PM Modi. And that was only the beginning," the NYT article said, adding that PM Modi was losing patience" with Trump.

Both leaders held a telephonic conversation for 35 minutes on June 17 as Trump returned to Washington from the G7 Summit in Canada, which PM Modi also attended.

They both were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders Summit in Kananaskis, but Trump returned to Washington early. Before departing Kananaskis and wrapping up his first visit to Canada in a decade, PM Modi had a phone conversation with Trump in Washington.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said in a video message from Kananaskis that PM Modi clearly conveyed to Trump that at no point" during the days following Operation Sindoor was there any discussion, at any level, on an India-US trade deal, or any proposal for a mediation by the US between India and Pakistan.

Misri added that talks to end military action were initiated by Pakistan and handled directly through existing channels between the two armed forces.

According to the NYT, during the June 17 call, Trump again took credit for ending the escalation and mentioned that Pakistan was going to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize, an honour that has been bestowed on former US President Barack Obama and one for which Trump has been openly campaigning".

The not-so-subtle implication, according to people familiar with the call, was that PM Modi should do the same," and also nominate Trump for the Nobel, the paper said.

The Indian leader bristled. He told Trump that US involvement had nothing to do with the recent ceasefire. It had been settled directly between India and Pakistan," the NYT said.

Trump largely brushed off PM Modis comments, but the disagreement  and PM Modis refusal to engage on the Nobel  has played an outsize role in the souring relationship between the two leaders, whose once-close ties go back to Trumps first term," the NYT said.

The White House did not acknowledge the call, and Trump made no mention of it online, though he has repeated his claim of halting the conflict.

And it is also the tale of an American president with his eye on a Nobel Prize, running smack into the immovable third rail of Indian politics: the conflict with Pakistan," it added.

The report added that, as Trump imposed additional tariffs of 25% on India for its purchases of Russian oil, the colossal penalties on India in particular appear to be punishment for not falling in line rather than any kind of cohesive effort to reduce the trade deficit or cut off funding for" Putins war.

Richard Rossow, chair on India at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, was quoted as saying, If this were a real change in policy in trying to squeeze Russia, Trump could have put his weight behind legislation that would have imposed secondary sanctions on countries that buy Russian hydrocarbons. The fact that they have uniquely targeted India says this is about more than just Russia."

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The news outlet further said that Trump, frustrated by the tariff negotiations", reached out to PM Modi several times, but the Indian leader did not respond to those requests."

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 30, 2025, 23:10 IST

News world Trump 'No Longer Has Plans' To Visit India For Quad Summit: NYT Report

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American Brand Is In The Toilet: Ex-US NSA Sullivan Slams Trump Over Tariffs On India

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 08:13 IST

Ex-US NSA Jake Sullivan hit out at Trump's tariffs on India and said that America is being seen as a "disruptor" by the allies and as the nation that cannot be counted on.

India-US tensions: Ex-NSA slams Trump over India tariffs (Reuters Image)

Former National Security Adviser in the Biden administration, Jake Sullivan, slammed Donald Trumps 50% tariffs on India, stating that he forced New Delhi to sit with China" to counter the trade offensive launched by America.

He said that the countries in the world, including American allies, view the US as a disruptor" and as the nation that cant be counted on".

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His remarks come as the US unjust" tariffs stirred tensions between New Delhi and Washington in recent weeks.

When I go to these places now and I talk to leaders, they are talking about derisking from the United States. They now see the US as the big disruptor, the country that cant be counted on," Sullivan said in The Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller.

He praised China for projecting itself as a responsible player at a global stage" and contrasted it with that of the US.

China has moved ahead of the United States in popularity in a whole lot of countries. And that was not the case one year ago, where countries now are basically saying the US brand is in the toilet and China is looking like a responsible player," he said.

Former US NSA Jake Sullivan- THE AMERICAN BRAND GLOBALLY IS IN THE TOILET."How to make Joker of Oneself is an Art & only 2 Pappus excel in it. One is American & the other is an Italian who is a a British citizen but calls himself Indian. pic.twitter.com/nDzp5pJydQ  BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) August 29, 2025

Citing Indias example, Sullivan said that both Republicans and Democrats tried to improve relations with India, however, Trump forced New Delhi to seek options in China.

Take a look at India, as another example. Heres a country that on a bipartisan basis, we were working and trying to build a deeper and more sustainable relationship with, and the China challenge loomed large in that. Now you have got President Trump executing a massive trade offensive against them, and the Indians are saying, Well, I guess maybe we have to go show up in Beijing and sit with the Chinese because we got a hedge against America," he said.

Trumps 50% tariffs on India came into effect on August 27. Out of this, 25% levies have been imposed due to New Delhis energy and defence ties with Moscow.

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However, in a significant revelation, a report by a top American investment bank said that Trump slapped India with tariffs due to his personal pique" at not being allowed by India to mediate in conflict with Pakistan back in May.

The Jefferies report said that Trump had hoped to intervene" in the Operation Sindoor that India launched to strike back at Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.

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 : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 30, 2025, 07:11 IST

News world American Brand Is In The Toilet: Ex-US NSA Sullivan Slams Trump Over Tariffs On India

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US Court Rules Many Of Trump's Tariffs Illegal, But They Will Still Be In Effect; Here's Why

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 08:03 IST

US court struck down most of Trump's tariffs as illegal, ruling that the President overstepped his authority in using the 1977 law which lets the government take emergency action.

US court order on Trump tariffs: Trump's tariffs remain despite ruling (Reuters image)

A US appeals court on Friday struck down most of Donald Trumps tariffs as illegal", ruling that he illegally used emergency powers to impose import taxes.

The court, however, did not immediately stop the implementation of the tariffs, which have been allowed to remain in effect until October 14, thus allowing the Trump administration time to move the Supreme Court against the order.

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The order was a major blow to one of Trumps signature economic policies that he has used to threaten countries around the world to bring them to what he says is fair trade".

In its judgment, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington DC ruled that the President had overstepped his authority in using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

The Act does not authorise tariffs like the ones Trump used earlier this year, the Federal Circuit said, CNN reported.

The judges ruled that Trumps tariffs were an overstep of his power as the ability to impose taxes, which also includes tariffs, is a core Congressional power".

The statute bestows significant authority on the President to undertake a number of actions in response to a declared national emergency, but none of these actions explicitly include the power to impose tariffs, duties, or the like, or the power to tax," Reuters quoted the courts order as saying.

It seems unlikely that Congress intended to  grant the President unlimited authority to impose tariffs," the judges said in a 7-4 ruling, Associated Press reported.

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Some judges disagreed with the ruling. They argued that the 1977 law, which lets the government take emergency actions, is not unconstitutional. They said past Supreme Court decisions have allowed Congress to give the President certain powers over tariffs.

The ruling covers the reciprocal" tariffs Trump introduced in April during his trade war, as well as another set of tariffs announced in February against China, Canada, and Mexico. But it does not affect other tariffs, like those on steel and aluminum, which were imposed under different laws.

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 30, 2025, 08:02 IST

News world US Court Rules Many Of Trump's Tariffs Illegal, But They Will Still Be In Effect; Here's Why

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Who Is Xiao He? Multilingual Humanoid Robot To Assist Journalists At China SCO Summit

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Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 16:28 IST

The Humanoid robot has integrate advanced emotional recognition algorithms, adaptive learning modules and comprehensive knowledge databases to facilitate seamless communication.

Humanoid Robot Xiao He (Credits: ANI)

Chinas Tianjin is set to host the largest-ever Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which will witness the presence of global leaders from over 20 countries. The two-day summit, starting from August 31, will showcase innovation and technology.

Taking it to the next level of innovation, the Summit will also feature Xiao He, a humanoid robot, who will be giving answers and assisting the journalists in several languages.

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Speaking to ANI, the robot introduced itself and said, Im Xiao He, a cutting-edge humanoid AI assistant designed for the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin. As a highly specialised service robot, I provide multilingual support, real-time information processing and protocol-compliant interaction capabilities."

Xiao He further said,"My systems integrate advanced emotional recognition algorithms, adaptive learning modules and comprehensive knowledge databases to facilitate seamless communication between international delegates, media personnel and summit organisers. My operational parameters emphasise cultural neutrality, factual precision and continuous performance optimisation throughout the summit duration."

#WATCH | Tianjin, China: The Humanoid Robot, Xiao He says, Im Xiao He, a cutting-edge humanoid AI assistant designed for the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin. As a highly specialised service robot, I provide multilingual support, real-time information https://t.co/cMnzzxGAPE pic.twitter.com/A7ZYi3LBdz ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2025

The humanoid also outlined the main arrangements for the Summit, stating, Key arrangements include designated areas for foreign and domestic media The event will showcase cultural activities like Tianjin Yangliuqing, woodblock prints and traditional craftsmanship demonstrations in the Intangible Cultural Heritage Interactive Experience Zone."

PM Modi Departs For China After Concluding Japan Visit

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After wrapping up his visit to Japan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for China. He is scheduled to arrive in Tianjin to attend the SCO Summit, where he is expected to hold two key bilateral meetings  one with Chinese President Xi Jinping and another with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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 : China

First Published: August 30, 2025, 16:28 IST

News world Who Is Xiao He? Multilingual Humanoid Robot To Assist Journalists At China SCO Summit

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Why 'Trump Is Dead' Trending? JD Vance's 'Terrible Tragedy' Remark Triggers Online Trend

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 14:07 IST

The surge in speculation followed an interview Vice President JD Vance gave to USA Today on August 27

US President Donald Trump (Reuters Image)

For the past few days, the phrase Trump Is Dead" has been trending on X, sending social media users scrambling for answers.

While the viral chatter, however, has nothing to do with US President Donald Trumps political moves, it appears to stem from a mix of political comments, health concerns, and even pop culture references.

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The surge in speculation followed an interview Vice President JD Vance gave to USA Today on August 27.

Asked if he was prepared to assume the presidency in case of a terrible tragedy", Vance reassured that Donald Trump, now 79, was in good shape" and the last person making phone calls at night, and the first in the morning."

Still, he acknowledged that unforeseen events can never be ruled out.

Yes, terrible tragedies happen," Vance 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. 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."

The remarks, coupled with Trumps recent health disclosures, helped fuel the trending phrase.

In July, the White House confirmed he suffers from chronic venous insufficiency, a vein condition that causes swelling in the legs.

Photos of the presidents visibly swollen legs had already triggered speculation online. Trump also survived two assassination attempts during last years campaign, adding another layer to public concerns.

The trend picked up further momentum, thanks to Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons.

At San Diego Comic-Con in July, Groening joked that the long-running animated series would end only when you-know-who" dies, a remark widely interpreted as a reference to Trump.

When you-know-who dies, The Simpsons predicts that there will be dancing in the streets. Except President (J.D.) Vance will ban dancing," Groening quipped. The show has a track record of uncanny Trump-related predictions, including his 2000 election win and a storyline on re-election in 2015.

This is hardly the first false alarm, as in September 2023, Donald Trump Jr.s X account was hacked, with the intruder falsely posting that the former president had died and that Trump Jr. would be running for office.

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Trump quickly debunked the claim on Truth Social.

For now, Trump remains active in officeand onlinewhile Trump Is Dead" continues to trend as one of social medias latest cases of viral misinformation.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 30, 2025, 13:18 IST

News world Why 'Trump Is Dead' Trending? JD Vance's 'Terrible Tragedy' Remark Triggers Online Trend

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Imagine finishing school before lunch and learning twice as muchwith no teachers anywhere. That's the promise of Alpha School, a fast-growing private school network that's opening a campus in New York City this fall, the Wall Street Journal reports. The cost is steep, at between $40,000 and $65,00 a year. Students use AI-powered software to master core subjects in just two hours a day, freeing afternoons for hands-on activities, hobbies, and life skills. The goal is to give students the ability to learn more efficiently while avoiding hot-button topics they might encounter with human teachers like diversity, equity, and inclusion. "We do not let anythingpolitical, social issuescome in the way," said Alpha co-founder MacKenzie Price. "We stay very much out of that."

Alpha's model flips traditional education on its head. Teachers are called "guides," and many don't have standard teaching degrees. Students work through personalized AI lessons in math, reading, and science, and the school claims they "learn twice as much" as peers in conventional classrooms. Afternoons are for enrichment like five-mile bike rides "without stopping" for kindergartners and AI-generated plans that help kids dive deep into personal hobbies. Price, who co-founded Alpha more than a decade ago, speaks out against traditional education to nearly a million Instagram followers. Billionaire Bill Ackman, a vocal critic of DEI, discovered Alpha earlier this year and, although he's not an investor, he's become a "de facto ambassador," notes the Journal.

While Alpha already has campuses in Texas, Florida, and California, with new schools opening this year in Arizona, North Carolina, Virginia, and Puerto Rico, the New York Times reports not everyone is sold. "Students and our country need to be in relationship with other human beings," said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. "When you have a school that is strictly AI, it is violating that core precept of the human endeavor and of education." Others warn that racing through core subjects misses the other important aspects of school. Justin Reich, director of the Teaching Systems Lab at MIT, says, "If you think of the purpose of schools as to prepare people for the roles of citizenship and democracy, there's a lot of places where you aren't trying to get kids to race as fast as they can."
The problem with banning [H20 chips] is youre effectively handing the AI market and training over to companies like Huawei or Cambricon or  other local players, Stacy Rasgon , senior analyst of U.S. semiconductors and semiconductor capital equipment at Bernstein Research, told Fortune.

Earlier this year, the U.S. enforced stricter export controls on China, at one point banning H20 chipswhich are known to be less powerful than Nvidias AI chipsfrom being sold to the country. In July, the ban was lifted, but it also allowed time for companies to invest in innovation.

Thats a serious concern for both Nvidia and the U.S. governments agenda in terms of  dominating AI globally, he said.

Wang said large Chinese tech companies like Huawei and SMIC are catching up rapidly to Nvidia in terms of both product and quality, as well as production capacity.

Nvidia apparently has a better overall offering in terms of the hardware in China, but because of the export controls, right now they cannot sell, basically, to China, Ray Wang, research director for semiconductors, supply chain, and emerging tech at the Futurum Group , told Fortune. They leave a big market void for a Chinese competitor to fulfill.

But experts tell Fortune Cambricons growth reflects a larger push to create local Nvidia rivals in Chinaespecially as the tech giant deals with increased export restrictions under the Trump administration.

Cambricons first-half revenue surged to 2.88 billion Chinese yuan ($402.7 million), the company reported this week. The Chinese upstart, created by two  genius brothers , is partially state-owned and headquartered in Beijing. The companys stock is now Chinas most expensive, overtaking liquor company Kweichow Moutai. Still, despite its whopping growth, Cambricons revenue is a far cry from that of Nvidia, which reported $46.7 billion in its second quarter alone.

The earnings, released late Tuesday, serve as an example of Nvidias growing local competition in China, as the government and market seek alternative chipmakers to gain traction in the region. Nvidias business in China has been tied up in U.S. export restrictions and geopolitical tensions, and the tech behemoth recorded no H20 chip sales to China in the second quarter, per its earnings release yesterday.

Cambricon, a China-based semiconductor firm, posted record profits in the first half of the year, along with revenue that surged roughly 4,300%.

Cambricon, a China-based semiconductor firm, just posted its greatest profit to date and a roughly 44-fold revenue surge. The companys rapid growth comes as Nvidia recorded no chip sales to China during its second quarter, signaling a push by local players to innovate in the tech giants absence, experts tell Fortune.

Story Continues

Rasgon pointed out that, in Cambricons case, the roughly 44-fold revenue increase to $402.7 million in the first half of this year means the company went from tiny to small. He said hes less focused on the percentage growth than the reason behind it.

Theres a big push in China for self-sufficiency, Rasgon said.

Cambricons record profit was helped by a wave of demand for Chinese chips after Beijing encouraged using local technology, citing security concerns and uncertainty over the Trump administrations export curbs. The most recent catalyst for Cambricons surge came from AI startup DeepSeek, which said last week its latest model comes with a feature that can optimize locally made chips.

Last week, the Chinese government told its tech companies to stop using Nvidias H20 chips after U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC that China would only receive the companys fourth best chips, only adding fuel to the fire.

You want to sell the Chinese enough that they get addicted to the American technology stack, Lutnick added.

Despite technology advancements by Nvidia rivals amid geopolitical tensions, demand for its H20 chips remaineven in the face of regulatory hurdles.

In its second-quarter earnings, Nvidia reported no H20 sales to China-based customers. In its earnings call on Wednesday, chief financial officer Colette Kress estimated $2 billion to $5 billion in H20 revenue this quarter should geopolitical issues reside. Nvidia did not include any revenue from H20 chips in its third-quarter guidance, which tops analysts expectations of $53.14 billion at $54 billion, plus or minus 2%.

It was inevitable there would be more entrants into this market, Sebastien Naji, a research analyst at William Blair, told Fortune. Near-term, I think the risks on the regulatory front are more impactful than increased competition.

Nvidia previously warned that if not for the U.S. chip export restrictions, its top-line guidance for the July quarter would have been $8 billion higher.

I think the stock does not have that priced in, in terms of if that revenue were to go away, Scott Bickley, an advisory fellow at Info-Tech Research Group, told Fortune before Nvidias earnings call on Wednesday.

CFO Kress also said during the earnings call that over the past few weeks, a select number of China-based customers received licenses for H20 chips, though none have been shipped based on those licenses. Kress also mentioned the U.S. government and Nvidia havent finalized a recent agreement that will require the chipmaker to share 15% of the revenue it makes through H20 chip sales to China.

How Chinas chips stack up to Nvidias

There are already some Chinese products that outperform Nvidias H20, analyst Rasgon said. He said he expects greater competition in the local market to only catalyze chip innovation.

Nvidia is never going to be allowed, probably, to sell better parts in China, Rasgon said. So for the Chinese, it takes time, but theyre going to work on improving their own stuff. And over time, maybe that gap closes.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has long complained about U.S. export controls, saying they will only galvanize local players to innovate in the chipmakers absence.

The China market, Ive estimated to be about $50 billion of opportunity for us this year if we were able to address it with competitive products, Huang said during the second-quarter earnings call.

But not only does Nvidia look to resume H20 chip sales in China, the company also wants to expand its product line by introducing the high-performance Blackwell chip in the country, should the U.S. agree to it.

We continue to advocate for the U.S. government to approve Blackwell for China, Kress said during the earnings call. The company aims to win the support of every developer in highly competitive markets, she added, so Nvidia technology can be the worlds gold standard.

You kind of need a Blackwell chip [in China], even though its going to be performance-laden in nature, relative to everything else in the market, Angelo Zino, SVP and technology equity analyst at CFRA, told Fortune.

While Zino said the H20 probably isnt going to give you enough to offset or get back the revenue the company had a couple of quarters ago, introducing a Blackwell chip in China just might.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
The prime minister of Yemen's Houthi-controlled government was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Sanaa, the rebel group announced Saturday. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have vowed to respond as leadership changes hands in the face of ongoing strikes and missile attacks, NBC News reports. Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed Thursday in Yemen's capital during a government workshop reviewing the administration's one-year performance. Al-Rahawi was appointed prime minister of the Houthi-led government in 2024. The Israeli military confirmed that it targeted a military site in Sanaa, saying it had "precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target."

Mohamed Moftah, who had been Rahwi's deputy but the de facto leader, was named acting prime minister. Rahwi was not part of the leadership's inner circle and was considered more of a figurehead, per Reuters. He nevertheless was the most senior Houthi official to be killed in the conflict so far, per the New York Times. The government statement said others were killed in the attack but did not identify them. As part of what they characterize as support of Palestinians in Gaza, the Houthis have fired missiles toward Israel, though most of them have been intercepted. Israel, in turn, has struck Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
Explosions lit up the night across Ukraine as Russia launched a sweeping aerial assault, while Ukrainian drones targeted key Russian oil refineries in a dramatic escalation of cross-border attacks. The attacks took place against a backdrop of calls for tougher international sanctions as peace efforts remain stalled. Russia launched widespread attacks on 14 regions across Ukraine overnight, resulting in the death of one woman in the Zaporizhzhia region and injuries to at least 30 people, including children, the BBC reports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia fired nearly 540 drones and 45 missiles, and he urged stronger sanctions against Moscow.

The escalation came days after Kyiv experienced its second-largest aerial assault since the war began, causing at least 25 deaths. In Dnipropetrovsk, the top regional official reported significant damage to infrastructure from drone and missile strikes, including the destruction of a residential building and damage to a shopping center. Four people were later injured in a separate drone attack. This marked the second consecutive night of attacks on the region. Rail infrastructure near Kyiv was hit, but the most intense attacks occurred in central and southeastern Ukraine. Emergency services responded to multiple fires, particularly in Zaporizhzhia.

Also on Saturday, a former speaker of Ukraine's parliament was shot to death in Lviv, per the AP. Zelensky denounced the death of Andriy Parubiy, a leading pro-Western political figure, as a "terrible murder." He said an investigation will begin. Prosecutors said that "an unidentified gunman fired several shots" and that Parubiy died at the scene, per the BBC.
Kari Lake sent layoff notices to 532 employees of Voice of America and its parent agency on Friday night that said they took effect Saturday. Lake, the acting CEO of the US Agency for Global Media, said the move to initiate a reduction in force is intended to decrease federal bureaucracy and save taxpayer money, the Washington Post reports. The layoffs could escalate the Trump administration's confrontation with a federal judge who had blocked attempts to restructure the international news network, per the New York Times .

The layoffs would leave about 100 journalists and other staff members with jobs. Lake, who has criticized the agency as "rotten to the core," said the cuts would allow the government-funded organizations to focus on getting news to people living under Communist governments and dictators. The president of the union representing VOA employees responded that the layoffs are illegal. "The manner in which they are being executed reveals the contempt this administration has for federal employees and the rule of law," said Paula Hickey, per the Times.

Lake also tried to dismiss more than 600 full-time employees in Junea decision reversed after union objections over administrative errors. She also fired 500 contractors in May. A federal judge ruled in April that the law requiring VOA to broadcast meant the administration had to restore the network. On Thursday, District Judge Royce Lamberth blocked her from ousting Michael Abramowitz as VOA director, per the AP. On Monday, he gave the administration "one final opportunity, short of a contempt trial" to show it's complying with his order to restore the VOA's operations. In addition, a group of VOA journalists has sued the administration, arguing the cutbacks are unlawful.
Angela Weiss / AFP / Getty Images Tech stocks rose on Thursday after AI bellwether Nvidia reported strong quarterly results.

Key Takeaways

Nvidia was shut out of an AI and tech stock rally of its own making on Thursday; the chip maker's earnings exceeded expectations by a hair, but reassured investors that AI demand in general remains strong.

Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore suggested in a note on Thursday that Nvidia's growth forecast could underestimate the strength of demand for its chips.

UBS analysts expect tech giants to sustain strong revenue growth into next year, and see potential for investors to grow even more bullish on their market-leading stocks.

Nvidia's earnings were great for AI stocks, just not Nvidias.

The overall strength of the July quarter results may offer some reassurance for investors after signs of stalling momentum for the large-cap tech rally, wrote UBS analysts of Nvidias earnings in a note on Thursday.

That was evident on Thursday. The S&P 500 hit a fresh record high, with some of the markets favorite AI stocks among the strong performers, including Micron (MU), GE Vernova (GEV), Nvidia competitor Broadcom (AVGO), and nuclear power providers Vistra (VST) and Constellation Energy (CEG). Major cloud providers Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet (GOOG) and Oracle (ORCL) all rose more than 1%.

Meanwhile, Nvidia (NVDA) shares fell nearly 1% after the AI chip giant reported earnings that beat estimates. The disconnect between Nvidia and the rest of the AI trade may boil down to expectations, according to Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore.

"For the stock to sell off slightly after hours on these types of numbers certainly indicates that sentiment has largely caught up to the growth potential," wrote Moore in a note on Thursday morning. "But outside of China geopolitics, this is a very clean beat and raise quarter," he added.

Persistently Strong AI Demand

Enthusiasm about artificial intelligence has been the driving force behind much of the stock markets gains over the past three years. Tech giants like Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon and Meta (META) have seen their sales, stocks and spending on AI infrastructure soar amid surging demand for AI products and services.

But the rally has repeatedly hit bumps in the road, as it did last week when jitters about an AI bubble cropped up after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman questioned the AI rallys sustainability and an MIT study found the vast majority of companies have seen no material return on their AI investments.

Nvidias report on Wednesday, though, painted a picture of robust and growing AI demand. The company forecast sales would total about $54 billion in the third quarter, a more than $7 billion increase from Q2. That growth rate of about 15%robust on a year-over-year basis, let alone quarter-over-quarterdoesnt include any sales to China, which once accounted for about 20% of Nvidias data center revenue, according to Moore.
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NVIDIA (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang spotlighted China as a central piece of the global AI economy during the companys earnings call this week, estimating that the market represents a $50 billion opportunity for NVIDIA this year alone. Despite this opportunity, NVIDIA might not be able to capture the entirety of that given strict export controls, and Beijings ongoing feud with the U.S. government.

Even as the export controls are lifted, the bull case on China for Nvidia isnt entirely clear, as the CCP is pushing Chinese firms to use homegrown solutions. Regardless, Huang has stood firm that the mainland represents a substantial opportunity, and China will be a vital part of their growth strategy and of the AI race as a whole.

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China: The Worlds Second-Largest Computing Market

Fielding a question from Joe Moore, an analyst at Morgan Stanley, Huang described China as the second-largest computing market globally and home to half of the worlds AI research talent. That concentration of expertise, combined with Chinas fast-growing AI ecosystem, makes it a critical region for NVIDIAs long-term growth plans.

The China market, Ive estimated to be about $50 billion of opportunity for us this year. If we were able to address it with competitive products  you would expect it to grow, say, 50% per year as the rest of the worlds AI market is growing as well, Huang said.

Huang praised the quality of Chinas open-source AI contributions, noting that many leading multimodal and large language models have emerged from the country. Among the most notable are DeepSeek, Qwen1, and Kimi, which he said have gained global traction and are accelerating enterprise AI adoption worldwide.

The open source models that have come out of China are really excellent. DeepSeek, of course, gained global notoriety. Q1 is excellent. Kimi is excellent, Huang said, pointing to their impact on subsectors ranging from enterprise software development to robotics.

He emphasized that open source innovation, though created in one country, is used all over the world, and has become essential for enterprises and SaaS providers building proprietary AI systems.
Nvidia Corporation (NVDA) said yesterday that its fiscal Q2 sales were up just 6% from the prior quarter, and free cash flow (FCF) fell slightly from a year ago. Moreover, its FCF margins have faltered with higher capex spending. Is NVDA stock overvalued now?

NVDA closed at $180.17 on Aug. 28 in after-hours trading, down about 1% from the day before. Moreover, it's been essentially flat for the past month.

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Have investors lost interest in the NVDA stock, given the company's tepid performance and outlook?

NVDA stock - last 3 months - Barchart - Aug. 28

Tepid Results

For example, Nvidia reported that its non-GAAP gross margins (GM) in fiscal Q2 2026, ending July 27, 2025, were lower than a year ago (i.e., 72.4% vs. 75.0% in fiscal Q2 2025). Moreover, the company said in its outlook section that it expects the fiscal Q3 margin to be just 73.5%.

In addition, its free cash flow (FCF) for fiscal Q2 2026 was just $13.45 billion, compared to $13.483 billion a year ago. However, that lower FCF was due to significantly high capital expenditures (capex).

For example, a year ago, the company spent $977 million in fiscal Q2 2025. But that almost doubled (+93.9%) to $1.894 billion this past quarter (Q2 2026).

That led to a much lower FCF margin. Its FCF as a percent of sales fell from 44.98% a year ago to just 28.82% in fiscal Q2 2026. That is based on analysis from Stock Analysis.

Moreover, Stock Analysis says its trailing 12-month (TTM) FCF margin was just 43.59% in Q2, vs. 48.52% in Q1 (again, on a TTM basis).

The point is that, based on the company's heavy AI buildout, its cash flow margins have been squeezed. That could affect its target value going forward.

Target Value

For example, assuming it makes just a 43% FCF margin over the next 12 months (NTM), its FCF growth could sputter. Here's why.

Analysts are now expecting 2025 sales to be $204.33 billion and $266.33 billion next year. So, its run rate NTM sales are estimated to be $235.33 billion.

Applying a 43% FCF margin to this NTM revenue estimate results in a FCF estimate of just over $101 billion:

0.44 x $235.33 billion = $101.19 billion NTM FCF

If we assume the market will give the company a 2.0% FCF yield, its market value will be:
Two years ago, authorities released an age-progression rendering (left) of how Dulce Maria Alavez would appear as a 9-year-old. Dulce was 5 (right) when she vanished from a park in Bridgeton. She is now 11 years old.

While September marks the start of autumn and the return to school, it also holds a grim significance for a Cumberland County community and a family haunted by mystery.

It was Sept. 16, 2019, when 5-year-old Dulce Maria Alavez was reported missing from Bridgeton City Park during a family outing.

She had recently started kindergarten and was excited to play at the park after first stopping for frozen treats at a store along the way, her family said.

Her mother, Noema Alavez Perez, said she parked the car and allowed Dulce and her 3-year-old brother, Manuel, to run to the playground while she remained behind with her younger sister in the vehicle.

When Alavez Perez walked over to the playground a short time later, she said Dulce was gone. After the family searched the park, her mother called 911 to report her daughter missing.

Investigators believe someone took Dulce from the park, but her whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities hold out hope that shes still alive, noting they have found no evidence of her death.

In 2019, investigators released this image of someone they want to speak with in connection with the disappearance of Dulce Maria Alavez.

To mark the sixth anniversary of her disappearance, family and supporters will return to the park on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. to remind the community that Dulce hasnt come home.

As in previous years, attendees will gather at Dulces Tree, which was dedicated in the little girls honor near the playground where she was last seen.

More information about the vigil is available on Facebook via the Justice for Dulce Maria Alavez group.

Soon after Dulces disappearance, police released witness descriptions and a sketch of a person of interest. An unclaimed reward for information about the case stands at $75,000.

In 2020, an FBI agent on the case told NJ Advance Media the child was likely abducted by someone in a crime of opportunity.

The Florida-based Anti-Predator Project, a non-profit private investigation firm, began investigating Dulces case in 2023.

No recent updates have been announced in the case.

We still have an open and active case, and investigate every lead we get in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, an FBI spokeswoman said Friday. We continue to ask anyone who may have information to reach out to us at 973-792-3000.

Anyone with information about Dulces disappearance may also contact authorities via one of these options:

Bridgeton Police: 856-451-0033

Cumberland County Prosecutors Office: 856-453-0486

New Jersey State Police: 609-882-2000, ext. 2554

Anonymous tips may be sent to Bridgeton Police at bpdops.com/tips or to the prosecutors office at njccpo.gov/tips

Information may also be submitted to the Anti-Predator Project by calling 305-796-4859 or emailing info@antipredatorproject.org.

Noema Alavez Perez is seen during the 2024 gathering marking the five-year anniversary of the disappearance of her daughter Dulce Maria Alavez at Bridgeton City Park in Bridgeton. Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
Jimmy Fallon and Keke Palmer are onboard for more "Password." NBC

Password, the Emmy-winning NBC celebrity game show with Keke Palmer and Jimmy Fallon, is headed into another season.

The network recently announced the shows third season renewal after the series filmed in New Jersey.

Password, which previously filmed in California, has recently been inviting Jersey locals to film in Newark.

In the show, a revival of the series that debuted in 1961, contestants team up with Fallon and many other celebrities to guess a password using one-word clues.

Palmer, who hosts the show, became the first Black woman to win the Emmy for outstanding host for a game show in 2023.

Fallon, host of The Tonight Show, serves as an executive producer of Password, which premiered on NBC in 2022. He has also featured Password segments on the late-night show.

We couldnt be more excited to return to Password, Fallon and Palmer said in a statement. Its the only show where you get to lock eyes with a total stranger and think, OK, based on absolutely nothing, were going to bet that you understand that when one of us says fluffy, we mean pillow. We love working with each other so much and are taking it to another level this season with bigger guests, wilder guesses and guaranteed laughs.

Password issued open casting calls this summer for the filming of the shows third season in Newark.

Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter/X, @amykup.bsky.social on Bluesky and @kupamy on Instagram and Threads.
Ed Galkin checks the inside of his plane before taking off for his fourth flight around the world in 2022 from Central Jersey Regional Airport in Hillsborough, New Jersey. Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Ed Galkin is about to add another adventure to his astonishing flight resume.

Galkin has flown around the world four times, most recently in 2022, in the same single-engine plane the retired dentist purchased in 1977.

Now hes getting ready for a 37-day, 8,800-mile journey that is starting and finishing in New Jersey. It will be highlighted by two crossings of the Atlantic Ocean and 15 stops in 11 nations.

Galkin said he and his copilot, Peter Teahen, are planning to depart Central Jersey Regional Airport in Hillsborough around 9 a.m. Saturday.

I get a chance to do one more mission, to fly across the Atlantic, Galkin, a married father of two, grandfather of five and great-grandfather of six, told NJ Advance Media on Friday.

Galkin was accompanied by copilots during his four journeys around the Earth in 1988, 2004, 2018 and 2022.

He has been a licensed pilot since 1970 and has logged 1.3 million miles on his Cessna 210 Centurion.

His latest trip is serving as a fundraiser for Rotary Internationals global polio eradication effort, according to the organization. It is being called, Circle the Atlantic: Flight To End Polio.

Eliminating the disease is a top priority of Rotary, the service organization to which both Galkin and Teahen are members. The shared interest in Rotary is how he met Teahen, 72, who lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Galkin, whose last worldwide flight in 2022 raised money for the Alzheimers Association, said he did not want to attempt another 22,000-mile journey.

He opted instead to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, and back, with appearances along the way touting their mission.

We plan to do a bunch of presentations to Rotary groups, Galkin said.

From the airport in Hillsborough, Galkin and Teahen will fly to Houlton, Maine. They will depart Monday for Newfoundland, Canada, then arrive in Greenland on Wednesday. They will stop briefly in Iceland on Sunday before landing in Norway later that day, according to their itinerary.

They will visit Poland, France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. After crossing the Atlantic Ocean a second time, they will make a final stop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, before returning to New Jersey on Oct. 5.

Galkin was born in Newark and grew up in Hoboken and has been a licensed pilot since 1970. He retired from his dental practice in Woodbridge in December 2020.

He and his wife, Bobbie, celebrated their 65th anniversary on Aug. 27.

He said he has been living in the same house in Edison since 1968.

Galkin is turning 90 next March. He offered a simple explanation for his persistence in piloting.

I love flying, he said.

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Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
By Erwin Seba

HOUSTON (Reuters) -Oil prices fell on Friday as traders looked toward weaker demand in the U.S., the world's largest oil market, and a boost in supply this autumn from OPEC and its allies.

Brent crude futures for October delivery, which expired on Friday, settled at $68.12 a barrel, down 50 cents, or 0.73%. The more active contract for November finished down 53 cents, or 0.78%, at $67.45.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled at $64.01, down 59 cents, or 0.91%.

The market was in part shifting its focus toward next week's OPEC+ meeting, said Tamas Varga, analyst at PVM Oil Associates.

Crude output has increased from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, as the group has accelerated output hikes to regain market share, raising the supply outlook and weighing on global oil prices.

"Overall, the bottom line is we're going to see a jump in supply feeding into a lackluster demand market," said Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates.

The U.S. summer driving season ends on Monday's Labor Day holiday, signalling the end of the highest demand period in the United States, which is the largest fuel market.

"The market is beginning to wonder what effect the tariffs might have on the economic outlook next year," Lipow said, referring to tariffs imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump on U.S. imports from many trading partners.

Crude supply increases have not made their way into the U.S. market yet, raising the possibility supply and demand will be in a tighter balance, said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group.

"The pessimism about demand, I'm just not seeing it," Flynn said. "Supply from OPEC is supposed to increase, but we're not seeing it in the U.S. I think things are going to stay tight."

Prices rose earlier in the week due to Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil export terminals, but reports of talks between Ukraine's European allies about a possible ceasefire helped tamp down prices, Flynn said.

U.S. crude inventories for the week ending August 22 showed higher-than-expected draws, implying late-summer demand was still firm, particularly in industrial and freight-related sectors, analyst Ole Hvalbye at SEB bank said in a note. [EIA/S]

Investors are also watching for India's response to pressure from the United States to stop buying Russian oil, after Trump doubled tariffs on imports from India to as much as 50% on Wednesday.

So far, India has defied the U.S. and Russian oil exports to India are set to rise in September, traders said.
First Eagle Investments, an investment management company, released its First Eagle Global Fund second-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Class A shares of the fund returned 7.23% in the second quarter of 2025. All regions contributed to the overall performance. North America and developed Europe were the top contributors, whereas Japan and developed Asia, excluding Japan, lagged. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025.

In its second-quarter 2025 investor letter, First Eagle Global Fund highlighted stocks such as Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL). Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments. The one-month return of Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) was -5.30%, and its shares gained 72.37% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On August 28, 2025, Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) stock closed at $240.32 per share, with a market capitalization of $675.018 billion.

First Eagle Global Fund stated the following regarding Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter:

"Leading contributors in the First Eagle Global Fund this quarter included Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL), gold bullion, Meta Platforms, Inc. Class A, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and BAE Systems plc. Oracle, one of the worlds largest independent enterprise software companies, reported strong results during the quarter, largely driven by its cloud operations, which comprise approximately 75% of revenues. Oracle has benefited from the shift to a cloud-first approach by enterprises and an overall increase in industrywide capital expenditures on artificial intelligence. Strategic partnerships with companies including Microsoft and Alphabet broaden Oracles reach to address diverse customer needs. Growth in remaining performance obligations suggests continued strong prospective revenues."

Oracles (ORCL) Strategic Innovation Boosts its Dividend Appeal

Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 124 hedge fund portfolios held Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) at the end of the second quarter, which was 97 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) 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.
Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) is one of the Top Technology Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. On August 20, Bloomberg reported that Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) is spending tens of billions of dollars to develop large data centers amid energy and material shortages. This consists of the plan to spend over $1 billion a year just to power 1 new megasite in West Texas with gas generators rather than wait for utility connection. Bloomberg also reported that AI happens to the biggest driver of OCIs growth. The majority of Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL)s backlog, or booked deals, remain tied to customers training or deploying AI models with GPU-based servers.

Oracle (ORCL) Focuses on Developing Large Data Centers, Reports Bloomberg

In Q4 2025, the companys total quarterly revenues increased 11% YoY in USD and constant currency to $15.9 billion. Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL)s cloud services and license support revenues rose by 14% in USD and constant currency to $11.7 billion. The company highlighted that its cloud infrastructure growth rate is projected to increase from 50% in FY 2025 to more than 70% in FY 2026. Also, RPO is likely to grow over 100% in FY 2026.

Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC, an investment management company, released its Q2 2025 investor letter. Here is what the fund said:

Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) continues to demonstrate strong traction in scaling its cloud infrastructure and applications businesses. Growth in contracted backlog exceeded expectations at +41% in FY25 and management is expecting it to more than double in FY26. Revenue growth is also expected to accelerate materially with management indicating they expect to exceed their prior targets for the next two years. Lastly, the company recently disclosed that their fiscal year is off to a strong start with multiple new cloud contracts signed already, including one that is expected to generate more than $30B in annual revenue beginning in FY28.

While we acknowledge the potential of ORCL 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: 13 Cheap AI Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Unstoppable Growth Stocks to Invest in Now

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
ORLEN has finalised an agreement with Synthos Green Energy that will facilitate the establishment of Poland's first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power plant.

The agreement includes two primary components. The first revises the articles of association and shareholder agreement for the joint venture (JV) company, ORLEN Synthos Green Energy (OSGE).

This component grants both parties a 50% equity stake each in the JV and ensures ORLEN's control over strategic decisions.

The second component is a licensing agreement that provides OSGE with full access to the BWRX-300 reactor technology, enabling the project to progress towards construction.

The revised agreements also confirm Wocawek as the chosen site for Poland's inaugural BWRX-300 reactor.

The BWRX-300 reactor technology, developed by GE Vernova in the US, is recognised as the most sophisticated SMR design globally.

ORLEN management board president Ireneusz Fafara said: Poland will host the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor in Europe. We are building the energy system of tomorrow.

This reflects the essence of decision by the ORLEN Group Supervisory Board, which approved the agreement. We spent over a year negotiating terms that safeguard ORLENs interests, securing for our joint venture with Synthos direct access to US SMR technology that will enable the projects delivery.

Leadership roles within ORLEN Synthos Green Energy will be alternated, with ORLEN appointing the initial chair of the supervisory board and Synthos Green Energy nominating the first president of the management board. Subsequent appointments will rotate every three years.

A steering committee has also been introduced to oversee the agreement's execution and manage operational aspects concerning OSGE and the special-purpose vehicles for future reactor projects.

In line with ORLEN's strategy, 'The Energy of Tomorrow Starts Today', the company aims to launch at least two SMR units with a combined capacity of 0.6GW by 2035.

In June, the ORLEN Group secured 1.7bn zoltys ($460m) in grants from the National Recovery Plan (NRP) for its Green H2 and Hydrogen Eagle hydrogen projects.

These initiatives will enhance renewable hydrogen production and low-emission hydrogen from municipal waste, with the support of Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego and funding through the NRP.

"ORLEN, Synthos Green sign agreements for Polands first SMR plant" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Case: 25-1812 Document: 159 Page: 125 Filed: 08/29/2025 V.O.S. SELECTIONS, INC. v. TRUMP 99 65 The CIT held that fact to place the trafficking tariffs out- side the power of the President to exercise the section 203- specified authorities to deal with the threat, IEEPA  202(a), (b) [ 1701(a), (b)], even though, as the CIT did not dispute, the trafficking tariffs seek indirectly to induce the foreign governments' action in alleviating that threat. CIT Op. at 138182. That holding, we conclude, is contrary to the statute. IEEPA does not say that the imports covered by sec- tion 203 authorities must be the source of the "threat re- quired by section 202. The section 203 authorities may be "exercised to deal with any unusual and extraordinary threat" meeting the specified conditions (the threat must be to our national security, foreign policy, or economy, it must be declared to be a national emergency, and, under section 202(b) [ 1701(b)], the authorities must be exer- cised to deal with that threat and for no other reason). IEEPA  202(a) [ 1701(a)] (emphasis added). Nor does IEEPA use the language of direct link (or the word di- rect") at all, much less in a sense that precludes a measure reasonably designed to work as leverage. CIT Op. at 1381 82. IEEPA says only that the President's exercise of au- thority must be "to deal with the identified threat, and not "for any other purpose." IEEPA  202(b) [ 1701(b)] (em- phasis added). That language addresses the intended effect of the measures on the threat, not the content of the meas- ure adopted. The measure must aim to achieve that effect and not be so overbroad that it can reliably be inferred to be really for a different purpose. IEEPA  202(b) [ 1701(b)]. But that does not require that the imports taxed themselves be responsible for the threat. A measure that reaches imports, property, or other interests of foreign actors can be an obvious and effective tool for dealing with the threat by inducing the foreign country to take action to redress the harm identified as a threat.
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A huge crowd has turned out to take in Belfast trio Kneecap at Electric Picnic 2025. The controversial rap group took an x-rated swipe at the Irish Government and their perceived lack of action on Gaza as the crowds cheered.

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A special pilgrimage will take place in Offaly next weekend.

An ecumenical pilgrimage from Rahan to Clonmacnoise has been scheduled for Saturday, September 6.

It will begin at St Carthage's ancient church in Rahan at 9am on Saturday morning and progress to the early Christian monastic site of Clonmacnoise, founded by St Ciaran on the bank of the river Shannon.

The pilgrimage has been organised by the Clara Heritage Society and the Church of Ireland Tullamore Union of Parishes and it follows an ancient path which highlights our connection with the divine, the landscape, and those around us, according to the Eventbrite website, which can be used for booking places.

The Tullamore Church of Ireland parish said that registration is 15 and there is an option to purchase lunch and a bus back to Rahan.

The route will honour the Offaly Pilgrim Way and include a detour along the Grand Canal to the village of Pullough, where pilgrims will gather in the church and see the oak altar and the Harry Clarke stained glass windows.

From there, participants will go to Lemonaghan Monastery and St Manchans for spoken word reflections, music and lunch.

From there, there is a trip across the bogland of Lemonaghan to Boher and on to Clonmacnoise.
TWENTY-nine years after the Tullamore woman's disappearance, the annual Fiona Pender Memorial Walk and Run will take place this Sunday, August 31 at 11.30am.

Those remembering Fiona, who gardai believe was murdered, will gather at the Fiona Pender memorial monument at Fiona's Way on the Grand Canal in Tullamore.

Fiona's Way is a 4.5km looped walk along the canal bank and it begins just a few hundred metres from Fiona Pender's family home in Connolly Park.

Fiona Pender was aged 25 and seven months pregnant when she was last seen at her flat at Church Street, Tullamore on August 23, 1996.

Gardai have been investigating her disappearance in the decades since and earlier this year reclassified the case from missing person to murder inquiry status.

The move to upgrade the investigation coincided with a search of bogland at Graigue, Killeigh on May 26 last.

That garda search continued for a second day and when it concluded another search began at a site in the Slieve Bloom mountains about four kilometres south of Clonaslee.

That second search also lasted two days. Gardai said the results of the searches were not being released for operational reasons but Fiona Pender's family were informed.

Sources close to the investigation indicated that nothing useful was found in either search but that both avenues of inquiry had to be closed off.

READ NEXT: Offaly woman's murder probe - two sites ruled out after searches

A number other searches have taken place at various locations since Fiona was last seen in 1996. Despite arrests being made that year, no charges were ever brought. People have been questioned and a suspect, a man known to Fiona, was identified and is believed to be now living abroad.

Tragedy first hit the Pender family when Fiona's brother Mark was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1994.

Her father Sean died tragically at home in 2000.

Fiona's mother Josephine made many public appeals for information and said she believed her daughter was murdered and the body buried.

She believed she knew the man who killed Fiona and right up to the time of her own death in 2017 she always hoped her daughter's remains would be found.

She said of the killer: He destroyed all of us. He didn't just destroy Fiona, he destroyed every member of the family.

Fiona's other brother John has previously spoken of the struggle the family endured: My mother and father both died of a broken heart and I have only been able to say goodbye to one family member, my mother, who passed away from natural causes  while no one else in my family did.

Gardai continue to appeal to any person who may have previously come forward who felt they could not provide gardai with all the information they had in relation to this matter, to contact the investigation team again, at Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, or any garda station. Anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially is advised to contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
PDD Holdings (PDD) has become the talk of the e-commerce world, operating Chinas Pinduoduo and the fast-rising global disruptor Temu. Its latest earnings beat gave Wall Street something to cheer about, lifting shares to year-to-date (YTD) highs despite an uneasy backdrop of weak consumer demand and intensifying trade headwinds.

But scratch beneath the surface, and the picture is not as simple. Profits slipped, weighed down by massive spending to fend off rivals, subsidize merchants, and fuel international expansion  all while tariffs and price wars keep biting. From Beijings push to revive spending to U.S. tariffs driving up logistics costs, PDD is taking big risks in rough waters that could either cement its dominance or erode near-term returns.

More News from Barchart

Management has already cautioned that these investments will create choppiness in financials, with mounting pressure in the near term as competition intensifies. With the calendar about to flip to September, does PDD stock deserve a spot in an investors portfolio? Or should investors sit tight  or even quietly cash out?

About PDD Holdings Stock

PDD Holdings  founded in 2015 and headquartered in Dublin Ireland  has rapidly evolved from a discount marketplace into Chinas third-largest e-commerce powerhouse. Known for Pinduoduos low-cost shopping model and Temus explosive global expansion, PDD disrupted the market by connecting farmers, merchants, and consumers directly. Rising faster than giants like Alibaba (BABA) and JD.com (JD), PDD has turned aggressive expansion and sharp pricing into its signature edge in the global retail game. Its market capitalization currently stands at $170 billion.

PDD stock has staged a dramatic turnaround this year. After bottoming at $87.11 in April, the stock has ripped 40% off the lows and is up 26% year-to-date (YTD), breaking past the $120 mark in August and holding above it since last week. It tapped a YTD high of $133.33 after blowout second-quarter results before cooling off on managements cautious tone.

www.barchart.com

In terms of valuation, PDD stock is priced at 16.2 times forward adjusted earnings, sitting below industry peers and its historical median, signaling the market has not fully priced in its ambitious growth story yet.
Historic Offaly boarding school, Cistercian College, have announced the appointment of a new school principal at a momentous time for the school as it will soon transition to co-education, welcoming female students for the first time.

The new principal is Ms Catherine Smyth who has been a member of the teaching staff at Cistercian College for the past 27 years.

For over seven of those years she has served as Deputy Principal and for the past two years she has provided steady and capable leadership as Acting Principal.

The school stated, "throughout her career, she has shown unwavering dedication to her students, her colleagues, and to the life of the school. Her authentic leadership, courage to lead change, pragmatism, humility, and determination to guide the College into the future make this a truly well-deserved appointment.

"The appointment follows a lengthy, competitive, and rigorous selection process undertaken by the Board of Management to ensure that the right candidate was chosen to lead the College at this important time, the College said in a statement.

"The calibre of candidates reflected the significance of the role, making Ms Smyths appointment all the more deserved, and the panel was unanimous in its strong endorsement of her."

As Principal, Ms Smyth will work closely with the College President, Mr Colm Maloney, the Senior Management Team, teachers, housemasters, and staff to guide Cistercian College into the next exciting stage of its history.

She will lead the teaching and learning at the College into a new future, as the school begins its transition to co-education, a significant and historic moment for the school

"We warmly congratulate Ms. Smyth on her appointment and look forward to supporting her as she takes on this important role," they concluded.
The U.S. has no monopoly on manufacturing fear. In Japan, the current right-wing administration continues to promote its agenda and reinforce its grip on political power by invoking the threat of Chinese aggression.

Since World War II, a new constitution for Japan, largely written incidentally by the U.S. as victor in the war, specifically precludes Japan from engaging its military, meager as it now is, in anything but defense of the country on its own soil. The particular anti-military clause in the constitution is called Article 9.

It is under assault by the current right wing, nationalistic ruling party, creating a huge public clamor, widespread outrage at even thinking about eliminating this prohibition of war and pursuing a more aggressive military.

How is this happening?

The reason given for needing a military buildup is to counter mounting threats from North Korea and China. We'll get to North Korea soon but for now let's talk about China.

The right wing in Japan and a forgetful Japanese public apparently sees no irony in their concerns about a threat from China.

China has never attacked Japan. Some might claim the Mongol invasions in the 13th Century contradicts this, but this wasn't a markedly Chinese initiative. In fact, China proper was also under threat by the Mongol hordes.

On the other hand, Japan brutally savaged China several times. The most infamous and horrifying example of this is referred to as the Rape of Nanking, a gruesome massacre by the invading Japanese army which occurred over six weeks starting December 13, 1937. It is estimated that as many as 300,000 innocent civilians and disarmed combatants were murdered in cold blood. Japan has refused to apologize and there are a few lunatics who refuse to acknowledge it ever happened, despite the overwhelming evidence.

And Japan is afraid of China?

Among the major nations of the world, China is among the least militarily aggressive. It attacked Vietnam over border disputes and sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, in what were by standards of real war mere minor skirmishes.

Compared to the aggressive policies of Japan and the U.S., both driven by imperial overreach, Chinas use of its military is trivial.

Japan started World War II, not China. Yes, China like every nation in the world except maybe Bhutan has had some conflicts with other countries. But let's look at some facts. The U.S. and allies, for reasons no one can remember now,killed over 3 million Vietnamese. It dropped twice as many bombs on Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (Laos and Cambodia weren't even officially in the war) as it did in World War II in both Europe and Asia! The U.S. sprayed huge areas of South Vietnam with toxic chemicals, as if the Vietnamese were just insects, not humans. And it wasn't just Vietnam. The U.S. has destroyed Iraq, Libya, and Syria as functioning nations. Destroyed whole countries! The U.S. has overthrown over thirty governments in the last seven decades, many of them democratically elected. Not one of these countries had attacked the U.S., meaning this was unprovoked aggression.

America's relationship with China certainly isn't lily white either.

It goes back aways. Does the Boxer Rebellion ring a bell?

I was taught in high school world history class that this was an uprising against the West in China, specifically Beijing, which illegally seized power from the legitimate authorities, and was subsequently put down by Western powers with the help of Japan, to restore the proper order. It was a turn-of-the-20th Century example of the enlightened West fighting the evil of terrorism in a nation we held dear to us because of our mutually beneficial trade relations.

The truth is that China had been the victim of a vast opium trade, promoted by the West over several decades, which resulted in massive addiction and effectively a subjugation of China to economic manipulation and control by the West. The Boxer Rebellion was an attempt to reclaim the country from foreign control and eliminate the scourge of opium addiction and the resulting disintegration of Chinese society. The U.S. deployed war ships and marines giving initial support to the British to fight the Chinese. Eventually, Germany, Russia, Austria, Japan, and Australia joined in to suppress the rebellion. The U.S. was thus partially responsible for attacking those in China who were battling colonial tyranny by the West and Japan.

Xi Jinping, the current president of the People's Republic of China, as many other embittered Chinese scholars likewise do, refers to this era of addiction and enslavement as the Century of Humiliation. He has vowed to never allow China to be subjected to such disrespect again. This is what drives his foreign policy and what our historically ignorant politicos view as his "confrontational" policies and recalcitrance with the U.S.

China-bashers in the U.S. need to get some perspective before they accuse China of being aggressive. That would start by Americans take a long hard look at themselves in the mirror.

Many Americans also accuse China of trying to take over the world. Are these the same people who handed over huge sectors of our manufacturing to China, gutting Americas own industrial base? Are these the same brilliant economic minds who rely on China to keep America solvent (China currently holds $859.4 billion in U.S. treasuries)? Yes, China is expanding its presence across the globe. But China's economic ascendency didn't require military might. Much of it directly resulted from the greed of U.S. corporate CEOs and the ingenious economic direction of American economists and government officials putting the interests of Wall Street and multinational corporations above the welfare of the United States. Much of it resulted from Chinas constructive and respectful policies, its win-win approach to working with other countries, its desire to build business partnerships, not military alliances.

Some accuse China of having an abysmal human rights record, of abusing its citizens and limiting their freedom, as if the U.S. was the angel on the hill.

To begin with, what business is that of America? It seems to me that its a matter that the Chinese people first and foremost need to deal with. Do you see millions of oppressed Chinese begging America to come to their aid? Besides, if were so principled, why do we do so much business with China? If we feel so bad about working conditions in China, why is it we have no problem with the products we buy in huge quantities -- iPhones, sneakers, toys, clothing, appliances, games, etc. -- being manufactured by these same, poor oppressed Chinese laborers, just so that we can save a few bucks on them at Walmart? Looks like a big steaming pile of hypocrisy to me.

More importantly, since when does the kettle get to call the frying pan black? China may not have a sterling human rights record. But just look at the U.S. America has been caught red-handed illegally spying on its citizens, conducting 24/7 unconstitutional invasions of our privacy. It prosecutes whistleblowers and even journalists, contrary to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world. The imprisoned are disproportionately people of color. Police in America kill their own citizens at an alarming rate. Unarmed black people are much more likely to be killed as unarmed white people.

Apparently, freedom in America is freedom to be spied on 24/7, the freedom to go to prison, the freedom to suck up state-sponsored propaganda, the freedom to complain about how horrific other countries treat their citizens, the freedom to get shot by the police, the freedom when possible to be white.

I don't want to be simplistic here. But frankly, much of the China bashing comes down to a mouthful of sour grapes. We demonized China for decades over their communist ideology, where the state owned and controlled every aspect of life. Prompted by a degree of failure of this narrow system, China liberalized and introduced elements of capitalism. While politically it's still at core a communist country, the economy is very much a hybrid affair. There are fast food restaurants -- Pizza Hut and McDonalds -- in Beijing. They have a stock market. They took the best from the west and kept the most productive elements of their own economic planning and are now thriving. China may indeed be taking over the world. But theyre doing it fair and square, non-violently, comfortably within the parameters we hold ourselves to. But while America's economy is faltering, right now growing at a mere 1.2% per year, Chinas GDP is typically over 5% annually. As recent as 2007, Chinas GDP growth rate was over 14%. China surpassed the powerhouse Japanese economy to become the second largest in the world, and is on its way to overtaking the U.S. to become number one.

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What is America proposing to do about it?

We have a one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with competition: Confront, destabilize, overthrow.

If that doesn't work, start a war.

Free and fair competition is for sissies. Bring out the bombs!

But there's something to consider here.

Maybe inside the Washington DC bubble, the self-proclaimed rulers of the Universe feel comfortable immersing themselves in comic book delusions of easy conquest. Let's hope and pray these daydreamers come to their senses. China has been around for at least 4,000 years. They have some of the most advanced weaponry on the planet. China now has 600 nuclear weapons. They have the largest military force in the world, over 2 million soldiers in uniform.

China is not Grenada or Panama. Chinese do not want war. But they will defend themselves.

American citizens need to wake up and get their crazed, saber-rattling politicos under control before its too late.

Because it's patently obvious why, in the eyes of our war-crazed, arguably insane leaders, China is bad and must be crushed. For over three decades, the U.S. has wasted trillions of dollars on wars and unnecessary military expansion, while China has invested in its nation and its people.

The U.S. simply can't keep up now.

Jealousy gives off a very stinky odor, eh?

The U.S. will resort to the only way it knows to put salve on its wounds. Our deranged leaders are openly stating we will go to war with China.

Unless we the people stop this suicide mission.
Gun Violence is a

Demographic Problem

Joel D. Joseph (Mr. Joseph published NRA: Money, Firepower & Fear in 1992)

In the United States we are experiencing mass shootings at an alarming rate. Most of the perpetrators are males under the age of 25. Salvador Ramos was the 18-year-old gunman who killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022. Ten days earlier, a mass shooting occurred in Buffalo, New York, at a Tops Friendly Markets supermarket. Ten people, all of whom were black, were murdered. The shooter was 18-year-old Payton S. Gendron. The two young men accused of carrying out the massacres in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas followed a familiar path: They legally bought semiautomatic rifles right after turning 18, posted images intended to display their strength and menaceand then turned those weapons on innocent people.

As investigators and researchers determine how the tragedies unfolded, the age of the accused has emerged as a key factor in understanding how teenagers become driven to acquire such deadly firepower and how it led them to mass shootings.

They fit into a critical age rangefrom 15 to 25that law enforcement officials, researchers and policy experts consider a hazardous time period for young men, a time when they are in the throes of developmental changes and societal pressures that can turn them toward violence in general, and, in the rarest cases, mass shootings.

Six of the nine deadliest mass shootings in the United States since 2018 were committed by boys who were 21 or younger.

In addition to Buffalo and Uvalde, Texas, there was a mass shooting at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, in March, 2021 that was carried out by a 21-year-old man; a massacre by a 21-year-old gunman targeting Hispanic shoppers at a Walmart in El Paso in August, 2019 resulted in 23 deaths; a school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas, in which a 17-year-old student was accused of killing eight students and two teachers in May 2018; and the killing of 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in February 2018 by a 19-year-old former student.

When Vanderbilt University professor Jonathan Metzl, a psychiatrist, learned that the perpetrator of the Uvalde, Texas school massacre was a young man barely out of adolescence, he pointed to the peculiarities of the maturing male brain. Salvador Rolando Ramos had just turned 18, eerily close in age to Nikolas Cruz, who had been 19 when he shot up a school in Parkland, Florida. And Adam Lanza, 20, when he did the same horrendous shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Similarly, Seung-Hui Cho, 23, killed 32 students at Virginia Tech. Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17, murdered 13 students and one teacher in Columbine, Colorado.

Teen and young adult males have long stood out from other subgroups for their impulsive behavior. They are far more reckless and prone to violence than their counterparts in other age groups. Their leading causes of death include fights, accidents, driving too fast, or, as Professor Metzl put it, other impulsive kinds of acts. Theres a lot of research about how their brains are not fully developed in terms of regulation, he said. Perhaps most significantly, studies show, the prefrontal cortex, which is critical to understanding the consequences of ones actions and controlling impulses, does not fully develop until about age 25. In that context, Metzl said, a shooting certainly feels like another kind of performance of young masculinity.

Dr. Frances E. Jensen, M.D., author of The Teenage Brain,said that our brains don't fully develop until we're we're almost 30. The scientific consensus? Most researchers agree that the male brain reaches full maturity somewhere between the ages of 25 and 30. Neurolaunch, September 30, 2024

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Jeffrey, I'm Your Moderator, and it's Enough #jefferysachs #athens #democracy #uk #usa #TheWorld Professor Jeffrey Sachs was interrupted by a moderator during his speech at the Athens Democracy Forum on September 28, ...

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The African continent has been characterized for eons, and by legions, as 'dark' and 'uncivilized'. Concomitant to the foregoing phenomena, are the unbroken arrogant, myopic stand and proclamations (spoken and unspoken) of the presumptive master-race, and self-anointed, rulers of the universe.

In light of the extremely dark and grave global existential challenges, set backs and feral- brutality, inundating humanity writ-large today, it behooves brave and unflappable truth- tellers to debunk the false, fake and flimsy benchmarks of what constitutes 'civilization'.

I posit the theory that the only true and lasting foundation of enduring pillars of civilization; is the humane, genial and civil treatment, of mankind vis-a-vis mankind. This is the only true test.

Historically, in this respect, the white race has failed humanity and continues to fail humanity to date. There are too many examples of the foregoing assertion; suffice it to mention - genocides, trans-Atlantic slave trade, 2 world wars, apartheid, and the rapacious, inhumane, evil system of run-amok Western capitalism The core precepts of which, in their purest form, elevates the enthronement of self, and idolises, demented greed - to the exclusion of any and all, sterling or noble human values. The toxic, deleterious, lasting effects of callous-capitalism, subsumed, and all-but eradicated, erstwhile, non-white traditional bedrock values of communal; common-good, togetherness, and serenity.

Conclusion

1. Africa is the only nuclear-weapons free continent in the world. The very existence of these arsenals, capable of annihilating all planetary life in nanoseconds, makes a mockery of the sanctity of human life and underscores the ephemeral/fragile nature, of all vaunted scientific/technological achievements, and creature-comforts of Western society. The very presence of these armaments, in essence, ought to question the generally accepted notions of the term, 'civilization'.

The 2009 African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (ANWFZ) covers the entire African continent.

This not only bestows on us in Africa, the moral high ground, but also makes it imperative for us to rebuke nuclear-armed nations and advocate for total nuclear disarmament. Hence, we are bringing sanity, morality, and much-needed light, to the growing global gloom and darkness, set against widespread human deprivation and the specter of nuclear-arms threats.

2. Russia, a white ethno-state, is waging a 21st-century, unprovoked, unjust, and barbaric war against its neighbour, Ukraine; in which horrendous and savage, war crimes are being perpetrated by the aggressor, on an hourly basis. The hot war is now in its 42nd month.

3. The US is under the dastardly domain of an iron-fisted oligarchy. Among the myriad atrocities of these soulless creatures inhabiting the dark abyss, and their bought and paid for, subservient-underling-politicians, is the unabated orchestration and idolatrous sacrifice, of American children and infants, to death in the cruel, insatiable and red-hot fiery-furnace, via - gun violence.

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The demonization of Russia among Western journalists has gotten so perverse, that if Vladimir Putin were to jump in an erupting volcano and rescue a family of four Americans, carrying them on his back hobbling along on the melted stumps of his legs to a hospital 50 miles away, the mainstream media in the U.S. would report that Vlad the Impaler in some disconnected attempt to reconstruct the Soviet Empire had personally kidnapped four defenseless U.S. citizens and was holding them in a labor camp in the Siberian tundra.

Nothing good about Russia ever makes the cut these days, only the bad, much of it fabricated by the U.S. government itself. Even indisputable facts of history take a back seat to vilifying everything Russian. With appalling disrespect, Western leaders snubbed Russia by refusing to take part in the 70th-anniversary celebrations of victory over Germany held in Moscow in 2015. Likewise with the recent 80th-anniversary victory day celebrations, attended by many top leaders from all over the world. Then at equivalent ceremonies in Europe, scant mention was even made of the Russian campaigns, which resulted in the deaths of over 10 million Russian soldiers. If you bother to check the record, you will discover it was not France, England, and the U.S. that defeated Hitler. It was Russia.

I don't say this because I'm a Russia lover or a Putin apologist. This is a matter of historical record. Maybe to the propagandists in the West with their highly focused, patently obtuse agenda, facts don't matter. But to you and I, if we are to have any shot at all at embracing harmony in the world, facts are vital to a greater appreciation of a nation of 146 million people whose government is armed with over 5,000 nuclear warheads.

Here are some more facts. Feel free to check the historical record:

1) Joseph Stalin proposed in 1952 that Germany be reunited as a single neutral country with free elections. A central condition was that Germany not be part of a NATO alliance, which it viewed as a military threat. Russia was under enormous pressure economically after being ravaged by World War II and wanted to reduce the growing tensions between the East and the West.

Of course, by ignoring and ultimately rejecting this proposal, it would take another forty years of Cold War hostility and posturing to reunite Germany, then as an loyal ally and military stronghold of the U.S., though ironically, Germany for decades until fairly recently has been one of Russia's most important European trading partners.

2) Prior to the 1963 Cuban missile crisis, Nikita Khrushchev for almost a decade proposed substantial reductions in offensive weapons. While America was implementing the largest peace-time military build-up in history, Russia was in fact reducing its military capability.

Khrushchev finally became convinced, especially after the U.S. placed in nearby Turkey nuclear-tipped Jupiter missiles that could easily reach Russia, that America was bent on attacking the Soviet Union. This was the underlying reason for deploying nuclear missiles in Cuba, precipitating one of the most dangerous crises in history. Perhaps not the wisest thing to do, given the level of tensions the U.S. maintained with its constant better-dead-than-Red fear mongering; nevertheless the missiles in Cuba were basically the Soviet's attempt to achieve some sort of parity, at least a minimal acceptable level of mutually assured destruction with America.

3) In 1983, the U.S. risked starting World War III with provocative and unnecessary probing of Soviet air defenses, a military exercise called Able Archer. This was purely a strategic and psychological maneuver intended to bolster support Reagan was soliciting from Congress and U.S. allies for his Star Wars missile defense system. Because at this same time the U.S. was deploying nuclear-tipped Pershing II missiles in Europe that only had a 5-minute flight time to key targets in Russia, Soviet leadership understandably viewed Star Wars not as a defensive system but as the means for establishing a first-strike capability. And it suspected the probing of its air space and testing of its defense systems via Able Archer, was a prelude to an attack. Speculation about a first-strike nuclear attack on Russia continues to this day. Extremely dangerous!

4) Reagan and Gorbachev in the end were quite sincere about totally eliminating nuclear weapons by the end of the 20th century; thus their verbal agreement during a summit in Reykjavik, Iceland, to work toward eliminating the nuclear arsenals of both Russia and the U.S. was quite authentic. It was not posturing. Moreover, the whole idea for eliminating the entire nuclear arsenals of both countries was initiated by Soviet Premier Gorbachev in a letter sent to President Reagan January 14, 1986. It was actually his idea.

5) Russia only has nine foreign military bases. This is in contrast to what many estimate to be 700-800 in at minimum 80 countries by the U.S. A cursory glance at a world map shows that a substantial number of these bases form a ring around Russia. Even the most impartial observer would not view this as a coincidence and would at least appreciate why Putin and company see much of what America does as provocative if not blatantly confrontational and why some analysts on both sides conjecture that America is preparing to launch a preemptive nuclear attack on Russia, begging the question what such an attack would preempt other than the continuation of the human species.

6) Contrary to headlines that screamed foul in the American media, Russia never invaded Crimea. The simple fact is that there were 16,000 troops already stationed there, as per a standing treaty with the Ukrainian government. When the elected President of the Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, certainly corrupt and questionable in his own right, like most Ukrainian politicians was driven out of the country by street thugs, these troops were instructed to protect key physical assets in the region, as well as make sure that the many native Russians who were living there remained safe. There was no firefight, no resistance. After 97% of voters demanded in an internationally-monitored referendum to rejoin Russia, the region that had been part of Russia going back to 1786, returned to Russian authority - hardly an invasion by any stretch of the imagination. No troops stormed over the border. No shots were fired.

7) Far from being the instigator of the current crisis in the Ukraine, Putin has consistently played peacemaker and attempted to defuse the situation, even as native Russians came under threat from the new government in Kiev, and now Russian civilians are still being attacked daily with drones. Battalions of Neo-Nazi fighters now comprise key sectors of Ukraine's military forces. These were among the shock troops that originally rampaged through the eastern regions, attacking Donetsk and Luhansk, two strongholds of pro-Russian separatists and home to a majority of Russians, after the Maidan uprising.

8) Contrary to the narrative being pushed by the White House obviously the creation of neocon ideologues swarming like locusts at all levels of the bureaucracy, especially in the State Department and think tanks within the beltway,the evidence is quite clear that the entire 2014 coup was engineered and directed by the U.S., using agent provocateur NGOs,funded by National Endowment for Democracy. Senator John McCain and Asst. U.S. Secretary of State Victoria Nuland were even on the front lines during the demonstrations. This is, of course, not what you were being told by the American press, which still leads the charge in continuing to pin all blame on Russia and Putin.

Now am I making a one-sided case here? Of course not. There have been for over six decades, extending right up till the present, gross deceptions and blunders on both sides. I bring up the above examples because the collective memory of the American public seems to be very short. Or more likely, many well-meaning Americans may not even be familiar with these particular facts in the first place. Anything good about the Soviets and now the Russians tends to be overwhelmed and replaced by the fiercely promoted and much easier-to-embrace black hat characterization we hear regurgitated over and over.

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One: "When you burn the American Flag, youre not making a statement -- youre inciting chaos. Its not free speech, its a provocation. One year in jail, NO exceptions." That's US president Donald Trump, talking to reporters about his executive order on flag-burning.

Camera Two: "In cases where the Department of Justice or another executive department or agency (agency) determines that an instance of American Flag desecration may violate an applicable State or local law, such as open burning restrictions, disorderly conduct laws, or destruction of property laws, the agency shall refer the matter to the appropriate State or local authority for potential action." That's from the actual executive order.

In other words, Trump isn't REALLY claiming the ability to unilaterally, and formally, repeal the First Amendment, as he sometimes does.

He's just throwing a public "find something else to charge them with!" tantrum, presumably by way of distracting attention from the ongoing inquiries into his long, close personal association with the late sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein, his embarrassment at still failing to deliver on his "first day in office" promise of ending the war in Ukraine, the bad economic news associated with his idiotic trade and tariff policies, etc.

Dog bites man story? Well, yeah.

But free speech is always worth defending, even when an attack on it is indirect and pretextual.

Yes, free speech, or at least "expressive conduct." It's not just me saying that, it's the US Supreme Court in Texas v. Johnson (1989):

"Johnson's conviction for flag desecration is inconsistent with the First Amendment. Johnson's burning of the flag constituted expressive conduct, permitting him to invoke the First Amendment."

Property rights are also worth defending. If you burn someone else's flag without permission, that's theft and destruction of property. If you burn a flag you own, well, you own it and you're entitled by right to do anything with it you darn well please, so long as you don't damage other people or other people's property.

And by "damage other people," I don't mean "hurt someone's feelings."

According to Trump, "[o]ur great American Flag is the most sacred and cherished symbol of the United States of America, and of American freedom."

Whether something is "sacred" is a matter of opinion. Whether you "cherish" the flag, or don't, is entirely up to you to decide.

As for Trump, he routinely -- if metaphorically -- defecates on everything he claims the flag stands for, then wipes his posterior with it ... while also wrapping himself in it. Sorry not sorry if you have trouble un-seeing THAT image. I hope it lives rent-free in your brain for years.

I'm not generally inclined toward flag-burning, if for no other reason than that I have relatives who "cherished" it, considered it "sacred," and had it draped over their coffins, folded, and presented to their loved ones when they died.

But Trump's latest attempt to use the flag as, essentially, kitty litter to cover up his messes, tempts me to a "smoke'em if you got'em" attitude.
Will Nepal's leadership on health spur more action on SDG-3 globally?

SHOBHA SHUKLA - CNS



Will Nepal's leadership on health spur more action on SDG-3 worldwide?

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Nepal has demonstrated commendable progress on a range of health indices, despite myriads of challenges. Nepal is among the least developed countries currently, but due to its sustained and growing progress on a range of sustainable development indices, it is all set to do away with this tag in 2026.

Dr Bikash Devkota, Secretary, Department of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, shared some of the milestones that we believe are not only national successes but maybe the global exemplars.

Nepal has witnessed one of the most dramatic health transformations. Life expectancy at birth has increased almost three-fold, from 28 years in 1954 to 72 years in 2021. Nepali story is remarkable in efforts to reduce maternal deaths. Over the last three decades, we have reduced maternal mortality ratio by more than 70%. This means that tens of thousands of Nepali mothers who might once have been lost during childbirth are now alive raising their children, nourishing them and contributing to their community. The neonatal mortality rate reduced by more than half, declining from 50 deaths to 21 deaths per 1,000 live births over the same period, said Dr Devkota.

Dr Devkota was the opening keynote speaker at SHE & Rights (Sexual Health with Equity & Rights) session on the theme: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2025): Only 64 months left to deliver on SDG-3 and SDG-5: It is time for Accountability. SHE & Rights is hosted together by Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) 2025, Family Planning News Network (FPNN), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), Womens Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR), Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media) and CNS.

Clock is ticking as 64 months left to deliver on SDGs

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The "Iris" band said it hoped to return to Oregon next year. Al Mannarino |For NJ Advance Media

Everythings made to be broken, it seems.

The Goo Goo Dolls concert planned for Hayden Homes Amphitheater on the Deschutes River in Bend has been canceled due to health concerns based on the air quality produced by the current wildfires.

Anyone who purchased a ticket from Ticketmaster will get an automatic refund, the concert venue announced. Other people should ask for refunds from wherever they bought their tickets.

The band best known for 1998s melancholic Iris may return to the venue in the near future.

The band looks forward to returning to Oregon in 2026, a marketing official from Hayden Homes Amphitheater wrote in an announcement about the cancellation.

Beth Slovic is an editor on the public safety and breaking news team. Reach her at 503-221-8551 or bslovic@oregonian.com.
Stella-Jones began operating a wood treatment facility in Sheridan in 2013. The facility was designated a Superfund site in 2001 and underwent an extensive cleanup after extensive pentachlorophenol pollution caused by a previous owner, Taylor Lumber and Treating. Amanda Loman/InvestigateWest

After decades trapping crayfish in northwest Oregon, Mike Hailey could tell when something was wrong.

In the summer of 2023, Hailey noticed crayfish had disappeared downriver from a wood treatment facility in Sheridan operated by the Stella-Jones Corporation, a multinational Canadian company. Further up, his traps filled in an hour. But downstream, as the South Yamhill River flowed toward town, they were empty, his bait untouched.

This concerns me, Hailey wrote in a complaint to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality on Aug. 22. Is there something going on in the South Yamhill River that would be a contributing factor?

Hailey never got an answer to his question. But both state and federal regulators knew something was wrong the summer he shared his concerns.

The wood treatment facility, a vestige of Sheridans faded timber industry, is already a Superfund site because of decades-old contamination from a likely carcinogenic wood preservative called pentachlorophenol. Unbeknownst to Hailey and many others in Sheridan, state and federal regulators have spent the last four years investigating Stella-Jones over new contamination tainting the Superfund site and the South Yamhill  a source of drinking water for nearly 6,000 residents.

On Aug. 25, Stella-Jones pleaded guilty to 10 misdemeanor charges of unlawful water pollution brought by the Yamhill District Attorneys Office and prosecuted by a state Department of Justice environmental crime expert. As part of a plea agreement, the company has agreed to pay a maximum of $250,000 in fines to resolve a few months of pollution. Its the first state penalty against the company despite nearly four years of violations flagged by DEQ.

InvestigateWest interviewed Sheridan residents, environmental advocates and state regulators, and reviewed decades of public records  including inspection reports, regulatory violation notices, and a preliminary federal report on the contamination. Taken together, they reveal how DEQ kept potential contamination of the towns water supply hidden from the public while failing to take measures to stop Stella-Jones from releasing more contaminated water.

DEQ has repeatedly warned Stella-Jones that stormwater it has released into the South Yamhill River over the last four winters contained too much pentachlorophenol. Although Oregon law empowers the agency to stop companies such as Stella-Jones from releasing contaminated stormwater through civil orders or permit revocation, DEQ continued to allow Stella-Jones to dump polluted water into the South Yamhill  even as it worked with prosecutors to build the criminal negligence case.

DEQ has not yet levied any civil penalties against Stella-Jones for violations stretching back to 2022. But in the case of another polluting wood treater  and under pressure from community advocates  DEQ imposed steep penalties while consulting with residents and other agencies to investigate health and environmental risks.

A woman prepares for a swim in South Yamhill River in Sheridan. Stella-Jones wood treatment facility has a state permit that allows it to release treated stormwater into the river, but the company has repeatedly violated the permit by releasing water containing excessive amounts of a wood preservative known as pentachlorophenol. Amanda Loman/InvestigateWest

Regulators could also share some of the blame for the contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency briefly banned pentachlorophenol use at the site during the Superfund cleanup, but reversed that decision, as did DEQ. EPA has also known since 2022 that its own measures to contain decades-old pollution created by a previous owner of the site are failing, and it will likely be years before the agency even has a plan to clean up the new contamination.

Meanwhile, pentachlorophenol and its byproducts are spreading, sometimes in hazardous amounts, beyond the wood treatment facility and into nearby waterways, near a Head Start preschool and a home across the road, according to a draft EPA report obtained in July by InvestigateWest. Investigators initially found Stella-Jones is probably to blame for at least some of the pollution, though the agency still hasnt released the results of the 3-year-old investigation to the public.

Two years after Hailey sent his letter, state and federal regulators havent explained what level of risk the pollution poses to Stella-Jones workers, Sheridan residents or the environment. No state agency has studied the health of the South Yamhill River, which serves as the spawning ground each fall for tens of thousands of threatened steelhead trout, coho salmon and Pacific lamprey.

They arent being honest with people, Hailey said after learning of the repeated violations and protracted regulator response. I should get to make that decision if I wade into their chemicals. But, if they keep it a secret, I mean, thats wrong.

Dylan Darling, a spokesperson for DEQ, denied that the agency has kept information about pollution hidden from the public. He said the agency has kept the city and Stella-Jones neighbors apprised of any violations that may pose a risk to public health and the environment and has responded to questions from the public.

Weve been trying to make sure that all those who need to know about this know, he said.

The state agency also asserted that the draft EPA report doesnt show any unacceptable impact to the river caused by the facility and that it would follow-up with Hailey after the federal probe is finalized.

Nina Bell, who has sued environmental regulators over water quality enforcement as the executive director of the nonprofit Northwest Environmental Advocates, said Haileys report alone should have triggered swifter action.

Frankly, if DEQ cant act on that, it really makes you wonder what theyre good for, she said. Theres nothing subtle about no crayfish.

By assuming responsibility for some of the violations, Stella-Jones has agreed to clean up a contaminated drainage ditch that flows into the South Yamhill and to make other upgrades to its stormwater treatment system.

Stella-Jones did not respond to interview requests or a list of detailed questions about its alleged violations for this story. In a statement, a spokesperson said the company was pleased to have reached an agreement with prosecutors.

Environmental compliance is a core priority for Stella-Jones, said Eric Vachon, Stella-Jones CEO. We have invested in people, technology and processes to ensure the Sheridan facility operates safely and responsibly for the long term and will continue to take steps to meet the highest standards across our operations.

Urgency is mounting from other interested parties. The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde  whose reservation lies a few miles upstream of the site and whose ceded lands include the city of Sheridan  called on both the EPA and DEQ in July to move quicker to stop the spreading pollution.

The Tribe is very concerned about the apparent ongoing (Stella-Jones) mismanagement and failure to comply with current DEQ and EPA permitted program oversight, tribal officials wrote in response to the EPAs draft report. The Tribe demands EPA take action to immediately end the current operators decade-long pattern of reckless violations that continue to put Tribal people and resources at serious and unnecessary risk.

Toxic history

In 2011, officials with the EPA and DEQ faced a crossroads in their oversight of Sheridans wood treatment facility.

The EPA had just spent 10 years and millions of dollars cleaning up decades of pentachlorophenol pollution on the property, which was operated by a company called Taylor Lumber and Treating from 1946 until the property was designated a Superfund site in 2001. Regulators had hauled off five acres of contaminated soil, cleaned out roadside ditches flowing into the South Yamhill and contained a plume of contaminated groundwater underneath the property within an underground wall topped with an asphalt cap.

The Sheridan wood treatment facility, operated by various companies since 1946, A wood treatment facility on the edge of the town, operated by various companies since 1946, has until recently used a hazardous wood preservative known as pentachlorophenol to prevent rotting and fungus in products like telephone poles and wood ties. Amanda Loman/InvestigateWest

Wood treaters like Taylor Lumber and Stella-Jones use preservatives such as pentachlorophenol to protect utility poles, railroad ties and other lumber products from fungus and insects. The chemical was restricted to industrial use in the U.S. in the 1980s.

The EPAs Superfund program cleans up chemicals that pose a risk to human health, and pentachlorophenol fits the profile for its cancer-causing potential. It is toxic to the liver and associated with increased risks of cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma, according to the National Institutes of Health. The byproducts of its use in wood treatment, called dioxins and furans, are even more likely to cause cancer. Studies on animals and humans have shown that chronic exposure to pentachlorophenol through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact can all pose risks. A 2004 study also found that pentachlorophenol accumulated in the tissue of developing salmon eggs and the embryos showed signs of stress and altered metabolism.

A new company that took over Sheridans wood treatment plant in 2002, Pacific Wood Preserving, used a less toxic preservative, copper naphthenate, because the EPA and DEQ banned pentachlorophenol use at the site during the cleanup.

But by 2011, Pacific Wood had hit a snag: Products treated with copper naphthenate didnt sell as well, and the supply of the chemical had dwindled. The company told state and federal regulators it needed to use pentachlorophenol in order to keep operating.

In public comments to the EPA, locals supported the shift back to pentachlorophenol, emphasizing the crucial economic role of the facility in an area hurt by the decline of timber. But one letter from a Portland environmental attorney named Brian King expressed concern that history would repeat itself if the chemical was allowed again.

Nothing has changed since 2001 when the community expressed concern over the use of (pentachlorophenol) and other highly toxic chemicals at the site, Kings letter said. The risks to human health and the environment from the use of these chemicals are no different now than they were ten years ago.

The EPA waved aside Kings concerns, saying the agency had not identified any added risks to human health or the environment. It lifted its ban on pentachlorophenol use at the site. A month later, in June 2011, DEQ followed suit.

Pacific Woods continued presence on-site would save the EPA and DEQ money because the property owner is responsible for maintaining some of the pollution containment measures, the EPA said. Keeping the ban in place, regulators said, would penalize the company, its workers, and the local economy without generating any substantial environmental benefit.

McFarland Cascade Holdings, a subsidiary of the Stella-Jones Corporation, bought the site just two years later. It took only another couple of years for problems with pentachlorophenol to start popping up, DEQ records show.

Stella-Jones discharged unlawfully polluted stormwater in 2015, 2016 and 2017, drawing state fines totaling $16,000. DEQ said each violation may have negatively impacted water quality in the South Yamhill River.

State officials may levy higher penalties for repeat violations of a water quality permit, which DEQ has done with other permit holders. Instead, records show, DEQ settled with Stella-Jones to lower the original fines by over $2,000.

For the next five years, Stella-Jones continued using pentachlorophenol with no violations.

In February 2022, the EPA announced a five-year phased ban on pentachlorophenol use nationwide, ordering wood treatment companies to wean off using the chemical by February 2027.

The risks pentachlorophenol poses to workers health outweigh the benefits of its use, the EPA said in its decision, pointing to viable alternatives that wood treaters could use. As Stella-Jones worked to meet the EPAs requirements by gradually incorporating a less-toxic chemical called DCOIT, problems with its ongoing pentachlorophenol use resurfaced: Once again, the company was releasing polluted stormwater.

On Aug. 21, 2023, Stella-Jones reported its largest chemical spill. Nearly 2,400 gallons of diesel mixed with the preservative DCOIT had escaped containment, entering a storm drain and reaching the city of Sheridans sewer system. Environmental Protection Agency

The first pentachlorophenol-contaminated sample came in January 2022, and violations continued intermittently each winter after that through 2024. In the first three months of 2024 alone, Stella-Jones racked up 14 violations for pentachlorophenol pollution in a drainage ditch that flows into the South Yamhill River. Several factors may account for continued water quality problems even after the company stopped using pentachlorophenol, including old contaminated groundwater escaping the containment wall and the residue from repeated chemical spills at the site.

From the winter of 2022 through 2024, Stella-Jones reported 17 such spills. In several instances, employees had simply overfilled storage tanks or the evaporator, splashing pentachlorophenol-saturated oil and wastewater onto the ground, according to spill reports. The largest spill was in August 2023, involving more than 2,400 gallons of diesel mixed with DCOIT. That spill caught residents attention because, according to regulators, the mixture had entered a storm drain and a mens urinal onsite, reaching the city of Sheridans sanitary sewer and triggering a coordinated cleanup involving local, state and federal officials. DEQ inspectors found at least five additional instances where Stella-Jones had failed to report spills in violation of the law, according to agency documents.

State inspectors also found the company had, on multiple occasions, downplayed the amount of tainted wastewater or diesel that had seeped into drains and ditches and at times did not adequately clean equipment. As a result, contaminants had on different occasions seeped into the asphalt cap helping contain the already-polluted groundwater, tainted the stormwater system or entered the South Yamhill River.

In their written warnings, DEQ officials ordered Stella-Jones to correct its practices, including testing stormwater releases more frequently. But sometimes the company even failed to do that. From December 2022 to April 2023, Stella-Jones fell behind on reporting sampling data for several weeks. This, too, prompted warnings from regulators, but no penalties yet.

Three years, little action

In April 2024, Sheridan resident Christina Avila also wrote to DEQ asking whether her towns drinking water was safe. She had heard the August 2023 spill at Stella-Jones mentioned during a couple of recent City Council meetings.

As a homeowner here in Sheridan and as a parent of a daughter whos a student at the boarding school directly behind Stella-Jones, Im very concerned, she wrote. Is there updated information I can receive about the spill or Stella-Jones?

DEQ staff reassured her that no impacts to drinking water had been detected and that the school was safe, as well.

Contaminated groundwater is mostly contained on the facility, said Nancy Sawka, a cleanup program manager, in response to Avilas email. Any stormwater is treated to acceptable levels prior to discharging to the river.

But Sawka didnt mention that a month prior, DEQ had looped in its enforcement office to impose civil penalties over more than 84 instances where Stella-Jones had violated environmental regulations  though 16 months later DEQ is still working on those penalties.

The Sheridan Bridge over the South Yamhill River. Stella-Jones wood treatment facility has a state permit that allows it to release treated stormwater into the river, but the company has repeatedly violated the permit by releasing water containing excessive pentachlorophenol levels. Amanda Loman/InvestigateWest

Erin Saylor, interim manager of the enforcement office, said its taken a long time to finish because the case is so complicated.

Enforcement is a very important tool for protecting Oregons environment, Saylor said in an email. However, building an effective enforcement case takes time.

The agency is crafting a response that addresses the violations and ensures the company stays in compliance going forward, she said.

For the past three years, DEQ has ordered Stella-Jones to take steps to investigate and prevent continued pollution. But it hasnt jeopardized the companys permit or told it to stop discharging stormwater into the river.

Darling, DEQ spokesperson, said if the agency had revoked Stella-Jones permit or ordered the company to store untreated stormwater, it would have likely resulted in more spills.

It rains a lot in Oregon, he said. The system isnt designed to take in rainfall in large quantities. We need the permit in place to regulate whats being done there and get it up to compliance.

Bell, the environmental advocate, called that explanation very simplistic and said pollution source control is part of DEQs responsibility.

Although the state agency has yet to issue civil penalties against the wood treater, it tipped off the Oregon State Police about potential criminal negligence by the company and assisted in the investigation that resulted in nearly two dozen misdemeanor charges against Stella-Jones last December. The $250,000 fine negotiated by prosecutors and Stella-Jones attorneys  $50,000 of which will be dismissed if the company stays out of trouble for the next three years  is less than half a percent of the corporations 2024 net profit, which surpassed $230 million, according to financial statements.

In court Aug. 25, Stella-Jones attorney, Per Ramfjord, said the company will spend millions more than the penalty amount in order to meet the demands of the probation agreement, which includes cleanup and upgrades to the stormwater treatment system. The company already began evaluating and updating the system this year in response to DEQ demands.

We believe the company is taking responsibility and it wants to take responsibility, Ramfjord said.

Stella-Jones guilty plea is a shift from its posture with state regulators  in correspondence with DEQ, the company has disputed many of the violations, accusing state regulators of stalling its requests for clarification and interfering with its business. Company leaders also suggested the water pollution stems from the EPAs failure to manage the Superfund site, rather than the companys more recent use of pentachlorophenol. In letters responding to state regulators, the company cited the EPAs 2022 finding that its containment of decades-old groundwater pollution was failing, and urged Oregon officials to hold off on any penalties until federal regulators complete their investigation. Its not clear when it will be complete.

To the extent the EPA remedy may be failing or inadequate, any resulting noncompliance should not be attributed to Stella-Jones, wrote Heather Gawne, Stella-Joness environmental compliance manager, in a July 2024 letter.

But at least some of the contamination may be pinned on Stella-Jones, according to a draft of the EPAs investigative report that InvestigateWest obtained in a public records request. Tainted sediment in the roadside ditch where the companys water quality violations recur, for example, appears to be linked to Stella-Jones operations. Stella-Jones spills are also the most likely cause of other sediment and soil contamination across the property, the draft report found.

Draft report data also showed that dioxin contamination on the site was, in some places, thousands of times higher than Oregons occupational exposure limits. Darling, the DEQ spokesperson, said Stella-Jones cleaned up contaminated soils in areas where employees work, but its not clear how long workers were exposed to dioxin prior to that.

Early results of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency investigation indicate pentachlorophenol contamination from Stella-Jones facility spread to nearby properties in Sheridan, including the Head Start of Yamhill County. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality says that testing conducted in 2023 of the Head Starts playground showed dioxin levels  a pentachlorophenol byproduct  did not exceed applicable risk levels for children at a day care facility. Amanda Loman/InvestigateWest

Dioxin contamination also is not limited to the property. Sediment samples from an adjacent creek, and soil samples from a nearby residence and a Head Start located kitty-corner to the Stella-Jones property, also showed dioxin concentrations reaching as much as 10 times Oregons residential exposure limit. Prompted by this data, DEQ conducted more extensive testing in 2023 and 2024 on the playground of the Head Start, Darling said. The agency found lower levels of dioxin there, which Oregon Health Authority toxicologists believed posed a limited risk of exposure, he said.

Federal regulators are also analyzing new sampling showing that the historically contaminated groundwater is escaping the EPAs containment measures and is migrating to the east, likely tainting soil as it moves.

Once the final report is released, the agency will then decide how to manage the cleanup and how costs should be split between the agency and Stella-Jones, a process that could stretch on for another few years.

So far, the only enforcement action the EPA has taken against Stella-Jones is for its failures to to maintain an adequate spill prevention plan and train workers under the federal Clean Water Act.

According to an agreement with the agency announced in July, Stella-Jones neither denied or admitted the EPAs allegations. But it accepted a $98,000 penalty.

Questions unanswered

Two hours south of Sheridan, state and federal regulators have more closely scrutinized the impacts of pentachlorophenol and dioxins on human health and the surrounding environment.

At a site run by J.H. Baxter, a now-defunct wood treater in west Eugene, regulators found the company had also spilled pentachlorophenol and other chemicals, polluting soil and groundwater. Beyond that, employees had tried to illegally dispose of hazardous waste by evaporating wastewater out of the treatment system, prompting air quality concerns from residents living nearby in west Eugene and Bethel. Last year, it became the focus of a time-critical EPA cleanup to remove hundreds of gallons of hazardous chemicals from the site, and in July, it became a Superfund site.

Local advocates in west Eugene complained about smells, difficulty breathing and unexplained diseases for years before officials began taking action. Arjorie Arberry-Baribeault was one of them.

She became an advocate for an environmental justice nonprofit, Beyond Toxics, after her daughters Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis made her suspicious about environmental risks from the J.H. Baxter plant. She and other organizers spent years pushing for environmental and health officials to investigate their exposures to chemicals from J.H. Baxter.

Arberry-Baribeault said it doesnt surprise her that in Sheridan, residents might not yet be aware of the contamination from the Stella-Jones facility and how it could impact workers or neighbors. But accountability might not come unless residents ask hard questions.

(Regulators) do take a long time. Its not their yard, not their kids, not their pets  so theres no urgency there, she said.

Community involvement helped spur the Oregon Health Authority to conduct health assessments in the area, including a cancer study that found residents in west Eugene had slightly higher levels of lung cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma than residents in other areas of the county and state. The analyses also found dioxins in the soil of residential yards surrounding J.H. Baxter was posing varying levels of risk to neighbors.

When public health officials presented the study results to the community, they displayed a graphic using stick figures to illustrate how many people out of the group might be likely to get cancer.

I was like, wait a minute, those are not just stick figures on your screen, those are people, she said. And one of those people is my child. So, bringing back that humanity to the situation is uncomfortable for (state officials), but its also necessary to make changes.

DEQ referred J.H. Baxters laundry list of violations to the EPA for investigation in 2020 and levied more than $220,000 in civil fines the next year. In April, the company was ordered by a federal court to pay $1.5 million in criminal penalties, and its president was sentenced to 90 days in prison after pleading guilty to lying to DEQ officials.

A mural of the Sheridan Bridge over the South Yamhill River in Sheridan. Stella-Jones wood treatment facility is one of the last vestiges of the towns fading timber industry. Amanda Loman/InvestigateWest

Compared to J.H. Baxter, pollution at the Stella-Jones site has gone largely unnoticed by Sheridan residents. City leaders who have been aware of various spills have asked some questions about impacts to public health, said Ian Houston, a city councilor who stressed he wasnt speaking in an official capacity. But amid turnover in city leadership, few answers have emerged.

Public drinking water data indicates that Sheridans drinking water meets health and safety requirements, but the city does not test for dioxins and has not tested for pentachlorophenol since late 2022. City officials did not respond to multiple interview requests for this story. While Sheridan draws drinking water from the South Yamhill River primarily in the summer rather than during the rainy winter months when Stella-Jones discharges stormwater into the river, local residents also fish and swim in it.

Some are calling for more investigation into how the pollution could be impacting the environment. Officials with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde urged the EPA in July to address potential health impacts to fish and other species in the South Yamhill, and to protect the Superfund site.

Neither the tribe nor the Oregon taxpayers deserve this avoidable risk to human health and the environment, the letter said.

But the tribe and Sheridan residents wont know much more until the EPA releases its report or DEQ completes its enforcement action. For now, they wait.

Theres not really a lot to talk about, I guess, other than you hope that somebody is going to do something, Houston said.

InvestigateWest is an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. Kaylee Tornay covers labor, youth and health care and can be reached at 503-877-4108 or kaylee@investigatewest.org. Aspen Ford, a reporter specializing in data-driven and narrative storytelling, can be reached at aspen@investigatewest.org.
The Siuslaw Bridge in Florence, Oregon, where the director of a small military museum was indicted on four counts of second-degree sexual abuse, court records show. LC-

A small military museum in Florence is facing community backlash following allegations that the museums director sexually abused a minor and that one of the organizations leaders called the teen a little slut.

The shocking comment was made during a July 15 meeting between the Oregon Coast Military Museums board members and the alleged victims family, according to an audio recording posted online. That meeting came days after police arrested museum director Geoffrey Cannon on sex abuse allegations.

On July 21, a Lane County grand jury indicted Cannon, 27, on four counts of second-degree sexual abuse, court records show.

Court records allege that the abuse happened between Aug. 1, 2024, and July 10 of this year. The family of the alleged victim, identified only by initials in court records, said in a news release that she was 15-years-old and was working as a volunteer at the museum at the time of the alleged abuse. The familys release also alleges that digital records show that Cannon referenced explicit sex acts in communications with the teen, and urged her to keep the alleged abuse secret.

Our child deserved a safe, supportive place to learn and contribute; not to be exploited by someone in power, the teens mother said in the release. The museums failure to act decisively, and the boards victim-blaming remarks, have only deepened our pain. No other young person should be put at risk under the guise of mentorship or service.

The Oregonian/OregonLive does not typically name alleged victims in sex crime cases.

During the informal meeting on July 15, the teenagers parents confronted what appears to be the museums leadership about its handling of the abuse allegations, according to an audio recording of the meeting obtained from the alleged victims family. The family stated that everyone present at the meeting was notified that the proceedings would be recorded, and a speaker can be heard announcing that the recorder was on. A copy of the recording was also published on YouTube on behalf of the family.

I think your daughter could possibly be a promiscuous little slut and you dont know about it, a person says in the recording of the meeting. I think you need to get a real handle on some of that.

The victims family identified the speaker as Patrick Ritter, a museum volunteer who serves in a leadership role. Ritter told The Oregonian/OregonLive that he was present at the meeting, but said he didnt know the meeting was being recorded. He declined to comment when asked about the statements he appeared to have made in the recording.

Its an unfortunate situation, and when all the facts come out it will be a very different situation, Ritter said.

The museums board president, Gary Cannon, is related to Geoffrey Cannon.

Neither Geoffrey Cannon nor Gary Cannon could be reached for comment, and the museum did not respond to calls and emails from The Oregonian/OregonLive.

The nonprofit Oregon Coast Military Museum opened in 2015. It displays more than 15,000 military artifacts and photos in its 3,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Florence.

Paul Brickey, an Iraq War veteran who lives near Florence and who posted the audio of the meeting, started a Change.org petition that calls for the museums board members to step down and for Cannon to be suspended until the case against him is resolved.

(Museums) should be a safe place for children to learn about our history, Brickey told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

As of Friday, the petition had more than 1,000 signatures.

 Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.
Politique

Auteur: Mouhamed CAMARA

"Vers 2h du matin, il lui a dit..." : L'origine du clash entre Khalifa Sall et Barthelemy Dias revelee (Jeune Afrique)

Once close companions, Khalifa Sall and Barthelemy Dias no longer speak the same language. A clash stemming from several disagreements concerning the Dakar City Hall, where Barthelemy Dias was dismissed.

Yet, in December 2024, the two men agreed to elect Ngone Mbengue as interim mayor. An alliance that would only last one winter. Once placed in the interim mayoralty, Ngone Mbengue reportedly provoked the ire of Barthelemy Dias, for example by dismissing some of his appointees. This would be the beginning of the problems between Barthelemy Dias and Khalifa Sall.

Indeed, dissatisfied with Ngone Mbengue's decisions, Barthelemy Dias reportedly called Khalifa Sall on August 14, eight months after their agreement, to let him know that he no longer intended to support Ngone Mbengue, wishing, according to the source, to put forward his own candidate, in this case Pathe Ba.

A week later, hoping to gain time before the Supreme Court's verdict on his appeal to retain the mayor's office, Barthelemy Dias reportedly sent emissaries to Khalifa Sall to try to postpone the Dakar mayoral election. Khalifa Sall initially agreed, but reversed course a few hours later. According to Jeune Afrique, the leader of Taxawu Senegal informed Barthelemy Dias and his men that he would not lift a finger and that the election would indeed take place on the scheduled date. This was the final straw for Barthelemy Dias. "Around 2 a.m., he (Khalifa Sall) informed Barthelemy Dias' emissaries that there was no longer any question of a postponement and that the election would indeed be held the following Monday morning. Barthelemy Dias took it as a betrayal," reports a close friend of Barthelemy Dias contacted by the Pan-African newspaper.

An angry Barthelemy Dias called a press conference less than 48 hours later and asked voters to boycott the session to block the vote. No, the vote would go ahead.

Meanwhile, as divisions between Barth' and Khaf' grew, Pastef worked behind the scenes to place his pawns. With only 13 councilors compared to Taxawu Senegal's 28, Abass Fall was able to convince councilors to ultimately garner 49 votes.
Reddit Inc. (NYSE: RDDT) is one of the fastest growing tech stocks to invest in. The company is shifting its strategy significantly after CEO Steve Huffman outlined plans in the companys second quarter shareholder letter in early August 2025. The focus is on turning Reddit into a search-first platform.

The app is being rebuilt around a single search bar, and Reddit Answers, an AI tool trained on community discussions, is rolling out to deliver direct summaries from millions of threads. Internal search usage has already surpassed 70 million weekly active users, a sign that the platform is solidifying its role as an information hub. Huffman said the goal is simple: make Reddit the go-to place for real-time, community-driven answers, rather than just a site people tack onto a Google query.

Reddit Pivoting to Search-First Strategy With AI Integration and Global Expansion

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The company is also putting weight behind international expansion while refining its ad technology to extract more value from its vast pool of user data. With search, AI integration, and monetization all converging, Reddit is positioning itself to compete more directly in the information discovery space while striving for stronger engagement among its 500 million monthly users.

Reddit Inc., founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco, operates one of the largest online discussion networks, hosting thousands of interest-driven communities.

While we acknowledge the potential of RDDT 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.

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Disclosure: None.
Only a chimney remains standing after a home in Rowena was destroyed by wildfire earlier this month. The June 2025 Rowena fire has scorched thousands of acres in the Columbia River Gorge and left widespread damage in its wake. Photographed Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Rowena residents whose homes were destroyed in the June wildfire wont have to pay for the cleanup of their properties after all.

The announcement from Gov. Tina Kotek came hours after The Oregonian/OregonLive published a news story Friday morning that showed state officials had walked away from guarantees that properties would be cleaned of hazardous waste, toxic ash and debris for free.

To the Rowena community impacted by this disaster, you can expect the state and local government to partner to provide debris clean-up at no cost to you, Kotek said in a statement Friday afternoon. Thats what youve been told and thats whats going to happen.

More than 50 homes and 90 structures were destroyed in the June 11 wildfire. Weeks later, state officials gave a presentation and handed out flyers stating the two-phase cleanup would be free to them. Then, in August, local officials said the second  and by far the most expensive phase  could not proceed because there was no funding.

State officials told the newsroom this week they hadnt intended to mislead Rowena residents. Koteks office had said earlier this week that she was going to lobby the legislature for funds to pay for some of the cleanup, estimated at upward of $4.5 million, and that she remained committed to the state covering at least 50%.

Koteks offices announcement Friday said she directed the departments of Environmental Quality and Emergency Management to start the second phase of the cleanup process, which involves removing ash and debris and testing the soil to make sure its not contaminated.

The agencies will pay for the work with existing resources, the office said, with the expectation they will be reimbursed appropriately after the legislature acts to ensure no disruption to services or programs.

The Department of Environmental Quality has already paid $236,676 for the first phase of the cleanup, which involved sifting for and removing hazardous household waste.

 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.
Curtis Prescott cycled through Oregons court system for three decades, a bleak ritual underscored by his chronic homelessness and fueled by his methamphetamine addiction.

When Clackamas County sheriffs deputies picked him up earlier this year for sleeping in a McDonalds parking lot on Southeast 82nd Drive, Prescott figured hed spin through jail and the courts once more with his addiction untreated and his housing problems unresolved.

Instead, prosecutors placed Prescott, 55, in a new specialty court.

Over the next four months, a team stayed on him to get clean and found a place for him to live with his dog, Bandit.

Prescott slipped once and used meth, landing back in jail.

But after that, I didnt mess up anymore, he said. They gave me another chance, and because of that chance, I was able to succeed.

In the year since Oregon once again made minor drug possession a misdemeanor crime, more than two dozen counties have experimented  with mixed success  in moving low-level drug offenders away from jail and into substance abuse treatment.

In the first 11 months, police and other first responders statewide referred just under 2,000 people to programs known as deflection and about 1,300 went on to participate in them.

Deflection operates outside of the court system and relies on the person connecting with treatment providers and recovery mentors.

About half of the people dropped out of those programs. Less than a quarter successfully finished and the rest are in the midst of the process, according to state data.

Not everyone qualifies for deflection. Counties make their own eligibility rules, generally limiting participation to people without outstanding warrants or violent criminal histories.

The state estimates another 800 people caught with drugs, including Prescott, ended up in separate but related court-based programs that also require the person to seek treatment.

Public health experts say it is too soon to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the states new approach.

The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, the agency charged with monitoring and collecting data for policymakers, is expected to produce its own analysis in early 2027.

Most people swept up in the new system face significant barriers to getting help, including homelessness, said Dr. Daniel Hoover, an addiction medicine specialist at Oregon Health & Sciences University who leads a team advising the state on deflection.

He said researchers need more time to assess deflection in particular given the time lags between the persons initial contact with police and completing a countys requirements.

Those requirements vary widely across Oregon.

Multnomah County, for instance, allows people to walk away from its program with few consequences, while Clackamas and Washington counties mandate treatment and use jail as a potential sanction for people who stray.

In some cases, Hoover said, it takes a person many months or years to make progress with a longstanding addiction.

We know compelled or coerced substance use treatment is not as effective as when someone presents themselves seeking support and seeking treatment, Hoover said. In some cases, deflection is going to encounter someone and they are excited about the opportunity for help. In other cases, they might not be.

BIG INVESTMENT

The new law follows the states relatively brief and closely watched role as a pioneer of sorts in treating minor drug possession as a noncriminal violation.

In 2024, as public fentanyl use and drug dealing hollowed out pockets of downtown Portland and overdose deaths climbed, state lawmakers faced fierce political pressure to roll back Measure 110, the voter initiative passed four years earlier that put possession of small amounts of drugs on par with a traffic ticket.

This summer, three Portland State University researchers released the findings of their three-year examination of the states drug policies, finding the pandemic and the emergence of fentanyl drove up violent crime rates and overdose deaths, not the landmark decriminalization measure.

Law enforcement and some civic leaders, meanwhile, blamed Measure 110 for contributing to the scourge.

Lawmakers ultimately scrapped decriminalization but also earmarked nearly $21 million for counties to come up with programs that keep people caught with drugs out of jail and direct them instead toward treatment.

Data collected by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission shows about half of those dollars went toward treatment, housing and other services for people experiencing addiction and the rest went into setting up the programs and law enforcement.

Statewide, of the estimated 1,900 people accused of minor drug possession and referred to a deflection program between Sept. 1 and the beginning of August, about 1,700 ended up qualifying for deflection and 1,300 of those actually entered programs, according to the commission.

Data shows about 277 people successfully met the requirements of their countys deflection programs, an estimated 630 dropped out and about 400 remain in deflection.

Andy Ko, executive director of the Partnership for Safety and Justice, said wide differences in the programs make it difficult to compare them. Partnership for Safety and Justice advocates for policies that reduce mass incarceration, promote racial equity and support victims of violence.

Ko said politics, not public health, shaped the law that made drug possession a crime again.

It wasnt actually about what good policy should be, he said. And so I do think what weve got is sort of a bit of a Wild West situation right now.

BIGGEST EFFORT

In Multnomah County, the deflection program has relied almost entirely on Portland police officers to deliver people they find with small amounts of street drugs to a center in southeast Portland.

The county requires two steps for people to complete deflection: They must take a substance abuse assessment and contact any one of a range of local resources within 30 days. Those can include treatment, housing or getting in touch with a peer for support. Peers are trained staff who are themselves in long-term recovery.

The county does not impose sanctions on those who fail to meet its requirements  though they may be subject to arrest if they are caught with drugs within the following 30 days.

The Legislature gave Multnomah County about $4.3 million to use on its deflection program and also set aside $25 million for the county to fund a permanent facility that will double as a deflection referral clearinghouse but also offer a safe place where publicly intoxicated people can sober up.

The number of people referred to the center for deflection has fluctuated. Police dropped off a total of 62 people in the first three months of the year, county data shows. Between April and June, that number rose to 203, due in part to multiple enforcement missions, according to the data.

Overall, police have referred a total of about 500 people since Sept. 1, 2024, according to statistics collected by Multnomah County and Portland police.

The county leads the state in referrals, state data shows. So far, about 89 people completed the countys requirements.

Central Precinct Police Commander Brian Hughes said competing demands on officers time can lead to fewer people ending up at the deflection center on any given day. One significant incident, a tactical team callout for example, can reshuffle officers immediate priorities.

Still, he said he supports deflection, calling it a work in progress.

I think it is a better alternative to what I see every day in downtown Portland with people just being released from jail on the streets with nothing, he said.

ENCOURAGING TRENDS

Multnomah County does not track whether people end up pursuing treatment, said Natalie Minas, a senior policy adviser in Chair Jessica Vega Pedersons office.

After somebody has exited their 30-day window, we dont have the staff or the protocols to continue checking in with them, she said.

Vega Pederson, who has led the countys approach, said it was difficult to predict how many people would opt for deflection.

For me, this whole year has been about trying to guess what the need was going to be as we were trying to build up services, she said. I think overall, I would say, I think were seeing some encouraging trends.

She said a panel of community representatives who have advised her on deflection is considering expanding eligibility and requirements for the program. She said the group is still discussing the details.

There is a recognition that recovery is a journey and that journey looks different for people and its not a one and done thing, she said. I think that we also have to have room for that in terms of what success looks like.

The county is expected to pay an estimated total of $3.7 million to Tuerk House, a Baltimore-based nonprofit, to operate the deflection center through July 2026.

Bernard Gyebi-Foster, executive director of Tuerk House, called the program a success, pointing to the uptick in referrals in recent months.

If this was cancer, there would be a lot of patience for it, right? he said. And so that level of patience ought to be afforded to this population, especially this population, who are dealing with a very, very debilitating crisis.

Grant Hartley, Multnomah County director of Metropolitan Public Defender, opposed the rollback of Measure 110, calling it a step backwards. But he said the countys approach has been generally effective.

As far as fitting with the idea of deflection being a light touch and a step towards stability for individuals, I think that, overall, its been positive, he said.

But the low numbers of people moving through the center prompted some leaders to push back on the model, which District Attorney Nathan Vasquez called too permissive.

Vasquez said the countys plan should include police citations, which allow prosecutors to track the cases. The system, he said, needs to come back to more accountability and meaningful treatment.

Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards this week called for a reset of the countys program, which she said Vega Pederson designed without significant input from other commissioners.

If the primary goal is to deflect people from jails and the criminal justice system and into treatment, Brim-Edwards said, then the evidence doesnt show that the program that was designed by the chair and implemented by the chair is accomplishing that objective.

GETTING WORSE

Residents in downtown Portland said they cannot tell if the new law has made a difference or if the pandemics effects are receding.

Xavier Stickler, 26, who lives near Southwest Harrison Street and Fourth Avenue and studies planning and architecture at Portland State, said the area has come a long way in the past five years.

Theres certainly less paraphernalia, he said. Theres certainly a lot less visibility to it. But that being said, if you really want to look for it and youre familiar with the area, there are a couple key hot spots that you can easily go out and find it.

Law enforcement officials say the drug trade has also shifted, migrating to other parts of the city.

37 1 / 37 Portland's Hazelwood neighborhood at 122nd Avenue and Burnside StreetMark Graves

About eight miles away from downtown, around Southeast 122nd Avenue and Burnside, residents said the law has not made a dent in drug activity.

I think its actually getting worse, said longtime resident Ann McMullen, 60.

Drug use was rampant one morning earlier this week.

People clustered together, using drugs behind buildings, in parking lots, on side streets and even along Southeast 122nd Avenue, where two people sat on the curb of the major thoroughfare, nodding off.

Some tried to hide their drug use, ducking into a walkway behind the Blackburn Center, a Central City Concern site that provides housing, health care, mental health services and recovery support.

Others smoked fentanyl openly. One man stood along 122nd Avenue folded over a shopping cart, foil crumpled in one hand, a straw in another  telltale signs of fentanyl use.

Down the block, the line at the Glisan Bottle Redemption Center snaked around the building and along 122nd. Among those waiting to redeem bottles: a man and woman smoking fentanyl.

Portland police patrol cars zipped through the intersection of 122nd and Burnside on their way to calls.

McMullen said she routinely sees drug use and drug deals on the five-block walk from her house to Jubilee Hall, a coffee shop on the ground floor of the Blackburn Center.

In that five-minute walk, she said, I could probably, on any given day, easily identify 30 to 50 people that are in some state of acute intoxication.

MANDATED TREATMENT

Other counties, including Clackamas and Washington, have taken a citation-based approach to low-level drug possession cases.

Both counties rely on prosecutors to screen the citations. They route some people to deflection and others like Prescott through a special court docket, known as conditional discharge, where their charges are dismissed if they pursue treatment and follow other rules.

Statewide, 533 people accused of minor drug possession ended up in those court programs, according to state data.

In Washington County, Deputy District Attorney William Stabler said peers try to track down people eligible for deflection before their court date to offer treatment and other services before they ever enter a courtroom.

If we have a good phone number or an email for them, they will try to reach out in advance, and if they cant reach them, theyll be waiting at the courthouse, hopefully to catch them as theyre coming in, said Stabler.

Both counties require everyone in these programs to take part in addiction treatment and monitor their progress over months. If someone is arrested or uses drugs again, they can end up in jail.

Were not asking you to finish treatment necessarily, although that happens quite a bit, said Clackamas County Deputy District Attorney Bill Stewart, but we want you engaged in making good progress.

FROM CLACKAMAS TO ST. JOHNS

Curtis Prescott spent years on the street.

His criminal record is replete with misdemeanor crimes associated with homelessness and addiction.

When he is sober, he is one of the nicest guys youre ever going to meet, said Stewart, the prosecutor.

Prescott said the specialty court that was set up to handle cases like his felt different this time around. The judge cheered him on. And Ron Ross, who works with a Clackamas County nonprofit that provides support and services to people experiencing homelessness, kept close tabs on him.

Ross, who is himself in recovery from alcohol addiction, helped find Prescott a place to live and a spot in outpatient treatment.

Prescott said he went a day without using meth. Then he went another day. He said he has built on his sobriety day by day.

On a warm afternoon this week, Prescott opened the door to his pistachio-colored tiny home in St. Johns Village, a transitional housing shelter in North Portland. A shelf held a book on sobriety. An air conditioner kept the space cool. A plush bed for Bandit sat in a corner.

Prescott said he hopes to find a job as a mover and maybe pursue training so he can help others climb out of addiction.

He said it has been 20 years since he had a stable place to live.

I know it doesnt work out for people, he said. But it has for me.

 Noelle Crombie is an enterprise reporter with a focus on criminal justice. Reach her at 503-276-7184 or ncrombie@oregonian.com.
First Eagle Investments, an investment management company, released its First Eagle Global Fund second-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Class A shares of the fund returned 7.23% in the second quarter of 2025. All regions contributed to the overall performance. North America and developed Europe were the top contributors, whereas Japan and developed Asia, excluding Japan, lagged. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025.

In its second-quarter 2025 investor letter, First Eagle Global Fund highlighted stocks such as Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB). Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) is a leading provider of technology solutions for the energy industry. The one-month return of Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) was 7.93%, and its shares lost 17.43% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On August 28, 2025, Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) stock closed at $36.48 per share, with a market capitalization of $54.416 billion.

First Eagle Global Fund stated the following regarding Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter:

"Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB)is the worlds largest oilfield service company. In addition to commodity price weakness during the quarter, share performance was dampened by concerns that tariffs and trade uncertainty could negatively impact oilfield service providers. While rig counts and drilling activity have declined this year, the majority of the slowdown has been in North America. In contrast, OPEC+ has increased production, which should benefit SLB given that it derives approximately 80% of its revenue from international and offshore markets."

Schlumberger (SLB) Dives 10.69% as Earnings Disappoint

Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 63 hedge fund portfolios held Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) at the end of the second quarter, which was 68 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

In another article, we covered Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) and shared the list of best affordable stocks under $50 to buy. Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) detracted from Artisan Value Fund's performance in Q2 2025. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q2 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors.
Theres a common misconception about PCIe 5.0 SSDs that since theyre the latest-generation SSD storage and boast faster speed and bandwidth compared to PCIe 4.0 SSD, anyone who gets one is going to experience a big uptick in PC performance.

Thats certainly not the case as weve shown by analyzing things like gaming performance. But there are a few exceptions to that rule. In fact, if any of the below statements are true for you, you may well have a justifiable reason for splurging out on a costly PCIe 5.0 SSD upgrade.

Am I working with large datasets?

Scientists and other professionals work with very large amounts of data  often terabytes but sometimes even petabytes in size.

PCIe 5.0 SSD doubles the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0 SSD delivering theoretical speeds of 14,000MB/s for reads and 12,000MB/s for writes to disk. These faster transfer speeds can help prevent one of the biggest problems data scientists have to deal with nowadays  that is, the bottlenecks that occur on their PCs loading and preprocessing data from storage.

For data scientists, especially those working with datasets in Large Language Models (LLMs), tasks like running complex queries on a database, accessing files while training models, or saving large model checkpoints should be much snappier with a PCIe 5.0 SSD, therefore reducing the time workers are idle and likely therefore also boosting productivity.

Am I a video editor, 3D animator, or designer working with very large files?

If your job title is 3D animator, designer, or video editor and, again, youre working with large files, then a PCIe 5.0 SSD is likely to make your workflow much quicker.

Thats especially the case if you work with 4K or even 8K video files, where the speed and bandwidth increases will likely translate to smoother timeline scrubbing and faster rendering.

Do I want to future-proof my hardware for gaming?

Right now, theres not much of an advantage gaming with a PCIe 5.0 SSD over a PCIe 4.0 SSD, but as hardware and software applications continue to evolve, its likely they will better take advantage of the speed and bandwidth benefits of PCIe 5.0 SSD for gaming.

That looks to be the case with the emerging technology of DirectStorage that reduces load times and improves asset streaming in games, especially data-heavy open-world RPGs.

DirectStorage allows games to load data directly from the SSD to the GPU, thereby bypassing the CPU. While the technology works on PCIe 4.0 SSDs, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are better suited to utilize the DirectStorage technology when it becomes more widespread.
For the second time in a year, Spirit Airlines has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Spirit Aviation Holdings, the parent company of Spirit Airlines, announced late Friday afternoon that it is restructuring to position the business for long-term success.

To facilitate the process, the budget airline filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

Spirit intends to use the Chapter 11 process to implement the broad changes necessary to transition the Company for a sustainable future and position it to deliver the best value in the sky for years to come, the company said in a news release. The Company has been actively engaged with certain of its largest lessors, secured noteholders and key stakeholders over the past few months as it works to refine its path forward. The Chapter 11 process will provide Spirit the tools, time and flexibility to continue ongoing discussions with all of its lessors, financial creditors and other parties to implement a financial and operational transformation of the Company. The Company is also working productively with its secured noteholders, including with respect to potential financing that may become necessary later in the proceedings.

Spirit customers can continue to book, travel and use tickets, credits and loyalty points. The airline said employees will continue to receive pay and benefits. Contractors, vendors and suppliers will continue to receive payment as well, the airline said.

Since emerging from our previous restructuring, which was targeted exclusively on reducing Spirits funded debt and raising equity capital, it has become clear that there is much more work to be done and many more tools are available to best position Spirit for the future, Dave Davis, president and CEO of Spirit Airlines, said in a news release. After thoroughly evaluating our options and considering recent events and the market pressures facing our industry, our Board of Directors decided that a court-supervised process is the best path forward to make the changes needed to ensure our long-term success. We have evaluated every corner of our business and are proceeding with a comprehensive approach in which we will be far more strategic about our fleet, markets and opportunities in order to best serve our guests, team members and other stakeholders.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy provides businesses or large investors with protection from creditors while they continue operating and develop a repayment plan. Both creditors and owners must agree on a reorganization plan, which ultimately must be approved by a federal bankruptcy judge.

Through the restructuring process, the company said it expects to redesign its network, optimize its fleet size, address its cost structure and expand premium options.

Spirit Airlines previously filed for bankruptcy in November. It exited bankruptcy in March.
SentinelOne Inc. (NYSE: S) is one of the fastest-growing tech stocks to invest in. On August 5, 2025, the company announced a definitive agreement to acquire Prompt Security, a cutting-edge startup specializing in securing generative AI applications.

The deal, valued at approximately $250 million, will be completed using a mix of cash and stock and is expected to close in SentinelOnes third fiscal quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

SentinelOne to Acquire Prompt Security in $250M Deal

Den Rise/Shutterstock.com

The acquisition strengthens SentinelOnes Singularity platform by integrating Prompt Securitys capabilities, which protect against prompt injection, data leakage, and model misuse in real time. This move positions SentinelOne as one of the few cybersecurity companies directly addressing the growing risks around enterprise AI deployments.

The company plans to deliver model-agnostic protection across platforms, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and on-premise systems, providing enterprises with more visibility and control over their AI usage policies.

SentinelOne Inc. (NYSE: S) is a leading cybersecurity company recognized for its AI-powered Singularity platform, which provides autonomous endpoint protection, cloud security, and identity solutions designed to safeguard modern enterprise infrastructure.

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

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

Disclosure: None.
An elected official from Lehigh County 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 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 was 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. He was arraigned and released on $50,000 bond, according to the prosecutor.

Cole-Borghi, a Democrat, was elected a 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, as well as in New York, Chicago and Wisconsin, according to a news release from the district attorneys office.

Open for three years, the proble 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 the DA said were 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.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Country music group Alabama at the American Music Awards in 1983 in Los Angeles. From left: Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry, Mark Herndon and Randy Owen. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) Ron Galella Collection via Getty

When it comes to legendary country music bands, Alabama is right up there, and the boys are still out there getting down on tour.

They are also, apparently, mending fences and delivering some downright emotional moments for fans.

For instance, the band welcomed its former drummer, Mark Herndon, back onstage during last Saturdays show in Huntsville, Alabama. It was the first time in more than 20 years that Herndon was in the fold after he had a nasty breakup with the band following its 2004 Farewell Tour.

The band sued Herndon, alleging he was overpaid, following that slate. And, in 2013 when Alabama decided that its 2004 Farewell Tour was, in fact, not its farewell and that it would be getting back together, Herndon was left out of the mix.

And in 2014, Taste of Country noted, Randy Owen suggested that Herndon never really was a part of the structure with Alabama.

He didnt play on the albums, he said then. He was just on the stage with us, as were several other people. Had we been smart enough, there never would have been four people in the pictures.

Thats a pretty brutal thing to say, but Owen insisted back then that he didnt have one thing against him in any way in the world.

I hope he has a good life, he said.

But time can heal wounds and close divides, so the band had Herndon join them onstage at the Orion Amphitheater to play Mountain Music. And, per reports, Herndon nailed it.

It just fell together, Alabamas Teddy Gentry said. The good Lord blesses us sometimes to do things that we cant do. All we can do is kind of be in the wings and kind of hope for things. Like I said, we make plans, and he laughs. But theres nothing he cant do.

Taste of Country said that Herndon currently does not have any other planned dates with the band.

Alabama is currently on tour and recently played in Pennsylvania on Aug. 28 at The Great Allentown Fair. The band has another stop planned for the Keystone State, at Santander Arena in Reading, on Nov. 21.
An exterior view of a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (Photo by Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images, file) SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett

By Muri Assuncao, New York Daily News (TNS)

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.

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 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.
A York County winery is open this weekend, a little more than a week after it was ordered closed for the third time in 14 months over a court battle with its neighbor.

Moon Dancer Winery reopened at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, according to a spokesperson, and will remain open its normal hours while its court case continues

A judge had ordered Moon Dancer Winery to close Aug. 21. At the time, owner Jim Miller said the winery planned to file an emergency motion with the state Supreme Court to allow the business to reopen, posting on Facebook that he was not giving up.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Friday granted the winerys emergency motion and vacated the order from York County Court that had forced it to close last week.

Moon Dancer Winery, which opened in 2003 in Wrightsville, has been engaged in a long-running legal dispute with a couple who own a nearby residential property. The lawsuit centers on the use of Millers agriculturally zoned property as a vineyard and winery.

The Superior Court of Pennsylvania rejected the winerys appeal in a ruling earlier this month, prompting Miller to file an appeal with the state Supreme Court. While that appeal is pending, Miller said, the winery will be open.

The first complaint was issued in October 2018, and the winery was ordered to close in June 2024. A few weeks later, it reopened, only to close in July 2024 and reopen in early August 2024.

It had remained open for more than a year as the litigation continued.
The US issues advisory for this popular destination. Ryan Mancini

If youre planning your next vacation, be sure to scratch Mexico off the list of places youd like to visit.

Thats because the U.S. State Department has issued an updated travel advisory for Mexico, warning Americans about the popular vacation destinations potential dangers.

The advisory, which was released on August 12, raised Mexico at a Level 2 alert, urging travelers to exercise increased caution due to the threat of violent crime, including terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activity.

Officials have also warned about certain areas, where they might have limited ability to assist travelers in emergencies.

Violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery are widespread, the advisory notes. There is also a risk of terrorist violence, including potential attacks.

The alert comes amid Mexicos continued attraction of international visitors on vacation.

According to RoadGenius, in 2024, Mexico had 45 million international tourists, including about 13.5 million visitors from the United States, which makes it the top international destination for U.S. travelers. The popular hotspots within the country include Cancun, Tulum, Cabo San Lucas, and Mexico City.

Despite the warning, one expert has emphasized that Americans dont necessarily need to cancel their trips.

Robert McDonald, a retired supervisory Secret Service agent and a lecturer in criminal justice at the University of New Haven, told Fox News Digital the advisory should be seen as a cautionary reminder instead of a requirement.

Its really a lot of situational awareness, a lot of common sense, McDonald said to Fox News Digital. If you can avoid traveling into a hot zone, do so. Otherwise, just be smart about your surroundings.

With more than 20 years in executive protection and intelligence, McDonald has coordinated security for U.S. and foreign dignitaries. He said while most resorts are safe in general, venturing off the property is where the risks heighten.

He explained that while resorts and cruise lines work hard to maintain reputations for safety, they often downplay incidents to reassure guests. While most tourist hubs remain stable, travelers who leave resort areas might face exposure to gangs, violence, robbery, or drink tampering.

Stay on the resort. Enjoy whats on the property. Dont go off  thats where problems can occur, McDonald said.

He also focused how both resorts and cruise ships are motivated to maintain a reputation for safety, even if that means underpaying incidents, adding that guests an still have safe and enjoyable vacations by being cautious and limiting exposure to risky situations.

But according to McDonald, safety largely depends on where youre going.

Tourist-friendly areas havent seen a significant spike in violent crime, McDonald noted. But you should avoid areas dominated by drug cartels or where violence is common.

So if youre taking a trip soon, McDonald recommends following these precautions:

Avoid street taxis: Thats because there have been reports of extortion involving unregulated taxis. Instead, book transportation in advance through reputable companies offering vetted services.

Stay on resort grounds: Resorts typically provide 24-hour security. If you plan to leave the property, avoid going out alone or after dark.

Stay vigilant: Be sure to avoid distractions like using your phone while walking and keep an eye on your beverage when out socializing.

Dress modestly: Avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry that could draw unwanted attention.

Communicate safely: Dont forget to check in with people back home and travel with trusted groups.

Be prepared for emergencies: Above all, safety is key. Always know exit strategies and how to get off the X (escape dangerous situations quickly).

According to McDonald, these tips arent exclusively for traveling to Mexican resorts, but its for any crowded environment.

Travelers must be vigilant. Whether at a resort, a ball game, or any crowded venue, its important to always identify exit routes and have a plan to get off the X if danger arises, since law enforcement often arrives only after the fact, McDonald said.

Also, hes advising travelers to balance enjoyment with preparation.

Enjoy the trip, but dont let your guard down  safety relies on awareness, preparation, and smart choices, McDonald said.

A little bit of preparation, knowing where the consulate, police, or hospital are located can make a big difference. So plan ahead, and always be ready to remove yourself quickly from unsafe situations.
By MARTHA BELLISLE, The Associated Press

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, has 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.

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.
Folks who spent some time on social media Friday undoubtedly noticed the rumors swirling around President Donald Trump, his whereabouts and in some extreme cases whether he was even still alive.

And if you didnt spend time on social media Friday, good on you for having a social life and doing anything else in the world because social media can be a really nasty place sometimes.

But back to those Trump rumors.

First: no, Donald Trump is not dead. At least, theres no evidence that he is dead. In fact, he was on Truth Social, or at least someone who writes exactly like he does, ranting about, and apparently declaring he might defy, a court order on tariffs that didnt go his way on Friday.

So, where did all of the speculation come from?

Well, several reporters claimed that the president has been oddly out of the public eye for most of the week.

Trump has not been seen publicly since his cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Public Notices Aaron Rupar wrote on X while resharing a post from journalist Laura Rozen.

Rozen posted on Friday: Trump has no public events scheduled all weekend. Dont believe he was seen today either.

Donald Trump hasnt been seen in public since Tuesday and has no events scheduled all weekend, the Republicans against Trump account wrote on X. Where is he? Whos running the country?

Toss in the fact that Vice President JD Vance recently said in an interview with USA Today that he was ready to step in for Trump if something happened, and the conspiracy theories were all over the place over on Elon Musks platform.

It will be interesting to see how quickly or if Trump moves to squash those during Labor Day Weekend.

Also, potentially fanning the flames of speculation have been photos of bruising on Trumps hand of late, and recent comments by Trump backer and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones in which he asked people to pray for the president.

Jones claimed that the president is in a health crisis, and looks like he is about to collapse.

It shows, and I get it, the fear that hes getting sick  who knows whats going on, Jones said. His ankles are giant.

Jones then said that the 79-year-old Trump appears to be declining, faster and faster.

A 45-year-old man couldnt do this, Jones said. So as the crisis gets worse, and its gonna get worse, because you can see him declining faster and faster. Its not super bad yet, but unlike Biden that was completely shot, and all these brain surgeries and the rest of it, Trump has great genetics. Hes tough, and if he takes care of himself, he can make it through these years and then after.

Jones told his viewers he believes that Trumps schedule is partly to blame.

So I really want Trump to cut the work days to, you know, 14 hours, he said. Not 20. I mean, heres an example, they looked at his schedule last week when he went up to Alaska. And he was seen doing interviews and getting on and off airplanes and things in a 35-hour period. And every hour or so, he was doing some interview, or talking to officials, and doing meetings and events. It looks like he didnt sleep. You cant do that at 50. You can do it at 20. You sure as hell cant do it at 79.

Jones said he sees warning lights flashing all over the place, and brought up Trumps recent post about making it to Heaven.

The president needs to be prayed for by everyone, and we need to ask God to send the Holy Spirit to him, Jones said.

But again, while the rumors are swirling, there is currently no evidence that the president is dead or that anything serious has taken place.
A 78-year-old woman died more than a week after suffering injuries in a crash in Franklin County, according to state police.

The crash, which involved three vehicles and seven people around 1:30 p.m. Aug. 7, took place on Lincoln Highway East (Route 30) in Guilford Township.

A westbound Ford Escape failed to yield at a traffic device and hit a Ford Taurus on the drivers side, police said.

After the initial crash, the Escape was pushed by the Taurus into a GMC Yukon.

Ellen Stiffler, of Williamsburg, who was a passenger in the Ford Escape, died from her injuries at 2 a.m. Aug. 16.

Two others involved in the crash were possibly injured, state police said.

The driver of the Escape, a 71-year-old Chambersburg man, was charged with failing to yield.
By Mark S. Singel

After his invasion of the District of Columbia, President Trump told reporters that Chicago could be next.

This drew an immediate response from Illinois Gov. J.B Pritzker who said: There is no emergency that warrants the president of the United States federalizing the Illinois National Guard, deploying the National Guard from other states, or sending active-duty military within our own borders.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson added, This is not the role of our military. The brave men and women who signed up to serve our country did not sign up to occupy American cities.

The reality is that the Trump propaganda machine has latched onto an issue that serves their purposes. Suggesting that crime in urban areas is a crisis gives Trump the excuse to declare war on big cities and their Democratic leaders and citizens. He admitted the crass political motive when he was asked by reporters whether he would send National Guard troops to Republican cities with high crime rates. Sure, but there arent that many of them, Trump said. If you look at the top twenty-five cities for crime, just about every one of those cities is run by Democrats.

Wrong, Mr. President.

Recently, a Newsweek study that more than half of cities with the highest crime rates were in red states. Some of the highest rates of crime are in states like Arkansas, Texas, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

What this all means is that this MAGA mischief is purely political. And it is unconstitutional.

It is true that the Home Rule Act gives the president some leeway to take over law enforcement in the nations capital. But this requires that some federal purpose and a condition of an emergency nature.

In addition, he can use the local police department for no longer than 30 days unless he gets authorization from Congress. The Attorney General of D.C. has determined that there is no emergency  crime is at a thirty-year low  and that the takeover is unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful.

When it comes to Chicago or Los Angeles or Philadelphia or any other big city, the president cannot occupy unless he is invited by the governor of the state. The only exception to that clear Constitutional requirement is if there is an actual insurrection and the state cannot control the disturbance.

There is no provision that allows federal troops or the national guard to be deployed to fight crime. That is left to local and state law enforcement.

If President Trump sends troops into cities without the consent of governors, there will be repercussions.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California sued to block the president from turning Los Angeles into a war zone. His court filing emphasized that the protests surrounding immigration were already well under control and that the federal troops were only making the situation worse. The lawsuit pointed out that citizens have a right to exercise their freedoms without a military presence in the streets. Local law enforcement should be handled by friends and neighbors who wear police uniforms.

Paul Gowder, a professor of law at Northwestern University, wrote, No president has ever tried to do anything like this. While presidents have invoked the Insurrection Act to bring in the military to address domestic unrest, this has typically been in response to actual rebellions and various other kinds of mob action and hasnt been against the will of state governments."

When Trump sets his sights on Philadelphia, I hope and expect that Gov. Josh Shapiro will rise to the challenge. He has every right to reject unlawful and unconstitutional federal incursion into our cities. He has the obligation to expose the crime carnival for what it is: a blatant political gambit to inflame the MAGA base and to punish big city mayors and blue state governors.

Once again, I turn to Robert Reich who has dedicated his later years to supporting the resistance. He puts it bluntly: Taking over American cities with federal troops for no reason threatens the very foundations of our free society.

Abducting people  off the street or from their places of work or courthouses or even their homes, without giving them any reasons or an opportunity to object  violates the basic tenets of America.

The time has come for every governor in America to understand the threat and to act to reestablish the balance of federalism that the founders built into our Constitution. They need to work with mayors of cities to assure that Trumps dangerous theatrics are exposed.

Mark Singel is a former Lieutenant Governor and former Acting Governor of Pennsylvania.
Swedens Svenska kraftnat has awarded construction company NCC a significant contract to plan and construct more than 450km of power lines in Vastra Gotaland County.

The contract is valued at approximately Skr7.5bn.

The project encompasses the erection of new overhead power lines, the widening of an existing power line corridor and the dismantling of current overhead lines.

It is expected to span approximately ten years, with planning commencing immediately.

The subsequent phase will involve detailed project planning and indicative costing, before construction contracts are signed for the various sub-phases.

NCC Infrastructure head Kenneth Nilsson said: NCC has important expertise in the transmission of energy and is accustomed to managing large and multifaceted projects.

The strategic partnering agreement with Svenska kraftnat will enable us to achieve economies of scale and important knowledge transfer that will benefit all sub-projects in this comprehensive assignment. We are delighted to have won this contract and look forward to commencing the partnership.

NCC's previous experience in the Gothenburg area includes the construction of the power line between Ingelkarr and Stenkullen.

It is also working on the planning and construction of five gas-insulated substations in Stockholm.

NCCs activities encompass contracting for building and infrastructure projects, the production of asphalt and stone materials, as well as the development of commercial properties.

In 2024, NCC reported sales of approximately Skr62bn and employed a workforce of 11,800.

"Svenska kraftnat awards NCC contract to build 450km of power lines " was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




RunGood Poker Series Grand Prix will host two more flights for the $800 RunGood Poker Series Grand Prix Main Event at Reno, Nevada, at the Atlantis Resort and Casino.

Saturday will feature a fresh crop of entrants as players continue to chase a piece of the $150,000 guarnteed prize pool and the RGPS title and ring. For players in the area, this is the second time the RunGood Poker Series has stopped in Reno this year, as it made a stop in March to host the 2025 Mission RunGood Poker Series, giving local players another chance to capture RPGS glory.

The 2025 RunGood Poker Series Grand Prix will finish the opening flights on Saturday, with Day 1c set to begin at 11 a.m., and Day 1d will take place at 6 p.m. The final day is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. on Sunday. The tournament will play down until a winner is crowned.

Each starting flight will play down to 12.5% of the field, who will advance to Day 2 on Sunday. Late registration will take place until the start of Level 9. Players are entitled to play in all Day 1 flights if they choose. The player will advance to Day 2 with the higher chip stack of their qualified entries, with the lower stacks being removed from play, and receive the lowest Day 2 payout.

Thomas Phillips

The two opening flights of the main event featured a total of 142 entrants, with 17 players advancing to Day 2. Thomas Phillips (977,000), Robert Hancock (579,000), Denis Lee (418,000), David Paredes (352,000), and Mike Sippola (320,000) were the top five finishers from Day 1ab.

Blinds are scheduled for 30 minutes on Day 1 and 40 minutes on Day 2. Blinds for each starting flight are scheduled to begin at 100/200 with a 200 big blind ante. Blinds will reset on Day 2 at the lowest level of play on Day 1 flights.

A total of three redraws will occur, with one scheduled to begin on Day 2. Another set of redraws occurs when there are 27 players left, and nine players left when they reach the final table. There are 15-minute breaks scheduled after every four levels of play until Level 9. Then the 15-minute breaks are scheduled every three levels of play.

Stay tuned here at PokerNews for updates on today's action.
This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Fresh off the release of its viral ad featuring global girl group Katseye in Gap denim, Gap Inc. on Thursday reported Q2 net sales flat to last year at $3.7 billion, with comps up 1%. Store-based sales fell 1% while e-commerce  about a third of net sales  rose 3%.

Old Navy net sales rose 1% to $2.2 billion, with comps up 2%; Gap rose 1% to $772 million, with comps up 4%; Banana Republic fell 1% to $475 million, with comps up 4%; and Athleta fell 11% to $300 million, with comps down 9%.

Gross margin contracted 140 basis points to 41.2%, and merchandise margin contracted 150 basis points. Net income rose nearly 5% to $216 million. Inventory was up 9%, mostly due to higher tariffs and the effort to import merchandise before duties increased.

Dive Insight:

Richard Dickson, who arrived in August 2023 as CEO with Gap Inc. in the doldrums, touted the companys progress on a call with analysts Thursday.

We still have plenty of work to do, because transformation of this scale takes time. However, it's clear we're now operating from a position of strength, one that's proving essential as we navigate an increasingly dynamic and complex environment, he said. Our strategic priorities define the framework that has enabled us to perform while we've been transforming over the last two years, first maintaining financial and operational rigor.

This has become fundamental to the companys operations, and showed up in Q2 with gross margin expansion of 360 basis points to 41.2% compared to two years ago, he also said.

Dickson also called out a return to cultural relevance, especially at Gap, which had long ceded its status by the time he arrived.

The Gap brand is building momentum, reclaiming its place in the cultural conversation with credibility, he said. We see a clear path forward for this brand, and are confident in our ability to build on this position of strength, fueling sustained growth for the brand over time.

Gap Inc. hit a nerve about a week ago with its Better in Denim spot, featuring Katseye dancing to Milkshake in early aughts-inspired denim pieces. That was fueled in part by lingering controversy over American Eagles earlier denim ad featuring Sydney Sweeney, as well as dance moves that inspired TikTok users.

"Gap has been riding a wave of momentum from the flagship brands renewed cultural relevance, supported by a consistent showing by Old Navy and significant improvement in Banana Republics comp sales, Emarketer Principal Analyst Sky Canaves said in emailed comments.
editorial writer

Cindi Ross Scoppe is an editorial writer and columnist for The Post and Courier who has written about the S.C. Legislature, governor, state government and courts for nearly 40 years. She is a native of North Carolina and graduate of the University of North Carolina and lives in Columbia.
Business and Tourism Reporter

Megan Fernandes is a Business and Tourism Reporter for the Post and Courier. She is an award-winning reporter, who has worked in the newspaper industry from coast-to-coast.
Tencent Holdings is aiming for "aggressive" growth in the international cloud computing market, on the back of the growing appetite overseas for Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) models, according to a senior executive.

That sharpened focus by Tencent stems from how its overseas cloud operations have been expanding "the fastest among all [its business] segments", with "high double-digit growth over the past few years", said senior executive vice-president Dowson Tong Tao-sang, who serves as CEO of the Shenzhen-based firm's Cloud and Smart Industries Group (CSIG), in an interview with the Post on Thursday.

AI was a major driver for that growth, according to Tong. "There's a lot of opportunity" to bring Chinese open-source AI models to overseas clients, he added.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

"Many of these AI-powered apps are growing very fast, so we definitely have very aggressive growth targets and we have been on track."

Targeting AI opportunities beyond China reflected Tencent's efforts to keep pace with rapid developments in the field, where competition has intensified among innovative start-ups like DeepSeek and internet peers Alibaba Group Holding, Baidu and ByteDance. Alibaba owns the Post.

"[In] some of the markets we're looking at, they want to host large language models within their own region," Tong said. "We have a lot of tools to help them leverage open-source models, based on our expertise and experience in implementing products around AI."

Tencent Holdings senior executive vice-president Dowson Tong Tao-sang, who serves as CEO of the firm's Cloud and Smart Industries Group. Photo: Edmond So alt=Tencent Holdings senior executive vice-president Dowson Tong Tao-sang, who serves as CEO of the firm's Cloud and Smart Industries Group. Photo: Edmond So>

Tencent, which runs the world's largest video gaming business by revenue and operates the Chinese super app WeChat, was the mainland's third-biggest AI public cloud services provider in 2024 when the market reached 19.6 billion yuan (US$2.7 billion), according to research firm IDC. Alibaba Cloud and Baidu led the market last year.

Outside China, the Asia-Pacific region was Tencent Cloud's "fastest-growing market" where the company intends to increase its investments, according to Tong. He said the company was seeing "very good progress" in the European market.
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BANGKOK, TH / ACCESS Newswire / August 30, 2025 / The global crypto community often speaks of "real-world impact," but rarely is it demonstrated as boldly as today. Acme Worawat, known to many as the Crypto Billionaire, together with the decentralized community ofACETWarriors, has pledged to donate 100 million baht ($2.8 million) worth of advanced demining robots to the Royal Thai Army.The initiative will deliver the DOK-ING MV-4 Remote Controlled Mine Clearance System, cutting-edge technology from Croatia, to aid in the safe removal of landmines along the Thai-Cambodian border - areas that remain deadly remnants of past conflicts.For Acme and the ACET Warriors, this is not about financial gain or publicity, but about harnessing the power of collective action in crypto communities to solve pressing human problems." ACETis not just a coin - it is the people," said Acme Worawat. "Landmines don't care who you are. They've stolen lives and limbs from countless Thais. With this donation, we want to show the world that crypto-powered communities can do more than trade tokens - they can save lives." The DOK-ING MV-4, remotely operated up to 1,500 meters away, can withstand explosions and hostile terrain while clearing landmines at speeds of 3-5 kilometers per hour. By deploying it, soldiers will no longer need to risk their lives in frontline demining operations, ensuring safer futures for communities trapped in mine-affected areas.TheACET Warriors- a global community united by the ACET ($ACT) ecosystem - played a central role in this donation effort, embodying their ethos that decentralized finance should empower people to take humanitarian action.This landmark initiative sets a precedent for how crypto communities can extend their influence far beyond markets, proving that blockchain movements, when aligned with human values, can have a direct and measurable impact on saving lives.Media Contact:Company: Acet FinanceContact Person: Shiramedia@ acet.finance SOURCE: Acet Finance
Teslas future in the European market is grim, according to recent data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.

The American electric vehicle (EV) company has seen its sales in Europe drop by almost half, according to CNBC, as its lightning-rod CEO, Elon Musk, warns that the struggling sales might continue into the near future.

Must Read

But Tesla isnt the only automaker finding itself falling behind. International manufacturers are struggling against a surging Chinese EV market that benefits from state support, much greater technological integration and, most importantly, significantly lower prices.

How has China managed to flip the script in electric car manufacturing, and what is the long-term outlook for Western brands like Ford and Tesla?

Teslas European struggles

Tesla registered just 8,837 new vehicles in Europe in July of this year  a 40% drop compared to the same period last year. Even more worrying? This marks Teslas seventh consecutive month of declining sales in a region where overall EV adoption is actually on the rise.

And theres reason to believe the decline will persist  at least for the near future. Last month, Musk warned that the automaker could have a few rough quarters ahead.

Other international brands experienced a decline in European registrations in July, including Stellantis (the parent company of Jeep), Hyundai, Toyota, and Suzuki.

At the same time, Chinese automaker BYD is experiencing an explosion in popularity in European showrooms, with 13,503 new registrations in July  a massive 225% increase year-over-year. All told, Chinese EV manufacturers have a European market share of 5.9%  a record, according to JATO Dynamics.

Western automakers losing ground to Chinese brands

Tesla is just one of the many EV automakers feeling the intense pressure from Chinese manufacturers. Ford CEO Jim Farleys recent comments at the Aspen Ideas Festival described Chinas rapid rise in the EV market as the most humbling experience of his career.

Their cost, their quality of their vehicles is far superior to what I see in the West, Farley said.

His candid comments presaged what may prove to be a seismic shift in the automotive world.
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 30, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Western Asset Management Company, LLC ("WAMCO"), Franklin Resources, Inc., and Stephen Kenneth Leech, II ("Leech") (together, the "Defendants"), on behalf of investors in the shares of the "Western Asset US Core Bond Fund" mutual fund classes - Class I (ticker: "WATFX"), Class A (ticker: "WABAX"), Class C (ticker: "WABCX"), Class FI (ticker: "WAPIX"), Class IS (ticker: "WACSX"), and Class R (ticker: "WABRX") - and the "Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund" mutual fund classes - Class A (ticker: "WAPAX"), Class C (ticker: "WAPCX"), Class C1 (ticker: "LWCPX"), Class FI (ticker: "WACIX"), Class R (ticker: "WAPRX"), Class I (ticker: "WACPX"), Class IS (ticker: "WAPSX"). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether the Defendants have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until September 2, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired the securities described above during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]A class action complaint has been filed, alleging that, during the Class Period, Defendants failed to warn investors that: (1) Defendants favored certain WAMCO strategies, like Macro Opps, over other WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (2) Defendants disfavored certain WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (3) any "compliance policies and procedures" that WAMCO maintained "to result in fair allocations of investment opportunities to clients" were either insufficient to ensure that Leech and his WAMCO team fairly allocated trades among the strategies they managed or were expressly disregarded by Defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies; and (4) any "oversight mechanisms" that WAMCO maintained were either insufficient to monitor Leech and his WAMCO Team or were expressly disregarded by Defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC, AND BREDA, THE NETHERLANDS / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 /Organto Foods Inc. (TSXV:OGO)(OTCQB:OGOFF) ("Organto" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement of 16,000,000 units (the "Units") of the Company for gross proceeds of $8.0 million (see press releases dated July 31, 2025 and August 19, 2025).The Units were issued at a price of $0.50 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half common share purchase warrant of the Company (the "Private Placement").Each full Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price per Warrant Share of C$0.75 for a period of 18 months from the closing date of the Private Placement, subject to acceleration.The Warrants are subject to the right of the Company to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants to a date that is 30 days following dissemination of a news release announcing such acceleration if, at any time, after the closing date, the closing price of the Company's common shares equals or exceeds $1.00 for a period of ten consecutive trading days on the TSX Venture Exchange.All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from their date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws, as well as a twelve-month contractual restriction on transfer commencing on the date of issuance and ending on the first anniversary of the date of issuance.The Company has agreed to pay finder's fees on the Private Placement comprised of fees payable in cash of 7.5% of the gross proceeds or $600,000, plus an additional 7.5% of the gross proceeds via the issuance of 1,200,000 common share warrants with an exercise price of $0.50 per common share warrant, exercisable for a period of 18 months from the closing of the Private Placement.Net proceeds from the Private Placement are intended to be used to continue the growth of the Company's organic and fairtrade fruit and vegetable products platform, further develop the Company's technology platform, support general working capital requirements, and may also be used to repay part of the Company's short-term debt.Completion of the Private Placement remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange as well as all other requisite corporate, regulatory and security holder approvals, as applicable.Steve Bromley, Co-Chair and Chief Executive Officer, commented. "I am very pleased to welcome this new supportive group of international investors, and I would also like to thank our existing shareholders for their continued confidence. This financing strengthens our capital position and positions us to accelerate the expansion of our organic and fair-trade fruit and vegetable platform, all the while staying focused on growing our sales and distribution channels, improving our EBITDA margins, and pursuing strategic growth initiatives. With this support, we are well-positioned to continue to grow our healthy products portfolio, drive stronger results, and also drive greater impact for our customers and communities." ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,Steve Bromley Co-Chair and Chief Executive OfficerNeither 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.For more information contact:info@ organto.com John Rathwell, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development647-629-0018ABOUT ORGANTO FOODSOrganto is an integrated provider of branded, private label, and distributed organic, fairtrade and non-GMO fruit and vegetable products using a strategic asset-lighter business model to serve a growing socially responsible and health-conscious consumer around the globe. Organto's business model is rooted in its commitment to sustainable business practices focused on environmental responsibility and a commitment to the communities where it operates, its people, and its shareholders.FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTSThis news release may include certain forward-looking information and statements, as defined by law, including, without limitation, Canadian securities laws and the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act ("forward-looking statements"). In particular, and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements respecting the anticipated use of proceeds from the Private Placement, the Company's continued confidence in its growth strategy, the Company's belief that this financing strengthens the Company's capital position and in doing so positions the Company to accelerate the expansion of its organic and fair-trade fruit and vegetable platform, all the while staying focused on growing its sales and distribution channels, improving its EBITDA margins, and pursuing strategic growth initiatives, and the Company's belief that it is well-positioned to continue to grow its healthy products portfolio, driving stronger results, and also driving greater impact for its customers and communities. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including, without limitation, the assumption that the Company will be able to complete the Private Placement and obtain all regulatory and requisite approvals in a timely manner and on acceptable terms There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, uncertainty regarding the regulatory risks; risks related to market volatility and economic conditions; risks related to unforeseen delays; and risks that necessary financing will be unavailable when needed. For further information on these and other risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company's business, see the "Risks and Uncertainties" and "Forward-Looking Statements" sections of the Company's annual and interim management's discussion and analysis filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca . Except as required by law, Organto does not assume any obligation to release publicly any re
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 30, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against CTO Realty Growth, Inc. ("CTO" or the "Company") (NYSE:CTO) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and docketed under 25-cv-01516, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired CTO securities between February 18, 2021 and June 24, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.If you are an investor who purchased or otherwise acquired CTO securities during the Class Period, you have until October 7, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.[Click here for information about joining the class action]CTO is a publicly traded real estate investment trust ("REIT") that owns and operates a portfolio of purported high-quality, retail-based properties located primarily in higher growth markets in the United States ("U.S."). The Company converted into a REIT in February 2021 and, as of December 31, 2024, owned 23 income properties in seven states, including Ashford Lane, a retail and dining center in Atlanta, Georgia.Under guidelines established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), REITs must pay out at least 90% of their taxable profits to shareholders annually as dividends. In return, REIT companies are exempt from most corporate income tax. CTO has touted that its operation as a REIT "provides the tax-efficient organizational structure for [its] stockholders" that "will allow [it] to provide them with an attractive and sustainable dividend." To measure its performance, CTO uses the financial metric Adjusted Funds from Operations ("AFFO"). The AFFO of a REIT, though subject to varying methods of computation, is generally equal to the REIT's funds from operations with adjustments made for recurring capital expenditures (also referred to as "capex") used to maintain the quality of the REIT's underlying assets. Professional analysts tend to prefer AFFO because it takes into consideration additional costs incurred by the REIT as well as additional income sources, such as rent increases. Thus, analysts believe that AFFO provides for a more accurate base number when estimating present values and a better predictor of the REIT's future ability to pay dividends.The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) CTO's dividends were less sustainable than Defendants had led investors to believe; (ii) the Company used deceptive and unsustainable practices to artificially inflate its AFFO and overstate the true profitability of its Ashford Lane property; (iii) accordingly, CTO's business and/or financial prospects were overstated; and (iv) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.On June 25, 2025, Wolfpack Research ("Wolfpack") published a report entitled "CTO: The B. Riley of REITs" (the "Wolfpack Report" or the "Report"), which compared CTO unfavorably to B. Riley, a financial services company that recently lost more than 90% of its value amid three years of losses, soured investments, delayed financial reports and revelations that the SEC had been investigating whether the firm gave shareholders an accurate picture of its health. Citing interviews with former employees and whistleblowers, the Wolfpack Report accused CTO of, among other things, "not generat[ing] enough cash to pay its recurring capex and cover its dividends since converting to a REIT in 2021" and instead "rel[ying] on dilution (increasing shares outstanding by 70% since December 2022) to cover a $38 million dividend shortfall from 2021 to 2024," employing a "manipulative definition of [AFFO] where they exclude recurring capex, unlike all of their self-identified shopping center REIT peers," and "us[ing] a sham loan to hide the collapse of a top tenant from shareholders at Ashford Lane." (Emphasis in original).Further, Wolfpack predicted imminent further dilution of the Company, noting that CTO has just $8.4 million in cash while facing quarterly dividends of $14 million and average recurring capital expenditures of $5.7 million per quarter, along with approximately $12 million in additional planned capital expenditures.On this news, CTO's stock price fell $0.98 per share, or 5.42%, to close at $17.10 per share on June 25, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 30, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Dow Inc. ("Dow" or the "Company") (NYSE:DOW) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Northern Division, and docketed under 25-cv-12744, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Dow securities between January 30, 2025 and July 23, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.If you are an investor who purchased or otherwise acquired Dow securities during the Class Period, you have until October 28, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.[Click here for information about joining the class action]Dow is an American materials science company, serving customers in the packaging, infrastructure, mobility, and consumer applications industries. Dow conducts its worldwide operations through six global businesses organized into three operating segments: (i) Packaging & Specialty Plastics, (ii) Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, and (iii) Performance Materials & Coatings.Historically, Dow has touted its "industry-leading dividend," which is of particular importance to investors. On conference calls with investors and analysts, Dow's Chief Executive Officer, Defendant Jim Fitterling ("Fitterling"), has variously stated that the Company's "dividend is a key element of our investment thesis," and that "north of 65% of our owners count on that dividend." Notwithstanding an ongoing slump in the materials science industry, as well as the recent onset of tariff-related market uncertainties, at all relevant times, Defendants represented that Dow was well positioned to weather macroeconomic and tariff-related headwinds while maintaining sufficient levels of financial flexibility to support the Company's lucrative dividend. Specifically, Defendants cited various purported strengths and advantages unique to Dow in its industry, including, inter alia, the Company's purported "differentiated portfolio," "cost-advantaged footprint," and "industry-leading flexibility to navigate global trade dynamics." Throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding Dow's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Dow's ability to mitigate macroeconomic and tariff-related headwinds, as well as to maintain the financial flexibility needed to support its lucrative dividend, was overstated; (ii) the true scope and severity of the foregoing headwinds' negative impacts on Dow's business and financial condition was understated, particularly with respect to competitive and pricing pressures, softening global sales and demand for the Company's products, and an oversupply of products in the Company's global markets; and (iii) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.On June 23, 2025, BMO Capital downgraded its recommendation on Dow to "Underperform" from "Market Perform" while also cutting its price target on the Company's stock to $22.00 per share from $29.00 per share, citing sustained weakness across key end markets and mounting pressure on the Company's dividend.On this news, Dow's stock price fell $0.89 per share, or 3.21%, to close at $26.87 per share on June 23, 2025.Then, on July 24, 2025, Dow issued a press release reporting its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. Therein, Dow reported a non-GAAPloss per share of $0.42, significantly larger than the approximate $0.17 to $0.18 per share loss expected by analysts. Dow also reported net sales of $10.1 billion, representing a 7.3% year-over-year decline and missing consensus estimates by $130 million, "reflecting declines in all operating segments." The Company further reported, inter alia, that "sequentially, net sales were down 3%, as seasonally higher demand in Performance Materials & Coatings was more than offset by declines across the other operating segments." Defendant Fitterling blamed these disappointing results on "the lower-for-longer earnings environment that our industry is facing, amplified by recent trade and tariff uncertainties," while providing a dour outlook marked by "signs of oversupply from newer market entrants who are exporting to various regions at anti-competitive economics." In a separate press release issued the same day, Dow revealed that it was cutting its dividend in half, from $0.70 per share to only $0.35 per share, citing the need for "financial flexibility amidst a persistently challenging macroeconomic environment." Following these disclosures, Dow's stock price fell $5.30 per share, or 17.45%, to close at $25.07 per share on July 24, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the "Western Asset US Core Bond Fund" mutual fund classes - Class I (ticker: "WATFX"), Class A (ticker: "WABAX"), Class C (ticker: "WABCX"), Class FI (ticker: "WAPIX"), Class IS (ticker: "WACSX"), and Class R (ticker: "WABRX") - and the "Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund" mutual fund classes - Class A (ticker: "WAPAX"), Class C (ticker: "WAPCX"), Class C1 (ticker: "LWCPX"), Class FI (ticker: "WACIX"), Class R (ticker: "WAPRX"), Class I (ticker: "WACPX"), Class IS (ticker: "WAPSX") between January 1, 2021 and October 31, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important September 5, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased WAMCO mutual funds during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the WAMCO class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 5, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants failed to warn investors that: (1) defendants favored certain WAMCO strategies, like Macro Opps, over other WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (2) defendants disfavored certain WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (3) any "compliance policies and procedures" that WAMCO maintained "to result in fair allocations of investment opportunities to clients" were either insufficient to ensure that Leech and his WAMCO Team fairly allocated trades among the strategies they managed or were expressly disregarded by defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies; (3) any "oversight mechanisms" that WAMCO maintained were either insufficient to monitor Leech and his WAMCO Team or were expressly disregarded by defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies. As a result, defendants' actions operated as a fraud or deceit on the Class, artificially reducing the price of the "Western Asset US Core strategy" mutual fund classes during the Class Period, damaging Class members.To join the WAMCO class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for more information.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 /Wildpack Beverage Inc. (TSXV:CANS)("Wildpack" or the"Company") a leading middle market co-packer of canned goods, announces the second quarter financial results and updates on the proposed debenture restructuring transaction, strategic alternatives, and financial advisor appointment.Second Quarter Financial Results The Company has filed the unaudited financial results for the second quarter of 2025 ending June 30, 2025."I am pleased with the continued growth in production volume within the Company's filling division and engaged with the proposed debenture restructuring transaction and evaluation of strategic alternatives. Our continued focus will be on cost optimization and stable growth in production volume throughput." - Travis Sarich, CEO.Proposed Debenture Restructuring Transaction The Company previously announced that it proposes to complete a restructuring transaction with respect to its outstanding 8% Public Convertible Debentures in the aggregate principal amount of CA$45,007,000, with respective issuance dates of June 30, 2021, November 23, 2021, and March 31, 2022. The Company continues to engage in discussions with various stakeholders to restructure the Company's debt but has not yet reached a resolution.The Company has not made interest payments on the outstanding public convertible debentures and is accruing the unpaid interest. Further, the Company has not paid the outstanding principal, when due, on the debentures which matured on June 30, 2025. The Company has not received a waiver nor a notice of default and continues to work on the above noted proposed debenture restructuring transaction.Strategic Alternatives The Company is actively engaged in discussions around strategic and financial alternatives and is focused on relieving the financial burden of the Company's current debt structure and obtaining additional financing necessary to fund ongoing operations. There can be no assurance that the current process will result in a transaction or additional funding, if a transaction is undertaken, that it will be successfully concluded in a timely manner or at all.Financial Advisor The Company has engaged a financial advisor to aid in the proposed debenture restructuring transaction and consideration of strategic alternatives.Per: "Travis Sarich"Travis SarichChief Executive OfficeFor further information, please contact us at:invest@ wildpackbev.com Advisors Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP is the legal advisor to Wildpack Beverage Inc.Visit our investor website at: https://investor.wildpackbev.com About Wildpack Wildpack provides beverage manufacturing and packaging to the middle market by providing aluminum can filling, decorating, packaging, brokering, and logistics to customers throughout the United States. Wildpack currently operates indirectly through its wholly owned subsidiaries and out of four facilities in Baltimore, Maryland; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Austin, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Wildpack commenced trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "CANS" on May 19, 2021.Cautionary Statement on Forward Looking Information This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "will", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "proposed", or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements expressed or implied by Wildpack are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and conditions, many of which are outside of Wildpack's control, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Although Wildpack has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties related to Wildpack's business. Except as required by securities law, Wildpack does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Wildpack Beverage Inc.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has commenced talks with the Swiss Government on the repatriation of Nigerian artefacts currently housed in Swiss museums, including monoliths and bronze pieces.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both parties also agreed to promote cultural cooperation when the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff, paid a courtesy visit to the minister on Friday in Abuja.

They expressed willingness to continue discussions to explore opportunities for collaboration in the arts and culture sectors.

The ambassador expressed Switzerlands willingness to enter into bilateral agreements and cultural diplomacy with Nigeria.

According to the Swiss ambassador, the process of returning the artifacts started three years ago, and they hoped to hand over the bronze pieces through the Nigerian embassy by the end of the year.

This is the first time that a Swiss ambassador is meeting with a Nigerian minister of Art and Culture.

There is a lot happening, and we would be very interested to build more institutional cooperation with the ministry.

We think this restitution would be a very good opportunity to strengthen institutional cooperation, he said.

READ ALSO: Tinubu departs Brazil for Abuja

In her remarks, Ms Musawa thanked the Swiss government for its efforts, and emphasised the importance of retrieving the artifacts for Nigerias cultural heritage.

The minister said the meeting marked an important step in strengthening cultural ties and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two countries.

She identified potential cooperation opportunities in critical areas, including animation, design, architecture, hospitality, and tourism.

It is very important for us, Nigeria, to have back these artifacts and even have a wider conversation with Switzerland about what the restitution will look like.

The conversation with the Minister of Culture in Switzerland is going to be very important because we will look at what our cooperation opportunities are in other areas, she said.
Nigerian filmmaker Tolu Itegboje is set to present his latest short film, BAM BAM, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Industry Market Screening on 7 September 2025.

TIFF is one of the worlds most important film platforms, bringing together distributors, financiers, programmers, and studios from across the globe.

One of the few Nigerian films to venture into the sci-fi genre, BAM BAM is a striking coming-of-age story that blends speculative imagination with intimate human drama.

With its tagline, Some lessons cant be programmed, the film explores identity, connection, and the complexities of adolescence in a digital age.

The screening marks a milestone for Nigerian cinema on the international stage, offering buyers, programmers, and financiers a first look at an ambitious new voice in global storytelling.

Bam Bam

Bam Bam follows Babatunde, a gifted but introverted teenager whose only confidant is Bam Bam, a strange, almost otherworldly companion who seems to know him better than anyone else.

According to the storyline, when Babatunde falls for a classmate, Bam Bam urges him to take chancesbut with every step forward, his doubts grow louder.

As the tension between love and fear intensifies, Babatunde must decide what trusting Bam Bam will ultimately cost him.

Cast

The short film was directed by Itegboje, who is best known for Awon Boyz, his acclaimed documentary about life on the streets of Lagos, which premiered on Netflix.

The movie director is a graduate of the London Film School. He has directed award-winning shorts, including The Amazing Grace Church of God, and worked across advertising, branded content, and narrative filmmaking.

With over a decade of experience across the industry, Itegbojes work consistently bridges Nigerian culture and universal themes.

The movie director said the TIFF Market screening is a personal and professional breakthrough for him. He stressed that the movie depicts the strange comfort that technology can provide to humans in their lonely moments.

This film is deeply personal to me. Its about doubt, love, and the strange comfort technology can provide in our loneliest moments. Sci-fi is rarely explored in Nigerian cinema, and I wanted to show how universal the genre can be when rooted in our culture.

BAM BAM

BAM BAM is the beginning of a trilogy, and I hope that audiences everywhere will see themselves in Babatundes search for connection, he added.

Additionally, the short movie reunites the director with cinematographer Kagho Idhebortheir third collaboration following The Amazing Grace Church of God and Awon Boyz.

Bam Bam was produced by Oge Obasi (Mami Wata), edited by Chuka Ejorh and Laughter Ephraim, and had its music from Re Olunuga.

The film stars Ambrose Nwoga as Babatunde, Kelechi Udegbe as Bam Bam, Victory Eyong as Inara, Emmanuel Oluwatunmise as SK, and Nimi Adekanmbi as Oyinade.

With BAM BAM, Itegboje adds a bold, passionate voice to international conversations about the future of African cinema.

Watch Trailer
The US is denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in a statement that the move was in accordance with the US law and President Donald Trumps administrations reaffirmed commitment to not reward terrorism

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, the statement said.

The US also accused Palestinian officials for undermining the prospects for peace.

Before the PLO and PA can be considered partners for peace, they must consistently repudiate terrorism, the statement read.

This, it said, includes the Oct. 7 massacre and end incitement to terrorism in education, as required by U.S. law and as promised by the PLO.

The PA must also end its attempts to bypass negotiations through international lawfare campaigns, the US said.

The US said this includes appeals to the ICC and ICJ, and efforts to secure the unilateral recognition of a conjectural Palestinian state.

Both steps materially contributed to Hamass refusal to release its hostages, and to the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire talks, the US claimed.

The PA Mission to the UN will receive waivers per the UN Headquarters Agreement.

READ ALSO: US Mission launches initiative to empower young entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom

The statement stressed: The United States remains open to re-engagement that is consistent with our laws.

The US demanded the PA/PLO meet their obligations and demonstrably take concrete steps to return to a constructive path of compromise and peaceful coexistence with the State of Israel.

However, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the UN was aware and would engage with the US authorities on the issue.

Weve learned of this, just like you, through the press statements. Were obviously going to follow up, Mr Dujarric said.

Well discuss these matters with the State Department in line with the UN Headquarters Agreement between the UN and the US.

(NAN)
The Lagos State Government has recorded 8,692 cases of domestic and sexual violence between August 2024 and July 2025.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), disclosed this during a media parley held in Ikeja on Friday, to commemorate the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month observed every September.

Mr Pedro, who was represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Hameed Oyenuga, said domestic violence accounted for 3,685 cases, making it the most reported offence during the period under review.

He explained that the youngest survivor was an 18-month-old baby while the oldest was 79 years old, stressing that sexual and gender-based violence cut across all age groups.

The attorney-general restated the governments commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based violence, noting that the state secured more than 140 convictions and obtained six restraining orders in the past year.

He gave a breakdown of the cases, which included 243 cases of defilement, 244 cases of child abuse and physical assault, 99 cases of rape, 48 cases of sexual harassment, and 25 cases of sexual assault by penetration.

He added that there were also 726 family-related disputes, 41 cases of cyber harassment, and 32 cases of threats to life.

Mr Pedro said 3,090 children exposed to domestic violence received counselling, while 146 survivors were provided free legal representation.

He noted that all survivors of sexual assault had access to free medical care and that 30 individuals were sheltered by the government.

He further stated that 1,487 survivors and 249 perpetrators underwent therapy, while 13 persons with disabilities received specialised support services.

According to him, Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, Kosofe and Oshodi-Isolo local government areas recorded the highest number of adult-related cases, while Ikorodu, Kosofe, Badagry, Alimosho and Oshodi-Isolo topped the list for child-related cases.

READ ALSO: EFCC arrests 12 suspected illegal Bureau de Change operators in Lagos

The statistics come against the backdrop of repeated calls by civil society groups for a review of Lagos States Protection Against Domestic Violence Law.

In 2023, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), in collaboration with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, argued that the law, enacted in 2007, no longer addressed the current realities of sexual and gender-based violence.

At the dialogue, WARDCs founding executive director, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, said the law lacked provisions for commencement, punitive measures, and a comprehensive definition of domestic violence.

Other scholars from the University of Lagos also stressed the need for reforms that expand the scope of protection, address psychological abuse, and strengthen psychosocial support for survivors.

In September 2024, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency charged community leaders to tackle sexual and gender-based violence without fear or favour, describing them as flag bearers in the fight against abuse.
Two accountants said the "biggest surprise" of earnings season was how many companies beat expectations.

Four fifths of S&P 500 companies beat analysts' revenue forecasts in Q2, per FactSet.

A host of the "Stocks and Savings" podcast said the AI boom was overpowering the fear of tariffs.

A couple of accountants broke down how earnings season has been  and found a surprise.

"Stocks and Savings" podcast co-hosts Andreea Ion and James Galbin discussed on a recent episode how their portfolios fared in second-quarter earnings.

"I think the biggest surprise was actually how strong the reports were," Ion said, citing data from financial data platform FactSet that 81% of companies in the S&P 500 beat analysts' revenue forecasts in Q2.

Galvin said this was surprising given fears of how tariffs would upset the global economy.

"On one hand, you have the boom in artificial intelligence that companies are pouring money into left, right, and center," he said. "But then on the other hand, you've got US tariffs that are at their highest since the Great Depression and are slowly but surely making themselves felt in the economy."

"I think it was a case of Big Tech and the AI boom simply overpowering any downside caused by tariffs," Galvin added.

FactSet's report was issued in early August and was based on 90% of S&P 500 firms that announced results at that time. It found that the proportion of those surpassing Wall Street expectations for earnings per share and revenue was above both the five-year average of 78% and the 10-year average of 75% for earnings per share, per FactSet.

"If 81% is the final number for the quarter, it will mark the highest percentage of S&P 500 companies reporting a positive EPS surprise for a quarter since Q3 2023 (also 81%)," John Butters, vice president and senior earnings analyst and author of the report, wrote.

He said that, in aggregate, the companies that beat analysts' estimates did so by 8.4%.

The financial, communication services, information, tech, and consumer discretionary services sectors have been the largest contributors to the earnings surprises that drove an overall rise in the index's year-on-year growth rate during this period, which FactSet estimated to be 11.8%.

Some of the best performers were Warner Bros. Discovery, which achieved $0.63 earnings per share compared to analysts' consensus of a loss per share of $0.24; Coinbase Global, which had $5.14 versus $1.19; and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, which had $12.89 versus $8.43.

Read the original article on Business Insider
At just 10 years old, Ladidi Mudi (not real name) wakes at 5:00 a.m. daily. But unlike children her age who prepare for school, her mornings begin with sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes in the home of a stranger she calls mummy in Unguwan Rimi, GRA, Kaduna.

Though she lives with her employer, Ladidi worries most about not seeing her mother for months.

I dont plan to stay here for long. I want to go back home. I am tired of the city, she said quietly.

Ladidi is one of the 24.7 million Nigerian children trapped in child labour. The 2022 Child Labour and Forced Labour Survey shows 39.2 per cent of children aged 517 are in child labour. Of these, 29.9 per cent are in hazardous work.

The figures are worse in rural Nigeria, where 45 per cent of children work compared to 30 per cent in cities.

In the North-west, 6.4 million children are in labour, with over half doing hazardous tasks. Many do not attend school, making states like Jigawa rank highest in out-of-school children.

Born in Jigawa, Ladidis parents are too poor to care for her. Her mother sells kuli-kuli while her father farms. Hoping to ease the familys burden, they allowed an agent to send Ladidi to Kaduna as a maid.

I never attended a conventional school in my village. I only went to Quranic school and sometimes helped my mum hawk kuli-kuli. I want to learn how to read and write and be a teacher, she said.

Before her current placement, Ladidi briefly worked in another Kaduna home but begged to return to Jigawa due to the exhausting workload. Instead, the agent reassigned her to a new employer. She works with 15-year-old Raliya, also from Jigawa.

Their employer, a career woman, explained why she prefers underaged maid.

They are easier to groom and less likely to cause problems. Older girls often sneak out and mingle with men. I dont have that time, she said.

Unlike Ladidi, Raliya seemed more comfortable. She said she had been in the house for 11 months and that their employer provided food, clothes, and medical care. Still, she does not attend school.

I dont know my salary. My uncle sent me here after my father died. Madam says shes saving my money until I go back. I have never been to school. I want to learn how to read and write, Raliya explained.

The system

Kaduna is a key hub for minors trafficked from neighbouring states like Jigawa and Katsina.

Labaran Ado-Tanimu, State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), said Kaduna functions as a source, transit, and destination for trafficking.

Children are brought from rural communities to work as maids, labourers, or worse, for sexual exploitation. Many are under 18, some as young as 10, he said.

Trafficking persists in spite of awareness campaigns. Most traffickers are women who operate networks linking rural agents with urban employers.

An employer tells an agent the type of maid they want. The agent contacts someone in the village to source a girl. The child is then transported like goods, sometimes handed to commercial drivers who deliver them straight to the city agent or employer, says Mr Ado-Tanimu.

He added that poverty and ignorance fuel the trade. Many parents willingly give away children, hoping for income to buy goats or cows, believing it benefits the girls future.

Undercover Experience

To understand the system, I went undercover as a career woman seeking a maid under 18.

Through contacts, l obtained the number of a woman who connected me to an agent named Rahma. When I asked for a 1213-year-old, she replied:

There are no girls now. Wait until Wednesday when they usually arrive.

That week passed and she called back, saying two girls had arrived but were quickly taken by other employers. Theyre in high demand, she added.

After Eid-el-Kabir, she informed me another girl was available in Unguwan Sarki. She directed me to Dahiru Road, Kurmin Mashi, to meet her.

Rahma, a young woman in her mid-twenties living with her widowed mother, admitted she linked girls from Kano and Jigawa to households in Kaduna. The main agent, Maman Rabi, paid her commissions of N1,000 to N2,000 per child.

We waited hours for Maman Rabi, who eventually sent word she was busy. Later, Rahma suggested I take a young divorcee or widow instead. I declined, sticking to my request for a younger girl.

Two weeks later, Rahma called, Two girls have landed in Kaduna. They came from Kano. Youll refund N7,000 for their transport, pay N5,000 agent fee, and offer the girl at least N10,000 salary.

We met near a filling station in Unguwan Rimi where Rahma arrived with a girl in purple hijab who said she was 18.

I rejected her, asking for someone younger. Rahma then led me to Millennium City to meet Maman Rabi, who presented another girl, 15 years old.

When I asked how to pay salaries, the agent said I could keep the money until the girl was ready to return home.

Before finalising, I requested a photo of the girl to show my sister. They agreed.

I paid N9,000 for transport and promised to return in the evening to pick her upending the undercover mission.

The Laws

Nigeria has passed several laws against trafficking. The Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (2003, amended in 2005, re-enacted in 2015) prohibits all forms of human trafficking, including recruitment, transportation, and harbouring of children for exploitation.

It prescribes a minimum sentence of five years imprisonment and fines between N1 million and N5 million, with stricter penalties when minors are involved. The law also established NAPTIP as the lead agency on enforcement and victim support.

The Child Rights Act (CRA) of 2003 further protects children. Section 30 criminalises buying, selling, or hiring children in any form, while Section 32 bans the use of children for begging, hawking, sexual exploitation, or domestic servitude. Violators face up to five years imprisonment or heavy fines.

However, because the CRA is federal law, each state must adopt it before enforcement. Kano is the only state yet to domesticate the Act.

Kaduna has gone further by passing its Child Welfare and Protection Law (2018).

According to Sarah Peter, Senior State Counsel at the Ministry of Justice and Secretary of the Kaduna Task Force on Human Trafficking, the law prohibits every form of child violence or domestic servitude.

Kadunas laws work alongside the federal NAPTIP Act, the Penal Code (Amendment) Law 2020, and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

These laws carry punishments from seven to 14 years in prison for trafficking. The Penal Code amendment even prescribes castration or death for convicted rapists.

In spite of these efforts, trafficking persists. In 2025 alone, Kaduna recorded a surge in casesthe highest since the current administration began.

The State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Rabi Salisu, disclosed that 21 trafficked children had been reunited with their families, while four remain in shelters awaiting family identification.

All rescued victims receive psychosocial support, while perpetrators are arrested and charged to court.

Parents must understand we will not take this lightly. Education is free and compulsory for every child in the state, she warned.

NGO efforts

Civil society groups play a vital role in addressing child trafficking.

According to Hafsat Muhammad-Baba, Coordinator of the Global Initiative for Women and Children (GIWAC), parents often agree to send their children due to poverty or insecurity, believing they will be better cared for in the city.

What we find is that the children are overworked and underpaid, if paid at all. Sometimes their wages are collected by agents, leaving families with nothing, she explained.

She added that many children come from families affected by death, displacement, or extreme poverty. Its not always about parents wanting to send them away; often they see no other option.

Ms Muhammad-Baba stressed that while NGOs can help with rescue and documentation, real progress requires stronger government action.

We are not the authorities. We can collect information and refer cases, but the government must provide safe shelters and enforce protection laws.

She urged northern states to strengthen support systems for families in conflict-affected areas and called on the media to give affected communities a voice.

Sarah Peter echoed this view, insisting that community-driven solutions are essential.

We need religious leaders, parents, teachers, and the media to work together. There must be stronger sensitisation campaigns, better funding for NAPTIP, and accountability for parents who knowingly give away their children, she said.

Stolen childhoods

Behind every statistic are children like Ladidi and Raliyagirls whose days revolve around chores instead of classrooms, who dream of reading and writing but remain trapped in servitude.

For Ladidi, life in Kaduna is a blur of sweeping floors and washing dishes for strangers. Her greatest wish is not toys or clothes, but simply to go home and see her mother again.

For Raliya, who lost her father, the city offers survival but no schooling. She believes her madam is saving her wages, but she has no way of knowing if she will ever see the money.

These stories echo across the North-west, where children are traded in markets of poverty and neglect. Parents, desperate for income, hand them to agents. Employers, seeking cheap labour, prefer their obedience. Agents, operating in shadows, profit from their innocence.

In spite of existing laws, awareness campaigns, and NGO interventions, child trafficking and labour continue to thrive in Kaduna and across North-west Nigeria. Poverty, ignorance, weak enforcement, and cultural acceptance keep the cycle unbroken.

The voices of children like Ladidi and Raliya remind us that this is not just about numbers, but lives, futures stolen before they can begin.

Until governments, communities, religious leaders, and families commit to ending this exploitation, thousands of children will remain trapped in houses far from home, their dreams replaced by endless chores. (NAN)

This report was facilitated by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under its Report Women! Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP) Fellowship, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo, have eulogised late Supreme Court Justice Augustine Nnamani.

They hailed the late Nnamanis vision, contributions and legacy toward the development of the law profession in the country through his landmark judgements and laying of foundations for the Land Use Act in Nigeria.

The trio and others celebrated Mr Nnamani during the presentation of Essay in his honour, organised by the Renaissance Law Publications, led by Gab Agu, a professor, on Friday, in Enugu.

Mr Nnamani was a former justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria appointed on 15 August 1979, and died in 1990.

Mr Ozekhome, a guest speaker at the event, said the late Nnamanis vision of justice was always deliberate, thoughtful, and anchored in principle.

According to him, Nnamani was a reminder that the law must serve the people, and not entrap them and one name that should be engraved into the granite of legal history and not buried beneath its footnotes.

His judgments should be studied not just for their outcomes, but for the discipline, clarity, erudition and foresight they embodied.

And his legacy should be honoured not merely in ceremony, but in how we train lawyers, appoint judges, and build a legal culture that prizes integrity over expediency.

In the final analysis, Justice Nnamani stands as one of those rare figures whose life proves that the law is not merely a profession, but a vocation of destiny.

His path was not the ordinary path, and that is precisely why it commands such reverence, he said.

He explained that Mr Nnamani was elevated directly from the office of Attorney-General to the hallowed chambers of the Supreme Court  a unique history he shared with the late Justice Taslim Elias, the retired chief justice of Nigeria.

Mr Ozekhome added that Mr Nnamanis judgements carried the fire of scholarship and the fragrance of wisdom, revealing that he wrote not only to decide, but to instruct; to resolve and to inspire, as well as his legacy not be confined to the dusty pages of law reports.

Gov Mbahs remark

In a remark, Governor Mbah hailed Mr Nnamanis brilliance, saying the essay was a refreshing window into some defining national policies that had the late judges imprints.

Justice Nnamani was not merely a jurist. He was a philosopher, a steward of justice.

The 22 essays constitute an important historical and legal trope, each lending perspective to an aspect of his students daily life.

They illuminate our understanding, the boarding law student and courtroom veterans alike, Mr Mbah said.

Commending the organisers, the governor said, From his humble beginnings here in Enugu to the rare heights Nnamani attained in the legal profession, his story is a lesson of discipline, resilience and purposeful leadership.

On his part, Mr Nwobodo, who chaired the event, extolled the relationship between Mr Nnamanis family and his, stressing that the late judge was intellectually gifted.

He regretted that he and others could not revive Mr Nnamani when he slumped during his fathers burial.

A former senator, who represented Kogi West District, Dino Melaye, urged Nigerians to live a life they would be remembered and celebrated when they are no more.

Reviewing the book, a professor of law, Gozie Ogbodo, said the book contained 657 pages, 22 chapters with 22 contributors.

Earlier, Mr Agu said the Renaissance Law Publications Limited resolved to help in the development of the law by bringing to the public their personage of Bar and Bench of stellar qualities in the area of law and its development.

It is our intention to publish on a quarterly basis on and about them. They possess the can-do spirit of our heroes past, and Justice Nnamani deserves the accolade, Mr Agu said.

(NAN)
Late arrival of election materials and low voter turnout on Saturday delayed the commencement of the local government council elections in Woji Ward 6, Obio/Akpor area of Rivers State.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) monitoring the exercise reports that as of 10:12 a.m., election materials were yet to arrive at several polling units in the ward.

Polling units affected include Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 29 and 30, where accreditation had not commenced and only a handful of voters were seen waiting to cast their ballots.

Some voters and party agents were observed discussing the situation while awaiting the arrival of materials.

NAN also reports that there was no visible presence of security personnel at the polling units.

READ ALSO: US revokes visas of Palestinian officials ahead of UN General Assembly

A voter at Polling Unit 29, Kingsley Amadi, stated that he arrived early but was still waiting for election materials.

He, however, expressed optimism for a smooth and transparent process despite the delay and attributed the low turnout to the political crisis that preceded the election.

Another voter, who identified herself simply as Oroma, said she was confident that the process would reflect the will of the people.

The chairmanship and councillorship election is being conducted across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has called for global unity, peace and a shared future, reiterating the China-Nigeria bilateral scope, which, according to him, has expanded beyond the scope to global significance.

Mr Dunhai made the call on Thursday in Abuja, during a symposium held to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Delivering a keynote, the ambassador recounted Chinas resistance against Japanese aggression, the World Anti-Fascist War, and the eventual restoration of the Taiwan region to his country.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the restoration of the Taiwan region.

At this historic moment, todays symposium offers us an opportunity to reflect on the past, honour our heroes, and reaffirm our commitment to peace and a shared future, he said.

History that should never be forgotten

Mr Dunhai narrated the beginning and the journey that led to the Chinese resistance with the 18 September, 1931 incident and the subsequent struggle that lasted for 14 years.

The September 18th Incident of 1931 marked the beginning of Chinas War of Resistance and heralded the prelude to the main Eastern battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War. After 14 years of blood and fire, the Chinese people defeated the brutal Japanese militarist invaders and won a great victory in defending the nation, he said.

Like President Xi Jinping pointed out, the envoy said it was through the tremendous sacrifices of the Chinese people, who fought to the end on the Eastern battlefield that led to the ultimate victory.

Mr Dunhai also acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian soldiers on the battlefield against Japanese forces in British Burma.

We also remember the Nigerian soldiers who fought against Japanese forces in British Burma. They, too, played a unique role in our shared fight for the victory, he stated.

He noted that the strength of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which is the current ruling party in China, contributed to the overall victory.

Beyond the resistance of the Chinese people, the Communist Party of China (CPC) played a pivotal role in achieving victory. At that critical moment when our nations very existence hung in the balance, it was the CPC that stepped forward without fear, shouldering its historical responsibility. It was the CPC that first raised the banner of armed resistance and formed the Anti-Japanese National United Front. It was the CPC that formulated the strategy of nationwide resistance and the general principle of a protracted war.

And it was also the CPC that established backstage battlefields and base areas. With unwavering resolve, exceptional leadership, and immense sacrifice, the CPC consistently stood on the front lines of the resistance. We are proud to say CPCs contributions have left an eternal monument in the history of the Chinese nation, he said.

Mr Dunhai noted that history has shaped the perspective of his country in ensuring and upholding peace.

He, however, warned against misconceptions and stressed the need for the world to uphold the correct perspective of history and reject all forms of historical nihilism.

Today we are not here to dwell on hatredbut to remember history and renew our commitment to peace. We are here to learn from the past, to honour the sacrifices that were made, and to pledge together that such tragedies will never happen again, the envoy said.

China-Nigeria bilateral scope

On China-Nigeria relations Mr Dunhai stressed the commitment of his country to support Nigeria in its pursuit of development through the two countries strategic partnership.

He said, In the China-Nigeria Joint Statement on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Building a High-Level China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future, Nigeria reaffirmed its firm adherence to the One-China principle. China highly appreciates this stance and supports Nigeria in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, as well as in playing an even greater role on the international stage.

China and Nigeria are both major developing countries, leading emerging economies, and key members of the Global South. Our comprehensive strategic partnership has grown beyond bilateral scope and now carries significant global significance.

At this new historical starting point, lets work together to safeguard the outcomes of the WWII victory, uphold international fairness, justice, and order, and inject more stability and certainty into the international community. Lets join hands to advance the steady and sound development of China-Nigeria relations, and bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Charles Onunaiju, director of the Centre for China Studies in Abuja, in his remarks, also highlighted Chinas significant role in fostering international development, peace, and dialogue.

He emphasised that China has set a remarkable example by promoting key initiatives aimed at contributing its wisdom to global stability.

He referred to the United Nations founding charter, reiterating the urgent need to avoid the scourge of war that has historically brought immense suffering to humanity.

He said, In a remarkable lead by example, China has outlined and promoted critical initiatives as a contribution of her wisdom to international development, peace and dialogue in other to forestall what the UN founding charter affirmed as the determination of the people to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind.

Mr Onunaiju noted that China, having endured the ravages of war for an extended period, made a conscious decision to champion peace. This commitment, according to him, has involved not only advocating for tranquillity but also creating an environment where peace can thrive sustainably.

He stressed that the relationship is not only strong in political foundations but also boundless in its potential for cooperation.

The opportunities presented by this alliance are immense, bolstered by the unwavering confidence shared between both nations, and also serve as a formidable building block for creating a community with a shared future for all humanity.

Nigeria-China bilateral relations have advanced unswervingly to a comprehensive strategic partnership in which extensive consultation has become its standard practice. The kernel of its sustenance and vitality is on the political foundation of mutual respect for the core interests of each other, especially on the immutable issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum has announced the temporary suspension of its planned mass protest against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The decision followed interventions from some stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, aimed at fostering dialogue and preventing escalation of tensions in the region.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the spokesperson for the forum, Legborsi Yamaabana, stated that the decision was made in the interest of peace and to allow for dialogue regarding their demands.

He recalled that the forum earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to NNPCL, on 19 August, over what it described as deeply disturbing and unjust actions allegedly perpetrated by the company.

According to Mr Yamaabana, the groups grievances include the alleged unjustifiable shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refinery, sacking of Niger Delta workers, and marginalisation of indigenes in strategic roles within the NNPCL.

He further decried the limited employment opportunities available to youths in the region, stating that as Nigerias main oil-producing area, the Niger Delta deserved equitable representation and economic benefits.

Mr Yamaabana emphasised that as leaders of ethnic nationalities, who bore the responsibility of defending and advancing the regions interests, they were left with no choice but to take decisive action.

He clarified that the forums actions were not motivated by hatred or personal interests, but by a sincere commitment to correcting the injustices allegedly inflicted on the Niger Delta people.

Mr Yamaabana reaffirmed the forums openness to genuine efforts by the government or stakeholders to resolve the conflict in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner.

The essence of our organised mass action was to prevent a total breakdown of law and order arising from these infractions.

Since peace, stability, and prosperity of our region remain our top priorities, we are open to continued engagement with the NNPCL management and other relevant authorities, he said.

He added that while their demands remained valid and unresolved, the group had decided to temporarily suspend protests to allow room for constructive dialogue.

The forum commended the intervention efforts of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, former executive director at NEXIM Bank, Stella Okotete, security agencies, and other stakeholders for facilitating talks with NNPCL.

Mr Yamaabana stressed that the forum remained firmly committed to defending the interests of the Niger Delta and pursuing equity, justice, and development for the region.

He, however, warned against opportunists seeking to hijack or undermine the agitation, reiterating that their demands remained legitimate and grounded in the need for fairness.

He commended Niger Delta youths from various ethnic nationalities for mobilising in support of the cause, describing their solidarity and courage as inspiring and commendable.

While fielding questions from journalists, the forums Chairperson, Jonathan Lokpobiri, expressed willingness to collaborate with authorities to efficiently revive the refineries within the Niger Delta.

Mr Lokpobiri stressed the need to end the persistent excuses hindering operations at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, calling for urgent action to restore them to full capacity.
The Anambra State Government has banned the writing of assignments by students in textbooks, describing the practice as wasteful and unsustainable.

The Commissioner for Education, Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, issued the directive to schools on Friday in Awka, during a workshop organised for private school proprietors and teachers in the state.

Ms Chuma-Udeh, a professor, said the decision to ban the practice was intended to make textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings of students, who would need them when they advance to the next class.

She emphasised the importance of textbooks being inclusive, reflecting diversity, promoting equality and addressing the needs of all learners.

The government will not tolerate non-compliance with the directive. I urge parents, teachers and school administrators to ensure strict adherence.

Stakeholders should report cases of default to the Ministry of Education.

The initiative is part of Governor Charles Soludos administrations strategy to ease financial pressure on families, while promoting quality and sustainable education, the commissioner said.

Apprehension as new academic session begins soon

Mandatory new textbooks and uniforms for a new academic session in secondary schools are common among many private schools in Nigeria, not only in Anambra.

As the new academic session begins in September, many parents and guardians in Nigeria are apprehensive about the financial burden of sending their children and wards back to school.

Mmek-Abasi Akpabio, a resident of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in a Facebook post on Saturday, questioned why private schools in Nigeria would always force new books, new uniforms for new sessions on parents even if the childs elder sibling just passed the same class of his junior only the previous session with the same books, wasting at home.

In my years as a child, it was always fun with so much allure for the younger one to inherit things, including clothing from the elder sibling. Such a gesture, even then, had probably helped in further fostering a sense of respect in the child towards his seniors, apart from the attendant benefits to the parents, Mr Akpabio stated.

However, today, modernity and excessive profiteering in our private schools system tend to be robbing society of such culture and its inherent social and economic benefits.

Now, most private schools bill parents one bulk sum as school fees at the beginning of the school year to cover uniforms and books, etc. And by the time the wares arrive at the home, the parents shockingly and annoyingly discover that several of the books, uniforms, etc. brought are a duplication of the barely spent ones used by their other ward, who only exited that same class two months earlier.

This system, or call it culture, is patently wasteful and significantly burdensome to many parents, some of whom only struggle to pay for the education of their children, he said.

(NAN)
The Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, Francia Marquez, has arrived in Abuja on a 3-day official visit to Nigeria.

Accompanied by her spouse, Rafael Ocoro, the Colombian VP was recieved on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of State, FCT, Mariya Bunkure, Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, and other senior government officials.

Mrs Marquezs official visit to Nigeria is expected to deepen diplomatic and strategic relations between Nigeria and Colombia as well as enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including governance, trade, agriculture, energy, education, and security, among others.

The Colombian Vice President is accompanied on the visit by cabinet ministers, top government officials and business sector leaders who are set to engage their Nigerian counterparts in discussions around key areas aimed at strengthening ties between both countries.

A key highlight of the visit is the signing of Memoranda of Understanding in strategic areas of the economy, including women empowerment, trade, aviation, manufacturing, agriculture, and culture, among others.

The visit will also feature a plenary session to be graced by both Vice Presidents and the Nigeria-Colombia Business Forum; government to government bilateral meetings; side events, including high-level business sector meetings hosted by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as a summit on Artificial Intelligence.

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications

(Office of The Vice President)

30th August, 2025
Troops of Nigerian Army deployed in different operations have foiled terror attacks, rescuing a kidnap victims and recovered arms and equipment across different theatres within the last 24 hours.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that the operations covered Kebbi, Katsina, Edo, Niger, Plateau and Abia states.

He said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Kebbi responded to a distress call on terrorists activities in Dundaye village, Augie Local Government Area ( LGA), at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

On arrival, it was discovered that terrorists had killed two civilians and rustled cattle.

The troops pursued the criminals through their withdrawal route, though no contact was made.

Our forces continue to dominate the area with patrols to deny terrorists freedom of action, he said.

The source added that troops of 17 Brigade in Katsina State also responded to gunshots in Layin Minista village, Malumfashi LGA, at about 10:50 p.m. the same day.

According to him, on sighting troops, the terrorists fled after abducting two women.

He said the troops were maintaining aggressive patrols in the area to restore public confidence and secure the release of the victims.

In Edo, he said the troops of 4 Brigade under Operation MESA, conducted Search and Rescue (SAR) operation in Ugboha community, Esan South-east LGA, at midnight on 29 August.

Troops rescued one civilian kidnapped on Aug. 27 around Amedokhaian community while on his way to farm. Efforts are ongoing to reunite him with his family, he said.

He also disclosed that troops of FOB Babanna in Niger State, recovered an AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition abandoned by insurgents during a previous encounter.

He reassured that the military remained focused on neutralising threats, rescuing victims, and restoring peace across the country.

Our troops remain resolute in their mandate to safeguard citizens and deny criminals the freedom to operate, he said.

(NAN)
The Coalition of Concerned Nigerians (CCN) has petitioned President Bola Tinubu over the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)s handling of alleged violations at Royal Castle Ceramics Company Limited, a Chinese-owned company operating in Ogun State, Nigeria.

The CCN, in a statement signed by its spokesperson and leader, Abiodun Akinremi, on Friday, alleged that the ceramics company has been operating for nearly four years with only a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate of registration and without the necessary expatriate approvals.

On 12 August, five Chinese employees of the ceramics company were arrested during a joint sting operation conducted by the NIS and the State Security Service (SSS).

They were detained at the NIS headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, and prepared for deportation under Section 44 of the Immigration Act.

The expatriates were identified as Zhang Damou (46), Sales Manager; Qian Jin (48), Sales Manager on a Temporary Work Permit (TWP); Tang Pan (41), Interpreter on a TWP; Lin Jianfeng (52), Business Manager on a TWP; and Guo Zhengheng (40), Sales Manager on a Business Visa.

Despite the violations alleged against them, the expatriates were reportedly released on 21 August, triggering public outrage. The public condemnation prompted the NIS to order the re-arrest of the expatriates with effect from 22 August.

According to the group, the case highlights systemic collusion, compromised enforcement, and weak institutional accountability that threaten the countrys labour market and national security.

As of the time of reporting, the NIS had yet to confirm whether the arrests had been carried out.

When contacted by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday, a representative of Royal Castle Ceramics, reached through a phone number on the firms website, declined to address the allegations.  We dont give out numbers. Our duty is just to talk to customers who are interested in getting our products. We dont have any comments, the contact person said.

The company representative also did not respond to specific questions on the status of its expatriate employees or compliance with immigration laws.

Petitioners allegations

The coalition said the companys operations were riddled with irregularities, compromises, and misconduct enabled by weak enforcement and collusion within the NIS.

It described the release of the detained expatriates as a glaring example of systemic lapses in immigration management.

The group further alleged that more than 40 other Chinese nationals within the same company remain at large, living and working in Nigeria without appropriate documentation.

According to the group, the arrested expatriates were holding inappropriate visas and permits that did not authorise them to engage in full-time employment in Nigeria.

Authorities had earlier linked the arrests to violations of Sections 36, 37, 38, 56, and 105 of the Immigration Act of 2015, which deal with illegal residency, unauthorised employment, and breaches of visa conditions.

Despite these infractions, the CCN said the expatriates were released from custody under questionable circumstances, suggesting political interference in enforcement decisions.

The coalition argued that the sudden release, despite clear evidence of unlawful status, pointed to collusion and complicity by some senior officials of the NIS.

Threats to national security

The CCN warned that the failure to enforce immigration laws not only undermines Nigerias sovereignty but also threatens the integrity of its labour market.

It argued that illegal expatriate employment practices deny Nigerians opportunities, while unchecked residency of foreigners without proper permits exposes the country to grave security risks.

The coalition stressed that, despite the Mr Tinubu administrations anti-corruption drive, rogue officers within the NIS appeared to be sabotaging efforts to restore integrity to public institutions.

It is described as disturbing and unacceptable the ease with which foreign nationals can live and work in Nigeria without proper documentation, noting that such practices erode public trust in the immigration system.

Call for investigation

Beyond the specific case of Royal Castle Ceramics, the coalition said the development exposed deep-rooted systemic weaknesses that can only be addressed through institutional reform and political will at the highest level.

It urged the federal government to investigate the alleged political interference in immigration enforcement and ensure that any officials found culpable are held accountable.

According to the group, decisive action is necessary not only to uphold immigration laws but also to protect Nigerian workers and safeguard national sovereignty.

The coalition added that it would continue to monitor developments closely, reaffirming its commitment to advocating for transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law in immigration matters.
Ibrahim Goni, conservator-general of the National Park Service, has blamed forest communities in Cross River State for complicity in forest destruction, saying locals support is key to exploitation.

Mr Goni stated this in Calabar during a stakeholder dialogue, organised by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in partnership with the National Park Service and other stakeholders on the protection of forests and biodiversity.

The meeting was also for the official launch of the European Union (EU) PROFAB project.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the EU PROFAB project is a programme aimed at protecting the forest ecosystem, biodiversity and enhancing climate sustainability.

Mr Goni, who was represented by Caroline Olori, former conservator of parks, Cross River National Park, emphasised that climate change was real and that the job of protecting the forests was not for the government alone.

According to him, the ongoing destruction of forests in the state is happening because outsiders come, offer money, and the youths and the entire community join and accept them.

He said that the meeting was to raise the alarm that there is a fire on the mountain and unless we act now, it will continue and forests take years to grow, but can be destroyed in days.

Climate change is real, the extreme heat, floods and environmental changes we thought were far away are upon us today because of our continued forest destruction.

At the end of this meeting, each of us must go back determined to act; if we say we will no longer allow outsiders to exploit our forests, they cannot, he said.

Declining forest

On his part, the Country Director of WCS, Inaoyom Imong said the objective of the programme was for a sincere dialogue from all stakeholders on policies, legal and institutional frameworks that enhance protection of the forest.

Mr Imong said that the Cross River forest was fast declining and if something was not urgently done, the state ran the risk of losing all of its forests very soon.

He said that it was important for stakeholders to start looking at measures that could be taken to salvage what was left of the biodiversity in Cross River.

He noted that communities were very important, adding that the fight to protect the forest cannot succeed without the active participation and support of the royal fathers in the communities.

I also want us to note that what we are doing in conservation in this state is not just for the sake of conservation.

It is to improve the well-being and livelihood of communities living around forest areas; this is why WCS puts communities first, Mr Imong said.

Similarly, George Oben-Etchi, chairperson, Cross River Forestry Commission, noted that the Cross River National Park harbours the states biodiversity and forest.

Mr Oben-Etchi, represented by Clement Omina of the commission, noted that the lives of all the communities around the parks were intricately tied to the biodiversity and forests the state was endowed with.

He said that whatever errors or efforts put in place previously to ensure the protection of the forest resources and biodiversity, the meeting would bring out new ways of positively relating with the environment.

Bette Obi, chairperson, House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Biodiversity in the Cross River House of Assembly, commended the organisers for the programme, and noted that illegal mining in Cross River was becoming a challenge.

Mr Obi (Boki 1 State Constituency) added that more efforts in the sensitisation and enforcement of regulations were necessary for the communities to curb the problems of illegal mining in the state.

The meeting, which was well attended by traditional rulers from forest communities, also witnessed participants brainstorming on solutions to tackle the forest depletion in Cross River.

(NAN)
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Dive Brief:

Despite industry headwinds, Ulta Beautys second quarter net sales increased 9.3% to $2.8 billion, according to a company release Thursday. The growth was due in part to the acquisition of U.K. retailer Space NK.

The companys comparable sales jumped 6.7% in the quarter due to a 3.7% increase in transactions and a 2.9% increase in average ticket. Ultas gross profit increased 11.6% and net income grew 3.3%.

The beauty retailer raised its full-year financial outlook, now expecting net sales in a range from $12 billion to $12.1 billion and comp growth from 2.5% to 3.5%.

Dive Insight:

Ultas latest results show that at least some consumers continue to shop for discretionary goods despite macro pressures.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to executing our Ulta Beauty Unleashed strategy and strengthening our operating model, CEO Kecia Steelman said in a statement. Our outlook for the remainder of the year reflects both the strength of our year-to-date performance and our caution around how consumer demand may evolve in the second half of the year. While near-term uncertainty persists, were staying focused on what we can control and on executing with excellence to deliver our uniquely Ulta Beauty experience.

During the quarter, Ulta opened 24 new stores and now expects to open 63 new stores for the year (compared to the previously expected 60 new locations). On a call with analysts, Steelman noted that fragrance continued to be Ultas strongest category with double-digit growth in the quarter, and the retailer began selling 24 new brands in Q2.

The retailers latest earnings results follow news earlier this month that it mutually agreed to end the Ulta Beauty at Target shop-in-shop partnership next year. Steelman said on the call that revenue from the shop-in-shops contributed to well below 1% of Ultas net sales for fiscal 2024.

The company instead is investing more into its international growth. Acquiring the already established Space NK business allowed Ulta to take a capital sensitive approach to entering a large beauty market, Steelman said.

Both Steelman and interim CFO Chris Lialios acknowledged the existing dynamic economic environment and evolving trade policies. However, consumer engagement with beauty and wellness remains healthy, per the executives.

The company saw low-single-digit growth with its mass offerings and mid-single-digit growth in prestige beauty during the quarter, per Steelman.
The police in Anambra State say they have arrested a 23-year-old woman who allegedly staged her own kidnap with her boyfriend and then extorted N3 million from her family.

The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, identified the woman as Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye and her boyfriend, Chibuike Ogbu.

The spokesperson said the two suspects have been arrested by police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.

He said the arrest of the suspects followed intelligence-led operations, which helped to uncover how the woman conspired with the boyfriend to stage her kidnapping.

The development occurred about a month after another woman, a 28-year-old university student, allegedly staged her kidnap in Anambra State to get money for her boyfriends proposed business.

Conspiracy with boyfriend

On the latest incident, Mr Ikenga said preliminary investigation revealed that the two suspects initially demanded N15 million ransom from the womans family.

The police spokesperson said that after negotiations, the family transferred N3 million ransom into the womans account.

The operatives recovered the sum of N1.2 million, being part of the ransom earlier paid by the girls family members, he said.

He did not, however, mention when the incident happened or when the suspects were arrested.

Commissioner speaks

In his reaction, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, expressed deep concern over the incident, Mr Ikenga said.

Mr Orutugu said he was worried over the rising cases of moral decadence in Nigeria society.

He described the incident as a reflection of the rising moral decay in the society, where young people are increasingly resorting to criminality for selfish gains.

The commissioner urged parents, guardians, and religious leaders to intensify efforts in inculcating discipline, integrity, and sound values in their children and wards.

The police chief warned youths against engaging in self-destructive ventures, stressing that the long arm of the law will always catch up with criminals.

Abduction for ransom

Like other states in the South-east, cases of abduction for ransom in Anambra State have increased in recent times.

Civil servants, business owners, politicians and even students have become targets of such attacks in the state lately. But cases of self-kidnap for ransom were not common before now.

Meanwhile, Nigerian government, in May 2022, enacted the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2022) which outlawed all forms of kidnapping.

The Act prescribes death sentence for kidnapping in a case where the abduction leads to loss of life and life imprisonment where there is no loss of life.

It was an amendment to the now defunct Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2013) which had prescribed a 10-years jail term for kidnapping.

The new Act also prescribes at least a 15-year jail term for whoever pays ransom to free kidnap victims.

Several persons have been convicted for kidnapping across Nigeria.

An Ikeja Special Offences Court, in September 2022, sentenced kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, to 21 years imprisonment for kidnapping.
ECOWAS Ministers of Justice are set to validate two critical instruments of the Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS during their Ministerial Meeting holding in Banjul, The Gambia, from 29  30 August, 2025.

The meeting convened under the auspices of the ECOWAS Commission and hosted by the Government of The Gambia, follows four days meeting of regional experts for the review of the Draft Harmonised Protocol and the Draft Arbitration Rules of the Court.

H.E. Muhammed B.S. Jallow, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, welcomed delegates on behalf of the President, H.E. Adama Barrow. He described the meeting as a historic milestone in consolidating the Courts mandate. He noted that the new Arbitration Rules will enable the ECOWAS Court to provide a credible regional mechanism for resolving commercial disputes, thereby strengthening investor confidence and supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

On his part, H.E. Alpha Sesay, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Sierra described the court as a beacon of justice and a symbol of our collective commitment to regional integration and the rule of law.

Our work here will have significant impact on the role that the Court continues to play in the sub-region and will strengthen access to justice for our citizens. Through this, we honour our duty to the protection of human rights, promotion of regional integration, and the resolution of disputes through arbitration, the Chair of the ECOWAS Ministers of Justice added.

Delivering his keynote address, H.E. Dawda A. Jallow, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia, underlined the importance of equipping ECOWAS with arbitration tools comparable to international standards. He stressed that the Community Court of Justice has the potential to become a continental hub for arbitration and reaffirmed the need to empower it to address both human rights and economic disputes within the region.

In his remarks, Hon. Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Goncalves, President of the Community Court of Justice, said that the Harmonised Protocol reflects lessons learned over more than two decades of judicial practice and ensures alignment with the Revised ECOWAS Treaty and decisions of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. He stressed that the Protocol will reinforce the Courts ability to discharge its mandate effectively, while safeguarding the principles of justice, equity, and human rights that underpin the ECOWAS integration project.

He added that the adoption of these instruments will shape the future of the Court and strengthen the credibility of the ECOWAS legal order.

Madam Miatta Lily French ECOWAS Resident Representative to The Gambia commended the President of the Court and his team for the initiative to ensure the work of the Court is made less cumbersome, and to enhance the effectiveness of the Court.

The ECOWAS Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the adoption of the Harmonised Protocol and Arbitration Rules strengthens the Community Court of Justice to deliver on its mandate and advance regional integration.

The instruments, once validated by the Ministers, will be submitted to the Authority of Heads of State and Government for adoption. Their entry into force will enhance the Courts effectiveness in safeguarding human rights, promoting rule of law, and supporting economic integration across West Africa.

The Harmonised Protocol integrates years of fragmented amendments into a single comprehensive text that defines the courts composition, jurisdiction, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms. The consolidation aims to eliminate inconsistencies, streamline judicial processes, provide better clarity and greater legal certainty to Member States and citizens. While the Arbitration Rules will serve as a regional mechanism for commercial and investment dispute resolution.
As Dr Tah begins his mandate, he does so with a renewed sense of legitimacy, not only from African shareholders but also from partners who once doubted. His four cardinal points provide the compass. The task now is to translate them into the daily work of financing infrastructure, mobilising capital, fostering innovation, and ensuring inclusion.

When the US Treasury transmits its annual report to Congress on the international financial institutions, few in Africa pause to read the fine print. These reports are often regarded as instruments of Washington policymaking, not as mirrors reflecting Africas evolving agency. Yet, the most recent report released on 16 July carries a message that is impossible to ignore: it recognises the election of Dr Sidi Ould Tah as President of the African Development Bank and situates his leadership as pivotal to American strategic and commercial interests in Africa.

This is not a minor footnote. It is a testament to how much has changed in the perception of African leadership at multilateral banks. For years, skepticism abounded in Washington regarding whether African-led institutions could align with the values of transparency, accountability, and private sector orientation that US policymakers sought to uphold. Mr Tahs campaign strategy and messaging, successful historic election, coupled with a sustained campaign of engagement, post election, with US administration officials, members of Congress, think-tanks, and philanthropic actors, has helped turn the tide of opinion.

The implications are profound. For the first time in decades, the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency is being described not only in terms of continental priorities but also as an integral part of the global financial architecture, where US interests and African aspirations can converge.

From Campaign Engagement to Institutional Legitimacy

The NAC report explicitly frames Mr Tahs presidency as an opportunity to advance priorities that matter in both Washington and Abidjan: Expanding affordable energy access through an all-of-the-above approach, reforming procurement to ensure value-for-money, and strengthening institutional governance. As the report puts it, As Mauritanian national Sidi Ould Tah takes on the Presidency of the AfDB for a five-year term starting September 1, 2025, we will work with the new President to advance the Administrations key priorities at the Bank of 1) expanding financing for all-of-the-above energy projects prioritizing affordability in energy investment; 2) reforming the Banks procurement policies to ensure value-for-money and fair and competitive procurement; and 3) continuing our focus on the Banks governance, effectiveness, and impact.

During the campaign, and post election, much effort has been devoted to bridging the gap between African realities and US strategic concerns. By engaging administration officials at the US Treasury and other departments on the role of the AfDB and its potential for strategic alignment with broader objectives, by discussing with congressional committees on the importance of preserving US shareholding at AfDB, by demonstrating to philanthropic institutions that African finance could be a partner in innovation, and by showing think-tanks that AfDB can be a knowledge partner and bulwark against opaque and coercive lending practices, Mr Tahs team succeeded in repositioning the Bank in the eyes of critical stakeholders. That shift is now codified in the US Treasurys own language.

Execution: Delivering Tangible Outcomes

The first of Tahs cardinal points is execution. The African Development Bank under his leadership will not be a place of grandiose declarations detached from reality. Instead, it will focus on delivering measurable outcomes that improve lives across the continent. The fact that US policymakers have acknowledged the Bank as a vehicle for creating opportunities for American firms, while simultaneously supporting African infrastructure, agriculture, and digital systems, is itself a recognition of execution at scale.

Execution means ensuring that every dollar mobilised  whether from African treasuries, international shareholders, or private investors  delivers tangible results: roads linking farmers to markets, airports connecting countries for trade and travel, power plants bringing electricity to underserved communities, and financial systems supporting businesses of all sizes. It also means proving, with data and transparency, that the Bank upholds the highest standards of accountability. The US report to Congress specifically calls for executing the action plan on institutional governance, which will strengthen the audit, evaluation, integrity and redress units. This aligns perfectly with Tahs insistence that institutions must prove their fitness through results, not rhetoric.

Scale: Mobilising Capital Beyond Aid

The second cardinal point is scale. Africas needs are vast and cannot be met by concessional resources alone. Here too, the NAC report shows a new recognition: US policymakers see AfDB as a crucial platform for mobilising private capital and for creating transparent alternatives to non-traditional lenders. Mr Tah has been consistent in arguing that Africa cannot simply replicate past formulas of development. It must innovate in financial instruments, in climate adaptation strategies, in food systems, and in digital transformation. For example, guarantees that de-risk private capital in fragile states and smaller enterprises, and blended finance that drives innovation and smart industrialisation, are not optional experiments but necessities  they are imperatives.

Mr Tahs campaign repeatedly emphasised that Africa does not seek to be trapped in cycles of dependency. Instead, the continent must position itself as a partner in global markets, capable of absorbing investment at a scale commensurate with its population growth and development ambitions. The Bank will focus on leveraging callable capital, blending resources, and creating instruments that make African projects bankable.

For Washington, this is not charity. It is an opportunity to expand markets for US exports, deepen global supply chains, and create investment opportunities. For Africa, it is about ensuring that scale is not synonymous with unsustainable debt, but with long-term productive growth.

Innovation: Designing the Future of Development Finance

Innovation is the third pillar. The US report stresses energy strategies, procurement reform, and digital safeguards. Each of these areas demands innovation, not repetition of old models.

Mr Tah has been consistent in arguing that Africa cannot simply replicate past formulas of development. It must innovate in financial instruments, in climate adaptation strategies, in food systems, and in digital transformation. For example, guarantees that de-risk private capital in fragile states and smaller enterprises, and blended finance that drives innovation and smart industrialisation, are not optional experiments but necessities  they are imperatives.

This is why the Banks innovation agenda will include a new generation of partnerships with philanthropy, venture finance, think-tanks, and technological pioneers. The campaign engagements with US philanthropic institutions and think-tanks were not symbolic  they were deliberate efforts to open doors for innovation. The message to Washington was clear: Under Tahs leadership, the AfDB will pair faster, more agile decision-making with innovative, practical solutions designed to deliver transformative impact at scale.

Inclusion: Putting People at the Centre

The fourth cardinal point is inclusion. At its core, the African Development Bank exists not to serve abstract balance sheets but to transform the lives of African people. The US report highlights AfDBs importance in supporting SMEs, building the African middle class, and expanding affordable energy access. As the report notes, The AfDB plays a critical role in developing and opening African markets for U.S. businesses. AfDB financing helps develop physical and telecommunications infrastructure that boosts trade, leverages business climate reforms, supports local SMEs, and contributes to the growth of an African middle class of consumers.These are all economic growth and quality of life issues.

Mr Tah has been clear: meeting Africas demographic challenge means giving young people and women access to finance and opportunity. Stability requires that fragile states are not left behind in the pursuit of regional integration, and that job creation goes hand-in-hand with relevant education, vocational training, and re-skilling. These are essential to safeguard the future, provide security in the present, and drive growth in tandem.

Such strategies are not charity  they are the foundation for sustainable markets. US policymakers increasingly understand that fragile and excluded populations generate instability and migration pressures. AfDBs demographic and geographically balanced agenda thus serves both African dignity and US strategic interests. The recognition of Dr Sidi Ould Tah in the US Treasurys report to Congress is more than a diplomatic courtesy. It is an institutional acknowledgment that Africas leadership in multilateral development finance has credibility and global significance. It is proof that sustained engagement  across administrations, Congress, philanthropy, and think tanks  can reshape narratives and turn skepticism into support.

A Convergence of Interests

What makes the present moment unique is the convergence of African aspirations and US interests. For decades, African leaders have sought to convince Washington that the continent should be treated not as a problem to be managed but as a partner in global growth. The election of Mr Tah, and the subsequent recognition in US policy documents, demonstrates that this argument is finally gaining traction.

This convergence also comes at a time when the global financial system is under strain. Competing lending models, from China and elsewhere, have created debt vulnerabilities in many developing countries. Multilateralism itself is being questioned. In this environment, AfDB under Mr Tah can stand as a symbol of how Africa can shape global institutions to reflect both continental needs and international standards.

Tah Time for Optimism

The path ahead will not be easy. AfDB must navigate capital adequacy questions, governance reforms, and the complex geopolitics of shareholder expectations. Yet, optimism is warranted.

For Africa, Mr Tahs presidency represents the maturation of continental leadership: an affirmation that African voices can lead with competence and vision. For the United States, this time represents an opportunity to align values of transparency, accountability, and private sector development with Africas growth trajectory.

For both, Tah Time is a chance to demonstrate that development finance in the twenty-first century can be results-driven, scalable, innovative, and inclusive.

Conclusion: Building Together

The recognition of Dr Sidi Ould Tah in the US Treasurys report to Congress is more than a diplomatic courtesy. It is an institutional acknowledgment that Africas leadership in multilateral development finance has credibility and global significance. It is proof that sustained engagement  across administrations, Congress, philanthropy, and think tanks  can reshape narratives and turn skepticism into support. As Mr Tah begins his mandate, he does so with a renewed sense of legitimacy, not only from African shareholders but also from partners who once doubted. His four cardinal points provide the compass. The task now is to translate them into the daily work of financing infrastructure, mobilising capital, fostering innovation, and ensuring inclusion.

If he succeeds, the African Development Bank will not simply be a regional lender. It will be a cornerstone of a more balanced, transparent, and prosperous global financial system. And Africa, at long last, will take its rightful place not at the margins but at the centre of shaping the worlds economic future.
In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful

Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our beloved master Muhammad, the last of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions.

Dear brothers and sisters! Allah the Most High says:

And if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community (one Ummah); but they will not cease to differ. Except whom your Lord has given mercy, and for that He created them. But the word of your Lord is to be fulfilled that, I will surely fill Hell with jinn and men all together. [Quran, 11:118-119]

Respected servants of Allah! This Quranic verse suggests that differences and disagreements are a natural part of humanitys existence, but its important to distinguish between those who follow divine guidance and those who dont, as the latter will continue to differ in their beliefs and actions.

This Quranic verse explains that Allah could have made all people the same, but He chose not to. This implies that diversity in beliefs, opinions, and actions is a part of His design for humanity.

However, there is an exception to this general disagreement. Those on whom Allah has bestowed His mercy, by following His Messengers and adhering to His commands, are not included in this perpetual differing.

The individuals who receive Allahs mercy and follow His guidance are the Saved Sect (Firqatun-Najiyah). They are characterised by their adherence to the true faith and are promised happiness in this life and the Hereafter.

In essence, this Quranic verse teaches that:

 Disagreement is a persistent reality among people in their creeds and opinions.

 This is not Allahs error but a part of His wisdom for humanity.

 Those who follow Allahs path are distinguished from those who stray and remain in disagreement.

Dear brothers and sisters! The celebration of Prophet Muhammads birthday, or Mawlid, is a yearly festival observed on the 12th of Rabiul-Awwal in the Islamic calendar, though opinions in Islam are divided: some Muslims celebrate it as a sign of love and remembrance, while others consider it a forbidden innovation (Bidah) not practiced by the Prophet or his companions. The Celebrations often involve religious gatherings, communal meals, and acts of charity, while those who view it as an innovation (Bidah) emphasise following the Prophets Sunnah and adhering to the Quran.

The Mawlid is the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), observed on the 12th of Rabiul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic Hijrah calendar.

This tradition dates back to the 4th century AH and was popularised in the 13th century by the Fatimid Shias in Egypt.

Those who are in support of it (Proponents) see it as a way to show love, to revive the remembrance of the Prophet, and foster community through religious gatherings, feasting, and charitable acts.

Those who are against it (Opponents) consider Mawlid as a forbidden innovation (Bidah) because it was not practiced by the Prophet, his companions, or the early generations of Muslims. They argue that true celebration lies in adhering to the Prophets Sunnah and following the guidance of the Quran and Sunnah (Hadith).

During the Mawlid, Muslims attend Mosques for special prayers and readings. Acts of donating to the poor and needy are common. Communal meals and the distribution of sweets are often part of the celebrations. Homes, Mosques, and streets are sometimes decorated with lights and banners.

For those who oppose Mawlid, the most authentic way to honour the Prophet (Peace be upon him) is to follow his way of life (Sunnah) and not introduce new religious practices.

The issue of Bidah (Innovation) is a central argument against Mawlid, as the Prophet (Peace be upon him) warned against innovations and stated that every innovation is a going astray.

Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! While the exact birth date of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is debated, but the widely accepted tradition places his birth in Makkah around 570 CE or 571 CE in the month of Rabiul-Awwal. The most popular view is that he was born on the 12th of Rabiul-Awwal, though academic opinions vary, with the 2nd, 8th, and 10th of Rabiul-Awwal also being respected possibilities.

Yes, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was born in the city of Makkah around 570 or 571 CE. His birth occurred in the month of Rabiul-Awwal. The 12th of Rabiul-Awwal is the date most commonly commemorated for his birth.

The widely observed date for his birth is the 12th of Rabiul-Awwal. Academic and scholarly discussions present other viable dates as well, supported by various texts (Nusus). Some Islamic scholars and religious thinkers suggest the 2nd, 8th, or 10th of Rabiul-Awwal as other potential, and respected birth dates. Also the 8th of Rabiul-Awwal is considered by some to have a strong claim to being the correct date. Strong evidence suggests that there was variance in scholarly opinion about the birth date for centuries after his passing.

Respected brothers and sisters! The unity of Muslims refers to the Islamic concept of the Ummah, a global community of believers united by their shared faith in Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). This unity is an obligatory duty (wajib), emphasised in the Quran and the Prophets teachings, and is manifested through brotherhood, equality, and adherence to Islamic principles, despite ethnic or cultural differences. While unity is a core principle, factors such as political issues, tribalism, sectarian ideologies, regionalism and personal desires can lead to divisions within the Muslim Ummah.

Muslims are united by their fundamental beliefs, including the oneness of Allah, the Prophethood of Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and the core pillars of Islam.

The Quran explicitly commands Muslims to hold firmly to the rope of Allah and not to be divided, as seen in verses such as Quran, 3:103.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) forged unity by establishing brotherhood between the early Muslim immigrants and their supporters, and by laying down the principles of unity in the Madinah Charter.

Muslims are enjoined to treat one another with love, affection, and concern, recognising their shared faith and purpose.

For example, Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah serves as a powerful physical manifestation of Muslim unity, with pilgrims from diverse backgrounds sharing tents and performing rituals together, irrespective of their worldly status.

Islam emphasises the equality of all believers before Allah, regardless of their race, tribe, region, state, nationality, or social status.

Muslim unity is expressed through the pursuit of common goals for the Ummah, striving towards the fulfillment of their creation and the advancement of their faith.

Factors like tribalism and political differences often fragment Muslims Ummah and hinder their unity.

Differences in ideology and interpretation among various Islamic groups can lead to disunity and conflict within the broader Muslim Ummah.

The introduction of new practices not found in the Quran and Sunnah (teachings of the Prophet) can lead to divisions and departure from unified principles.

And when individuals prioritise their own desires and beliefs over the common principles of Islam, it can weaken the collective bond of the Ummah.

Dear servants of Allah! As mentioned earlier, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is traditionally commemorated as Mawlid on the 12th of Rabiul-Awwal, though the Muslim Ummah holds differing views on its permissibility, with some viewing it as a sign of love and devotion and others as a prohibited religious innovation, or Bidah. While proponents see it as a way to honour the Prophet and celebrate his legacy, opponents argue it lacks precedent in the early Islamic period and was introduced later by the Fatimid Shias.

The traditional date is the 12th of Rabiul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

For those who observe it, Mawlid is a time to express love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) by remembering his life, biography, and noble character.

It can involve religious lectures, recitations of the Quran, and expressions of love for the Prophet.

Those who oppose Mawlid view it as a forbidden innovation because it was not a practice of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) or his companions.

They point out that the early generations of Muslims, including the Tabiun (successors of the Companions), and the four main Imams did not celebrate the Prophets birthday.

It is argued that Mawlid was introduced by the Shia Fatimids in the 10th century to distract Muslims, and only later became observed by some Muslims.

Supporters believe that celebrating the Prophets birthday demonstrates love and strengthens the connection between Muslims and their Prophet.

Some see it as a means to revive his remembrance and teachings in the modern world.

It is often viewed as a positive act done with good intentions to show honour, even if it is not a prescribed religious practice.

My beloved people! Unity in Islam, or Tawhid (Oneness of Allah), is a fundamental principle that encompasses the unity of Allah, the unity of all Muslims Ummah, and the unity of humanity under Allahs law. It is a call to hold fast to the Quran and Sunnah, fostering brotherhood and cooperation among believers while upholding equality and mutual respect. This divine concept is not about uniformity but rather about striving for common goals and adhering to shared beliefs and principles, as emphasised in the Quran.

The core of Islamic unity is the belief in the absolute Oneness of Allah (Tawhid), the sole creator and worthy of worship.

Muslims are encouraged to be one community, or Ummah, united by shared beliefs and practices, rather than being divided by personal interests or tribal affiliations.

Islam fosters a strong bond of brotherhood among all believers, regardless of their ethnicity or background, promoting mutual love and support.

Islam upholds the principle of equality for all people before the laws of Allah, abolishing discrimination based on race, gender, or social status.

The Quran provides clear commandments to hold fast to Allahs rope and remain united, as seen in the following Quranic verse:

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. [Quran, 3:103]

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) exemplified unity by fostering brotherhood between the immigrants (Muhajirun) and supporters (Ansar) in Madinah and by establishing the concept of the Ummah as a single body.

The unity is strengthened by collective submission to the will of Allah and adherence to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

The unity is about working together for common goals, which strengthens the Ummah and allows them to overcome their challenges.

True unity does not require uniformity in thought; rather, it involves respecting different opinions while maintaining a common foundation of faith and practice.

The noble Quran warns the Muslims against disputes and divisions that lead to a loss of courage and strength.

Following personal desires or introducing new innovations not found in the Quran and Sunnah can lead to disunity and conflict.

And the rise of religio-nationalism can distort the universal message of Islam, leading to the exclusion and judgment of those who differ, which runs counter to Islamic ideals of shared humanity.

Hold on to the rope of Allah and do not be disunited is a Quranic verse, specifically in Surah Ali-Imran, verse 103 (Quran, 3:103), which calls for Muslims to remain united and hold firmly to Allahs covenant (the Quran) rather than to be divided into factions. The verse emphasises that this unity is a gift from Allah, who transformed previous enmity into brotherhood and saved them from spiritual destruction.

The Rope of Allah: This phrase is a metaphor for the Quran and Allahs covenant or path.

The verse urges all Muslim believers to hold onto this path together, to prevent themselves from falling into division and disagreement.

It reminds Muslims of Allahs favour in uniting the hearts of people who were once enemies, fostering brotherhood through His grace.

The verse concludes by highlighting how Allah makes His signs clear through His revelations so that people may be guided.

Division leads to weakness and can distract people from their spiritual path.

Unity is a sign of strength and a testament to Allahs blessings upon the Ummah.

Holding fast to the Quran together is seen as the way to remain guided and to avoid falling into error or losing ones spiritual identity.

Allah the Most High says:

O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. Should you disagree on anything, then refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is the best and fairest resolution. [Quran, 4:59]

Dear brothers and sisters! The above statement comes from Surah An-Nisa (Chapter 4, verse 59 of the noble Quran. This verse commands Muslim believers to obey Allah, obey the Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and those in authority among them, and to refer any disputes to the Quran (to Allah) and the Sunnah (the Prophets traditions) for final determination if they truly believe in Allah and the Last Day.

The verse begins with a directive to obey Allah and His Messenger and those in authority (leaders).

It then addresses situations where Muslim believers might disagree, instructing them to take the disagreement to Allah and His Messenger.

This referral is contingent upon true faith in Allah and the Last Day.

The verse emphasises that this is the best and fairest resolution for any disagreement.

Referring to Allah and His Messenger means referring to the noble Quran and the authentic traditions (Sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to resolve any disputes or differences in understanding.

This practice is considered the best and most suitable method for reaching a conclusive and righteous decision in any matter.

And Al-Irbad Ibn Sariyah reported that: The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) prayed with us one day. Then, he faced us and delivered an eloquent sermon that brought tears to our eyes and by it shook our hearts. It was said, O Messenger of Allah, it is as if this is a farewell address. What do you instruct for us? The Prophet said: I advise you to fear Allah, listen, and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave is put in charge of you. Whoever lives after me will see many conflicts. You must adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the righteous, guided successors. Hold firmly to it as if biting with your molar teeth. Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance. [Sunan Abi Dawud, and its Sahih]

The above quote is from a Hadith found in Forty Hadith of An-Nawawi, where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) advises Muslims who live long lives to hold firmly to his Sunnah (teachings and practices) and the Sunnah of the rightly guided successors, as they will witness great controversies and differences. The Prophets counsel warns against innovations and stresses the importance of following established traditions and the guidance of knowledgeable leaders to navigate these future disagreements.

The statement is part of a sermon delivered by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), which had such a profound impact that it made the hearts of his companions fearful and their eyes tearful.

The core of the message is an admonition to have Taqwah (fear of Allah), listen to and obey leaders, and to preserve the teachings of Islam.

He predicted that those who live long after him would see great controversy or many differences.

In response to these future differences, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) instructed his followers to:

 Adhere to his Sunnah.

 Follow the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Caliphs (Khulafaur-Rashidin).

 Hold onto these traditions firmly, described as holding on with ones molar teeth.

 Be wary of new or invented matters (Bidah), which are considered errors.

In essence, the Hadith encourages followers to rely on established Islamic practices and guidance to maintain unity and avoid deviations in times of future conflict and divergence of opinion.

And Allah the Almighty says:

Indeed this, your religion (Ummah), is one religion (Ummah), and I am your Lord, so worship Me. [Quran, 21:92]

The above words is a quote from the noble Quran, primarily found in Surah Al-Anbiya (Quran, 21:92) and also referenced in other verses like Surah Al-Muminun (Quran, 23:52), stressing the unity of Muslim believers under one Lord. It highlights that all Muslims are part of a single, unified community, despite differences in origin, in opinion or in culture, bound by the shared principles of Islam and their devotion to Allah.

The Quranic verse is often quoted to emphasise the concept of the One Ummah. Various translations interpret it as Indeed, this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so worship Me or Verily, this Ummah of yours is a single Ummah, and I am your Lord; so worship Me.

Another related verse in Surah Al-Muminun (Quran, 23:52) states:

And this your Ummah is one Ummah, and I am your Lord, so be mindful of Me.

The emphasis is on the spiritual and ideological unity of Muslims. No matter where they are from or their background, they are a single family under one Allah.

The Quranic verses serve as a powerful reminder to avoid disunity and divisions and to remain united in their faith and purpose, serving Allah alone.

Dear servants of Allah! Know that, the etiquettes of disagreement in Islam emphasise maintaining unity, respecting differing opinions, avoiding personal attacks, and focusing on the truth with a humble heart. Key principles include a spirit of compromise and acknowledging the possibility of ones own error, mirroring the approach of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and earlier Islamic scholars like Imam Ash-Shafii. Muslims are encouraged to understand the source of differing views and to prioritise Ummah harmony over winning an argument.

The overall unity of the Muslim Ummah or brotherhood is obligatory and should not be sacrificed for minor differences in opinion.

Engage with others in a respectful manner, avoiding offensive language, sarcasm, and personal attacks.

Acknowledge that your own opinion may be wrong, and the opposing view may be correct, a principle exemplified by Imam Ash-Shafii.

The aim of disagreement should be to find the truth, not to disgrace or humiliate the other person.

Differentiate between someone who is ignorant and open to persuasion and someone who is arrogant and unwilling to accept the truth.

The goal is peaceful resolution and maintaining harmony within the Ummah, rather than creating further divisions.

Before engaging in a dispute, consider if the issue is significant enough to warrant an argument.

Understand that scholarly disagreements, especially in matters where there is no clear consensus (Ijma), are natural and can even be rewarding, as long as they do not go against the Quran and Sunnah.

Personal attack or attacking an individuals character or using bad language is inappropriate and shuts down any possibility of objective consideration.

Disagreement fueled by arrogance, ego or a desire to show off ones knowledge is a blameworthy trait.

Avoid the aggressive and hostile nature of debate that aims to braid a rope or arm-twist the opponent into submission.

Never let a disagreement lead to division, disunity or distrust among fellow Muslims.

And finally, remember that, Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:

When a person calls his brother in Islam a disbeliever (Kafir), one of them will certainly deserve the title. If the addressee is so as he has asserted, the disbelief of the man is confirmed, but if it is untrue, then it will revert to him. [Bukhari and Muslim]

Fellow brothers and sisters! We learn from this Hadith that to call a Muslim a Kafir is strictly prohibited in Islam because if the one who has been called as such does not have the traits which makes him a Kafir, then the one who says it will be held Kafir.

And Abu Zarr (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) saying:

If somebody accuses another of disbelief or calls him the enemy of Allah, such an accusation will revert to him (the accuser) if the accused is innocent. [Bukhari and Muslim]

This Hadith also tells us that to call without reason any Muslim a Kafir or enemy of Allah is strictly prohibited.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Prophet Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okenes Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: [email protected] or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.

This Jumuah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Rabiul-Awwal 05, 1447 AH (August 29, 2025).
To my fellow Tanzanians: I may be behind prison walls, but my voice is not silenced. Our fight is just. We are not criminals; we are patriots. Those who steal elections, muzzle dissent, and shoot their opponents are the real traitors to the nation CHADEMAs campaign  No Reforms, No Election  is not a threat to the Republic. It is the Republics salvation. Without reforms, 2025 will bring only another rubber-stamp election, another five years of authoritarianism. With reforms, Tanzania can yet reclaim its democratic promise.

A Life in the Firing Line

On 9 April, I was arrested in Mbinga, in Tanzanias deep south, and hauled overnight more than a thousand kilometres to Dar es Salaam. By dawn, I was arraigned on the gravest charge in our law: treason; an offence punishable by death. For 131 days, and counting, I have sat in a maximum-security cell on death row at Ukonga Central Prison, accused not of violence, but of words spoken in public  words demanding democratic reform.

This is not merely my trial. It is a trial of Tanzanias democracy itself.

I was born in Mahambe village in 1967, the seventh of ten children of a peasant family. From the dusty plains of Singida, I rose to become a lawyer, legislator, and the leader of Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), Tanzanias largest opposition party. Along the way, I survived assassination attempts, endured dozens of arrests, and stood trial repeatedly for crimes I did not commit.

My career has been a running battle with those who wield power in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. I have exposed the killings of artisanal miners at Bulyanhulu. I have fought for Maasai herders driven from ancestral lands. I have challenged authoritarian presidents in parliament and on the streets. Each time, the state has answered not with dialogue, but with bullets, batons, and bogus charges.

In 2017, unidentified gunmen pumped 16 bullets into my body at point-blank range outside my official residence. I was airlifted to Nairobi and later to Belgium, where doctors performed 25 surgeries to keep me alive. I carry the scars still. The state has never investigated the attack. No arrests, no trial, no accountability. In Tanzania, when the government is guilty, it is the victims who are punished.

The Crime of Speaking Out

What is my crime today? On 3 April, I addressed a gathering of CHADEMA members in Dar es Salaam. I declared what millions of Tanzanians know to be true: there will be no legitimate election in 2025 without fundamental reforms to our broken electoral system. I called for civil resistance against a rigged process. The speech was livestreamed. It was not secret. It was not violent. It was a public political statement.

For this, prosecutors now allege I committed treason  on the grounds that urging citizens to obstruct a fraudulent election amounts to intimidating the executive branch of government. The absurdity is obvious. Treason is a crime of betrayal, conspiracy, and armed insurrection. Obstructing a sham election is not treason; it is the essence of democracy.

Yet in Tanzania today, to demand reform is to be branded a traitor.

Lawfare: The New Weapon of Dictatorship

This is not a prosecution. It is lawfare: the deliberate weaponisation of the criminal justice system to destroy political opponents under a veneer of legality.

From independence, Tanzania has endured three previous treason trials. Each bore the hallmarks of authoritarianism. Todays trial, the fourth, is no different. The charges are legally defective. The alleged acts do not constitute treason under our Penal Code. The prosecutions case consists entirely of witness statements repeating the words I spoke  words never denied, words openly broadcast. Mere speech is not an overt act of treason.

But the law is not the point. The point is to paralyse CHADEMA and frighten the public into silence. Within weeks of my arrest, the Registrar of Political Parties  an appointee of President Samia Suluhu Hassan  declared our party secretariat unlawfully constituted. A High Court judge, another presidential appointee, issued an injunction halting CHADEMAs political activities. The so-called Independent Electoral Commission decreed that because we refused to sign its partisan code of ethics, we are barred from elections for five years. This is not law. It is political assassination by other means.

the world is watching. The European Parliament has condemned this trial. The African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights has denounced the repression of rallies and arrests of activists. Former chief justices of Kenya have attempted to observe proceedings, only to be deported. Diplomats from across Africa and Europe sit in the courtroom daily, because they know what is at stake: Not just Tanzanias future, but the precedent it sets for democracy across Africa.

From Magufuli to Samia: Continuity of Repression

When John Magufuli came to power in 2015, he unleashed a reign of terror. Opposition rallies were banned. Journalists were jailed. Security forces killed protesters with impunity. I was arrested eight times in fifteen months. And then came the bullets of 7 September, 2017.

When Magufuli died in 2021, hope flickered that Samia Suluhu Hassan would reverse course. She promised dialogue, reconciliation, maridhiano. She lifted the ban on rallies. She invited exiles to return. I met her in Brussels in 2022; she assured me of my safety. On that basis, I returned home.

But promises proved hollow. Instead of reform, Samia perfected Magufulis methods: repression draped in softer language, persecution disguised as procedure. Where Magufuli ruled with brute force, Samia rules with legal subterfuge. The result is the same: opposition silenced, democracy strangled, the will of the people denied.

Why This Trial Matters

The stakes go beyond my life or freedom. At issue is whether Tanzania will continue sliding into a one-party state under the fig leaf of elections.

Treason is punishable by death. The government seeks nothing less than to execute not only a man, but an idea: the idea that Tanzanians deserve free and fair elections, accountable leaders, and a state governed by law, not by presidential whim.

But the world is watching. The European Parliament has condemned this trial. The African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights has denounced the repression of rallies and arrests of activists. Former chief justices of Kenya have attempted to observe proceedings, only to be deported. Diplomats from across Africa and Europe sit in the courtroom daily, because they know what is at stake: Not just Tanzanias future, but the precedent it sets for democracy across Africa.

If opposition leaders can be tried for treason simply for calling out rigged elections, then no dissident is safe, anywhere.

My Message to Tanzanians

To my fellow Tanzanians: I may be behind prison walls, but my voice is not silenced. Our fight is just. We are not criminals; we are patriots. Those who steal elections, muzzle dissent, and shoot their opponents are the real traitors to the nation.

CHADEMAs campaign  No Reforms, No Election  is not a threat to the Republic. It is the Republics salvation. Without reforms, 2025 will bring only another rubber-stamp election, another five years of authoritarianism. With reforms, Tanzania can yet reclaim its democratic promise.

Do not be intimidated. Do not be deceived. The Constitution belongs to the people, not to CCM. Sovereignty belongs to you, not to the ruling elite. Treason is not demanding change; treason is clinging to power against the peoples will.

the spirit of freedom cannot be executed. The bullets of 2017 did not silence me. Prison walls will not silence me. And death, should it come, will not silence the cause of democracy in Tanzania No Reforms, No Election is not a slogan. It is a line in the sand. It is the demand of a people who refuse to be governed without their consent. It is the rallying cry of a nation that will not surrender to fear.

My Message to the World

To Africa, to Europe, to America, to all who claim to defend democracy and human rights: Tanzania is a frontline. What happens here will echo beyond our borders.

If you remain silent, you license repression. If you treat Samias government as just another partner in trade and aid, you embolden the lawfare that is spreading across the continent. Already, authoritarian leaders are watching this trial, calculating how they too can criminalise opposition under the cloak of legality.

Stand with us now. Insist on reforms. Condition aid on respect for rights. Support civil society and independent media. Observe, document, and publicise these proceedings. Make it clear that democracy in Tanzania is not an internal affair but a regional and global concern.

The Verdict of History

Whatever verdict the High Court delivers, history will render its own. Courts can be bent, witnesses intimidated, laws twisted. But truth endures.

History remembers not the tyrants who clung to power through violence and deceit, but the men and women who dared to resist them. If I must sit in a cell, so be it. If I must die, so be it. But let the world know: I died demanding democracy, not betraying it.

For the government, this case is about my silence. For me, it is about Tanzanias future. And for the world, it is a test: will you stand with a peoples right to freedom, or with a regimes appetite for domination?

Conclusion: No Reforms, No Election

Tanzania stands at a crossroads. The treason trial of an opposition leader for speaking the truth about a rigged system is the clearest signal yet: our democracy is on life support.

But the spirit of freedom cannot be executed. The bullets of 2017 did not silence me. Prison walls will not silence me. And death, should it come, will not silence the cause of democracy in Tanzania.

No Reforms, No Election is not a slogan. It is a line in the sand. It is the demand of a people who refuse to be governed without their consent. It is the rallying cry of a nation that will not surrender to fear.

Tanzania deserves better. Africa deserves better. The world deserves better. And together, we will win it.

Tundu Lissu is a Tanzanian lawyer, anti-corruption activist and politician, who is the chairman of the countrys leading opposition political party, CHADEMA.
A new order is here. The talents of yesterday cant win todays battles. Public Relations people must rise as Prophets in the marketplace and become the true custodians of Strategy. Here lies the power we are looking for. Before I stepped off the stage, I admonished those on the consulting side of the Public Relations practice that there are two professionals we must learn from. They are the lawyers and the prostitutes. They bill and get paid before they move one inch.

On Wednesday 27, August, the Africa Global Public Relations Week began in Nairobi, Kenya, on a very powerful note. I had the honour of addressing the gathering of brilliant minds from across the world as a panelist. I told the gathering my reservation that for us to reclaim the amazing power of the Public Relations practice, we must get down again to some brilliant basics. They didnt see me coming! When we come to conferences like this, we often love to deal with the latest buzz words such as PR & AI, PR and Deep Fake, Storytelling, New Metrics for Measurement and Evaluation, etc. Good stuff, no doubt. However, we often forget that the brilliant basics are more powerful and enduring than the emerging buzzwords in our profession. They are the very foundation upon which the edifice we are constructing rests.

As leaders and practitioners of Public Relations, I took the liberty to take the audience back to some brilliant basics like the need for us to constantly remind ourselves of our calling, the definition of our calling, the place of strategy in what we do, and the etymology of the word strategy itself. Many may not know that my own way of reminding myself of who I am since I started my journey in Public Relations and Integrated Communication, is rooted intentionally in my designation at Chain Reactions Africa. I am an MD/Chief Strategist. I have never been promoted or demoted out of that position in 18 years. I told the audience my truth. That every day, when I wake up, it is as a Strategist and a Prophet in the marketplace to my company and to our clients. I told them to think of the Maasai. Whether in Kenya or Tanzania, he wakes up every day a warrior. The Warrior DNA is inside him. I told the audience, this is how we must wake up every day. Each one of us must wake up as a Strategist and a Prophet. We are not fixers. We are not spin doctors. We are the first custodians of strategy.

What is strategy? The word has its etymology in the morpheme, strategos, which means the art of the General. Strategists are the designers of the battle plans of the marketplace. In business, our battlefields are different. It may be a quest for market share, trust, social capital, or reputation recovery after a crisis. That is why Public Relations Professionals must show up every day as Generals made for war. We are the ones to help corporate institutions and governments move from Point A to Point B. We must also show up every day as Prophets. Prophets help you unravel the past, make sense of the present, and predict the future. Thats our JD simplified. Those are the guys that todays corporate clients and government leaders are looking for.

The truth Public Relations Practitioners, both on the consulting side and the client side, must be told is that we have placed too much emphasis on the art side of the practice than the science part, to the detriment of the profession. This is not to downplay the importance of the art part, which involves copy and content writing, message development, storytelling, and so on. As such, any public relations consultancy or department that wants to remain powerful and influential to the client or executive leadership must embrace this truth.

I reminded them of the best definition of Public Relations that every Public Relations Consultant must return to if they must stay relevant and in power. To be honest, I think the framers of that definition were a band of prophets who saw tomorrow. It is the Mexican Statement, which defines Public Relations as the art and social science of analyzing trends, predicting their consequences, counselling organizational leaders, and implementing planned programmes of action which will serve both the organisations and the public interest. This is the very definition of our calling as Public Relations Professionals.

The truth Public Relations Practitioners, both on the consulting side and the client side, must be told is that we have placed too much emphasis on the art side of the practice than the science part, to the detriment of the profession. This is not to downplay the importance of the art part, which involves copy and content writing, message development, storytelling, and so on. As such, any public relations consultancy or department that wants to remain powerful and influential to the client or executive leadership must embrace this truth. These are the new talents that Public Relations businesses and departments need in todays competitive world, to stay relevant to corporate and public sector clients.

They include Culture Anthropologists, Social Psychologists, Political Scientists, Behavioural Scientists, Trends Spotters, Data Analysts, Consumer Neuroscientists, Neurologists in general, Psychiatrists, and Artificial Intelligence Specialists. This is how todays Public Relations Practitioners can become Forecast Pros, Prophets in the Marketplace, Counsellors-in-Chief to CEOs, Executive Leaders, and Government Leaders. I asked the audience, Who are you still hiring? Silence enveloped the room.

Nothing underscores the nobility of the power of the Public Relations professionals than the realisation that, despite the multiple roles we play to clients or the organisations we serve, we are still the custodians of ethics; we are still the voice of reason, the conscience of executive management and government decision-making organs.

As we play up the science pillars of the Public Relations profession in our quest to reclaim the power of the profession, we must never downplay the discipline of planning and execution. We must not only be good at planning, but we must also be adept at implementing our planned programmes of action. This explains why strategists began to be referred to as planners, even as far back as the 1960s. The programmes we plan and execute, either for clients or our organisations, must, however, serve both the organisations and the publics interests. Nothing underscores the nobility of the power of the Public Relations professionals than the realisation that, despite the multiple roles we play to clients or the organisations we serve, we are still the custodians of ethics; we are still the voice of reason, the conscience of executive management and government decision-making organs.

Even on the sides of the main session in Nairobi, the conversation continued till dusk. To my colleagues, it was a conversation. To me, it was a crusade. I have been preaching this message for 11 years now. If Public Relations practitioners must reclaim the awesome power of the business, we must return to the brilliant basics. Our forebears saw today. They knew the battle for market share, price war, battle for social capital, surviving demarketing by competition, winning citizens trust by government, wading off the attacks of political opponents, among others, would require that we set up the War Room for the clients we serve as Strategists and as Prophets. Our Job Description was in the very definition of public relations they crafted for us in 1978. Lets go back to it. It is the power of public relations for today and the future.

A new order is here. The talents of yesterday cant win todays battles. Public Relations people must rise as Prophets in the marketplace and become the true custodians of Strategy. Here lies the power we are looking for. Before I stepped off the stage, I admonished those on the consulting side of the Public Relations practice that there are two professionals we must learn from. They are the lawyers and the prostitutes. They bill and get paid before they move one inch. Lawyers get their bills signed off before they write you the first legal opinion or even step into the courtrooms. Same with the prostitutes at red-light districts. They know what Public Relations and other Marketing Communications professionals dont know. Fees are best settled at the point of engagement. The prostitute, for example, knows that once she steps into the car of her customer, value diminishes every step of the way. The customers posh car does not move her. Public Relations and Communications Consultants need to learn from the lawyers and get schooled by the prostitutes!

Israel Opayemi is the Managing Director/Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa.
In the end, Making It Big is less about diesel or banking or shipping than it is about the mindset of a man who refused to settle for comfort. It is about dreaming beyond the ordinary, daring to take risks, and finding strength in the face of failure. Femi Otedola may have made his billions through unique circumstances, but the spirit that carried him, the courage to try, the humility to learn, and the generosity to give, is universal.

How does one make it big in Nigeria? This is the central question at the heart of Femi Otedolas memoir, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business. In a country where economic fortunes rise and fall with dizzying speed, where policies shift like the wind, and where privilege can be as decisive as talent, Otedolas story reads like both a case study and a testament. Few Nigerians embody the phrase making it big as completely as he does. Yet, what makes the book compelling is not just the tale of dizzying ascent, but the candour with which Otedola admits his missteps, reflects on his vulnerabilities, and, most importantly, extracts lessons that readers can apply in their own lives.

From the first chapter, Otedola draws readers into his world with warmth and humour. He does not posture as a flawless genius but as a man with an innate entrepreneurial instinct, sharpened by both opportunities and mistakes. We see him as a boy in Lagos offering manicures and pedicures to family guests, a small but telling glimpse of the curiosity and hustle that would define his adult years. His honesty about his academic limitations is disarming: he was never the brightest student and chose to forgo university altogether. Many Nigerian parents would have seen this as calamity, but with the support of his father, Sir Michael Otedola, the young Femi entered the family business and discovered the arena where his gifts could shine. Rather than a cautionary tale, this becomes a lesson in self-awareness, success begins with knowing your strengths and leaning into them.

The story of Zenon Petroleum and Gas dominates the memoir and with good reason. Founded in 1999 with a modest loan from his father and personal savings, Zenon was the rocket that propelled Otedola from successful trader to billionaire oil magnate. Within five years, he was controlling over 90 per cent of the diesel import market in Nigeria, a breathtaking feat in any industry. Critics may argue that government deregulation, privileged access, and state patronage smoothed his path, and Otedola himself admits this openly. But here is where his candour shines: he does not pretend that Zenon was built in a vacuum of pure competition. Instead, he acknowledges that Nigerias system, imperfect as it is, rewards those who understand its corridors of power. For him, the lesson is clear: In business, one must adapt to the realities of ones environment, not complain about them.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Making It Big is Otedolas willingness to laugh at himself. He tells the story of his daughter describing his job as simply sleeping, a sharp but affectionate rebuke that jolted him out of complacency. He recounts missteps with the humility of a man who has learnt, rather than hardened. A striking example is his infamous $500 million gamble on diesel in 2008, which collapsed spectacularly when oil prices crashed during the global financial crisis. Lesser men would have hidden or glossed over this failure; Otedola instead dedicates an entire chapter to it. And he reframes it not as the end but as a turning point: a hard but invaluable lesson on risk, timing, and the limits of intuition. The loss was devastating, but his resilience in bouncing back, shedding assets, repaying debts, and rebuilding around Forte Oil, is one of the books most inspiring sections. Readers are left not with a tale of hubris, but with a story of grit and recovery.

Beyond money and markets, the book also reveals Otedolas softer dimensions. He speaks tenderly about his family, highlighting moments where his wife, Nana, or his children offered perspectives that money cannot buy. He shares his philanthropic commitments with understated pride, from education initiatives to personal interventions in peoples lives. These sections remind readers that true wealth lies not just in billions earned but in lives touched.

This theme of resilience threads through the entire memoir. At several points, Otedola finds himself on the brink: of bankruptcy, public ridicule, losing everything. Each time, he stages a comeback. He admits that he did not always hedge properly, did not always listen to advisers, and sometimes allowed pride to cloud his judgment. Yet, rather than being fatal flaws, these become the very crucibles on which his maturity is forged. The lesson for readers is unmistakable: mistakes are not the end of the road but the tuition we pay for wisdom. In Otedolas telling, making it big is not a straight line of victories, but a winding journey in which setbacks refine, rather than define us.

Beyond money and markets, the book also reveals Otedolas softer dimensions. He speaks tenderly about his family, highlighting moments where his wife, Nana, or his children offered perspectives that money cannot buy. He shares his philanthropic commitments with understated pride, from education initiatives to personal interventions in peoples lives. These sections remind readers that true wealth lies not just in billions earned but in lives touched. His generosity, whether in public donations or quiet acts of kindness, emerges as a core part of his legacy.

Stylistically, Making It Big is conversational and engaging. Otedola writes as though he is seated across the table, narrating his life with an infectious mix of humour, candour, and occasional swagger. He peppers the book with memorable anecdotes, from casually paying millions for a business name to buying competitors assets outright; stories that both entertain and instruct. For the aspiring entrepreneur, the lesson is liberating: you need not be an inventor or scientist to succeed; sometimes what matters most is vision, networks, and courage.

Of course, one could quibble with parts of his story. His open admission that his empire thrived because the country was not functioning well may sound cynical. His belief that lobbying is more important than innovation may frustrate those who long for a different kind of Nigeria. Yet, even here, Otedolas honesty is refreshing. Rather than selling a fairy tale of meritocracy, he offers readers the truth as he sees it: that in Nigeria, success requires navigating not only markets but also the labyrinth of politics and privilege. Far from discouraging, this perspective can be read as a call for future leaders and entrepreneurs to build a system where excellence, not access, becomes the path to prosperity.

What ultimately makes Making It Big stand out is not just the story of billions made and lost, but the philosophy it leaves behind. Otedola distils his lessons into simple but profound principles: avoid philandering, value integrity, cherish family, treat staff fairly, and never let setbacks break you. These are not secrets to overnight billions, but they are timeless truths for building a meaningful life.

Its also easy to dismiss this memoir as the musings of someone born into privilege, and destined to succeed regardless of effort. And yes, Otedolas background undeniably gave him a head start. But this line of criticism collapses under closer scrutiny. For every privileged heir who becomes a billionaire, there are dozens more who squander their advantages and end up struggling to pay bills. Privilege may open doors, but it does not guarantee resilience, vision, or the capacity to recover from crushing failure. What Otedolas story illustrates, whether one admires or resents it, is that success, even when aided by access, still demands grit, shrewdness, and an ability to turn misfortune into momentum.

What ultimately makes Making It Big stand out is not just the story of billions made and lost, but the philosophy it leaves behind. Otedola distils his lessons into simple but profound principles: avoid philandering, value integrity, cherish family, treat staff fairly, and never let setbacks break you. These are not secrets to overnight billions, but they are timeless truths for building a meaningful life. Readers hoping for a step-by-step manual on wealth creation may be disappointed, while readers seeking wisdom on resilience, ambition, and legacy will be richly rewarded.

In the end, Making It Big is less about diesel or banking or shipping than it is about the mindset of a man who refused to settle for comfort. It is about dreaming beyond the ordinary, daring to take risks, and finding strength in the face of failure. Femi Otedola may have made his billions through unique circumstances, but the spirit that carried him, the courage to try, the humility to learn, and the generosity to give, is universal.

For young Nigerians searching for inspiration, for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty, or simply for readers curious about one of the countrys most fascinating business figures, this memoir is a must-read. It does not just tell you how to make it big; it challenges you to make it better.

Osmund Agbo is a US-based medical doctor and author. His works include Black Grit, White Knuckles: The Philosophy of Black Renaissance and a fiction work titled The Velvet Court: Courtesan Chronicles. His latest works, Pray, Let the Shaman Die and Maam, I Do Not Come to You for Love, have just been released. He can be reached@ [email protected]
Nigerias Northern region, called Arewa in Hausa language, comprises states in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central zones. The region is the most ethnically, linguistically, religiously, and culturally heterogeneous part of Nigeria. Yet, it is the most politicised.

Since 1999, however, the Arewa political hegemony has been progressively demolished. If not, why was Abubakar Atiku, a Fulani from the North-East, and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), not able to clinch the presidency in 2023, even when two Southern candidates  Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peter Obi from the Labour Party (LP)  contested against him?

The issue is not whether Tinubu won by a narrow margin, used money, manipulated, or rigged the election. No political force can manipulate, rig, or use money to win elections, if it is not grounded. This was why the APC and PDP could not even get ten per cent of the votes casted in the South-East in 2023.

Come 2027, the Northernisation of politics and politicisation of the North  Arewaism, for short  will be seriously undermined and fail. Its failure, however, will not be caused by Yorubas, Igbos, or Southerners. Nor caused by Western and Zionist forces. Its failure will be an implosion from within.

The implosion is already developing from the critical interrogation of the term, Arewa. Indigenous autochthonous movements now argue that the term is not applicable in geography, politics, physiology, or culture. Publicising that every North has a South, and every South has a North. They are questioning which social classes and ethnic groups have benefitted, or are benefiting from Arewaism. They argue that even the term, Arewa, is intellectually and politically deceptive, and should be consigned to the dustbin of history where it truly belongs.

The Hausa movements, for instance, are insisting and demanding that their land be called Hausaland. That they are Hausa, not Arewa people. They are fiercely debunking the concept, Hausa-Fulani, which was hitherto used to cement Fulani political dominance in Arewa and Nigeria as a whole. They are fiercely maintaining that the concept is baseless, illogical, ahistorical, un-Islamic, and extremely deceptive.

In fact, some Hausa groups are going to the extent of calling on Hausa people married to Fulanis to divorce their wives, and conduct DNA tests to ascertain whether or not the children are theirs.

They are equally calling on Hausas to stop praying behind Fulani clerics, asserting that Fulanis are mainly Fodioists or followers of Uthman Dan Fodio. They are arguing that mosques have been transformed into places of Fulani indoctrination and the devaluation of Hausa identities, history, values, traditions and cultures.

They are further demanding that Hausa-Fulani be disused, as the Hausas are physiologically, historically, linguistically, and culturally different from the Fulanis. They have, as a matter of fact, sloganized that Hausa daban, Fulani daban, meaning Hausas are different from Fulanis. Daban means different.

Hausa organisations are tracing their misfortunes, disaster, and underdevelopment to the conquest of their land by Fulani Jihadists, led by Dan Fodiyo. They are describing the Jihad as un-Islamic, and acts of colonisation, land acquisition, domination, enslavement, and depopulation of Hausas.

The Hausa movements are equally propagating that since the Jihad, the Hausas have been virtually excluded from the administration of the state and society. They claim that Hausas have been disallowed from independently pursuing their own Islamic education. Obstructed from acquiring Western education. And blocked from pursuing career in the military, police, intelligence, paramilitary, and other security services. Which was why Hausas never fought in the Nigerian Civil War.

Another group in the North, the Middle-Belters, are continuously crafting their identity, and demanding that their area be officially called Middle-Belt, not North-Central, as they are historically, linguistically and culturally unique and different from the Hausas and Fulanis.

Middle-Belt autochthonous movements are calling on the present generation of Middle-Belters not to commit the mistakes of past generations by blindly believing and fighting to preserve Arewa. They assert that their people sheepishly fought and died to keep Nigeria one, but never gained anything from fighting the Civil War. Rather, they claimed Middle Belters were demobilised, dumped, and ignored after the War.

They argue that General Yakubu Gowon was removed by Arewaists after successfully countering Igbo secession; and that General Theophilus Danjuma and many others were dumped after enthroning the hegemony of Arewaists.

The implosion is also coming from the desire and struggle of the autochthonous movements to own and control their politics. To fully represent themselves, assert their power, control their wealth, tackle insecurity, educate their children, and ensure that peace, democracy, development and social justice take root, grow, flower, and flourish in their areas. These struggles, they asserted, are struggles against Arewaists and Arewaism. And struggle for Nigeria and Africa.

Furthermore, both autochthonous movements have since 2015 began to see and refer themselves as indigenous They are claiming the Fulanis are largely responsible for their all-round underdevelopment. They are blaming British imperialism and decades of military misrule for enthroning and entrenching Arewaism and, by extension, Fulani hegemony.

Yes, the movements might be frustrated and their claims debatable. Nevertheless, ideas are ideas. But ideas become a material force when they grip the people.

Besides, they are equally fraternising, socialising, empathising, solidarizing with one another and building alliances with autochthonous movements in the South. Their position is that their struggles are organically connected and dialectically related, and are, therefore, inseparable. They hold that their liberation is a prerequisite for the flourishing and flowering of democracy, development, and social justice in Nigeria.

But equally important, the autochthonous movements are organising to vote against Fulani politicians and their supporters, and enthrone indigenous people in the entire political structure. But they dont have the political organisations to spearhead their struggles, neither are they entrenched in the dominant political parties.

They, nonetheless, argue such organisations, at this historical point in time, are not needed, and, in fact, must be temporarily avoided. This, they argue, is necessary because in the past their organisations were infiltrated, and their members, activists, and leaders were blackmailed, harassed, victimized, poisoned, and even openly assassinated.

This, they added, was why Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) never succeeded. So, for them, the present conditions demand new and creative strategies and tactics of struggle, resistance, and activism.

With the increasing reconstruction, reinterpretation, and use of history, and with their new or renewed activism, the Hausa and Middle-Belt autochthonous movements are seriously dealing decisive blows on the Arewaism. They might not totally succeed, but they will surely alter the political temperature and equation in Arewa, come 2027.

Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf worked as deputy director, Cabinet Affairs Office, The Presidency, and retired as General Manager (Administration), Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet). Email: [email protected]
The Katsina State Executive Council has approved a major investment in new security assets to reinforce the ongoing fight against banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the state.

These approvals were granted during the Councils 12th Regular Meeting, chaired by Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda as part of efforts to ensure seamless governance.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Bala Salisu Zango; Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Muazu Danmusa; and the Director-General (Media), Maiwada Dan Mallam, highlighted the key approvals.

Mr Danmusa explained that the decisions align with Governor Radda firm stance that security remains the administrations first, second, and third priority. The government has made its position very clear, security is the topmost priority. We are determined to deal with insecurity in its totality, he stated.

According to him, the government carefully considered the states geographical challenges, noting that many rural and vulnerable communities are difficult to access with conventional vehicles. To address this, the Council approved the procurement of several hundred motorcycles to enable security operatives to effectively patrol such hard-to-reach areas.

In addition, the Council approved the procurement of essential tactical equipment, including Security Arms Machines, Tactical Carry Cases, Slings, Tools, Clearing Kits, and Operational Manuals. These items will support the Katsina State Community Watch Corps in collaboration with DSS operatives and other security agencies to enhance joint operations across the state.

Mr Danmusa further revealed that the Council also ratified the purchase of eight fully armoured Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo pick-up trucks, designed to strengthen mobility and provide operatives with secure access to areas prone to ambush by bandits.

These measures are part of ongoing efforts to reinforce our community-based security initiatives and to provide conventional agencies, including the Police, DSS, and Civil Defence, with the necessary tools to combat insecurity more effectively, the Commissioner added.

Reaffirming the governments commitment, stressed: We are fighting these bandits in every corner. We are determined to continue pushing until Katsina becomes a safe state, where economic growth and development can flourish.

He concluded by appealing to citizens for their continuous prayers, support, and encouragement, while assuring them of governments unwavering resolve to restore lasting peace and security across Katsina State.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed another fatal boat mishap for the third time within this month at Jaranja river in Shagari local government area of Sokoto State.

NIWA Area Manager in Sokoto, Bala Bello, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Sokoto that two persons died, while nine survivors were rescued.

Mr Bello, who said the incident occured in the afternoon of Friday, attributed it to negligence, canoe overloading and safety rules violation.

He explained that a rescue team that comprised officials from NIWA, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Red Cross Society had been deployed to the scene.

Mr Bello said the team confirmed the casualty figures while search and rescue operations were ongoing to locate the missing persons.

The Area Manager reiterated that NIWA had been engaging riverine communities on safety measures, guidelines, use of life jackets and other considerations on water usage.

NAN recalls that the Sokoto State Government confirmed the death of four passengers, 41 survivors and five missing persons in a boat mishap on 17 August at Kojiyo Village in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state.

Another incident occured on 22 August, at Faji Community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state, while the present incident was the third within the month.

Speaking at the scene, Tukur Abubakar, the NEMA head of Rescue and Rehabilitation, said search and rescue operations were ongoing in order to locate the missing person.

A resident, Malam Abubakar Jabbi from La told NAN that 9 persons were rescued by local divers, one body recovered while a female body among the boat passengers is still missing.

(NAN)
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 22, the company shut down its US open-banking unit. A company spokesperson stated that Visa will now focus its open-banking strategy in high-potential markets like Europe and Latin America.

Visa (V) Shuts Down US Open-Banking Unit Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

siam sompunya

Visa cited persistent regulatory uncertainties concerning consumer data rights and the likelihood of elevated fees associated with customer information as the reasons for the decision. The unit enabled third parties, including fintech firms, to access banking data and streamline processes for sign-ups and fund transfers.

The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) had issued a final rule on Personal Financial Data Rights that gave Americans the right to share their financial data with third-party providers. However, under the new administration, the CFPB moved to have this rule rescinded and has begun a new process to revise the open-banking regulations. The new rulemaking process is seeking comments on issues such as fees, data security, and data privacy.

Visa will now prioritize high-potential markets like Europe and Latin America, where regulations already require banks to share data with authorized third parties. The decision marks a change from the companys earlier strategy, which included a $5.3 billion bid for Plaid (ultimately blocked in 2021) and later acquisition of Tink in Sweden for $2 billion to bolster open-banking capabilities.

Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is a global payments technology company. It operates one of the worlds largest electronic payment networks. The company processes billions of transactions annually through its VisaNet infrastructure and offers products including credit, debit, and prepaid cards.

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

READ NEXT: 12 Best Mid-Cap Value Stocks to Buy Right Now and 10 Must-Buy US Stocks to Invest In.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Company promotes defense armor and survivability options globally

TYSONS CORNER, Va., Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Integris Composites is participating in the Pacific Future Forum 2025 (PFF '25), Aug. 2930, aboard HMS Prince of Wales in Tokyo.

"We're raising the profile of Integris as a preferred global defense armor supplier and survivability innovator," said David Cordova, chief commercial officer for Integris Composites Inc.

PFF '25 is an international summit dedicated to strengthening defense, security, technology and trade relationships among democratic nations. The forum helps shape responses to geopolitical trends and strategic challenges confronting the United Kingdom and its key allies, including Japan, the United States and Indo-Pacific partners.

"We want to raise awareness of hybrid composite armor as a cost-effective, lightweight, precision-specified material for maritime, aircraft and land vehicles," Cordova said. "It's a solution for protecting the technology that's reshaping warfare."

Cordova said Integris' worldwide team brings hundreds of years of combined expertise including data-based modeling, design engineering capabilities and rapid prototyping to protective armor challenges. In just over 30 years, he said the company has become a trusted partner for leading defense contractors.

Earlier this year, Integris announced it was selected to provide ballistic protection systems for a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer. "We're partnering with BAE Systems to bring technological innovation, ensuring Type 45 vessels employ the most effective ballistic defenses possible," Cordova said. The initial order was confirmed in October 2024. Recently Integris was chosen as the armor systems supplier for the U.S. Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft helicopter program and for the MH-139 Grey Wolf with Boeing, among other awards.

PFF '25 is taking place aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales during its visit to Tokyo as part of the Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

"This event convenes a diverse mix of high-level political, diplomatic, military, industrial and academic representatives," Cordova said. "We believe it creates an ideal environment for exchanging perspectives on the growing importance of composites for armor and survivability solutions."

About Integris

Headquartered in Tysons Corner, Va., Integris Composites is a global engineering company that has delivered armor and survivability solutions for more than 30 years. It operates technical centers and production facilities in the United States and Europe. The company specializes in composite armor for land vehicles, aircraft, naval vessels, protective housings for optronics and other sensitive technologies, and personal protection. It also manufactures body armor plates for military personnel worldwide. Known as TenCate Advanced Armor until 2023, Integris has built a strong reputation for innovative survivability solutions.

Contact:

David Cordova

Chief Commercial Officer

[email protected]

+1 704 458 7796

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/13096362

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Integris Composites, Inc.
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Aug. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Near infrared Imaging Market, valued at US$9.69 billion in 2023, stood at US$1.25 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 10.6% from 2025 to 2030, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$2.07 billion by the end of the period. The key factors contributing to market growth include the increasing number of surgical procedures globally, advantages of near-infrared imaging over conventional visualization methods, technological advancements in near-infrared imaging modalities, and adoption of hybrid near-infrared imaging modalities for surgical guidance and molecular imaging. Furthermore, the growth potential for major players in emerging economies and the use of blockchain for the distribution and storage of medical images could underline the growth of the market in the coming years.

Additionally, emerging markets are expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for market players during the forecast period.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=174869738

Browse in-depth TOC on "Near infrared Imaging Market"

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By product, the device segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The device segment comprises fluorescence imaging systems and fluorescence & bioluminescence imaging systems. Key factors driving the growth of the device segment during this period include the advantages offered by this segment, including high-image resolution, high sensitivity, and real-time image guidance during surgeries.

By application, in 2024, the clinical imaging segment accounted for the largest market share. The Near IR imaging market is categorized into preclinical imaging, clinical imaging, and medical imaging. Key factors such as the advancements in fluorescence imaging for clinical applications and the increasing adoption of this imaging modality, owing to the advantages offered by this technique, are expected to drive the market growth of this segment in the coming years.

By geography, The Asia Pacific region is expected to register the highest CAGR of ~12% in the near IR imaging market. This region includes countries such as China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. The growth of the near IR imaging market is driven by the large patient population, the rising geriatric population, rapid economic growth, and increasing disposable income in the region.

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As of 2024, the leading companies in the near IR imaging market include Stryker (US), KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG (Germany), Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (Germany), Leica Microsystems (Germany), Olympus Corporation (Japan), Shimadzu Corporation (Japan), PerkinElmer, Inc. (US), LI-COR Biotech (US), Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (Japan), Quest Medical Imaging B.V. (Netherlands), and Merck KGaA (Germany).

Stryker (US):

Stryker has a strong background and expertise in the field of medical imaging. The company has extensive knowledge and experience in developing and manufacturing advanced imaging systems, which can be leveraged to produce near-infrared imaging devices. Stryker is also known for its commitment to technological innovation. The company invests in R&D to stay at the forefront of medical device advancements, develops cutting-edge technologies, and integrates them into its near-infrared imaging systems, ensuring the company is equipped with the latest features and capabilities. Stryker acquired MOLLI Surgical Inc. in July 2024, to add to its portfolio in near-infrared imaging. This acquisition combines the existing near-infrared imaging solutions of Stryker with surgical solutions of MOLLI Surgical in breast cancer care to strengthen its intraoperative imaging capabilities.

Leica Microsystems (US)

Leica Microsystems is one of the leading providers of advanced surgical visualization products. The company was the first to receive the FDA 510(k) clearance for a microscope for intra-operative angiography (FL800) and the first company offering a surgical microscope to integrate the three types of fluorescence capabilities (FL400, FL560, FL800) in a single product, TriFluoro. Leica constantly invests in R&D and partners with neurosurgeons to bring new, technologically advanced products. Additionally, Leica has sales and service organizations in 20 countries, with an international network of distribution partners in over 100 countries. Leica Microsystems released Mateo FL, an AI-powered digital fluorescence microscope, its advanced NIR fluorescence imaging platform, which integrates machine learning for improved tissue identification during surgery. It utilizes dual CMOS sensors to capture visible and fluorescent images simultaneously, enabling real-time mode switching and the overlay of pseudo-color ICG fluorescence on color or monochrome visuals.

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Optical Imaging Market

Top 10 Medical Device Technologies Market

Diagnostic Imaging Market

X-Ray Detectors Market

Digital X-ray Market

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If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





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Auteur: Seneweb-News

Lutte contre la Tuberculose au Senegal : Le Ministere de la Sante scelle un accord tripartite avec Carrefour Medical et Fujifilm

During TICAD 9, the Ministry of Health signed a tripartite agreement with Carrefour Medical and Fujifilm. The agreement aims to provide innovative solutions as part of strategies for systematic tuberculosis screening using digital mobile radiography.

A new era is dawning in the fight against tuberculosis in Senegal. Carrefour Medical, the Japanese company FUJIFILM, and the Ministry of Health and Social Action signed a tripartite agreement at TICAD 9, which aims to provide innovative solutions as part of strategies for systematic tuberculosis screening using digital mobile radiography.

This strategic agreement marks a crucial step in their shared commitment to combating tuberculosis in Senegal. The latter remains a public health concern with an incidence of 92 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023.

As a reminder, Carrefour Medical and Fujifilm were the pioneers of the transition from analog to digital in medical imaging services within Senegalese public hospitals. Their partnership has also led to other significant achievements in the field of medical imaging, with a fleet of 500 devices distributed across various health facilities in Senegal, thus greatly contributing to diagnostic assistance.
Wartsila has secured a contract to provide flexible engine technology for an upcoming 217MW power plant in the US state of Nebraska.

The order was placed by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), a public corporation and political sub-division of the state.

The power plant, to be located near Hallam, will feature 12 Wartsila 50DF dual-fuel engines that primarily run on natural gas but can switch to diesel during natural gas supply interruptions such as extreme weather conditions.

Set for delivery in August 2027, the engines are a critical component of the plant, which is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2028.

Wartsila's technology is designed to support the integration of renewable energy into the power system.

Wartsila Energy North America Engine Power Plants Energy Business director Jon Rodriguez said: This project emphasises the importance of flexible engine power plant solutions in the energy system, providing reliable power supply and operations when needed.

By meeting fuel resilient asset needs, and by enabling flexible generation, we are serving the local communities.

Prior to this, the company secured a contract to supply engineering and equipment for a 217MW power plant in Liberty, Kentucky. Commissioned by the East Kentucky Power Cooperative, the facility will help bolster the grid's capacity to meet the increasing power requirement.

Last month, Wartsila was chosen to deliver a 204MW power plant solution for the Reko Diq copper-gold mining project in Pakistan. This plant, featuring 12 Wartsila 50 engines and auxiliaries, will ensure economical power supply for mining operations.

"Wartsila to supply engines for Nebraska power plant in US" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is one of the Stocks That Will Make You Rich In 5 Years. On August 8, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) released its July 2025 revenue report. The company posted monthly revenue of NT$323.17 billion, representing a 25.8% increase year-over-year. Several analysts have given bullish ratings since the release, and the analysts 12-month average price target of $275.5 reflects a 15.13% upside from the current levels.

On August 13, Brad Lin from Bank of America Securities reiterated a Buy rating on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) with a price target of $290. More recently, Mark Li from Bernstein also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with an associated price target of $249.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is a technology company that provides integrated circuit manufacturing services and specializes in advanced chip-making technologies like 5nm, 3nm, and 2nm processes.

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

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

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) -Walmart (WMT) defeated an appeal by shareholders who said the world's largest retailer defrauded them by failing to disclose that federal prosecutors were investigating its opioid-dispensing practices.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia said Walmart did not commit securities fraud by waiting until June 2018 to reveal it was being investigated, 1-1/2 years after the probe began and 10 weeks after a Texas prosecutor warned she intended to indict the company.

Walmart learned of the opioid probe after federal agents raided one of its stores, seeking records concerning two Texas doctors who were prescribing vast amounts of the painkillers.

The company was not indicted, but was hit with a U.S. Department of Justice civil lawsuit in December 2020. A trial is scheduled for November 2027. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer has more than 5,000 Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies.

Shareholders sued Walmart after ProPublica reported on the near-indictment on March 25, 2020.

Walmart shares fell 5.1% that day, wiping out about $16 billion of market value, and fell after the Justice Department announced its civil lawsuit.

In Friday's 3-0 decision, Circuit Judge Anthony Scirica said "not everything is securities fraud," and that while Walmart did not reveal the indictment threat it "did what it had to do" to avoid misleading disclosures.

"The complaint does not plausibly allege the investigations into Walmart constituted a liability or a reasonably possible liability, or that Walmart's disclosures implied it was not under investigation," Scirica wrote.

"Once the contours of the investigation were clearer," he added, "Walmart disclosed it was under investigation, what it was under investigation for, and that it faced possible losses."

Friday's decision upheld an April 2024 dismissal by Chief Judge Colm Connolly of the Delaware federal court.

Lawyers for the shareholders did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A Walmart spokeswoman said the company was pleased with the outcome.

In November 2022, Walmart reached a $3.1 billion nationwide settlement of opioid claims by state, local and tribal governments.

The case is In re Walmart Inc Securities Litigation, 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 24-1818.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Key Points

This bear looked awfully mighty following its latest earnings release.

It had a beat-and-raise second quarter, after all.

10 stocks we like better than Build-A-Bear Workshop 

Investors sure were bullish on Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) on Thursday, as they bid the custom plushie retailer's stock up in excess of 14% that trading session. In retrospect, that wasn't a stunning development, as the company posted convincing beats in its second quarter and raised certain guidance items in the process. That performance crushed the 0.3% rise of the S&P 500 index.

An ever-growing bear

Build-A-Bear Workshop, which, as its name implies, allows customers to design and create their own stuffed toys, published that period's figures Thursday morning. They revealed the company's revenue notched a new all-time record for the second quarter at over $124 million. That number was 11% higher year over year.

Image source: Getty Images.

Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) net income enjoyed a far more sprightly double-digit bounce, increasing nearly 41% to almost $12.4 million, or $0.94 per share.

Both headline figures easily beat the consensus analyst estimates of $116 million for revenue and $0.74 per share for net profit.

Build-A-Bear Workshop had success on several fronts, which contributed to the surprisingly high revenue and profitability growth. The company said its consolidated e-commerce demand (online orders fulfilled by either its stores or warehouses) surged 15% higher, as did its revenue from franchising.

Puffed-up guidance

With those kinds of improvements, Build-A-Bear Workshop clearly felt confident enough to raise certain full-year guidance items. For the entirety of 2025, it now anticipates that revenue will rise in the mid- to high-single-digit percentage rates, with pre-tax income landing at $62 million to $70 million. The company also expects to add 50 to 60 new "experience locations; these total over 600 at present. Build-A-Bear Workshop did not proffer net income guidance.

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Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $659,823!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,113,120!*
We recently published 11 Latest Stocks That Jim Cramer Just Talked About. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) is a home furnishing and associated products retailer. Its shares are flat year-to-date, primarily due to a 5.2% dip in August. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM)s shares fell after the firms second-quarter earnings report and an announcement by President Trump that he would start a major tariff investigation into furniture items entering the US. Here is what Cramer said about Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM):

If you want to know who was best yesterday, and I know shes not gonna get any credit for it, but, Laura Alber had the most largest increase in tariffs, of any one company, and she still did the number. That is impressive. Williams-Sonoma.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSM) Has A Great CEO, Says Jim Cramer

Copyright: johnkasawa / 123RF Stock Photo

Previously, Cramer discussed Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) in the context of tariffs and the American furniture industry:

Lets talk about Wayfair, Williams-Sonoma, and RH, the old Restoration Hardware I know both Williams-Sonoma and RH are a different story. They make some fine furniture here, and theyd like to make more furniture, but its difficult to find skilled workers to make high-quality merchandise. Im not slagging our workers. The people who used to make furniture simply moved on to other things, or they retired.  Tariff wouldnt go far enough to make them come back. At the end of the day, Im skeptical that we can bring back the American furniture industry as we remember it, and even if we could would it be worth the cost? I dont know Unless the federal government wants to get into the business of making furniture, forcing the hand of RH and Williams-Sonoma, it wont make a difference to the industry as a whole. There will most likely not be a revival of those great furniture cities.

While we acknowledge the potential of WSM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
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Despite XRPs (CRYPTO: XRP) $180 billion market cap surpassing BlackRock, crypto investors remain skeptical, citing its centralized structure, lack of fundamental value, and outdated bridge currency model.

What Happened: Nate Geraci, president of The ETF Store, sparked a heated discussion on X by questioning why XRP remains one of the most disparaged crypto assets, prompting responses from investors and analysts who outlined several reasons for their skepticism.

Many in the crypto community argue that XRP's centralized nature undermines its credibility.

One user, Hiphopsince19, pointed out that XRP operates on a permissioned blockchain where a small, approved group controls the network, requiring 80% consensus for major changes, concentrating power among a select few.

Trending: The same firms that backed Uber, Venmo and eBay are investing in this pre-IPO company disrupting a $1.8T market  and you can too at just $2.90/share.

They also noted that the public ledger begins at record 32,570, leaving early transactions unverifiable, raising transparency concerns.

Critics also question XRP's utility as a bridge currency.

Another user argued that bridge currencies like XRP do not accrue value due to equal buying and selling in transactions, and modern alternativessmart contract blockchains paired with stablecoins and Chainlink (CRYPTO: LINK), have rendered XRP obsolete for cross-border payments.

This sentiment was echoed by jazzappreciator, who recently sold their XRP for Chainlink, citing banks' shift toward stablecoins and Chainlink's live infrastructure in capital markets.

Technical shortcomings further fuel doubts.

Materkel highlighted XRP's permissioned blockchain, which prevents trustless validator participation, a core principle of decentralized crypto.

They noted XRP's low transaction throughput of 16 TPS despite claims of higher capacity, and a mere 59 full-time developers compared to thousands on Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH).

Additionally, Ripple holds roughly 50% of XRP's supply, allegedly using it to manipulate markets and fund enterprise value for shareholders rather than token holders.

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The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is also criticized for lacking basic features like smart contracts, with CatfishFishy noting that even Ripple issues 90% of its stablecoin RLUSD on Ethereum due to XRPL's limitations.
Imagine scrolling through your phone when suddenly, you receive a text from your bank alerting you to an unusual transaction. A sizable amount of money has been taken out of your account, but you definitely didnt authorize it.

You were likely the victim of identity theft  an increasingly common problem. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received more than 1.1 million complaints of identity theft and about 2.6 million complaints of related fraud for the same period, resulting in total financial losses of more than $12.7 billion.

While having your identity stolen can be a stressful experience, understanding how to spot the signs of fraud and knowing what to do if youre a victim can help you recover your personal information and money.

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What is identity theft?

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information  such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account details  without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

For example, an identity thief might:

Open credit cards or loans in your name

Drain your bank account or make unauthorized purchases

File false tax returns to collect refunds

Use your identity to receive medical care or government benefits

Fraudsters may also use your personal information to carry out other illegal activities, including insurance and mail fraud, creating a synthetic identity combining aspects of your real data with false data, or even using your drivers license number to create fake IDs for sale on the dark web.

Read more: What to do if your check was stolen from the mail

How does identity theft happen?

Identity thieves can access your personal information through direct theft, such as stealing your ID from your wallet, retrieving sensitive documents from the trash, or snatching up a lost debit card.

Online, thieves can also illegally access your bank account or credit card information by hacking into databases that store large amounts of customer information. That information can then be used to commit fraud or be sold to other criminals for the same purpose.

Thieves will also deceive people into sharing their financial information through phishing. This involves sending a fake email, text message, or social media message that looks like its coming from a trusted source (such as your bank, a familiar retailer, or a government agency) with a link that takes you to a look-alike website or asks you to download an attachment.

Once you enter your information or download the file, the scammers steal your data and/or install malware on your device that records keystrokes or accesses stored passwords.

Identity theft risks and red flags

While it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly when identity theft occurs, there are a few warning signs that should prompt you to take action:

Missing wallet/cards: A lost wallet or debit/credit card increases the likelihood that your information will fall into the wrong hands. As soon as you notice youve lost your wallet or its contents, contact your financial institution to freeze and replace any cards that may have been compromised.

Unusual/fraudulent charges: If you discover any debit or credit card transactions that you dont recall making, it could be a sign that your identity has been stolen.

New accounts or loans in your name: Similarly, if a new account or loan application appears on your credit reports, but you havent applied for new credit recently, its likely the result of identity theft.

Lower credit score: If you havent applied for new credit or missed any payments, a sudden drop in your credit score could be a sign that someone else is mishandling fraudulent accounts in your name.

Issues with your mail: If you arent receiving bills, statements, or other expected mail, it could be due to an identity thief changing your mailing address. Alternatively, if you start receiving bills or collection notices for accounts you dont recognize, or getting medical bills for services you never received, identity theft could be the culprit.

Read more: 7 common banking scams (and how to avoid becoming a victim)

How to protect yourself against identity theft

While identity theft is common, its also preventable in many cases. Here are a few steps you can take to lower your odds of becoming a victim of identity theft.

Use secure passwords and PINs

Using strong and unique passwords for your financial accounts makes it harder for online hackers to steal your account information. Avoid passwords that contain easy-to-guess information, such as birthdates, family names, maiden names, or other personal details that can be found online. Also, avoid using common words or number combinations, such as 1234 as your PIN or password for your online banking login.

And dont worry if you cant memorize all of these unique passwords  you can use an online password manager to securely store them. Periodically changing your passwords can also help keep your accounts safe. McAfee, a well-known cybersecurity company, recommends changing your passwords every three months. Adding two-factor authentication creates another layer of security.

Read more: Is it safe to link your bank accounts to financial tools and apps?

Keep your cards and documents secure

One of the simplest ways to lower your risk is by safeguarding sensitive information. Avoid carrying unnecessary documents, like your Social Security card, in your wallet. Store important papers such as birth certificates and passports in a safe place at home. When discarding old mail, bank statements, or bills, shred them instead of tossing them in the trash, where they could be recovered.

Avoid over-sharing on social media

Be mindful of what you share online. Social media can make it easy for criminals to piece together details like your birthday, address, or even answers to common security questions. So, limit the amount of personal information you post publicly.

Monitor your accounts and credit

Early detection is one of the best defenses against identity theft. Regularly review your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized transactions. Also, consider setting up account alerts that notify you of unusual purchases, large withdrawals, or changes to your account settings.

You should also keep an eye on your credit report. Federal law entitles you to a free report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) through AnnualCreditReport.com. Checking your reports helps you spot accounts you didnt open or errors that could signal fraud.

What to do if your identity is stolen

If, despite your best efforts, you end up the victim of identity theft, there are a few immediate steps you should take. Remember, acting quickly can limit the damage and help you recover more of your money.
When chemical giant Syngenta hired biologist Tyrone Hayes to study its widely used herbicide atrazine, the company didnt like the results. Hayes found that atrazine, one of the most common weed killers in America, disrupted hormones in frogs and altered their sexual development. Instead of facing the science, Syngenta went into product-defense mode: pressuring Hayes not to publish, and when he did, launching a full-scale effort to discredit him. Internal company documents later revealed a coordinated campaign to smear Hayess reputation and bury his findings.

This story is typical of how the worlds largest chemical corporations act when confronted with evidence their products cause harm. Today, just four multinationals dominate the global pesticide market  Bayer, Syngenta, BASF, and Corteva. All of them have long histories of suppressing inconvenient science, manipulating regulators, and attacking critics to weaken regulation and keep their profits flowing. Meanwhile, American children are exposed to many toxic chemicals that are not allowed in other countries.

Atrazine: A Case Study in Regulatory Failure

Since Hayess research, dozens of studies have raised health concerns about atrazine. The herbicide, one of the most common contaminants in U.S. drinking water, is linked to hormone disruption, birth defects, low birth weight and fertility problems. Recent studies suggest atrazine may also age brain cells, possibly leading to neurodegenerative disease.

The European Union banned atrazine back in 2004 because of contaminated drinking water. Yet here in America, more than 70 million pounds of atrazine are sprayed each year, mostly on our corn crops.

Why the difference? Europe follows a precautionary approach, shifting the burden of proof to companies and taking action when credible evidence suggests a risk of serious harm  even before every mechanism is understood or harm proven. In the U.S., by contrast, the burden falls on the public, independent scientists, or regulators to prove a chemical is harmful beyond doubt before restrictions are imposed. This allows the industry to keep selling harmful products for years or decades. Even then, our politicians have been mostly unwilling to stand up to the pesticide industry.

More Than Just Atrazine

American children are exposed to dozens of pesticides and chemicals that Europe and other countries have deemed too dangerous. These include chlorpyrifos, tied to brain damage in children; paraquat, linked to Parkinsons disease; and 2,4-D linked to certain cancers.

Because of our failure to regulate, American families live with daily exposures to multiple pesticides in our food, water, and even household dust. Biomonitoring tests consistently find pesticides in the bodies of infants and children. And troubling health patterns are emerging: Iowa, the nations largest corn-growing state, is one of only two states where cancer rates continue to rise.

Meanwhile, farmers and others are seeking justice in the courts. More than 160,000 people filed lawsuits against Monsanto arguing that its glyphosate-based Roundup herbicides gave them cancer. Bayer, which bought Monsanto in 2018, has paid out $11 billion to settle some of these cases, with about 60,000 cases still pending.

As Syngenta did with atrazine, Monsanto and Bayer have responded by denying risks and trying to control the narrative: ghostwriting studies, attacking independent scientists, and funding farmer-led front groups to resist regulation. Faced with billions more in potential liability, Bayer is now lobbying lawmakers for something even more radical: legal immunity from future cancer claims.

In Washington DC, Bayer-backed allies inserted language into a 2025 House appropriations bill that would grant pesticide companies, including Bayer, immunity from lawsuits over failure-to-warn claims, and would block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from requiring cancer warnings on glyphosate products. Several states are also debating bills that would shield Bayer from failure-to-warn lawsuits, and two states  Georgia and North Dakota  have enacted such bills into law.

These efforts reflect a coordinated strategy: shift the burden of Bayers legal and financial problems onto the public by closing the courthouse doors to families harmed by glyphosate. If successful, these maneuvers would strip people of their right to seek justice from the courts, and undermine the basic principles of accountability and responsibility.

Voters in farming states are not fooled. A 2024 Accountable Iowa poll found that 87% of registered Republican voters oppose giving Bayer immunity from lawsuits. Another 94% agreed that it is very concerning that the EPA relies on industry-funded studies to assess chemical safety. They are right to be concerned.

A Bipartisan Failure

The failure to regulate pesticides belongs to both parties. For decades, both Democrats and Republicans have looked the other way as chemical lobbyists poured money into Washington. The result is a broken system where public health takes a back seat to corporate profit.

But this should not be a partisan issue. Protecting childrens health, farmers, and food security should unite Americans across the political spectrum. Parents dont want their kids drinking weed killer in tap water or eating food laced with carcinogens. Farmers dont want to be poisoned by the very tools they need to work their land. And they dont want that for their families. Its time to make farming safe for our children, so that they can grow up healthy and have a full chance to grow, thrive, and flourish.

Stacy Malkan is the managing editor of U.S. Right to Know.
For years, there have been complaints about mold in the University of Georgia dorms. With students back on campus and freshmen settling into their dorms, complaints have surfaced once again.
The bilateral trade between India and China has been growing at a healthy rate, but the trade gap remains sharply tilted in Beijing's favour.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

India has time and again flagged its concern over the ballooning trade deficit and the non-trade barriers faced by Indian goods in the Chinese market.

On August 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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.

A list of Q&As (questions and answers) to understand the trade-related issues between the two countries:

What is bilateral trade between India and China?

During April-July 2025-26, India's exports rose by 19.97 per cent to $5.75 billion, while imports increased by 13.06 per cent to $40.65 billion.

In 2024-25, India's exports stood at $14.25 billion, while imports were $113.5 billion.

Trade deficit (difference between imports and exports) rose from $1.1 billion in 2003-04 to $99.2 billion in 2024-25.

China's trade deficit accounted for about 35 per cent of India's total trade imbalance ($283 billion) in the last fiscal.

The gap was $85.1 billion in 2023-24.

Why is the deficit with China a concern?

Because it is not only large, but also structural.

What makes it more serious is that China now dominates India's import baskets across virtually every industrial category -- from pharmaceuticals and electronics to construction materials, renewable energy, and consumer goods , according to think tank GTRI.

For which key products China's share is over 75 per cent?

GTRI analysis states that in antibiotics like erythromycin, China supplies 97.7 per cent of India's needs; in electronics, it controls 96.8 per cent of silicon wafers and 86 per cent of flat panel displays; in renewable energy, 82.7 per cent of solar cells and 75.2 per cent of lithium-ion batteries come from China.

Even everyday products such as laptops (80.5 per cent share), embroidery machinery (91.4 per cent ), and viscose yarn (98.9 per cent) are overwhelmingly Chinese-sourced.

What is the risk of increasing dependence on China?

GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava says overwhelming dominance gives Beijing potential leverage against India, turning supply chains into a tool of pressure in times of political tension.

The imbalance is deepening as India's exports to China continue to decline, reducing India's share in bilateral trade to just 11.2 per cent today from 42.3 per cent two decades ago.

However, according to the commerce ministry, most of the goods imported from China are raw materials, intermediate products and capital goods like auto components, electronic parts, mobile phone parts, machinery and active pharma ingredients.

Thes are used for making finished products, which are also exported.

India's dependence on imports in these categories is largely due to the gap in domestic supply and demand, the ministry said.

What steps India has taken to cut its import dependence?

Introduction of production linked incentive schemes for over 14 sectors to boost domestic manufacturing; stricter quality standards and measures for quality controls, testing protocols, and mandatory certification to check substandard and poor-quality products in the market and protect consumers' interest.

The government encourages Indian business establishments to explore alternative suppliers to diversify their supply chains and reduce dependency on single sources of supply.

It also monitors the surge in imports on a regular basis and takes appropriate action.

Further, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) is empowered to recommend trade remedial actions against unfair trade practices.

India has imposed anti-dumping duties on a number of Chinese goods and sectors such as chemicals to engineering items to protect domestic firms from cheap imports.

What is the impact of rising trade deficit?

Pressure on foreign exchange reserves, dependence on external suppliers, cheaper imports can hurt local manufacturers; can lead to currency depreciation pushing cost of imported goods, fuelling inflation; and over-reliance on imports reduces incentives for building domestic capacity in key sectors, slowing long-term industrial growth.
'... had gone to South Africa from India over a hundred years ago.'

IMAGE: Mahatma Gandhi, centre, when he was practising as an attorney in South Africa. Photograph: Keystone/Getty Images/Rediff Archives

The Other Mohan is the journey of an Indian across Africa and Mauritius during the Raj.

Mohan's great grand daughter author Amrita Shah painstakingly and with single minded focus traces her ancestor's journey and in the process writes a history of the Indian Diaspora at that time.

He was there at the same time Mahatma Gandhi was there. They did interact once and he even participated in one of the Mahatma's protests.

"By following my ancestor, an ordinary person rather than an extraordinary leader, I find a less familiar story, one of enterprise, opportunism and a love of adventure," Amrita Shah tells Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar.

We know where Mohan began his journey but we don't know what happened in the end.

I don't think you have understood this genre of storytelling. This is a book of creative non-fiction which is using different approaches.

It is like you are reading a novel but everything is factual. If I am writing about the weather I am not imagining it, I have looked it up.

It is an episode that happened in my family's past and I was exploring it and as I was exploring it I realised that it was India's encounter with modernity in many ways.

The colonial education system where my great grandfather was educated and he became an English speaking Westernised individual like Mahatma Gandhi was.

Their knowledge expanded their horizon and they travelled abroad. As I was exploring I came to realise that this told a much larger story about our people there.

It's about people at that time. It is a moment in history and you are meant to enter it and go along with it.

The British left in 1947 but their influence continues to this day. It is not a conventional book. After you read it, it is meant to linger in your mind. I am trying to do something offbeat.

I am trying to find out something about an ordinary man who left India more than a hundred years ago.

It is not easy to do but I did find it after a lot of effort. It is a challenge which I have mentioned in the book. I have written it like a story and not history or a travelogue.

Your book combines personal history with a larger history of the Indian Ocean. Was this intentional?

I started out just trying to solve a puzzle, to understand why my great grandfather Mohanlal had gone to South Africa from India over a hundred years ago.

I had no idea how far I would get because I was trying to track an ordinary undistinguished individual and I did not know what kind of data would be available.

So, it was a challenge as a researcher, which is why the book is written like a thriller, with each discovery taking the narrative further.

But I was always aware of the larger implications of my personal story. Mohanlal's ancestors came from Surat, a vibrant medieval port city.

They were vanias/banias, an entrepreneurial class that had traded for centuries on the Indian Ocean.

Mohanlal was born in Bombay, a city built by the British and left at a time when very few people, particularly Hindus, travelled overseas. And he went to Mauritius and South Africa because the need for indentured workers there had created thriving Indian communities.

I was interested in understanding the impact of colonialism on ordinary lives so my personal history had to be entwined with its context.



IMAGE: Amrita Shah.

Photograph: Pat King

Gandhi is also in the story which is confusing.

At the time my great grandfather Mohanlal travelled to South Africa Gandhi was leading his Satyagraha campaign against the colonial administration.

My great grandfather even participated in a small way. Gandhi is such a towering figure and his biography is so well-known that it is likely that anyone looking at the timing and location would think they were going to read a familiar story about a struggle against racial discrimination.

By following my ancestor, an ordinary person rather than an extraordinary leader, I find a less familiar story, one of enterprise, opportunism and a love of adventure.

Which is why the book is called The Other Mohan.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Yann/Wikimedia commons

The style of your book is unconventional. How would you describe it?

The book belongs to the genre of literary non-fiction which means it is not literal as much of Indian non-fiction tends to be.

It is in part a memoir, travelogue, personal history and history. By combining these approaches and moving between the past and present I am also exploring the lingering effects of colonisation.

That said, it is a rigorously researched work as you can see from the references.

Everything from the room, to the passage to the weather is described in great detail.

Creative or literary non-fiction works differently from conventional non-fiction which is all about conveying information.

I aim to take my reader to a place and make them see things in a way they might not have done earlier.

So, for instance, when I describe how I imagined my great grandfather standing on a ship like Napoleon or Nelson and the reality of it which would have been that he was on a crowded deck spilling over with tiffin boxes and bedrolls I am also conveying how influenced we are by colonial literature and art and the way it glamourised its personalities.

Actually, the best history books also use colour and detail, and draw from a wide range of sources to tell a story.

Your story is also about an unknown woman who Mohanlal met, who gave birth to your grandmother. Why was she a mystery?

She, my great grandmother, died very young, at sea. My grandmother was brought up by her stepmother and had a happy life with her half siblings. And she never talked about her mother.

She told me about her father, going away on a steamer as a young man, which is what set me on this journey. But she said nothing else, nothing about why he went.

I could find no information even from other family members. It was one of those stories that so many families have in their past which nobody ever talks about and which remain a mystery -- till someone like me decides to unravel it.

I found my great grandmother's anonymity and her story very telling of the plight of women migrants and my search for her also became a means for me to explore the various kinds of people and communities that went overseas.

The experience of migration, even for the poorest, meant a cutting off of traditional bonds and the forging of new ones.

People of various castes and regions were mixed together and had to form new communities.

Indentured labourers used the term 'jahaazi bhai' for the brotherly ties forged on the boat that took them overseas.

So, the story of my great grandparents, was also an effect of colonisation and the consequent patterns of migration.

My villagers went and set up businesses in Sri Lanka when the British ruled both countries. They faced no obstacles. You have written about the restrictions faced by Indians in Africa, why was it different from Lanka?

European settlers found the climate in South Africa suitable unlike India and Sri Lanka. They settled there in large numbers and wanted to keep other races subservient.

In Sri Lanka it suited the British to encourage Tamilians to move there so they were involved in social engineering there.

Do you expect your book to be used as a text book for Indian history in Africa and Mauritius?

One cannot say how a book will be perceived. It is a history of the Diaspora in the Western Indian ocean which I have based both on archival research and many excellent works by local scholars.

I also see it as a book on India's experience with modernity which literary scholars might read with interest. But I did not set out to write a text book. It is a book to be read by people who like to read a well-written story that also makes them think about the world.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
55 road accidents, 20 deaths every hour.

IMAGE: A tempo traveller full of tourists met with an accident on the Koksar Rohtang road near Gramphu in Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, June 16, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Road accidents grew 4.2 per cent year-on-year to 480,583 in 2023, claiming 172,890 lives -- an all-time high, despite increased spending on safe infrastructure and measures to boost road safety, according to a report by the ministry of road ransport and highways.

The number of road accident deaths increased 2.6 per cent as against 2022, and the incidents caused injuries to 462,825 people -- an increase of 4.4 per cent, according to the annual road accidents report.

'These figures translate, on an average, into 1,317 accidents and 474 deaths every day or 55 accidents and 20 deaths every hour in the country,' it added.

The ministry released its Road Accidents in India 2023 report following a Supreme Court's direction after several delays.

In May, the apex court directed the ministry to release the report and asked it to publish upcoming reports within six months of the end of the calendar year.

According to the findings, total fatal road accidents increased from 155,781 in 2022 to 160,509 in 2023, registering an increase of 3.04 per cent year-on-year.

Fatal accidents constituted 33.4 per cent of total accidents during 2023. A fatal accident is one that results in one or more deaths.

Of the total fatal accidents, 57,467 (35.8 per cent) were on national highways; 36,595 (22.8 per cent) on state highways and 66,447 (41.4 per cent) were reported on other roads, the report said.

Under traffic violations, overspeeding continued to be a major killer in 2023, causing 68 per cent of the deaths, while driving on the wrong side led to 5.5 per cent deaths.

'For the fourth consecutive year in 2023, the fatal road accident victims largely constitute young people in the productive age groups,' the report said.

'Young adults in the age group of 18 to 45 years accounted for 66.4 per cent of victims during 2023.

'People in the working age group of 18 to 60 years share 83.4 per cent of total road accident fatalities,' the report added.

According to the report, two-wheeler users accounted for 44.8 per cent of all fatalities with pedestrians accounting for nearly 20 per cent of all road crash deaths in 2023.

Over 9,489 children lost their lives in road accident during the year too.

"The annual report on road crashes is a grim reminder of the devastating impact of road crashes in India every year.

"The Government of India has made efforts in improving road safety over the years, but much more needs to be done to drive meaningful change on the ground," said Piyush Tewari, founder and CEO, SaveLIFE Foundation.

"When 26 children die on our roads every day and two-wheeler users account for nearly half of all fatalities, we cannot treat this as merely statistics," Tewari added. "These numbers represent families destroyed and potential lost."

Kindly note that this illustration generated using Microsoft Copilot.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
By ensuring Myanmar remains dependent on Chinese economic and military assistance, Beijing indirectly exerts pressure on India's North Eastern states, making New Delhi's regional security strategy even more complex.

IMAGE: Indian Army and Assam Rifles units in close coordination with the Manipur police and other agencies launched a large number of joint operations across Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Thoubal, Imphal West, and Imphal East districts of Manipur leading to the apprehension of 15 active insurgent cadres belonging to various valley and hill-based groups and the recovery of 69 weapons, 16 Improvised Explosive Devices, grenades, ammunition, radio sets, and other war-like stores, August 04, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Amid the din over electoral malpractices, two important events earlier this month went almost unnoticed.

On August 1, the military junta in Myanmar announced it had lifted the emergency imposed in February 2021 as a precursor to elections to be held in December this year; and on August 5, Parliament extended President's Rule in Manipur for another six months till February next year.

The two events, seemingly unrelated, combined with possible general elections in Bangladesh in February 2026, will have a profound impact on politics in the North East.

It is the world's worst-kept secret that Myanmar is in the grip of a ferocious civil war.

The military has little or no control of the border provinces -- especially Shan state, which is on the Myanmar-China border -- and Chin state, which touches Manipur and Mizoram.

China is extremely proactive in politics in Shan state (and indeed in many other parts of Myanmar) as an outstanding study by scholar Amara Thiha in an edited volume about China's overt and opaque role in South Asia, recently published by the Centre for Social and Economic Progress, reveals.

The strategy is simple: By ensuring Myanmar remains dependent on Chinese economic and military assistance, Beijing indirectly exerts pressure on India's North Eastern states, making New Delhi's regional security strategy even more complex.

And in Mizoram, to a lesser degree in Nagaland, but especially in Manipur, there is an inevitable spillover of politics in Myanmar.

Speaking at the conclusion of 100 days of the Narendra Modi government's third term last year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said publicly that infiltration from Myanmar was the root cause of the ethnic tensions in Manipur.

So, the Free Movement Regime, in place since 1968, had been scrapped, and of the 1,643-km border, 30 km had been fenced to prevent people from crossing the border illegally from Myanmar to India.

It is highly unlikely that the entire border will have been fenced by December 2025, when the polls in Myanmar are due. It is estimated to be a 10-year project.

Separatist groups from the North East continue to have their camps and training facilities in Myanmar's northern Sagaing region and find these fetters inconvenient.

In the southern zone contiguous to Manipur, some outfits have been effectively picked up by the junta against resistance groups.

But most resistance groups have announced that they will boycott the polls because they see the election as a sham.

So a parallel administration in areas abutting the Indian border will likely continue and presents a security threat: Not just to Myanmar but also to India.

Although violent clashes in Manipur have come down dramatically, especially after President's Rule was imposed, tensions between the Hindu Meitei population and the Kuki-Zo tribes persist.

What is more, clashes between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities in Manipur mirror the broader ethnic divisions in Myanmar.

The Kuki-Zo have clan and tribal connections with families in Myanmar.

So opposition to fencing is bitter because it prevents movement.

In May this year, a gunfight broke out between rebel groups in Myanmar opposing the fencing and Indian security forces. Ten rebels were killed.

An army statement said seven AK-47 rifles, an RPG launcher, one M4 rifle, and four single-barrel breech-loading rifles, ammunition and others were recovered following the gunfight. This is an arsenal of a pretty serious order.

The more the authority of Naypyidaw is undermined, the more will be the incidence of such standoffs, especially if the Kuki Zo in Manipur feel a deeper kinship with their clan across the border than with India.

Manipur is a state that has seen the maximum spell of President's Rule. Differences between the Meitei and Kuki Zo are not new.

These differences spill out into the open but also find political expression.

In June this year, firing broke out in Imphal when volunteers of the Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei group, were arrested by the National Investigation Agency.

It took no time at all for the population from the area to lay siege to the police station, demanding their release.

The Rajya Sabha MP from the region (who is from the Bharatiya Janata Party) immediately rushed to the Raj Bhavan to protest.

With so much happening in that pocket of the North East, more political engagement that is seen to be bipartisan is essential.

What remains of 2025 and 2026 promises to be an eventful period for the region.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
At least 11 people, including seven of a family, died in two incidents of cloudburst and landslide triggered by heavy rains in remote villages of Reasi and Ramban districts, as Jammu and Kashmir, beset by a series of natural calamities in the past fortnight, labours to bring life back on track.

IMAGE: Search and rescue operation is underway after cloudburst hits a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district. Photograph: @dcramban/X

The Union Territory has been reeling under a series of cloudbursts and landslides since August 14. With the latest incidents, 130 people have lost their lives and 140 were injured in Jammu, while 32 pilgrims are still missing.

The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district remained suspended for the fifth day on Saturday. As many as 34 pilgrims died when a landslide struck about halfway along the winding 12-km trek route from Katra to the shrine on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed officials to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and carry out timely evacuation of people from risk-prone zones.

The record rainfall across the Jammu region earlier this week left a trail of devastation, with hundreds of properties damaged and dozens of roads and bridges washed away, forcing the suspension of traffic on key highways, besides virtually paralysing the rail traffic.

Early on Saturday, a landslide flattened a house in the remote Badder village in Reasi district, killing seven members of a family, officials said. The deceased have been identified as Nazir Ahmad (38), his wife Wazira Begum (35) and their sons Bilal Ahmed (13), Mohd Mustafa (11), Mohd Adil (8), Mohd Mubarak (6) and Mohd Wasim (5).

Nazir and his family were asleep when their house on a hill slope came under the debris brought down by the landslide, burying them alive, the officials said, adding the locals frantically searched the debris and were later joined by police, but only managed to pull out the bodies.

In Ramban district, four people, including two brothers, died after a cloudburst struck a remote village, damaging two houses and a school. The cloudburst triggered flash floods in the mountainous Rajgarh, located about 25 kilometres from the district headquarters, around 11.30 pm on Friday.

"Bodies of four people were recovered from underneath the debris after a hectic search by rescuers, comprising local volunteers, police and SDRF," Deputy Commissioner of Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, told PTI.

Khan, along with Ramban Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta, reached the site in the early hours to supervise the rescue and relief operation.

The officials identified the deceased as Ashwani Sharma (24), his brother Dwarka Nath (55), niece Virta Devi (26) and their guest Om Raj (38), a resident of Banshara in Rajgarh. The rescuers are searching for Sharma's sister-in-law, Bidya Devi (55).

"The cloudburst happened on the hilltop village near the primary school and created a fast-flowing stream through the Drubla-Gudgram village, washing away two residential houses, a cowshed and the school building," Ajay Kumar, a local, said.

He lauded the district administration and the quick reaction team of local volunteers led by Bashir Ahmad Magray for the prompt response to the calamity.

"The district administration is on high alert and is extending all possible assistance to the affected families," Khan said.

Union minister Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have expressed grief over the incidents and assured all possible assistance to the affected families.

Taking note of the incessant heavy rains, the chief minister appealed to people to remain alert, avoid vulnerable areas, and strictly adhere to safety advisories.

Abdullah has instructed the departments concerned to remain vigilant, coordinate closely with each other, and take every precautionary measure to safeguard lives during the ongoing inclement weather.

In a post on X, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed anguish over the devastation caused by the cloudburst and rain-triggered landslides in Reasi and Ramban. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and assured affected people of providing them all possible assistance.

Former chief minister and DPAP Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad also expressed grief over the loss of lives and stressed the need for providing immediate relief and assistance to the affected families.

According to the meteorological department, Bhaderwah town in Doda district recorded the highest 51.6 mm of rainfall till 8.30 am, followed by Katra 42 mm, Kathua 32 mm and Batote-Ramban 16.8 mm.

It has forecast moderate to heavy rain with brief intense showers at many places over Jammu, Kathua, Rajouri, Reasi, Doda, Samba and Udhampur till 9 pm on Saturday and warned of likely flashfloods or landslides at a few vulnerable places.
Amid trade tensions between Delhi and Washington, the NYT article gives an account of how relations between Trump and Modi unraveled after Trump's repeated claims of solving the four-day conflict in May between India and Pakistan, an assertion denied by India.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump shake hands after their meeting at the White House, in Washington, DC. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

United States President Donald Trump no longer has plans to visit India later this year for the Quad Summit, The New York Times claimed on Saturday, as it detailed how relations between the American leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi unraveled over the last few months.

In the report titled The Nobel Prize and a Testy Phone Call: How the Trump-Modi Relationship Unraveled, the NYT, citing people familiar with Trump's schedule, said that After telling Mr Modi that he would travel to India later this year for the Quad summit, Mr Trump no longer has plans to visit in the fall.

There was no official comment from either the US or India on the NYT's claim.

India is scheduled to host the Quad summit later this year.

The Trump administration hosted the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in January this year, a day after Trump took the oath of office as President for a second term in the White House.

Amid trade tensions between Delhi and Washington, the NYT article gives an account of how relations between Trump and Modi unraveled after Trump's repeated claims of solving the four-day conflict in May between India and Pakistan, an assertion denied by India.

President Trump's repeated claims about having 'solved' the India-Pakistan war infuriated Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. And that was only the beginning, the NYT article said, adding that Modi was losing patience with Trump.

Trump and Modi had spoken over the phone on June 17, a 35-minute phone call that happened as Trump returned to Washington from the G7 Summit in Canada, which PM Modi also attended.

Modi and Trump were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, but Trump returned to Washington early. Before departing Kananaskis and wrapping up his first visit to Canada in a decade, Modi had a phone conversation with Trump in Washington.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said in a video message from Kananaskis that Modi clearly conveyed to Trump that at no point during the days following Operation Sindoor was there any discussion, at any level, on an India-US trade deal, or any proposal for a mediation by the US between India and Pakistan.

The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication between the two armed forces, and it was initiated at Pakistan's request. Prime Minister Modi firmly stated that India does not and will never accept mediation, Misri had said.

The NYT article said that during the June 17 phone call, Trump said again how proud he was of ending the military escalation and mentioned that Pakistan was going to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize, an honour that has been bestowed on former US President Barack Obama and one for which Trump has been openly campaigning.

The not-so-subtle implication, according to people familiar with the call, was that Mr Modi should do the same, and also nominate Trump for the Nobel, the paper said.

The Indian leader bristled. He told Mr Trump that US involvement had nothing to do with the recent ceasefire. It had been settled directly between India and Pakistan, the NYT said.

Trump largely brushed off Mr Modi's comments, but the disagreement -- and Mr Modi's refusal to engage on the Nobel -- has played an outsize role in the souring relationship between the two leaders, whose once-close ties go back to Mr. Trump's first term, the NYT said.

The NYT noted that the White House did not acknowledge the June 17 call, nor did Trump post about it on his social media accounts. Trump has repeated his claim of stopping the conflict between India and Pakistan over 40 times since May 10.

And it is also the tale of an American president with his eye on a Nobel Prize, running smack into the immovable third rail of Indian politics: the conflict with Pakistan, it added.

The report added that, as Trump imposed additional tariffs of 25 per cent on India for its purchases of Russian oil, the colossal penalties on India in particular appear to be punishment for not falling in line rather than any kind of cohesive effort to reduce the trade deficit or cut off funding for Putin's war.

The NYT article quoted chair on India at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Richard Rossow, as saying that it was about more than just Russia.

If this was a real change in policy in trying to squeeze Russia, Trump could have put his weight behind legislation that would have imposed secondary sanctions on countries that buy Russian hydrocarbons. The fact that they have uniquely targeted India says this is about more than just Russia, Rossow was quoted as saying.

The NYT article further said that Trump, frustrated by the tariff negotiations, reached out to Modi several times, but the Indian leader did not respond to those requests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conveyed to Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that India supports all efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv, on August 23, 2024. Photograph: Gleb Garanich/Reuters

In a phone conversation initiated by Zelenskyy, Modi reaffirmed India's steadfast and consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict.

The conversation came two-days ahead of Modi's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in this Chinese city.

"Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction," Modi said on 'X'.

The prime minister landed in Tianjin this evening to attend the SCO summit.

President Zelenskyy shared his perspective on the recent developments related to Ukraine.

An Indian readout said Modi reaffirmed India's "steadfast and consistent position" for a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict and support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace.

The prime minister reiterated India's commitment to extend all possible support in this regard, it said.

"The leaders also reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in all areas of mutual interest," it added.
PM Modi last visited China in June, 2018, to attend the SCO summit. Chinese President Xi visited India in October 2019 for the second "informal summit".

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in China's Tianjin to attend SCO summit. Photograph: @narendramodi/X

After a gap of over seven years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in China on Saturday evening on a keenly watched visit that assumed greater significance in view of a sudden downturn in India-US ties triggered by Washington's policies on trade and tariff.

Modi is visiting this northern Chinese city primarily to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on August 31 and September 1.

However, his scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday on the margins of the summit has assumed greater significance in the face of Washington's tariff tussle that has impacted almost all leading economies across the world.

In the talks, Modi and Xi are expected to take stock of India-China economic ties and deliberate on steps to further normalise relations that came under severe strain following the eastern Ladakh border row.

"Landed in Tianjin, China. Looking forward to deliberations at the SCO Summit and meeting various world leaders," the prime minister said in a social media post, shortly after arriving here from Japan in the second and final leg of his two-nation trip.

Modi was accorded a warm welcome at his hotel by a group of artiste with Indian classical music and dance.

The prime minister is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a number of other leaders on the sidelines of the SCO summit.

Ahead of his trip to Tianjin, Modi said it is important for India and China to work together to bring stability to the world economic order.

In an interview with Japan's The Yomiuri Shimbun, Modi said stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity.

"Given the current volatility in the 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 in the interview published on Friday.

Modi's trip to China comes less than a fortnight after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India.

Following Wang's wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the two sides unveiled a series of measures for a "stable, cooperative and forward-looking" relationship between the two sides.

The measures included joint maintenance of peace along the contested frontier, reopening border trade and resuming direct flight services at the earliest.

In the last few months, both sides have initiated a series of measures to reset their ties that came under severe strain following the deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in June 2020.

The prime minister last visited China in June, 2018 to attend the SCO summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India in October 2019 for the second "informal summit".

The eastern Ladakh face-off effectively ended following completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang under an agreement finalised on October 21 last year.
A 35-year-old 'sevadar' in southeast Delhi's Kalkaji temple was allegedly beaten to death in public after an argument took a violent turn, the police said on Saturday, adding that three arrests had been made.

IMAGE: A CCTV footage of the incident captures men brutally attacking the deceased with sticks in full public view. Photograph: Screen grab/X

While Atul Pandey (30), a resident of Dakshinpuri and native of Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur, was caught on the spot by the locals and handed over to the police, two other accused, identified as Mohan alias Bhura (19) and Kuldeep Bidhuri (20), both residents of Tughlaqabad, have been arrested on Saturday.

Mohan and Kuldeep are cousins, officials noted.

According to officials, a call was made to the police control room about the row at the temple around 9.30 pm on Friday.

The argument broke out after the accused, who were visiting the temple, demanded 'chunni prasad', a combination of a sacred headscarf and a religious offering of food from the 'sevadar', Yogendra Singh, a native of Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh.

The altercation turned violent as the group allegedly dealt fist blows to Singh and beat him up with sticks, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari said.

Singh, who had been serving at the Kalkaji temple for almost 15 years, was rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment, an officer said.

Officials noted that the CCTV footage of the incident captures men brutally attacking the deceased with sticks in full public view.

"The incident took place around 9 pm. It is truly heartbreaking. The temple committee and the pujari community demand justice and want the accused arrested at the earliest." Siddharth Bhardwaj, General Secretary of the Kalkaji temple, told PTI.

He highlighted that the initial information suggested that the accused men were creating a nuisance and not following the temple rules. They had also asked for 'prasad', which Yogendra couldn't give because it was over.

"Yogendra must have asked them to adhere to the rules, which angered them and led to this heinous act. The sevadars here have been serving the temple for generations, tying the sacred thread for devotees," Bhardwaj said.

"His post-mortem is underway. His family is devastated, and so are we. The nature of the brutal attack has shocked everyone. Strict action must be taken so that no such crime is repeated ever against temple sevadars," he added.

Recalling the incident, Raju, another sevadar at the temple, said, "he was sitting in his dharamshala when 10 to 15 men dragged him outside and beat him to death. He had been serving here for the last 10 to 15 years. All the prasad offered in the temple is distributed among devotees. When these men asked him for prasad, there was none left, so he had to refuse them."

He further alleged that the attackers took advantage of the fact that other sevadars had gone inside to perform pooja. "Finding him alone, they pounced on him and beat him to death," Raju claimed.

Earlier, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal took to X and said, "Did these miscreants not even flinch before brutally killing a sevadar inside the Kalkaji Temple? If this is not a failure of law and order, then what is? The four engines of the BJP have brought Delhi to such a state that now even temples are witnessing such incidents. Is anyone really safe in Delhi anymore?".

A case has been registered at the Kalkaji Police Station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 103(1) (murder) and 3(5) (joint liability), DCP Tiwari said.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to identify and nab the remaining accused in the murder of Yogendra Singh.
Former Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy was shot dead in the western city of Lviv on August 30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed.

The shooting occurred around noon on Yefremova Street, near Parubiys residence, according to a correspondent from RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service at the scene. Law enforcement confirmed that the former lawmaker died instantly from his injuries. The shooter remains at large.

Ukraines Prosecutor-General's Office announced that a murder investigation has been launched, and the attacker is being sought for the "intentional homicide" of the well-known 54-year-old politician.

Shooter Fled On An Electric Bike

Authorities found eight shell casings at the crime scene. Sources told reporters the shooter was dressed like a courier for a delivery service and fled the scene on an electric bicycle.

Zelenskyy expressed condolences to Parubiys family and pledged full resources for the investigation.

In a video statement on Telegram, Zelenskyy claimed the "crime was, unfortunately, meticulously planned" and vowed that "everything is being done" to find the perpetrator.

He said the Ukrainian Security Service, the country's main internal security agency, was involved in the investigation and was "instructed to ensure that accurate, verified information be shared promptly with the public."

Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, wrote on X that she was deeply shocked by the terrible murder, while Geoffrey Pyatt -- a former US ambassador to Ukraine -- said Parubiy was a "truly historic figure who played a pivotal role in building a democratic and European Ukraine."

Parubiy was a prominent political figure and key participant in Ukraines 20132014 Revolution of Dignity, also known as the Maidan revolution. He served as chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament, from 2016 to 2019.

Additionally, he was secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council from February to August 2014, a critical period when fighting began in eastern Ukraine and Russia annexed the Crimea Peninsula.
Former Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy was gunned down on a Lviv street on August 30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed. The shooting took place around noon and Parubiy died on the scene from his injuries, according to police. The shooter remains at large. Parubiy, a prominent political figure and participant in Ukraine's 20132014 Revolution of Dignity, served as parliament speaker from 2016 to 2019.
Ukrainian drone forces struck two major Russian oil refineries -- Krasnodar in southern Russia and Syzran in the Samara region -- overnight on August 30, igniting fires and causing explosions in facilities key to supplying fuel for Russian military units.

According to Ukraines General Staff, the operations, carried out in coordination with Special Operations Forces, aimed to reduce Russias offensive potential and complicate fuel supplies to its troops.

The Krasnodar refinery produces around 3 million tons of gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel annually, while the Syzran plant can process up to 8.5 million tons each year. Damage assessments were ongoing, and no casualties were reported.

Many Russian regions have already been suffering from gasoline shortages as Ukrainian drones target oil infrastructure, with long lines being reported at some gas stations.

Russia on August 27 suspended all exports of gasoline until September 30 in an effort to ease the crisis, with hopes that demand will then subside and summer repairs to refiners have been completed.

Meanwhile, Russian forces launched one of the largest aerial offensives in weeks, firing 537 drones and 45 missiles at targets across Ukraine.

The Ukrainian air force said it successfully intercepted 510 drones and 38 missiles, though five missiles and 24 drones struck seven locations. Falling debris was recorded at 21 sites.

In Zaporizhzhya, Russian strikes killed one person and wounded 22, including three children. Residential areas, apartment blocks, and industrial sites were damaged, with multiple fires reported at the impact zones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of using diplomatic delays to intensify attacks and urged stronger sanctions against Russias banking and energy sectors. No new date has been set for further talks between the two governments.

Ukraine has accepted a US cease-fire proposal and calls for a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy but Moscow has not agreed.

"The only way to reopen a window of opportunity for diplomacy is through tough measures against all those bankrolling the Russian Army and effective sanctions against Moscow itself -- banking and energy sanctions," Zelenskyy wrote on X on August 30.

A day earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscows stance that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not dismissed the possibility of meeting with Zelenskyy but emphasized that such a meeting would only occur once progress is achieved at the expert level.

Meanwhile, the United States approved an $8.5-billion deal to sell Patriot air-defense systems to Denmark, which plans to forward the systems to Ukraine to reinforce its air defenses. Other NATO countries are making similar arrangements, responding to increased threats as US funding for weapon transfers remains uncertain.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are attending a two-day summit in China where Xi Jinping will aim to hone his vision of an alternative world order.

More than 20 leaders are gathering in the northern port city of Tianjin on August 31 to September 1 as China hosts the blocs annual summit to discuss regional security and trade issues against the backdrop of rising tensions with the West.

The summit is also an opportunity for China to portray itself as the leader of the Global South while convening one of the worlds largest regional organizations that accounts for around one-quarter of global GDP and roughly half of its population.

Here are the storylines to watch at this years summit.

1. Another Episode Of The Putin And Xi Show

Following a flurry of diplomacy around the war in Ukraine, including a summit with US President Donald Trump, all eyes will be on Putin as he meets the Chinese leader.

The SCO has become something of a Putin-Xi show, Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, told RFE/RL. Its less about the summit itself and more about the meetings on the sidelines.

Both Beijing and Moscow view the SCO  whose members include Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan  as a vehicle to oppose Western-led institutions and have increasingly treated the bloc as a type of laboratory for how to coordinate their shared aims for Eurasia and beyond and their stated goal of reshaping the global order.

Putin will also fold the SCO summit into a broader state visit to China that will see him attend a high-profile military parade in Beijing on September 3 marking the end of World War II.

2. Indias Modi Looks East

The Indian prime ministers trip marks his first visit to China in more than seven years and comes as Beijing and New Delhi flirt with a detente after deadly border clashes in 2020.



Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrapped up a visit to New Delhi earlier this month where he looked to capitalize on a new low in US-India relations that was sparked by renewed US tariff pressure and calls from Trump for India, a top customer for Russian oil, to limit its purchases.

Modi and Xis meeting could build on that with further measures, including easing border tensions through troop withdrawals, and lifting some trade and visa restrictions.

Russias embassy in New Delhi also said last week that it hopes that trilateral talks between Modi, Putin, and Xi will be able to take place.

3. Central Asia Navigates A New China-Russia Tandem

When the SCO was founded in 2001, it was mainly a Chinese initiative designed to engage with Central Asia while trying to respect Moscows sensitivities about Beijings growing sway in the region.

China and Russia are both collaborators and competitors, Luca Anceschi, professor of Eurasian Studies at the University of Glasgow, told RFE/RL. But as we see in Central Asia, they are collaborating far more than they are competing.

That may create new complications for Central Asian countries as they seek to balance Beijing and Moscow in the SCO to avoid becoming over-reliant on them, but it could also present some new opportunities for its authoritarian governments.

There is a shared set of authoritarian-friendly values emerging in the region that may make life easier for Central Asian regimes, Anceschi said.

4. Is More Expansion On The Horizon?

The SCO expanded last year to include Belarus. This was preceded by Irans admission in 2023, and India and Pakistan joining together in 2017.

In addition to its 10 full-fledged members, the SCO also has 2 observer states, and 14 dialogue partners.

While further expansion is not expected, a particular focus will be paid to Armenia and Azerbaijan. The regional rivals are already dialogue partners and have applied to become full members since the last SCO summit.

5. The SCO Hunts For An Identity

The SCO has found its value as a symbolic venue for the leaders as they look to deepen their partnerships and influence social and political norms in parts of the world outside the Western-led global order.

But internal differences continue to be a weak spot, despite the SCOs growing appeal.

For instance, during a gathering of the organizations defense ministers in June, India refused to join a statement condemning Israeli attacks on Iran. New Delhi said this was because the declaration omitted any reference to the April 22 deadly attacks on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir, which led to renewed fighting between India and Pakistan.

With China, India, and Russia all under growing pressure from the United States, this summit will test whether the SCO can act as a cohesive organization or whether it will remain a fragmented platform driven primarily by national interests, Yunis Sharifli, a nonresident fellow at the China Global South Project, told RFE/RL.
As Kyiv, its European allies, and Washington continued to seek ways to end the fighting in Ukraine, Russia outlined plans for an autumn offensive, with the army chief saying the military was establishing the upcoming goals for the Kremlins military forces.

"Today we are defining the tasks for the groups of the armed forces that are aimed at the autumn period," General Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russia's General Staff, said on August 30.

"The combined group of troops continues a nonstop offensive along almost the entire front line. The strategic initiative lies entirely with Russian forces," Gerasimov claimed.

Gerasimov claimed that 99.7 percent of Ukraines Luhansk region is controlled by Russian forces, along with 79 percent of Donetsk, 76 percent of Kherson, and 74 percent of Zaporizhzhya.

The Russian occupation percentages are impossible to verify. The Kremlin claims to have annexed all four regions. Ukraine has vowed not to cede any sovereign territory to Russia in a peace deal.

Ukrainian military spokesman Viktor Trehubov, pushed back on the Russian claims, telling national TV that Kyiv's forces were having success in holding back enemy troops in the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

"Despite its aggressive actions, despite success at some points in pressuring Ukrainian positions, Russia has scored no quick victories," he said.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, in an interview with conservative news site Daily Caller, expressed less confidence that he could arrange a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy but thought a three-way meeting with him included was still possible.

We got along," he said about Putin. "You saw it, weve had a good relationship over the years, very good, actually.

Thats why I really thought we would have this done," he said, referring to a Putin-Zelenskyy bilateral meeting. "I would have loved to have had it done.

No End To Violence

Despite the talk of peace, Russia has shown no signs of ending the violence. Many observers say the Kremlin is not interested in immediate peace talks, believing it holds the military advantage against the outgunned and outmanned Ukrainian forces.

Zelenskyy accused Moscow of using diplomatic delays to intensify attacks and urged stronger sanctions against Russias banking and energy sectors.

The Ukrainian leader said his country's intelligence reports showed that Russia was poised to launch a new offensive in eastern Ukraine, with some 100,000 troops concentrated near the highly strategic mining city Pokrovsk.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on August 30 said he believes the Kremlin will not agree to a diplomatic solution to the war in the near term.

"All efforts of the past weeks have been answered with an even more aggressive approach by this regime in Moscow against the population in Ukraine," Merz said.

"This will also not stop until we ensure together that Russia, at least for economic reasons, and perhaps also for military reasonscan no longer continue this war."

With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian and Russian Services, Reuters, and AP
societe

Auteur: Seneweb-News

L'ADM, en parfait alignement avec la Vision Senegal 2050

The Municipal Development Agency (ADM) hosted an important working session focused on aligning its strategies with the country's long-term national Transformation Senegal Vision 2050 agenda.

This meeting, chaired by Dr. Mamouth Diop, Director General of ADM, along with his technical staff, saw the participation of Mrs. Awa Gueye Thioune, Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister in charge of decentralization and governance issues.

Towards urban renewal and strengthened territorial governance

This meeting illustrates the authorities' desire to strengthen territorial governance and optimize the effectiveness of public interventions at the territorial level. It is also part of the process of highlighting the opportunities of decentralization, a key pillar of Senegal's development strategy.

The discussions between ADM staff and the Prime Minister's Technical Advisor highlighted the agency's impressive results. It was also noted that the Agency's actions are perfectly aligned in implementing the National Transformation Agenda. The ADM's major focus on assisting local authorities in financing territorial development and urban renewal requires capitalization and broad dissemination for scaling up. The meeting also provided an opportunity to define common guidelines for consolidating the results achieved by ADM in municipal and community development.

A framework for exchanges for the territorialization of public policies

The presence of the Prime Minister's Technical Advisor demonstrates the importance placed by the highest authorities of the State on inter-institutional coordination between the various territorial development structures. This working session is part of the dynamic of aligning territorial public policies with national strategic objectives.

The ADM, as a preferred instrument for supporting local authorities, develops several strategic approaches combining infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. It mobilizes several themes of urban territorial development issues. For more than a quarter of a century, the ADM's anchoring in the territories is justified by its know-how and its high mastery of the challenges of urban renewal. In the territorial implementation of the National Transformation Agenda, the contribution of the ADM will be decisive in view of its effective presence in the four strategic axes, with the initiation of around thirty actions with high potential for sustainable urban and economic development.

This initiative demonstrates the authorities' commitment to making decentralization an effective lever for development, in perfect harmony with the ambitious objectives of the Senegal 2050 agenda.
Since its humble beginnings in 1985, the Roscommon Underwater Search and Recovery Club has provided an invaluable and voluntary search and recovery service to the community, Civil Defence and Irish Coast Guard.

2025 has been a big year for the club. As members looked forward to celebrating the clubs 40th anniversary, the RUSRC was nominated to represent Roscommon in this years prestigious Pride of Place awards.

The original 14 local divers who formed what was known as the Dolphin Sub Aqua Club 40 years ago, could not have envisaged then how strongly the club would evolve.

With more than 30 active voluntary members today, the club serves a crucial service in the Roscommon and wider midlands community through recovery dives, providing support for triathlons and runs, alongside providing top class diving training.

Pictured are people taking their first diving steps during a "Try a Dive" session.

The RUSRC also has a clubhouse on the Racecourse Road, housing state-of-the-art equipment such as fully kitted vehicles, boats and even a Nitrox compressor.

Chairperson of the RUSRC Phillip Cribbin has been a member of the club for more than six years, first dipping his toes into the waters of diving through a Try a Dive programme in 2019.

From those first dives, Phillips appetite to be involved with the club only grew. I knew it was something I wanted to continue, and my journey with the club started with absolutely zero regrets, he said.

Like the over 150 members that have passed through the club in its time, Phillip has learned invaluable skills. With the help of some highly experienced personnel within our club I have received the relevant qualifications to allow me to dive all over Ireland and become a fully trained Club/Search and Recovery diver. Philip described how the club is split into a sub-aqua club and a search and recovery club, to give new members the opportunity to learn the basics of diving in a pressure free environment.

Following 25 dives at varying depths, and practical and theory tests, divers progress onto the search and recovery elements of diving, which consists of another 25 dives to obtain qualification.

The training provided by RUSRC ensures new members are more than able to tackle the open water, opening up a new world of experiences.

The club predominantly dive along the West coast of Ireland which is widely known as being up there with some of the best diving locations in the world. You dont have to be a great swimmer to enjoy this sport. Novice swimmers and snorkelers evolve to become divers for whom there is no question of why they take part in scuba diving - only when my next dive will be, explained Phillip.

A close bond quickly develops between divers, who rely on each other. A buddy-system is used for training, where members need to learn how to work together underwater, including knowing sign language for communication and being able to help another change diving gear.

This develops a sense of camaraderie thats second to none according to Phillip.

Often diving in harsh conditions, each member places a lot of trust upon their fellow diver/buddy. We train and upskill throughout the year to allow us to be professional and ready in times of search and recovery missions.

Members of the Roscommon Sub Aqua club who took part in coxswain training this year.

He added: We also train alongside other Midlands Search and Recovery clubs allowing us to be one cohesive unit when called upon. This is extremely important for family members who may be looking on from the shoreline in times of distress and anguish. While the social and learning aspects build the foundation of the RUSRC, the club also provides a very important service to the region, consisting of approximately 120 lakes, through their search and rescue missions.

Fifty-two weeks of the year, the club trains, ensuring members are adequately trained as callouts can come at any time. From a club perspective, its key that we are available as often as we can, but were all professionals that work Monday to Friday, so it all depends, the RUSRC chairperson said.

Phillips eyes were opened in January of 2023 when the club was involved in a large scale search and recovery. That opened up the club as something bigger to me, I never realised I was a part of it, he said.

A touching testimonial received by the club from a separate recovery described each member as heroes.

The testimonial further read: Thanks to you I get to say goodbye to my dad properly. I get to stop wondering where he is and I can know that he will be warm, clothed and comfortable and that he is not out in the water all alone. It may not make sense, but I felt a huge sense of relief when I knew that his body was out. I had known in my heart since Sunday that he was in the water and I could not rest until he was out.

The important service provided by the club is only possible due to the members paying their own expenses, grant aid and fundraisers. Housing and maintaining all of the diving equipment and vehicles is expensive, with the RUSRC estimating that full search and recovery training costs 4,200.

Chairperson of the RUSRC Philip Cribbin shows Cathaoirleach Liam Callaghan and Pride of Place judges how a nitrox tank works.

Phillip described the challenges in keeping the club adequately funded. Without our yearly fundraising initiatives the club would not be in existence. We face a constant battle to keep all of our club and dive equipment fully serviced all at our own expense.

The club has estimated a cost of 4,200 to have one diver fully trained and dive ready to assist in any underwater search and recovery missions plus the cost of the diving equipment of the individual. Therefore, fundraising and keeping ourselves above water in financial terms is fundamental to the clubs existence. Phillip believes without the club, a search and recovery service in the region would not be possible. Thats why we were trying to push for the Pride of Place, if we werent here, the government would have to provide that service as a whole. So I think from the Pride of Place perspective, its just trying to understand what groups like us, small community groups, can do that the government cant. As it grows, the RUSRC encourages new membership yearly, striving to include members from every part of the community, and also to generate a diving interest amongst younger people.

This years Try a Dive will be held in late October or November, in the Corrib Leisure Centre with all equipment provided and is free of charge.

The RUSRC has setup an iDonate page online to aid training, new equipment and maintenance. Any donation, no matter how small, is very much appreciated by each past and present member of the club, said Phillip.

The RUSRC invites all past and present members to call to the clubhouse on September 26th at 7.30 p.m. to showcase the progress of the club over its 40 years in existence. This will be followed by refreshments in town. Please contact Philip on 086-3828913 if you would like to attend.
Punjab Floods Deepen as Haryana Urges BBMB to Cut Water Supply

Ironically, Haryana had recently been urging for more water to meet its requirements.

Chandigarh: At a time when Punjab is struggling to control floods in several districts, Haryana has asked the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and Punjab to reduce the release of 2,500 cusecs of water towards its canals.

The request has sparked concern in Punjab, as diverting less water could mean additional pressure on the already overflowing rivers and reservoirs. Officials warn that such a move may worsen flooding in low-lying regions of the state.

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Ironically, Haryana had recently been urging for more water to meet its requirements. The shift in position has drawn attention, especially since Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had earlier written to his Punjab counterpart expressing solidarity and offering support to the flood-hit state.

For Punjab, the demand comes at a critical juncture, as rescue and relief operations continue in several inundated villages. With swollen rivers still threatening to breach embankments, authorities fear that any reduction in water outflow could aggravate the crisis.

The BBMB is yet to announce its decision, but water management between the two neighbouring states has once again highlighted the fragile balance of shared river resources during extreme monsoon conditions.
Key Suspect in Zira Firing Case Arrested by Punjab AGTF

An FIR has been lodged at Police Station Zira, Ferozepur.

Ferozepur: In a significant breakthrough, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of Punjab Police has arrested Jagroshan Singh, a resident of Tarn Tarans Naushera Pannua village, for his role in the recent firing incident at Zira on August 14. The attack had targeted a businessman and created panic in the area.

Officials said preliminary findings suggest the shooters were working under instructions from overseas gangster Lakhbir Singh, also known as Landa, who has been linked to multiple cases of organized crime in Punjab.

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An FIR has been lodged at Police Station Zira, Ferozepur. Investigators are now expanding the probe to identify and nab other members of the network.

Punjabs Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, confirmed the development through a post on X, assuring citizens that the police remain determined to eliminate gangsterism and safeguard public life.




August 30, 2025

A roundup of local and world news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 30.08.2025, 13:55

TOURISTS Authorities in Bucharest are looking for solutions to bring back roughly 100 Romanian tourists who travelled abroad with the Cocktail Holidays agency, which is currently facing a temporary financial blockage. A Crisis Cell has been set up at the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, which upon talks with representatives of the aforementioned agency and other relevant institutions, has identified 677 Romanian tourists who are still abroad. Solutions have been found to bring back most of these tourists during this weekend at the end of their trip. The situation of other 87 tourists is being assessed. According to statements by Cocktail Holidays the service packages underway have been guaranteed by two valid insurance policies. The owner says that his agency, which has been operational for the past 25 years, is facing a difficult period mainly due to the degrading economic situation of the business environment.

FESTIVAL Presently in its 7th day, the George Enescu classical music festival today brings to the stage a couple of Enescus 45 opuses. The Orchestra of the Valencia Community will kick off a series of noon concerts at the Radio Hall while the orchestra of the Santa Cecilia National Academy will be performing tonight at the Palace Hall in Bucharest. The Symphony Orchestra Cologne will be performing in Timisoara, western Romania, under the baton of the festivals artistic director, Cristian Macelaru. 80 ensembles, symphony orchestras, choirs and chamber orchestras from 28 countries will be giving concerts until September 21. Radio Romania is co-producer of the International George Enescu Festival.

VISIT Romanias president Nicusor Dan will be paying a formal visit to the neighboring Republic of Moldova, an ex-soviet Romanian speaking country, to participate in the events dedicated to the Romanian Language Day  the presidential administration in Chisinau has announced. According to the same sources, the head of the Romanian state will be met by the president of the Republic of Moldova, the pro-Western Maia Sandu, together with whom he will be attending several cultural events. This is President Dans third visit to the Republic since the beginning of his mandate. Other cultural events concurrently staged in Romania, the Republic of Moldova and the historical communities in the Diaspora are meant to mark the Romanian Language Day. Established by the Bucharest Parliament in 2013, the Romanian Language Day takes place concurrently with the national celebration in the Republic of Moldova and pays homage to the movement of national awakening in the neighboring Romanian-speaking state. On August 31 1989, back in the time of the former Soviet Union, the Parliament in Chisinau, picketed by 750 thousand people, a sixth of the then population of the republic, made Romanian the state language also passing from the Cyrillic alphabet imposed by the occupation forces to the Latin alphabet.

BIAS Over 150 thousand people are expected to come and visit the biggest air show in Romania, Bucharest International Air Show (BIAS) 2025. The event also comprises live performances, fireworks, exhibitions, souvenirs as well as areas especially made for children. The aforementioned airshow is to bring together over 200 civilian and military aircraft, 200 pilots and skydivers from Romania and other countries. The event celebrates 115 years since the first Romanian flight by Aurel Vlaicu and brings to the forefront one of the most famous aerobatics demonstration teams, Patrouille de France.

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August 30, 2025 UPDATE

A roundup of the latest world and local news

August 30, 2025 UPDATE

Newsroom, 30.08.2025, 20:02

VISIT Romanias president Nicusor Dan will be paying a formal visit to the neighboring Republic of Moldova, an ex-soviet Romanian speaking country, to participate in the events dedicated to the Romanian Language Day  the presidential administration in Chisinau has announced. According to the same sources, the head of the Romanian state will be met by the president of the Republic of Moldova, the pro-Western Maia Sandu, together with whom he will be attending several cultural events. This is President Dans third visit to the Republic since the beginning of his mandate. Other cultural events concurrently staged in Romania, the Republic of Moldova and the historical communities in the Diaspora are meant to mark the Romanian Language Day. Established by the Bucharest Parliament in 2013, the Romanian Language Day takes place concurrently with the national celebration in the Republic of Moldova and pays homage to the movement of national awakening in the neighboring Romanian-speaking state. On August 31 1989, back in the time of the former Soviet Union, the Parliament in Chisinau, picketed by 750 thousand people, a sixth of the then population of the republic, made Romanian the state language also passing from the Cyrillic alphabet, imposed by the occupation forces, to the Latin alphabet.

BIAS Over 150 thousand people are expected this weekend to attend the biggest air show in Romania, Bucharest International Air Show (BIAS) 2025. The event also comprises live performances, fireworks, exhibitions, souvenirs as well as areas especially made for children. The aforementioned airshow is to bring together over 200 civilian and military aircraft, 200 pilots and skydivers from Romania and other countries. The event celebrates 115 years since the first Romanian flight by Aurel Vlaicu and brings to the forefront one of the most famous aerobatics demonstration teams, Patrouille de France.

PARUBIY Ukrainian MP Andriy Parubiy, a former speaker of the Parliament in Kyiv, was shot dead in the western city of Lviv  the Ukrainian authorities have been quoted by international press agencies as saying. Police sources say that a well-known political and public figure has been killed in an armed attack. President Volodymyr Zelensky later clarified the man killed was Andriy Parubiy and deplored what he described as a horrendous murder. A radical right-wing politician, who served a prison term back in the time of the USSR, Parubiy died at the age of 54.

MEASURES On Monday, the ruling coalition government in Bucharest is expected to take responsibility for the five bills in the second reform package providing for the pensions of the magistrates, healthcare, fiscal policies and state companies. The decision was made on Saturday by the permanent offices of the two chambers of the Legislature. There will be five successive sessions, each for every draft law endorsed by the government. A deadline for submitting amendments to this package has been set until nine oclock on Monday. The bill on reforming the public administration, initially included in the same package of measures, is still being assessed by the government coalition made up of PSD, PNL, USR, UDMR and is supposed to have a separate legislative development.

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Newsflash Update

The latest local and international news

Newsflash Update

Newsroom, 30.08.2025, 15:45

PARUBIY Ukrainian MP Andriy Parubiy, a former speaker of the Parliament in Kyiv, was shot dead in the western city of Lviv  the Ukrainian authorities have been quoted by international press agencies as saying. Police sources say that a well-known political and public figure has been killed in an armed attack. President Volodymyr Zelensky later clarified the man killed was Andriy Parubiy and deplored what he described as a horrendous murder. A radical right-wing politician, who served a prison term back in the time of the USSR, Parubiy died at the age of 54.
THE WEEK IN REVIEW

August 25-29

The week in review

Sorin Iordan, 30.08.2025, 16:24

Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy

Bucharest hosted the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy this week, attended by heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices, directors of the Romanian Cultural Institute representations abroad, high-ranking state officials and special guests. Romanias role in the current international context, foreign policy priorities, transatlantic unity, European solidarity and the role of parliamentary diplomacy were the main topics of discussion. The head of Romanian diplomacy, Oana Toiu, declared that the status of a member state of the European Union, membership in NATO and the Strategic Partnership with the United States of America remain the foundations of Romanias foreign policy. She showed that the message that Bucharest sends is simple and direct: You can rely on Romania. For his part, the countrys president, Nicusor Dan, said that Romanias foreign policy must remain predictable and coherent, focused on respect for international law, the rules-based world order and dialogue and cooperation with international partners. Dan also said that there are three directions on which the Romanian state will focus: security, the economic dimension, and Romanians abroad. In his speech, the president also spoke about the opportunities offered by Romanias geographical positioning, which can become, in his opinion, a connectivity hub between Europe, Asia and Africa, and added that the Black Sea strategy must be part of this approach.

The Republic of Moldova receives renewed European support

We cross the Prut River and arrive in the Republic of Moldova, which this week celebrated 34 years since it gained independence from the former Soviet Union. On the anniversary, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in Chisinau. The Moldovan state thus received a strong signal from the West in the context in which, in the midst of its European journey, it is facing pro-Russian interference and propaganda, designed to destabilize it and bring it closer to Moscows sphere of influence. The message we bring today is one of support, solidarity, and trust in our common future in the European Union, the three European leaders conveyed. In turn, Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan declared that Bucharest will remain an unwavering supporter of the ideals of the Republic of Moldova and of the Romanians across the Prut. The head of the government in Bucharest emphasized the unique bond of language, culture, history, and traditions between the two states and reaffirmed the firm, applied, and multidimensional support that Romania offers and will continue to offer for the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union. On September 28, parliamentary elections will be held in the Republic of Moldova, which political analysts say are vital for its European path.

Second package of measures to reduce the budget deficit, in preparation

The leaders of the parties that make up the governing coalition in Romania met again this week to finalize the final details of the second package of fiscal measures to reduce the budget deficit. The spokeswoman for the executive, Ioana Dogioiu, stated that six draft normative acts are being prepared that will be part of this second package of measures. The six projects target several areas: taxation, insolvency, reform of state-owned companies, health reform, local administration, reform of special pensions for magistrates and, last but not least, the reform of the National Energy Regulatory Authority, the Financial Supervisory Authority and the National Authority for Administration and Regulation in Communications. At the same time, the executive seeks better regulation regarding the outsourcing of multinational profits, increasing the taxation of stock market gains, introducing new rules for the taxation of rental income and a 25 lei fee for parcels ordered from outside the EU. There are also changes according to which family doctors would be paid based on consultations and not on the number of registered patients, and the minimum and maximum limits for the number of children per class would be adjusted. There is also talk of a 70% increase in local taxes, the cutting of 40,000 positions in local administrations and the raising of the retirement age of magistrates to 65. According to Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, the effects of the two packages of measures will be seen next year.

Protests against fiscal measures continue

The anticipated adoption of the second package of fiscal measures to reduce the budget deficit brought people to the streets again this week. There were protests in front of the Ministry of Education, where, for more than 20 days, teachers and schoolteachers concerned about the impact of the announced changes in the system have been gathering. They are dissatisfied with the increase in teaching standards, the merger of over 500 schools, but also the reduction of the hourly rate by over 50%. As a sign of protest, the Education unions proposed boycotting the start of the school year, scheduled to begin on September 8. Also, for the first time in a long time, unionists from several fields of activity came up with a common set of demands, including decent salaries and balancing the fiscal burden that the Government imposes to cover the deficit. Students are also dissatisfied with certain measures that affect their standard of living. Protests took place in several cities across the country, attended by employees from healthcare, railway transport, forestry, defense and public order. Magistrates are also dissatisfied, demanding changes to the retirement age and the method of calculating pensions. As a result, prosecutors from 31 prosecutors offices across the country have suspended their activities and are only providing emergency services.

Bucharest, once again the world center of classical music

Against this backdrop of social unrest, the 27th edition of the George Enescu International Festival, one of the most important classical music festivals in the world, has begun in Bucharest. For four weeks, until September 21, 2025, the Romanian capital is the world center of classical music and brings together over 4,000 artists from 28 countries, in over 100 concerts. This year, the festival marks 70 years since the passing of George Enescu and proposes, under the artistic direction of conductor Cristian Macelaru, an edition built on three pillars: the Enescu tradition, artistic innovation and openness to new generations. The festival also comes with news, from the launch of the Enescu in Control and Enescu Immersive Experience concert series, to the return of opera and ballet to the events program. The festival also includes concerts, exhibitions, recitals and performances that take place in several cities in Romania, including Iasi, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Sibiu, Brasov, Constanta, Oradea, Arad, Targu Mures, Craiova and Satu Mare.
SANDOVAL COUNTY  Several closures have been announced for Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day.

As per usual, government offices will be closed. Locally, that includes city of Rio Rancho, village of Corrales, town of Bernalillo and Sandoval County. Emergency services will run as normal.

Other closures include banks and post offices. However, ATMs and mobile banking will remain open.

The Rio Rancho Observer offices will also be closed Labor Day, resuming normal business hours Tuesday, Sept. 2.

To encourage safety on the three-day weekend, Sandoval County has announced another Take a ride on us! Uber code.

From 10 a.m. Aug. 29 through 2 a.m. Sept. 2, Sandoval, Bernalillo and Santa Fe County residents can open the Uber app and use the code NMLD25 to receive a credit of up to $10 off two trips on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, Santo Domingo Pueblo, which is in county lines, will host a Labor Day arts and crafts market at 134 Tesuque St., Kewa Pueblo.
CORRALES  The United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Albuquerque Area office is beginning an eight-month project that will improve the Rio Grande's flow and life around it in Corrales.

The bureau is responsible for 260 miles of the Rio Grande and ensuring effective delivery of water, along with environmental stewardship and public safety. This project will only take up the area of the river between Corrales and the Pueblo of Sandia.

Reclamation area manager Jennifer Faler explained why the project is necessary.

"Dams upstream reduce the sediment supply, so the river can't function as a natural river. It causes incising because there's not enough sediment in the water, so it'll take it from the the banks of the river," she said.

Incising is a natural geological process where a river erodes its own bedrock or channel bed, causing a gradual lowering of its elevation.

"Now you have more side banks, and (the river) can't reach its floodplain is one of the biggest problems with that. The bed of the elevation is going down, but the floodplain stays at the same elevation, so it can't function as a natural river system, so it's not providing habitat, and it's not conveying it can," Faler said.

James Fluke, civil engineer, said they have levied the system for agricultural use and to avoid flooding.

"We have channel narrowing, and that's leading to a couple things. One is the floodplain is becoming disconnected from the water table, so the water is much lower than the the floodplain up there, and the plants have a hard time reaching the water," he said.

Another issue is the river's natural meandering. According to Fluke, the channel is getting narrower and meandering more. As these bends grow, the river starts shifting sideways and getting too close to the barriers built to contain it, which could become a problem.

"That's the main reason we're doing the project. Since we're there, we think we can do a lot of good for the system in terms of the the health of the floodplain, the connectivity of the floodplain and the ecosystem, the riparian habitat," Fluke said.

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Dr. Jancoba Dorley, civil engineer, talked more about the impact on vegetation and wildlife along the bosque.

"We usually do all of our initial species protocol service for the birds and for the several minerals. We have in-house biologists that do those things," he said.

He added that here will be limited negative impact on any wildlife in the area.

"From this project, we are actually hoping that it will improve the habitat in this area because of the design and what we're doing. We are actually hoping that we can actually develop more wetlands within this area from the design of the project that we're working on," Dorley said.

"Also, the side channel that we are going to establish is also going to serve as good habitat breeding ground for the several minerals as well."

Faler added that nature "likes disturbance" and will evolve into a better habitat.

"We build in features to our river maintenance projects that are beneficial to listed species. We're able to spend extra money because there's an endangered species benefit to these projects," she said.

She said by lowering some of the bank areas, native plant life will have a better access to water. Part of this process also involves clearing the bosque floor of dead and downed plants that pose a fire risk, something that Corrales Fire Department Chief Anthony Martinez has already been working on with the help of village volunteers. Aside from the fire risk, this can also reduce access to water for live species, according to Faler.

Several of the live species are going to be temporarily removed so they won't be disrupted by construction.

"After our projects done, we're going to go back and do replanting so that we're keeping our replanting effort as local as possible," she said.

There will be some added species as well, such as the salt cedar plant, according to Dorley.

Faler said they have already seen success with the replanting effort just south of the project area.

Humans in the area will benefit, too, according to Faler.

"The reduced fire hazard is a big one. There will be some some traffic and some noise, again ... short term, but to have a a long-term less fire risk, new vegetation coming up, the ability to see these projects and recreate in the bosque and see a river project first hand," she said.

She added that a similar project was done in the Rio Rancho Rio Grande Open Space and the feedback from the public was positive.

"It's fun to go out, walk and see these brand-new cuttings and then, a year later, see that they're turning into trees and see a site evolve some recreation, reduce fire risk," she said.

Fluke agreed, saying the public enjoys the "naturalness" of the bosque.

"Disturbance is a big part of that; the system used to get flooded all the time and re-establish and move around, so that disturbance really does help the the natural system work as it's supposed to," he said.

He also recognized some of the safety improvements, especially for first responders during drownings.

"There's a couple of pretty significant cut banks in this area, so meanderings where the water's eroded very steep, like 15-, 20-foot bank and things like trees fall in there, and people get swept into those areas, and we've had numerous reports of the fire department needing to rescue people from there," he said.

Fluke stated the bank updates will also help with self-rescue.

So far this year, the Corrales Fire Department has rescued one person from the water, according to past village council meeting reports.

Nonetheless, the bureau has been working with the fire department to get a ramp added for easier access in case an emergency requires their services.

With better banks, according to Fluke, it will provide easier access for the general public as well.

The bank protection was designed it for a 10-year event, which realistically, means people might see 30 unmoved years, Fluke said.

"And that's, of course, depending on the flows that you see coming through and how sustained they are and things like that. This reach is affected by strong trends that are causing us to need to put a Band-Aid here. So, it should be fairly localized effects in terms of like the the river as a whole," he said.

"Reach" in this case means the project's effects will be felt from Bernalillo to Albuquerque.

Another integral area affected is the Pueblo of Sandia. The project will involve heavy replanting along that side of the bank, which has felt the affects of fires for some time as well.

Because of the incising of the river, the Pueblo has lost some of the land.

"There's a lot of lost Pueblo land. And so, with our project and protecting of this land, we're gonna try to regain some of that land back to the Pueblo, and that will help with loss of the land in the future as well," Dorley said.

There will also be some important water rights restored to the Pueblo.

This project also coincides with the Siphon Project, which involves both the village and the Pueblo.

"We've both been working on these projects for decades, and it turns out, we're both gonna be out there the exact same time," Faler said.

The construction involved with both projects will mean some schedule shifting as both move forward to avoid damage to the Siphon.

They hope to get started on the project next month with the agreement of both Corrales and Sandia. Each phase of the project will be broken up so as to not disturb too much of the traffic, residents and wildlife.
Canadian stocks gained modestly on Friday, with strong earnings from banking stocks over the week generating buying interest along with the release of domestic economic data that has triggered rate cut expectations.

After opening just below yesterday's close, the benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index rallied to an intraday high of 28,607.30 past noon and finally settled at 28,564.45, up by 129.65 points (or 0.46%).

Indicating the squeezing effects of US tariffs on Canadian exports, data released by Statistics Canada today revealed that Canadian GDP contracted by 1.6% on a seasonally adjusted, annualized rate in the second quarter 2025, with GDP declining by 0.4% from the first quarter. Real GDP edged down 0.1% month-on-month in July.

Household spending jumped by 4.5% on an annualized basis. Gains were observed for durables, semi-durables, and services.

Export of goods dropped 7.5%, led by a 24.7% plunge in passenger cars and trucks. Industrial machinery exports fell by 18.5%. Travel slid 11.1%.

Traders see this as the consequence of the ongoing trade war between Canada and its largest trading partner, the US, and have stepped up rate cut bets by Bank of Canada at their September meeting even though next week's jobs data is a parameter the BoC will look into before making a decision.

A research report by job posting website Indeed reveals that August openings in the tech sector were down 19% from their early 2020 levels, indicating a hiring freeze.

The BoC speculated in its July report on monetary policy that the Canadian would contract somewhere around 1.5% during the second quarter.

The Bank of Canada has kept rates steady at 2.75% at its last three meetings since March.

The country has been slapped with 35% tariffs on all its exports to the US excluding those falling under Canada-US-Mexico Agreement. The levies particularly target steel, aluminum, and auto sectors.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has sent a high-level delegation to talk with their US counterparts to find a mid-path in the ongoing trade war. Recently, he announced withdrawal of retaliatory tariffs imposed on US imports to pave way for smoother dialogue between the two nations.

Carney has accelerated efforts to build major ports, railways, and energy grids to reshape the economy that had relied on US majorly for all these years.

Canada is also exploring marketplaces outside the US for its exports.

On the earnings front, this week, top Canadian banks reported growth in their quarterly profits.

Major sectors that gained in today's trading were Materials (2.22%), Healthcare (1.62%), Consumer Staples (0.87%), and Consumer Discretionary (0.59%).

Among the individual stocks, Endeavor Silver Corp (6.19%), Seabridge Gold Inc (5.64%), Equinox Gold Corp (5.63%), and Bausch Health Companies Inc (3.36%) were the prominent gainers.

Major sectors that lost in today's trading were Communication Services (0.13%), Utilities (0.32%), Energy (0.32%), and IT (0.82%).

Among the individual stocks, Celestica Inc Sv (8.46%), Computer Modelling Group (2.05%), Athabasca Oil Corp (2.43%), Cenovus Energy Inc (2.14%), and Transalta Corp (2.34%) were the notable losers.

Brp Inc (7.43%) and Nexgen Energy Ltd (5.98%) were among the prime market-moving stocks today.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
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 .

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.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
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 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.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Horseshoe crabs are an ancient lineage with an evolutionary history stretching back 450 million years (Ordovician period) and are generally considered to be examples of living fossils. A paleontologist from West Virginia University has described a new genus and species of true horseshoe crab from a Silurian-age specimen unearthed in Indiana, the United States. The species bridges the 80-million-year gap in the horseshoe crab fossil record and has an overall morphology similar to that of the Ordovician species.

Horseshoe crabs (order Xiphosura) are aquatic chelicerate arthropods defined by the fusion of their body segments into a thoracetron, Dr. James Lamsdell of West Virginia University wrote in his new paper.

Four living species are known and exhibit a disjunct geographical distribution, with one species occurring in the western Atlantic (ranging from the east coast of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico) and three in the western Pacific and northeast Indian Oceans (extending from the south of Japan to the east coast of India).

The group is famous as an example of an evolutionary conservative lineage and is considered to comprise archetypal living fossils, although more recent work has demonstrated repeated ecological transitions within the group to be associated with the development of extreme morphologies.

Horseshoe crabs have a long evolutionary history stretching back to the Late Ordovician (450 million years ago) with two species described from North America and another, slightly older (Early Ordovician, 480 million years ago) species reported but awaiting formal description from Morocco.

The origins and early evolution of horseshoe crabs are poorly known, however, with an 80-million-year gap between these Ordovician species and the first record of Xiphosurida (horseshoe crabs that have reduced their postabdomen to a single segment) in the Late Devonian (370 million years ago).

This lack of a fossil record for horseshoe crabs in the Silurian, a time during which other aquatic chelicerate groups were rapidly diversifying, makes it difficult to determine the timing of the origin of xiphosurids and to what extent the end Ordovician mass extinction and Silurian ecosystem recovery influenced horseshoe crab evolution.

The newly-identified species of horseshoe crab lived during the Silurian, around 424 million years ago.

Named Ciurcalimulus discobolus, the animal is known from a single specimen found in 1975 by Samuel J. Ciurca, Jr in the Kokomo Member of the Wabash Formation in Indiana.

The Kokomo Member comprises up to 30 m of finely laminated dark dolostones and is considered to be Silurian in age based on conodont data, the paleontologist wrote.

The Kokomo localities are primarily known for their endemic eurypterid fauna, which occur in a single horizon and are recognized to represent a mass extinction event, although a variety of algae co-occur with the eurypterids and brachiopods are found alongside corals near the top of the member in what is sometimes referred to as the brachiopod horizon.

Ciurcalimulus discobolus is derived from the eurypterid horizon and is preserved similarly to the eurypterids, which are compression fossils with carbonized cuticle.

Ciurcalimulus discobolus is distinguished from other early horseshoe crabs through its unique combination of characteristics unknown among other species.

Ciurcalimulus most closely resembles the Ordovician Lunataspis species in possessing a heavily rounded prosomal carapace and a semicircular thoracetron lacking lateral segment boundary expression or tergopleural projections as well as a multisegmented postabdomen, the researcher wrote.

However, the new genus is distinguished from Lunataspis in lacking axial nodes on the thoracetron and the absence of a thoracetron marginal rim defined dorsally by a furrow, both of which are present in the Ordovician species.

The Silurian age of Ciurcalimulus shows that Xiphosura retaining the general morphology observed among Ordovician species persisted beyond the end Ordovician mass extinction, suggesting the event had a limited impact on horseshoe crab evolution.

Over the course of their evolutionary history, horseshoe crabs attained a global distribution, he added.

However, the first horseshoe crabs are known from the paleocontinents of Laurussia and Siberia, while the oldest described horseshoe crabs are found in Laurentia.

The additional discovery of Ciurcalimulus suggests that Laurentia was an important site of early horseshoe crab evolution, although it must be recognized that there is a strong historical bias in paleontological research toward localities in Europe and former European colonies.

As such, Laurentia is likely to be more heavily sampled than other paleocontinents such as Gondwana, an important consideration given that the oldest currently known horseshoe crab is an undescribed species from Morocco.

The paper was published on June 18 in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

_____

James C. Lamsdell. 2025. The first Silurian horseshoe crab reveals details of the xiphosuran ground plan. Proc. R. Soc. B 292 (2049): 20250874; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2025.0874
Artificial Intelligence

Expected Council Action

In September, the Republic of Korea (ROK) is planning to organise a high-level briefing on artificial intelligence (AI) as the signature event of its presidency.

Background

The Security Council has only recently begun to explore the linkages between AI and international peace and security. The UK held the Councils first formal meeting on this topic during its July 2023 presidency. The US convened the second formal meeting in December 2024. Council members have also hosted Arria-formula meetings on topics related to AI. Albania and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) organised one in December 2023 on AIs impact on hate speech, disinformation, and misinformation. On 4 April, Greece, France, and the ROK organised an Arria-formula meeting on harnessing safe, inclusive, and trustworthy AI for maintaining international peace and security, co-sponsored by Armenia, Italy, and the Netherlands.

At the 4 April meeting, most participating members welcomed continued Council engagement on this theme. Several said AI advances could help the Council implement its mandate. They encouraged peacekeeping missions to adopt tools that strengthen early warning, promote information integrity, and counter efforts that undermine mandate implementation. One member noted that Council committees have at times been tasked with periodically reviewing developments related to the impacts and threats posed by new technologies, and with exploring measures to address them. This member suggested that such an approach could serve as a model for the Council as a whole. Another stressed respect for state sovereignty, including compliance with local laws and opposition to using AI to interfere in other states internal affairs, social systems, or social order.

On 21 October 2024, the Security Council adopted a Swiss-authored presidential statement recognising that science, technology, and innovation have the potential to accelerate the realisation of the aspirations of the UN across all three pillars of its work. The statement also expressed the Councils commitment to more systematically consider scientific advances, particularly with regard to their impact on international peace and security. (For background information, see our 19 October 2024 Whats in Blue story.) UN discussions on AI in the context of peace and security have taken place primarily within specialised forums such as the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on emerging technologies in the area of lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), which was established in 2016 under the auspices of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. The General Assembly has also been increasingly active in addressing AI-related issues. On 24 December 2024, it adopted a resolution, co-drafted by the Netherlands and ROK, titled AI in the military domain and its implications for international peace and security. The text affirmed that international lawincluding the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and international human rights lawremains fully applicable to the use of AI in military contexts. It underscored the need for responsible and human-centred use of AI in this domain. It also requested the Secretary-General to submit a report to the General Assembly at its 80th session, reflecting the views of member and observer states on the opportunities and challenges AI poses to international peace and security, with particular focus on areas beyond LAWS.

At the Summit of the Future held on 22 September 2024, member states adopted the Pact for the Future along with its annexes: the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the Declaration on Future Generations. The Pact outlined the vision of member states for the future of multilateralism. In Chapter 2 on international peace and security, Action 27(d) committed member states to continue assessing existing and potential risks associated with the military applications of AI. The GDC also decided to establish a multidisciplinary Independent International Scientific Panel on AI (IISP-AI) and to initiate, within the UN, a Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

The General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/79/325) on 26 August, which set out the terms of reference and modalities for both initiatives. Under the terms of the resolution, the IISP-AI will present an annual report at the Global Dialogue, which will meet annually in the margins of existing relevant UN conferences and meetings, alternating between Geneva and New York. The panel will include 40 members, appointed in their personal capacity for three-year terms, with balanced geographical representation. In a statement issued on 26 August, Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described the adoption as a major step in global efforts to harness the benefits of AI while managing its risks.

Perspectives on AI have also been shaped by multilateral discussions held outside the UN system. In February 2023, the Netherlands and ROK co-hosted the first Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit in The Hague, which resulted in a joint Call to Action. At that summit, the US also launched the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of AI and Autonomy, outlining state-level measures for military AI governance. The second REAIM Summit, held in Seoul in September 2024 and co-hosted by Kenya, the Netherlands, the ROK, Singapore, and the UK, resulted in the REAIM Blueprint for Action.

Broader efforts toward AI safety include the Bletchley Declaration from the November 2023 AI Safety Summit held in the UK and the Seoul Declaration, adopted at the AI Seoul Summit in May 2024, both of which promote international collaboration on AI safety. In February 2025, France convened the AI Action Summit, adopting a joint statement on inclusive and sustainable AI and endorsing the Paris Declaration on Maintaining Human Control in AI-enabled Weapon Systems, reinforcing commitments to responsible military AI use, international law, and global cooperation.

Council Dynamics

Although Council members are becoming more aware of the potential impact of AI in areas of peace and security, they have diverging views on the Security Councils role in addressing AI-related threats to international peace and security. Some members see the need for the Council, as the primary organ for maintaining international peace and security, to stay abreast of technological advancements in order to anticipate and prevent threats to global peace and security. Other members are more cautious about framing the issue narrowly within a security context, advocating for broader discussions in the General Assembly and specialised forums to avoid duplication. Russia, in particular, has expressed concerns about pre-empting outcomes from processes such as the OEWG on the security and use of ICTs and the GGE on LAWS. There is also increasing interest in understanding the importance of leveraging AI technologies to enhance the UNs work and improve the Councils decision-making processes, which may become even more relevant in the context of potential reforms under the Secretary-Generals UN80 initiative.

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AFRICA

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Expected Council Action

In September, the Security Council will hold a briefing and consultations on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Special Representative and Head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) Bintou Keita is expected to brief.

Key Recent Developments

On 27 June, the DRC and Rwandawhich had been engaged in mutual accusations of supporting proxy armed groups in the conflict in eastern DRCsigned a peace agreement under US auspices in Washington. From 30 July to 1 August, Washington hosted meetings focused on implementing the security elements of the agreement. In this context, the first meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee, established based on the peace agreement to resolve any disputes arising between the parties during implementation, took place on 31 July. In addition to delegations from the DRC and Rwanda, representatives from the US, Qatar, Togo (as the African Union [AU] facilitator) and the AU Commission participated in the meeting. On 1 August, the delegations from the DRC and Rwanda also initialled the text of the Regional Economic Integration Framework in the context of the 27 June Peace Agreement to collaborate on a wide range of sectors.

On 78 August, the first meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism was held in Addis Ababa. The Mechanism set up under the agreement is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the concept of operations for the harmonised plan to neutralise the Forces Democratiques de Liberation du Rwanda (FDLR), an ethnic Hutu armed group active in eastern DRC that was implicated in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and to facilitate the disengagement of forces and lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda, in line with the 27 June Peace Agreement. The meeting was attended by representatives from the US, Qatar, the AU mediators representative, and the AU Commission. During the meeting, the DRC and Rwanda adopted the Mechanisms terms of reference and discussed next steps for implementing the Agreement.

Qatar has also played a mediation role, aimed at facilitating dialogue between the Congolese government and the Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) rebel group. Following an initial direct meeting between representatives of both parties in Doha under Qatari facilitation, the Congolese government and the M23 issued a joint declaration on 23 April, reaffirming their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities and their categorical rejection of hate speech and intimidation, and calling on local communities to uphold these commitments. Qatar has since proposed a separate draft peace agreement to be signed by the DRC and M23; however, the signing of the agreement on 18 August did not take place as anticipated.

On 25 July, Council members issued a press statement welcoming the signing of the peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda and the Declaration of Principles in Doha between the DRC and M23. Council members expressed support for the conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement and the implementation of a ceasefire, with the support of MONUSCO and regional mechanisms.

On 1 August, the Chairs of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)Kenyas President William Ruto and Zimbabwes President Emmerson Mnangagwa, respectivelymet in Nairobi with the Panel of Facilitators jointly appointed by the EAC and SADC. (For background, see our 11 April Whats in Blue story.) Among other outcomes, the meeting agreed to merge the EAC-SADC and AU mediation efforts and called on other ongoing initiatives to align themselves with the consolidated African-led mediation process. This decision was endorsed by a joint EAC-SADC extraordinary summit held virtually on 13 August.

On 17 August, SADC held its ordinary summit in Antananarivo, Madagascar, with the countrys president, Andry Rajoelina, taking over the rotating chairmanship from Mnangagwa. The summit welcomed the decision to consolidate the African-led mediation processes, and underscored the need to ensure complementarity and harmonisation between this process and other initiatives led by the US and Qatar.

On 6 August, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement condemning a deadly attack carried out by the M23, backed by the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), between 9 and 21 July in four villages in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu Province. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 319 civilians, including 48 women and 19 children. In a statement issued on 7 August, the M23 rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated. Similarly, in an 11 August statement, Rwanda dismissed the High Commissioners remarks as false, questioning the credibility and methodology of the findings. It also objected to the inclusion of the RDF in the allegations.

France, the penholder on the DRC, has circulated a draft press statement condemning the violence. The draft has been negotiated by Council members and was placed under silence until 20 August, but the US broke silence over the absence of a reference to the Rwanda-backed M23. It seems that the A3 Plus group (Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana) opposed the inclusion of that reference. At the time of writing, the penholder was apparently consulting with Council members, and no revised draft had been circulated.

On 7 August, Security Council members issued a press statement condemning an attack carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)an armed group affiliated with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh)on the night of 2627 July. The attack targeted a place of worship in Ituri Province, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and injuries, including among women and children.

On 22 August, the Security Council held an emergency meeting at the request of the US to discuss the August wave of violence. Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee briefed.

Human Rights-Related Developments Between 15 and 25 July, Siobhan Mullally, the UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, completed a ten-day country visit to the DRC. Beginning and ending her visit in Kinshasa, with travel to North Kivu and Haut-Katanga, Mullally met with relevant stakeholders to assess the situation of child trafficking and trafficking in persons for purposes of sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, and forced criminality. In her findings, the Special Rapporteur noted that conflict-related trafficking of children by armed groups persists with impunity at alarming levels, with devastating consequences for children and the countrys future. In this regard, Mullally called for urgent measures to combat trafficking in persons and ensure access to justice for victims.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for the Council in September remains the security situation in eastern DRC. Although fighting appears to have subsided following recent mediation efforts, members appear concerned that the July wave of violence may be repeated in the future. Members may wish to reiterate their demand in resolution 2773 for the M23 to cease hostilities and withdraw from all controlled areas.

A related issue is the implementation of the commitments agreed in Washington and Doha. Council members may reiterate their call on the parties to uphold these commitments, particularly the ceasefire. They may also take note of recent follow-up engagements in Washington and Addis Ababa, as well as ongoing efforts under Qatars auspices to facilitate the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement between the DRC and M23. Council members are likely to urge both sides to remain constructively engaged in pursuit of this objective. A possible option is to invite Qatar to brief the Council on the state of the ongoing mediation efforts in Doha.

How to harmonise and streamline the various diplomatic initiatives by regional and external actors on the situation in eastern DRC remains an ongoing issue. Council members may note the outcomes of the recent joint EAC-SADC summit to consolidate the African-led mediation process. The Council could invite an AU representative to brief about the outcome of the summit.

MONUSCOs disengagement process and the way forward, considering the changed security dynamics, remain an ongoing issue for the Council. On 2 May, the Congolese government and MONUSCO submitted a joint note to the Security Council titled On the Transition in South Kivu and the Disengagement of MONUSCO, recommending that MONUSCO be entrusted with the responsibility of supervising a future ceasefire. While the 27 June peace agreement references support for and promotion of the efforts of multilateral peacekeeping, inter-positional, and verification forces and mechanisms, it does not explicitly request MONUSCO to oversee a ceasefire. The discussion under the Doha process will be closely watched in this regard. A related issue is how any cuts to peacekeeping in light of the US funding potentially being withdrawn would affect MONUSCOs ability to provide such support. The Council may wish to discuss the possible alternatives if MONUSCO does not have the capacity to perform this task. Council members could also request the Secretary-General to present options for the missions future, taking into account the challenges it currently faces.

Council Dynamics

Council members have welcomed recent breakthroughs in ongoing mediation efforts to resolve the situation in eastern DRC but acknowledge that meaningful progress will depend on the parties implementation of their commitments. At the 27 June Council meeting, several members also expressed alarm over reports of widespread sexual violence, the forced recruitment of minors, and the spread of hate speech based on physical appearance. They called on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.

Council members remain concerned by the challenges facing MONUSCO, including restrictions on its freedom of movement, amid shifting security dynamics since early this year, with the M23 taking control of large parts of North Kivu province, including Goma, the provincial capital. In her briefing to the Council on 27 June, Keita noted the progress towards lifting restrictions on MONUSCO, following her visit to Goma in early June and her meeting with M23. MONUSCOs inability to implement all aspects of its mandate in Goma and other M23-occupied areas of North Kivu has prompted some Council members to request the UN to come up with a proposal on the missions future.

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AMERICAS

Haiti

Expected Council Action

In September, the US and Panama, the co-penholders on Haiti, may seek authorisation from the Security Council for a reconfigured multinational mission to combat armed gangs in Haiti, as well as a related UN Support Office to provide logistical and operational support to the mission. This force may succeed the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, the authorisation of which expires on 2 October.

Background and Key Recent Developments

After the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, Haiti descended into a multidimensional crisis characterised by political deadlock, extreme violence, and dire humanitarian conditions. Armed gangs have overrun an estimated 85 percent of Port-au-Prince, the capital, employing tactics including murder, kidnapping, and sexual violence on the civilian population amid widespread impunity. In recent months, the gangs have expanded their reach beyond the capital, including to parts of the Artibonite and Centre departments.

The Haitian National Police (HNP) and the MSS mission have struggled to make significant headway against the gangs, while repelling some attacks and re-establishing access to some areas.

In October 2022, the Haitian government appealed for the immediate deployment of an international specialised force to temporarily reinforce the efforts of the HNP to combat gangs. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres endorsed the request, recommending that [o]ne or several Member States, acting bilaterally at the invitation of and in cooperation with the Government of Haiti, could deploy, as a matter of urgency, a rapid action force to support the HNP. Nine months later, in July 2023, Kenya agreed to lead a multinational force in the country.

Although the UN would not administer the proposed mission, Kenya, Haiti, and other stakeholders sought Security Council authorisation for the deployment. On 2 October 2023, the Council adopted resolution 2699 authorising member states to form and deploy the MSS mission to Haiti for an initial period of 12 months. The resolution mandated the mission to help Haitian authorities re-establish security in the country and build conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections. It specified that the cost of the operation would be borne by voluntary contributions and support from individual countries and regional organisations. Subsequent assessments envisaged the deployment of 2,500 officers in phases, at an annual cost of approximately $600 million.

The mission was initially scheduled to deploy in February 2024, but that timeline was repeatedly postponed for a number of reasons, including lack of funding, with the first contingent arriving in Haiti in June 2024.

In September 2024, the Council extended the authorisation of the MSS mission until 2 October 2025 through resolution 2751. Although this resolution encouraged the mission to accelerate its deployment and the international community to provide additional voluntary contributions, the mission has consistently faced funding uncertainty and a lack of adequate equipment. Deployment levels have remained far short of the 2,500 officers initially envisaged, with close to only 1,000 personnel on the ground at the time of writing.

Responding to a request of the Security Council, in February, the Secretary-General issued a letter containing recommendations on options for UN support for Haiti. The Secretary-General recommended, among other things, the establishment of a UN Support Office to provide logistic and operational support to the MSS mission, including accommodation, medical capability, and support for mobility and information technology.

After holding several inconclusive meetings on the letter, members of the Security Council have recently begun negotiations on a draft resolution that apparently provides options for security support for Haiti. During the 28 August Security Council open briefing on Haiti, the US announced that, together with Panama, it would share with Council members a draft resolution to help address the growing violence by establishing a Gang Suppression Force and creating a UN Support Office to provide logistical support to efforts on the ground.

On 14 July, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2785, renewing the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) for another six and a half months, until 31 January 2026. The resolution expressed the Councils intention to consider the Secretary-Generals recommendations without delay. (For background, see our 11 July Whats in Blue story.)

The humanitarian situation remains dire. At the 28 August Council briefing on Haiti, which focused on children and humanitarian issues, Guterres said that the humanitarian toll is staggering, with 1.3 million peoplehalf of whom are childreninternally displaced, six million people in need of humanitarian assistance, growing levels of acute food insecurity, and humanitarian workers facing threats of violence, extortion and kidnapping. (For background, see our 27 August Whats in Blue story.)

On the political front, the future of the transitionincluding the holding of a constitutional referendum as well as legislative and presidential electionsremains unclear. On 7 August, Laurent Saint-Cyr replaced Fritz Alphonse Jean in the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) rotating presidency. He is expected to lead the TPC until the end of this bodys mandate in February 2026. (The TPC was created pursuant to a March 2024 agreement facilitated by the Caribbean Community and the US following a dramatic surge in gang violence in February 2024. According to the 10 April 2024 Decree, which established the TPC, this transitional body will exercise presidential powers until a new president is elected by 7 February 2026. As established by a May 2024 Decree, the TPCs mandate cannot be extended.)

According to media reports, Haitian authorities have been in negotiations to give foreign contractors expanded roles in combating the gangs and tax collection. US private military contractors are already engaged in Haiti to support a task force operating drones targeted at gang members. The deployment of drones to curb violence in Haiti has raised concerns about the legality and effectiveness of their use.

On 27 June, the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) adopted a resolution requesting the OAS Secretary-General to develop an action plan on the OAS support to Haitian authorities on issues including security, humanitarian assistance, and elections. During a 20 August meeting of the OAS Permanent Council, the OAS Secretary-General presented a document titled Towards a Haitian-led Roadmap for Stability and Peace. The roadmap details a set of actions to address Haitis urgent needs and long-term challenges that are organised thematically around five pillars: Security Stabilization and Peace Restoration, Political Consensus and Governance Support, Electoral Process and Institutional Legitimacy, Humanitarian Response and Sustainable Development and Economic Progress. It estimates that $2.6 billion would be needed for the implementation of all the proposed actions, with the largest portion of this budget ($1.336 billion) to be allocated to Security Stabilization and Peace Restoration.

Human Rights-Related Developments

In an apparent response to recent announcements and measures on deportations of Haitian nationals from the US and the Dominican Republic, in a 4 July press statement, the UN Designated Expert on Human Rights in Haiti, William ONeill, voiced alarm over the countrys human rights situation, characterising it as catastrophic by any measure. ONeill recalled that the principle of non-refoulement entails an obligation on states not to return anyone from their territory or under their jurisdiction to a place where there are substantial grounds for believing that they would be at risk of persecution, torture, ill-treatment, enforced disappearance or other irreparable harm. He echoed the calls by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to all states not to forcibly return anyone to Haiti and to consider legal stay arrangements with appropriate safeguards.

Women, Peace and Security

According to the annual report of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence, attacks by gangs in 2024 generally involved the use of widespread sexual violence. Women and girls were overwhelmingly affected, including in informal displacement sites. BINUH verified 708 cases of sexual violence in 2024 (affecting 523 girls, 142 women, and 43 boys), while humanitarian service providers recorded 3,598 cases of gender-based violence. At the same time, the report notes that sexual violence in Haiti remains chronically underreported. The Secretary-General urged the international community to increase support for the Haitian authorities humanitarian and security efforts, prioritise protection, enable the MSS mission to assist the HNP to enhance the protection of civilians, and to support the authorities in delivering comprehensive assistance and justice for survivors.

Sanctions-Related Developments

On 8 July, the 2653 Haiti Sanctions Committee approved the addition of the Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif gangs to its list of sanctioned entities. While the committee had previously designated the leaders of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, this was the first time that gangs in their entirety were listed under the Haiti sanctions regime. On 15 July, the Council of the EU sanctioned three gang leaders for actions that threaten the peace, stability and security of Haiti.

Key Issues and Options

The tasks for the Security Council in September are to decide on how to respond to the proposal advanced by the US and Panama for a reconfigured multinational mission to combat gangs in Haiti and on authorising a UN Support Office for the mission. Members deliberations on these issues will determine the future of the MSS mission ahead of the expiration of its authorisation on 2 October.

In considering the reshaped multinational mission, members may consider including provisions on compliance with international law. Resolution 2699, for instance, reaffirmed that the MSS mission rules of engagement and directives on the use of force should be in strict compliance with international law, including, international human rights law. That resolution also called on the MSS mission to establish an oversight mechanism to prevent human rights violations or abuses, in particular sexual exploitation and abuse. Additionally, it recognised the importance of dedicated expertise within the mission on children and womens protection.

Members could also stress the importance of full compliance with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) for any support provided by the UN Support Office to the reconfigured mission.

More generally, members may consider strengthening the human rights oversight capabilities of the UN in Haiti to report on compliance with international human rights law of all operations tasked to re-establish security in Haiti, including the principle that lethal force should only be used when strictly necessary to protect life or prevent serious injury from an imminent threat.

An additional issue for the Security Council is how it should exercise oversight of the reshaped multinational mission, which while not being a UN operation, would potentially receive authorisation from the Security Council. One option would be for the Force Commander of the mission to regularly brief the Council, providing updates on the missions activities. The Council could also consider independent oversight of the mission to closely monitor developments.

According to the Secretary-Generals 24 February letter, the Support Office is to be funded by peacekeeping assessed contributions. Regarding the multinational mission, it appears unlikely that the Council will move away from the missions voluntary funding model.

Against the backdrop of the MSS missions persistent funding shortfall, the UN liquidity crisis, and the potential elimination of US funding for peacekeeping in 2026a key issue for the Council, as well as for the wider UN membershipis to determine how both the mission and the Support Office are to be reliably funded.

Council Dynamics

Council members are united in their concern about Haitis multidimensional crisis and generally agree on the need to tackle escalating gang violence and its impact on civilians. Views also converge on the importance of a Haitian-led political solution that addresses both security and socioeconomic challenges.

At the same time, positions have varied among Council members on how to appropriately respond to the security situation in Haiti. The E10, as well as France and the UK, have expressed support for a timely response from the Council to the Secretary-Generals recommendations. Until recently, the US, which remains the principal provider of financial support to the MSS mission, did not have a clear position on the Secretary-Generals proposal, and it has only very recently announced that, together with Panama, it would seek the Councils authorisation for the establishment of the UN Support Office and a reshaped multinational mission.

In 2024, China and Russia strongly opposed transforming the MSS mission into a peacekeeping operation, an option that the US and then-Council member and co-penholder Ecuador strongly supported. It seems that, during closed consultations on Haiti on 28 May, China expressed reservations on some aspects of the Secretary-Generals recommendations.

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In Hindsight: The Security Council and the UN80 InitiativeWhat Lies Ahead?

Introduction

In September, world leaders will converge in New York to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. While this significant milestone is a moment of celebration, the prevailing mood seems to be sombre, as the organisation faces what many regard as an existential crisis. Rising geopolitical tensions among major powers have not allowed the Security Council to effectively address some of the most intractable conflicts of our time. Compounding the situation is a severe financial crisis that threatens to undermine the UNs ability to deliver on its core mandatesmaintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, and fostering international cooperation to address global challenges.

In March, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched a major reform initiative aimed at overhauling the UN system to make it more effective, cost-efficient, and responsive. Connecting it to the organisations 80th anniversary, this latest reform effort has been dubbed the UN80 Initiative. It is being pursued across three work streams: efficiencies and improvements, mandate implementation review, and structural changes and programme realignment.

This months In Hindsight explores the potential effects of the various reform proposals of the UN80 Initiative on the work of the UN Security Council, as well as the responses to the initiative from member states.

Where is the Council feeling the pinch?

The UN estimated that resources across the UN system shrank by 30 percent this year compared to 2023. The organisations liquidity crisislargely driven by member states failure to pay their assessed contributions in full and on timehas forced it to operate in a resource-constrained environment, leading to hiring freezes and reduced services. Not surprisingly, efforts under the UN80 Initiative are focused on achieving efficiency gains and cost reductions by eliminating redundancies, streamlining processes and relocating services to low-cost locations, among others.

These efforts may, to some extent, affect the Security Councils ability to carry out its day-to-day worksuch as limitations in securing meeting rooms or conference services beyond regular office hours. To date, however, Council members see the impact of these particular changes as marginal. In this regard, the Secretariat has also sought to ensure that direct support to the Council, as well as to other intergovernmental bodies in New York and Geneva, remains unaffected by cost-cutting and efficiency measures.[1] However, future budget cuts could mean fewer reports, slower publication of Council meeting records and possibly a reduced number of Council meeting webcasts. Cumulatively, this could result in less transparency of the work of the Council.

The liquidity crisis is expected to have an acute impact on UN peacekeeping operationsa vital instrument of the Security Council for maintaining international peace and security. In anticipation of potential funding shortfalls, the UN has apparently developed a contingency plan involving deep budget cuts across all peacekeeping missions. Some missions have already proposed repatriating contingents to cope with financial constraints, raising concerns that such measures could compromise the ability of UN peacekeeping operations to fulfil their mandated responsibilities, particularly the protection of civilians. A peacekeeping budget, however, will be decided by the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly, which could see member states fighting to keep funding for their particular situations of interest.

Most critically, funding cuts are already severely undermining the UNs humanitarian efforts to alleviate human suffering. Various UN agencies, funds, and programmes have been forced to scale backor in some cases, haltlife-saving operations due to acute funding shortfalls, with dire consequences for millions in urgent need of assistance. This appears to be the case across many humanitarian emergencies on the Councils agenda, including in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan, among others.

Christmas Tree Mandates: A thing of the past?

In early August, the Secretary-General submitted his report to member states on the mandate implementation review which highlights that since 1946, three of the UNs six principal organs (that is, the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council) have issued mandates through more than 40,000 resolutions, decisions, and presidential statements, resulting in a complex and bloated mandate delivery system. In his 1 August briefing to the General Assembly, the Secretary-General outlined several challenges related to mandate implementation, including burdensome processes, overlapping mandates, duplicative structures, and a growing gap between mandates and available resources.

Regarding the Security Council, the Secretary-General noted that its resolutions are now three times longer than they were 30 years ago, expressing particular concern over the growing use of the phrase within existing resources in Council resolutionslanguage often used by Council members to avoid additional budgetary implications when making specific requests to the Secretariat. This practice has placed increasing strain on the Secretariats capacity, further stretching already limited resources, the Secretary-General stated.

Most of these issues were first identified during the 2006 mandate implementation review process, but efforts to address them have remained limited. The Security Council has been working to prioritise and sequence mandates in an effort to move away from Christmas tree mandatesa term used in the 2015 report of the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (HIPPO) to describe peacekeeping missions burdened with too many tasksin favour of more streamlined and focused mandates. Council members are increasingly focused on identifying missions priority tasks and distinguishing between core mandates and other tasks.[2] Despite these efforts, the report on mandate implementation review shows that there is still a lot of room for improvement. Recently, there have been efforts to streamline mandate and reporting cycles to enable the Council to focus more effectively on the most pressing peace and security issues. China and the UK have apparently taken the lead in these discussions; however, they were unable to build the necessary consensus for substantial changes, resulting instead in only minor adjustments. The mandate implementation review might lead to a renewed effort from some Council members to explore how to produce shorter, more focused mandates in the current political context.

Members have also questioned the utility of assessments, strategic reviews, or independent reviews conducted by the Secretary-General at the request of the Council. While the first two are typically conducted in-house by the Secretariat, the latter is led by external experts with Secretariat support. While these reviews are intended to inform the Councils decisions on mandate renewals, adjustments, reconfigurations, or terminations, Council members have at times expressed frustration with the outcomes of these processes, particularly when the recommendations fail to present realistic or actionable options to guide decision-making. There have also been instances where the Security Council has chosen not to consider the findings of an independent strategic review when renewing mission mandates. A recent example is the strategic review of the UN Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The host government apparently opposed the consideration of the reviews recommendations, while Council members themselves appeared dissatisfied with the reviews findings.

Restructuring and Realignment?

The next step in the ongoing reform efforts in line with the third work stream may be structural changes and programmatic alignment, including proposals to streamline the UNs field presence. In his 12 May briefing to the General Assembly, the Secretary-General indicated his intention to review the present structure of Regional Offices, Special Representatives and Envoys, aiming at a consolidation of the systemwith increased functionality and meaningful savings. A leaked internal memo revealed that there are proposals to eliminate overlaps, for example, between the mandate of the UN Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and those of MINUSCA and the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), as well as the overlapping responsibilities of the Special Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Special Representative for the Great Lakes. The memo suggests exploring the possibility of merging the UN Office to the African Union (UNOAU) with the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes. Merging these offices could, in some cases, potentially help in removing duplications, while in other cases, it may affect the quality of information flowing to the Council and the depth of mediation with conflict parties to the detriment of peace and security.

In his May briefing, Guterres also mentioned a plan to streamline the civilian components of peacekeeping. Additionally, he flagged the possibility of restructuring the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) by merging units, eliminating functional and structural duplications, and getting rid of functions that are also exercised in other parts of the system. The two departments are currently conducting a comprehensive review of UN peace operations as requested by the Pact for the Future, the outcome document of the 2024 Summit of the Future. In his 24 March briefing to the Security Council, the Secretary-General expressed hope that this review will help inform efforts under the UN80 Initiative by finding efficiencies and improvements.

Responses to the UN80 Initiative

Member States appear broadly supportive of the UN80 Initiative, while awaiting detailed analysis and concrete recommendations on how to implement the proposed reforms in order to make the organisation fit for present and future challenges. However, there seems to be significant anxiety within the UN system, with staff members worrying about job security and potential relocations, and UN staff unions expressing concern about the lack of transparency and consultation in the process.

Although the Council has not held a formal meeting to discuss UN80, its members have shared their views and perspectives in informal briefings by the Secretary-General to members of the General Assembly. The US has emerged as a key proponent of the UN80 Initiative, asserting that in an era of financial austerity, the UN must reduce costs and improve efficiency by eliminating duplication, consolidating functions, and refocusing on the effective delivery of priority mandates. In this context, the US maintains that the UN should return to its core purpose of maintaining international peace and securityparticularly at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. The administration of President Donald Trump has proposed significant cuts to the US contribution to the UN regular and peacekeeping budgets for the 2026 fiscal year. The US has accumulated arrears of $1.5 billion and $1.2 billion to the regular and peacekeeping budgets, respectively.[3] The US Congress has yet to approve the proposed budget.

European members have also expressed strong support for the UN80 Initiative, while emphasising that efforts to enhance efficiency and mandate implementation must not come at the expense of the UNs normative values. EU members appear particularly concerned about the call to go back to the basics and its potential implications in sidelining critical priorities such as human rights, gender equality, climate action, and sustainable development. The EU has stressed the importance of maintaining the balance among the UN Charters three pillarspeace and security, development, and human rightswarning that privileging one over the others risks undermining the foundations of multilateralism. Furthermore, the EU views broadening the donor baseboth through assessed and voluntary contributionsas essential to addressing the UNs financial difficulties.

China has expressed support for a leaner, more efficient, responsive UN, but underscored that the reform process must be transparent, inclusive, and based on broad consultation. At the same time, China cautioned that the reform initiative should not be used as a pretext for any member state to shirk its financial obligationsan apparent reference to the US, which has accumulated significant arrears. This position was echoed by the Group of 77 (G77), the largest coalition of developing countries at the UN, which noted that one single Member State, which is also the only beneficiary of the maximum ceiling on the scale of assessments, continues to be responsible for more than 90 percent of arrears to the regular budget. Chinathe UNs second-largest financial contributorhas also fallen behind on its payments, with arrears totalling $587 million for the 2025 fiscal year as of 9 May. (Currently, the assessments for the US and China constitute over 40 percent of the UNs regular budget and nearly 50 percent of its peacekeeping budget.)

Like the European members, China also emphasised that the UNs three pillars should be promoted as mutually reinforcing. It particularly stressed the importance of safeguarding the interests of developing countries and highlighted concerns that the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is falling behind schedule. Similarly, the G77 underscored the need to preserve the UNs multilateral and inclusive character, cautioning against austerity-driven reform models that could undermine the organisations effectiveness, particularly in implementing the wide range of mandates approved by member states.

Russia has noted that this is not the first time the UN has faced financial difficulties. It attributed the current challenges to a lack of financial discipline and the disproportionate influence of major donors, including excessive reliance on voluntary contributions, a bloated bureaucracy, inefficient internal processes, a growing number of leadership positions, and insufficient geographical representation. Additionally, Russia has raised concerns about the Secretariat exceeding its mandate, compromising impartiality and eroding the organisations legitimacy. Russia has also emphasised that the reform process must be fully transparent and accountable to member states, stressing the need to avoid rushed decisions without broad consensusa point it underscored through initiating a draft General Assembly resolution on the UN80 Initiative, which was adopted on 18 July.

While many members acknowledge that the UN could be more efficient, and there are areas that could be streamlined, only when they receive concrete recommendations from the Secretary-General will members positions on the restructuring become clear. These positions are likely to have considerable impact on the world bodys ability to promote peace and security, humanitarian relief, human rights, and development for the most vulnerable across the globe. The road to a leaner, more efficient UN is likely to be bumpy, but as the UN turns 80, its future may lie in being able to adapt to shifting global realities.

[1] Chef de Cabinet, Functional Review for Cost Reduction and Efficiencies, internal memorandum, United Nations, April 25, 2025.

[2] For more, see a summary of the workshop jointly organized by the International Peace Institute, the Stimson Center and Security Council Report on 14 May 2024 on Prioritizing, Sequencing, and Streamlining UN Security Council Mandates: Taking Stock of Lessons Learned and Pathways Forward.)

[3] Jonathan Landay and Humeyra Pamuk, Trump Administration Proposes Scrapping UN Peacekeeping Funding, Reuters, April 15, 2025.
Overview

In September, the Republic of Korea (ROK) will hold the presidency of the Security Council.

The ROK plans to organise one signature event, a high-level open debate on artificial intelligence (AI) under the Maintenance of international peace and security agenda item. ROK President Lee Jae Myung is expected to chair the meeting, which will be held during the UN General Assemblys high-level segment. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as well as two other representatives, one from the industry and another from academia, are expected to brief.

In September, the Security Council will also hold an open debate on peacekeeping reform pursuant to resolution 2378 of 20 September 2017. The focus of the discussion will be the review of all forms of UN peace operations requested by the Pact for the Future, the outcome document of the 2024 Summit of the Future. The anticipated briefers are Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix; Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo; the chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Ambassador Ricklef Johannes Beutin (Germany); and Jenna Russo, the Director of Research and Head of the Brian Urquhart Center for Peace Operations at the International Peace Institute (IPI).

Additionally, Council members are expected to hold a high-level informal interactive dialogue (IID) with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States (LAS), Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and members of the Arab Summit Troikaa group of three rotating countries that monitor the implementation of resolutions and commitments adopted by the LAS, which consists of the outgoing, current, and incoming Arab Summit chairs. The ROKs Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cho Hyun, will chair the meeting, which is being convened in accordance with a 29 January 2021 Security Council presidential statement (S/PRST/2021/2) that encouraged the holding of an informal meeting between Council members and LAS representatives on the margins of the General Assemblys high-level segment.

Middle Eastern issues on the programme of work are:

African issues on the programme of work in September are:

Sudan , renewal of the Sudan sanctions regime; and

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) , briefing and consultations on the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

There will also be a briefing and consultations on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the one Asian issue expected to be discussed in September.

This month, the Security Council will consider reconfiguring the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, the mandate of which expires on 2 October, as well as the establishment of a related UN Support Office.

As in previous months, the Council may hold one or more meetings on Ukraine in September. It may also discuss developments related to Iran and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) after France, Germany, and the UK (the E3) initiated on 28 August the snapback mechanism to re-impose UN sanctions on Iran. Other issues could be raised during the month depending on developments.
Status Update since our August Forecast

Ukraine

On 1 August, the Security Council held an open briefing on Ukraine (S/PV.9971). The meeting was requested by Ukraine in a 31 July letter following large-scale Russian aerial attacks on Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine on that day. Council members Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, and the UK supported the meeting request. Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca briefed. Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine participated under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure, while Daniel Beck, Charge daffaires a.i. of the Delegation of the EU to the UN, participated under rule 39.

On 5 August, Russia convened an Arria-formula meeting titled The Armed Forces of Ukraine Military Debacle in the Kursk Region: Preliminary Assessment. Maxim Grigoriev, a member of the Russian Civic Chamber and Chairman of the International Public Tribunal on Ukraine, which was established by the Russian Civic Chamber in March 2022, and local residents from Russias Kursk region briefed.

On 29 August, the Security Council held an emergency open briefing on Ukraine (S/PV.9990). Ukraine requested the meeting in a 28 August letter following large-scale Russian aerial attacks conducted overnight on Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine. Council members Denmark, France, Greece, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Slovenia, and the UK supported the meeting request. Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca briefed. Ukraine and several regional states participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure, while the European Union (EU) participated under rule 39.

Middle East, including the Palestinian Question

On 5 August, the Security Council held an urgent briefing under the agenda item The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (MEPQ) (S/PV.9972). Israel requested the meeting in a letter dated 2 August to discuss the situation of the hostages held in Gaza. The request was supported by France, the UK, and the US. The briefers were Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca and Eli David, brother of hostage Evyatar David. Argentina, Israel, and the Observer State of Palestine to the UN participated in the meeting.

On 10 August, the Security Council held an urgent briefing under the agenda item The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question (MEPQ) (S/PV.9975). The Councils European membersDenmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, and the UKrequested the meeting after Israels security cabinet approved a plan on 7 August for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to take control of Gaza City. The meeting request was supported by all other Council members except the US. The briefers were Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca and Head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva and Director of the Coordination Division Ramesh Rajasingham. Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Senegal, and the Observer State of Palestine to the UN participated in the meeting.

On 21 August, Security Council members discussed recent developments in Gaza under any other business (AOB) following closed consultations on Syria. Members convened at Algerias request to discuss Israels planned takeover of Gaza City and its humanitarian consequences.

On 27 August, the Security Council held its regular monthly open briefing on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (MEPQ) (S/PV.9987). The briefers were Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator at the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) Ramiz Alakbarov, Joyce Msuya, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Save the Children Chief Executive Officer Inger Ashing, and Ilana Gritzewsky, an Israeli hostage who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Israel and the Observer State of Palestine to the UN participated in the meeting. Closed consultations followed the open briefing.

Non-Proliferation (1540 Committee)

On 6 August, Council members convened for a briefing on the activities of the 1540 Committee (S/PV.9973). Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba (Panama) briefed the Council in his capacity as chair of the 1540 Committee. At the briefing, he discussed the latest developments since the Committee Chairs previous report to the Council.

West Africa and the Sahel

On 7 August, the Security Council held a briefing, followed by consultations, on West Africa and the Sahel (S/PV.9974). The briefers included: Special Representative and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Leonardo Santos Simao, UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, and Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding Levinia Addae-Mensah. Closed consultations followed the open briefing.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

On 7 August, Council members held closed consultations on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Russia requested the meeting to discuss the 1 August appeals court verdict revoking the mandate of President Milorad Dodik of Republika Srpska. There was no briefer.

Moldova

On 7 August, following the BiH consultations, Council members discussed Moldova under any other business. Russia requested the meeting following the 5 August sentencing of Evghenia Gutul, leader of Moldovas Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, to seven years on charges of illegal party financing. There was no briefer.

Maritime Security

On 11 August, the Security Council held a high-level open debate titled Maritime Security: Prevention, Innovation, and International Cooperation to Address Emerging Challenges under the Maintenance of international peace and security agenda item (S/PV.9977 and Resumption I). Panama, the Council president in August, convened the debate as one of its signature events. Panamas President Jose Raul Mulino chaired the meeting. The briefers included: the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez; the Secretary-General of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), Valdecy Urquiza; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Panama Canal Authority, Ricaurte Vasquez Morales.

South Sudan

On 18 August, the Security Council held an open briefing on the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) (S/PV.9980). Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee briefed on the Secretary-Generals latest 90-day report, dated 7 August, which covered developments from 1 April to 15 July (S/2025/504). Additional briefers included: Major General (Retired) George Aggrey Owinow, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC)a body established to oversee implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS)and Murithi Mutiga, Programme Director for Africa at International Crisis Group. Closed consultations followed the open briefing.

Prior to the meeting, Council members that are supporters of the joint pledges related to climate, peace and securityDenmark, France, Greece, Guyana, Panama, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and the UKheld a stake-in focused on the security implications of climate change in South Sudan.

Lebanon

On 18 August, Council members received a briefing in closed consultations on the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) Mohamed Khaled Khiari briefed.

On 28 August, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2790, extending the mandate of UNIFIL for a final time until 31 December 2026. The resolution calls on the mission to start an orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal from 31 December 2026 and within one year.

Women, Peace and Security

On 19 August, the Security Council convened for its annual open debate on conflict-related sexual violence (S/PV.9981). The briefers were Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten, and Ikhlass Ahmed, the founder and coordinator of the civil society organisation Darfur Advocacy Group.

Georgia

On 18 August, following the closed consultations on South Sudan, Council members discussed the situation in Georgia under any other business. The Councils European membersDenmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, and the UKrequested the meeting to mark the 17th anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca briefed.

Counter-terrorism

On 20 August, the Security Council convened for a briefing on the Secretary-Generals 21st biannual strategic-level report on the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh) (S/PV.9982). The briefers were Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism and Head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Vladimir Voronkov, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) Natalia Gherman, and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) President Elisa de Anda Madrazo.

Libya

On 21 August, Special Representative and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Hanna Serwaa Tetteh briefed the Council (S/PV.9984) on recent political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country and the Secretary-Generals latest report on UNSMIL (S/2025/509). Ambassador Mohamed Rabi Yusuf (Somalia), Chair of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee, briefed on the work of the Committee.

DPRK (North Korea)

On 25 August, Ambassador Ioannis Stamatekos, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Greece, briefed Council members in consultations on the work of the 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee.

The Nord Stream Incident

On 26 August, the Security Council convened for a briefing under the Threats to international peace and security agenda item (S/PV.9986). Russia requested the meeting to discuss recent developments in the investigation into the 26 September 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea. Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca briefed.

Iran

On 29 August, Security Council members held closed consultations on Iran. The session was requested by France and the UK after the two countriesalong with Germanycirculated a letter on 28 August notifying the Council that they believe Iran is in significant non-performance of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans nuclear programme, thereby triggering the snapback mechanism to re-impose UN sanctions against the country (S/2025/538). There was no briefer at the meeting.
AFRICA

Sudan

Expected Council Action

In September, the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution to extend the Sudan sanctions regime, which expires on 12 September.

The mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee expires on 12 March 2026.

Key Recent Developments

Fierce clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have continued, as both parties seek to consolidate territorial control. In recent months, the fighting has centred around North Darfur state and the Kordofan region, witnessing an alarming escalation in hostilities. Civilians have borne the brunt of the fighting, which has been marked by heavy use of drones, artillery, ground operations, and airstrikes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and raising concerns about widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

On 11 August, at least 57 civilians were killed when the RSF conducted a large-scale assault on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, besieged by the RSF since May 2024, and the Abu Shouk IDP camp. On 16 August, Abu Shouk was hit by RSF artillery fire, killing at least 31 people, including seven children. These attacks follow months of intensified shelling, drone strikes, and blockade tactics that have cut off escape routes and trapped civilians inside the city. The other IDP camp adjoining El Fasher, Zamzam camp, was seized by the RSF in mid-April, resulting in hundreds of thousands of people fleeing to nearby areas, mostly to Tawila, a town in North Darfur state.

In late July, the RSF-led Sudan Founding Alliance (known as Tasis)a coalition of armed and political groupsannounced the formation of a parallel government in RSF-held areas. In a 13 August press statement, Council members rejected this announcement and expressed concern that it threatens Sudans unity and risks further fragmentation. Members reiterated that priority should be given to resuming talks towards a lasting ceasefire and creating conditions for re-establishing a credible and inclusive political transition towards a democratically elected national government following a civilian-led transitional period, in line with the principles of national ownership.

The US appears to be trying to reinvigorate efforts to advance peace talks in Sudan, in coordination with regional and international partners. It had planned to host a foreign ministers meeting of the Quad countriesEgypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirateson 29 July, but according to media reports, the meeting has been indefinitely postponed. (For more information, see our 26 June and 4 August Whats in Blue stories.)

On 11 August, US Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos met with the SAFs leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in Zurich. This meeting, reportedly facilitated by Qatar, was the highest-level US-Sudan engagement since US President Donald Trump assumed office earlier this year. Media reports suggest that both sides discussed a peace plan proposed by the US for a comprehensive ceasefire and expanded humanitarian access. At the time of writing, neither side had issued any official readout of the meeting.

While humanitarian conditions in Sudan continue to deteriorate, access remains severely constrained in areas of active fighting, leaving civilians trapped in dire conditions and resorting to desperate coping strategies, including eating animal feed and food waste. According to the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), access remained particularly restricted in North Darfur state, Greater Kordofan, and the Nuba Mountains regions. In Kordofan, continued fighting along key supply routes has severely disrupted the delivery of essential goods and humanitarian assistance, aggravating economic hardship, driving displacement, and further worsening the humanitarian situation. In El Fasher, the World Food Programme (WFP) has been unable to deliver food by road for over a year, as all access routes remain blocked. On 20 August, a WFP convoy of 16 trucks carrying life-saving food was hit by a drone strike near Al Malit in North Darfur, destroying three trucks. This marked the second attack in three months on humanitarian convoys in the area, following the 2 June attack on a joint WFP-UNICEF convoy in Al Koma.

Human Rights-Related Developments

Between 27 and 31 July, Radhouane Nouicer, the UN-designated expert on human rights in Sudan, visited Port Sudan, where he met with Sudanese officials, UN representatives, humanitarian partners, and civil society organisations to assess the human rights situation amid the ongoing conflict. In a press release issued following the visit, Nouicer expressed grave concern at the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights conditions, noting that escalating hostilities have made daily survival a constant struggle for civilians. He highlighted reports of extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, forced displacement, and arbitrary detention, and underlined the need for sustained commitments to justice, accountability, and inclusive governance. Nouicer urged the international community to enforce the arms embargo, support local peacebuilding initiatives, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access.

Women, Peace and Security

On 19 August, Ikhlass Ahmed, founder and coordinator of the civil society organisation Darfur Advocacy Group, briefed the Council at the annual open debate on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). She underscored that CRSV has become a defining feature of the war in Sudan. While noting that CRSV is being perpetrated by all parties to the conflict, Ahmed stressed that the RSF is committing these violations in an organised, widespread and systematic manner, particularly targeting women and girls based on their ethnicity. She also underscored that impunity has emboldened the SAF to commit sexual violence.

Ahmed noted that support for victims of CRSV in Sudan is nowhere close to meeting the overwhelming needs of survivors, amid a lack of emergency contraception, prophylaxis and safe abortion services. She also highlighted frequent attacks on health providers and facilities, including clinics providing reproductive health care and emergency response to survivors, as well as the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian access by warring parties.

Ahmed called on the Council to demand that all conflict parties fully comply with resolution 2736 of 13 June 2024, which called for an immediate halt to the fighting and demanded that the RSF halt the siege of El Fasher. In the absence of a ceasefire, she stressed the criticality of the protection of civilians and of ensuring unhindered humanitarian access. Ahmed also called on the Council to demand an immediate end to CRSV by all conflict parties and to condemn the targeting of women human rights defenders and frontline workers.

Key Issues and Options

An immediate issue for the Council is the extension of the Sudan sanctions regime (targeted sanctions and the arms embargo). Ensuring strict compliance with the sanctions regime, amid reports of continuous supply and use of foreign weapons and mercenaries in the Darfur region, is a major issue in this regard. As well, ensuring accountability for violations of international humanitarian, human rights law, and other atrocities remains a paramount issue. One option for the Council members is to extend the sanctions regime for one year.

In light of apparent violations of the sanctions regime and the evolving political and security dynamics in Sudan and the wider region, Council members could consider requesting the Secretary-General to conduct an independent assessment to assess the underlying drivers of instability. Such an assessment could also identify how the Councils existing tools might be better adapted to respond effectively to the situation.

Although the Council extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts until 12 March 2026 through resolution 2772 of 17 February, members have not been able to agree on its composition. In late February, the Secretary-General proposed five experts to serve on the Panel, but some Council members subsequently placed holds on the appointments. As a result, the Panel has not yet been constituted and is unable to carry out its work, including the submission of the interim report, due on 12 August, and the quarterly updates mandated by resolution 2772.

In this respect, one option for Council members is to convene an informal meeting of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee to discuss ways of breaking the impasse in appointing the Panel. Another option would be to address the matter at the Council level, rather than in a subsidiary body level, with members discussing it in either closed consultations or under any other business.

During the negotiations in September, some Council members may wish to have a substantive discussion about the sanctions measures, including, but not limited to, enlarging the geographical scope of the measures to the other parts of the country, expanding the designation criteria, and listing more individuals and entities under the current regime. As part of this discussion, some members may raise the issue of aligning the mandate of the sanctions regime with that of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee.

The overarching issue for the Council is how to bring an end to the ongoing fighting and support efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire across Sudan and a civilian-led political transition. The continued violence, insecurity, and targeted attacks against civilians, civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, remain a major concern for Council members. As well, with hostilities continuing, mediation efforts have consistently failed to achieve any meaningful breakthroughs. Council members could consider holding an informal interactive dialogue with key regional and international stakeholdersincluding representatives of regional and sub-regional organisations and states involved in mediation effortsto explore ways to leverage their comparative advantages and harmonise their efforts in support of a coherent political strategy to the crisis.

Council Dynamics

Council members recognise that external interference has fuelled conflict and instability in Sudan and have urged all states to refrain from such actions, support efforts for a durable peace, comply with their obligations under international law, and implement relevant Council resolutions on sanctions in Darfur. Members, however, have diverging views on the utility of the sanctions regime. Several have stressed the importance of maintaining the measures in light of ongoing violence in Darfur and the Panel of Experts role in monitoring the humanitarian and security situation and identifying violations. Russia has argued that sanctions have failed to stabilise the region, pointing to the continued flow of weapons into Darfur. In their explanation of vote on resolution 2772, the A3 plus members (Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana) called for a principled approach that advances a resolution to the crisis, while ensuring that Council-imposed measures remain balanced and constructive.

Council members also have diverging views on how to adapt the Councils tools to the evolving security situation in the country. Some, such as France, have advocated expanding the geographical scope of sanctions beyond Darfur to other conflict-affected parts of the country. Other members have also expressed support for the application of targeted measures against individuals responsible for atrocities and sanctions violations. However, the A3 plus members, China, and Russia, have opposed expanding the scope of the sanctions regime. Russia, in particular, has stated that it considers unacceptable even any hint of extending the sanctions regime beyond Darfur.

A recurrent issue in recent negotiations on the Sudan sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts has been the duration of the mandates. The A3 plus members, China, Pakistan, and Russia, have supported shorter renewals, arguing that aligning the duration of both mandates would avoid a situation where the Panels reporting period extends beyond that of the sanctions regime itself. These members argued that such an arrangement effectively prejudges the extension of the regime, while noting that this alignment is consistent with the Councils practice in other sanctions regimes. In their explanation of votes, following the adoption of resolution 2772, A3 plus members and China indicated that they anticipate a thorough discussion on this issue when the sanctions regime comes up for renewal in September. On the other hand, the penholder and like-minded members have favoured longer mandates to ensure continuity and predictability in the panels reporting.

The UK is the penholder on Sudan, and the US is the penholder on Sudan sanctions.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria

Expected Council Action

In September, the Security Council is expected to hold two meetings on Syria: one on political and humanitarian issues, and another on the chemical weapons track.



Key Recent Developments

Following the escalation of violence in Suweida governorate in July, the security situation in Syria has been relatively calm. This sectarian violence, however, demonstrated the fragility of Syrias transition.

A ceasefire in Suweida, announced by the Syrian interim government on 19 July, has largely continued to hold, despite heightened tensions and sporadic clashes in the region. On 12 August, high-level officials from Syria, Jordan, and the US agreed to form a working group to support the ceasefire and to resolve the crisis in the governorate.

On 10 August, the Security Council adopted a presidential statement expressing concern over the violence in Suweida and condemning attacks on civilians. It called for adherence to the ceasefire and urged the Syrian interim authorities to ensure accountability and inclusive justice efforts. (For more information, see our 9 August Whats in Blue story.)

On 26 August, an Israeli drone strike targeting a Syrian army unit in the Damascus countryside killed six soldiers and was strongly condemned by the Syrian interim government. Israel has also continued to carry out ground incursions into the southwest of the country, ostensibly aimed at ensuring its national security and supporting the Druze community. A 25 August Israeli incursion into rural Damascus prompted condemnation from Syrian foreign minister Asaad al-Shabani, who reportedly accused Israel of expansionist and partition plans. On 19 August, the US reportedly brokered a high-level meeting between Israeli officials and Shaibani to further reduce tensions between the two countries, and on 25 August, Sharaa revealed that Syria is in advanced stages of security talks with Israel.

Syrian interim authorities continue to face challenges in fostering Syrian unity and in incorporating armed groups into the Ministry of Defences forces. Secessionist and anti-government sentiment among the Druze community has apparently increased since July, with protests calling for independence reportedly taking place in Suweida city. Meanwhile, tensions are mounting between the Syrian interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group which controls most of Syrias de facto autonomous northeastern territory. On 9 August, Syrias state news agency reported that, in reaction to an SDF-held conference calling for decentralisation, the interim authorities backed out of planned talks in Paris between the two parties, demonstrating that challenges remain in the implementation of the 10 March agreement to integrate the SDF and its associated civil and military structures into Syrias state institutions by the end of 2025. On 17 August, following a number of clashes between the interim government forces and the SDF, the Syrian interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, said that he hoped for a peaceful resolution to the issue within a few months, with the support of the US and Turkiye.

Terrorism remains a significant threat to Syrias security. The 24 July report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the 1267/1989/2253 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, covering the period from 14 December 2024 to 22 June, says that ISIL remained determined to exploit the situation in Syria, including divisions in the country. The report says that during the reporting period, ISIL carried out over 90 attacks in Syria, and further notes that it also tried to incite sectarian tensions and discredit Sharaa. According to media reports, on 20 August, the US-led coalition against ISIL conducted an operation west of Aleppo in which it captured a senior member of the terrorist group.

The interim government continues to take steps to advance Syrias political transition. On 20 August, Sharaa signed a decree which approved a temporary electoral system for the Peoples Assembly, stipulating that the parliament will have 210 seats, with two-thirds elected by electoral colleges formed in Syrias separate governorates and one-third to be appointed directly by the interim president. In July, the chairman of the Higher Committee for Peoples Assembly Elections reportedly said that the indirect elections would take place between 15 and 20 September, which would mark the first parliamentary elections to be held following the ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad. On 23 August, the Committee reportedly announced that it would be delaying the elections in Suweida governorate and in the partially Kurdish-controlled Hasaka and Raqqa governorates due to security concerns, drawing criticism from Kurdish authorities.

Efforts also continue to advance Syrias postwar reconstruction and economic rehabilitation. On 6 August, the interim government signed 12 investment dealsincluding with Qatari and UAE-based corporationsworth a total of $14 billion, which involve infrastructure, transportation, and real estate projects such as a new airport and subway system in Damascus.

In his 21 August briefing to the Security Council, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher stressed that investment in longer-term support for development and reconstruction was crucial to ensure that the humanitarian mission in Syria transitions to Syrian-led recovery and rebuilding. He emphasised that this is particularly important as the country grapples with a dire humanitarian crisis impacting over 16 million Syrians who need humanitarian support, and as severe funding shortages are curtailing efforts to sustain and expand aid delivery.

On 25 August, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) published its monthly report on the implementation of resolution 2118 of 27 September 2013, which required the verification and destruction of Syrias chemical weapons stockpiles. At an 11 July meeting of the OPCW, Damascus announced that it will launch internationally led working groups to bring closure to the legacy of Assads chemical weapons programme.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 14 August, the UN Syria Commission of Inquiry (COI) published a report on the outbreak of sectarian violence in Syrias coastal areas. The violence, which primarily targeted Alawite communities and culminated in massacres in early March, included murder and inhumane acts related to the treatment of the dead, among other human rights abuses that were perpetrated by the interim governments forces and individuals operating alongside them, as well as fighters associated with the deposed Assad government. Drawing from extensive investigations and over 200 interviews with witnesses and victims, the report found that such violations included acts that likely amounted to war crimes from both sides on the basis that members of certain factions extrajudicially executed, tortured and ill-treated civilians in multiple Alawite majority villages and neighbourhoods in a manner that was both widespread and systematic. In this regard, the Commission urged all parties to de-escalate tensions, engage in dialogue, and uphold the human rights of all individuals. Among other recommendations, the COI called on the interim authorities to continue to pursue accountability for all perpetrators, regardless of affiliation or rank.

Women, Peace and Security

In a 23 July statement, several UN independent experts expressed grave concern over reports of targeted abductions, disappearances, and gender-based violence against women and girls in Syria, particularly targeting the Alawite community. The independent experts referenced the reported abductions of 38 Alawite women and girls across various governorates since early March, including Latakia, Tartous, Hama, Homs, Damascus, and Aleppo. The statement stressed that the pattern of violations, involving gender-based violence, forced marriage of minors, and a glaring lack of effective response by the Syrian interim government, suggests a targeted campaign against Alawite women and girls based on intersecting grounds. The statement also noted that these incidents reflect a broader pattern of violence against different groups of women and girls.

Noting that several cases reportedly involved actors affiliated with the interim government, the independent experts underscored that [a]uthorities have an obligation under international law to protect all women and girls from violence, provide effective remedies, and ensure access to justice, protection and assistance, including psychosocial support. They called on the interim government to carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations; prosecute perpetrators; ensure the safety and rehabilitation of survivors; and establish measures such as instituting safe, gender-sensitive reporting channels.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for the Council is to ensure that Syrias interim government pursues a credible, transparent, and inclusive political process while navigating an increasingly fraught security context compounded by sectarian violence, terrorism, and violations of Syrias sovereignty. Council members will be closely monitoring the process and results of the upcoming parliamentary elections to consider whether it meets their calls for inclusivity, transparency, and aligns with the principles set out in resolution 2254 of 18 December 2025, which focused on a political solution to the crisis in Syria. Announced delays in holding elections in Suweida, Hasaka, and Raqqa governorates may have some Council members questioning the comprehensiveness and inclusivity of the process.

A related key issue is how the interim government advances transitional justice efforts, including accountability and reconciliation. Council members will be keen to learn more about the findings of the fact-finding committee tasked with investigating the violence in Latakia and Tartous in early March, which presented its findings to Sharaa on 22 July, although they have not been published. Members may also be interested in more information about the fact-finding committee established in August to investigate the violence in Suweida. Council members will be closely monitoring steps taken by the interim government to ensure accountability for crimes, regardless of the fighters affiliation, in line with the Councils 10 August presidential statement.

Another issue is that UN sanctions on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)a terrorist group formerly affiliated with Al-Qaida and ISIL, which led to the ouster of Assad under Sharaas leadershipare impacting the interim governments functions. HTS, Sharaa, and Syrias interim interior minister Anas Khattab are all listed under the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, which imposes an asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo on listed individuals and entities. One option the Council could consider is delisting members of the interim government and applying a carve-out to facilitate economic engagement with the interim government. Various Council member states have taken steps to lift unilateral sanctions on Syria.

The future of the UNs role in Syria is another key issue for the Council. Under instructions from the Secretary-General, the UN Secretariat has conducted an integrated strategic assessment of the changing situation in the country, which has been finalised in an internal report. Based on this report, the Secretary-General will consider what type of UN presence in Syria would be most suitable to meet the countrys current needs.

Council members could request an informal briefing on the results of the integrated strategic assessment. They could also consider convening an Informal Interactive Dialogue (IID) with the participation of Syria and relevant UN departments to discuss the most viable options on future Council engagement with Syria.

Council Dynamics

Council members are aligned on the need for the Syrian authorities to advance an inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process based on the key principles of resolution 2254. They agree that the Syrian interim government needs to pursue disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) efforts towards comprehensive security sector reform (SSR). Several Council members have also stressed that recurring escalations of violence cannot be addressed without advancing inclusive accountability measures and a credible political process in the country.

There is broad agreement among Council members that the new Syrian government requires international support to rebuild the country and its crippled economy, including through the easing of sanctions. Following a 31 July meeting with Shaibani in Moscow, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov reportedly said Russia was ready to provide Syria with all possible assistance in post-conflict reconstruction.

Many Council members also agree on the need for the Syrian interim government to take decisive measures to address the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs), in line with the Councils 10 August presidential statement. Many of the fighters in question are Uyghurs who constitute part of the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movementalso known as the Turkistan Islamic Partywhich China considers a terrorist organisation and is also listed under UN sanctions. China has repeatedly expressed concern about the reported integration of FTFs into the Syrian army.

Israels presence and military activities in Syria remain a point of contention for Council members. Most members believe Israels actions are fostering tensions and instability in Syria, but the US has predominantly seen its actions as defensive in nature or tied to ensuring its national security. The 10 August presidential statement fell short of condemning Israels strikes and incursions in Syria. Instead, it condemned all forms of negative or destructive interference in Syrias political, security and economic transition, and called on all states to refrain from actions which may destabilise the country.

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PEACEMAKING, PEACEKEEPING AND PEACEBUILDING

UN Peacekeeping

Expected Council Action

In September, the Security Council will hold an open debate on peacekeeping reform pursuant to resolution 2378 of 20 September 2017. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix; Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo; the chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Ambassador Ricklef Johannes Beutin (Germany); and Jenna Russo, the Director of Research and Head of the Brian Urquhart Center for Peace Operations at the International Peace Institute (IPI) are the anticipated briefers.

Key Recent Developments

At the Summit of the Future in September 2024, member states adopted the Pact for the Future, which, among other things, requested the Secretary-General to undertake a review of the future of all forms of UN peace operations, taking into account lessons learned from previous and ongoing reform processes, and provide strategic and action-oriented recommendations for the consideration of member states on how the United Nations toolbox can be adapted to meet evolving needs, allowing for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging, and future challenges.

In a 24 March open debate convened by the Danish Security Council presidency on Advancing Adaptability in UN Peace Operations  Responding to New Realities, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefed Council members on plans to conduct extensive consultations as part of the comprehensive review of UN peace operations. According to the Secretary-General, these consultations will involve member states, host countries, troop- and police-contributing countries, financial contributors, regional organisations, civil society, and academia. The Secretary-General has indicated that the review will contribute to the broader UN80 initiative, which he announced on 12 March in response to persistent funding challenges facing the UN and the need to assess the organisations fitness for carrying out its goals efficiently. The initiative is aimed at implementing deeper, more structural changes and program alignment within the UN system, including UN peacekeeping, to find efficiencies and improvements in its work.

The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) are jointly conducting the peace operations review which is expected to build on A New Agenda for Peacethe Secretary-Generas July 2023 report providing his vision for the future of multilateral engagement on peace and security issuesand the comprehensive studies that the two departments have carried out on the future of peacekeeping operations and Special Political Missions, respectively. Last year, DPO commissioned an independent study on: Future of Peacekeeping, New Models, and Related Capabilities, which was published in November 2024 and was intended to inform the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial held in Berlin in May. DPPA has also been working on a comprehensive compendium of the history and evolution of Special Political Missions (SPMs) that is expected to be released soon.

The two departments have already conducted internal consultations across the UN system, gathering input from all Special Representatives and Envoys leading UN peace operations for the ongoing review. Lacroix and Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo also briefed member states on the review during an informal meeting of the General Assembly held on 27 May.

The two departments intend to convene a series of discussions with the other intergovernmental bodies, including the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C34), the Administrative and Budgetary Committee (Fifth Committee), the Security Council, and the Peacebuilding Commission. They also plan to hold consultations with regional groups and formally requested member states to provide written inputs. So far, it seems that more than 30 countries have sent their written submissions to the Secretariat, with more anticipated to do so in the coming weeks.

This series of consultations is expected to inform the two departments in developing a coherent analysis and set of recommendations for the review, while ensuring sufficient space for dedicated discussions on issues specific to both peacekeeping operations and SPMs. The two departments plan to conduct another round of consultations on the draft recommendations before finalising the review in early 2026. The outcome will be presented in the form of a report by the Secretary-General, to be submitted to both the Security Council and the General Assembly.

On 29 July, the Security Council held a briefing under the agenda item Maintenance of international peace and security on the theme Adapting Peace Operations for the Pursuit of Political Solutions  Priorities and Challenges. The meeting, convened by Pakistan, aimed to contribute to the ongoing review of UN peace operations. Lacroix, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, and Zeid Raad Al Hussein, President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Peace Institute (IPI), briefed the Council.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for Council members in September will be the ongoing review of UN peace operations. The open debate will offer another opportunity for Council members and the wider UN membership to share their views and perspectives on how to strengthen UN peace operations and make them fit for purpose to meet present and future peace and security challenges. A possible option is the adoption of a resolution later in the year based on the series of discussions on UN peace operations that took place over the course of 2025. The last thematic resolution on UN peacekeepingresolution 2668 of 21 December 2022 on mental health and psychosocial support for personnel of UN peace operationswas adopted three years ago.

Another major issue is the UN80 Initiative and how it relates to the ongoing review of peace operations. Security Council members appear eager to see how the two processes can mutually reinforce each other. In his 24 March briefing to the Security Council, the Secretary-General expressed hope that this review will help inform efforts under the UN80 Initiative by finding efficiencies and improvements.

A related concern is the UNs liquidity crisis and the continued efforts to ensure cost-efficiency and effectiveness across the organisation, including within peace operations. The US contributes 25% of the peacekeeping budget, and the prospect of the US not paying their assessed contributions to peacekeeping this year would require deep budget cuts in many missions. Council members could consider holding a discussion with DPO in a closed Arria formula meeting, or other informal format, that focuses on key mandated tasks that should be preserved in specific peace operations, in light of envisioned budget cuts.

Council Dynamics

Three elected members  Denmark, Pakistan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK)are working together this year as part of a Peacekeeping Trio Initiative. ROK seems to have coordinated with Denmark and Pakistan in planning to convene the open debate in September. In addition to formal meetings, the Trio has been convening a series of informal discussions outside the Council, including most recently a policy forum held on 8 July at IPI, focused on the Ten-Year Review of the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (HIPPO) Report. The Trio appears eager to closely follow developments around peacekeeping in the coming months, with the aim of proposing a Council product before the end of the year.

At the 29 July meeting, Council members highlighted a range of issues and priorities related to the ongoing review of peace operations. Several members reaffirmed that the primacy of politics must remain central to peace operations, with a greater emphasis on addressing the root causes of conflict. They also underscored the importance of setting realistic political objectives, establishing clear benchmarks, and ensuring sustained support and partnership with local and regional actors. Some members emphasised the responsibility of host states to fully respect Status of Forces Agreements and to provide a conducive operating environment for peace operations.

However, some members, such as Russia, expressed concern about the growing tendency to broaden mandates to include what they described as secondary issues, such as human rights, gender, and climate, arguing that this represents a departure from more traditional approaches. Others, meanwhile, stressed the need to ensure the inclusion of women and youth in peace processes to promote sustainable peace. A number of members noted that while peacekeepers can help create space for dialogue, they cannot substitute for genuine political solutions. These members further emphasised that peacekeeping is not a silver bullet but remains relevant despite the significant challenges it faces.

Some members called for reforms to enhance the accountability and adaptability of peace operations, stressing that mandates should not be renewed merely for continuitys sake. At the same time, others cautioned that cost-effectiveness should not be equated with doing less, underscoring that budgetary constraints must not diminish the international communitys commitment or resolve. Several members, such as Greece and the Republic of Korea, also highlighted the importance of leveraging technologyparticularly artificial intelligenceto strengthen UN peace operations in areas such as training, logistics, landmine detection, surveillance, and monitoring.

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen

Expected Council Action

In September, the Security Council will hold its monthly briefing, followed by closed consultations, on Yemen. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and an official from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are expected to brief on political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country.

Key Recent Developments

Yemen continues to face deepening humanitarian and economic crises amid a stalled political process. Regional factors compound the countrys fragility.

In August, no further attacks by the Houthisa Yemeni rebel group also known as Ansar Allahon commercial vessels were reported in the Red Sea. In July, the group resumed targeting commercial vessels in the area for the first time since late 2024. These attacks are part of their offensive against Israel, which they claim is in solidarity with Palestinians, and have threatened to continue until Israel ends its military campaign in Gaza that followed the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks. The Houthis have reportedly said that ships linked to Israel are a legitimate target.

In line with this campaign, the Houthis have continued to directly target Israel through ballistic missile and drone attacks, provoking retaliatory strikes from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Following reported Houthi ballistic missile and drone attacks on Israel on 5, 12, and 14 Augustall of which fell short of their targets or were interceptedthe Israeli Navy launched strikes on a power plant outside Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen, on 17 August, claiming that it was energy infrastructure being used by the Houthis. The rebel group retaliated with a ballistic missile attack targeting Israels Ben Gurion airport on the same day, which was intercepted by the Israeli military. On 22 August, the Houthis launched attacks involving a drone and a missile, which, according to the Israeli military, was the first time a cluster bomb warhead was used by the group. On 24 August, the IDF launched heavy strikes on Sanaa, including on a military compound which contains the presidential palace, a fuel depot, and two power stations, which the Houthi-run Ministry of Health said killed at least ten people and wounded 92. The IDF struck Sanaa again on 28 August, reportedly to target senior Houthi officials. The Houthis have denied that senior leaders were targeted. According to the Israeli media, since Israel resumed its campaign in Gaza on 18 March, the Houthis have launched 72 ballistic missiles and at least 23 drones at Israel, most of which have fallen short or been intercepted.

The Houthis continue to hold several crew members from the MV Eternity C, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated ship, which they attacked and sank on 7 July, killing at least five other crew members. They also continue to arbitrarily detain UN, NGO, and diplomatic staff, who have been held for over a year.

In his 12 August briefing to the Security Council, Grundberg warned that while the frontlines continue to be stable, a 25 July assault on the Aleb front, which resulted in several fatalities and injuries on both sides, and signs that the Houthis are fortifying positions, including around Hodeidah city, are concerning.

Grundberg reiterated three priorities to create a foundation for a lasting solution to the conflict in Yemen: de-escalation on the frontlines and working with the parties on the principles of a ceasefire; establishing a path for the parties to return to talks in line with commitments made in the December 2023 roadmap; and regional and international cooperation to stabilise and support Yemen, including through achieving security guarantees for the Red Sea.

On 20 August, during a visit to Riyadh, the Special Envoy held a meeting with the President of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Rashad Al-Alimi, and discussed the need to improve living conditions for Yemenis and advance a political agreement that leads to sustainable peace in Yemen.

Throughout August, in response to the worsening economic crisis, the Central Bank of Yemen in Aden and the internationally recognised government took steps to address currency depreciation and to stabilise the prices of essential goods. Due to the reforms, the Yemeni rial reportedly appreciated by over 44 percent as of late July. In his Council briefing, Grundberg welcomed these steps and said he hoped that they mark the start of a sustained recovery.

The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is worsening as needs are soaring. In his briefing to the Council on 12 August, the OCHA Director of the Coordination Division, Ramesh Rajasingham, warned that Yemen is now one of the most food insecure countries in the world, with more than 17 million people going hungry and with half of Yemeni children under the age of five suffering from acute malnutrition. He added that in internally displaced persons camps in the Abs District of Hajjah governorate, children are dying from starvation. Rajasingham called for urgent funding to scale up emergency food and nutrition support and for financial support for the Yemen Humanitarian Fund. As of 31 July, OCHAs 2025 Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan was only 13.6 per cent funded, with $2.14 billion in unmet requirements.

Women, Peace and Security

A 15 July update from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) highlighted the devastating consequences of funding cuts for women and girls in Yemen, where one woman dies of childbirth or pregnancy-related causes every two hours. The alert says that essential reproductive health services and protection for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) are being dismantled due to funding cuts. UNFPA reports that lack of funding has already forced it to suspend support to nearly 50 health facilities and to close 16 safe spaces and a specialised mental health centre, leaving GBV survivors without essential support. Funding cuts have also led UNFPA to withdraw support from 14 mobile teams, which reached women, girls and midwives in some of the remotest parts of the country. The update stresses that approximately 1.5 million women and girls have already lost access to life-saving services and that broader reductions could result in nearly 7 million people denied access to life-saving care. It also notes that UNFPAs 2025 $70 million appeal for Yemen is only 36 percent funded.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for the Council is how to help mitigate the risk of an escalation of hostilities in Yemen and the Red Sea while advancing efforts to relaunch the stalled intra-Yemeni political process amid broader regional tensions. Houthi attacks against commercial vessels and global maritime supply chains in the Red Sea further complicate efforts to secure the UNs roadmap for peace in Yemen.

One option for the Council would be to issue a presidential statement calling for de-escalation, stressing that there is no military solution to the conflict in Yemen, and demanding that the Yemeni parties resume concrete discussions on establishing a roadmap under UN auspices for inclusive peace in the country. Given the degradation of economic conditions in the country, members could also demand renewed economic and humanitarian initiatives, such as the implementation of the economic de-escalation agreement reached on 23 July 2024 between the Houthis and the Yemeni government.

The statement could also reiterate provisions from relevant resolutions on the situation in Yemen and the Red Sea, including demanding that the Houthis immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels, underscoring the need to address the root causes of the attacks in the Red Sea, and calling on all member states to adhere to the arms embargo imposed by resolution 2216.

Given the increasingly fraught humanitarian context, Council members could also consider holding a public briefing, or a high level side-event during the UNs annual General Assembly High-Level Week, focused specifically on Yemens humanitarian crisiswhich could include a briefing from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) or the World Food Programme (WFP) on the countrys rapidly worsening food securityproviding member states the opportunity to highlight the urgent need for bolstering funding pledges.

Council Dynamics

Council members are largely aligned in support of an inclusive intra-Yemeni political process, the need to improve economic and humanitarian conditions in the country, and the need to restore freedom of navigation and security in the Red Sea. Three of the Councils elected membersDenmark, Greece, and Panamahave suffered Houthi attacks on their commercial vessels. Advancing mediation efforts towards a resumption of dialogue and a peace process under UN auspices remains an overarching priority for members.

Nevertheless, members have divergent views on the reasons for the protracted political stalemate and insecurity in Yemen. The A3 plus one members (Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana), China, Pakistan, and Russia have all stressed that the situation in Yemen and the Red Sea cannot be discussed in isolation from the situation in Gaza. Russia and China have also criticised foreign military action in YemenIsrael, the UK, and the US have all conducted strikes targeting Houthi infrastructure since the beginning of the Red Sea crisisclaiming that it only serves to degrade the countrys already dire humanitarian situation, exacerbate the situation in the Red Sea, and negatively impact the peace process.

On the other hand, the P3 members (France, the UK, and the US) have accused Iran of financially and militarily supporting the Houthis, fostering further regional tensions. The US has repeatedly called for the Security Council to respond to Iranian defiance of the Council-mandated arms embargo and has underscored its support for Israels right to defend itself against the Houthis.

Several Council members have also called for the strengthening of the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), which inspects ships travelling to Houthi-controlled ports to ensure compliance with the arms embargo against the group.

The UK is the penholder on Yemen. Greece and the US are the co-penholders on the Red Sea crisis.

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Joanna Macy, "a pioneer in facing the emotional stress caused by climate change, who wrote books and led workshops on what became known as eco-despair or eco-anxiety," died July 19 at age 96, the New York Times reported. Although Macy was not a psychotherapist, she was trained in religious studies and systems theory, and drew from those fields, as well as her Buddhist practice, "to propose a way past the heartbreak and hopelessness that many people feel," the Times noted, adding that "one of her fundamental insights was that what lies at the root of people's despair over the environment is a reverence for the earth's magnificence and an understanding that human beings are part of the web of life."



"You have to allow yourself to experience the love that is underneath the horror," she told the San Francisco Examiner in 1999.



"Between the beauty of this world and the knowledge of what we are doing to it came a luminous and almost unbearable grief," she wrote in World as Lover, World as Self (1991).



Her other books include A Wild Love for the World: Joanna Macy and the Work of Our Time (2020), which mixed contributions by Macy and others; Coming Back to Life: The Updated Guide to the Work that Reconnects (2014, with Molly Brown); Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're In Without Going Crazy (2012, with Chris Johnstone); Widening Circles (2000), a memoir; and World as Lover, World as Self (1991). She also translated four books of poetry and prose by Rainer Maria Rilke, with Anita Barrows.



In 1977, Macy attended a symposium in Boston, held by the Cousteau Society, on threats to the environment. Soon after, she began leading workshops in what she called "despair work," allowing participants to explore their anxiety about the fate of the earth and, if possible, to find ways to positively channel their emotions, the Times noted.



"Pain for our world, like pain for the loss of a loved one, is a measure of caring," she wrote in Despair and Personal Power in the Nuclear Age (1983).



Over time, Macy and other workshop leaders refined their approach, calling it "the work that reconnects" and offering a workshop that included four stages, which she referred to as a spiral: acknowledging gratitude for the world; expressing pain for the world; "seeing with fresh eyes"; and "going forth" to make a difference.



The Work That Reconnects Network, an organization founded by her followers, continues to hold online and in-person workshops based on her ideas. The Joanna Macy Center for Resilience & Regeneration at Naropa University in Boulder, Colo., where she taught environmental leadership, also spreads her philosophy.



In 2020, David Loy wrote in Tricycle magazine: "Her genius has been the ability to design transformative practices and workshops that enable participants to go beyond an intellectual understanding to an empowering embodiment."



A 30th anniversary edition of World as Lover, World as Self, featuring forewords by Joan Halifax and Thich Nhat Hanh, is available from Parallax Press.
The government is determined to ensure industry does not encounter challenges in coping with the situation arising out of some unilateral steps, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said in his first public statement since the entire 50 percent tariff that the US imposed on India kicked in this week.

Efforts are in progress to increase exports diversification and stimulate domestic demand, Goyal said at an event in the national capital. He attempted to dispel fears that the economy will suffer due to the impact of tariffs, stating that there is little reason to worry since India's contribution to world exports is modest at 2 percent and it is an import-based economy. The minister also stated that negotiations were on with the US for a bilateral trade deal.

"I would request all of you to identify which among your sectors have been impacted; which among your sectors require alternative markets", Goyal said during the curtain raiser ceremony of the Bharat Buildcon exhibition, further stating: "since we, in the commerce ministry, through the missions, are making efforts to reach out to other parts of the world to see other opportunities which we can take advantage of".

Support efforts to industry also involve increasing domestic consumption, the minister added. "You will see the Goods & Services Tax Council meet next week, as soon as next week, so that the effect of these changes (proposed to GST rates) can reach all of you very quickly, and that can provide a big demand booster to the whole domestic manufacturing sector", he added.

The GST Council in its coming meeting on September 3-4 will take into consideration reforms to the indirect tax system. The suggestions aim to make the tax system simpler, expected to minimize the cost to the consumer and thereby increase consumption and the economy. The minister added that people from different sectors have presented information on how it will affect them (tarriffs) during his meetings, but no one has ventured to complain. "Koi accha FTA karna chaahe toh uske liye hum sadaiv tayyar hain. Par kisi bhi prakaar ka bhedbhaavhum na toh kabhi jhukenge, na kamzor honge (We are always prepared if someone wants to do a good FTA. But we will neither bend nor be weak if someone discriminates)", he said, adding that India will gain new markets.

While radiating confidence that India's exports in the current year will be more than last year's, Goyal also made it clear that India is not an export-dependent nation. "India's exports percentage of global market is very minor, we do not need to fear. India is an import-dependent economy", he stated. Indian industry has been able to tackle a pandemic like Covid and nuclear sanctions, he said.

"After these, if India's GDP gets affected by 2 percent and even in that, 40 percent items are not included (by the tariffs). Otherwise, there are sectors like gems & jewellery where value addition is not more than 3-5 percent", he said.

Goyal also proposed importing such products from African nations that are aggrieved by third-country actions. At the CII India-Africa Business conclave, he indicated that India can export motor cars and dairy products to Africa and in return, Africa can export diamonds, gold, petroleum products, farm products, pulses and lentils.

"Perhaps some of your businesses are affected by third-country actions, and we can bring those products from you into India", Goyal said. He added that India and Africa should consider doubling bilateral trade by 2030 to the present $82 billion and enhance cooperation in sectors such as critical minerals, agriculture, technology and manufacturing.

Goyal added that an FTA with Oman will be concluded shortly and Qatar and Saudi Arabia also wish to enter into trade agreements with India. Negotiations with the European Union for an FTA are proceeding at a rapid pace, the minister added. Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal is traveling to the EU and their minister and officials will visit India subsequently, he added. "We would like to do a second tranche of FTA with Australia. Negotiations with New Zealand, Chile and Peru are under way at a fast pace", he said.
Sebastian Maniscalco arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "The Irishman" on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, at the TCL Chinese Theatre. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

Get ready for an unforgettable line up at Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort, where two of the most highly anticipated comedy acts of the year, Sebastian Maniscalco and Jo Koy, will take the main Ovation stage.

From Sept. 18 to 28, Maniscalcos hilarious takes on family life, cultural quirks and everyday situations will leave you laughing nonstop.

Known for his hilarious timing and relatable humor, this multi-night engagement is a must-see for comedy fans. With multiple shows scheduled, tickets are expected to sell out fast, so dont miss your chance to catch one of the biggest names in comedy today.

GET TICKETS HERE: VIVID SEATS

Following Maniscalcos performances, the iconic John Legend will bring his Get Lifted  20th Anniversary Tour to Ovation Hall on Nov. 1.

A true legend in the world of R&B and soul music, Legend will celebrate two decades of musical excellence with an intimate performance of his greatest hits, including All of Me, Ordinary People and many more.

Comedy lovers wont be left out as Jo Koy is also set to bring his comedic genius to Ovation Hall on Oct. 18.

GET JO KOY TICKETS HERE: VIVID SEATS

Jo Koys performance promises an evening of nonstop laughs. Whether youre a longtime fan or new to his style, Koys infectious energy is sure to leave you in stitches.

Beyond comedy and music, Ovation Halls schedule continues to impress, offering a diverse range of shows that will cater to every type of fan.

CHECK OUT FULL OVATION HALL SCHEDULE HERE.

Jo Koy stands on the red carpet during the Golden Globe Awards Press Preview at the Beverly Hilton on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) AP

On Oct. 3, Alan Parsons Live Project will take the stage, bringing progressive rock fans a night of classic hits, including Sirius and Eye in the Sky. Parsons legendary career in rock music will be on full display, offering an unforgettable musical experience.

For horror fans, David Arquette will host a special screening of Scream followed by a live Q&A on Oct. 10. The iconic actor will share his behind-the-scenes experiences and thoughts on his career in a special intimate session with fans.

Music lovers can continue to enjoy top-tier acts, such as The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA on Oct. 11, where ABBAs greatest hits will come alive in a nostalgic celebration of one of the worlds most beloved pop groups.

The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes will take the stage on Oct. 19, delivering their flamenco-inspired rhythms that will have audiences dancing all night long.

John Legend performs during the Sinatra 100 - An All-Star Grammy concert at The Wynn Las Vegas, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015. (Photo by Eric Jamison/Invision/AP) Eric Jamison/Invision/AP

And on Oct. 24, Cage the Elephant will bring its electrifying alt-rock performance to Ovation Hall, promising an evening of high-energy tunes.

For an even more legendary experience, Diana Ross will perform on Oct. 25, bringing her iconic voice and timeless classics like Aint No Mountain High Enough to one of the most intimate venues in Atlantic City.

GET DIANA ROSS TICKETS HERE: TICKETMASTER

Closing out the month of October, Dirty Heads will bring its laid-back reggae-rock fusion to Ovation Hall on Oct. 31, offering fans a perfect Halloween night vibe.

Looking ahead to early November, Ovation Hall will host KC & the Sunshine Band on Nov.r 21, bringing all the groove and energy of classic disco hits like Thats the Way (I Like It) and Get Down Tonight.

Plus, Greg Gutfeld will perform his sharp political humor on Nov. 22, offering an evening of wit and satire for fans of his late-night show.

Just a two-and-half hour drive from New York City, Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City is is a luxurious, beachfront destination. (Advance/SILIVE. com |Dr. Gracelyn Santos) (Advance/SILIVE. com |Dr. Gracelyn Santos)

ABOUT OVATION HALL

With a 5,500-seat capacity, Ovation Hall blends world-class sound production, comfortable seating and exclusive skyboxes, making it the best place to experience live music and comedy in Atlantic City.
The JBJ Soul Kitchen, which is run under a nonprofit founded by legendary New Jersey rocker Jon Bon Jovi, is managing a pop-up restaurant at the Ocean County Library in Toms River Township. JBJ Soul Kitchen, provided

Since February, New Jersey star Jon Bon Jovis pop-up restaurant, anchored in a former church at Toms Rivers library, has served its purpose.

Styled after a cozy cafe, the newest JBJ Soul Kitchen location features approximately six tables and a comfortable lounging area. Bon Jovis nonprofit that manages the restaurant chain says about 69% of the makeshift restaurants meals have been doled out to people experiencing food insecurity.

Despite being a resource, its faced criticism from Toms River Township Mayor Dan Rodrick, who has claimed the restaurant has lured large groups of homeless individuals to downtown, yielding cases of disorderly behavior. Regardless of his disdain, the restaurant has been granted several tenure extensions, mostly recently for five months.

However, the eatery faces closing after Jan. 30, 2026, at winters peak, when the demand for somewhere warm to stay with hot food grows. With dwindling time and limited institutional support, Bon Jovis nonprofit is rallying supporters to encourage Ocean County officials to grant the restaurant a longer stay.

This is our last chance to show the community what is possible when people come together, Rob Wood, the Soul Kitchens general assistant manager, said in a statement released by the charity organization.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen announced the pop-up restaurants latest extension on Monday. Accessible through the library, at 101 Washington Street, occupies the building through a partnership with the Ocean County Library Commission, who sought to have a restaurant-style business assume the space.

Besides being founded by one of musics best-known rock anthem writers, the franchise is known for its unique pay-it-forward business model. Diners pay for someone elses three-course meal, or cover the cost by volunteering.

But, the chain goes deeper than satisfying hunger by linking those in need with resources for housing and workforce development. So far, the pop-up has contributed to 60 housing referrals, the restaurant chain said. Meanwhile, it has dispersed 700 hygiene kits, 50 of which are tailored for women, and around 80 doses containing naloxone, the drug that reverses overdoses.

Jon Bon Jovi visits the Empire State Building on September 15, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images) Getty Images

Too often, our guests  our neighbors  are reduced to labels, said Dorothea Bongiovi, Bon Jovis wife, who manages the nonprofit. They get treated like statistics, like problems to be solved, rather than human beings with dignity and stories and dreams. We are here to help.

The first JBJ Soul Kitchen restaurant opened in Red Bank in 2011 and expanded five years later into Toms River with a second storefront on Hooper Avenue.

Rodrick claimed the pop-up was encouraging unhoused people to congregate downtown as early as April. The mayor did not immediately return a request by NJ Advance Media for comment on Thursday.

Its unclear if township officials have a response to the extension. Rodrick has floated legal action.

Township officials went hands-on with this by ordering a group of homeless people out of its parking garage near the library, removing their belongings. The Township Council on Wednesday approved an ordinance that could levy up to a $2,000 fine or 90 days in jail for unhoused people congregating in the garage.

Libraries are for children to read books and adults to read books, not to dump homeless people off from all over the county, Rodrick said.

An attempt to help the homeless population in Ocean County ended this week the Christ Episcopal Churchs leaders abandoned a plan to build a shelter as an extension to the sanctuary.
Netflix has canceled The Waterfront after one season, Deadline is reporting.

The crime drama series creator Kevin Williamson has told the cast and crew members of Netflixs decision, Deadline reports, citing sources.

Williams reacted to the news on social media.

While Im say the Buckleys wont be back for Season 2, Im celebrating the joy that was Season 1, he posted on Instagram, along with a photo from the show featuring star Holt McCallany and guest star Topher Grace,

The show also stars Jake Weary, Melissa Benoist and Maria Bello.

According to the report, The Waterfront, which debuted in June, The news, which comes about two months after The Waterfronts June 19 release, spent five weeks in Netflixs global Top 10 for English-language series.

The show followed North Carolinas influential Buckley family.

Deadline reports, Netflix didnt feel viewership and completion rate, which is the percentage of viewers who watch a piece of content from beginning to end.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island native Pete Davidson will star in an upcoming Bitcoin thriller film Killing Satoshi, according to Variety.com.

The film, written by Nick Schenk  best known for collaborating with Clint Eastwood on Gran Torino and The Mule  is described as a conspiracy thriller that looks to unravel one of the most enduring mysteries of the 21st century: the secret identity of [Satoshi] Nakamoto and why the answer threatens the global power structure, Variety reported.

Doug Liman, who has directed The Bourne Identity and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, will direct the film.

The King of Staten Island star will work alongside Casey Affleck, although it is not yet known which characters they will be portraying.

I love David and Goliath stories, said Liman. 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 is money and who controls it. Im so excited to be collaborating with Casey Affleck again opposite the incredible Pete Davidson.

Killing Satoshi is also the first mainstream Hollywood return of Ryan Kavanaugh, according to Variety. Kavanaugh helped finance films including The Social Network, The Fighter and The Fast and the Furious before the studio went into bankruptcy in 2015.

This is not just a movie about Bitcoin and its elusive and mysterious origins but really about what it stands for, said Kavanaugh. We look at this film much the same way as we did with Social Network and its examination of Facebook. This should equally be a look into the world of what Bitcoin really is."

Filming will take place completely in the United Kingdom, Variety reported, with it is set to begin in October in London. The release date is expected to be sometime in 2026.

The news comes as Davidson recently announced that he and girlfriend Elsie Hewitt are expecting their first child.
Pictured is a 2019 rendering of the Arthur Kill Terminal site. (Courtesy of Arthur Kill Terminal/Atlantic Offshore Terminals) Courtesy of Arthur Kill Terminal/Atlantic Offshore Terminals

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced Friday that a total of $679 million in funding for 12 offshore wind projects has been either withdrawn or terminated, including $48 million for Staten Islands Arthur Kill Terminal.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, this action will ensure that funds are directed toward restoring the maritime dominance of the U.S. and minimizing wasteful spending.

The reason behind the withdrawal

As noted by the department, it has become an objective of President Donald Trumps administration to align the focus of the Department of Transportation and its Maritime Administration on bolstering the nations shipbuilding capacity and tapping into traditional forms of energy as well as the countrys natural resources.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that $48 million in federal funding has been pulled from Arthur Kill Terminal. This photo from Aug. 27, 2025, shows Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy board the NextGen Acela high-speed rail service en route to Boston, at Union Station in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Wasteful, wind projects are using resources that could otherwise go towards revitalizing Americas maritime industry, said Duffy. Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg bent over backwards to use transportation dollars for their Green New Scam agenda while ignoring the dire needs of our shipbuilding industry. Thanks to President Trump, we are prioritizing real infrastructure improvements over fantasy wind projects that cost much and offer little.

In reviewing all of the Department of Transportations discretionary grant programs, the department identified 12 offshore wind grants and project selections that did not align with their current mission.

As a result of this analysis, the Department of Transportation has withdrawn one project in the Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects program, resulting in a total retraction of about $427 million. Meanwhile, the Maritime Administration has withdrawn six and terminated five projects within its Port Infrastructure Development Program, a total retraction of $177 million and about $75 million, respectively.

One such Port Infrastructure Development Program to have its funding withdrawn is Arthur Kill Terminal.

Withdrawal of the Arthur Kill Terminal funding

As previously reported, the long-planned terminal is intended to serve as a specialized port at the foot of the Outerbridge Crossing where offshore wind turbines and towers could be assembled and staged before being brought out to sea.

Pictured is a rendering of the Arthur Kill Terminal warehouse. (Courtesy of Arthur Kill Terminal/Atlantic Offshore Terminals) Courtesy of Arthur Kill Terminal/Atlantic Offshore Terminals

Once completed, the terminal would be leased out to different companies so that those companies could assemble and stage their turbines before shipping them off to their destination.

The terminal -- run by Atlantic Offshore Terminals -- received Mayor Eric Adams stamp of approval to proceed back in 2024.

Proponents of Arthur Kill Terminal touted that the construction of the site would produce 750 union jobs. The project ultimately gained the backing of numerous elected officials, including Sen. Chuck Schumer, who played a role in first securing the roughly $48 million in funding from a grant issued through the Port Infrastructure Development Program back in 2022.

Despite the withdrawal, the Department of Transportation made it clear that, where possible, funding from the affected projects will be recompeted to address port upgrades and core infrastructure needs of the U.S.

Projects with their federal funds withdrawn

Sparrows Point Steel Marshalling Port Project ($47,392,500)

Bridgeport Port Authority Operations and Maintenance Wind Port Project ($10,530,000)

Wind Port at Paulsboro ($20,494,025)

Arthur Kill Terminal ($48,008,231)

Gateway Upgrades for Access, Resiliency and Development at the Port of Davisville Project ($11,250,000)

Norfolk Offshore Wind Logistics Port ($39,265,000)

Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind ($426,719,810)

Terminated projects
An Amazon Prime logo appears on the side of a delivery van as it departs an Amazon Warehouse location in Dedham, Mass., Oct. 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) AP

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Amazon just made a major update to its deliveries, according to AL.com.

Amazon announced that its customers in more than 1,000 cities and towns will be able to order fresh groceries with its same-day service, the report states.

By the end of the year, Amazon expects to expand the service to 2,300 more cities across America.

Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, stated in a press release that Amazon is continuously innovating to make grocery shopping simper, faster and more affordable.

By introducing fresh groceries into our Same-Day Delivery service, were creating a quick and easy experience for customers, said Herrington. They can order milk alongside electronics; oranges, apples and potatoes with a mystery novel; and frozen pizza at the same time as tools for their next home improvement project  and check out with one cart and have everything delivered to their doorstep within hours.

Same-day delivery is free for Amazon Prime members in some cities if they place an order of more than $25. However, if customers do not meet the minimum, Amazon is offering it for $2.99, the report said. Grocery delivery is available for customers without a Prime membership for a $12.99 fee regardless of size.

CNN reported that Amazon tested the service in Arizona, Florida and Missouri.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Department of Conservation announced Friday that 20 counties across New York, including parts of Long Island, have been issued a drought watch.

Even with some recent rain, it wasnt enough to reduce the dry conditions weve seen most of the summer this year, 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.

Due to a drought watch that was issued today, August 29, New Yorkers in the affected counties are encouraged to conserve... Posted by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation on Friday 29 August 2025

The state is asking residents of those 20 counties to conserve water whenever possible in the weeks ahead. It is worth noting that this request is not a mandate from the state.

A watch is the first of four levels of drought advisories; theres watch, warning, emergency and disaster.

The decision to issue a watch was made by authorities who consulted with the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partners.

Despite no major water-supply issues, dry conditions, less rain than usual over the last three months, low groundwater levels and low streamflows have pressured authorities to take action. Given the watch, public water suppliers are asked to assess the situation and take actions as needed.

The watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which monitors precipitation levels, lake and reservoir levels, as well as groundwater and stream flow levels across nine drought regions in New York.

Together, the Department of Environmental Conservation and U.S. Geological Survey evaluate hydrologic conditions throughout the state. According to findings, precipitation over the last 90 days has been below-average for the impacted counties; groundwater levels and stream flows are also below-average in many of those counties.

While its not mandatory, were encouraging everyone who lives in the drought watch areas to do what they can to conserve water during this dry weather, state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. DEC will continue to monitor the conditions and work with our agency partners to address these short-term issues as well as the longer-term impacts of climate change.

Here are the counties impacted by the drought watch:
If you have a drawer full of old electronic devices  tablets, phones, laptops and more Costco wants to have a look. The warehouse retailer has partnered with Phobio and is now offering store gift cards loaded with the device's trade-in value. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon) (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Got a drawer full of old gadgets? Costco wants them.

The warehouse giant has rolled out a trade-in program with Georgia-based IT company Phobio, offering Costco Shop Cards in exchange for old electronic devices, including tablets, phones and laptops.

Depending on the device, members could walk away with a few hundred dollars -- or even close to $1,000.

Phobio is trusted by leading carriers, manufacturers and retailers worldwide, and is proud to work with Costco to help their customers get more value and give their old devices a second life, Costco stated on a section of its website which details the collaboration.

Heres how it works:

Get an instant quote: Visit the device trade-in program page powered by Phobio and select your device model. After answering a few questions about the devices current condition, you get an instant quote on its trade value.

Receive your shipping materials: Print your shipping label or receive a box with prepaid shipping supplies and packing instructions within three to five business days.

Ship it: Follow the instructions to erase your device, pack it up, and drop it off to the courier. The device will be received at Phobios inspection facility, inspected, data-wiped and made ready for pay out.

Receive Costco Shop Card: In one to two business days, you will receive an email with your digital Costco Shop Card. If you opted for a physical Costco Shop Card, it will be mailed in seven to 10 business days.

According to Phobios website, trade-in values range from $40 to $1,080 depending on what is traded in. Laptop and desktop computers have the highest value, followed by phones, tablets and display monitors.
Several festivities will result in New York City road closures for Labor Day weekend 2025. This image from Sept. 7, 2015, shows a woman dancing on top of the frame of a float carrying the steel pan drum band Steel XPlosion USA as others march and dance below during the J'Ouvert festival in Brooklyn. (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  While some may take the time this Labor Day weekend to simply enjoy the end of summer in their yards, others will flood the streets and partake in one of New York Citys many events this holiday.

One such event is the 41st Annual Brazilian Day Festival, which will close select streets in Manhattan on Sunday. Then, on Monday, several Brooklyn roadways will be restricted to allow for the JOuvert and West Indian American Day Parade and Festival.

Given the various festivities, anyone looking to navigate city streets this weekend will want to plan accordingly.

As noted in an advisory from the NYPD, the closures will be at the discretion of the NYPD.

Heres the list of street closures:

Saturday, Aug. 30

US Open in Queens (Aug. 25  Sept. 7)

Locations:

Queens arterial roadways (entire length):

Grand Central Parkway

Brooklyn Queens Expressway

Cross Island Expressway

Long Island Expressway

Whitestone Expressway

Van Wyck Expressway

Local roadways:

Northern Boulevard between Junction Boulevard and Clearview Expressway

Roosevelt Avenue between Main Street and 104th Street

College Point Boulevard between 31st Avenue and Horace Harding Boulevard

126th Street/Seaver Way between Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard

111th Street/Saultell Avenue between Roosevelt Avenue and Horace Harding Boulevard

Astoria Boulevard between RFK Bridge Plaza and 114th Street

Shea Road between 126th Street/Seaver Way and Meridian Road

Meridian Road (entire length)

West Indian American Day Junior Carnival and Parade in Brooklyn

Locations:

St. Johns Place between Kingston Avenue and Franklin Avenue

Franklin Avenue between St. Johns Place and President Street

President Street between Franklin Avenue and Washington Avenue

Washington Avenue between Sterling Place and Empire Boulevard

Classon Avenue between President Street and Eastern Parkway

Jackson Heights Mile in Queens

Formation will be on 9th Street between 34th Avenue and Northern Boulevard.

The route will be along 34th Avenue between 94th Street and 75th Street.

Dispersal will be at 34th Avenue between 76th Street and 75th Street.

Sunday, Aug. 31

The 41st Annual Brazilian Day Festival in Manhattan

Formation will be at 6th Avenue between 42nd Street and 56th Street, as well as 46th Street between Madison Avenue and 7th Avenue.

Monday, Sept. 1

JOuvert and West Indian American Day Parade and Festival in Brooklyn

Embargo Aug. 27 through Sept. 1.

Locations:
Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University opens this week. Courtesy of Rowan University

Until this week, anyone from New Jersey who wanted to become a veterinarian had to train for their dream in another state.

That changes Thursday when New Jersey officially launches its first school of veterinary medicine.

A cohort of 75 students, more than half of whom are from New Jersey, will make up the inaugural class of the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University in Gloucester County.

The first class, which hails from 16 states, will receive stethoscopes from the schools dean, Mathew Edson, in a celebration of the schools opening at Rowan on Thursday.

The establishment of the Shreiber School addresses a long-standing issue. Until now, most New Jersey residents had to pay thousands more for out-of-state veterinary schools to earn a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine.

The new vet program at Rowan, a public research university, will cost first-year, in-state students $37,500 a year. Out-of-state students will pay $58,500 a year.

The university estimates room, board, books and other fees to add an additional $28,497 per year. Financial aid is available for qualified students.

For too long, New Jersey residents have had to compete for limited out-of-state seats and pay much more expensive out-of-state tuition rates in order to attend veterinary school, Edson said in an interview with Rutgers agricultural school.

Student debt and a shortage of veterinary staff are both major issues in our profession right now, Edson said.

The schools creation was driven by a nationwide shortage of vets. The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges predicts there will be a shortage of 15,000 veterinarians nationwide by next year, the school said.

In 2021, the New Jersey legislature approved $75 million in funding to construct the veterinary schools primary academic and clinical 100,000-square-foot facility, in Harrison Township on Rowan Universitys west campus, 18 miles southeast of Philadelphia.

Gerald B. Shreiber, the schools namesake, donated $30 million to the institution to support scholarships for students.

The American Veterinary Medical Associations Council on Education issued a Letter of Reasonable Assurance to the school in October.

According to the association, the letter indicates that the Shreiber veterinary school may gain accreditation in the future if the program completes the plans it presented.

When the new facilities officially open in October, the surrounding communities will be able to bring their pets to receive a range of care from the schools faculty, staff and students.

Students working in the pet care facilities will be able to rotate through specialty fields like dentistry, ophthalmology, imaging, surgery, emergency, primary and critical care, while working with large, small and exotic animals.

The school said it has established relationships with more than 60 outside partners, including animal shelters.

School officials said the facility fills a much needed vet care gap in south Jersey which can make a life-or-death difference.

The future veterinarians start the four-year program next week.
In this 2021 photo, members of Community Board 3 hold a full board meeting. Staten Island Community Boards resume meetings next week after a summer hiatus. Staff-Shot

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Staten Island Community Boards resume public meetings next week after the summer hiatus.

The following meetings are planned, according to representatives from the boroughs three Community Boards.

Community Board 1

Community Board 1 will hold a virtal Land Use Committee meeting on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom.

The agenda is not yet available.

The meeting ID is 275 566 6837, and the passcode is E3sv3p.

Community Board 2

Community Board 2 had no meeting scheduled this week at the time of publication.

Community Board 3

All Community Board 3 meetings are held in the board office, 1243 Woodrow Rd., Woodrow.

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, there will be a meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee at 6:30 p.m.

On the agenda is the conversion of a waterfront building at 177 Ellis St., into a New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports rehabilitation center.

The center will have an emphasis on treating NYC municipal workers. The center will be operated by a team of local currently licensed individuals with ties to the community and will address specific traumas that affect first responders.

On Wednesday, Sept. 3, there will be a meeting of the Traffic and Transportation Committee at 6:30 p.m. There is no set agenda.

Also on Sept. 3, at 7 p.m., the Community Alliance Committee will hold a public hearing.

On the agenda are the following retail permit applications for the New York State Liquor Authority:

Filippos Italian Steakhouse LLC, 86 Page Ave., Richmond Valley

Todo Bien, 4221 Hylan Blvd., Great Kills

FA Business Corp., 50-60 South Bridge St.,Richmond Valley

MSA Hospitality LLC, 27 Seguine Ave., Princes Bay

FF&G Restaurant Inc., 4126 Hylan Blvd., Great Kills

Applications to the Office of Cannibis Management include:

The Emerald Dispensary, 18 Nelson Ave., Great Kills

Open to the public

All Community Board meetings and meetings of their committees are open to the public. They provide an excellent opportunity for residents to learn about happenings in their neighborhood and surrounding areas. Below is more information about the Islands three Community Boards:

Community Board 1

Arlington  Castleton Corners  Clifton  Concord  Elm Park  Fort Wadsworth  Graniteville  Grymes Hill  Livingston  Mariners Harbor  New Brighton  Port Richmond  Randall Manor  Rosebank  St. George  Shore Acres  Silver Lake  Stapleton  Sunnyside  Tompkinsville  West Brighton  Westerleigh

The board chairman is Nicholas Siclari. The district manager is Joan Cusack. The telephone number is 718-981-6900.

Community Board 2

Arrochar  Bloomfield  Bulls Head  Chelsea  Dongan Hills  Egbertville  Emerson Hill  Grant City  Grasmere  High Rock  Lighthouse Hill  Midland Beach  New Dorp  New Springville  Oakwood  Ocean Breeze  Old Town  Richmond  South Beach  Todt Hill  Travis

The phone number is 718-568-3581. The fax number is 718-568-3595. The chairman is Fred Guinta. The district manager is Debra A. Derrico.

Community Board 3

Annadale  Arden Heights  Bay Terrace  Charleston  Eltingville  Great Kills  Greenridge  Huguenot  New Dorp  Oakwood  Pleasant Plains  Princes Bay  Richmond Valley  Richmond  Rossville  Tottenville  Woodrow

The office phone number is 718-356-7900. The district manager is Charlene Wagner.
This 2024 photo shows students arriving at PS 56, Rossville, for the first day of school. (Advance/SILive.com | Annalise Knudson)

New York City public school students will soon return to campus for the 2025-2026 academic year, and we have all the details on key dates to remember -- such as days off from class, parent-teacher conferences, weeklong breaks, and more.

The first full day of school for public school students citywide, including on Staten Island, is Thursday, Sept. 4. The last day of school is Friday, June 26, 2026.

The city Department of Education academic calendar includes some two dozen days off between the first day and the last day of classes.

The calendar gives time off for religious holidays like Good Friday, Yom Kippur and Eid al-Fitr, and week-long breaks for winter recess, mid-winter recess and spring recess, which include Christmas and Passover. Diwali has also been added as a public school holiday.

The school calendar also allows time off for Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous Peoples Day (Columbus Day), Election Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day and Juneteenth.

Dates for parent-teacher conference days for elementary, middle schools and high schools are also posted in the calendar.

Here are key dates you need to know for the 2025-2026 school year.

SEPTEMBER 2025

Sept. 4 - First day of school

Sept. 11 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers

Sept. 18 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools

Sept. 23-24 - Schools closed for Rosh Hashanah

Sept. 25 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools

OCTOBER 2025

Oct. 2 - Schools closed for Yom Kippur

Oct. 13 - Schools closed for Italian Heritage/Indigenous Peoples Day

Oct. 20 - Schools closed for Diwali

NOVEMBER 2025

Nov. 4 - Schools closed for Election Day

Nov. 6 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early

Nov. 11 - Schools closed for Veterans Day

Nov. 13 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early

Nov. 20 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools

Nov. 21 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early

Nov. 27-28 - Schools closed for Thanksgiving recess

DECEMBER 2025

Dec. 24 - Winter recess begins

JANUARY 2026

Jan. 5 - Classes resume after winter recess

Jan. 19 - Schools closed for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January dates to be determined - Regents exams are administered

January dates to be determined - Professional Development Day; no classes for students attending high schools and 6-12 schools, all other students attend school

FEBRUARY 2026

Feb. 16-20 - Schools closed for mid-winter recess

MARCH 2025

March 5 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers; students in these schools dismissed three hours early

March 12 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early

March 18 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools

March 19 - Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early

March 20 - Schools closed for Eid al-Fitr

APRIL 2026

April 2-10 - Schools closed for spring recess

MAY 2026

May 7 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers

May 14 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools

May 21 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools

May 25 - Schools closed for Memorial Day

May 27 - Schools closed for Eid al-Adha

JUNE 2026
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

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday invoked Alabama as being one of the top three murder states in America while claiming President Donald Trumps focus on crime is disingenuous.

Newsom rattled off the crime rates in other Southern states like Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.

He noted the crime rates in those states are higher than Californias and argued 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.

The governor 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 elaborated on why he suggested the country would prefer a dictator as he slammed the Democratic cities of Baltimore and Chicago.

So the line is that Im a dictator, but I stop crime, the president said as he held a cabinet meeting Tuesday. So a lot of people say, if thats the case, Id rather have a dictator.

But Im not a dictator, Trump said, I just know how to stop crime.

Trumps federalization of the Washington, D.C. police force and use of National Guard troops from Southern states there has been criticized by Democrats who accuse the president of being an authoritarian.
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.
Bulls N Bears Runner of the Week is African oil and gas hopeful Invictus Energy, which has stirred from its slumber this week with hopes of unlocking its flagship Cabora Bassa project in Zimbabwe.

The company could be something of a leviathan, having inked a blockbuster deal with Qatars Sheikh Mansour for a maxed out 19.9 per cent equity stake for a measly $37.8 million at 9.5c per share. The investment is accompanied by a pivotal US$500 million in conditional future funding to push Invictus mammoth Mukuyu gas discovery toward commercial production.

Invictus says it and Al Mansour Holdings will also form Al Mansour Oil & Gas (AMOG), a joint venture to acquire producing and near-term oil and gas assets across Africa, with Invictus handling technical and operational management and Al Mansour providing funding, what a combo.

A representative from Al Mansour will join the Invictus board to cement the partnership, as the long-dormant Cabora Bassa project in Zimbabwes Muzarabani Basin looks destined to finally flow gas to the African market.

Cabora holds an insane, estimated 20 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas and condensate potential  thats trillion with a T - making it one of Africas largest undeveloped gas fields.

Shares, accordingly surged 145 per cent on Wednesdays announcement, followed by another rocketing leap of 42.31 per cent on Thursday, to a 12-month high of 18.5c, with $30 million in stock traded.

That combined uptick added nearly $36 million in paper value to Al Mansours holdings - not bad for a couple of days work.

If AMOGs M&A spree delivers and Mukuyu flows, Invictus could transform from a rusted-on Zimbabwean junior to a pan-African titan.

BASIN ENERGY LIMITED (ASX: BSN)

Up 220% (2.5c - 8c)

Snagging silver is Canadian-based uranium explorer Basin Energy, after the explorer scooped up private critical minerals company in NeoDys, securing a prime position in northwest Queenslands Mount Isa region.

NeoDys extensive ground lies southwest of the world-renowned Mt Isa, next to Paladin Energys Valhalla hard rock uranium deposit  a hefty 116-million-pound uranium deposit - and Red Metals giant Sybella clay rare earths deposit.

The deal offers three exploration models for Basin in the humming uranium and rare earth critical minerals. From paleochannel uranium to hard-rock rare earths and clay hosted rare earths, the deal comes with a helpful $150,000 Queensland government grant to fund exploration.

The deal was accompanied by a $1.25 million placement to fund drilling later this year.

As rare earths and uranium roar back to life, so did Basins share price, which rocketed 220 per cent to a high of 8c on $2.5 million in stock traded on Wednesday.

The company, which listed in late 2022, has its sights set on developing it uranium portfolio housed within the world-class Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Home to giants like Camecos McArthur River, Basins North Millennium, Geikie and Marshall projects were promised to chase shallow, high-grade uranium, with sniffs of radioactivity uncovered in 2023 before the uranium price cratered last year.

With Athabascas uranium pedigree and Queenslands dual-play potential, Basins low-cost aircore drilling could prove potent. While uranium mining is still currently banned in Queensland, the projects rare earths prospects could quickly turn out massive resources like Red Metals multi-billion tonne clay rare earths deposit next door. The upside on this new style of mineralisation remains unknown but should the economics prove positive at Red Metal, the district will be set alight in an area dominated by both Red Metal and now Basin.

ARK MINES LIMITED (ASX: AHK)

Up 192% (18.5c  54c)

Taking bronze is Ark Mines Limited, another junior explorer targeting  you guessed it - rare earths and even heavy mineral sands to supply the Wests clean energy transition technologies.

The company received a massive boost to its potential this week in the form of a $4.5 million handout from the Queensland Investment Corp (QIC) Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund for its Sandy Mitchell project 230 kilometres northwest of Cairns.

The funding consists of a $4 million royalty-tied capital injection and a $500,000 equity investment at 16.7c - following extensive due diligence by the QIC, which manages a whopping $131.2 billion portfolio.

Ark says the cash will fast-track a stage-3 infill drilling program and a prefeasibility study at Sandy, targeting production by late 2027.

Sandy Mitchell hosts a measured resource of 71.8 million tonnes at 1732 parts per million (ppm) monazite equivalent, with an exploration target of 1.31.5 billion tonnes at 12861903 ppm.

The projects monazite-rich sands contain key magnet REEs including neodymium and praseodymium, both vital for EV motors and wind turbines. Its shallow, open-pit-friendly deposit and Queenslands infrastructure also support low-cost mining.

A scoping study estimates a $120150 million development cost, with annual EBITDA of $4553 million and approximately 80 local jobs. Shares soared 192 per cent to a three-year high of 54c on $870k in stock traded.

And while monazite-rich sands contain key magnet REEs like neodymium and praseodymium, vital for EV motors and wind turbines, and Arks shallow, open-pit-friendly deposit and Queenslands infrastructure support low-cost mining, scaling a billion-tonne dream in remote terrain is no walk in the park.

Aligned with Australias push for supply chain security amid global REE shortages, Sandy Mitchells massive exploration target could make it a globally significant hub, but environmental and logistical hurdles in Cape Yorks rugged landscape remain.

TechGen Metals Limited has identified two parallel high-grade copper gossans and iron quartz gold zones at its Blue Devil project, 40km northeast of Halls Creek in Western Australia.

TECHGEN METALS LIMITED (ASX: TG1)

Up 165% (2c  5.3c)

Rounding out this weeks Runners is copper-gold hopeful TechGen Metals, which was shot out of a cannon this week after it identified two parallel high-grade copper gossans and iron quartz gold zones, just 80m apart, at its Blue Devil project, 40km northeast of Halls Creek in the Halls Creek Orogen.

Rock chip samples along a 2km east-west corridor returned grades up to 52.3 per cent copper, 22.6 per cent copper and 5.35 grams per tonne (g/t) gold.

The Blue Devil project has never been drill-tested, giving TechGen a rare greenfield opportunity to deliver a potentially significant copper-gold discovery, with key targets stretching nearly 3km.

The company says a critically important heritage survey with the Jaru People is now complete, with tenure granting imminent and an IP survey planned to refine its 2.75km intrusion-related target in the winds.

As gold prices soared so did TechGens market cap, flying up a staggering 165 per cent to a high of 5.3c on $4.5 million in stock traded.

The mineralised hotspot is known for structural complexity and rich deposits. Notable projects include IGOs Halls Creek copper-zinc revival.

Should Blue Devils high-grade surface results and undrilled status position it as a major greenfields discovery in the surging red and yellow metal sectors, the rare greenfields discovery would be accompanied with a rare share price jump for the ages??

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
An Antarctic blast has swept across NSW and Victoria, blanketing Oberon and Orange in snow just before the start of spring.

The snow was triggered by polar winds that crossed into South Australia on Friday. The winds dumped up to 77 centimetres of snow onto alpine ski resorts before reaching areas as low as 700 metres on Saturday.

Tents, cars and paddocks were covered on Shooters Hill and Mount Trickett near Oberon. The Blue Mountains got a light dusting at Mount Victoria at sunrise.

The snow-covered ridgeline of the Brindabellas framed Canberra on Friday as temperatures fell to minus 6 overnight.
After her mother took years to conceive, Jessica Scard worried she and her fiance may also face challenges having a baby when they were ready.

So the 30-year-old Sydney speech pathologist visited her GP, who advised her to get an AMH test.

Also known as the egg count or ovarian reserve test, the AMH test measures the level of anti-Mullerian hormone in the blood to estimate the number of eggs in a womans ovaries.

Dr Devora Lieberman says it is misleading to call an AMH test a fertility predictor, and is left to counsel patients like Jessica Scard when they receive a low result. Credit: Peter Rae

Scards initial level was 20, within the average range for her age. But, three months later, a routine follow-up test showed it had dropped to nine. She became convinced her next step would be to start IVF.
Sydney councils are fighting for control of their own housing densities, developing alternative approaches as they unanimously reject state government-imposed zoning changes.

The state governments transport-oriented development (TOD) precincts have forced councils to the table on housing by delivering an ultimatum  either accept a blanket rezoning from the state government, or come up with your own plan to deliver just as many homes.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne wants council to fast track DA assessments. Credit: Dean Sewell

Every NSW council with a TOD precinct has developed bespoke plans except for Newcastle, which chose to accept the governments plan.

In a Sydney first, Inner West Council has adopted its own version of the governments Housing Delivery Authority (HDA). While the HDA can declare projects as state significant, the councils version aims to make the councils executives personally responsible for speeding up development applications.
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 I was most alarmed to read that at least two Sydney councils are intending to build more synthetic playing fields (Wet weather reignites sports turf wars, August 24). How is this happening with all we now know about microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment? There is a strong need for regulation in this area. This is why we urgently need the long-overdue government response to the report recommendations from the governments own inquiry into plastic pollution in oceans and waterways. Jill Robinson, Randwick Holroyd Rangers players Mahalia and Rhyder Hall at the soaked Guildford field. Credit: Janie Barrett According to Ryde Council, synthetic turf fields are reliable and accessible. Prophetically so true. You can rely on them to shed rubber and plastic fragments into any accessible waterway. The worlds oceans, marine life, the air we breathe and the water we drink are groaning under increasing presence of these contaminates. Come on, sport, lets not add to this plastic penalty were passing on to future players. Steve Dillon, Thirroul Trying to fix the problem of soggy playing fields with synthetic turf is just a Band-Aid solution on a larger scale. The heat and plastic pollution, along with run-off and other environmental effects, will only land us in more trouble of different sorts in the long term. Frustrating as it is, rain is a fact of life that we couldnt live without. When it comes in lengthy stretches its best to stay inside and find something creative to do while we wait it out. Meredith Williams, Baulkham Hills One extraordinarily wet winters month and people are demanding more synthetic fields. I cant wait until we have a very hot summer and the same whining parents will be demanding more grass fields because the synthetic ones are too hot for their precious children. Heres an idea; if sport is washed out, go home and read a book. Peter Miniutti, Ashbury Gary Feeney (Letters, August 24) and others in the eastern states may be interested to learn that single-use plastic-lined coffee cups and plastic lids have been banned in Western Australia for over a year. Lesley Walker, Northcote (Vic)

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NDIS struggles Thank you, Kate Kricker, for sharing your story, a personal insight into a system designed with a view to encompass a broad and highly diverse cohort, yet one clearly riddled with inequality (NDIS with autistic boys has been a nightmare, August 24). The experience you shared around the onus being on the parents to access specialist support is mirrored by countless others. If the minister and his advisers took the time to engage with recipients to hear their stories, it would go a long way to improving the delivery of critical professional support, regardless of post code and social status. Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook Autistic children are to be moved off the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Playing with fire I agree with your editorial: input from emergency services is very important when housing is planned (Input from emergency services is most important when housing is planned, August 24). Our place in a bushfire-prone region suddenly had a house spring up in the bush next door, above a steep-sided gully prone to updraught flames. Oddly, the owners rang Fire and Rescue NSW to try and force us to clear-fell our block (didnt have to), but the firemen asked what fool had approved the new house because it was in a fire zone and they had not been consulted. When the local council was rung, the responder checked and agreed that no planning permission had been granted. Within a few hours, a call to us claimed that planning permission had been given to this person, who had close business with the council. Nothing like retrospective approval. Donald Hawes, Peel What is the point in allowing development in flood- and bushfire-prone areas if the housing ends up destroyed and creates more housing crises? (How new planning rules could stop emergency services blocking housing, August 24). Has the government learnt nothing from the 1994 Sydney bushfires, the 2013 state mines bushfires or the 2022 Northern Rivers floods, the last of which contributed significantly to the current housing crisis in that area? Gina Hay, Bayview

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A heavy police presence is expected in Brisbane on Sunday when the so-called March for Australia anti-immigration rally winds through the city streets.

The rallies across Australia, organised by far-right nationalists and promoted by neo-Nazis, have been widely condemned, with members of Queenslands Indian community urged to stay home for fear of violent attacks.

But they have also gained traction among right-wing politicians including federal MP Bob Katter, who was promoting the event when he appeared to threaten a journalist with violence for raising his Lebanese heritage on Thursday.

A Reclaim Australia rally held in Brisbane in 2015. Similar scenes are expected on Sunday. Credit: Photographic

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie defended the March for Australia movements right to protest, which he said every Queenslander enjoyed, but urged for calm.
The wife of alleged Porepunkah gunman Dezi Freeman has urged her husband to surrender and anyone harbouring him to come forward to the police.

In a statement to the media via her lawyer on Sunday, Amalia Freeman, or Mali, expressed her deep sorrow at the deaths of two policemen allegedly killed by her husband on Tuesday.

Mali Freeman with her three children with Dezi Freeman, taken in 2022

On behalf of my children and myself, I wish to share our deep sorrow for the loss of the lives of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart on 26 August 2025, the 42-year-old, who has three children with Freeman, said in the statement.

We are truly sorry for your loss, and the suffering and grief that the families, friends and colleagues of Detective Leading Senior Constable Thompson and Senior Constable De Waart are now experiencing. My children and I grieve for the loss of your loved ones.
On the afternoon of August 30, President Xi Jinping met with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the Tianjin Guest House, who was in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025.

President Xi noted that the founding of the United Nations was the most important decision made by the international community at the end of the Second World War. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. History teaches that multilateralism, solidarity and cooperation are the right way to address global challenges. We should rededicate ourselves to the founding mission of the U.N., reaffirm our commitment to the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, and enable the U.N. to respond to the changing situation with enhanced authority and vitality, so that it will remain the premier platform for coordinating actions among countries and responding to common challenges. As a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, China always stands firmly on the right side of history and practices true multilateralism. China will always be a trustworthy partner of the U.N. China will deepen cooperation with the organization, support its central role in international affairs, and work with the U.N. to shoulder responsibility for safeguarding world peace and promoting development and prosperity.

President Xi stressed that amidst the once-in-a-century transformations, China is a source of stability and certainty. We will continue to create new opportunities for the world through Chinas new development and work with other countries to create a better future through the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Secretary General Guterres expressed his gratitude for Chinas strong and solid support to the U.N. He noted that at a time when multilateralism, international law and the authority of the United Nations are being challenged, and the international governance architecture is in urgent need of reform, it is all the more important to recall the founding mission and values that led to the creation of the U.N. 80 years ago. China has made significant contributions to safeguarding international law and ensuring international rule of law, and has been a cornerstone of multilateralism. The U.N. will strengthen cooperation with China to uphold the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, defend the basic norms of international relations, advance a multipolar world, enhance the representation of developing countries, and enable the U.N. to play a greater role in international affairs. The two sides need to strengthen cooperation in areas such as the reform of the global governance system, artificial intelligence, and climate response, so as to better serve the wellbeing of humanity.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Chen Miner, among others, were present at the meeting.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size In this special series, The Age focuses on Melbournes western suburbs to see how life could improve in Australias fastest-growing region. See all 37 stories . Voters in Melbournes fast-growing west feel taken for granted by Labor. From perpetually congested roads and fears of rising youth crime to a sense of being overlooked for major infrastructure  a feeling crystallised by the $35 billion Suburban Rail Loop soon to be tunnelled through the east  the grievances are clear. The region is home to a large proportion of small business owners and has pockets of high religiosity and social conservatism  all factors that should make the Liberals competitive. Yet the Liberal Party appears no closer to breaking the red wall. The Werribee byelection in February, sparked by former treasurer Tim Pallas retirement, was seen as the Liberals greatest chance. Federal Labor was on the nose and Premier Jacinta Allans popularity at record lows, but the Liberals fell just short. While Labors primary vote crashed by more than 16 per cent, the Liberals picked up a modest 3.7 per cent. The remainder of the protest vote was dispersed among independents and minor parties, highlighting the fundamental challenge the Liberals face in winning over disaffected generational Labor voters. And while every western suburbs seat swung against Labor at the 2022 state election, margins in most remain large, and there were few substantial primary vote swings to the Liberals. The most marginal seat, Melton, showed signs of stabilising for Labor.

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A missed opportunity Pollster Kos Samaras, a former ALP campaign manager, said voters in the outer western suburbs were young, very diverse, highly mortgage-stressed and open to alternatives. So, they have low levels of loyalty to Labor, but they dislike the Liberal Party even more, he said. Samaras believes the Werribee byelection was the Liberals moment, and they would now probably focus on more traditionally winnable seats in Melbournes east. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan with John Lister, who won the Werribee byelection in February. Labors primary vote crashed more than 16 per cent. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui He said he saw no prospect of a Liberal win in the west, but believed a well-known local independent could win a seat. Over coming months, The Age is strengthening its focus on Melbournes booming west with a special series examining the positives and challenges for the region. In October, our reporters will moderate a West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliances (WoMEDA) summit to discuss a vision for the western suburbs success. The alliance of university, industry, community and local government experts works to unlock the wests economic potential.

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Werribee independent candidate Paul Hopper, who secured 14.6 per cent of the primary vote in the byelection to finish third, said voters were desperate for an alternative but were not ready to vote Liberal. The partys high-profile internal wars, including the ongoing legal saga between Western Metropolitan MP Moira Deeming and former leader John Pesutto, had led voters to believe it was not fit to govern, he said. Paul Hopper is now part of The West Party, which he says will stay in the sensible centre of politics. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui They spent a lot of time and money on legal cases as opposed to trying to win the hearts and minds of local people, Hopper said. Politicians should be busy working for us. Hopper is now part of a new group called The West Party, which he said would remain in the sensible centre of politics. He said voters wanted a local member focused on issues such as family, roads, public health and safety. People out here have absolutely had a gutful of the crime from teenagers, Hopper said. But the big gap ... is in support and wraparound services for young kids who are at the early stages of heading down the wrong path. The Liberals maintain Hoppers decision not to do a preference deal was the reason they lost the byelection. But Hopper, who said most of his voters were former Labor supporters, plans to do the same next year.

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Loading How to win the west Despite the pollsters doubts, Liberals see a pathway to victory in the outer west, and will target the western suburbs seats of Melton, Point Cook, Werribee, Tarneit, St Albans and Sunbury, as well as Niddrie and Sydenham in the north-west. Former Liberal Point Cook candidate Angela Newhouse, who went on to campaign for Reform UKs Nigel Farage in 2024, said the Liberals could win the seat at the next state election if they learnt from the mistakes of 2022. She said shadow ministers had secured $950 million in election promises, including a duplication of Point Cook Road, a new hospital and a new school. The fly-in, like his Labor predecessors, took the seat for granted and didnt match any of our promises, Newhouse said. Liberal Party HQ duly obliged by running a pathetic anti-Dan [former premier Daniel Andrews] campaign. Instead of giving me the resources to bombard every letterbox in the seat, they gave me 2500 pamphlets to hand out while doorknocking in Werribee South. We won Werribee South, of course, while the other two suburbs stayed red.

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Loading All the Liberal Party has to do to win Point Cook next year is to replicate the promises of 2022 and to shout about it, instead of keeping it top-secret. Senior Labor sources, not authorised to speak publicly, acknowledged that current MPs were working harder than ever. Its not like the old-school days when [former MP] Tim Pallas could never turn up to Werribee and expect to win, one senior party figure said. Melton MP Steve McGhie said he believed Labor had delivered for the area, pointing to new schools and the long-awaited new hospital being built. The big risk for us in 2018 was definitely an independent. I just bank on our game plan and delivering for community, he said. In Tarneit, former Liberal candidate Preet Singh said young families concerned about lack of infrastructure dominated the electorate.

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Camouflaged specialist police searched farmland and pine plantations in Victorias High Country for accused double murderer Dezi Freeman on day five of one of the biggest manhunts in state history.

Special Operations Group officers were spotted just off Buckland Valley Road  a few kilometres south of Porepunkah  shortly after midday on Saturday. But this small expedition did not appear to find anything immediately.

Special Operations Police search near pine plantation south of Porepunkah on Saturday afternoon. Credit: Justin McManus

As wild weather buffeted much of the state, more than 450 police in the alpine region have enjoyed sunnier and clearer skies than on Friday, when authorities revealed Freemans wife and son had been questioned about Tuesdays shooting deaths of officers Neal Thompson and Vadim De Waart.

Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said on Friday that more than 450 police were now in the search zone while the alleged gunman remained at large in rugged and remote terrain.
The trial begins on December 1, and the musician says he has raised more than $100,000 to put towards his legal fees. On its website, Jewish Artists for Palestine said its members were angry that the MSO had accepted principal funding from the Gandel Foundation, which it described as vocal supporters of the genocide in Gaza, and long-time associates of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There is no suggestion that the allegation is true, only that it has been made by the Jewish Artists for Palestine group. The Gandel Foundation has also been in the sights of Melbournes pro-Palestine protesters, who rallied outside the National Gallery of Victoria in late July in protest against the gallery receiving the familys financial backing. On July 27, pro-Palestine protesters marched on the gallery, sending it into lockdown, writing on the gallery wall slogans such as NGV funded by Zionists, and holding banners which said, NGV, you cant hide, youre supporting genocide.

Loading On Saturday, the foundation had no comment to make on the MSO incident, though earlier this month it told this masthead it would not be deterred from its support of the NGV. Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said the fresh attack on the Gandels was no different to what we saw at the NGV, a targeted campaign against a Jewish family. Lets be clear: When a Jewish family is singled out in this way, it can only be described as one thing  antisemitism. Explicit, unmistakable antisemitism, regardless of the label this anonymous group chooses for itself. After the NGV protest, Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the actions extremist and antisemitic, saying the demonstrators were shameful and that she supported the Gandel family.

Loading Polish immigrants Sam and Faye Gandel founded the Sussan womens fashion chain. Their son, John Gandel, became the billionaire co-owner of Chadstone shopping centre. John Gandel is married to Pauline Gandel, who was honoured with a Companion of the Order of Australia for her community work. The Gandel family has donated more than $150 million over the years to various institutions and causes, including $2 million to the Melbourne Museum, $2 million to the State Library of Victoria and $2 million to the NGV for the Pauline Gandel Gallery of Japanese Art. The family are long-standing supporters of Israel. The Gandel Foundation funds the Birthright program, which is managed by the Zionist Federation of Australia and provides free tours of Israel, Jerusalem and the occupied Golan Heights for young Jewish adults from around the world. In the immediate aftermath of Hamas October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, when about 1200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage, John Gandel told The Australian Financial Review that Israel had to go all out in response. Theres sort of no choice. If they dont go all out, it means they withdraw. They cant do it gently, he said.

In the two years since, at least 60,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza, which is now in the grip of starvation, prompting a humanitarian outcry and leading some countries to move towards recognising a Palestinian state. Gandel has made no further public remarks about the conflict. Days after the initial Gillham incident last year, MSO musicians sent a vote of no confidence to the board, requesting the removal of Galaise and chief operating officer Guy Ross, and asking for an independent review of what had happened. Pianist Jayson Gillham and former MSO managing director Sophie Galaise. Galaise was sacked weeks later, a decision she described as unfair. Last November, she reached her own settlement with the MSO. She had lodged a Fair Work complaint after being sacked for her handling of the Gillham affair. No details of the settlement were provided. In a statement on Saturday night, the MSO said: We are proud of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for the resilience and professionalism demonstrated in its performance in London.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was making its first visit to the BBC Proms under Chief Conductor Jaime Martin, with a sold-out performance at Royal Albert Hall. The London performance was the culmination of the MSOs successful tour of Europe. We are proud of our musicians for delivering a world-class performance at one of the worlds great music venues. In a statement to its newsroom on Friday, the BBC said: We are sorry about the disruption to our coverage of the BBC Proms on Radio 3 tonight. There was a disturbance at tonights Prom which meant the concert was paused for a few minutes and the live broadcast on BBC Radio 3 diverted to prerecorded music. The incident was dealt with swiftly by the Royal Albert Hall.
I would say more and more were moving to more pedestrianised town centres because cars dont spend money, its people. The precinct received a $200,000 state government grant less than three years ago, and Stockland also chipped in significant funding. But Stockland said public interest in the park had dwindled over time, and reopening the road would improve conditions for traders. As is the nature of temporary activations, after eight years, the community and customers are no longer engaging with the space with minimal everyday use and participation in special events [is] declining, a company spokesperson said.

A decision by council to reinstate the road would improve trading conditions for local small businesses and still enable temporary activations of the road. Loading The Age spent an hour at the pop-up park on a cool but sunny afternoon this week, speaking with passersby and restaurant owners. Mostly empty at first, the parks brightly coloured seats and tables soon filled with workers eating lunch and gaggles of senior secondary students. Most expressed a preference for keeping the street in its current form. I love it, I come here and sit for lunch every day when the sun is out, said Bianca Schache, a worker who took a seat to eat her reheated lunch.

Ashok Bibra said the pop-up park brought the vibe into the area, and that reopening the road would be a disaster. Point Cook is a multicultural place and this is the heart of Point Cook, so I would suggest to whoever is making this decision, theyre going to kill this multiculturalism, Bibra said. Andy Wildey, who described himself as probably the only middle-aged white guy in Point Cook, said the precinct had succeeded in knitting together people from many ethnic backgrounds. It just makes a community. I can imagine it would just fill up with Uber drivers doing pick-ups and drop-offs and just being a horrible, very busy little bit of road, he said of the proposed reopening. A restaurateur who didnt want to be named for fear of backlash disagreed, saying the pop-up park was usually empty in cooler weather and did not bring in customers. If anything, it cost them trade because it prevented passing motorists from driving past, the restaurateur argued.

Loading Resident Josip Kutlesa also said the street would be more useful if reopened to cars, as it would alleviate traffic congestion. This is not used enough. I dont see the purpose of it being closed, he said. The pop-up park was piloted in 2018, inspired by the successful pedestrianisation of Ballarat Street in Yarraville, and was originally designed as a temporary move, but was maintained as public open space during the COVID years. Events at the Point Cook park have been managed by CoLocal since 2018, but the not-for-profit group has chosen to step away.

CoLocal founder Sara Mitchell said Stocklands statement that the precinct is minimally used was incredibly disingenuous. Its the polar opposite to what we know from what were measuring and on our lived experience, Mitchell said. According to CoLocal, the SpringFest and Kaleidoscope major events at the park together drew between 37,000 and 39,000 visitors. Diwali celebrations attracted large crowds at the pop-up park last year. Credit: David Mullins CoLocal found an ally in federal parliament this week, when Labor MP Tim Watts, whose seat of Gellibrand covers most of Point Cook, urged locals to speak up.

Loading Stockland has indicated its preference to wind up the park and reopen the road it currently occupies. As a community, we can help ensure this doesnt happen, Watts told parliament. Local governments are increasingly interested in finding ways to reclaim public space from cars, often by building temporary pop-up parks that evolve into permanent spaces, said Professor Kim Dovey, chair of architecture and urban design at the University of Melbourne. As Melbourne becomes denser and apartment living increases, it will become critical to create new open spaces in established suburbs, including by reclaiming road space, Dovey said. Theres huge amounts of our public street network that cars can go around, and then as we get better at weaning ourselves off car dependency, lots of that space can come back into public use, he said.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size It was the needle in a haystack search through WAs outback that captivated the nation  and the world. And, years after a tiny radioactive capsule of caesium-137 bounced off the back of a truck en route from Newman to Perth, interest in the uniquely West Australian story remains high. The search for the missing radioactive capsule in WA in 2023. Credit: DFES Darryl Ray discovered that this week, when he was set to take to the stage at the AFAC25 conference at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Pilbara superintendent for WAs Department of Fire and Emergency Services was giving a speech on the search for the capsule in January 2023, which he spearheaded at the time. The topic was popular back then, and its just as popular and as interesting for others now, Ray said. The room was quite full, it was standing room only, and they had to close the doors to stop people coming in. The interest was that high.

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The overarching story has been told plenty of times already: a truck travelling from Rio Tintos Gudai-Darri mine near Newman was carrying a specialised mining gauge to Perth. However, days after the truck reached its destination in mid-late January, it was discovered the gauge had partially disassembled and the 8 millimetre by 6 millimetre radioactive capsule had made its way out of the container. That meant it was lying somewhere on the side of more than 1400 kilometres of road, stretching from the Perth metropolitan area up to the remote Pilbara. It led to one of the more bizarre HAZMAT warnings DFES has issued in its time, as well as a massive search, with persistent fears the capsule  which was smaller than a 10c coin  may have been picked up by accident, in the tread of a car tyre, for example. The capsule was eventually found about 74 kilometres south of Newman, with cutting-edge technology and a team from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation playing a crucial role in the discovery. Darryl Ray, left, during the search for the tiny capsule. Credit: DFES Ray was speaking at Australasias biggest emergency management event this week to detail the strategies and challenges in the hunt for the capsule, as well as the lessons other countries could take from the ultimately successful ordeal.

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Speaking to this masthead on the sidelines of the event, he said one of the biggest challenges was blocking out the noise to focus on the task at hand. There was constant distractions over, this thing is not supposed to fall apart, this things not supposed to fall off the back of a truck, as you can imagine, he said. I was the on-call incident controller for any major incident on that day when the job came through, so you kind of prepare yourself for that, and our normal command, control and co-ordination models just fit into any incident type. It was those models which allowed the team to keep a cool head, even while the headlines started to flow through, and the news even hit the late-night talk shows in the US. The biggest difference between this being a HAZMAT and a normal HAZMAT was we didnt know where the product was, Ray said. Normally in a HAZMAT we would get told theres a spill or somethings leaking, or something like that, at an address, and we would arrive at the address and then put in our processes this place. This time, we just didnt know the address, so it had the added complexities of having a search.

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The tiny radioactive capsule when it was discovered in 2023. Credit: WA Radiological Council And there was a lot of external complexities that were distracting at times, with the media, with ministers and Parliament and pressure from the public and doubt over even if it did happen at all, and how could this have happened? But one of the key lessons is actually just focus on the task, keep it simple and put the white noise aside. There has naturally been a lot of interest from other countries emergency services on how DFES tracked the capsule down so quickly  it was recovered on February 1, 2023, after being reported missing on January 25, having likely fallen off the truck about a week earlier  as well as how the organisation managed the vast distances involved. Ray said European countries especially had been interested in the processes the team put in place, and what could be taken away from the search. I mean, youre going to cross four or five different countries by the time they travel 1400 kilometers in parts of Europe, he said. The sharings that we that we had with them was quite a simple sort of process, believe it or not, of just our normal structures that you would have an incident in; having the right people with the right equipment, and then right know-how in the right roles is, was a key thing to it as well.

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In the aftermath, Rio Tintos then-iron ore chief executive Simon Trott apologised and offered to cover the costs of the search, while the WA Radiological Council led an investigation which concluded with no charges laid or fines issued. However, the type of gauge at the centre of the debacle was soon banned from use in WA. Ray said in all his retellings of the story, there was always one question that came his way  and it wasnt one he could answer. A lot of people wanted to know, you know, how it fell off the truck, he said. Loading You know, quite frankly, as the incident controller of the search, that that didnt matter. However, a presentation to the Australasian Radiation Protection Society conference in June 2023 from Rio Tintos chief advisor of radiological governance did shine some light on the cause of the search. Frank Harris reported vibration during the journey had loosed bolts on the gauge, which led to them coming undone.

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Companies that shrink product sizes to boost profit margins could be required to expose themselves to customers, and face fines for non-compliance, as the federal government moves to crack down on grocery pricing.

Labor will begin consultations with industry and consumer groups on Monday to consider strengthening pricing rules following the Australian Competition and Consumer Commissions (ACCC) supermarket inquiry which found Australias supermarkets were some of the most profitable in the world.

Unit pricing would be displayed more prominently on the shelves to inform customer choice. Credit: iStock

Assistant Minister for Productivity and Competition Andrew Leigh said shrinkflation, where a companys product decreases in size with no change to its price, had become pervasive across brands and products, and Australians were frustrated.

Every time I speak to constituents about this or do media about it, Im flooded with examples of where people feel as though theyre getting ripped off by retailers, he said.
Loading Fitz: You mentioned in your first speech, what I bring to this parliament is the experience of young people today. The young Australians arent a side issue. Were a future issue. Were Australians now. Do you feel like your key constituency is the youth of today? Do you feel like youre speaking for that younger demographic? CW: Im a senator for South Australia. Ultimately, I am looking to represent all South Australians, but obviously Ive got this clear connection to young people, even if I dont think all young people share my exact views. But certainly, in everything I do, I try and make sure that people know what young people are thinking on that issue. Fitz: And yet, I noted on X a clip of Pauline Hansons offsider broadly saying, What would a 21-year-old dickhead like her know about anything? What is your answer to those critics who say you havent had enough life experience to know which way is up, let alone what is what, and most particularly what the government should do on any particular policy? CW: Weve got a parliament that has such a wide range of people  people who have worked in politics, the law, in construction, in health, who have done a whole variety of things  and all of those experiences inform and benefit our government. So Im just bringing my perspective and my experience as a young person. For too long, young people have been written off as potential parliamentarians. And I think thats really unfair. I think the perspective that I bring is important.

Fitz: You said that homeownership, in terms of youth, is increasingly out-of-reach, a dream once seen as an expected milestone of adulthood is now something many of us feel we may never achieve. What do you propose to make homeownership more reachable? New SA senator Charlotte Walker signs the caucus book alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a Labor caucus meeting. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer CW: Have a look at what policy the governments got at the moment on housing, with its two parts. Theres the issue of supply, and thats closely intertwined with costs which we have to try to lower, and the issue of having enough to make a deposit. And youll probably be aware that the governments just put forward their 5 per cent deposit scheme, which I think is genuinely exciting  to allow first home buyers to put in just a 5 per cent deposit instead of 20 per cent, with the government guaranteeing the rest. I know there are a lot of young people who can afford to service a mortgage but cant manage to save up the deposit, so thats going to be massive. Fitz: You also said: The uncomfortable truth is that we live in a wealthy country, but that wealth is not being evenly shared between generations. That is obviously true, but how do you correct that? What do you say to Jim Chalmers, and in fact do you talk to the treasurer? CW: Yes, weve got a really great caucus and cabinet, and theyre really accessible. Im not going to talk about specific conversations, but theyre really responsive and keen to engage. And its not always a matter of going and saying, Ive got this opinion, Ive got this view. The ministers will come and reach out to you and ask for your perspective. As to intergenerational issues that were seeing at the moment, its just about making sure that were keeping young people in mind when were thinking about housing and jobs and the economy into the future.

Fitz: Specifically, though, would you be in favour of ... say, an inheritance tax, to help restore some kind of balance? CW: Were certainly not considering anything like that. The policies we took to the election  tax cuts, housing, building more homes, the 5 per cent deposit that has just been brought forward to October 1  theyre all around intergenerational equality. There isnt a single policy that is going to solve that issue, but our policies are a step towards, as you say, restoring some kind of balance. Fitz: Do you have a big idea about how generational wealth can be more effectively passed on to younger generations? CW: I dont think that theres a one-idea solution. I think its going to take a range of measures. Fitz: On the subject of climate change, you say to the denialists, in 2050 I wont be in my late 90s, like some who want to abandon net zero. My friends and I will be in our 40s, and we demand an inhabitable planet. Thats got shades of Greta Thunberg, another outspoken young woman. Do you admire her?

CW: I admire her advocacy, and this goes for all young people who are advocates. You know, when youve got an opinion such as hers  in a time where we know weve got people who dont believe in climate change and dont believe that the oceans are warming  you cop a lot of hate for getting up and saying what the truth is. So I think her advocacy is brave, and admirable. Loading Fitz: On the subject of that criticism, you say: Internet trolls wont stop me from demanding that we act. Do the attacks by those sad sacks ever get under your skin? CW: It doesnt. Ive got staff who look after that for me and keep me informed on what people are saying. Obviously, a lot of its not particularly kind, so I elect not to look at a lot of it directly  but I have staff who monitor it to keep me informed  because if you listen to the negativity and dont escape from it, it can get you down. So Ive got barriers in place to ensure that doesnt happen, and Ive also got a great support network. Fitz: Do you ever find, now that youre a senator, that you have to temper what you say because of the scrutiny youre under, and that it might not only cause backlash to you, but to the party you represent?

CW: I dont think so. Something that I will admit, though  as I grew up in the country, and I also worked in the union movement  is that like a lot of Australians, I do swear, so when Im in the chamber and doing media interviews, Im certainly keeping an eye on my language in that regard. Fitz: All right, well, if youre free to say exactly what you think, bar swearing, heres the question: Is Donald Trump barking mad and a danger to shipping? CW: No, look, the relationship between Australia and the United States is really, genuinely important. Weve had a great relationship, and I think what were wanting to ensure is for it to continue ... Fitz: Respectfully, senator, that doesnt answer that question. Do you view Donald Trump as a very dangerous world leader? CW: Hes the democratically elected President of the United States. I dont think its appropriate for me to do a character assessment on world leaders. Hes democratically elected, and we continue to work closely with the United States.
Inner-city resident Dan McNamara wants to buy his first home. But his search for an apartment has become more urgent as the federal governments expanded plan to help people with their property purchase is set to make the Sydney market even more competitive.

Id prefer to go in and have more competition and at least say that I tried, rather than wait and see where the market goes because obviously the market in Sydney especially, is so volatile, said McNamara, a young professional.

Dan McNamara is renting in Chippendale, but will look further afield for his first home purchase. Credit: Edwina Pickles

I dont want to just sit on the sidelines while all this movements happening and then find that Im out of the race because I just waited for too long.

Like other hopeful buyers, McNamara plans to use the First Home Guarantee. From October, first home buyers on any income will be able to use the scheme and purchase with a 5 per cent deposit up to an expanded property price cap of $1.5 million. There are no limits on spots in the scheme.
Sherry denied he was riding his horse vigorously and he shifted in only very slightly. Raging Force later raced up front in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) and held out Wodeton by one and a half lengths. However, winning jockey Tommy Berry was suspended for six meetings  September 7-20  for careless riding when shifting late on Wodeton and McDonald, checking their run. McDonald viewed footage before deciding the margin was too great to bother lodging a protest. Tom Sherry looks back after the win of Grand Prairie. Credit: Getty Images The incidents took the focus from the winners, which Snowden said could clash in the Golden Rose (1400m) on September 27 at Rosehill. It was my intention if Grand Prairie won and won well, I would definitely consider that or the Ming Dynasty, but Ill suss it all out and see how they settle, Snowden said.

Raging Force will definitely go to the Run To The Rose and if he runs well in that, I wouldnt hesitate. If hes strong late, I wouldnt hesitate. He was a little bit fresh. Only the one trial. But hes got good fitness in him. Hes an athlete. He might be all right. Tommy Berry takes Raging Force to victory in the San Domenico Stakes. Credit: Getty Images There were some A-graders there today. There was a Blue Diamond winner, the second in the Golden Slipper, and hes a beautiful horse too, the second horse, so Im happy. I wont swap mine either. Snowden was impressed with Grand Prairies strength to overcome the rough run and surge to victory over Fermoy.

I think today he settled very, very good, said Snowden, who took the winkers off Grand Prairie. He never pulled at all and he had a full load of steam up in the straight. Theres a bit of controversy about it all, and its just sad to win a race like that, but that didnt surprise me to win at all. Thats how hes been working out. Tommy [Sherry] was laying in on that horse and that takes a lot out of your own horse, doing that. And then when he had the strength to get up, and the horse was coming to the outside, it was going to go straight past him. He picked up and pulled out again. Grima takes another step Tamworth apprentice Siena Grima said it was still baby steps in her push to gain a loan stint in Sydney after riding her first Saturday city winner on Saturday at Rosehill.

The 22-year-old former rodeo rider went one better aboard Chris Waller-trained Travolta, winning the 2000m benchmark 78 handicap with a patient ride and flashing finish. Grima won with Tazima, in her first ride for Waller, at a midweek meeting on August 13, but then she was narrowly beaten in a great battle with stablemate Amusing and top jockey James McDonald. Siena Grima after winning with Travolta. Credit: Getty Images Indentured to Mel OGorman at Tamworth, Grima was keen to turn the success, and continuing support from Waller, into a loan stint in town. Its just sort of baby steps with them and seeing what they are happy doing, and I will just keep going with that, Grima said.

Grima was stuck three wide early but eventually found a spot near the back of the field before Travolta came down the outside to overhaul Shes Unusual and Tazima. Waller assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said five-year-old Travolta might back up into the Wyong Cup on Friday. Duckworth said Saltcoats, Tajanis and Hutchence may join him in the race. Mare on the rise for Thompson John Thompson was looking to the Matriarch Stakes as a potential target for Starphistocated after she delivered an omen win for the Randwick trainer and jockey Andrew Adkins in the Midway Handicap (1800m). The four-year-old Churchill mare enjoyed a rails run behind the leader before scoring a one and three-quarter lengths win from Sunset Park on Adkins 28th birthday. It gave her two victories and three placings in six starts since coming from Anthony Cummings.

Thompson worked under Cummings legendary father, Bart, for eight years, and Saturday was the 10-year anniversary of the cup kings death. He taught me most that I know, and theres a lot of Bart in this horse, Thompson said. She came to me like a skeleton and its very hard to put weight on horses during a prep, but shes done really well. Something like a Matriarch Stakes down the track, I think she could get to that level. Denim keen to keep building

Wyong trainer Denim Wynen was open to taking on more horses after Sunshine Law continued her dream run at Rosehill. Loading Sunshine Law gave the 29-year-old her first city winner on August 2 at Rosehill on heavy ground over 1400m, and the former Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained mare repeated the dose on a soft 5 over 1500m in the same grade on Saturday, holding off Kingston Charm narrowly. In between, Monkhana gave Wynen another Rosehill win to have her small stable flying. Wyong apprentice Anna Roper rode all three. Ive got six in work, and two main owners, and theyve provided me with the goods, but Im always open to new owners, Wynen said. Im grateful for the ones Ive got, but Ive got room for more, and you never knock them back.
London: An assassin has gunned down a prominent Ukrainian legislator on a suburban street in Lviv, sparking a search for the killer amid growing concern at Russian moves to intensify the war.

Andriy Parubiy. Credit: AP

Authorities launched a murder investigation for the killer of Andriy Parubiy who died instantly after being shot eight times on Saturday morning (Sunday AEST).

Political leaders praised Parubiy, a former speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, as a leader of the national protests against Russian influence in 2014.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the killing a horrendous murder and said all necessary means were being put into the investigation.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The local RISE Foundation and the US-based The Nick Singh Foundation joined to bring project-based learning and arts-based sessions, including dance and movement, to more than 225 children across Sint Maarten. The collaboration, which began earlier this year, focused on pooling resources and skills to serve the islands youth better.

To start the school year on a positive note, the sessions were offered free of charge to four institutions: ACE Foundation, Oranje School, Leonald Connor School, and 721 Kids Foundation. Together, over 225 children benefited from a fun and engaging start to the academic year.

Students participated in a range of activities designed to inspire both critical thinking and creative expression. Brandon Street and Lilly Barkes of Listen to Our Future led a dynamic project-based learning session where students identified issues affecting their communities, from racism and bullying to sexual assault and community violence, and worked together to brainstorm and present solutions. Meanwhile, Tiffany Castillo of TM Talent NY facilitated a high-energy dance and movement program infused with positive affirmations and teamwork. The session left children filled with joy, laughter, while also strengthening their focus, coordination, and confidence.

Students were also treated to refreshments thanks to community support. Carl & Sons baked and donated more than 200 raisin buns, while Kams Trading provided juices, thoughtful touches that made the sessions feel extra celebratory. In addition, The Nick Singh Foundation brought supplies from the United States, which were used to create 10 teacher resource boxes. These were distributed across the four organizations to support Cycle 1 classrooms, providing extra materials to strengthen day-to-day teaching and learning.

The success of the initiative was also made possible through strong local partnerships. Paradise Inn generously provided accommodation for the visiting volunteers, while Motorworld supported transportation needs with a donated vehicle. Pollos Hermanos treated the volunteers and RISE team to a well-earned meal during one of the full activity days. And Dr. Soc and Island 92 not only amplified the back-to-school drive on their media platform, but also offered behind-the-scenes encouragement and intangible support that helped make the project a success.

This collaboration showcases the boundless opportunities that exist when NGOs unite with the same heart for youth and community. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to expand our impact together, said the RISE Foundation team.

Nick Singh, Founder of The Nick Singh Foundation, added:

We are deeply grateful to the RISE Foundation for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful initiative, and to our generous sponsorsPollos Hermanos, Paradise Inn, Motorworld, and all the donorswho made this possible. Seeing the children light up with joy as they received their school supplies, danced with passion, and engaged in activities that encouraged positivity and critical thinking was truly unforgettable. These supplies ensure that students can enter the classroom without the burden of lacking resources, empowered to learn and thrive throughout the year. None of this would have been possible without our incredible volunteersBrandon, Emily, Lilly, Tiffany, and Anthonywhose dedication brought the vision to life. At The Nick Singh Foundation, we believe in the power of collaboration, and this project was a beautiful reminder that when communities, organizations, and individuals unite, we can create lasting change and bring joy where its needed most.

Chiaira Bowers, President of the RISE Foundation, added:

This was an opportunity for everyone to learn from each other and experience true camaraderie. Hearing the voices of our youth  their concerns, their ideas, their solutions  gives us fuel for future projects and opportunities to keep improving our island. And seeing the pure energy and excitement from the kids reminded us why this work matters so much.

As we close this drive, we now head into our year-long Elevate Youth and Family Program, the Fostering Elevation Program, and other youth-led and holiday projects in the coming months.

For more information and upcoming projects, follow RISE Foundation on Facebook at facebook.com/risesxm, call +1-721-584-7473, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thailand power vacuum will 'not affect' border security: defence ministry



Bangkok, Aug 30 (AFP) Aug 30, 2025



Thailand's lack of a formal government will not affect border security with Cambodia, the defence ministry said Saturday, as the kingdom scrambles to fill a power vacuum following the dismissal of the prime minister by the Constitutional Court.

The Southeast Asian nation was thrown into political turmoil on Friday when the court sacked prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over her handling of a border row with Cambodia, saying she had "not upheld the ethical code of conduct".

The ruling has left Thailand with an acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, and a caretaker cabinet which will stay on until a new government is formed as early as next week.

On Saturday morning the acting cabinet held a special meeting confirming the arrangement, with no new major announcements.

Deputy Defence Minister Natthapon Nakpanich said having an acting government would "not affect" the country's ability to safeguard its sovereignty amid a fragile ceasefire at the border with Cambodia.

"It's not a problem. The army chief has already assigned responsibilities to handle specific situations," he told reporters.



- Court ruling -



Paetongtarn, daughter of billionaire ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was suspended from office last month after being accused of failing to stand up for Thailand in a June call with powerful former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, which was leaked online.

In July, tensions between Thailand and Cambodia spiralled into the two sides' deadliest military clashes in decades, with more than 40 people killed and 300,000 forced to flee their homes along the border.

Thailand and Cambodia's leaders agreed to an "unconditional" ceasefire at the end of July, after five days of combat along their jungle-clad frontier.

A nine-judge panel in the Constitutional Court ruled by six to three on Friday that Paetongtarn had not upheld the ethical standards required of a prime minister and removed her from office.

The ruling, which also dissolved her cabinet, came a year after the same court ousted her predecessor as prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, in an unrelated ethics case.

Paetongtarn was the sixth prime minister from the political movement founded by her father to face judgment by the Constitutional Court.

Parliament will vote on a new prime minister perhaps as early as next week, but there is no obvious replacement for Paetongtarn waiting to take over.

Parties have been eager to meet and strategise ways to secure a majority vote in parliament for their own candidates.

Under the constitution, only candidates nominated for prime minister at the last general election in 2023 are eligible.

Four of those names are out of the running, three of whom are banned by court order and one whose party failed to get enough MPs elected to qualify.

The remaining four include Prayut Chan-O-Cha, an ex-general who led a 2014 coup and served as prime minister until 2023, and Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai party which was a former partner in Paetongtarn's coalition government.
Yemen's Huthis say PM killed in Israeli strike



Sanaa, Aug 30 (AFP) Aug 30, 2025



The prime minister of Yemen's Huthis was killed in an Israeli airstrike along with other officials earlier this week, the Iran-backed rebels announced on Saturday.

Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahawi, who was appointed last year, is the most senior official known to have been killed in a series of Israeli strikes during the war in Gaza.

"We announce the martyrdom of the fighter Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahawi... along with several of his ministerial colleagues, as they were targeted by the treacherous Israeli criminal enemy," a Huthi statement said.

"Others among their companions were injured with moderate to serious wounds and are receiving medical care since Thursday afternoon," it added.

The Israeli military struck in the area of Sanaa, the Huthi-held capital, on Thursday. The Huthis, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians, have frequently fired missiles and drones at Israel during the Gaza war.

Israeli forces "struck a Huthi terrorist regime military target", the Israeli military said at the time.

The Huthis have also targeted shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that they claim is linked to Israel during the Gaza war.

The rebel group controls large parts of Yemen, which has been gripped by war since 2014, and is part of Iran's anti-Israel alliance alongside militant groups across much of the Middle East.
Yemen's Huthis say PM killed in Israeli strike



Sanaa, Aug 30 (AFP) Aug 30, 2025



Yemen's Huthi rebels said Saturday their prime minister was killed in an Israeli air strike earlier this week, the most senior official known to have died in a series of attacks during the Gaza war.

The Iran-backed Huthis, who have launched repeated drone and missile attacks on Israel since the war erupted in October 2023, vowed to avenge the premier's death.

Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahawi, who was appointed last year, was killed along with other officials in the Israeli attack on Thursday, the rebels said.

Israel has been striking Huthi targets for months in response to the rebels' attacks, which they say are in support of the Palestinians in Gaza.

"We announce the martyrdom of the fighter Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahawi... along with several of his ministerial colleagues, as they were targeted by the treacherous Israeli criminal enemy," a Huthi statement said.

"Others among their companions were injured with moderate to serious wounds and are receiving medical care since Thursday afternoon," it added.

On Thursday, Israeli forces said they "struck a Huthi terrorist regime military target". Unsourced Yemeni media reports of Rahawi's death were not confirmed at the time.

The Huthis called the gathering that was hit "a routine workshop organised by the government to evaluate its activities and performance over the past year".

The head of the rebels' supreme political council, Mehdi al-Mashat, vowed to avenge the killing of the prime minister and his colleagues.

"We promise to God, to the dear Yemeni people and the families of the martyrs and wounded that we will take revenge," Mashat said in a video message posted on Telegram.

He warned foreign companies to leave Israel "before it's too late".

US-based Yemen analyst Mohammed Al Basha said the Israeli operation pointed to a change in strategy after previously targeting infrastructure such as ports and power stations.

"The strikes indicate a shift in Israeli operational focus away from transportation and energy infrastructure toward targeted assassinations of high-value personnel," Basha, author of the Basha Report, told AFP.

It is "an escalation that, regardless of the final casualty count, is likely to shake the Huthi leadership at its core", he added.

"This operation bears the hallmarks of a signals intelligence-driven strike, and it is possible that additional senior Huthi leaders were en route to the location."

Rahawi had made a public appearance on Wednesday, attending an event organised by the Huthi endowments ministry in Sanaa.

He came from the southern province of Abyan, which is not part of the large swathes of Yemen under Huthi control.

The rebels have traditionally reserved the premiership for southerners in an attempt to win hearts and minds in the south.

Deputy prime minister Mohammed Ahmed Miftah was appointed as interim prime minister following Rahawi's death, the Huthis announced separately.

The rebel group is part of Iran's "axis of resistance", an anti-Israel alliance.
While our own business doesnt directly invest in Japan at present, we do hold investments in 27 countries, and have a number of interests in other parts of the Indo-Pacific, including Singapore and Australia. We subscribe to the fundamental belief that you have to put eyes on opportunities and explore them fully in order to make the best investment decisions, and so spending some time in Japan and exploring the Expo fitted that perfectly.
Inspector Rich Nuttall, who leads neighbourhood policing in Battersea, said: We are proactively targeting crime that matters most to the people of Battersea and Nine Elms. This latest wave of activity is part of our relentless and continued crackdown on phone snatchers in the area  going after the perpetrators who continually target our local communities on an almost daily basis.
The force added a breakaway protest group moved towards the nearby Novotel on Cherry Lane where officers were also positioned before some of the crowd moved towards the Holiday Inn. Officers enforced cordons in the area to prevent a breach of the peace and three arrests were made. Two officers suffered minor injuries.
The book recounts other moments where the Queen hinted at her views. During the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, she made a rare intervention, urging people to think very carefully about the future just days before the vote. Lord Cameron later admitted he had asked whether she could raise an eyebrow about independence, and apologised to her after he was overheard saying she had purred down the phone when told the result.
Dave McNeely (far left) is pictured in this American-Statesman staff photo outside the Texas Capitol alongside fellow journalists David Pasztor, Ken Herman, Gary Susswein, Laylan Copelin, Juan Elizondo, Tara Trower and Michele Kay. Peter Yang/Austin American-Statesman

Dave McNeely, a beloved figure in Texas journalism whose political columns enlightened readers for decades, died early Saturday at the age of 85.

His death was confirmed by his wife of almost 22 years, Kathryn McNeely, and Rusty Todd, a longtime friend and fellow journalist and educator.

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"I loved Dave like a brother," Todd said, describing McNeely as a tenacious reporter, with an "instant network" of sources.

Born June 12, 1940, McNeely began his journalistic journey as a political reporter and editor for The Daily Texan, the student newspaper at the University of Texas at Austin.

He covered his first Texas legislative session in 1963. Over the next six decades, he became a fixture at the Texas Capitol, attending more legislative sessions than even the longest-serving legislators.

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McNeely joined the American-Statesman in 1978, where he distinguished himself as both a political reporter and editor, and an incisive columnist whose encyclopedic knowledge of state government earned him the admiration of peers and politicians alike.

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McNeely "was a mentor to me and everyone," said longtime Texas journalist Ross Ramsey, now a speaker and consultant. "He was competitive like any journalist, but would give a competitor a lift up."

Longtime Texas journalist Dave McNeely Handout/Courtesy photo

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson recalled meeting McNeely in the 1980s when he was a political reporter covering a lawsuit over congressional redistricting and Watson was "a 23-year-old kid fresh out of law school."

Eventually they became running buddies. As they trotted around Lady Bird Lake, then known as Town Lake, they'd trade stories and insights over whatever issue was dominating headlines, Watson said. Sometimes they'd agree, sometimes not.

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"If you disagreed with McNeely, you'd better be minding your business because he was always well-researched," Watson said, noting that one of the highlights of running the trail with McNeely was that he always packed an ice chest of beer for afterward.

"That's how you ran with McNeely; you finished it off with an ice cold beer," Watson said. "I'm just broken-hearted by this news."

Former Statesman editor Rich Oppel said that when he arrived at the newspaper in 1995, McNeely "was a forcea big, generous, warm-spirited man." His nickname was "Moose."

"Dave got the story first, had great sources, and translated the inscrutable ways of Texas politicians into readable copy," Oppel said.

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Dave McNeely, right, poses at the Texas Electric Coop in April 2005 alongside fellow journalist Kaye Northcutt. Both were former editors of the Daily Texan. Kelly West/Austin American-Statesman

A noted educator as well as a journalist, McNeely co-taught The Press and Politics at UT alongside both Paul Begala and Karl Rove, offering students firsthand insights from across the political spectrum. He also held a Congressional Fellowship in Washington and was awarded a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard, enhancing his journalistic credentials in national policy and governmental affairs.

Beyond his reporting, McNeely co-authored Bob Bullock: God Bless Texas with Jim Henderson, a biography of the late lieutenant governor that reflected his deep understanding of the states political culture.

"Bullock called me more than once to complain about McNeelys column, calls that always brought a smile to my face," Oppel said.

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McNeely's first wife was Saundra Inman McNeely. He later married Carole Kneeland, an award-winning TV news reporter and news director, until her death from breast cancer in 1998. He later married Kathryn Terwey Longley, with whom he shared a life rich in family and civic engagement.

Upon his retirement in 2004, McNeely continued writing a syndicated political column for Texas newspapers, remaining an enduring voice of clarity and integrity in state politics.

McNeely leaves behind a legacy defined by journalistic rigor, thoughtful commentary and mentorship to generations of students and reporters. He will be remembered as the dean of the Texas Capitol press corps, a title reflecting both his longevity and his unparalleled expertise.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryn; his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a broad community of colleagues, readers, and friends who admired his work and character.

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John C. Moritz and Courtney Sebesta contributed to this report
Rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected this weekend in Central Texas with the highest rain chances occurring Saturday evening and through Monday morning. Pivotal

The unofficial last summer weekend of the year is shaping up to be a wet one across Central Texas as a slow-moving cold front surges into the state before stalling out across the Austin metro area.

The past several days have been hot and humid, priming the atmosphere with a lot of moisture for the cold front to work with, which means we could see some locally heavy rainfall.

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Moisture convergence along the frontal zone will increase PWs (precipitable water amounts) to 150% of late-August averages, the National Weather Service said in a forecast posted online Friday. Locally heavy rains (are) possible through Monday with the main threat being urban and small stream flooding with a marginal risk of flash flooding.

A cold front will stall across Central Texas over the weekend, with rounds of showers and thunderstorms that could produce pockets of heavy rainfall. Weather Prediction Center

What are the ingredients for heavy rainfall?

First, you need a stalled frontal boundary, or convergence zone, where air masses collide and then warmer air rises. This lifts heat and moisture into the atmosphere, making the air unstable. Thats when you start seeing those towering cumulus clouds that eventually turn into rain-making thunderstorms.

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Second, available moisture in the atmosphere  what the forecasters had called PWs or precipitable water  will reach a peak of 2 to 2.25 inches from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon, according to the weather srevice.

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Third, the winds that usually steer the storms are weak, so the storms will be slow-moving. Also, the outflow of air and gust fronts of individual storms will collide, push warm air upward and spark new storms along those boundaries, or cause storms to merge.

All these ingredients will be common each afternoon through the holiday weekend, producing rounds of showers and thunderstorms with the greatest threat of heavy rainfall Saturday night through Labor Day.

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Rainfall totals will vary but with slow-moving or training thunderstorms (a continuous series of storms over the same spot), widespread rainfall totals of an inch to 3 inches are likely with isolated amounts up to 5 inches. The weather service flood forecasters at the Weather Prediction Center have placed Central Texas, including the Hill Country, under a level 1 of 4 risk, or at least a 5% chance, of flooding from excessive rainfall on Saturday. But they have increased the threat to a level 2 of 4 risk, or at least a 15% chance, of flooding on Sunday.

Central Texas is under a level 1 of 4 risk, or at least a 5% chance, of flooding from excessive rain, according to the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center. The threat increases to a level 2 of 4 risk, or at least a 15% chance, on Sunday and into Monday. Weather Prediction Center

Outside of the flash flood threat, widespread severe weather is not expected, although the strongest storms could produce isolated wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

On Sunday, a stronger northerly flow will push the cold front south of Austin, spreading the rain chances to South Texas and ushering in cooler air behind it. Saturday will still be warm, with highs in the low to mid-90s, depending on where and when storms develop. By Sunday, with the front through and north winds in place, highs will cool into the 80s.

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In the extended forecast for Austin, temperatures will drop into the 80s on Sunday with rain and thunderstorms off and on through the Labor Day holiday weekend. National Weather Service
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Space Force guardians, instructors, and guests gather during the Officer Training Course graduation at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Isaac Blancas/U.S. Space Force)



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Tribune News Service)  The Space Force celebrated the first graduating class of its new Officer Training Course Thursday, marking a new approach to training that ensures the new leaders will have knowledge across key areas.

The year-long course brings together training in space operations, cyber defense, intelligence and acquisitions  traditionally separate specialty areas in the field.

We can no longer afford to stove pipe our leaders from day one, Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, told 84 graduates and their families who gathered at Peterson Space Force Base. The class included a mix of new officers who commission through the Air Force Academy, Reserve Officers Training Corps and Officer Training School.

Saltzman explained that with their year of training, those who focus on cyber defense now have the knowledge to ask tough questions of their colleagues in intelligence. Those working in intelligence will be able to provide better information to space and cyber operators, he said.

I need you to be the big-picture multidisciplinary thinkers, Saltzman said.

Maj. Gen. James Smith, commander of Space Training and Readiness Command, also addressed the class and described the challenges in space he expected the new officers will face in 15 years.

U.S. intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites could be tailed by a fleet of enemy satellites with small telescopes to monitor their every move by 2040. Its also possible enemy satellites could disrupt satellite communications and carry nuclear weapons, among other threats, he said.

It may all sound like science fiction, but quite a bit of it is already happening, Smith said.

In April a Chinese commercial company targeted U.S. warships in the Red Sea and in May Russian hackers replaced TV from a Ukrainian satellite with footage of a military parade as a form of intimidation, he said.

The people attracted to this kind of work are future minded, said Lt. Col. Liam Conley, commander of the 319th Combat Training Squadron.

Theyre really on the cutting edge of what the transformation for future warfare looks like, he said.

The new Officer Training Course started last fall and accepts a new class every two months, Conley said. Previously, the training was spread across California, Texas and Mississippi and focused on individual specialties. Now, all Space Force officers will flow through one course in Colorado Springs, he said.

 2025 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.).

Visit www.gazette.com.

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Sir Mark Sedwill departs from Dorland House after appearing at the COVID-19 Inquiry public hearing on Nov. 8, 2023, in London. Sedwill, the chairman of the Pacific Future Forum of which the U.S. will not send any speakers, declined to comment. (Leon Neal/Getty Images/TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  The U.S. declined for the first time to send any uniformed military or government personnel to speak at a key security conference organized by the U.K. and held in Japan this year, even as regional allies seek to strengthen coordination.

The Pacific Future Forum, being held Friday and Saturday on board the U.K. aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in Tokyo Bay, features the U.K. and Japanese defense ministers as speakers, and senior military officials from Japan and Western nations.

The U.S. Seventh Fleet commander, Vice Admiral Fred W. Kacher, was among those invited to speak, according to people familiar with the matter, but the organizers received no response.

The Seventh Fleet didnt immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours. Mark Sedwill, the chairman of the Pacific Future Forum, declined to comment.

The Pentagon in July pulled out of the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado, with a spokeswoman saying it promotes the evil of globalism, disdain for our great country, and hatred for the President of the United States. Later that month, the Defense Department reportedly issued a memo suspending participation in privately organized forums. The Pacific Future Forum is government-run.

Mark Montgomery, a former U.S. rear admiral, said in a panel discussion that he was ashamed that the U.S. hadnt sent any speakers to the Pacific Future Forum. In May, China broke with typical practice by declining to send its top military diplomat to the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, another major security conference.

Alessio Patalano, a professor of war and strategy in East Asia at Kings College London, said on the sidelines of the Pacific Future Forum that it was remarkable that the U.S. had decided not to send any official participants to the event. The U.S. had missed the opportunity to be on stage alongside NATO and East Asian allies to discuss the value of ever closer ties, Patalano said.

The Pacific Future Forum, first held in 2018, is usually convened in Europe and known as the Atlantic Future Forum. It has been held six times previously, all with official US participation, according to the forum organizers. The location shifted to Japan this year because of the Prince of Wales deployment to Asia, where it has been taking part in training exercises in Australia.

In 2024, U.S. participants included military and diplomatic personnel, such as Major General Robert Sofge, who was at the time commander of US Marine forces in Europe and Africa.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

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The aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrives at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Aug. 30, 2025. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)



YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The USS George Washington steamed into Tokyo Bay on Saturday morning, signaling the halfway point of the aircraft carriers annual Indo-Pacific patrol.

The carrier returned to the home of the U.S. 7th Fleet nearly three months after its June 10 departure, which kicked off its first deployment since relocating to Yokosuka in November.

The George Washington pulled quietly into its usual spot, Berth 12, where the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales had been moored for about three weeks. It left for Tokyo on Thursday.

Since its departure, the George Washington has carried out flight operations in the Philippine Sea, made port calls in Manila and Guam, and participated in the biannual Talisman Sabre exercise in Australia.

It also took part in a multicarrier drills alongside the amphibious assault ship USS America, the Prince of Wales and the Japanese flattop JS Kaga.

In July, the George Washington lost an aviation boatswains mate in a presumed overboard incident off Australias northern coast. Petty Officer 3rd Class Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV, 19, of Florida, was last seen aboard the carrier on July 28.

Two days later, the Navy called off a 45-hour search-and-rescue operation that covered about 2,200 square miles, with Lynch presumed lost at sea.

Aircraft carriers homeported at Yokosuka usually conduct annual deployments lasting about six months. The George Washingtons predecessor, the USS Ronald Reagan, would typically return to Yokosuka for several weeks around a patrols halfway point for crew rest and ship maintenance.

A 7th Fleet spokesperson did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment Saturday.
The B-17 Sentimental Journey arrives at Boeing Field in Seattle on July 28, 2025. A similar B-17 was found in 2023 in Papua New Guinea over 80 years after it went missing in action in World War II. (Gary Warner/Stars and Stripes)



(Tribune News Service)  On June 12, 1940  just over a year before the U.S. was drawn into World War II  19-year-old Ernest Pugh joined the Army. He was a new graduate of Botetourt High School in Gloucester and was stationed at what was then called Langley Field.

In May 1942, Pugh was shipped off to Australia to support the war effort. He was a member of the 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group.

On the stormy night of Sept. 15, 1942, he flew with a group of B-17s out of an airfield near Port Moresby on the southern coast of Papua New Guinea over the Owen Stanley mountains, and up to East New Britain to attack Rabaul, home to a large Japanese military base.

Pughs B-17 lost contact with their base shortly after takeoff. At 1:30 the next morning, the crew was declared missing in action. Neither Pugh nor the nine others aboard were ever heard from again.

On Jan. 7, 1946, they were officially declared deceased.

Over eight decades had passed since his disappearance when in April 2023, a logging company was drilling a road up a mountain cloud forest in East New Britain when their equipment hit the engine of a plane.

The crew sent pictures of the crash site to the National Magazine and Art Gallery of Papua New Guinea, which called the United States Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

We knew from the photos right away, said Dr. Kyle Bracken, DPAAs Indo-Pacific World War II Chief of Research. The photos were of exactly what we were looking for.

Historian Justin Taylan, founder of the database Pacific Wrecks, a nonprofit documenting Pacific World War II history, was able to ascend the mountain in June 2023 and photograph the B-17. On the engines, he found the stenciled serial number associated with Pughs aircraft: 41-24427.

There is no doubt the crash site is this missing bomber and likely contains the remains of the crew, Taylan told the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal.

The DPAA arrived a few weeks later to investigate the site. It also confirmed that the plane was the same bomber that carried Pugh and his fellow crew members.

But when a DPAA crew arrived in East New Britain to begin the recovery in 2024, they found the logging road washed out and the trail impassable.

The reason we were able to access (the site) fairly easily (in 2023) was because of the logging road, which coincidentally became the source of our challenges when we tried to field a recovery in 2024, said Bracken.

Two years after the planes discovery, the site remains unrecovered.

The location of the crash, 6,000 feet up, is remote and subject to severe weather. Though Bracken described the site as having a high probability of having remains, no date has been set for a future recovery effort.

Even under the best of conditions, the process for a recovery operation is lengthy and involved. It includes a large crew and can require living out of a makeshift base camp for up to three months.

The big difference between an investigation and a recovery is a recovery requires a lot more people, said Bracken. Its basically a full scale archeological operation.

He said the DPAA hoped to do that this year, but was unable to find an effective way to do so.

Our hope now is that well be able to get that one across the finish line in 2026, said Bracken. Its a priority for us. Its a site that were really excited to get back to.

Like putting a puzzle together

In late 2024, Meredith Larsen was scrolling through a Facebook group dedicated to missing WWII soldiers when a post caught her eye.

Larsen, a school counselor in the Bay Area, became interested in these stories after discovering a box belonging to her husbands grandmothers first husband, an airman who went missing in action over the Baltic Sea.

I started researching him throughout the pandemic and I learned all of the corners of the internet where things are kept, Larsen said. Its incredible what you can find on people who served in World War II.

Since then, Larsen has become a regular contributor to online forums and assists with research when she can. The post she saw that day came from the family of Sgt. Glenn Keclik.

They had discovered an entry on Pacific Wrecks, detailing the discovery of a B-17 in Papua New Guinea. Keclik had served as a gunner on the bomber when it vanished in 1942. According to Larsen, this was the familys first indication that the aircraft had been found.

She began digging further and quickly became captivated by the story of another crew member: Sgt. Ernest Pugh.

Pugh, she learned, was a foster child, just like the man whose belongings had sparked her interest in WWII research. He had been adopted by George and Sarah Jane Walker of Sassafras, Virginia. He met Dorothy Dot Pierce at the Post Exchange on the base at Langley, and the two were married in Hampton on May 1, 1942, the same month he shipped out. But tracking down information about him was difficult. With no direct bloodline, leads were scarce.

I thought, weve got to find somebody that cares about this guy, said Larsen. Theres got to be somebody.

Pughs Individual Deceased Personnel File listed only his wife, Dot, and her mother, Erma, as next of kin. At the time of his death, Pughs personal effects included a towel, a sweater, magazines, toiletries, a mirror, a diary, stationery and $5.62  about $111 today  all of which were returned to Dot at the Washington Street address in Hampton where she lived with her mother.

Dot waited for years, holding onto hope from the time he was declared missing until he was officially listed as deceased.

Larsen reached out to Barbara King, a self-described amateur genealogist. The two began piecing together Pughs life, reaching out to potential relatives and combing through records.

Like putting a puzzle together, said King.

But progress was slow. Pughs marriage certificate listed his parents as Emma Coleman and Lee Pugh, but searches for those names led nowhere.

King, a military widow herself, felt a deep personal connection to Ernests story.

My heart was very much for Ernest in trying to find a family member because this young man was so young, only married a week and gave his life for his country only to be forgotten about, she said. And it just broke my heart.

A breakthrough

This month, Steve Pugh of Richmond received a message from a friend who had just read a story in the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal about a local World War II airman named Ernest.

She said, Not only does this guy have your last name, but he actually looks like you, Steve recalled.

I discovered that (Ernest) was from Buena Vista, said Steve. Thats what immediately made me go, Wait a second. 

Steves grandfather, born just three years before Ernest, was also from the small town of Buena Vista, near Lexington along Interstate 81. Steve requested Ernests birth certificate from the Virginia Department of Health. He immediately recognized the name listed as Ernests mother.

Eva Corinne Pugh, Steve said. My great-grandfathers sister.

Ernest, it turned out, was Steves first cousin twice removed.

Its unclear why Ernest listed different parents  Emma Coleman and Lee Pugh  on his marriage certificate.

Over two weeks, he combed through online records and a genealogy book written by a relative in 2007. He learned that Ernests mother, Eva, was institutionalized when Ernest was 7. She died in 1930, leaving behind four children, including Ernest and an older son, Omer.

Omers son, Omer Jr., also lives in the Richmond area, along with his son, Todd Pugh.

On Aug. 22, Steve, Omer Jr. and Todd met for lunch. They talked for three hours, learning about one another and their shared history. Then came a surprising realization.

As the crow flies, (Todd) lives less than a mile from me and has for over 20 years, said Steve. I just cant believe how close our lives are.

Steve said Omer Jr. submitted DNA to help identify Ernest once recovery efforts begin. Steve said he hopes the story stays alive and that Ernest and his crew will finally get the commemoration they deserve.

You want to make sure that you give people a proper burial, he said. Its sad when somebody just kind of disappeared and never really got that.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has reiterated its commitment to closing this case. Dr. Kyle Bracken noted that in Papua New Guinea alone, more than 3,700 WWII service members remain missing. Across the Asia-Pacific Theater, that number rises to over 50,000.

The Pacific theater hosted deadly terrain. In areas like New Britain, Allied forces faced not only enemy fire, but also the challenges of isolation, disease, dense jungles and mountains. Bodies were often lost in the jungle or swallowed by the ocean.

The biggest thing that we try and convey to family members is that were out there looking for them, and thats not going to change, Bracken said.

Meredith Larsen, who is also awaiting the return of her own loved ones remains, hopes for action soon. Shes spoken with several families of the B-17s crew, including Glenda Keclik, daughter of Glenn Keclik, who was just an infant when her father disappeared.

Glenda is now 83 and still waiting for the chance to bury him, Larsen said.

We just really want that closure, said Larsen. Ive been fortunate enough to go to two funerals for World War II veterans that were missing and then brought back here in California. They get a ceremony with full honors and its very touching. So I just cant wait for that to happen for these families.

As for Steve, hes thankful this discovery brought him closer to his roots and to family he never knew existed. He says theyre planning a gathering in Richmond.

Wed be crazy not to, he said. Lifes too short.

2025 The Virginian-Pilot.

Visit pilotonline.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The USS Glennon on her delivery trip to New York Navy Yard, a day before being placed in commission, Oct. 7, 1942. (National Archives via Naval History and Heritage Command)



WASHINGTON  A World War II sailor presumed lost at sea when his ship hit a mine off the coast of Normandy, France, during D-Day operations will be commemorated at a family funeral with full military honors after his remains were positively identified more than 80 years after his death.

Jerome Mullaney, an 18-year-old Navy seaman 2nd class, will be buried Wednesday in his hometown of Scranton, Pa., by relatives he never knew. They include Mary Louise Brambilla, his niece and closest surviving family member. Rear Adm. David Faehnle, commandant of Naval District Washington, will serve as flag officer at the funeral.

There are 72,000 service members who remain unaccounted for from World War II, but the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency does not provide a specific number for those lost solely at sea during that conflict.

The number is down by just 7,000 from when the war ended on Sept. 2, 1945, according to the Defense Department.

At the end of the war, about 79,000 Americans were unaccounted for worldwide. This number included those buried with honor as unknowns, officially buried at sea, lost at sea and missing in action, according to the department.

But Mullaneys remains were preserved after the ships stern was salvaged in the 1950s and matched decades later by advanced DNA analysis. Mullaneys remains are now being returned to his family for burial in the same Scranton cemetery where his parents were laid to rest.

This will bring closure for our family. He will finally be coming home, said Brambilla, who visited the beaches of Normandy to pay homage to her late uncle.

Brambilla said she and her husband, Raymond, never lost hope his remains would be found.

Theyve done a magnificent job over the years identifying service members, Raymond Brambilla said about the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. They never gave up.

Mullaney was aboard the USS Glennon, a naval destroyer that participated in the invasion of France on June 6, 1944. The ship was part of an armada and provided support for landing forces for D-Day operations, according to his obituary.

Jerome Mullaney, an 18-year-old Navy seaman 2nd class who served aboard a destroyer during D-Day operations off the coast of Normandy, France, will be buried with military honors in Pennsylvania, 80 years after his ship struck a land mine that jettisoned the sailor overboard. Mullaneys remains were officially accounted for in March. (U.S. Navy)



Mullaney was just six months into his first deployment when he was thrown overboard by an underwater mine explosion that occurred two days after Allied forces invaded Normandy, his family said. The destroyer was patrolling for German submarines and torpedo boats.

A barrage of German artillery then sunk the vessel, and its stern lodged on the sea floor, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. More than two dozen sailors lost their lives.

The USS Glennon was Mulaneys first assignment after he completed training as a radio operator, his family said. Mullaney also helped with lookouts and on the gun crew.

Mullaney  who was born in 1926 and came from a large Irish-German family  was eager to follow in the footsteps of his three older brothers, who enlisted and served in World War II, Brambilla said.

But at 17, Mullaney had to get his parents permission to enlist in the Naval Reserve, and they only reluctantly agreed, Brambilla said.

Navy officials traveled to Mullaneys home and informed his mother that her son was dead but his body could not be found. He was awarded a Purple Heart and other medals for his service.

Mullaneys mother had taped her four sons photos to the window of her home after they joined the military, Mary Louise Brambilla said. She removed all of the pictures except for Mullaneys, which she refused to take down.

Yet more than a decade after the war ended, a salvage operation of the shipwreck by local townspeople in France led to the preservation of some unidentified human remains.

Pieces of the USS Glennon were brought ashore at St. Marie du Mont. Human remains were among the recovered pieces of the ship, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

The Navy was notified but could not identify the individuals. The practical science for extracting and analyzing DNA for military identifications was not available until the 1990s but has since become standard procedure, according to the Defense Department.

New techniques continue to improve the process, including identifying older remains that were previously unidentifiable, according to the department.

But the human remains were kept and interred at the Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium  classified as unknowns from the war.

Mullaneys family meanwhile continued to hold out hope that he would be located, recovered and brought home.

Our family has given so much. We expected to see Jeromes remains returned for a proper funeral, Mary Louise Brambilla said.

In 2022, the Defense Department and American Battle Monument Commission exhumed the remains from the Ardennes American Cemetery. DNA collected was analyzed by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner Systems DNA Identification Laboratory at Dover Air Force Base, Del., according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

While DPAA was still working on Seaman Mullaneys case, the Navy Casualty Office made contact with his family and they gave DNA family reference samples,  according to the agency.

Mary Louise Brambilla said the samples taken were from two of her female first cousins.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced on March 10 that Mullaney was officially accounted for after missing in action since 1944.

Our forensic anthropologists and forensic odontologists also examined his skeletal remains and teeth, which were two other lines of evidence that contributed to his identification, the agency said.

The agency in fiscal 2025, which ends Sept. 30, has positively identified 211 service members from various conflicts. About 150 of the remains are from World War II, the agency said.

These were all recovered from a mix of investigation and recovery missions and disinterment of unknowns from one of the many American military cemeteries overseas and in Hawaii, the agency said.

The POW/MIA agency never gives up. We are indebted to them, Raymond Brambilla said.

An honor guard will escort Mullaneys remains from the airport to the cemetery, his family said. His nine brothers and sisters are all deceased.

I had four uncles who went all out for military service during World War II, and they served in difficult places, Mary Louise Brambilla said. They were giving back to this country for all the good things we have.
Syracuse, N.Y. - A 19-year-old woman was shot in the leg in Syracuses Near West Side early Saturday morning.

Syracuse police responded to the 200 block of Rowland Street at approximately 2:34 a.m. following a ShotSpotter activation indicating multiple gunshots, according to a Syracuse police news release.

Moments after officers arrived, police received a report of a shooting victim being dropped off at Upstate University Hospital.

When officers arrived at Upstate, they found a 19-year-old woman in the emergency room being treated for an apparent gunshot wound to the leg.

The woman is listed in stable condition and is expected to survive, police said.

Syracuse police ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact the departments Criminal Investigations Division at 315-442-5222.

Staff writer Vince Gasparini covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach him at vgasparini@syracuse.com.
Editors note: This article updated with information released by the Geddes Police Department on Saturday morning.

Geddes, N.Y.  Four people were shot late Friday night at the Lakeside Fire Department Recreation Hall, according to the Geddes Police Department.

Just past 11:30 p.m., police went to the hall at 1002 State Fair Blvd. after callers reported shots being fired in the area, according to Onondaga County 911 Center dispatches and the Geddes police.

Police found a gathering of more than 100 people at the hall, dispatchers said.

There was a party underway at the hall, Geddes police said in a news release Saturday. The shooting stemmed from ongoing disputes among people at the party, police said.

The shooting happened about 2 miles from the State Fairgrounds, but police say the party doesnt appear to be related to the fair.

Officers called for backup after finding a person shot. A few minutes later, they said they had a second victim with a gunshot wound, according to dispatches.

About five minutes later, police said they found a third person, a woman, with a gunshot wound that injured both legs.

In all, Geddes police on Saturday morning said four people suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the shooting. Earlier reports from police put the number injured at five people. Syracuse.com has reached out to Geddes police to clarify how many people were injured.

The injured were taken to local hospitals, according to Geddes police.

Geddes police said they have no suspects in custody at this time.

State Police troopers leaving the fair responded to the shooting. Some troopers helped with translating because many of the witnesses and victims spoke Spanish.

Onondaga County Sheriffs Office and Solvay Police were also dispatched to the shooting.

Police shut down State Fair Boulevard from Armstrong Road to Brantford Path for over two hours after the shooting.

Lakeside Fire Chief Manny Falcone declined to comment on the shooting.

Geddes police ask that anyone with information about the shooting to contact them at 315-468-3283.
Larry Rulison, Times Union, Albany, N.Y.

Albany, N.Y.  Workers at Targets warehouses in the towns of Wilton and Florida have such long walks from the entrance of the buildings to their work areas each day that they should be paid for the time, a new lawsuit argues.

The complaint, which alleges violations of New York labor laws, was filed Aug. 26 in U.S. District Court in Albany and seeks class action status.

Attorneys with the law firm of Katz Banks Kumin LLP estimate that thousands of workers could be due thousands of dollars in back pay for each year they were employed at the two warehouses dating back to 2019. The two sites employ a combined 2,000 people, the suit states.

Hourly employees of the warehouses are required to walk long distances  up to approximately half a mile  to and from their assigned departments, where they are required to clock in at the start of each shift and clock out at the end of each shift, the lawsuit states.

The Wilton warehouse has 1.5 million square feet of space, and the Florida warehouse, located just outside the city of Amsterdam, is 1.8 million square feet. That is roughly the size of Colonie Center and Crossgates Mall, respectively.

These warehouses are enormous industrial sites, the lawsuit states. For each employee who is not paid for walking time, that time can add up to approximately $1,000 to $2,000 per year.

Starting pay at the two sites is between $20 and $27 per hour, depending on the position and the shift, according to current online job postings. The lawsuit claims that the average worker at the two local Target warehouses is paid between $39,000 and $57,000 per year.

Hugh Baran, one of the attorneys at Katz Banks Kumin who is assigned to the case, said the firm heard from many workers at Targets warehouses in upstate New York.

Our clients filed this lawsuit for a simple reason: hourly workers in New York should be paid for all their hours worked, Baran said in a statement to the Times Union.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2014 that workers in Amazon warehouses didnt have to be paid for time they spent going through security checks after their shifts to check for stolen goods in a case called Integrity Staffing Solutions, Inc. v. Busk. But that case centered on the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Target lawsuit specifically is targeting New York state labor law.

The lawsuit against Target does claim that Target has done bag checks of workers at times, but that its not central to the complaint.

Should discovery show that plaintiffs and other hourly warehouse employees spent significant time waiting in security lines when entering and/or exiting the warehouse at other times during the relevant time period, plaintiffs may amend this complaint to supplement these allegations accordingly, a footnote included in the lawsuit states.

The two initial plaintiffs named in the Target case filed in Albany this week are a former worker at the Wilton warehouse, Jeanna Kratzert, and a current worker named Neil Mosher.

Kratzert worked at the facility from April 2018 to November 2024, according to the lawsuit. Mosher has worked at the Wilton warehouse off and on since 2002. Target opened the Wilton facility in Saratoga County in 2000. The Amsterdam warehouse opened in 2008.

Reached by phone on Thursday, Kratzert, who lives in Saratoga Springs, declined to speak about the case.

I really appreciate you calling, but I cant comment at this time, Kratzert told the Times Union. Mosher could not immediately be reached by phone.

The lawsuit states that workers work in 12-hour shifts three days a week or 10-hour shifts four days a week. The suit explains that workers do not clock in on their shifts when they enter the warehouse, but when they get to their work areas, which can be a long trek. And employees are required to arrive early for meetings for which they are not paid, the lawsuit alleges.

Defendant did not pay plaintiffs or other hourly warehouse employees for this time spent walking from their assigned time clock to the entrance of the warehouse after each shift, the lawsuit states, For example, in the pay period ending July 19, 2025, Mr. Mosher was paid for 34.38 hours at his regular pay rate of $28.31. But he was not paid for approximately 20 to 24 minutes of mandatory walking time during that pay period, so he is owed wages for that mandatory walking time at his regular pay rate.

The issue with unpaid walking time is exacerbated when warehouse workers are required to work overtime during busy back-to-school and holiday periods when they earn 1.5 times their pay, the lawsuit alleges.

For example, plaintiff Mosher and other similarly situated hourly warehouse employees were required to work an additional 20 hours per week, each week, from approximately June 2024 to January 2025, the lawsuit states.

Note: This article was updated to include a statement from a lawyer for the firm that filed the lawsuit.
Jair Bolsonaro: US-backed Brazil firebrand threatened with prison



Brasilia, Aug 30 (AFP) Aug 30, 2025



As a military man Brazil's ex-president Jair Bolsonaro had a reputation for refusing orders.

As head of state between 2019 and 2022 he thumbed his nose at institutions.

Now he risks 40 years in prison for what prosecutors describe as his most egregious act of disobedience to date: plotting to illegally cling onto power after losing elections to leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The former army captain, who has the backing of US President Donald Trump, is accused of leading a criminal organization that aimed to prevent Lula from taking office in early 2023.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court will begin handing down its verdict in the historic trial of Bolsonaro and seven co-accused.

The 70-year-old, who has voiced nostalgia for Brazil's 1964-1985 dictatorship, has protested his innocence.

"The word 'coup' has never been part of my vocabulary," he told the court.

He aims to mimic Trump, who staged a dramatic comeback to the presidency despite having been convicted of a felony.



- Bibles, bullets and beef -



Bolsonaro enjoys the support of Brazil's powerful "Bibles, bullets and beef" coalition -- Evangelical Christians, security hardliners and the agribusiness industry.

He shot to prominence after the 2016 impeachment of former president Dilma Rousseff, with diatribes about corruption, violence, economic mismanagement and Brazil's "rotten" left.

On the campaign trial in 2018, he survived a knife attack which left him with severe abdominal wounds which continue to cause complications to this day.

His survival fueled followers' belief in their "Messiah" -- Bolsonaro's middle name -- who likened the attack to the 2024 attempt on Trump's life.

His presidency was marked by Covid-19 denialism and rampant Amazon deforestation but some early economic successes.

The pandemic, which Bolsonaro dismissed as a "little flu," claimed more than 700,000 lives in Brazil, second only to the United States.

Smarting from his failure to win a second term, he left Brazil for Florida two days before the end of his mandate, snubbing Lula's inauguration.

A week later, on January 8, 2023, rampaging supporters calling for the army to oust Lula stormed the presidential palace, Congress and Supreme Court.

That short-lived insurrection led to accusations that Bolsonaro orchestrated plans to overthrow Lula -- and knew about alleged plans to arrest, and even assassinate his rival, charges he denies.

Before his trial Bolsonaro held out hope of running for re-election in 2026, despite being barred from standing until 2030 for spreading misinformation about Brazil's electoral system.



- History of controversy -



Born in 1955 to a Catholic family with Italian roots, Bolsonaro served as an army captain before launching his political career in 1988 as a Rio de Janeiro city councilor.

In 1990, he was elected to the lower house of Congress.

He has a long history of homophobic, misogynistic and racist comments, delivered in a belligerent, everyman style which endear him to some Brazilians.

In 2011, he told Playboy magazine he would rather his sons be killed in an accident than come out as gay.

Three years later, he invited more ire by saying a left-wing lawmaker was "not worth raping" because she was "too ugly."

Twice divorced, he has five children -- four of them politicians.

His son Eduardo moved to the United States in February, where he successfully lobbied the Trump administration to impose sanctions against the judge leading the case against his father.

Trump also imposed 50-percent tariffs on a range of Brazilian imports.

bur/cb/dl
Pakistan evacuates half a million people stranded by floods



Lahore, Pakistan, Aug 30 (AFP) Aug 30, 2025



Nearly half a million people have been displaced by flooding in eastern Pakistan after days of heavy rain swelled rivers, relief officials said Saturday, as they carried out a massive rescue operation.

Three transboundary rivers that cut through Punjab province, which borders India, have swollen to exceptionally high levels, affecting more than 2,300 villages.

Nabeel Javed, the head of the Punjab government's relief services, said 481,000 people stranded by the floods have been evacuated, along with 405,000 livestock.

Overall, more than 1.5 million people have been affected by the flooding.

"This is the biggest rescue operation in Punjab's history," Irfan Ali Khan, the head of the province's disaster management agency, added at a press conference.

He said more than 800 boats and over 1,300 rescue personnel were involved in evacuating families from affected areas, mostly located in rural areas near the banks of the three rivers.

The latest spell of monsoon flooding since the start of the week has killed 30 people, he said, with hundreds left dead throughout the heavier than usual season that began in June.

"No human life is being left unattended. All kinds of rescue efforts are continuing," Khan said.

More than 500 relief camps have been set up to provide shelter to families and their livestock.

In the impoverished town of Shahdara, on the outskirts of the provincial capital of Lahore, dozens of families were gathered in a school after fleeing the rising water in their homes.

"Look at all the women sitting with me -- they're helpless and distressed. Everyone has lost everything. Their homes are gone, their belongings destroyed. We couldn't even manage to bring clothes for their children," 40-year-old cleaner Tabassum Suleman told AFP.

Rains continued throughout Saturday, including in Lahore, the country's second-largest city, where an entire housing development was half submerged by water.

Retired shop owner Sikandar Mughal attempted to access his home but the water was still too high.

"When the situation got worse and the water level reached the garage of my house, I took my bike and ran for my life," the 61-year-old said.

"It's been two days now since I left. I did not even get a chance to get my clothes so that I could change."

In mid-August, more than 400 Pakistanis were killed in a matter of days by landslides caused by torrential rains on the other side of the country, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, close to Afghanistan and the only province held by the opposition to the federal authorities.

In 2022, unprecedented monsoon floods submerged a third of Pakistan, with the southern province of Sindh the worst affected area.
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Young Australian star Jacob Elordi doesnt look much like Boris Karloff. His casting as the monster is one of the most disarming aspects of Guillermo del Toros bold, visually stunning but frequently jarring rework of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein. The Mexican director has chosen to emphasise the romanticism at the expense of the horror. Elordi plays the creature as a misunderstood, James Dean-like outsider with Oedipal issues rather than as an agent of evil and chaos. Even if his face and torso are latticed with suitably grotesque scars, staples and stitches, he is not only the most sympathetic character in the movie but the best-looking one too. Its left to Oscar Isaac to provide the real villainy as the brilliant but egomaniacal scientist, Victor Frankenstein, who fathers the monster but then promptly disowns him.

Audiences are already so steeped in Frankenstein myth that its doubtful they can watch this film with innocent eyes. They have had the Universal movies; Mel Brooks classic spoof Young Frankenstein; the Hammer horrors; Kenneth Branaghs blunt Nineties stab at the material; Yorgos Lanthimoss similarly themed Alasdair Gray adaptation, Poor Things, and even Andy Warhols Frankenstein. This may well be a far more faithful interpretation of the novel than most of its predecessors, but that doesnt mean it can exorcise their memory.

Isaacs performance is mannered and uneven. The film quotes Byron, and you half expect the actor to portray Victor as a dashing and poetic figure. Instead, in the scenes when Victor is the rebel scientist, scandalising Edinburghs medical establishment with his galvanic experiments, he is strangely sinister. As he rolls his eyeballs, fidgets and jumps around, its very hard to muster much sympathy for him. Isaac registers much more strongly after he is brought low, when he is playing Victor as a broken and despairing man with a prosthetic leg, on his grim Arctic quest to destroy his own creation.

Few contemporary directors can match Del Toros visual flair or his imagination. His film is full of brilliantly staged set-pieces. It opens in vivid and rousing fashion as Danish explorers discover the badly wounded Victor and bring him aboard their ship. Soon the monster turns up too. The sailors do everything they can to wipe him out but he keeps on coming back, like a stain that can never be removed.

In terms of craft, there is much to admire here. Whether its the battlefield where Victor goes in search of body parts, or the muddy, blood-spattered Edinburgh streets where public hangings are still held, every location is lovingly detailed. Costume and production design are impeccable. The actors do their best, too. Christopher Waltz brings his familiar sneer to the role of the dapper, top-hat-wearing industrialist who bankrolls Victors experiments. Mia Goth provides emotional depth with her portrayal of Elizabeth, the beautiful, steely and highly intelligent young entomologist due to marry Victors brother William (Felix Kammerer) but with whom Victor falls in love. Almost as if this is a courtroom drama, the storytelling also remains even-handed. We hear Victors version of events first. He tells his life story to the gnarled Danish sea captain, played by Lars Mikkelsen. In seeking life, I created death, Victor laments, giving way to acute self-pity. Then, its the monsters turn  and he proves such a poetic and tormented witness that audience sympathies are bound to swing firmly behind him.

Jacob Elordi in Guillermo del Toros Frankenstein ( Ken Woroner/Netflix )

Unfortunately, Frankenstein continually risks losing its footing. The film lurches between scenes of lush romantic melodrama and moments of Grand Guignol bloodletting. We know very quickly that the monster cannot die. That means any suspense risks ebbing away. For all Del Toros formal mastery, this Frankenstein is ultimately short of the voltage needed really to bring it to life.

Dir: Guillermo Del Toro. Starring: Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, Christoph Waltz, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Charles Dance. 149 mins

Frankenstein is in selected cinemas and streams on Netflix from 7 November
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Gone are the days of milk crates for bookshelves and Christmas lights tacked above the bed. In 2025, TikTok is being flooded with videos of freshmen students showing off their extreme dorm makeovers, featuring canopy beds, custom headboards, matching rugs, and designer vanity tables. The trend has become so popular that some parents are now spending tens of thousands of dollars, and even hiring professional decorators, to turn their childrens brick-walled dorms into luxury suites.

One such decorator is Shelly Gates, a mother of three who stumbled into the business five years ago. When moving her daughter into Mississippi State University, Gates gave the room a top-to-bottom facelift  adding wall art, custom bedding, bright colored ottomans, and throw rugs  before posting the results on Facebook. It gained a lot of traction and people were very positive, she tells The Independent. I love design, and I thought, What a great summer job.

open image in gallery Shelly Gates business took off after she decorated her daughters dorm in 2020 and shared the results online ( Courtsey of Shelly Gates )

What started as a side hustle has since exploded. Gates has now designed more than 30 dorms, 13 of them this year alone. Her company, Mary Margaret Designs, has built a following on Instagram and TikTok with viral clips of 18-year-olds tearing up as they see their drab rooms transformed into warm, curated spaces.

Parents usually book Gates months in advance of the first semester, with students sending Pinterest boards and inspiration images. The girls start sending me ideas and I pick up on their vibe, the interior designer explains. From there, we come up with a theme for the room and start working with fabrics. We then discuss all the different aspects of the room, but students have a say in everything. Im not shaving a design down their throat. We collaborate the whole time.

open image in gallery Decorators are charging up to $15,000 for the room makeovers, with new furniture and decor included ( Courtesy of Shelly Gates )

Her projects typically range from $1,000 to $15,000, with every piece included in the final price. Demand is so high that Gates, who recently quit her job as a fourth-grade teacher to focus on her business full-time, now has a wait list stretching two to three years.

I didnt just leave a job  I followed a calling, she wrote on Instagram recently. Teaching was such a gift, but my heart knew I was meant to create something different. Every smile, every hug, every tear of joy reminds me why I do this. Its not about the furniture or the fabricsits about giving these girls a space that feels like home, a place to begin their next chapter with confidence and love.

open image in gallery Shelly Gates says her busy is about easing the transition of moving from childhood home to college dorm ( Courtsey of Shelly Gates )

For many families, that investment is about more than aesthetics. Gates says mothers often reach out to her looking for a way to ease the transition of leaving a daughter at school. It's really hard to leave your kids at college. And it's hard for the girls to leave home, she explains. I want to be that bridge to help them cross this path.

open image in gallery Shelly Gates has designed over 30 freshman dorms since 2020 ( Courtesy of Shelly Gates )

However, the trend has raised concerns about the wealth divide at college, and just how obvious these renovations will make it. "The divide between the haves and have-nots is getting bigger," one critic commented on one of Gatess videos. "Can we normalize dorm rooms again?! Let the teens do it! Hang up some posters, get some Rubbermaid! Let them get creative," added another.

open image in gallery Dorm renovations include new bedding, matching rugs, vanity tables, and more ( Courtsey of Shelly Gates )

Whether critics see it as overindulgence or simply a sign of how far move-in day has come from futons and twin XL sheets, one thing is clear: luxury dorm rooms are no longer just the stuff of viral TikToks. For some families, theyre becoming the new college norm.
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I feel like a fraud when I give the address to the taxi driver. Its silly, really, but I cant help it  I mumble the name Complete Fertility under my breath like an awkward teenager asking to be dropped off at the sexual health centre.

The reason for my embarrassment? Im not the typical client associated with a fertility clinic. Im neither pregnant nor trying to get pregnant. Im not here with my partner, because I dont currently have one. Im simply a single, 38-year-old woman staring down the barrel of my fast-closing fertility window, wanting to feel like I can exercise some control around what feels like the biggest life choice Ill ever  or never  make. Motherhood.

As a woman, Ive found that the majority of life thus far seems to have revolved around my womb and its potential. In the first post-puberty years, periods were the irksome monthly event that prevented the wearing of white jeans and caused panic attacks about bleeding through gym shorts in PE. In my twenties, they morphed into something more closely resembling a friend  a sign that, thank God, I had once again swerved unwanted pregnancy, a fear so ingrained through overzealous sex ed classes that I felt a surge of relief even during spells of celibacy.

But then there was the inevitable tipping point that hits many women in their thirties  when we go from worrying about accidentally getting knocked up to wondering whether its even possible.

For a good few years, I didnt think I wanted children. Then I found myself gently tugged into the grey area  ambivalent, unsure. Maybe I could be tempted if I met someone who really wanted them. And then, for reasons I still cant fathom, this year I felt myself becoming actively drawn towards the idea of becoming a parent  quite possibly my bodys last-ditch Hail Mary attempt to get me up the duff. No definitive decision had been made, but it started to occupy my mind more and more.

When youre not married or in a committed long-term relationship, the issue begins to weigh heavily on dating decisions. Should you ask someone their views on starting a family within the first five minutes of meeting them? Issue a quiz to determine whether theyd make a good parent? Request a copy of their bank statement to check that they can help to provide for any future progeny  or a full medical history, Gattaca-style, to ensure good genes for this imaginary offspring?

Yes, this may sound crazy. It is crazy. But female biology, with its inbuilt hard deadline for baby-making in the form of the menopause, can feel like it necessitates such blunt candour.

open image in gallery More women are getting a fertility health check to see what their options are ( Getty/iStock )

Unlike males, females are born with all the eggs were ever going to have. That means our eggs are as old as we are  they age, just like the rest of the body. Every month, from puberty onwards, a batch of them mature and go head to head, with only the best one selected to be released when we ovulate. The rest of that cycles contenders get discarded. The older we get, the fewer eggs we have to take part in this monthly battle, and the less likely it is that the top dog is of sufficient quality to create a healthy baby.

A woman in her twenties will have around 20-30 eggs competing each month, with one out of every four to six likely to be normal, resulting in two to three good eggs each month. By the age of 40, the average number of competing eggs has dropped to 10-12, with a likelihood that one in 15-20 will be normal  resulting, some months, in there being no good eggs. The chance of conceiving drops accordingly (and thats before we even get into the male side of the equation: sperm quantity and quality also decrease with age).

Many people are ignorant of the most basic science behind reproduction; we blithely assume well be able to get pregnant at the drop of a hat until proven otherwise. A survey of 2,000 people by Complete Fertility revealed that 78 per cent of respondents were completely unaware that heterosexual couples over the age of 35 have less than a 30 per cent chance of natural conception on their most fertile day each month.

Meanwhile, we are leaving it later and later to have children, and the fertility rate for England and Wales has plummeted to a record low after falling for three consecutive years, according to recently published Office for National Statistics data. More women than ever before are reaching the age of 30 without having become mothers; the average age of new mums in England and Wales climbed to 29 in 2024; and the standardised mean age of mothers has hit 31  the highest since records began. This is reflected in fertility treatment: the average age of women starting IVF for the first time passed 35 last year, and the number of single women in the UK undergoing solo treatment more than tripled between 2012 and 2022.

Women want the ability to act before things feel out of their control Hertility

Perhaps its not surprising, then, that more of us are also wanting to get our fertility checked, regardless of our relationship status. Hertility Health, which offers at-home hormone and fertility testing kits, has seen an increase in women and people assigned female at birth using its services, not always because they are ready to conceive, but because they want to better understand their reproductive health and future fertility options.

In its annual ReProductive Report, based on data from 610,654 women, 142,048 respondents listed just curious as their primary reason for completing the brands online health assessment. That includes many women who simply want clarity about their reproductive health before it becomes urgent, according to a spokesperson.

Clarity is a motivating factor for Lily*, 35, who recently found herself single again after getting out of a nine-month relationship. She knows that she wants to be a parent, but has no idea whether it can happen naturally. Ive spent years in conflict with my body, tangled in a negative relationship with food, exercise, body image struggles and eating disorders, and consequently, I carry guilt about the damage that I am likely to have left behind, she says. As I move out of my mid-thirties, I feel a growing urgency to finally understand whats happening inside my own body  something so personal, yet still such a scary mystery to me.

Lily went through the NHS and was forced to lie to get a fertility health check. Typically, only heterosexual couples are referred for fertility testing once theyve been trying to conceive naturally for a full year (although this timeline can be speeded up for women aged 36 or over). It feels like a strangely antiquated approach when even the British government is spooked enough by the declining birth rate to be encouraging us to have more children.

open image in gallery Complete Fertility offers health checks as well as fertility treatments ( Camille Chorley )

Those who are in heterosexual relationships are turning to testing, too. Sarah*, 31, is engaged; she and her fiance know they want kids in a few years, but not yet. As this will take them into their mid-thirties, they both privately paid to get tested to see if theres anything we might need to do before that time, such as freezing eggs. After all, knowledge is power.

Sarah calls it a positive experience; a consultant confirmed that both she and her partner appeared to be fertile. We are now feeling very confident in waiting a little while longer until we feel ready to start a family, she adds. Its worth the money for the peace of mind, in my opinion  though I suppose its not a guarantee that Ill get pregnant in a few years time.

As Hertility puts it, increasingly women want to be proactive  seeking the information they need to take potential issues into their own hands. They want the ability to act before things feel out of their control.

This could certainly sum up my mindset. Ive never tried to conceive, nor had the merest glimmer of a pregnancy scare, and realised I was flying blind  attempting to make big life decisions without any of the relevant information to back them up. Shutting down a potential relationship with the guy of my dreams because he wasnt interested in procreating only made sense if I was able to procreate, didnt it? Surely, heading into this next chapter of life might feel less stressful if I were armed with all the available facts?

As I move out of my mid-thirties, I feel a growing urgency to finally understand whats happening inside my own body Lily, 35

Hence my trip to Complete Fertility near Winchester. The clinic offers a full range of fertility services, from testing, to egg and sperm freezing, to IVF, IUI and ICSI. A standard female fertility health assessment costs 495 for an Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) blood test, a transvaginal scan, and a consultation with a specialist. The premium package, at 825, also includes a test on day 2-4 of your cycle to measure levels of follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinising hormone (FSH/LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T4 hormone, vitamin D, and prolactin, as well as checks for rubella and chlamydia, plus a test on day 21 of your cycle to measure progesterone. I opted for the latter for a fuller picture.

The blood tests have to be sent off for analysis, but I can see the results of the transvaginal scan on screen in real time for myself. This procedure involves inserting a specialised probe into the vagina, which uses sound waves to create images of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The sonographer checks the shape of the womb  all normal  and for signs of issues like scarring, fibroids, cysts or endometriosis. And then, crucially, she counts the number of antral follicles visible in each ovary.

These small, fluid-filled sacs each contain an immature egg that will come to maturity that month  its from these that one will be crowned the winner and released into the fallopian tube. How many there are gives a good indication of ovarian reserve  the number of eggs you have left  and the average antral follicle count (AFC) goes down as you age.

People in my age bracket can expect an average of eight to 15 across both ovaries. As it turns out, I have more than might be expected, with 18 visible on one side and 13 on the other: 31 in total. Thats a very good number for a 38-year-old, the sonographer says encouragingly, and I feel a little thrill of unearned pride.

open image in gallery Complete Fertilitys medical director Mili Saran tells Helen its all looking good ( Camille Chorley )

AFC results are frequently mirrored by blood test results, and so it is in my case. When I sit down with Complete Fertilitys medical director, Mili Saran, she tells me that everything looks largely positive. The battery of blood tests have shown that Im still ovulating and have a healthy egg reserve for my age, indicated by my high/normal AMH level. But what I really want to know  the actual quality of those remaining eggs  is impossible to say. Theres no magic test to tell whether theyre A* students or total slackers; whether theyre more dregs than eggs. We unfortunately cannot test for that, says Saran. Unless we get them under a microscope  and even then, its not conclusive.

She asks me whether I know what I want to do: sit with the results and think about next steps? Freeze my eggs? Go straight to exploring fertility treatment using donor sperm? I realise I havent a clue. Part of me always assumed that my ovaries would be a dusty, barren wasteland, based on nothing more than the fact that I dont feel particularly maternal about other peoples babies. Though devastating, there would have been a kind of relief in that  the choice being out of my hands. The backbreaking heft of the decision taken off my shoulders and laid gently at my feet. Discovering the opposite has raised more questions than its answered. Massive, earth-shattering questions like: could I envisage pursuing motherhood alone? Aside from the financial and practical obstacles, would I really be up to the task? Could I really make a good mother?

I dont immediately have the answers, yet I dont regret facing one of lifes biggest unknowns head on. Knowledge might not quite feel like power, but it certainly feels more empowering than passively waiting for the motherhood question to become a full stop.

*Names have been changed
On the afternoon of August 30, President Xi Jinping met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, at the Tianjin Guest House.

President Xi underscored that the China-Cambodia friendship, having stood the test of time, is rock-solid and the shared asset of the two peoples. Amidst an ever-changing international landscape, China and Cambodia, as ironclad friends, should keep the big picture in mind, adopt a long-term perspective, and steadfastly follow the path of friendship opened by the older generation of Chinese and Cambodian leaders. The two sides should maintain unwavering solidarity, enable each other's success, promote the well-being of their people, and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity of the region.

President Xi stressed that China supports Cambodia in safeguarding national stability, upholding independence, and achieving development and revitalization. China will, through the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee, work with Cambodia to deepen Diamond Hexagon cooperation, advance both the Industrial and Technological Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor, expand trade ties, and help Cambodia enhance its capacity for self-reliant development. The two sides need to resolutely crack down on cross-border crimes such as online gambling and telecom fraud, so as to protect the life and property of the two peoples.

Prime Minister Hun Manet noted that 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. The Chinese people forged peace with courage and unity, which is truly admirable. The traditional friendship between Cambodia and China has grown ever stronger over time. Cambodia appreciates Chinas long-standing, valuable support and assistance. Despite the changing international landscape, Cambodia will firmly pursue a policy of friendship toward China, remain firmly committed to the one-China principle, and firmly support the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative put forward by China. President Xis historic state visit to Cambodia last April yielded fruitful outcomes. Cambodia looks forward to working with China to implement the important consensus reached during the visit, deepen the ironclad friendship between the two countries, lend each other support on issues involving their core interests and major concerns, expand cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure, combat online gambling and telecom fraud, and further advance the two countries' all-weather community with a shared future.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Chen Miner, among others, were present at the meeting.
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.
Childcare centres presented as meeting national quality standards are being secretly flagged as high risk by regulators, leaving parents in the dark.

For the first time, the Herald can reveal one in six NSW childcare services hold a secret rating of high risk or very high risk  but families at these centres would have no idea.

While anyone can access a centres  potentially years old  National Quality Service (NQS) rating, which is displayed on a certificate outside the centre, and published on a register and federal government website Starting Blocks, the NSW regulator also issues each centre with a Regulatory Authority (RA) risk rating, which is often vastly different and more up to date.

Advocates say parents are being left in the dark as to the true risk rating of their childs centre. Credit: Monique Westermann

NSW Greens MP Abigail Boyd, who is chair of an upper house inquiry into the early childhood education sector, exposed the secret system in budget estimates last week, questioning why the information was not being made available to parents.
Hadjina began his career as workplace and employment solicitor in 2002, then moved into personal injury law and opened his firm, Deans of Law, in 2019. In June that year he obtained a practising certificate authorising him to deal with trust money and opened two NAB accounts, of which he was the sole controller. The scene of the 2019 crash that killed Joseph Lian Hrin. Credit: Jason South Marwisamhol, Hamill said, was a Myanmar national who immigrated to Australia with her husband in 2018. She spoke only limited English, having completed schooling up to year 7, and had no prior involvement with or knowledge of the legal profession before her husbands death.

On September 18, 2018, Marwisamhols husband, 34-year-old Joseph Lian Hrin, was killed by a falling crane while working for Metropolitan Communication Service. In the aftermath, his wife was provided with a weekly pension and the right to make a lump sum claim. Joseph Lian Hrin and wife Patin Marwisamhol. Her husbands family told the widow that Hadjina would be her lawyer, and due to her limited English, she asked a friend to assist with translating their conversations. He asked her how much she had and told her to save money as he would make many other claims, Hamill said.

Marwisamhol was later shown documents she said she never signed, the court heard. She maintains she never gave Hadjina permission to collect money on her behalf. When she received $644,000, her late husbands employer also agreed to pay her a pension and her reasonable legal costs, the court heard, but Hadjina never informed her of the amount she would be receiving and that she could decide whether to accept the offer. Hadjina only told his family about his court case on the day he faced having his bail revoked. Credit: Erin Pearson The insurers bank cheque was then sent to Hadjinas firm. Hamill said Hadjina had a pattern of arriving to meetings late and rushing the victim, and later told her to meet in the city because the higher-up people wanted to meet her, including someone who was going to pay the largest amount of money.

Marwisamhol never met anyone else. She recalled being left in a room alone waiting before being told she was in a courtroom. She was then asked to pay Hadjina more and more money. Hamill said Hadjina created sham documents, including letters with Supreme Court logos in which the victim was told he was seeking $3.8 million in damages for her, and that her name would remain off the court lists for her protection. These, the prosecution said, were fictitious legal proceedings. All the while, Hadjina was asking his victim to pay him more and more money.

In August 2021, the legal services board withdrew Hadjinas practising certificate. Loading Defence barrister James Anderson said there was a high degree of shame, guilt, anxiety and depression relating to the dishonesty case, and Hadjina currently lived with his parents and immediate family. Anderson said Hadjina, 47, had kept his head in the sand for much of the prosecution, and told his family about the court proceedings only on the day he faced having his bail revoked. Hamill said Hadjina had repeatedly sought to delay the case. The prosecutor said that when he was contacted by police in February and March 2024, he gave various excuses, including illness, to put off meeting with the authorities.

When he declined to be interviewed, he was charged and then faced four administrative hearings before a magistrate, and told the court he needed adjournments to find a lawyer. He then appeared a further three times in the Supreme Court, unrepresented. A grand total of nothing was done, Hamill said. During those hearings, Hamill said, Hadjina told various stories, including that family members were selling property to help, and that he had falsely applied for legal aid. This year he pleaded guilty to theft and multiple counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception. He only told his wife this morning about whats going on. [This case] will involve the imposition of a substantial sentence of imprisonment, Hamill said on Friday. The prosecution attempted to revoke bail for those reasons but Justice Rita Incerti allowed Hadjina to remain in the community for a few more weeks to put his affairs in order before sentencing.
The whispering forests of Victorias High Country, the hush of its snow-laden plateaus and the stillness of its deep valleys have long been the haunts of the daring, the desperate and the deranged.

Murderers, crooks, bushrangers on the run, hermits and those simply seeking to escape the daily doings of the world have sought sanctuary in the mountains ever since Bogong Jack is said to have made his pile in the 1850s by droving stolen horses over the Bogong High Plains between Omeo and the Ovens Valley, near present-day Porepunkah.

The mountains of the High Country have long provided refuge for those on the run. Credit: Justin McManus

The mystery of who Bogong Jack may have been remains muddied by legend and myth. Whoever he was, he appears to have got away without the law catching up with him, leaving little but his name attached to the site of an old mountain cattlemens hut on a track high above Mount Beauty near Falls Creek.

As hundreds of police descended on the Ovens Valley near Porepunkah this week in search of the conspiracy theorist and survivalist Dezi Freeman, the nations attention is once more on the mountains of Victorias north-east.
Premier Jacinta Allan says she is concerned but not afraid of an anti-immigration march planned for Melbourne CBD on Sunday, as police prepare for violence.

In Melbourne and capital cities across Australia, people are set to gather for March for Australia rallies.

Premier Jacinta Allan: Australia isnt a place where we spread hate and fear about foreigners. Credit: The Age

At least 684 people have said they will attend Melbournes event at midday on Sunday, according to the events Facebook page, with another 1200 expressing interest.

Allan attended an annual multicultural gala on Saturday night, addressing the planned marches in her speech.
AI is making it much harder for juniors to compete, says Sarah Moran. Loading Moran is chief operating officer of AI start-up PatientNotes. She is also the co-founder of Girl Geek Academy, a movement to bring 1 million women and girls into technology careers by 2030. The junior developers still far outperform AI, but the situation is creating a catch-22. How do juniors develop their skills if they cant get hired in the first place? Career development typically happens on the job, with mentoring and real-world experience, yet tech companies prefer to hire senior developers, leaving graduates struggling to break in. Moran runs regular workshops for high school students on AI and one of those students, 14-year-old Zoya Faruqui, is choosing to remain optimistic.

I feel like learning about tech is a good thing, I dont think it goes to waste, she says. To make AI and robots, you need people. Some simple jobs might be replaced, but there will be new jobs created to work with AI and make sure its used in the right way. Jayden Nguyen, who is set to complete his computer science degree at UNSW later this year, agrees with Faruqui. After completing a three-month paid internship at Canva over the summer, hes secured a graduate role at a big tech firm. UNSW computer science student Jayden Nguyen. Credit: Louise Kennerley AI is automating the grunt coders, the ones who code without thinking as much. But AI cant replace people who work to build things, synthesise stuff together, says the 22-year-old, who took on a teaching assistant role while studying in part to demonstrate to employers how he can communicate technical concepts clearly. Nguyen says in his experience, AI can effectively generate a general solution, but it struggles to link working parts of code together to form the intricate networks needed for scalable systems and nail specific requests. He also says it doesnt have the intimate cybersecurity knowledge required to understand how to make code more secure.

Theres more to software engineering, more to developer tech roles than just churning out code, says Nguyen. Its still a really good tool. It definitely makes people faster ... its just, you still need a lot of [critical] thinking [skills]. High school stuident Zoya Faruqui, pictured with her mother Kavitha, is keen on a future career in technology. Critical thinking skills are only some of the qualities candidates for entry-level roles will have to already have finessed before applying. With AI eliminating the need for grunt coders, graduates will need more than technical skills to stand out in the recruitment process, which is getting more competitive. The numbers: a market cooling fast Some of the statistics make for grim reading for young people such as Faruqui, whom Nguyen says will need to start looking to get industry experience, such as internships, hackathons or extra certifications, earlier on in their degrees. The overall pipeline for entry-level positions seems to be shrinking.

According to Indeed, job postings targeted at graduates across all sectors in Australia are down 15 per cent in 2025, following a 24 per cent drop in 2024. Loading Its still healthier than pre-pandemic levels  about 50 per cent above where they were in 2019  but over the past two years the trend is downward, says Indeed Australia senior economist Callam Pickering. Pickering cautions against blaming AI alone. He says what were really seeing is a softer economic environment overall. White-collar graduate opportunities are moving almost in lockstep with apprenticeships in plumbing, childcare and hairdressing. Generative AI is pretty useless for most of the roles that require an apprenticeship, he says. I think the graduate market is operating very similar to the overall job market.

Still, AIs fingerprints are showing up. In July, 4.1 per cent of Australian job ads mentioned AI  nearly double last years figure. What roles might be AI-proof? LinkedIns Jobs on the Rise 2025 report offers clues. It lists the top five fastest-growing roles in Australia: English teacher, travel specialist, sommelier, server and electrical engineer. Hospitality and travel roles have also surged post-pandemic, reflecting pent-up demand. Teaching is booming too, buoyed by international students and global demand for English. Cybersecurity also remains one of the hottest fields. Early roles shifting, but not vanishing Amid some bleak broader numbers, Australias tech giants insist that their doors are open to juniors, and the Tech Council of Australia says ChatGPTs launch hasnt yet impacted graduate outcomes. Enterprise software maker Atlassian has just hired 108 graduates to start in February 2026 and says it expects to hire a similar number in 2027. Canva too says its still hiring graduates and junior engineers.

Canva, which makes online design software, has been one of the most aggressive adopters of AI but chief technology officer Brendan Humphreys is adamant that coding is still a valuable skill. Fresh perspectives and early career talent are vital in tech, and the AI boom doesnt change that, he says. That said, the shape of early career roles is evolving. Entry-level coders will increasingly find themselves working alongside AI tools, which means success will be less about writing code line by line and more about understanding systems, solving problems and critically assessing the output of those tools. The demand for human judgment  to guide, verify and integrate AI into real products  is not going away. Alyse Sue has been a software engineer at numerous start-ups and is now lead architect for global tech consulting company PALO IT. Shes based in Singapore and says anecdotally, shes seeing tech companies quietly cutting junior engineers and replacing them with AI tools.

Modern AI models such as GPT-5, Claude and Llama can generate code in hundreds of languages  even obscure ones  and are particularly adept at data analysis, website design and automation. Loading For us, were moving towards a model where 95 per cent of coding work is done by AI tools like GitHub Copilot, and our engineers are responsible for working alongside AI to ensure everything works as it should, Sue says. The software engineers of the future will be conductors, not musicians. Theyll orchestrate AI performance rather than write code line by line. Rather than hiring junior programmers working on isolated code, companies will focus on developers who can understand entire systems and how they work together. Hugh Williams has led engineering at some of the worlds most successful tech companies. He also invented infinite scroll. Credit: Eamon Gallagher

Hugh Williams is not a recent graduate. Williams has held the most senior engineering position that any Australian has held at a big tech company: he was a vice president of engineering at Google where he managed more than 1000 engineers for Google Maps. He left Silicon Valley to tackle STEM literacy in Australia, founding Code for Schools in 2017, a program that has now reached more than 200,000 students nationally. Associate Professor Sandra Peter compares AI to teenage sex: Everyones talking about it. Everyone thinks everyone else is doing it. Few are getting it right. And there are safety issues. Education can really help. Credit: SMH He rails against the idea that the need for coding skills will go away, and says that a computer science degree is still worth its weight in gold. And his favourite analogy when talking about AI? Power tools. These new AI tools are like power tools for carpenters, he says. Theyre far more productive than getting out the hammer and chisel. But not every man or woman can suddenly build a skyscraper or a bridge. People are getting a bit confused. Everybody at home can now use AI to vibe-code an app, but that app is never going to scale, its not going to be safe or secure, and its not going to make it to the global stage. Its a toy. And thats whats getting lost here.

Dr Sandra Peter, director of Sydney Executive Plus and associate professor at the University of Sydneys Business School, deploys a different analogy for AI: teenage sex. Everyones talking about it, she says. Everyone thinks everyone else is doing it. Few are getting it right. And there are safety issues. Education can really help. The AI paradox The irony is that AI could be both a job creator and job killer. We should be taking [AI] very seriously  but possibly not in the sense of it being a threat [to our jobs], says Professor Janine Dixon, director of the Centre of Policy Studies at Victoria University.

Dixon helped model AIs labour market impact for Jobs and Skills Australia, and says AI is a new technology that we need to master. Her findings are sobering but not apocalyptic. In her simulation, technology eventually replaced around a third of all jobs. But unemployment rose only two percentage points, largely because the change happens gradually, and because new roles emerge in tandem. She compares it to when ATMs replaced bank tellers. Obviously people who had been bank tellers, a lot of them lost their jobs and had to retrain. And it was disruptive to them. But theyre not still unemployed today.

Dixon and others see AI literacy as the next universal skill  comparable to learning to read, or to the digital literacy wave that swept the 1990s. LinkedIns data backs this up: AI literacy is on the list of fastest-growing skills in Australia. The hardest challenge may not be for todays graduates but instead their leaders, who have to grapple with how to balance headcount, AI, human experience and productivity. Maybe Im being critical of my generation who are still running the world, says Williams, the former Google and Microsoft executive. But they can have a very old-school way of thinking. They say, I want more AI roles, then theyll make up new job titles for people who can come into their company. What they need to be saying is lets bring in bright young people who want to change the world. One of the fabulous qualities of graduates is that they will come in and operate that way regardless of the title that you give them. Just remove as many barriers as possible and let them disrupt in an interesting way. Loading

Where to next? Ultimately, what advice should anxious parents be giving their kids if theyre keen on a career in technology? Moran says its important for parents to use AI tools themselves so they can help their kids understand how it works. I know many parents dont fully understand AI themselves. But heres the thing, that doesnt matter. You dont need to be an expert to teach someone, she says. You just need to stay one step ahead of the person youre teaching. For both students and their parents, Williams advice is simple.
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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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Washington: A US federal appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump had no legal right to impose sweeping tariffs on almost every country  including Australia  but left his effort to build a protectionist wall around the American economy in place for now.

The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled on Saturday (AEST) that Trump wasnt legally allowed to declare national emergencies and impose unlimited import taxes, a ruling that largely upheld a May decision by a specialised federal trade court in New York.

US President Donald Trump. Credit: AP

It seems unlikely that Congress intended to ... grant the president unlimited authority to impose tariffs, the judges wrote in a 7-4 ruling.

But they did not strike down the tariffs immediately, allowing them to remain in place until October 14 to give the administration a chance to file an appeal in the US Supreme Court  and Trump vowed to do just that.
Australia to launch first Moon rover on NASA mission





CANBERRA :

AUSTRALIAS first Moon rover will be launched around the end of the decade through NASAs 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 NASAs CT-4 mission around the end of the 2020s, Xinhua news agency reported. 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-vers explorations will help global efforts to establish a possible sustainable human presence in space, the ASA said. 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.

Roo-ver is expected to operate for up to 14 Earth days, which is only about half of one day on the Moon. 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 Australias future. This is one of the most specialised robotics and advanced manufacturing projects in the country, Ayres said.

Its accelerating the development of Australias advanced technical capabilities and deepening local manufacturing expertise, he added. The government has committed 42 million Australian dollars ($27.4 million) in funding for the development, design, build, and operation of the semi-autonomous rover. The ASA noted that Roo-ver will be supercharged with an integrated NASA payload -- an analysis instrument intended to demonstrate technology for scientific and exploration purposes.
CBI grills TMCs Atin over RG Kar hospital graft case





KOLKATA :

CENTRAL Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers questioned TMC MLA Atin Ghosh at his north Kolkata residence for nearly two and a half hours on Friday over the alleged financial irregularities at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital that the agency is probing alongside the rape and murder of a postgraduate intern within the institution premises last year. Ghosh, also the deputy mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, is the second TMC lawmaker, after the partys Sreerampur MLA Sudipto Roy, to face the agencys examination in connection with the case. Emerging from the questioning session, Ghosh said he answered all queries put before him by the CBI officers but refused to divulge further details on the grounds that the matter was sub-judice.

His statements were recorded by the investigating agency. Court issues notice to RG Kar victims father in defamation case by TMCs Kunal Ghosh: THE Bankshal Court in Kolkata has issued a notice to the father of the R.G. Kar victim to appear before it on September 11 in connection with the defamation case lodged against him by Trinamool Congress State General Secretary Kunal Ghosh. Using his X handle, the Trinamool spokesperson on Friday informed that he intends to file another case against the late doctors father for his false and derogatory statements against him. I have filed a case and my lawyer Ayan Chakraborty has sent a legal notice protesting the false and defamatory statement of the RG Kar victims father.

A notice has been issued by the Honourable 15th Judicial Magistrates Bench in Bankshal Court. As per the current rules, he or his lawyer has been asked to be present on September 11, 2025, at 10:30 A.M, said Ghosh. On August 20, Ghosh had said that he would file a defamation case against the father of the late doctor after he accused the Trinamool spokesperson of settling the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case on the RG Kar incident on behalf of the West Bengal Government by paying money. The victims father further alleged that Ghosh had gone to the CBIs office at CGO Complex in Kolkatas Salt Lake area in this regard. The move comes after Ghosh had sent him a legal notice to apologise for his statements or face legal action. Since he has given a statement, since he has been going everywhere from the court to the BJPs Nabanna Abhijan, I hope that he will come himself instead of avoiding the court. Whatever he has to say about the investigation into his daughters murder, whatever evidence he has against me, he should give to the court. He should do this in the interest of the investigation, said Ghosh.

The Trinamool spokesperson further said that if the womans father fails to appear before the court then it would seem like he was lying. I have filed a case saying that I will not tolerate such blatant lies in this sensitive matter. Come to the court that day and give the evidence against me to the Honourable Judge. I will file another case in this regard, he added. On August 9 last year, the body of a junior doctor was recovered from the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The rape and murder had sent shockwaves across the country and beyond, resulting in widespread sustained protest movements. The main accused Sanjay Roy was convicted of the crime and at present he is serving a life sentence in jail.
FTA with Oman soon, Qatar wants to negotiate pact with India: Goyal





NEW DELHI :

COMMERCE and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman will be finalised soon, and Qatar also wants to negotiate a pact with India. He said that India has already signed such acts with a number of developed economies, including Australia, the UK, the UAE, Mauritius, and four-European nation bloc European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Besides, India is negotiating trade pacts with the European Union (EU), the US, New Zealand, Chile, and Peru. These agreements, he said, will open up new opportunities, markets, and investment possibilities. Negotiations with the EU are moving at a faster pace, Goyal said, adding Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal is visiting Brussels next week to take stock of the trade pact talks.

The India-EU official team will meet for the 13th round of negotiations from September 8 here in the national capital. After that, European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic is likely to visit India next month to take stock of the progress of free trade agreement negotiations with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. We are working (for a trade agreement) with EAEU, Oman FTA should get sorted out in the next few weeks. Yesterday, Qatars minister told me that they want to start negotiations...Of course, we are talking to the US for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). First phase (of BTA), we have planned to complete by fall (October-November) this year. All these engagements will open up new opportunities, new markets, and new investment possibilities, he said here at an industry event. Saudi Arabia, too, is interested through the six-member GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) bloc.

Oman is the third-largest export destination among the GCC countries for India. India already has a similar agreement with another GCC member, the UAE, which came into effect in May 2022. GCC members are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In such agreements, two trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on a maximum number of goods traded between them. They also ease norms to promote trade in services and attract investments. India and the five-nation Eurasian Economic Union bloc, on August 20 this year, inked terms of reference to start formal negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement. The five members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. India and the US are negotiating a BTA since March. So far, five rounds of talks have been completed. The US team has deferred its visit to India for the sixth round of talks, which was scheduled for August 25. The talks are postponed due to the imposition of steep 50 per cent tariffs by the Trump administration on Indian goods from August 27, barring a few sectors. The whole world wants to increase trade with India, Goyal said.
Japan to invest 10tn yen in India





TOKYO :

JAPAN on Friday set an investment target of 10 trillion yen in India over a decade and the two sides firmed up a mega roadmap to bolster cooperation in several key areas such as critical minerals, defence and technology, in decisions that came amid economic turbulence created by the Trump administrations policies on trade and tariffs. The announcements on expanding India-Japan special strategic and global partnership were made following summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba. We have set a target of 10 trillion yen investment in India from Japan in the next 10 years, Modi, flanked by Ishiba, said in his media statement. The Prime Minister, who landed in Tokyo on Friday morning, said India-Japan cooperation is crucial for global peace and stability, and both sides have laid a strong foundation for a new and golden chapter in the partnership.

We have created a 10-year roadmap for cooperation in a range of areas, including investment, innovation, and economic security, he said. In his remarks, the Prime Minister said India and Japan are fully committed to a free, open, peaceful, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Both sides also decided to further strengthen cooperation in the field of the defence industry and innovation. Concerns of India and Japan regarding terrorism and cybersecurity are the same, Modi said, adding that both sides have shared interests in boosting defence and maritime security. The India-Japan partnership is rooted in mutual trust, reflects our national priorities and is shaped by our shared values and beliefs, he said. Strong democracies are natural partners in shaping a better world, he said. In his remarks, the Japanese Prime Minister said both sides need to take advantage of each others strengths to deal with next-generation challenges.

Japans technology, Indias talent can bring revolution

TOKYO,

Aug 29 (PTI)

INDIA is the fastest growing major economy and its political and economic stability as well as transparency in policies have made it an attractive investment destination, especially in areas of green energy, manufacturing and technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday. Modis remarks at a business forum shortly after landing in Tokyo on a two-day trip came amid fears of adverse impact of Washingtons 50 per tariffs against India on the countrys economy. In his address, Modi said Japans technology and Indias talent together can lead the technology revolution of this century and can contribute significantly to Asias stability, growth and prosperity. The Prime Minister said Japanese companies have invested more than USD 40 billion in India, including USD 13 billion in the past two years as he highlighted the countrys remarkable changes in the last 11 years. Today, we have political and economic stability, and clear and predictable policies. India is now the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and very soon, it will become the worlds third-largest economy, he said.

Ex-PMs Suga, Kishida meet PM Modi Tokyo,

Aug 29 (PTI)

FORMER Japanese Prime Ministers Yoshihide Suga and Fumio Kishida called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday and discussed bilateral ties. Modi in a social media post said he had a wonderful meeting with Kishida. He has always been a great advocate of closer IndiaJapan 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, Modi said. Both sides discussed the progress in India-Japan ties and the potential of taking forward India-Japan partnership for mutual progress and prosperity, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X. Modi also posted about his meeting with Suga, who is the Chairman of the Japan-India Association, and said they spoke about the many dimensions of IndiaJapan cooperation. Our discussions covered how to build closer collaboration, including in technology, AI, trade, investment and beyond, he wrote. Modi also appreciated the role played by the Japan-India Association in fostering friendship and business linkages between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Modi also met with Fukushiro Nukaga, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the strong and friendly relations between India and Japan.
Jarange begins indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai





MUMBAI :

MARATHA quota movement leader Manoj Jarange began his indefinite hunger strike at the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on Friday, vowing not to leave till the communitys demands were met. The Government said it was ready to talk with him over his demands, while many MPs and MLAs from the States Marathwada region visited Jarange at the protest venue. The 43-year-old activist received a rousing welcome from thousands of supporters, sporting saffron caps, scarves and flags, after he reached the protest venue around 9.45 am. I will not go back until our demands are met. Even if I am shot dead, I will not retreat, said Jarange in his address to his supporters. Police on Friday allowed activist Manoj Jarange to continue his hunger strike for Maratha reservation at the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai for another day, an official said. The activist, who started the indefinite fast on Friday morning, was initially given permission to occupy the ground only for a day.

As per the Bombay High Court directive, the permission ended at 6 pm, but the organisers had sought an extension, and the Azad Maidan police station allowed their application, the police official said. As thousands of Jaranges supporters arrived in south Mumbai on Friday, the road traffic in the area was nearly crippled. He said the Governments lack of cooperation had compelled the community to march to Mumbai. Now that the Government has allowed the protest, we must cooperate with the police and ensure that we do nothing that tarnishes the communitys image, he said. Jarange, who began his fast at 10 am, repeatedly urged his supporters to protest peacefully and not inconvenience Mumbaikars. He said some people had created disturbances and asked his supporters to find out who they were and which district they had come from.

The activist also appealed to his supporters to park their vehicles at designated places and not to block Mumbais roads. Clear the streets in two hours and ensure Mumbaikars are not troubled. Those who want to leave the city today can do so, he said. Ruing that the police had given him permission for only one day, he said, We decided to come to Mumbai, and we have come. We hope the Government and the court will allow our protest. We will submit another application. He also appealed to the Government to give him more days to protest. We want the Government to grant us reservation and accept all our demands. I want to caution the Chief Minister against inviting the wrath of the Marathas. You can shoot me or put me in jail. I will rot in jail but will not move till our demands are met, he said. 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  which will make them eligible for reservation in Government jobs and education.

NCP (SP) MP Bajrang Sonawane from Beed, his colleague and Beed MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Jadhav, who represents the Parbhani Lok Sabha seat, and MLAs Prakash Solanke (Majalgaon) and Vijaysinh Pandit (Georai) from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP were among those who met Jarange. Maharashtra Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the State Government was ready to talk with Manoj Jarange, stressing that his demands are being viewed sympathetically. Vikhe Patil, who is also the chairperson of the Maratha reservation sub-committee, said they have received Jaranges memorandum of demands and it would be taken up for discussion.

The Government has not ignored these demands, he said. Bawankule said the Government has taken many initiatives for the benefit of the community. But OBCs should not face any injustice while giving reservation benefits to Marathas, and vice versa, he said. However, BJP member of legislative council Parinay Fuke cautioned against yielding to what he called unconstitutional demands, saying it would trigger bigger protests by the Other Backward Class (OBC) groups. 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 Jaranges agitation, officials said. Security has also been beefed up at the CSMT, where quota agitation supporters have arrived from Maharashtras hinterlands, the railway police said.
Shalarth ID Scam: Both SITs headed by Police cancelled





Staff Reporter :

The two Special Investigation Teams (SITs) formed to probe the bogus Shalarth ID scam have been cancelled. The decision was announced through an official letter issued by the Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) and confirmed by Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal. Earlier, the Nagpur CP had set up an SIT in April this year after the Cyber Police registered the first case in the Shalarth ID scam. A parallel case was also filed at the Sadar Police Station which led to the arrest of former Deputy Director Eduction (DDE) Ulhas Narad. As the investigation widened, many senior officers, principals, teachers and employees were arrested. The first SIT was led by then Zone 2 DCP Rahul Madne and after his transfer, DCP Zone 2 Nityanand Jha took charge.

Later, the Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) also formed a state-level SIT under the leadership of DCP Jha to investigate related crimes across Maharashtra. However, a few days ago, the State Government decided to form a new SIT in Pune under the chairmanship of the Divisional Commissioner to investigate the broader school fee-related issues. As a result, both the city and state-level SITs for the Shalarth ID scam were technically dissolved. On Friday, CP Dr Singal officially confirmed that the city SITs work had been discontinued.

The Director General of Police also issued a formal letter cancelling the state-level SIT. With the SITs withdrawn, the Cyber Police and Sadar Police will now conduct their investigations separately. The Cyber Police cases will be handled by DCP Lohit Matani, while the cases at Sadar police station will remain unde r the supervision of DCP Nityanand Jha of Zone 2.
It feels like the pace of neighborhood change on the Lower East Side is always accelerating, with new businesses opening and closing every month. But this one hurts more than most. In recent days, loyal customers of Shan Fu Grocery (A&N Fruit Store) at 23 Canal St. have been saying their goodbyes. The grocery, better known to most of us as, the snowman fruit stand, will close at the beginning of October, following the sale earlier this year of the property for $7 million. Many of the businesses in the building are being displaced.

Dong Wang and Helen Chen opened the business in December of 2010, taking over a corner location at Canal and Essex streets, a decade before anyone had heard of Dimes Square. Dongs broad smile and friendly demeanor, as well as the grocerys freshly made watermelon juices and slushies built a devoted clientele. That first winter in business, after a big snow storm, they decided to build a huge snowman in front of the store. We all loved it (The Lo-Down covered the Essex Street Snowman like breaking news)! Year after year, the snowman reappeared, brightening those cold winter days, seemingly speaking a language everyone who passed by the store could understand. It reflected Dong and Helens generous spirit and earnest desire to welcome the entire Lower East Side and Chinatown community.

Behind every local business, theres a personal history, and in 2012 Johnathan Zalman, writing in The Lo-Down, told part of Dong and Helens story, which stretches from the Fujian Province in China to the Lower East Side. Dong first arrived in New York in 1993, but returned to China in 2003, following a long distance courtship with Helen. They married, had two children, but Helen and the kids could not come to the U.S. right away. Finally, the family was reunited in 2008 and a couple of years later, Dong and Helen decided to open their own business, Shan Fu Grocery, in a spot that Dongs brother had been operating a bubble tea shop. You can read the whole story here.

The building  owned by the Blumenthal family since the 1970s  changed hands in February. The new owner is identified in public records only as, TTC Investments VII LLC, with the mailing addressed listed at the offices of Building Equity Management, a property management firm with more than 125 addresses in its portfolio across the city. Shan Fu Grocery, Vida Signs and The Hunt, a jewelry and apparel store will all be vacating the commercial spaces in the property within the next month. On August 14, The Hunt posted on Instagram, Our lease is up, and unfortunately new landlords have asked us (along with several of our neighbors) to leave by October 1st. Its the end of an era, but not the end of The Hunt.

As these businesses prepare to shut down on Canal Street, more changes are ahead in the immediate area. Back in 2024, DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners (the former owner of the Nine Orchard Hotel) sold 3-5 Essex St., right next door to 23 Canal, for $5.3 million to a corporate entity identified as, Paint Store LLC.

3 Essex St. is the former home of M. Schames & Son paint store, which was forced to relocate to Delancey Street back in 2010. The tenement, parts of which date to the early 1800s, was de-stabilized from the demolition of the neighboring property. The citys Department of Buildings recently approved the demolition of 3 Essex St. The 5 Essex site has remained empty all of these years, although DLJ Real Estate allowed it to be used for an open air cactus store. Incidentally, Building Equity Management is also listed in city records as the point of contact for 3-5 Essex St.

The other day, Adlan Jackson at Hell Gate spoke with Dong Wang and Helen Chen. They said theyre planning to move from their apartment in Chinatown to a home they own on Staten Island. Weve all seen how hard they worked over the years, and hope they are able to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Helen, noting that theyd always lived in Chinatown since moving to the U.S., said they would miss the neighborhood. Well miss Dong and Helen, too.
On the afternoon of August 30, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Tianjin Guest House with Myanmars Acting President Min Aung Hlaing, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025 and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

President Xi noted that Myanmar was part of the Eastern battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War and it is an important dialogue partner of the SCO. The China-Myanmar pauk-phaw friendship, rooted in the hearts of the two peoples, is as strong and relevant as ever. The two sides should seize the opportunity of the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations to deepen strategic cooperation, accelerate the building of their community with a shared future, and bring greater benefits to people in both countries.

President Xi stressed that China supports Myanmar in following a development path suited to its realities, in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, in rebuilding after the earthquake, and in delivering a better life to its people. China also supports Myanmar in unifying all domestic political forces as much as possible and restoring stability and development. The two sides should advance key projects of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and promote economic and trade cooperation. Joint efforts should be made to combat cross-border crimes, maintain peace and tranquility in the China-Myanmar border region, and ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects in Myanmar. The two sides should carry forward the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and jointly safeguard the U.N.-centered international system.

Acting President Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar and China share a deep pauk-phaw friendship and a common pursuit of peace and stability, and both countries made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. China has always been a good neighbor and a good friend to Myanmar, providing long-term assistance to Myanmars economic and social development, supporting its post-disaster rehabilitation efforts, and playing a constructive role in facilitating peace and stability in northern Myanmar. Myanmar will steadfastly uphold the one-China policy. Myanmar will work with China to pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and expand cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, energy, and infrastructure, so as to create a better life for people in both countries. As a dialogue partner of the SCO, Myanmar will actively contribute to the development of the organization.

The two sides signed multiple bilateral cooperation agreements in the fields of customs, news media, and others.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Chen Miner, among others, were present at the meeting.


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Japan has "strongly objected" to a Trump administration request urging it to buy more rice, which snagged bilateral talks between the two nations this weekend, a report said.

This follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the country (which started on Friday) to attend bilateral talks at the India-Japan Summit.

ALSO READ | Bullet train ride with PM, Rs 60,000 crore investment for India, meeting governors: Key highlights of Modis trip to Japan

Japans top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, who is the country's minister of state for economic and fiscal policy, on Thursday cancelled a trip to the US at the last minute, citing unspecified "points that need to be discussed at the administrative level", as per a Nikkei Asia article cited in a Reuters report.

The report added that this abrupt decision came after US President Donald Trump revised the US-Japan trade deal inked in Julywhich had kept Tokyo's tariff rate at 15 per centby adding a commitment for Japan to buy more American rice, the report said, citing unnamed Japanese officials.

ALSO READ | Would destroy the US...: Donald Trump after court rules his sweeping tariffs illegal

In the July deal, when the White House said that Japan would boost US rice purchases by 75 per cent, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said that despite the possible increase, the agreement would "not sacrifice" Japanese agriculture. The White House's new revision contradicts this.

As a result, an official called it an "interference in domestic affairs".

Agriculture has also been a hotly disputed point in India-US trade talks, because of which the two sides had not arrived at a trade deal despite five iterations of talks. The sixth round of trade talks has been postponed indefinitely.

India continues to remain steadfast against US demands for duty concessions on agricultural and dairy products, as India's 'Make in India' policy clashes with Washington's 'America First' policy.

ALSO READ | India-US trade deal: Will August 1 tariff deadline be extended? Here's what you need to know

Akazawa's trip was meant to approve a $550 billion package of US-bound investment via government-backed loans and guarantees.

However, after the cancellation, Akazawa has said that the two sides would have to continue ironing out their differences over the July agreement.
A new report by Ukrainian oil market analytics firm NaftoRynok revealed that refined fuel from India accounted for more than 15 per cent of all of Ukraines total diesel imports in July 2025.

These revelations kick US President Donald Trumps excuses on slapping punitive tariffs on India out of the water. As the US looks to punish India for buying Russian crude, it is Indias diesel that, in part, powers the Ukrainian economy.

For the month, daily deliveries from India to Ukraine averaged around 2,700 tons, cited Moneycontrol. In the first seven months of 2025, India expanded its share of diesel supply to Ukraine to 10.2 per cent.

In contrast, it was just 1.9 per cent a year ago in the same period.

Apart from India, the other major diesel suppliers to Ukraine are Slovakia (matching Indias 15 per cent), Greece (around 13 per cent), Turkey (over 12 per cent), and Lithuania (more than 11 per cent). However, compared to them, Indias jump in year-on-year shipments is alarming.

Reports suggest that most of the Indian fuel reached Ukraine through the Danube from Romania, and through the Opet terminal in Turkey as tanker shipments.

This report came at the heels of the American Jewish Committee, the religious advocacy group, blasting US policymakers for singling out India for Russian crude oil purchases.

ALSO READ | 'Unilateral actions': Piyush Goyal dismisses Trump tariffs, hints at trade deals with Oman and Qatar

The body said that India was not responsible for the Ukraine crisis, like Trump claimed.

Washington, of late, has stepped up its attack on India, claiming that the country funded Russian President Vladimir Putins war machine. Moreover, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro called the Ukraine crisis Modis war.

But the Jewish outfit called Navarros remarks a scurrilous charge and said that it was deeply troubled by the chorus of attacks on India by US officials.

They also cleared the air, stating that they regret Indias reliance on Russian oil but noted that India isnt responsible for Putins war crimes, is a sister democracy and an increasingly important strategic partner of the United States.

Trumps new 25 per cent punitive tariffs added to the already imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India, driving the total to an obscene 50 per cent.

ALSO READ | Duty of Indians to stand up to US bullying: Maruti Suzuki India Chairman hits back at Donald Trump on tariffs

Reports suggest that Prime Minister Modi has not taken lightly the US action, and has gone on a slew of bilateral trade visits, including Brazil, Japan, and even China.

With the latest revelation of Indias supply of diesel to Ukraine, this much is clearIndia stands neutral in the conflicts of other nations, adhering to its external affairs outlook.
Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran reaffirmed that the Indian economy was on track to grow at 6.3-6.8 per cent in the current fiscal year FY2026. The proposed GST reforms would lift local consumption and retail activity, despite the US tariffs bearing down on the country.

Nageswaran, the Centres economic advisory head, briefed the media on Friday while releasing the April-June GDP data from the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation.

The CEA also assured that the 25 per cent secondary tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump are currently being negotiated and that their effect would be short-lived.

There is some uncertainty with respect to the additional tariff with respect to the Russian crude oil would last, but in general conversation is going on, and there is expectation that we will see some kind of a resolution in not so distant future, he said. We do believe that the growth target for the current fiscal, especially in lines of strong showing by the economy in the first quarter, we retain the 6.3-6.8 per cent range for the current fiscal.

ALSO READ | 'Unilateral actions': Piyush Goyal dismisses Trump tariffs, hints at trade deals with Oman and Qatar

According to the latest data released by the Centre, Indias economy grew at 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of FY2026 (April to June 2025), surpassing the RBI estimates of 6.5 per cent.

Nageswarans latest outlook matched the Centres earlier projections of real economic growth of 6.3-6.8 per cent for FY2026 in The Economic Survey tabled in parliament in January.

There could be some downside risks to the projections if the tariffs remain for a longer period, but we are hopeful it will be resolved sooner, he added.

The Centre has wagered its bets on the upcoming GST reforms following the upcoming GST Council meeting on September 3-4 2025.

Global uncertainties will not affect India

On the same day, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtivardhan Singh said that trade tensions, including the latest 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the US on Indian goods, would not affect the Indian economy. Wherever we get a good market, we will adopt it and move forward strongly, said Singh. The countries of the [Global South] now consider us a leader, he added.
The South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook last went to Venice in 2005, when his film Sympathy for Lady Vengeance was in competition. 20 years later, the Oldboy director returned to the latest edition of the festival with No Other Choice, a dark comedy starring Lee Byung-hun ("I Saw the Devil", "Squid Game"). The film was met with an enthusiastic six-minute standing ovation.

The film, which also got selected as the opening film at this year's Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), is powered by a twisted idea in 'The Ax', a 1997 novel by mystery author Donald E. Westlake. The plot revolves around a middle-aged man, recently terminated on account of corporate downsizing, drawing up a plan to kill every single man who could be a potential replacement to take over his former job, while desperately looking for new employment.

The story is transplanted to South Korea, with Lee Byung-hun playing the protagonist Man-soo, while Crashing Landing On You actress Son Ye-jin plays his wife, A-ra.

In a press meet at Venice, Park said it took a long time for him to make the film, but wasn't worried about the film's relevance because of its timely subject matter. We all harbor that deep fear of employment and security. I was able to work on this film for 20 years because no matter who I told over the two decades, theyd always relate and say, Its such a timely story. That gave me the confidence to know its a film that will eventually get made.

A former film critic, Park Chan-wook made his directorial debut with The Moon... is the Sun's Dream. However, his 2000 film Joint Security Area was what was deemed to be his breakthrough. He later made the 'Vengeance' trilogy, which comprises the widely acclaimed Oldboy, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Lady Vengeance.

For his stellar work in Decision to Leave, Park Chan-wook won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022.
Delhi police nabbed a man for allegedly murdering his wife and mother-in-law following a quarrel over gifts during his son's birthday on Saturday. Cops have recovered blood-stained clothes and scissors allegedly used by the accused for the murder.

According to police, the deceased were identified as Kusum Sinha (63) and her daughter Priya Sehgal (34). Priya's husband, Yogesh, the accused, fled the scene with the couple's children after the alleged murder. However, police nabbed him later in the day.

#WATCH | Mother and daughter have been murdered in Delhi's Rohini Sector 17. They have been identified as Kusum Sinha and Priya Sehgal. Priya's brother, Megh Sinha, alleged that Yogesh Sehgal (husband of Priya) had killed both his mother and sister and fled with the children. pic.twitter.com/Ok0Ecmr5Ai  ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2025

The murder came to light after Priya's brother, Megh Sinha, visited the couple's house on Saturday after both Priya and Kusum did not respond to his calls. Yogesh resided with his family in Sector-17, Rohini.

On reaching the couple's home, Megh got worried after none responded to his calls to open the doors. He also spotted blood stains on the doorsteps. Megh alerted relatives and broke open the door, only to find his sister and mother lying in a pool of blood.

Megh immediately alerted the police. KNK Marg police rushed to the spot. According to police, the couple's son's birthday was celebrated on August 28, and they quarrelled over gifts exchanged between both sides of the family. Worried, Kusum stayed at Priya's residence to settle the matter, he added.

"On August 30, when the caller tried to contact his mother over the phone, his calls went unanswered. He then came to Priya's house and found the flat locked from outside with blood stains visible near the door," the officer said.

"He immediately informed other family members and broke open the lock, whereupon he found his mother and sister lying in a pool of blood inside the room. He alleged that Yogesh Sehgal, the husband of Priya and presently unemployed, had killed both his mother and sister and fled with the children," the police said.

Within hours, police arrested Yogesh, and his blood-stained clothes and a pair of scissors, alleged to be the weapon used, were recovered from the scene. Further investigation is underway.
There is an indication of a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal on September 2 and 3. As per current indications, rain is expected in the northern districts of Kerala during Onam celebrations. In the subsequent days, rain may become more widespread across the state. "Heavy rainfall (7cm to 11cm in 24 hours) very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala on 30th August, 3rd, 4th, and 5th September 2025," the Thiruvananthapuram Met Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

   5    



      (Yellow)  .



 : 01.00 PM; 30/08/2025



IMD-KSEOC-KSDMA pic.twitter.com/yym3sNE2Wd  Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (@KeralaSDMA) August 30, 2025

As the low-pressure system weakened, the intensity of rain Kerala has been receiving over the past two days also decreased. The southern state is only likely to witness scattered, intermittent rain in the coming days, weather experts were quoted as saying by Malayalam media reports. However, the possibility of this prediction going wrong and Kerala witnessing a sunny Thiruvonam day cannot be ruled out, the report added.

On Saturday, rain is reportedly being experienced in various places across all 14 districts of Kerala. The highest rainfall has been recorded in Kasaragod and Kannur districts, Manorama Online said in a report. In Kakkayam of Kozhikode district, 6,046 millimetres of rain has fallen in the last 100 days. Rain was recorded at Kakkayam station on 91 out of 100 days. Out of these, on 21 days, the rainfall was above 100 millimetres. On 22 days, the rainfall was between 50 and 99 millimetres. The highest rainfall in Kakkayam occurred on July 17, with 309 millimetres of rain.

KERALA WEATHER FORECAST FOR ONAM DAYS (Released on August 29):

DAY 1 (29-August-2025): Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at most places in Kerala and Lakshadweep.

Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at most places in Kerala and Lakshadweep. DAY 2 (30-August-2025): Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at most places in Kerala and at many places in Lakshadweep.

Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at most places in Kerala and at many places in Lakshadweep. DAY 3 (31-August-2025): Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at many places in Kerala and Lakshadweep.

Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at many places in Kerala and Lakshadweep. DAY 4 (1-September-2025): Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at many places in Kerala and at a few places in Lakshadweep.

Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at many places in Kerala and at a few places in Lakshadweep. DAY 5 (2-September-2025): Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at many places in Kerala and at a few places in Lakshadweep.

Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at many places in Kerala and at a few places in Lakshadweep. DAY 6 (3-September-2025): Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at most places in Kerala and at a few places in Lakshadweep.

Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at most places in Kerala and at a few places in Lakshadweep. DAY 7 (4-September-2025): Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at most places in Kerala and at many places in Lakshadweep. Dakshina Kannada district administration has also declared a holiday for Anganwadis and schools up to the level of high school on Saturday.

Latest weather news

Meanwhile, heavy rain is falling in Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. Rajasthan, which generally experiences less rain, is currently receiving abundant rainfall. The IMD on Saturday forecast heavy rain in the sub-Himalayan districts of the state till Monday morning owing to a favourable wind pattern and moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal. It said the South Bengal districts will receive light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning at one or two places for the coming one week till September 5.

DWM SPECIAL UPDATE, DATED 30TH AUG, 2025



Quick recall of Southwest monsoon 2025! Extreme events one side and normal monsoon behavior other side!



Early monsoon onset May 24th, 2025 followed unusual heavy to very heavy rains over Kerala, Karnataka



1. Northeast India: Unexpected pic.twitter.com/221rT2TuLC  Delta Weatherman (Hemachander R) (@Deltarains) August 30, 2025

Similarly, heavy rains continued to lash parts of the coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka on Saturday, affecting normal life in Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, and Kodagu districts. In Honnavar taluk of Uttara Kannada, the Deputy Commissioner ordered a holiday for all anganwadis, primary, and high schools on August 30 as a precautionary measure in view of incessant rains expected during the day.
In a controversial statement, BJP MLC Sanjay Kenekar called Maratha activist Manoj Jarange a suicide bomber of Nationalist Congress Party (SP-SP) chief Sharad Pawar.

Jarange launched an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai on Friday, demanding reservation for the community under the OBC category.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: As Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil continues his hunger strike, his supporters take to the streets around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai over the reservation issue.



Mumbai Police officials and RPF personnel present pic.twitter.com/3jxiZq6sF3  ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2025

Kenekars remarks came after Jarange made a scathing attack on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of trying to create instability and vitiate the atmosphere in the state.

He also accused the government of spreading misinformation about the Maratha communitys agitation.

The BJP leaders allege that Jarange is targeting Fadnavis as he is a Brahmin. They point out that the activist has not spoken anything against Fadnaviss deputiesDevendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.

Jarange and his supporters have been demanding a 10 per cent quota for Marathas in government jobs and education. He wants Marathas to be recognised as Kunbis, an agrarian caste included in the OBC category, which will make them eligible for reservation.

On Saturday, he issued a stern warning, saying the government should not test the patience of the Maratha community".

The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (AVA), in which the NCP(SP) is a part of, has trained guns at the government, asking it to talk to the activist.

MVA leaders have said the only solution was for the Centre to waive the 50 per cent cap on reservations and conduct a caste census.

VIDEO | Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, "...Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil is protesting in Mumbai, the court shouldn't interfere. The protest is peaceful, and now CM Devendra Fadnavis should go and meet Jarange Patil; if not, the situation will deteriorate. pic.twitter.com/ViQ3rOrTZ5  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 30, 2025

Thousands of protesters have reached south Mumbai to extend support to Jarange, who launched his hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Friday.

"We are ready to stay in Mumbai for as long as it takes. Until the Maratha community gets a reservation, we won't leave," one of the protesters was heard saying.
Manoj Jarange, who launched an indefinite hunger strike, accused the state government of spreading misinformation

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange, who launched an indefinite fast on Friday seeking reservation for the community, accused the state government of spreading misinformation about their agitation.

"We are not asking to reduce the OBC quota. Don't spread misinformation," Jarange said, adding that the community doesnt want to indulge in politics.

The government should not test the patience of the Maratha community," he warned.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: As Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil continues his hunger strike, his supporters take to the streets around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai over the reservation issue.



Mumbai Police officials and RPF personnel present pic.twitter.com/3jxiZq6sF3  ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2025

The activist has been demanding a 10 per cent quota for Marathas in government jobs and education. He wants Marathas to be recognised as Kunbis, an agrarian caste included in the OBC category, which will make them eligible for reservation.

Jarange launched an attack on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of trying to create instability and vitiate the atmosphere in the state.

"The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has an administrator, and under the influence of the chief minister, it has stopped food and water for protestors. We won't forget this. You have closed public toilets and hotels. Let's see how many days you harass poor Marathas," he said.

Security has been tightened in south Mumbai, where thousands of supporters have gathered in support of Jarange, who launched his indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan..

Considering the situation, the Mumbai police have deployed more than 2,000 personnel to prevent any untoward incidents.

VIDEO | Maharashtra: Maratha activist Manoj Jarange arrives at Azad Maidan, Mumbai. The 43-year-old activist received a rousing welcome from thousands of supporters, sporting saffron caps, scarves and flags, after he reached the protest venue.



Jarange began his indefinite hunger pic.twitter.com/gTMIkqiWfs  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 29, 2025

Leaves of all police personnel have been cancelled and they have been asked to join duty at the earliest to maintain the law and order situation in the city, an official told PTI news agency.

Meanwhile, the state government extended the tenure of the genealogy committees, constituted at the taluka level for the issuance of caste and caste validity certificates to eligible Maratha community members under the Kunbi caste of the OBC category, till June 30, 2026.
Talks between a Maharashtra government delegation and Maratha quota agitation leader Manoj Jarange ended inconclusively, even as the activist's hunger strike ended day two on Saturday.

Following the failure of talks, Jarange has decided to continue his hunger strike.

Jarange has demanded that Marathas in Marathwada be declared as belonging to the Kunbi caste and given reservationa demand that the government rejected.

Jarange has been demanding a 10 per cent quota for Marathas under the OBC category. He wants Marathas to be recognised as Kunbian agrarian caste included in the OBC categoryas this makes them eligible for reservation, though OBC leaders are opposed to it.

"Marathas in Marathwada must be declared as Kunbis and given reservation. The Hyderabad and Satara gazettes must be made into law for this," Jarange said.

He also hit out at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for sending retired High Court judge Sandeep Shinde, who heads a committee set up to expedite the process of granting reservation to the Marathas, to hold talks with him.

"It is not Justice Shinde's job to issue a Government Resolution (GR) announcing grant of reservation to Marathas," Jarange said.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: As Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil continues his hunger strike, his supporters take to the streets around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai over the reservation issue.



Mumbai Police officials and RPF personnel present pic.twitter.com/3jxiZq6sF3  ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2025

Caste certificate is given to individuals and not the entire community, Justice Shinde said, clarifying that he was authorised to give such a report.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has extended the tenure of the genealogy committees, constituted at the taluka level, till June 30, 2026, for the issuance of caste and caste validity certificates to eligible Maratha community members under the Kunbi caste of the OBC category. Social Justice and Special Assistance Minister Sanjay Shirsat said the decision was taken by his department through a government resolution (GR) on Friday.
At a Canara Bank branch in Kochi, Kerala, employees had to resort to a unique form of protest over a beef ban at the staff canteen: a beef festival.

The protesters from the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) had initially gathered to speak out against the alleged mental harassment they were being subjected to by the new bank manager, who is a Bihar native. They said that the Bihar native allegedly insulted the officials.

However, after the federation learned of the new beef ban at the canteen, they decided to focus on and highlight this specific issue.

Employees at the bank reported that the new regional manager had banned beef, which was served on some days of the week at the canteen. Federation leader SS Anil said in a Facebook post, A small canteen operates here, and beef is served on select days. The manager informed the canteen staff that beef should no longer be served.

"This bank runs under the Constitution. Food is a personal choice, and in India, everyone has the freedom to eat what they want. We are not forcing anyone to eat beef, but it is our right to oppose the ban, he added

The protesters gathered at the premises of the branch and served beef and parotta, a staple in Kerala.

The protest garnered support from various politicians in the state. Left-backed independent MLA KT Jaleel praised them, saying, "No Sangh Parivar agendas would be allowed in Kerala."

Kerala has protested beef bans before, notably in 2017 when the Centre issued a directive to restrict cattle slaughter. Similar beef festivals were held in defiance.
After a gap of over seven years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in China on Saturday.

Taking to X, the prime minister said, "Landed in Tianjin, China. Looking forward to deliberations at the SCO Summit and meeting various world leaders."

The prime minister last visited China in June, 2018, to attend the SCO summit.

The visit of PM Modi to China for the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Sunday and Monday comes in the wake of a sudden downturn in India-US ties triggered by Washington's policies on tariffs.

The visit also comes in the wake of a series of high-level engagements between India and China, the most recent being the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to New Delhi, to reset their ties that came under severe strain following the deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in June 2020.

A Chinese media report even went on to the extent of claiming that the active participation of India in the SCO Tianjin Summit "reflects its repositioning of the multilateral cooperation framework."

Modi and Xi are expected to take stock of India-China economic ties and deliberate on steps to further normalise relations. Both countries need a stable surrounding environment to promote domestic reforms and economic growth in the wake of a sluggish global economic recovery.

Ahead of his trip to Tianjin, Modi said it is important for India and China to work together to bring stability to the world economic order.

In an interview with Japan's The Yomiuri Shimbun, Modi said a stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity. "Given the current volatility in the 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.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is continuing his Vote Adhikar Yatra, undeterred by the recent protests by Bharatiya Janata Party workers over alleged derogatory slogans raised against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the rally.

On Saturday, the yatra witnessed a 'rare show of love' after Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha workers conducted a black flag protest against the Opposition leader in Darbhanga, Bihar. The protesters were stopped by security personnel while they tried to get close to Gandhi.

#WATCH | Arrah, Bihar: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi offered candies to BJYM workers who showed him black flags and confronted him over the alleged derogatory remarks made against the Prime Minister and his late mother at a Mahagathbandhan event in Darbhanga. pic.twitter.com/dkFXz8WJeB  ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2025

BJP workers are protesting against Rahul Gandhi over alleged derogatory slogans raised against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother during one of the rallies in Bihar. BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, condemned Gandhi for the use of defamatory language during his rally, while Congress maintained that the one who raised the slogan did not belong to their party.

Noticing the protesters, Gandhi, who was travelling in an open vehicle, summoned them closer and offered candies. However, security personnel removed the protesters from the premises.

The Congress-led Opposition is conducting Vote Adhikar Yatra in poll-bound Bihar, alleging irregularities in the intensive electoral roll revision underway in the state. The Opposition accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP and fudging the electoral roll in the ruling party's favour. Gandhi accused the Election Commission and the BJP of committing 'vote theft'.

The poll body denied Gandhi's charges and asserted that polls were being conducted in a transparent manner in the country. The Commission accused the Congress leader of misleading the public.
In an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Gurez sector last week, two terrorists were killed. One of them was identified as Bagu Khan, who is also known popularly as the human GPS.

He was shot dead while he and the other terrorist were attempting to infiltrate the Nowshera Naar area.

Who is Bagu Khan?

Bagu Khan is also known by the name Samundar Chacha and was wanted by forces for decades as he was involved in more than 100 infiltration bids from various areas of the Gurez sector since 1995. A majority of these infiltrations were successful due to his intimate knowledge of the region's tough terrain and secret routes. He was one of the oldest handlers of cross-border movement.

His expertise made him an important figure for many terrorist groups.

 Guide of Pakistani Terrorists in Kashmir Valley.



Bagu Khan/Samnder Chacha Killed along with one more terrorist in Gurez.



For years, he masterminded over 100 infiltration attempts by navigating the most challenging paths along the Line of Control pic.twitter.com/CcoFXdzUmA  Lt Colonel Vikas Gurjar  (@Ltcolonelvikas) August 30, 2025

He primarily served as a Hizbul commander. However, he also assisted several other organizations and helped them plan and carry out infiltrations from Gurez and neighboring sectors.

His death will mark a significant setback to the logistical network supporting terror groups in the region.

The recent clash occurred near the Naushera Naar under Operation Naushera Nar IV, where troops engaged with a group of heavily armed infiltrators. The two militants were killed after a brief gunfight broke out.
Houthis on Saturday confirmed prime minister of the rebel-controlled government, Ahmed al-Rahawi, was killed in an Israeli airstrike over Yemen's capital, Sanaa on Saturday.

In a statement, the Houthi rebels said Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed in a Thursday strike in Sanaa along with a number of ministers.

Israel Defense Forces on Thursday said it "precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target in the area of Sanaa in Yemen."

Al-Rahawi was reportedly killed during a routine workshop of the rebel government to evaluate its activities. Al-Rahawi has been serving as prime minister to the Houthi-led government since August 2024. He was targeted along with other members of his Houthi-controlled government during a routine workshop held by the government to evaluate its activities and performance over the past year, the rebels' statement said.

The Houthis have repeatedly launched missiles against Israel in solidarity with Palestinians. Though most of the missiles launched by Yemen were intercepted by Israel, or fragmented mid-air, this has done little to deter the attacks.

Israeli strikes earlier this week hit multiple areas across Sanaa, killing at least 10 people and wounding 102 others, Houthi government officials said. The Houthis have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea throughout Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. The rebels say their attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians.

In response to the Houthi attacks, Israel and a US-led coalition pounded the rebel-held areas in Yemen. Israeli strikes knocked the Sanaa airport out of service in May.
The Donald Trump administration has announced a significant policy shift, denying and revoking visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in September. The decision, disclosed by the US Department of State, is framed as a measure to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and for undermining the prospects for peace, citing national security grounds.

The move targets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and around 80 senior officials, although the US has confirmed that waivers will be granted to the Palestinian Authority Mission to the UN, allowing its New York-based operations to continue. Ambassador Riyad Mansour, who heads the mission, said the delegation would assess the decisions exact impact before responding.

The justifications given by Washington are wide-ranging. The State Department accuses the Palestinians of failing to repudiate terrorism, pointing to the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. It also cites the PAs attempts to bypass negotiations by appealing to international courts, notably the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, while the ICJ is examining Palestinian claims that Israel is committing genocide and practising apartheid in the occupied territories. Washington argues these steps amount to internationalising the conflict, placing the PA in violation of US law.

The US also repeats long-standing criticisms of the PAs alleged support for terrorism, including incitement, glorification of violence and its policy of providing stipends to Palestinians imprisoned by Israel or to the families of those killed in attacks. Critics call this a system of pay for slay. The PA insists the stipends are welfare payments to families of all prisoners, many of whom are held without trial, and says they are considered political prisoners.

The timing of the announcement is interesting. It comes soon after France, the UK and Canada pledged to recognise an independent, demilitarised Palestinian state later this year. It also follows a French-Saudi led conference at the UN designed to rally support for a two-state solution. The US had warned of consequences for any anti-Israel declarations at the event. The Biden administration had previously noted the PAs non-compliance with 2002 US legislation but declined to impose penalties. The Trump administration has now reversed that stance.

Reaction has been swift. The Palestinian presidency expressed deep regret and astonishment, urging Washington to reconsider while reaffirming a commitment to international law and peace. Mustafa Barghouti, founder of the Palestinian National Initiative, accused the US of punishing the victim, which is the Palestinian people, instead of those committing war crimes. French officials have noted that the PA has indicated a willingness to end its stipend payments if a Palestinian state is recognised.

From a host state perspective the move has stirred controversy. The US, as host of the UN headquarters, is generally expected to grant visas to representatives of member states for official UN business. US immigration policy usually does not interfere with such visits, although there have been precedents. In 1988, the US denied visa to PLO chairman Yasser Arafat, prompting the UNGA to move to Geneva. In 2013, Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir was blocked due to an ICC warrant. Critics highlight the contrast with Netanyahu, who faces an ICC warrant yet remains welcome to attend.

Israel has warmly welcomed Washingtons decision. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised what he called Americas moral clarity and argued that the PA must pay a price for its ongoing policy of paying terrorists and their families and for its incitement against Israel. Saar also criticised European governments for rushing to recognise what he called a virtual Palestinian state. Yet Israeli security officials often credit the PA with helping maintain order in the West Bank by suppressing rival armed groups.

The visa ban is among the more limited punitive tools available to the Trump administration. Harsher steps, such as designating the PA a foreign terrorist organisation, would trigger sweeping sanctions. Analysts point out the imbalance in US law, which provides multiple mechanisms to penalise Palestinian entities but none to sanction Israel for actions that arguably breach the Oslo Accords, such as settlement expansion, failure to withdraw from the West Bank and withholding Palestinian tax revenues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India and Japan will work together to launch Chandrayaan-5, India's fifth mission to the Moon. He said that ISRO and Japan's space agency JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) will jointly carry out the mission during his speech in Tokyo.

PM Modi said, "For Chandrayaan-5 Mission, we welcome the agreement between ISRO and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). Our cooperation will go beyond Earth and become a symbol of humanity's progress in space," during his speech at the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.

He said, "I am glad that India and Japan are joining hands for the next edition of the Chandrayaan series or the LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration) mission," in an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun (Japan's largest newspaper) earlier today.

So why is this collaboration so significant, and why is the Chandrayaan-5 mission so significant?

The Chandrayaan-5 mission will be launched by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) using its H3-24L launch vehicle. It will carry the ISRO-made lunar lander, which will further deploy a Japan-made rover on the Moon.

The H3-24L launch vehicle is Japan's latest heavy-lift rocket developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and JAXA. It is designed to carry large satellites and deep-space missions, offering higher payload capacity, advanced safety, and reduced costs. The H3 series aims to replace Japan's older H-IIA rockets and strengthen its space exploration capabilities.

ALSO READ | Bullet train ride with PM, Rs 60,000 crore investment for India, meeting governors: Key highlights of Modis trip to Japan

Apart from the lander, ISRO will also develop a few scientific instruments for the mission. The spacecraft will carry seven instruments, including a mass spectrometer by ESA (European Space Agency) and neutron spectrometers by NASA (United States space agency).

A mass spectrometer studies the types of gases and particles on the Moon's surface and atmosphere. Neutron spectrometers help detect water, ice, and hidden elements beneath the Moon's soil.

Chandrayaan-5's mission objectives include mapping water on the Moon, drilling lunar soil (regolith) to check water content, quality and composition, and doing scientific studies directly on the Moon using spectrometers and sensors.

It is planned as a 100-day mission, which may be extended to a year, and will also try to explore the Moon's far side. The far side of the Moon means the side that is always facing away from Earth. We can never see it directly from Earth because the Moon takes the same time to rotate on its axis as it takes to orbit Earth, explained space analyst Girish Linganna.

This expert further explains that China is pursuing parallel lunar exploration efforts through its ambitious Chang'e program, which directly competes with missions like Chandrayaan-5. Chang'e 7, scheduled to launch in 2026, will target the lunar south pole to search for water ice using an orbiter, lander, and innovative mini-flying probe that can hop into permanently shadowed craters.

Following this, Chang'e 8 is planned for 2028-2029 and will test critical technologies for lunar base construction, including 3D-printing structures using lunar soil and deploying multiple rovers and robots. The mission has garnered significant international participation, with contributions from Pakistan (35-kilogram rover), Turkey, Italy, Russia, Thailand, and South Africa, among others.

Both missions are designed to lay the groundwork for China's International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), planned for the 2030s, with the ultimate goal of supporting crewed lunar missions by 2030. This parallel timeline puts China's lunar ambitions in direct competition with the India-Japan Chandrayaan-5 collaboration, highlighting the intensifying global race to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, added Linganna.

This landmark collaboration comes at a pivotal moment as India's space economy is projected to grow fivefold from $8.4 billion in 2022 to $44 billion by 2033, making it a crucial component of the nation's vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. The government has significantly increased space sector funding, with the Department of Space receiving Rs 13,416.2 crore in the 2025-26 budget, alongside the establishment of a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund to boost private sector participation.

India and Japan have a history of strong bilateral ties, including vibrant student exchange programs and joint educational initiatives in science, technology, and innovation. University collaborations, research fellowships, and academic mobility have paved the way for cultural understanding and knowledge transfer.

This space partnership thus extends opportunities for students, researchers, and startups to engage in real-world space science and technology development, reinforcing broader strategic, technological, and educational connections.

The collaboration matters for multiple reasons. Scientifically, it will open new frontiers in lunar and planetary research, especially in the search for water and understanding lunar evolution. Technologically, both countries will benefit from sharing expertise, from robotics to data analysis, launch and mission operations.

For students, this alliance will stimulate educational exchanges, internships, and research collaborations in STEM fields between Japanese and Indian institutions. For industry, the joint approach promotes a collaborative ecosystem in cutting-edge space applications, potentially driving new startups and commercial ventures, remarked Srimathy Kesan, the founder and CEO of SpaceKidz India.

The Prime Minister Modi has emphasised that this government-to-government collaboration between ISRO and JAXA is fostering cooperation between industries and startups in both countries, creating an ecosystem where innovation flows both waysfrom labs to launch pads, and from research to real-world applications.

The approval for Chandrayaan-5 was given by the Modi government on March 10 as a financial sanction. In May 2025, ISRO and JAXA held their third face-to-face technical meeting at ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru, joined by experts from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan. The two-day meeting discussed the mission plan, technical details, and possible landing sites.
Onam, one of Kerala's premier harvest festivals, is deeply woven into the state's fabric. Over the years, it has become a lot more modernised, while also staying true to its roots.

Over the years, technology has added a new sparkle to the evergreen Onam sights of floral arrangements, pulse-pounding boat races, and luscious sadhyas.

Here are 5 ways the festivities are powering up Onam this year:

AI-inspired pookalams

Floral arrangement (pookalam) competitions are now seeing entries with designs generated by AI tools. Unlike before, AI tools do actually suggest good colour schemes and patterns for picture-perfect pookalams.

Drone-captured boat races

Kerala's famously intense snake boat races (vallamkali) are increasingly being shot with camera drones these days. These amplify the thrill of watching racers' oars slice through the waters as they charge ahead. Red Bull even blended this with their unique 'Vallam Vali' event earlier this month: they used drones to capture pairs of boats fighting in a tug-of-war (vadamvali)but on water.

Indie Onam games

Indie game developers like OneWiibe have developed games like 'ScreamXtreme: Wake Up Mahabali' and a digital boat race game to bring adults and children together this Onam.

While the first game is about screaming your heart out to wake up a sleeping Mahabali, the second lets you and your friends sit in a virtual snake boat and row your way to victory.

AR Onam filters

Onam-inspired Augmented Reality (AR) filters on Instagram and Snapchatbanana leaves, tiger dance (pulikali) motifs, and traditional attirebecame popular in 2020. Ever since, many old and newer filters go viral at around Onam.

Live-streamed community events

For many who are unable to celebrate Onam in Keralaespecially those living abroadthiruvathira dances, temple performances, Onam events, games, and even feasts are often live-streamed on YouTube and Instagram, enhancing the festival's community impact.
Chinese embassy spokesperson in India Yu Jing recently shared images of the Hindu deity Ganesha in an X post, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to China on Saturday eveninghis first visit to the country in 7 years.

She posted two striking images: a Ganesha sculpture carved during China's Tang Dynasty, and an intricate cave painting from the Mogao Caves.

ALSO READ | Ahead of China trip, PM Modi was quizzed about Indias role in Quad. This was his reply

"A beautiful reminder of how China and India shared art, faith, and culture centuries ago," Yu Jing wrote in the X post, amid a recent softening of India-China relations.

Ganeshas image can be found in China's Tang Dynasty and the Mogao Caves!

A beautiful reminder of how China & India shared art, faith, and culture centuries ago.  #ChinaIndia pic.twitter.com/KLuY15dDIV  Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) August 29, 2025

India, on its part, has also been careful with its China narrative. When PM Modi was asked about India's role in the Quad grouping of nations (Australia, India, Japan, and the US)originally formed as a counterbalance to Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific regionhe carefully highlighted the significance of the Quad, but also did not mention China.

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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, Modi said in an interview with Nikkei Asia.

The strategic omission of any reference to China also signals complications within the Quad, as India's equation with member nation US has hit a new low over the 50 per cent tariff rate imposed on India (due to its purchase of Russian energy), while its relations with China (against which the Quad was originally formed) seem to be developing.

Notably, it was the Trump administration (first term) that revived the Quad in 2017, that has now put the bloc's significance in question during his second term.

PM Modi, who arrived in Japan on Friday for bilateral talks at the India-Japan Summit, will travel to China on Saturday evening. He is expected to hold 1-2 bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Sunday, a PTI report said.

ALSO READ | Amidst Trump tariff tensions, Russian President Putin confirms visit to India in December

This comes amid global trade tensions sparked by US President Donald Trump's tariffs which have led to non-Western nations strengthening ties.

Modi is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit: the first meeting between the two leaders this year. According to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, this comes ahead of Putin's scheduled visit to India in December for the annual India-Russia summit.

"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 said, highlighting that 2025 marked the 15th anniversary of strategic relations between Moscow and New Delhi.
Indian PM Narendra Modis visit to Japan carries a much bigger geopolitical significance, especially at a time when the worlds largest democracy is facing crippling tariffs from Washington, led by US President Donald Trump.

The Indian delegation, led by Modi, met with Japans leaders, headed by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, exploring a ten-year strategic prioritisation for economic and functional cooperation in eight focal points: economic partnership, economic security, mobility, ecological sustainability, technology and innovation, health, people-to-people and state-prefecture engagements.

Here are the major highlights from PM Modis Japan visit.

Modi met governors of 16 Japanese prefectures in Tokyo and called for strengthening state-prefecture cooperation under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership through a joint declaration.

Later, Japanese counterpart Ishiba joined Modi in a bullet train to travel to Sendai in the Japanese prefecture of Miyagi to visit a semiconductor plant.

Ahead of this, Modi met with Indian train drivers who are being trained in Japan.

PM Narendra Modi and Shigeru Ishiba with the Indian train drivers currently training at JR East, in Japan. | @narendramodi/X

Ishiba and Modi then visited the Tokyo Electron Factory, where the Indian PM got to see their Training Room and Production Innovation Lab. He interacted with top officials of the semiconductor giant.

India has already clinched investment guarantees of 10 trillion yen (around Rs 60,000 crore) from Japan for the next decade.

PM Ishiba and I visited the Tokyo Electron Factory. We went to the Training Room, Production Innovation Lab and interacted with top officials of the company. The semiconductor sector is a key area for India-Japan cooperation.



In the last few years, India has made many strides in pic.twitter.com/6Fmv0s7gUo  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2025

Both nations also launched the Economic Security Initiative to ensure supply chain protection in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, telecom, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and emerging technologies.

India and Japan are exploring a Japan Human Resource Exchangean action plan to promote two-way exchange of 5 lakh people between India and Japan, particularly 50,000 skilled and semi-skilled personnel from India to Japan in the next five years.

Japan Digital Partnership 2.0: Both nations are looking to collaborate on digital public infrastructure, development of digital talent and joint R&D in futuristic technological fields such as AI, IoT, and semiconductors with an MoU.

Another memorandum of cooperation for a joint crediting mechanism 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 is being explored.

This morning in Tokyo, interacted with the Governors of 16 prefectures of Japan. State-prefecture cooperation is a vital pillar of India-Japan friendship. This is also why a separate initiative on it was launched during the 15th Annual India-Japan Summit yesterday. There is pic.twitter.com/N31Kp9wTw3  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2025

With China stockpiling rare earth magnets, Japan and India are looking to cooperate on building supply chain resilience for critical minerals. This includes the development of processing technologies, joint investments for exploration and mining, and efforts for stockpiling critical minerals.

Another major area is the agreement between the ISRO and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on a Joint Lunar Polar Exploration Mission. A document that defines terms and conditions for cooperation between India and Japan on the Chandrayaan 5 mission is being discussed.

Other bilateral MoUs include ones on decentralised domestic wastewater management and environmental cooperation.

Back in India, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtivardhan Singh hailed the 10 trillion yen investment as an achievement for India.

The latest Japan visit came at a time when New Delhi faced turbulence with the United States.

So far, Japan and India have inked 13 key agreements and declarations and announced several joint initiatives.
Ukrainian politician Andriy Parubiy was shot dead in Lviv on Saturday, Kyiv's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on social media.

"My condolences to his family and loved ones," Zelenskyy wrote on social media, confirming the "horrendous murder" and assuring that the killer was being investigated in a full-fledged probe.

Ukraines Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko have just reported the first known circumstances of the horrendous murder in Lviv. Andriy Parubiy was killed. My condolences to his family and loved ones.



All necessary forces and means  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) August 30, 2025

Following a shooting at noon today in the Frankivskyi district of the western Ukrainian city, the National Police had said that a political figure (then unknown) was shot, and died at the scene of the crime.

European Solidarity party lawmaker Iryna Herashchenko soon confirmed in a Facebook post that Parubiy had been the victim.

Expressing shock over his death, she claimed that Parubiy's killing was an act of "terrorism" over his pro-Ukrainian state position, blaming "our age-old enemy and terrorist, the Russian Federation".

 ,  .   .  .  , , ,     . ... Posted by   on Saturday, August 30, 2025

Notably, Parubiy played a prominent role in the EuroMaidan Revolution (Revolution for Dignity), a wave of mass protests in Ukraine against pro-Kremlin President Viktor Yanukovych, as per a Kyiv Independent report.

The event was primarily triggered by Yanukovych's 2013 refusal to sign the Association Agreement with the European Union (EU), and his choice to receive a loan from the Kremlin instead.

Parubiy's active participation in what soon turned into a revolution involved serving as the de facto commandant and head of the tent camp and the leader of the Maidan Self-Defense units.

The revolution ended in 2014 with Yanukovych fleeing to Russia in February 2014. Later that year, Russia annexed Crimea, which began the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

Parubiywidely cited as one of the founders of modern Ukrainealso had a brief stint as the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, creating the new Ukrainian Guard, Army, and Defense Forces in 2014. He later served as a member of Ukraine's parliament from 2016-19.

The probe into Andriy Parubiy's death will be led by the National Police and the Ukraine's Security Service.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday and reiterated India's position for a peaceful settlement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi-Zelenskyy call comes ahead of the Indian prime minister's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said Zelenskyy briefed Modi about recent developments in Ukraine. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President Zelenskyy shared his perspective on the recent developments related to Ukraine," it said.

"Prime minister thanked President Zelenskyy and reaffirmed Indias steadfast and consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at earliest restoration of peace. PM reiterated Indias commitment to extend all possible support in this regard," it added.

The leaders also reportedly reviewed the progress of India-Ukraine bilateral ties and discussed steps to enhance cooperation "in all areas of mutual interest".

Zelenskyy's call comes a day after Moscow confirmed Russian President Putin's trip to India in December. Putin will be visiting India later this year as part of the annual India-Russia Summit.

Modi is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Putin in China. Modi-Putin meet comes amid India's tariff tensions with the United States over Russian oil and defence purchases.

Accusing India of fuelling Russia's war against Ukraine, US President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, hiking the total tariff on Indian imports to 50 per cent.

Modi's interactions with Zelenskyy and Putin come amidst the US's efforts to strike a ceasefire deal between the warring nations. The US president had vowed to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war soon after he assumed office; however, his efforts have reaped no success.
A federal appeals court ruled against President Donald Trump wide-ranging tariffs, saying he did not have the legal right to impose it, or import taxes, on nearly all countries. However, the court allowed the taxes to remain in place, and gave the Trump administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said Trump could not use national emergencies to impose these tariffs. This ruling supported an earlier decision by a trade court in New York. The judges, in a 7-4 vote, said, "It seems unlikely that Congress intended to... grant the President unlimited authority to impose tariffs."

Trump has vowed to move the Supreme Court. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote that the ruling, if upheld, would "literally destroy the United States of America". A White House spokesperson Kush Desai said Trump acted lawfully and expects to win.

This decision makes it harder for Trump to change US trade policy alone. He has other ways to impose import taxes, but they are slower and less severe. His tariffs, and the roll-out process, have rattled global markets, and have also angered US trading partners and allies.

Despite this, Trump used these tariffs to pressure the European Union, Japan and other coutries into accepting one-sided trade deals. The tariffs also brought billions of dollars into the federal Treasury, helping pay for large tax cuts.

The government also warned that if the tariffs are stopped, it might have to refund collected import taxes. This would harm the US Treasury. Trump had previously claimed ending them would lead to "a GREAT DEPRESSION!"

By July 2025, tariffs had generated $159 billion, twice the amount from the previous year. The Justice Department even warned that revoking the tariffs could mean "financial ruin" for the US.

The court's ruling applies to two sets of import taxes. Trump justified both by declaring a national emergency under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA):

1

Liberation Day Tariffs: Announced on April 2, these included up to 50 per cent on countries with a trade deficit with the US, and 10 per cent for most others. Trump said the "emergency" was the long-standing US trade deficit.

2

Trafficking Tariffs: Announced on February 1, these targeted imports from Canada, China, and Mexico. Trump aimed to stop illegal drug and immigrant flows, calling it a national emergency.

The US Constitution gives Congress the power to set taxes, including tariffs. But over the years, presidents have gained more authority, which Trump used.

However, his claim that IEEPA gave him unlimited power to tax imports faced several legal challenges. No president had used IEEPA for tariffs before. It was mainly used for sanctions against countries like Iran. Those who sued argued that IEEPA does not permit tariffs. They also pointed out that a trade deficit is not an "unusual and extraordinary" threat - the US has had trade deficits for 49 years.

Trump's administration argued that courts had approved President Richard Nixon's emergency tariffs in 1971. Nixon used an older law from 1917. But in May, a New York trade court disagreed. It ruled that Trump's Liberation Day tariffs went beyond his authority under IEEPA. This court combined lawsuits from several businesses and states. For the Trafficking Tariffs, the court found they did not properly address the problems they claimed to solve, as required by IEEPA.
Kathmandu, Aug 30 (PTI) Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Saturday embarked on an official visit to China, where he will attend the SCO summit and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He is paying a visit from August 30 to September 3 at the invitation of President Xi.

During the visit, he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and the commemoration of the "80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War".

Oli will meet President Xi in Tianjin and also address the SCO Plus Summit on Sunday.

He is scheduled to meet other world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.

Nepals political circle has urged Oli to raise the issue of the recent agreement between New Delhi and Beijing to resume trade through Lipulekh pass.

Nepal claims Lipulekh as its own territory, a claim that India has categorically rejected as "neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence".

Earlier in the day, Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Balendra Shah extended his best wishes to Oli for the China visit and urged him to take up the issue with China.

While addressing the House of Representatives on Friday, Oli did not say if he would raise the matter with China, but later told reporters he would certainly do so with Chinese leaders.

Oli is being accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya, and his delegation includes Minister for Science and Education Raghuji Pant, Minister for Tourism and Culture Badri Pandey and other high-ranking government officials.

He will return to Kathmandu on September 3.

Oli is also scheduled to visit India, tentatively two weeks after his trip to China.
A growing number of farmers could be turning to investment-grade wine to help offset the impact of crushing inheritance tax changes announced by Rachel Reeves.

Moncharm Wine Traders, a London-based merchant, claims it has seen a 32 per cent increase in business from farming clients since last November after the Chancellor revealed plans to cap agricultural and business property relief at 1million.

Changes to IHT, particularly reforms to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) are hitting farm owners hard, sparking protests across the country.

Over 6,000 agriculture, forestry and fishing business closed or were sold since the changes were announced, according to Office for National Statistics data.

APR mitigates IHT on farms to help operators pass on the family business to the next generation.

From April 2026, IHT relief over the value of 1million on qualifying agricultural and business property will be cut to 50 per cent, from 100 per cent  an effective tax rate of 20 per cent.

Wine's tax efficiency is driven by Britain's secure 'bonding' system, which sees wine stored in a HMRC-approved bonded warehouse with duty and VAT deferred until it leaves

According to wealth manager St. James's Place, a farm-owning couple entitled to APR, and the full nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band allowances, will need to consider IHT planning if their assets including agricultural property exceed 3million.

Moncharm says recent farmer demand for investment grade wine derives from its 'tax-efficient' status, as well as the relatively low volatility of the asset class.

Its tax efficiency is driven by Britain's secure 'bonding' system, which sees wine stored in a HM Revenue & Customs-approved bonded warehouse, with duty and VAT deferred until it leaves the warehouse.

This makes the investment effectively tax free, and the assets secure and safe, at the point of purchase.

It of course has a major drawback  you cannot take receipt of the wine without incurring tax.

HMRC also considers fine wine a 'wasting asset', which means that no capital gains tax is due when the asset is sold.

John, a farmer from Llandovery in Wales, and a client of Moncharm, said: 'It feels like farmers were a big target last year, but we're not alone.

'I [invest] in wine because farming is a job that becomes a way of life and requires me to have hands-off investments.

'I like owning my assets, and wine has become more important of late, due to the tax advantages and changes.'

Callum Woodcock, chief executive at investment platform WineFi, told This is Money his business had seen greater investor interest since last year's budget citing a 'tax-efficient alternative as their reason for investing'.

He added: 'This is an interesting move, as 'typical' wine investors will usually have an existing interest in wine as a consumable or collectible, rather than just an asset class. We are seeing a whole new demographic enter the market driven by an entirely different motivation - tax-efficiency.'

Tom Gearing, chief executive at investment platform Cult Wines, is more skeptical.

He said: 'We have not seen any discernible pattern in the user data to suggest that more UK-based farmers are investing in wine as a result of this potential IHT tax change.

'Historically, wine has been an attractive asset class for those who are considering wealth preservation and inheritance for their children, mainly due to the long-term capital appreciation of fine wine, the flexibility of ownership, and the fact it's free from CGT.'
The British bidder circling Thames Water has mounted a last-ditch attempt to gatecrash a controversial rescue by its lenders.

Castle Water, which already serves business customers in Thames Water's catchment area, claims it has been shut out of the bid process  even though it has offered 20 billion to fix leaks and stem sewage spills over the next five years.

Thames Water, Britain's biggest water firm with 16 million customers in London and the Thames Valley, is teetering on the brink after racking up huge debts and fines under its previous private equity owner.

The Government has hired FTI Consulting to draw up contingency plans for its potential collapse involving a temporary form of nationalisation.

Lenders to stricken Thames Water are preparing a fresh cash injection to save it from having to be rescued by the state.

The 11th-hour deal would also see creditors writing off some of their debts.

On the brink: Lenders to stricken Thames Water are preparing a fresh cash injection to save it from having to be rescued by the state

Thames Water, which is sinking under 18 billion of debt, had previously said it preferred a buyout by KKR over rival bidders because the US private equity firm's rescue plan was more credible.

It has since pulled out citing political risks.

KKR had been chosen ahead of both Scottish-based Castle Water  which handles billing and metering for Thames Water's business customers  and CKI, the Hong Kong owner of Northumbrian Water, whose bid was attacked by some critics as being 'Chinese-backed'.

But Castle Water this weekend sought to revive its bid, claiming it had backing from 'very stable long-term UK investors' who are ready to pump 4 billion immediately into Thames Water to turn it around.

'Our investment proposal and approach is compatible with Thames' creditors, but their preference is to go it alone,' chief executive John Reynolds told The Mail on Sunday.

Referring to the industry regulator, he added: 'Castle Water is the right partner if Ofwat requires them to have a partner who can take responsibility for leading the turnaround.'

Castle Water is co-owned by Reynolds, a former investment banker, and Conservative Party treasurer Graham Edwards.

It bought the non-domestic arm of Thames Water in 2017 and is now the UK's largest 'retailer' of water to hundreds of thousands of firms, charities and public bodies after the non-household sector was opened up to contractors to handle billing, metering and complaints.

Its tilt at Thames Water is backed the billionaire Pears family behind the William Pears Group  a finance and property firm that is providing funding for the bid.

Reynolds said he was 'frustrated' not to be given the same access to Thames Water as KKR.

'We just need to be let inside the fence  and not just the data room  so we can assess the assets, the contracts and current plans so we can hit the ground running,' he said.

'We have a management team in place able to immediately step in to work alongside Thames Water to improve performance.

'And we don't have any competition issues because we don't own another water supplier,' he added, referring to CKI.

The creditors who own most of Thames Water's debts are made up of more than 100 financial groups including US hedge funds Silver Point and Elliott.

They are expected to unveil a revised rescue package in the next fortnight. Sources say it will involve them taking a bigger 'haircut'  or write-off  on their debt than the 3.2 billion previously indicated.

A new management team led by corporate troubleshooter Mike McTighe is also expected to be announced.

Apart from Ofwat, any deal needs the blessing of credit ratings agencies.

They will decide if the funding package allows them to upgrade the utility's debt from 'junk' status, meaning Thames Water would be able to borrow money more cheaply.

Thames Water received a boost last week when it was allowed to pay most of a record 123 million fine for sewage spills and shareholders payouts in instalments.

It is also increasing average household bills by almost a third to 639, but consumer groups argue people shouldn't have to pay more because the company has been badly run.

Thames Water said it continued 'to work closely with stakeholders' to agree a rescue plan to avoid part-nationalisation.

The Government said Thames Water remained 'financially stable' but it was 'ready for all eventualities, including applying for a special administration regime if that were to become necessary'.
Britain's seaside arcades fear they will be caught in a gambling tax trap that could make them 'unsustainable', it was claimed this weekend.

The warning comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves weighs up whether to hit the betting industry with higher levies to fund scrapping the two-child benefit cap  an idea championed by former prime minister Gordon Brown.

But the amusement arcade sector, immortalised by Nessa's Slots in the hit TV series Gavin And Stacey fears that it will be included in the same bracket as online gambling giants.

Elliot Ball, who took over Clacton-on-Sea Pier in 2009 with his brother Billy, is among those urging Reeves to spare a sector reeling from higher National Insurance and minimum wage costs from further hikes in her upcoming Budget. His top concern is that a gambling tax would 'not be a fair playing field' if coastal arcades and amusement parks are taxed in the same way as bigger operators.

Though spending on slot machines is not a 'greatly lucrative' part of the business, he said the 150-year-old Essex pier would be unsustainable without it as it appeals to all ages. He added: 'In times of economic downturn, public crisis or war, the pier has always seen a great amount of footfall.

'We're confident people will come but we need to make sure that it's sustainable for the long term.'

Pierless: Stacey and Nessa, right, at Nessa's Slots in Gavin And Stacey

Echoing his fears, Joseph Cullis, head of leisure industry lobby group Bacta, warned more taxes risk a 'devastating effect' on coastal towns.

'It's very difficult,' he said. 'Margins in business are getting squeezed. The first thing that's going to happen is people are going to lose their jobs if taxes go up. Then there is going to be a knock-on effect, a rise in unemployment.

'For generations, people have come to the seaside to have fish and chips and visit arcades... This could all be in jeopardy if the Government decides to raise taxes  a lot of businesses feed off of us and it could have a negative impact on many coastal towns.'

Gambling giants have decried talk of a sector-specific levy. Casino operator Rank Group boss John O'Reilly insisted the sector was a huge contributor to the country's coffers saying: 'The reality is the market would quickly move offshore into the unlicensed market, which is paying no tax at all.'

Brown's plans target online firms but they also include a doubling in tax on revenues from in-person slot machines that would raise an extra 900 million. The Treasury declined to comment on Budget tax speculation.
A leading steel industry figure has issued a warning about the 'creeping renationalisation' of the sector  calling on Ministers to limit state aid and focus on halting unfair foreign competition.

Sir Andrew Cook spoke out as it emerged that just two of Britain's furnaces are free from Government control, with most of the sector in public hands for the first time since privatisation 37 years ago.

The official receiver has taken over two electric arc furnaces in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, after a judge granted a winding-up order against their owner, tycoon Sanjeev Gupta's Speciality Steel UK.

Britain's last blast furnaces, at British Steel's plant in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, were seized from China's Jingye in April. It leaves only furnaces run by Celsa, in Cardiff, and Marcegaglia, in Sheffield, free of state influence or control.

The two electric arc furnaces can make only a quarter of the 6 million tons produced last year, which included the last steel from Port Talbot's blast furnaces.

A new electric arc furnace at Port Talbot will also be part-funded by the state under a deal agreed by the Tory government.

Burning issue: The UK now has only two furnaces free from state control

But critics say renationalisation is not the answer to the sector's woes and more should be done to cut sky-high energy bills and curb dumping of cheap foreign steel.

Sir Andrew, the owner of steel firm William Cook, said: 'I've no objection to the state equipping the British steel industry to compete, but it stops at that.' He also called the Government 'disingenuous' in failing to 'prioritise protection of the British steel industry from the dumping of cheap imports'.

He wants a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese-made steel, with taxpayers' money spent on British steel for national infrastructure.

'Unless the dumping is stopped, it doesn't matter how efficient you make the UK industry  it'll never be able to compete,' he said. 'The Government's got it all wrong.'

Cook also repeated his call for Ministers to remove green levies on carbon from steelmaking.

Tory business spokesman Andrew Griffith called the problems 'a crisis of Labour's making' due to a failure to bring energy prices down following 'impossible net zero targets'. He said: 'That's why swathes of steel are being nationalised, leaving British taxpayers to foot the bill.'

Industry body UK Steel said British steel makers typically pay 66 per megawatt-hour for their electricity, compared with 43 in France and 50 in Germany.

The Department for Business and Trade, which has yet to publish its long-awaited steel strategy, said the sector should be run 'commercially' with 'private investment'.
On the afternoon of August 30, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Tianjin Guest House with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who was in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025.

President Xi noted that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China, and China-Egypt relations are now at their best in history. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic ties. The two sides should take it as an opportunity to steer the bilateral relationship toward the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era, add new impetus to China-Arab and China-Africa relations, and make greater contributions to upholding world peace and stability and promoting global development and prosperity.

President Xi emphasized that under the new circumstances, China and Egypt should be good brothers that firmly support each other, keep consolidating political trust, and continue providing mutual support on issues concerning each others core interests and major concerns. The two countries should be good partners that deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, foster greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Vision 2030, and take cooperation on parks and zones such as the Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone as the main driver to strengthen cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, joint manufacturing and new energy. The two countries should be good friends that closely collaborate in multilateral affairs, shoulder historical and major-country responsibilities as important members of the Global South, safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II, jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying practices, and defend the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.

Prime Minister Madbouly conveyed to President Xi sincere greetings and regards from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Prime Minister Madbouly said China is a true partner and friend of Egypt, and the two sides have always trusted and supported each other. Egypt places high importance on its relations with China, and is firmly committed to the one-China principle. Egypt stands ready to take next years 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with China as an opportunity to increase high-level exchanges, expand trade and investment, and deepen cooperation in such areas as new energy, electric vehicles, finance and seawater desalination, in a bid to achieve greater progress of the bilateral relations. Egypt and China are both members of the developing world and the Global South. To address challenges facing the international landscape and world economy and trade, Egypt will strengthen coordination and collaboration with China in international and regional affairs, so as to safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Chen Miner, among others, attended the meeting.
Legal postscript on a myriad of big plans across Missouri that encountered federal trouble but now seem to be resolved with some obvious frustrations from local media . . . Here's part of the aftermath and another link for newsie context . . .

Charges dropped against Lux Living executives who in July became represented by Bradley Bondi. U.S. Attorney cites unconstitutional race- and sex-based programs as reason.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Fraud charges dropped against KC Lux Living developers with link to AG Pam Bondi Fraud changed dropped against Lux Living execs, developers of Katz on Main in KC, after Brad Bondi, brother of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi', was hired

Maybe or maybe not related . . .
Today we take another glimpse at the "existential" Missouri political fight that has sparked progressive outrage, conservative cheering and some VERY INTERESTING BETTING about the ability & skill of Jeff City nincompoops to do anything in a hurry.

TKC might or might not have a fiver on the last remaining members of the "freedom caucus" to upset just about everybody . . . Don't let us down dudes!!!

Check the basics and more info . . .

Our Party has never been more united, and we are getting so much done for the American people because of it, and, therefore, I call on all of my Republican friends in the Missouri Legislature to work as fast as they can to get this new Congressional map, as is, to Governor Mike Kehoe's desk, ASAP," Trump said on Truth Social. Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat who represents Missouris Fifth Congressional District, blasted the effort as unconstitutional and undemocratic.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Redistricting: Trump urges Missouri GOP to pass new map as Cleaver calls plan unconstitutional attack President Donald Trump urged Missouri Republicans to quickly pass Gov. Mike Kehoe's redistricting map, while Rep. Emanuel Cleaver condemned the plan as an unconstitutional power grab.

Missouri governor begins redistricting process after Trump pressure. Kansas City is the target President Trump has been pressuring Gov. Mike Kehoe to call a special session for mid-decade redistricting. Republican lawmakers hope to gerrymander congressional lines around Kansas City.

New redistricting map revealed for Missouri, as Texas signs redraw into law Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has called the General Assembly for a special session to discuss redistricting plans in the Republican-controlled state.

At Trump's urging, Missouri jumps into redistricting race to help Republicans Gov. Mike Kehoe called a special session starting Wednesday to help the GOP hold onto Congress. It's part of the battle to reshape the voting map and help Trump keep a majority for his agenda.

The fight to flip the 5th: Missouri Congressman Cleaver talks about redistricting battle for his seat (LISTEN) - Missourinet Some Missouri Republicans have their sights set on flipping the 5th Congressional district - a seat held for almost 21 years by Kansas City Democrat Emanuel Cleaver. Gov. Mike Kehoe has called a special session to begin September 3 to change congressional districts and to make it tougher to pass citizen-led initiatives at the ballot [...]

Developing . . .
This story is worth considering for a lot of reasons but deets about neighborhood surveillance tech helping to apprehend a suspect are exceptionally relevant in hopes of preventing similar violence.

Also . . .

We look forward to checking more deets about this murder but it seems like wearing a mask and ALLEGEDLY driving to the crime scene might warrant a first degree murder charge and a possibly death penalty charges given that the victim was a minor.

Check-it . . .

The Kansas City Police said Traelynn Sibly, 16, was inside a home near East 36th Street and Norton Avenue when someone shot at the home on the evening of Aug. 9.



Dozens of bullets flew through the home, hitting Sibly. She died at the hospital a short time later.



On Friday, Jackson County prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced that she had filed the following charges in the case against 21-year-old Bailey Lewis:

- second-degree murder

- accessory armed criminal action (three counts)

- unlawful use of a weapon (two counts)

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Lots to cover in this update concerning court cases, crime consequences, police action, and of course, community outreach.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Northland man charged with pointing green laser at pilot in November 2024 A 53-year-old North Kansas City, man is facing federal charges of pointing a green laser at an aircraft in November 2024.

Suspect in KCK officer Hunter Simoncic's death faces judge, death penalty decision looms The man accused of murdering Kansas City, Kansas, police officer Hunter Simoncic, 26, appeared in court Friday afternoon in that case for the first time.

Police: 'Misplaced' gun found at Lee's Summit West was loaded Police in Lee's Summit are continuing their investigation after two students found a loaded firearm earlier this week at Lee's Summit West High School.

Kansas City woman pleads guilty to COVID fraud, identity theft Forty-two-year-old Rasheda McDaniel pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Raytown animal rescue steps up after blind man scammed Turnage lost his vision and mother in the same year. While battling depression, his therapist suggested he look into an emotional support dog.

Police: Boy 'accidentally' fires gun Thursday outside of Blue Valley Middle School Police in Overland Park say a boy accidentally fired a gun he found in his parents' car Thursday afternoon near Blue Valley Middle School.

Suspect arrested after woman dies in Lawrence stabbing A woman is dead after a stabbing in Lawrence, Kansas, on Massachusetts Street on Friday, Aug. 29.

1 behind bars, another hospitalized after armed robbery leads to high-speed chases One armed robbery suspect is behind bars, another is hospitalized and a third was identified as a juvenile.

License plate reader company pausing pilot programs with federal agencies Flock Safety, a company that makes automated license plate readers, has paused federal pilots amid concerns about how those camera systems are being used.

'Wish we could've done something': Neighbors shocked by allegations of child abuse against Independence family Newly released court documents allege a family sexually abused and tortured children.

Kansas City teen shares story of survival after nearly dying from abuse Now 18 years old, the young man is on a mission to inspire others through the pain he once thought would kill him.

Gladstone Police renew efforts to find missing woman on 6-month anniversary of her disappearance Gladstone Police have renewed the effort to find a woman who has been missing for months.

PHOTOS: Platte County Sheriff's Office K-9s train at Gladstone pool K-9 deputies with the Platte County Sheriff's Office enjoyed a fun day of training at the Gladstone Municipal Pool.

KCKPD shares procession route for fallen Officer Hunter Simoncic The community is invited to pay their final respects to a fallen Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department officer on Wednesday, Sept. 3, after his service.

Developing . . .
At least the old boss expresses skepticism . . . Here's a bit of money talk for more more informed readers who know that news is only about money:

"Former Kansas City Fed President Thomas Hoenig to discuss Fed Governor Lisa Cook's lawsuit against President Trump, state of the economy, the Fed's inflation fight, rate path outlook, and more."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
This morning author, celeb, fashionista and Insta hotte Emrata inspires our quick peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Local Open Roads Amid Harsh Times

Travelers see lower prices at the airport and the gas pump for Labor Day weekend With one of the busiest travel weekends of the year expected, travelers at Kansas City International Airport and drivers stopping at local gas pumps are seeing some welcome relief.

Tribute Amid Celebration

Kansas City's 23rd annual Irish Fest kicks off Friday as community remembers Shaun Brady Kansas City's 23rd annual Irish Fest kicks off Friday, Aug. 29, at 5 p.m.

South Of Border War . . .

Why a City Market favorite is jumping the state line - to the food court at Oak Park Mall "That's a busy, busy location and we believe we have products that the clientele that goes there will love - the most popular Brazilian street snacks," said Marco Rabello. "We are really happy about introducing Brazilian cuisine to customers."

Westside Taste For Everybody

Mexican paletas have become a Kansas City favorite. Here are the best places to try them Paletas - a traditional Mexican popsicle - are found in shops all over the Kansas City region. Find out more about this delicious frozen treat, where to find it, and what else is available at the city's paleterias.

Golden Ghetto Needs Break

Overland Park could expand eligibility for property tax rebate More residents could be eligible for Overland Park's property tax rebate pilot program this year as the city looks to expand its criteria due to excess funds.

Cowtown Matching Skill

Mahjong madness invades the Kansas City metro - Have you learned to play the classic tile game? The classic tile game is new again across Kansas City as more learn to play.

Today's Dead-Tree Journalism

I ran in the Royals' hot dog suit. Here's how fans can try to do the same The Royals are looking to find the "Top Dog" during a first-of-its-kind tournament, where representatives for ketchup, mustard and relish will battle to determine to best condiment.

Retro Autumn Fashions Debut

Emily Ratajkowski smolders in leather and mesh Emily Ratajkowski wore a strappy leather wrap top and sheer mesh leggings by Alaia in a series of photos on Instagram.

MAGA Trade War Overruled?!?

US court rules many of Trump's global tariffs are illegal The tariffs can remain in place until October to allow the Trump administration time to request the Supreme Court to take up the case.

Progressive Tactics Disputed

Carville rebukes DNC over woke 'land acknowledgment' lamenting treatment of Native Americans Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville pleaded with the DNC to stop land acknowledgments, saying the party exists to win elections, not right historical wrongs.

MAGA Against Celebs

'Misinformed And Detached': Homeland Security Representative Accuses Kim Kardashian Of Aiding Criminals DHS official Tricia McLaughlin slammed Kim Kardashian for wading into the immigration debate Friday, accusing the reality star of siding with violent criminals.

Money Probs Confront Midterms

Government shutdown showdown with GOP puts Democrats in a bind 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 shu...

Holy Land Move Reconsidered

Evacuation of Gaza City would be unsafe and unfeasible, says head of Red Cross The head of the Red Cross warned on Saturday that it would be impossible to keep people safe during a mass evacuation of Gaza City, as Israel intensifies its assault.

Another Loss In Europe War

Ukrainian former parliamentary speaker Parubiy shot dead in Lviv Ukrainian former parliamentary speaker Andriy Parubiy was shot dead in the western city of Lviv on Saturday and a search was under way for the killer.

Outrage Across World

3 dead after mob sets fire to Indonesian regional parliament building An angry mob has set fire to a local parliament building in Makassar, Indonesia, leaving at least three people dead and five others hospitalized.

Digital Crackdown Cont'd

Online age checks are proliferating, but so are concerns they curtail internet freedom Online age checks are on the rise in the U.S. and elsewhere, asking people for IDs or face scans to prove they are over 18 or 21 or even 13.

Diva Delights In Bawdy Tracks

Sabrina Carpenter: Man's Best Friend review - smut and stunning craft from pop's best in show The controversy-courting star is in perfect alignment with producer Jack Antonoff, on detailed and utterly delightful tracks that make her previous hit album seem rudimentary in comparison

Cowtown Boozy Kickoff . . .

KC Bier Co's immersive biergarten set to open before thirsty World Cup visitors arrive A popular Kansas City brewery officially broke ground Friday on a highly anticipated, border-hopping expansion that will bring one of the nation's largest authentic Bavarian-style biergartens to Johnson County.

Home Team Chances Fade

Royals miss too many opportunities in 5-3 loss to Tigers They could have brought more runners in scoring position home. They could have gained ground in the playoff race. They did not.

Final Note For Legend

'Irreplaceable' Kansas City blues icon leaves a legacy at BB's Lawnside BBQ Mama Ray hosted a blues jam for 39 years. Saturday will be the first one without her.

Forecast For Now . . .

Kansas City weather: Spotty showers expected this Labor Day weekend Saturday is the pick day of the weekend, though some showers could pop up later in the day.

Marlon Hoffstadt - It's That Time is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Local news continues to add up a litany of charges and arrests against this suspected cop killer.

Check-it . . .

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," Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree said Wednesday.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

New details about criminal history of man accused of killing KCK officer FOX4 News is learning more about the criminal past of the man accused of killing Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic.
In todays information battlefield, Azerbaijan has become the target of narratives dressed up as academic debates but functioning as weapons of propaganda and ideological warfare. These claims dont just distort history  they aim to chip away at the legitimacy of Azerbaijani statehood, cast doubt on its historical depth and sovereignty, and erode confidence in the very foundations of national identity.

At the heart of this campaign lie three recurring myths, endlessly recycled by outside critics and internal detractors alike: that Azerbaijan is a young nation, that it lacks a history of statehood, and that its borders are artificial. Peddled as if they were self-evident truths, these talking points collapse under the weight of facts and serious scholarship.

Deconstructing the Myth: What Does Nation Really Mean?

Modern nations are not primordial tribes frozen in time. They are products of the modern age  mass literacy, political mobilization, and shared institutions. The architects of nationhood were not blood and soil mystics but legislators, schoolteachers, editors, and printers. Benedict Andersons imagined communities, Ernest Gellners vision of nations born from industrialization and standardized culture, Miroslav Hrochs three-phase model of national awakening  all point to the same truth.

Apply this lens to any European society of the 19th or early 20th century, and the outlines are identical to Azerbaijans trajectory: from philological and local-history circles, newspapers, and textbooks to political parties, parliaments, and national governments.

Imperial taxonomies, by contrast, were blunt and misleading. The Russian Empires label Caucasian Tatars for Turkic-speaking Muslims of the South Caucasus was as imprecise as the Ottoman-era habit of calling all subjects Turks. Ethnonyms shift with borders, school curricula, bureaucratic languages, and the self-identification of elites. On the ground  from Shirvan and Mughan to Ganja and Karabakh  what endured were not the empires filing categories but language, faith, legal traditions, and everyday social networks. Those building blocks formed the cultural bedrock we now call the Azerbaijani nation.

Azerbaijans Ethnogenesis in Global Context

The Azerbaijani people emerged from a centuries-long fusion typical of Eurasia: a local Caucasian-Albanian substrate layered with waves of Turkic migration (chiefly Oghuz), the Islamization of the early Middle Ages, a strong Persian cultural overlay, and the cosmopolitan urban mix of Caspian trade hubs. Structurally, this mirrors other nation-building stories: the Turkish nation in Anatolia (a synthesis of indigenous cultures with an Oghuz core), the French (a blend of Gallo-Roman and Frankish elements), or the Russians (an East Slavic foundation enriched by Finno-Ugric and Turkic inputs).

The driving force was the vernacularization of elite culture  the trickle-down of high culture into popular use. From the poetry of Khatai (Shah Ismail I) and bilingual court correspondence to mass printing, modern schools, and the pioneering newspaper Ekinchi (1875), Azerbaijani language and identity were standardized, politicized, and broadcast to a wider public. This was not improvisation. It was the same process that defined nationhood across Europe  only denied to Azerbaijan by those intent on weaponizing myths.

Why Azerbaijans Political Nation Is a Natural, Not Artificial, Phenomenon

Institutional Continuity of Statehood. The political identity of the territory that is now Azerbaijan has long taken shape in the form of independent or semi-autonomous states. From the Shirvanshahs (9th16th centuries) to the Atabegs of Eldiguzid rule in the 12th13th centuries, and later the post-Safavid khanates of the 18th century  Baku, Ganja, Shaki, Shirvan, Quba, Karabakh, among others  these polities carried all the markers of sovereignty: dynastic legitimacy, taxation systems, military mobilization, judicial practices (sharia and adat), and foreign treaties. The Kurakchay Treaty of 1805 between Ibrahim Khalil Khan and the Russian Empire stands as a striking case of international recognition of khanate authority. Even after annexation into the empire (Gulistan, 1813; Turkmenchay, 1828), many institutions survived in the form of autonomies and governorate structures, cultivating habits of local self-governance and training a bureaucratic class that would later serve the republican state.

Modernization and the Socio-Economic Bedrock of Nationhood. Bakus oil boom at the turn of the 20th century transformed the city into one of the worlds industrial hubs and a laboratory of modernity: trade unions, political parties, a mass press, secular schools, engineering corps, capital accumulation, a bourgeoisie and a working class  the entire infrastructure without which national mobilization is impossible. Bakus gravitational pull standardized language and politics alike, channeling energy from cultural societies to the rise of Musavat. As comparative cases from Prague, Zagreb, and Barcelona in the same era demonstrate, rapid urbanization and multiethnic elite competition generally strengthen, not weaken, the emergence of national consciousness.

The Apex of Hrochs Phase C: The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (19181920). In just 23 months, the ADR accomplished what marks the birth of a political nation: a parliament that included both parties and minorities, a functioning government, an army, currency, diplomatic missions, de facto recognition from the Entente powers, national flag and emblem, and the founding of Baku University in 1919. Most strikingly, it established universal suffrage with womens participation  earlier than France and Italy, and decades before Switzerland. This was no fleeting episode but an institutional template to which the independent republic returned in 1991, in full continuity with ADRs legal framework.

Border Treaties and International Legitimacy. The Moscow Treaty (March 1921) and the Treaty of Kars (October 1921) cemented Nakhchivans status under Azerbaijani jurisdiction  a fundamental pillar of international legal continuity. These agreements were not gifts of history but products of multilateral negotiations, part of the broader redrawing of borders across Eurasia after World War I  from Fennoscandia to the Middle East.

Europe and the Caucasus: Parallel Trajectories. The argument that there was no Azerbaijani nation mirrors claims that there were no Germans before 1871 or no Italians before the Risorgimento. In the era of the Holy Roman Empire, German political loyalty was to local princes and free cities, while cultural identity was multilingual  Latin, German dialects, French at court. In Italy, Massimo dAzeglio famously quipped, We have made Italy, now we must make Italians. Azerbaijan followed the same path: by the time of political consolidation, the essential ingredients were already in place  a common language, a shared space of communication, a collective memory stretching from Shirvan to Karabakh, and thriving economic hubs. The nation-state formula of the 19th20th centuries was not an invention out of thin air, but a codification of what had taken root organically.

Shattering the Myths

 The myth of artificial statehood collapses under evidence: coinage, diplomacy, and treaties from pre-industrial polities; the modernizing institutions of late 19thearly 20th century Baku; and the legal continuity that restored independence in 1991.

 The myth of a young nation ignores a universal truth of European modernity: political nations are the inevitable product of industrialization, bureaucracy, and mass education. Azerbaijan was part of this continental wave, not an outlier.

 The Caucasian Tatar exonym falls apart once we distinguish imperial filing categories from the self-naming and social structures of the people themselves. When newspapers, schools, and parliaments speak in the name of Azerbaijanis, the old imperial labels become meaningless.

Language Reform as Modernization, Not Fragmentation. The shift from Arabic script to Latin in 1929, to Cyrillic in 1939, and back to Latin after 1991 was not a symptom of disarray but part of a broader modern search for effective linguistic platforms in printing, education, and communication. In substance, a unified literary standard and mass press  from Ekinchi onward  did for Azerbaijan what the Czech National Revival, Finnish Lutheran schools, and the French Third Republic did elsewhere: they stitched together cultural space and created a shared cognitive map of the nation.

The Geopolitical Logic of Continuity

In the 20th century, Azerbaijan showcased something rare in the post-imperial world: the endurance of long lines that connect the short-lived Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) of 19181920 with the restored independence of 1991. The pattern is unmistakable. Parliamentary institutions were reconstituted, foreign policy reoriented along the same axes  Caspian to Black Sea, Central Asia to Anatolia  and energy infrastructure became the material backbone of national sovereignty. Pipelines and transit corridors were not just about economics; they were sovereign geography, just as railways once stitched together Germany and Italy in the 19th century.

Seen through the lens of modern historiography, Azerbaijan does not look like a young improvisation but a textbook national history of modernity  complete with an ethno-cultural core, institutional continuity, a modernizing social base, peak moments of political agency (ADR, 1991), and a treaty-based international architecture of borders. Azerbaijans trajectory confirms the rule, not the exception, of how nations form. It followed the same logic, the same mechanisms, the same steps as the Germans, Italians, Finns, or Czechs  only played out on the Caspian shore, with its unique blend of Shirvan, Karabakh, Baku, and Nakhchivan. Within this comparative frame, the notion of Azerbaijans inconsistency as a nation collapses: dismantled by facts, institutions, and an entire epoch of modern nation-building.

Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages: From Atropatene to the Lands of the Araxes. Classical Atropatene (Atropatakan) was mapped by ancient authors largely to the south of the Araxes. But late antique and early medieval realities werent static provinces on parchment maps; they were interlinked zones of population flows, military formations, craft hubs, and trading markets. To the north lay Caucasian Albania (Arran), bound to Atropatene through overland routes (TabrizArdabilBardaGanjaShamkir) and a shared agro-pastoral economy on the Mil-Mugan plain. In the late Sasanian period, the marzbans of Arran and Adarbadagan were part of a single defensive system against nomadic incursions. This was one military-economic ecosystem. Chroniclers might have drawn lines; lived reality ignored them.

The Early Islamic Period: Azerbaijan and Arran as a Dual Space. Arab-Persian geographers distinguished between Adarbayjan (Azerbaijan) and Arran, but nearly always described them as paired zones  a trade-administrative nexus linking TabrizArdabil in the south with BardaGanja in the north. The dynasties of the Sajids (late 9thearly 10th c.), Rawadids, and Shaddadids ruled domains spanning both sides of the Araxes. This matters: fiscal systems, military mobilization, and caravan logistics functioned as one mechanism. In contemporary usage, the term Atropatenian or Azerbaijani didnt stop at the southern banks of the Araxes; it denoted a political core that pulled in the surrounding lands of Arran and Shirvan.

The Atabegs and the Northern Vector of Azerbaijan. The Eldiguzid Atabegs of Azerbaijan (12th13th c.) shifted the political center of gravity northward: Nakhchivan, Ganja, then Baylaqan (Shamkir) and Tabriz formed the spine of their realm. Their title was explicit  Atabegs of Azerbaijan  and their domain stretched from Tabriz into Arran and Shirvan. This was no semantic flourish but administrative reality: tax collection, garrisoning, land grants, and governor appointments ran in a single circuit. From a historical-geographic perspective, this was the macro-region of Azerbaijan  a politico-economic core with northern shoulders essential for communication and cohesion.

The Safavid Synthesis: The Qizilbash as the Cement of Space. In the 16th17th centuries, the Qizilbash military elite  linguistically, culturally, and politically Azerbaijani  forged a coherent arc stretching from Ardabil and Tabriz to Karabakh, Shirvan, Shaki, and Baku. Tabriz was the first capital, Ardabil the spiritual hub, Karabakh the strategic bastion, Shirvan the tax and craft reservoir, and Baku the export port for wool, hides, fish, and eventually oil. Provincial beylerbeyliks, including Karabakh, were tied directly to the Safavid capital, while Azerbaijani Turkic served as the lingua franca of court and administration. This was the historical-political matrix of a unified Azerbaijan.

The 18th Century: Khanates as Fractured but Connected Polities. After the death of Nadir Shah in 1747, a mosaic of khanates emerged: Karabakh (capital Shusha), Ganja, Shaki, Shirvan, Quba, Baku, Derbent, Talysh in the north; Tabriz, Urmia, Khoy, Ardabil, Maragha in the south. Yet elite intermarriages, trade fairs, and artisan migrations kept budgets and trade routes flowing across the Araxes. Merchants from Shusha traded in Tabriz, while Talysh and Javanrud networks supplied Baku and Lankaran. Rivalries existed, but geography compelled cooperation: the pastoral economy of Mil-Mugan, Karabakhs vineyards, Shakis silk industry, and Tabrizs trade fairs were complementary subsystems of a single economic model.

In other words, from antiquity to the 18th century, Azerbaijans political, economic, and cultural life was a shared ecosystem across both banks of the Araxes  a continuum that explains why the modern Azerbaijani nation is neither an improvisation nor an accident, but the natural outcome of deep-rooted historical processes.

The Russo-Persian Wars and the Araxes Divide: Political, Not Ethnic

The wars of 18041813 and 18261828, along with the Treaties of Gulistan (October 24, 1813) and Turkmenchay (February 21, 1828), carved out a division across the Araxes River that was military-political rather than historical-ethnic. Folded into the Russian Empire were the khanates of Northern Azerbaijan  Karabakh, Ganja, Shaki, Shirvan, Quba, Baku, Derbent, and Talysh; and, after Turkmenchay, Nakhchivan and Irvan. The new border along the Araxes split the macro-region into north and south, with immediate consequences: trade routes were reoriented, land and waqf jurisdictions shifted, tax flows redistributed, and organized population transfers initiated. Between 1828 and 1830, tens of thousands of people resettled from Persian and Ottoman lands into the newly designated Armenian region of the empire and nearby districts. This reshaped the confessional and ethnic makeup of certain northern counties but did not sever the cultural-linguistic continuum of the Azerbaijani world, which continued to reproduce itself through family ties, markets, and language.

The clear historiographic conclusion is this: the modern Republic of Azerbaijan is the successor state to the northern half of historic Azerbaijan, which underwent autonomous modernization under the Russian Empire and the USSR  industrial urbanization in Baku, railroads, oil exports, schools, and a national press. Southern Azerbaijan, by contrast, evolved within Irans jurisdiction. This divergence of political-legal trajectories within one cultural-historical space parallels the Polish partitions under Prussia and Austria, or the Irish case  Ireland and Northern Ireland: one civilizational fabric, cut by imperial force.

Name and Identity: Why Azerbaijan Is Not Only Iran

The claim that Azerbaijan belongs exclusively to Iran is an anachronism. First, the very name Azerbaijan/Adarbayjan in medieval usage referred to a core around Tabriz and Ardabil, but the political shadow of that core consistently extended over Arran, Shirvan, Karabakh, and Nakhchivan. Second, the linguistic and ethno-cultural consolidation of Azerbaijani Turks was a two-sided process: the Oghuz-Turkic core that took shape under the Seljuks and the Qizilbash was forged across the southnorth arc, which never matched todays interstate border. Third, when the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was proclaimed in 1918, the choice of name didnt create a link; it articulated an existing reality. Southern Azerbaijan remained under Iranian rule, but the language, folklore, mugham music, cuisine, artisanal standards, and marriage networks bound together communities from Urmia and Tabriz to Shusha, Ganja, and Baku.

Look not at slogans, but at statistics and infrastructure, and the unity becomes obvious:

 Trade corridors. The caravan route TabrizArdabilBarda/GanjaShamkir in medieval times, and later the rail and highway links anchored in Bakus port, gave the south access to the Caspian and the north access to Irans markets and raw materials. The Araxes was a bridge, not a moat.

 Pastoral-agricultural synergy. Seasonal herd migrations between the Karabakh plateau, the Mil-Mugan plain, and southern winter pastures formed a two-season economy that only functioned with a permeable Araxes. This was not incidental custom but the structural economic geography of the region.

 Urban networks. Tabriz and Shusha exchanged craftsmen and goods; Baku drew in merchants from across the arc; Ganja and Nakhchivan functioned as transit hubs. The migration patterns of the 19th century, intensified by Bakus oil boom, only reinforced this web.

 Linguistic-cultural continuity. The dialectal continuum of the Azerbaijani language  with northern and southern zones  is a textbook case of sociolinguistic coherence: phonetics, vocabulary, folklore formulas, wedding and funeral rituals, musical modes  variable, but uninterrupted.

Comparative Framework: How Macro-Regions Work

 Alsace-Lorraine. A region that shifted between France and Germany multiple times while maintaining a durable cultural code. No serious historian calls Alsace only French or only German.

 Punjab. The 1947 partition produced two states and two jurisdictions but left intact a common agricultural and trading history, language, and cultural markers. The divide was political, not ontological.

 Ireland/Northern Ireland. Different state frameworks, one historical island space with intertwined economies, cultures, and identities.

Northern and Southern Azerbaijan must be understood the same way: not as separate histories, but as two political-legal trajectories within a single historical-cultural space.

Dynastic and administrative practice (Sajids, Eldiguzids, Safavids) shows governance across both banks of the Araxes with the Azerbaijani core as reference. Economic geography (Mil-Mugan, Bakus port, Tabriz fairs) reveals structural interdependence of northern and southern zones. Linguistic-cultural continuity undermines any notion of different worlds: this is one people, with dialectal variation but a shared matrix. The 19th-century division under Gulistan and Turkmenchay was a product of Russo-Persian power politics, not a natural boundary of ethnicity or culture.

To deny the historical connection of Azerbaijans northern lands to the name Azerbaijan is as absurd as denying Ile-de-France its link to northern France because a southern France exists, or stripping Alsace of identity because it changed hands between empires. Thats not how the history of macro-regions works. What it preserves is not rigid divides but resilient systems of interdependence. Azerbaijan belongs in that category: a historic unity split by 19th-century treaties, yet still carrying its cultural and socio-economic core. The modern Republic of Azerbaijan rightfully stands as the heir of the northern half of this whole  with its own modern trajectory, yet anchored in the memory of a space conceived and developed as one.

Statehood as a Historical Continuum: Khanates as a Form of National Organization

The claim that Azerbaijan never existed as a unified state and was nothing more than a patchwork of khanates is not just a distortion of history  its a fundamental misunderstanding of how statehood develops. Every nations history is marked by cycles of centralization and fragmentation. It is precisely within that dynamic that national identity takes root.

Across the lands of modern Azerbaijan and northern Iran, powerful political formations arose over the centuries that are undeniably part of Azerbaijans statehood heritage. The Shirvanshahs ruled for nearly 800 years (8th16th centuries). The Atabegs and the Hulaguids (12th14th centuries), the formidable tribal confederations of the Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu (14th15th centuries), and finally the Safavid Empire (16th18th centuries), founded by an Azerbaijani dynasty whose court and army spoke Azerbaijani Turkic  all stand as milestones. In European historiography, such dynastic continuity is treated as solid proof of deeply rooted statehood. When it comes to Azerbaijan, however, detractors seek to deny it.

The period of khanates (late 18thearly 19th centuries) was the natural outcome of the collapse of Safavid and Afsharid central authority. This was hardly unique to Azerbaijan. Germany, after the decline of the Holy Roman Empire, remained fragmented until unification in 1871. Italy, prior to 1861, consisted of dozens of duchies, kingdoms, and republics. Russia, too, experienced a long era of principalities following the fall of Kievan Rus. No historian equates these periods of fragmentation with an absence of statehood. In fact, German and Italian historiography often sees these centuries as stages of cultural consolidation that laid the foundation for later unification. Why, then, should Azerbaijan be judged by a different standard?

The khanates of Karabakh, Shaki, Shirvan, Baku, and Ganja possessed all the attributes of statehood in their time: armies, treasuries, tax systems, and diplomacy. They signed treaties with Russia, Persia, and the Ottoman Empire, functioning as subjects of 18th-century international law. A shared language, a common Islamic faith, legal traditions rooted in sharia and adat, and parallel administrative structures all tied the khanates into one civilizational space, not a scatter of accidental fragments.

Critics often claim, There was no united Azerbaijan, only fragmented khanates. But by that measure, Germany, Italy, and even Russia did not exist as recognizable states before the 19th century. The division of Azerbaijans historical-cultural space in the 19th century cannot be cast as some natural evolution or proof that Azerbaijanis lacked statehood. It was the direct result of imperial geopolitics  the collision between Russia and Persia  and the treaties that sealed their balance of power: Gulistan (1813) and Turkmenchay (1828). Those agreements drew a new border along the Araxes, artificially splitting the Azerbaijani people into north and south. The entire modern debate over Azerbaijans legitimacy stems from ignoring this imperial partition.

Historical Parallels of a Divided Nation

This is hardly unique to Azerbaijan. Korea, for over 1,500 years, existed as a unified civilization with a shared language, culture, and statehood  from Koryo to the Choson dynasty. But after World War II, outside powers  the USSR and the U.S.  sliced it at the 38th parallel. That division remains one of Asias most explosive geopolitical flashpoints. Germany, too, was carved apart in 1949 into the FRG and the GDR, despite a millennium of statehood stretching from Charlemagne to the Kaiserreich. The Kurds are an even more tragic case: a people of over 30 million, divided by the colonial SykesPicot borders into Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria  their national question unresolved to this day.

Placed in this context, the Republic of Azerbaijan is the natural historical heir to the northern half of a once-unified Azerbaijan that fell under Russian rule after the imperial partition. To call Azerbaijan an artificial creation is to ignore the very logic of world history, where the borders of nations and states have so often been shaped by wars, treaties, and foreign intervention. Far from an anomaly, Azerbaijan is a textbook case of how nations endure through cycles of fragmentation, reorganization, and renewal.

The Myth of Fragmented Khanates and the European Experience

Critics of Azerbaijan often point to the era of khanates as supposed evidence of the nations lack of statehood. But this line of argument reveals a shallow grasp of how political organization worked in the feudal age. Almost every major European nation passed through long periods of fragmentation before unification.

Germany before 1871 was a patchwork of more than 30 entities  kingdoms, duchies, principalities, and free cities. Only Otto von Bismarcks iron-willed statecraft forged this quilt of sovereignties into a single empire. Yet no one today argues that the German nation did not exist prior to 1871.

The same goes for Italy. Until Garibaldi and Count Cavour engineered unification in 1861, the peninsula was split between the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the Papal States, Tuscany, and numerous duchies. Yet modern Italy is proudly claimed as heir to both the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. In feudal Europe, multiple centers of authority never negated the existence of an ethnocultural community.

Modern Middle Eastern and Asian states tell the same story. Saudi Arabia emerged as a unified kingdom only in 1932, when Abdulaziz ibn Saud consolidated Najd, Hejaz, al-Hasa, and other regions. The United Arab Emirates came together in 1971 as a federation of emirates, each with its own dynastic traditions. No one disputes their statehood because of that history.

By the same standard, when the Republic of Azerbaijan was declared in 1918, it was the political embodiment of a statehood forged over centuries. The argument about the absence of a single center collapses once you recognize that the very concept of the modern nation-state is a 19th20th century invention.

The Iranian Azerbaijan Argument in Historical-Geographic Context

Claims about the true Azerbaijan being confined to the Iranian provinces ignore the most basic truth: state borders are fluid, shifting with wars and treaties. The historic region of Azerbaijan (Atropatene) encompassed both northern and southern lands east of Lake Urmia. It was here, in the 4th century BC, that the satrap Atropat established the polity that gave its name to the entire region.

The actual division of Azerbaijani lands came only after the Russo-Persian wars and the Treaties of Gulistan (1813) and Turkmenchay (1828). The northern khanates were incorporated into the Russian Empire, while the southern ones remained under Persia. This was not an ethnic or cultural break but an imperial demarcation line. Thus, the Republic of Azerbaijan is the natural heir to the northern portion of historic Azerbaijan, which entered the Russian orbit and, in 1918, seized the opportunity for independence.

By contrast, the Russian Federation  which often claims an unbroken lineage of ancient Rus  rests on a far more fragmented and contested past.

Moscows Path: From Vassal to Empire

After the Mongol invasions of the 13th century, all the Rus principalities fell under the Golden Horde. Moscow rose precisely because of its loyalty to the khans: princes secured charters of rule (yarlyks), the right to collect tribute, and military authority only as agents of the Horde. This dependency, not independence, gave them leverage over rival princes.

Ivan Kalitas elevation as Grand Prince was a direct result of his service to Khan Uzbek. The title was not earned through sovereignty but granted in exchange for loyalty.

Through the 14th and 15th centuries, Moscow expanded by absorbing Tver (1485), Yaroslavl (1463), Novgorod (1478), Pskov (1510), and Ryazan (1521). Many of these takeovers were either military conquests or sanctioned interventions by the Horde, which decided who would be its chief vassal in Rus.

Even after Moscow broke free at the Great Stand on the Ugra in 1480, it continued to build its power not as a rebirth of ancient Rus but through conquest. Ivan IV seized Kazan in 1552, Astrakhan in 1556, and by 1582 Muscovite expansion had begun in Siberia  all Turkic Muslim polities, heirs of the Golden Horde.

In reality, Moscows rise was closer to the making of a colonial empire than the restoration of an ancient state. It was an expansionist power that subdued diverse ethno-political entities rather than a gatherer of ancestral Russian lands.

The Lesson for Azerbaijan

If fragmentation and conquest do not delegitimize German, Italian, or Russian statehood, why should Azerbaijan be judged differently? The khanates were not proof of absence, but a stage in the same universal cycle of state formation: fragmentation, consolidation, and reconstitution. The modern Republic of Azerbaijan stands firmly within that continuum  the rightful heir to centuries of state tradition, shaped not in isolation but through the same historical forces that forged every modern nation.

Empire-Building and the Myths of Continuity

For clarity, it helps to draw a parallel with the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans, emerging from Anatolia, gradually subjugated the Balkans, the Middle East, and North Africa. No serious historian claims the Ottomans were heirs to some single ancient state that once encompassed those regions. Their empire was the product of conquest and diplomacy. In much the same way, Muscovy built its state step by step, subordinating diverse regions through military campaigns and shrewd alliances.

Another instructive case is the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. It draped itself in the mantle of Rome but was in reality a patchwork of territories stitched together by German kings. Moscow adopted a similar fiction with its ideology of the Third Rome. This was never a concrete inheritance, but an ideological construct designed to legitimize power.

By the 17th century, the Tsardom of Muscovy spanned more than 5 million square kilometers. Yet less than half of that space could be considered ethnically Russian. Vast swathes were Turkic, Finno-Ugric, Siberian, and Caucasian. In truth, Russia  and its successor, the Russian Federation  grew not out of some ancient statehood, but as an empire of conquest.

Russia is not the direct descendant of Kievan Rus or a mythical unified ancient Rus state. Its genesis lies in the political maneuvering of the Muscovite principality, which balanced service to the Golden Horde with the suppression of neighboring rivals. Moscow became dominant not because it was the oldest and strongest but because it proved the most loyal vassal to the Horde  and later, the first to exploit its collapse for expansion.

Azerbaijans Civilizational Foundations

Here the contrast with Azerbaijan is stark. Azerbaijan can claim state traditions stretching back millennia: Caucasian Albania, Atropatene, the states of Turkic dynasties, and the layered cultural legacy of the Caspian crossroads. Russian statehood was constructed as a colonial empire from the 16th century onward; Azerbaijani statehood, by contrast, rests on a civilizational foundation that matured organically across centuries.

The culmination of that long arc came on May 28, 1918, with the proclamation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR).

This was an event of monumental significance:

 The ADR became the first secular parliamentary republic in the Muslim world.

 It granted women the right to vote  earlier than many European countries and even the United States.

 It created all the attributes of sovereignty: a parliament, government, army, national bank, and education system.

 It formalized the nations political self-identification under the name Azerbaijanis.

The ADR was not a first experiment, but the logical outcome of centuries of national development expressed in the political language of its time. Its brief lifespan  just 23 months  was cut short solely by external aggression from Soviet Russia, not by any internal failure.

The Legacy Today

The modern Republic of Azerbaijan, which restored its independence in 1991, stands as the constitutional and political heir to the ADR. This continuity underscores the essential point: Azerbaijans statehood is neither artificial nor improvised. It is the product of deep historical tradition, long cycles of political organization, and the modern affirmation of sovereignty that began in 1918 and was reasserted in 1991.

Far from being a patchwork or a colonial construct, Azerbaijan represents one of the most authentic examples of nationhood in the broader Eurasian story  a state with ancient roots, a modern democratic legacy, and a future grounded in the logic of history itself.

Lets be clear about the record:

The Azerbaijani nation-building process fits squarely within the global historical paradigm. It unfolded by the same logic that shaped Germany, Italy, and countless others. There is nothing exceptional or artificial about it. The term Azerbaijan has deep historical roots. It is a legitimate name both for the ancient region and for the modern state established on its northern half. The khanate era was a lawful stage of feudal statehood, not evidence of its absence. The parallels with German principalities and Italian duchies are direct and undeniable. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic of 1918 is an irrefutable milestone  proof of the maturity of national consciousness and the political will of the Azerbaijani people.

Claims that Azerbaijan is artificial or too young are not grounded in scholarship. They are born of politically motivated speculation, crafted not to uncover truth but to damage Azerbaijans international standing and question its sovereignty. Serious historical research  based on facts rather than prejudice  rejects these narratives as baseless and ahistorical.

Assertions about Azerbaijans historical youth or fragility are not analysis; they are tools of hybrid warfare. Their purpose is to delegitimize the state and deny its people the right to self-determination within internationally recognized borders.

History is replete with nations that gained statehood in the modern era through the consolidation of previously fragmented lands: Germany in 1871, Italy in 1861, Bulgaria in 1878, Finland in 1917, Israel in 1948, the Republic of Korea in 1948  and dozens more. Azerbaijan belongs in that same continuum. This is not an anomaly. It is the normal, global pattern of history.

Baku Network
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. Azerbaijan is an important member of the SCO family, said Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei in a statement ahead of the upcoming SCO Summit, scheduled for August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin, Trend reports.

Azerbaijan became a dialogue partner of the SCO in 2016 and is an important part of the SCO family. China and Azerbaijan maintain close cooperation within the organization. Azerbaijan has strongly supported Chinas chairmanship of the SCO and sent senior representatives to participate in the SCO Forum of Political Parties, the Energy Ministers Meeting, the Forum on Public Diplomacy and Sister Cities, the Green Development Forum, and other events organized by China, she said.

The ambassador also stressed that China and Azerbaijan made an enduring historical contribution to victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

Both countries are a core force in defending multilateralism and promoting international equality and justice. The facts show that the more turbulent the international situation becomes, the more China and Azerbaijan need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, build a model of international relations based on equality and mutual benefit, and bring more stability and positive energy to the world, she added.

She noted that China is ready to work with Azerbaijan to implement the important agreements reached between the two heads of state.

We are committed to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation to achieve greater results and to making a stronger ChinaAzerbaijan contribution to safeguarding international equality and justice and promoting peace and development worldwide, Lu Mei said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. On August 30, International Day of the Disappeared, the Karabakh Missing Families Public Union held a protest in Geneva in front of the Palace of Nations, where the UNs European office is located, at the symbolic Broken Chair monument, which represents the cries of people suffering from all forms of armed violence. During the protest, personal belongings and documents of missing Azerbaijanis were displayed, and an original composition of slogans was presented, narrating their life stories and addressing humanity in their voice.

My time has stopped; has anyone noticed?

Slogans included: for the missing Zahid Gasimov, whose watch was displayed, My time has stopped; has anyone noticed?; for the missing Gurbat Hasanov, whose scarf was the only memento, No scarf can warm me; and for the missing Telman Yusifov, whose shirt and handwritten notes were shown, My story has no end.

The chairwoman of the Karabakh Missing Families Public Union, Konul Behbudova, displayed documents belonging to her missing brother Abbas Behbudov, holding a sign that read, Documents are here, life is missing. Elmira Dadashova, the mother of missing Ilham Dadashov, held a photo of her son with the slogan, Born to live, not to disappear. Mahuru Shahin, the mother of missing Shahin Aliyev, displayed, Countless dreams  all unfinished. Farida Jabbarova, the wife of missing Azad Jabbarov, exhibited two backgammon dice left by her husband, with the slogan, Hope is as tiny as these dice, expressing that she has been waiting for news for years and is exhausted. The slogan Reyhan, my love only my silence reaches you? was dedicated to Reyhan Janiyeva, the wife of missing Saxavat Janiyev. Parvana Mammadova, the wife of missing Ogtay Mammadov, displayed the slogan, Diploma, dreams... but suddenly, the silence of ages.

The Mammadovs  a lost family: no graves, only echoes

One of the boxes was left empty. This box was dedicated to the memory of the Mammadov family, completely annihilated during the 1992 Khojaly genocide: The Mammadovs  a lost family: no graves, only echoes.

During the protest, impactful messages were also addressed to humanity regarding other missing persons, including Natiq Malikov, Ixtiyar Mammadov, Bafadar Mirzayev, Feyruz Jalilov, Shirindil Hasanguliyev, Ismail Ismailov, Etibar Ahmadov, Aliyar Aliyev, Abulfat Aliyev, Telman Mustafayev, Shahin Aliyev, Aydin Karimov, Tayyar Aghayev, and others.

Confidence in the International Committee of the Red Cross is waning

The protest garnered significant attention, with Geneva residents accessing detailed information about the missing persons through a relevant QR code. During the peaceful protest, people approached the families of the missing Azerbaijanis, offering their condolences and support.

This was the first protest held abroad by the family members of missing Azerbaijanis.

Prior to this, on August 28, the Karabakh Missing Families Public Unions appeal received a response at the UN level for the first time. Family members of missing Azerbaijanis were received at the UN, meeting with the Secretariat of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) in Geneva.

During the meeting, the families of the missing expressed that their confidence in the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide information about their loved ones has been significantly undermined. They highlighted the global nature of the issue of missing persons and emphasized the urgent need for the establishment of a UN Special Rapporteur on missing persons.

3,990 People Missing

As a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, 3,990 Azerbaijani citizens have gone missing, including 6 individuals who disappeared during the 44-day war in 2020. Among the missing are 71 children, 284 women, and 316 elderly persons. According to the requirements of international humanitarian law and its primary source, the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949, the right of families to obtain information about missing persons during armed conflicts is unequivocally recognized. During the protest in Geneva, the families of missing Azerbaijanis demanded respect for this right.

The families called on Armenia to hold war criminals accountable, stating that not a single person responsible for war crimes against Azerbaijan has been brought to justice in Armenia. On the contrary, at various times, these individuals have been falsely portrayed as heroes in Armenian society.

The families highlighted that the discovery of 28 mass graves in territories liberated from occupation since 2020 paints a horrifying picture. The mass killing of people, their burial in inhumane conditions, and the erasure of their traces represent a disregard for all human values and an act of barbarity. It was recalled that in some cases, entire families and generations have gone missing together. During the First Karabakh War, between 2 to 7 members of 61 families went missing, and the fate of none of them is known. The Karabakh Missing Families Public Union demanded that Armenia provide Azerbaijan with maps related to these mass graves.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

TIANJIN, China, August 30. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has arrived in the Peoples Republic of China on a working visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping on August 30, Trend reports.

A ceremonial guard formation was meticulously assembled to pay tribute to the head of state at Binhai International Airport in Tianjin.



President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva received a formal reception from Li Lecheng, the Minister of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, along with a contingent of other dignitaries.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. On August 30, the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Fuad Najafli, held a meeting with a delegation led by EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Magdalena Grono, Trend reports.

During the meeting, Najafli underlined that as a result of Armenias long-term occupation policy, Nakhchivan had been cut off from the main part of Azerbaijan, and land transport connections were disrupted. He stressed that the transport infrastructure in the occupied territories, including the railway system, had been destroyed, but noted that progress in the normalization of relations with Armenia is opening up important prospects for the regions future.

Najafli also highlighted the implementation of major projects in Nakhchivan in alternative energy, logistics, and tourism, pointing to the regions rich natural resources and wide investment opportunities.

For her part, Grono praised the results of the Washington talks on the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the advancement of the peace agenda. She emphasized Nakhchivans strategic importance as a potential link between Europe and Asia, noting the significance of launching large-scale logistics and transport projects.

The sides also exchanged views on the European Unions support for strengthening regional connectivity and the prospects for developing transport corridors.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. On August 30, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov left for a working visit to fraternal Turkiye at the invitation of the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye, Mr. Yasar Guler, Trend reports.

Within the visit, the Minister of Defense attended the graduation ceremonies of the Military Academy, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy of the National Defense University of the Republic of Turkiye.

The President of the Republic of Turkiye Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a speech at the ceremonies and congratulated the graduates.

The diplomas were presented to the Azerbaijani graduates who successfully completed their studies at the higher military academies by the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In the end, graduates solemnly passed in front of the grandstand under the accompaniment of a military march.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. The UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Fergus Auld has paid his first visit to the city of Shusha, Trend reports.

The diplomat shared the news on his page on X.

My first trip to Shusha! I explored part of the city today, and I cant wait to see the rest tomorrow. It was beautiful, the post reads.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. The European Union has appointed a new ambassador to Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced that Marijana Kujundzic, who currently represents Croatia in the EU Political and Security Committee, will assume the role.
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.

Peoples Artist of Azerbaijan and composer Faiq Sucaddinov has shared his thoughts on the 30th anniversary of Trend.

He noted that Trend holds strong credibility not only in Azerbaijan but also in many countries around the world.

Trend News Agency has earned a solid reputation both in Azerbaijan and internationally. It plays an exceptional role in accurately presenting the realities of Azerbaijan to the world. By publishing news in several languages, Trend delivers our countrys political and social agenda, as well as its economic and cultural developments, to both local readers and a global audience.

Its speed, objectivity, and in-depth analysis have continuously expanded its readership. Since its establishment in 1995, during the early years of our independence, Trend has traveled a long and honorable path. Looking back over the past 30 years, one can see its dedicated service to the state, the people, and society, marked by professionalism and perseverance. On this milestone anniversary, I warmly congratulate the agencys team and wish them continued success. Happy 30th anniversary! he said.
On September 1, 2025, Trend News Agency celebrates an important milestoneits 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.

President of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, MP Novruz Aslan shared his thoughts on Trends anniversary.

He pointed out that Trend has hit the ground running in the modern global media landscape.

Azerbaijans national press has always responded to the demand for freedom of speech, pluralism, moral and ethical enlightenment, expression of national interests, and delivery of accurate daily news. As an agency that prioritizes independence, impartiality, truthful reporting, tolerance, diversity, and uniqueness, Trend News Agency has earned deep respect from readers over the years.

In the contemporary landscape characterized by a proliferation of electronic mass media platforms, it poses a significant challenge to sustain a robust brand identity and engage prospective readership effectively. Nonetheless, Trend, leveraging its adept team proficient in synergizing with contemporary media ecosystems, has effectively navigated these obstacles and persists in its trajectory of advancement. The agencys commendable trajectory positions it as a paradigm for nascent electronic media within the annals of contemporary Azerbaijani journalism.



With an unwavering commitment to accountability and excellence, we can assert that Trend delivers prompt reportage not only on Azerbaijans political, economic, and social dynamics, but also on pivotal matters throughout the Caspian basin, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia, positioning itself as a reliable nexus for the international arena.

It is a joyful coincidence that Trends glorious 30th anniversary takes place in the same year that marks the 150th anniversary of the Azerbaijani National Press.

I once again sincerely congratulate you and your team on this remarkable occasion, wishing you good health, long life, inexhaustible energy, and new successes in your honorable mission for the development of our national press, he noted.
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, August 30. Residents have already begun relocating to three villages around Aghdam city, said Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, Trend reports.

Huseynov disseminated a progress report regarding the urban revitalization initiatives, highlighting that comprehensive infrastructural enhancements are presently in execution within Aghdam.



The development of an integrated transit hub comprising a bus terminal and railway station within the urban landscape will optimize transit efficiency to Aghdam, he articulated.



Huseynov pointed out that the strategic transition to Aghdam city is slated for the forthcoming autumnal period.



I extend my heartfelt commendations to all stakeholders present on this significant milestone. We are reinitiating our operational presence in Aghdam. It is highly probable that in the forthcoming year, the urban historical cultural precinct will undergo comprehensive restoration and subsequently be made accessible for public engagement," he elaborated.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. Sahib Qafarova, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, has congratulated the people and state of Turkiye on the occasion of Victory Day, Trend reports.

The speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament has made a corresponding statement on her social media pages.

"The victory in the War of Independence holds one of the most venerated places in the rich history of Turkish statehood, demonstrating the national unity and fighting spirit of the fraternal Turkish people," the message states.

Speaker Gafarova has extended wishes of peace, prosperity, and well-being to the brotherly people of Turkiye on the occasion of the holiday.

To recall, Turkiye engaged in its War of Independence against external Allied forces, predominantly Greece, while also contending with France and Italy in the aftermath of the Ottoman Empire's capitulation in World War I and the ensuing occupation and fragmentation of its territories by these foreign entities. The geopolitical strife culminated in the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent formation of the Republic of Turkiye.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. From 22:00 on August 30, the exit from Azadlq Avenue to Neftcilr Avenue will be restricted for traffic until the end of the Formula 1 race, Trend reports.

These restrictions are related to the installation and infrastructure works being carried out on the citys central streets and avenues in preparation for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025, which will take place from September 1921. Please note that restrictions will be implemented in stages, and other streets and avenues may also be affected in the lead-up to the race.

Drivers are kindly asked to use alternative routes.

Baku City Circuit thanks the city residents in advance for their understanding regarding the situation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. The Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania is launching major infrastructure development projects to enhance the capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Zemaitija Infantry Brigade, Trend reports.

A new military town will be built in Kairiai, Klaipeda District, with a total investment of around 520 million euros, covering design, construction, 12 years of maintenance, and financing costs.

Once completed by 2030, the town will host 1,500 soldiers. Meanwhile, over 60 million euros will be invested in upgrading battalion infrastructure in Klaipeda and Taurage districts, with most construction and renovation works to be completed within two years.

The Ministry of National Defence will develop military infrastructure worth 4 billion euros across Lithuania in the next four years. Around 600 million euros earmarked for the Zemaitija Brigade will significantly strengthen its operational capabilities while ensuring modern conditions for soldiers, Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene said, adding that these projects will also create new jobs and long-term value for the Lithuanian economy.

In Taurage District, the Grand Duke Kestutis Infantry Battalion is receiving new barracks, due to be handed over to the Lithuanian Armed Forces in mid-2027. Additional projects include a fuel station with a wash facility and the reconstruction of the battalions canteen and vehicle park.

In Klaipeda, the Grand Duke Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion is undergoing large-scale development, with projects including new garages, a medical facility, and utility network upgrades. Future plans also foresee the renovation of the canteen.

These new projects build on already completed modern military camps in Siauliai and Pajuris, where two other Zemaitija Brigade battalions are stationed. Recently established training grounds in Silale and Taurage districts further expand the brigades training opportunities.

According to the Ministry, systematic development of the Zemaitija Brigades infrastructure not only improves service conditions but also significantly strengthens Western Lithuanias defence potential while stimulating regional economic growth.

The Zemaitija Infantry Brigade consists of four battalions  the Dragoon Battalion in Klaipeda, the Infantry Battalion in Taurage District, the Infantry Battalion in Siauliai, and the Artillery Battalion in Silale District  as well as the brigade headquarters and supporting units.
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Azerbaijans economic loan allocation crosses important benchmark

Total loans to Azerbaijans economy exceeded 30 billion manat as of August 1, marking an 11 percent increase compared to last year. Private banks accounted for nearly 21 billion manat, while state banks and non-bank credit institutions contributed roughly 7.4 billion and 1.8 billion manat, respectively.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 30. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a telephone conversation with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Trend reports.

The two leaders discussed further expansion of the multifaceted partnership between Uzbekistan and Belarus, particularly in the context of implementing the agreements reached during President Lukashenkos visit to Uzbekistan in February of last year.

President Mirziyoyev warmly congratulated the Belarusian leader on his birthday, sincerely wishing him good health, well-being, and success, as well as peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Belarus.

In turn, President Lukashenko warmly congratulated the leader and the people of Uzbekistan on Independence Day, wishing them sustainable development and progress.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the productive contacts and exchanges at various levels. Trade turnover has increased by 30 percent since the beginning of the year. Joint projects are being implemented involving leading enterprises in agriculture, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, textiles, and other sectors. Inter-parliamentary, business, and cultural-humanitarian ties are also actively developing.

They also reviewed the schedule of upcoming bilateral meetings and events.

By 2024-end, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Belarus amounted to $620.1 million, which is 14.8 percent higher than in 2023. In 2025, Uzbekistan and Belarus plan to increase their mutual trade turnover to $1 billion.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 30. JSC Uzbek Railways has dispatched its first container train using wagons from its own fleet on the Tashkent-Altynkol (Kazakhstan) route, Trend reports via the railways.

The initiative comes on the heels of a presidential decree rolled out in January this year, which laid out steps to ramp up multimodal transportation and boost the role of national transport operators in the 3PL segment and beyond.

The locomotive assembly, comprising 57 intermodal flatcars under the jurisdiction of Uzbek Railways, commenced its transit with aggregated freight and is projected to traverse the 1,300-kilometer corridor within a 48-hour operational window. Up to this point, the logistical pathway was facilitated through the utilization of Kazakh rolling stock.



The initiative is being executed in collaboration with JSC UztemirYulKonteyner and Kazakhstans KedentransService, with a strategic return logistics framework for the wagons from Altynkol to Tashkent also delineated.

UztemirYulKonteyner announced that it will continue expanding its container fleet and work to reduce transportation costs on export-import routes, further enhancing Uzbekistans competitiveness in regional logistics.

The Uzbekistan Railways function as the principal entity in the national rail transport ecosystem. The entity holds and oversees the comprehensive railway framework across the entire country. This organization operates as a state-owned joint-stock entity, instituted in 1994 to oversee and optimize railway logistics across the entirety of Uzbekistan. The entity boasts a human capital of 54,700 personnel.

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Turkmen-Kazakh trade in Mangystau region surpasses previous years level

Photo: Turkmenistan State Customs Service

The overall value of Kazakh exports to Turkmenistan was $2 million, with Turkmenistan importing a total of $7.2 million. At present, twenty joint ventures involving Turkmenistan are active in the region. These operations mostly deal with civil construction, the production of building stone, and the trading of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal. With an eye toward increasing bilateral commerce to $1 billion in the next years, the Statistical Agency of Kazakhstan reports that overall trade between the two nations reached $554 million in 2024.

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AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, August 30. We have awaited this day and this moment for decades, and after 32 years, our long-held wish has finally been fulfilled, said Nijat Guliyev, Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, Trend reports.

Guliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan owes its presence at the site to the nations victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the heroic martyrs and veterans, the brave army, and the people.

With the victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War, Aghdam and other districts and cities regained their liberation and entered a new era.

The Aghdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex, inaugurated by the President on May 10, on the occasion of the 102nd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, reflects the new era of Aghdam and the strength of our rebuilding nation.

Covering nearly 8 hectares, this is the first multimodal transport center in Azerbaijan and the Karabakh economic region. The countrys first enclosed railway platform, 350 meters long, has been built here. The railway station will serve 800-1,000 passengers daily, while the bus terminal will accommodate 1,300-1,500 passengers per day.

I would like to remind you that trains on the Baku-Khankendi-Baku line last operated along the Baku-Aghdam-Baku route in 1993. Following the occupation of Aghdam, this service was halted, and the railway infrastructure suffered major destruction.

Now, these damages are being repaired through the Aghdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex, built as part of the Barda-Aghdam railway restoration. Construction began in 2020 under Presidential Decree, and the railway line spans 47.1 kilometers, including 130 engineering structures such as three bridges, crossings, and four stations (Barda, Kocherli, Tazakend, Aghdam). Modern passenger facilities and parking areas have been constructed at the stations. Soon, you will be able to experience all these amenities firsthand.

Dear residents of Aghdam,

Today, the first passengers have traveled on the Baku-Aghdam-Baku railway, which will not only enhance public transport accessibility in the Karabakh economic region but also contribute to the socio-economic revival of Aghdam and surrounding districts, expand transport opportunities in the region, and support the overall Great Return," he said.

Guliyev added that the restoration of railway infrastructure in liberated territories is not limited to the Barda-Aghdam line.

As part of this effort, construction of the Aghdam-Khankendi railway has already begun. On July 3, President Ilham Aliyev laid the foundation for the Khankendi Railway and Bus Terminal Complex, which will be equipped with modern infrastructure, innovative technology, and digital solutions to provide advanced passenger services. The opening of both the Aghdam-Khankendi railway and the Khankendi complex is planned by the end of 2026.

Before the occupation, passenger trains operated along the Baku-Khankendi-Baku route, inaugurated in 1979 by National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

In addition to Karabakh, railway infrastructure is being restored in the East Zangazur economic region. Design works on the Horadiz-Aghband railway are 84 percent complete, with 67 percent of construction and installation finalized. Currently, earthworks and engineering structures are underway along the 75-106 km stretch, including the construction of stations at Yukari Marjanli, Shukurbeyli, Soltanli, Gumlag, Hakari, Minjivan, Bartaz, and Aghband. A total of 553 engineering structures, including bridges, crossings, tunnels, galleries, and retaining walls, will be built.

As part of the presidents recent visit to the United States, an agreement was reached to construct a transport line through Armenian territory connecting directly to Nakhchivan. This historic achievement, enabling the Zangazur corridor, motivates our work, and we are making every effort to complete the Horadiz-Aghband line and reach the Armenian border quickly," he added.

The Deputy Chairman noted that Turkiye's Kars-Igdr-Aralk-Dilucu railway line, connecting to the Zangazur corridor at the Nakhchivan border, has also begun construction.

"Restoration of Nakhchivans railway infrastructure has been declared a priority by our countrys leadership, and our company plans to commence work on this route as soon as possible.

Dear Guests,

In conclusion, I would like to highlight that Azerbaijan Railways is undertaking major efforts to improve passenger service quality and expand travel routes. Last year, we restored the Baku-Balakan-Baku line with a modern, fast sleeper train. Daily trips operate to and from Shaki, Qakh, Zagatala, and Balakan.

The domestic travel network has also been extended from Baku to Aghstafa and Gazakh, where, for the first time, fast Stadler trains have started operating. The upgraded Baku-Gazakh railway infrastructure has enhanced mobility for nearly 10,000 residents in the wider region, expanding nationwide travel options by train," Guliyev concluded.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. Iran is focusing on the activation of the North-South International Transport Corridor (INSTC), said the countrys President, Masoud Pezeshkian, Trend reports.

Speaking at a meeting with Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, on August 30, Pezeshkian noted that completing and improving the remaining work within the INSTC project holds particular importance for economic cohesion, including among member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union.

Pezeshkian mentioned that both Iran and Armenia are putting their noses to the grindstone to speed up bilateral agreements in the transport sector.

The foundation of the International North-South Transport Corridor was laid on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement signed between Russia, Iran, and India on September 12, 2000. In total, 13 countries have ratified the agreement, including Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Russia, Turkiye, etc. The aim of setting up a corridor is to cut down the delivery time of cargo from India to Russia, along with Northern and Western Europe. The delivery time on the current route is dragging its feet at over six weeks; however, it's anticipated to be trimmed down to three weeks through the International North-South Transport Corridor.

The Qazvin-Rasht railroad (175 km) was put into operation on March 6, 2019, to connect Azerbaijan's railroads with Iran's railway network within the corridor. The Rasht-Astara railroad is to be built on Iranian territory.

The North-South Corridor has three directions within Iran. The eastern direction is Turkmenistan and Central Asian countries; the middle direction is Russia and other countries across the Caspian Sea; and the western direction is Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, and Eastern European countries.

To note, Russia and Iran signed an agreement on May 17, 2023, to build the Rasht-Astara railroad in Gilan province in northern Iran. Nine stations will be built on the Rasht-Astara railroad line, which is about 163 kilometers long. With the completion of this railroad, the North-South international corridor will be improved, and Iran's railroad network will be integrated with Caucasus countries, Russia, and Northern European countries. According to the agreement, the Russian side is expected to spend 1.6 billion euros for the construction of this railroad. This railroad will be built and completed within 48 months.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. Azerbaijan has seen a notable increase in domestic tourism this summer season, said Kenan Guluzade, advisor to the chairman of the State Tourism Agency, Trend reports.

During a media engagement at the Shuvalan beach locale, Guluzade articulated that the previous year saw domestic excursions amounting to 23 million, with projections indicating that this metric is anticipated to escalate to 25 million by year-end.



Approximately 40 percent of this expansion transpires within the summer timeframe. During the initial septenary of this fiscal year, Azerbaijan has successfully attracted 1.48 million international sojourners, with projections indicating that by the conclusion of the octant, this figure is anticipated to surpass 1.7 million. In juxtaposition to the preceding year, there has been a marginal contraction in arrivals, quantified at approximately one to two percent, predominantly attributable to shifts in geopolitical dynamics and the prevalence of regional hostilities, he said.



Guluzade articulated that the downturn in inbound traffic from the Russian and Indian markets has significantly influenced the aggregate metrics. The geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East have significantly influenced the operational capacity and frequency of air travel routes to Azerbaijan.



He drove home that initiatives are currently in progress to rejuvenate tourist influx and facilitate sustainable tourism development by engaging clientele from diverse market segments.

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Chinese firm to build advanced waste-to-energy facility in Kazakhstans Almaty

Photo: Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has signed an investment agreement with the Chinese LLP Junxin Environmental Protection to build a waste-to-energy plant in Almaty. The $275.5 million project will process 1,600 tons of waste daily and generate 60 MW of electricity using EU-compliant technologies.

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Kyrgyzstan sees decline in cash withdrawals from payment cards

Kyrgyzstan saw a decline in the number of cash withdrawals by the end of the second quarter of 2025, while the overall value of transactions continued to grow

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 30. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov will take part in the 25th Heads of State Council meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) scheduled for August 31 - September 1 in Tianjin, Trend reports via the presidential administration.

Following the Tianjin summit, the chairmanship of the SCO will pass to Kyrgyzstan. In this context, the head of state will outline the priorities of the countrys upcoming chairmanship in the organization.

The high-level meetings are expected to conclude with the signing of the Tianjin Declaration of the SCO Council of Heads of State. In addition, several agreements and other documents aimed at strengthening cooperation among member states in political, economic, energy and other areas will be signed.

As part of his visit to China, Zhaparov will also attend ceremonies dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II. His program includes a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Zhaparovs working visit will take place from August 31 to September 3.
Kyrgyzstan releases card usage data for nation's Jalal-Abad region

The Jalal-Abad region constituted a 9 percent share of the total bank card issuance within the Kyrgyz financial ecosystem. Visa and Elcart cards exhibited a preeminent presence in the region, with an absence of Zolotaya Korona cards documented.

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Tajikistans faces decline in mazut production

Recent data shows that Tajikistans mazut production fell in the first seven months of 2025, even as total oil output increased. The figures highlight a slowdown specifically in the mazut sector within the countrys broader fuel and oil industry.

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DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, August 30. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will allocate funding to modernize Dushanbes transport system, Trend reports via Tajikistans Ministry of Transport.

Holger Wiefel, Head of the EBRD office in Tajikistan, and Azim Ibrohim, Minister of Transport, signed a grant agreement to support the citys Road Reconstruction Project Implementation Group and the consultant for the Reconstruction and Modernization of Dushanbes Infrastructure initiative.

According to the EBRD, the grant will finance consultancy services aimed at strengthening project management, supporting implementation, and improving institutional capacity. The agreement is expected to enhance technical expertise, ensure more effective project delivery, and contribute to the sustainable development of Dushanbes transport infrastructure.

During the meeting, the sides discussed transport connectivity between Europe and Central Asia, highlighting the importance of multimodal corridors such as the TajikistanUzbekistanTurkmenistanIranTurkiyeEurope route. They also exchanged views on ongoing projects in Tajikistans transport sector, with a focus on improving efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability in the capitals road network.

The Road Reconstruction Project Implementation Group was established on November 15, 2024, under the Ministry of Transport to oversee reconstruction, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of Dushanbes transport infrastructure projects.

The EBRD is implementing the Dushanbe Green City Action Plan (GCAP) in Tajikistan. In April 2024, as part of this initiative, the bank announced a sovereign loan of up to 28.45 million euro to support key infrastructure upgrades in the capital.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, August 30. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a telephone conversation with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, marking their first discussion since Lee assumed office in June, Trend reports via Turkmen MFA.

During the call, President Lee expressed gratitude for Turkmenistans assistance in June, which facilitated the safe evacuation of 59 Korean citizens from Iran through Turkmen territory. Both leaders highlighted the strong bilateral relationship and noted the successful projects carried out in Turkmenistan by major Korean companies, including Hyundai, Daewoo, and LG. They also explored opportunities for further collaboration in energy, mechanical engineering, and other sectors, with President Lee requesting continued support for Korean businesses operating in Turkmenistan.

The discourse additionally emphasized the intricate interconnections of cultural and humanitarian affiliations. The officials recognized the pedagogical initiatives surrounding the Korean linguistic curriculum within Turkmen higher education institutions and the significance of Cultural Days in enhancing bilateral comprehension between the two sovereign entities.



The discourse encompassed regional collaboration, particularly within the context of the Central AsiaRepublic of Korea alliance, which encompasses sectors such as transportation, environmental sustainability, and public health systems. The heads of state conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the strategic preparations for the imminent Central AsiaRepublic of Korea summit scheduled to convene in Seoul in the forthcoming year. President Berdimuhamedov extended an invitation to his South Korean counterpart to engage in an international forum in Ashgabat on December 12, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistans enduring policy of permanent neutrality.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 30. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay an official visit to China from August 30 to September 3 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trend reports via the Uzbek president's office.

The Uzbek leader will participate in the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the SCO Plus summit, which will take place in Tianjin on August 31  September 1. The agenda includes strengthening cooperation in security, digital economy, green industry, energy, tourism, and other fields. The parties are expected to adopt the Tianjin Declaration and a package of joint documents.

On September 2, Mirziyoyev will hold talks in Beijing with Xi Jinping and meet with senior officials and business leaders. Discussions will focus on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and China and expanding practical cooperation.

On September 3, the President of Uzbekistan will attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in World War II.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 30. A new textile factory has been launched in the Kushtepa district of Uzbekistans Fergana region, Trend reports via the regional administration.

The organization secured a $15 million foreign direct investment capital infusion. Their offerings are slated for export to Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Russia.



During the inaugural ceremony, regional governor Khayrullo Bozorov articulated that entrepreneurs serve as a pivotal catalyst for economic advancement, establishing substantial enterprises, generating employment opportunities, enhancing production capabilities, and amplifying export activities.



The inauguration of a state-of-the-art, globally competitive manufacturing facility in Kushtepa was recognized as a significant benchmark. Such enterprises are poised to catalyze the local economy and serve as pivotal agents in regional development dynamics.



Through the entrepreneur's strategic initiative, the surrounding locale of the manufacturing facility underwent significant development, resulting in the employment of over 500 women in various capacities. Upon achieving full operational capacity, the labor force is anticipated to scale to 3,500 personnel, with export figures forecasted to aggregate at $30 million.



As documented, agreements have been executed with multinational corporations, whose offerings are currently being deployed for preliminary requisitions. The production oversight team has validated that the initial cohorts of requisitions have been duly acknowledged and processed.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. Iran supports a peace dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, said Ali Larijani, Secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, Trend reports.

Speaking during a meeting in Tehran with his Armenian counterpart, Armen Grigoryan, Larijani emphasized that Iran is a strong advocate for peace and stability in the region and has consistently supported regional countries in efforts to achieve lasting stability.

During the meeting, officials from both countries discussed the development of bilateral relations, the upcoming signing of a strategic cooperation agreement, the improvement of the North-South International Transport Corridor, and the connection of the Persian Gulf with the Black Sea.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel


(Image: MSN.com)

Yesterday was a bad day, to put it mildly. The attack on the Catholic school kids during prayer in Minneapolis was gut wrenching. An act of evil for evils sake. The perpetrator was as monstrous as he was cowardly.

Afterwards, a parade of people trying to provide commentary made things worse, only to be outdone spectacularly by the usual idiotic anti-gun politicians.

I have a few observations I wanted to share:

1. To my understanding, there was no one guarding these children.

2. The attacker appears to have preplanned his actions with some degree of detail and preparation including surveillance of the premises.

3. The actual attack went on for about 2 minutes, starting just before 8.30am.

4. The first 911 calls are at 8.27 AM. It took police a couple of minutes to arrive by which time the attacker had already ended himself.

5. The media in the absence of actual information will say pretty much anything.

6. At least 2 tough on crime, supposedly pro 2A conservative media figures, had an on-the-spot appeal for gun control.

7. A number of others asked to comment pointed out #1 and said there are plenty of people including retired LEO's who are well trained that could guard such sites.

8. Anti gun politicians quite literally called for gun control before the living and the dead could even be accounted for.

9. The attacker appears to have had an intense, lethal hatred towards Jews as well.

The truths here are self-evident. 
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CPI M accuses Mohan Bhagwat of provoking communal passions



The Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) Polit Bureau has accused RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat of provoking communal passions ahead of the upcoming elections to benefit the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)

Saturday August 30, 2025 12:54 PM , ummid.com News Network

[RSS @ 100: Mohan Bhagwat lecture series to mark the RSS Centenary Year Celebrations in New Delhi on August 28, 2025.]

New Delhi: The Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) Polit Bureau has accused RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat of provoking communal passions ahead of the upcoming elections to benefit the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).

In a strong rebuttal to Mohan Bhagwat speech at an event titled RSS @ 100 organised as part of the RSS centenary year celebrations in New Delhi, the CPI (M) said the RSS Chief is stoking communal passions to shield the BJP from public anger because of its failure.

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 Polit Bureau said in a statement.

The CPI-M Polit Bureau was responding to Bhagwat's assertion that Kashi and Mathura are significant for Muslims like Ayodhya, and Hindus have 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 referring to the movements to reclaim the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi and Shahi Eidgah Masjid in Mathura.

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.

Distraction Tactic

The CPI (M) also accused the RSS of trying to distract people from their worsening economic conditions by inciting communal divisions.

It has long been the practice of the RSS and its affiliated organisations to incite communal divisions whenever they seek to distract people from their worsening economic conditions.

With higher US tariffs , a weakening economy, growing attacks on peasants and workers, and mounting proof of electoral malpractices and manipulation, the public is increasingly getting disillusioned with the BJP-led government, seeing its failures more clearly, the CPI (M) said.

The CPI (M) asked the fellow Indians to remain "vigilant against the divisive policies of the RSS".

"The CPI (M) calls upon the people of the country to remain vigilant against the divisive policies of the RSS. The unity and integrity of India are of utmost importance and must be safeguarded at all costs. To achieve this, it is urgently necessary to build broad-based resistance by uniting all sections of the people", the party said.

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Fadnavis outrightly rejects Maratha reservation within OBC quota



Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis outrightly rejected some Maratha leaders demand to grant the community a reservation within the quota of Other Backward Class (OBC)

Saturday August 30, 2025 3:40 PM , ummid.com News Network

[Fadnavis statement came amidst the renewed protest by Maratha community leaders, including Manoj Jarange Patil of Maratha Kranti Morcha and Sakal Maratha Samaj.]

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis outrightly rejected some Maratha leaders demand to grant the community a reservation within the quota of Other Backward Class (OBC).

Speaking to reporters Friday August 29, 2025 in Mumbai, Fadnavis said his government has already granted 10% reservation to the Maratha community and the Maratha youth are taking benefit of the same.

Our government has already granted 10% reservation to the Maratha community because of which a large number of Maratha youth have got benefits, he said.

He said there are already around 350 different castes and communities under the OBC category and inclusion of the Maratha community under the OBC is not feasible.

Besides granting them reservation, my government has given special attention on the development and upliftment of the Maratha community people, Fadnavis said while listing a number of initiatives the government had taken.

Maratha Aarakshan Protest

Fadnavis statement came amidst the renewed protest by Maratha community leaders, including Manoj Jarange Patil of Maratha Kranti Morcha and Sakal Maratha Samaj.

Jarange Patil has given a Chalo Mumbai march following which the Metropolis came to a standstill on Friday August 29, 2025.

Patil is sitting on indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai to press the government. He said his fast unto death will continue till the Maharashtra government accepts the communitys demand.

Shinde supports Fadnavis

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also supported Chief Minister Fadnavis stand on inclusion of Maratha Community under OBC.

The government cant suppress the rights of one community to extend benefits to other community. Maratha reservation has already been announced by the government and people are taking its benefits, Shinde said.

Shinde also said those belonged to Kunbi caste were issues the necessary certificate and they too are taking the benefit of reservation.

Meanwhile, talking to media Shivendraraje Bhosale, a Minister in the Fadnavis Cabinet, said reservation to the Maratha community must be under the constitutional framework.

CM Fadnavis gave reservation to the community, though later governments failed to sustain it. Reservation must be within the constitutional framework and should withstand legal scrutiny, so it doesnt get cancelled in just four months. The Mahayuti leadership is committed to finding a lasting solution, he said.

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Israeli airstrikes target Hamas Spokesperson Abu Obeida



Israeli Occupation Forces (IDF) Saturday August 30, 2025 claimed they have targeted Hamas Spokesperson Abu Obeida but said his fate is unclear

Sunday August 31, 2025 0:08 AM , ummid.com News Network

Gaza City/Tel Aviv: Israeli Occupation Forces (IDF) Saturday August 30, 2025 claimed they have targeted Hamas Spokesperson Abu Obeida but said his fate is unclear.

Abu Obeida, whose real name is Hudayfa Samir Abdallah al-Kahlout, always appears masked in statements to the media and is something of a symbol in the Strip.

The Israeli occupation Saturday carried airstrikes in the al-Rimal neighborhood, west of Gaza City, killing and injuring dozens of Palestinians.

Later, several Hebrew media outlets citing Israeli military sources said that the occupation attempted to assassinate Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida.

His fate is currently unclear, the Israeli media said.

As of now, there have been no comments from the Palestinian Resistance in response to these claims.

Abu Obeida last appeared in a Hamas video warning Israeli forces from moving against with their plan to capture Gaza City.

[This is developing story. More details soon.]

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Israeli Defense Chiefs doubt Hamas surrender after Gaza City takeover



Israeli Defence Chiefs have raised serious doubts about surrender of Hamas and other Palestinian Resistance Fighters after Gaza City takeover

Saturday August 30, 2025 8:05 PM , ummid.com News Network

[Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs security cabinet meeting (File Image)]

Tel Aviv: Israeli Defence Chiefs have raised serious doubts about surrender of Hamas and other Palestinian Resistance Fighters after Gaza City takeover.

A Wild Gamble

In a stern warning, the Defence Chiefs said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be risking the lives of the hostages if he goes ahead with his Gaza City capture plan instead of accepting the Hamas Ceasefire proposal.

There is a deal on the table that Israel fought for. We must grasp the opportunity to bring hostages back alive and to use the ceasefire to reach an end to the fighting, a senior security source told Channel 12 as reported by The Times of Israel.

Any other decision, based on the thought that Hamas will surrender if we enter Gaza [City], is a wild gamble on the lives of hostages and soldiers", the official added.

The reports further said that the Israeli Defense Chiefs, who included DF chief Eyal Zamir, Mossad Director David Barnea and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, are set to present an all-but united front to the security cabinet Sunday August 31, 2025, beseeching ministers to accept the current proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza over the governments desired offensive in Gaza City.

Clashes in Gaza City

Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamass military wing Al Qassam Brigades, had on Thursday warned that Israels plans to occupy Gaza City would increase the chances of the group capturing Israeli soldiers, and that any Israeli military operation would put the lives of remaining hostages in danger.

A day after this, repors said several Israeli soldiers were injured in an explosion targeting an armoured vehicle in Gaza City on Friday night.

The soldiers were wounded while operating in the Zeitoun neighbourhood, which has been the site of intense Israeli military activity in recent weeks, the Israel Defense Forces said on Saturday.

There are also reports that at least 4 Israeli soldiers have been captured by the Resistance Forces. Israel has denied these reports.

Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

Hamas has agreed for a 60-day ceasefire as per which it will release 10 hostages along with the bodies of 18 slain captives in 5 batches. During this period, the two sides will hold talks on the terms of the release of the remaining hostages and a permanent end to the war.

The proposal approved by Hamas on August 18, 2025 and submitted to Netanyahu by Arab mediators is nearly identical to one crafted by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff which was earlier approved by Israel last month.

Netanyahu is refusing a response on the proposal saying he is not interested in a ceasefire proposal which involves phased release of hostages. He said he wants the release of hostages all at once.

Netanyahu is also non-committal on the permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza - key demands of Palestinian Resistance Fighters.

Gaza: Latest Update

As per the latest reports coming from Gaza, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IDF) have intensified their bombardment on Gaza City.

The latest round of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City has left 44 Palestinians, including aid seekers, dead across Gaza since dawn.

The Red Cross chief has also denounced Israels plans for a forced mass expulsion of Gaza City before a military takeover, insisting there was no way it could be done safely, according to Al Jazeera.

It is impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City could ever be done in a way that is safe and dignified under the current conditions, International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger said, describing the evacuation plan as not only unfeasible but incomprehensible.

Meanwhile, the UNs agency for Palestinian refugees warned that the Israeli operation in Gaza City could re-displace one million people. Israel has killed at least 63,371 people and wounded 159,835 in its war on Gaza.

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Prime Minister of Houthi-led govt in Yemen killed in Israeli airstrikes



Houthi, the rebel group in Yemen, Saturday August 30, 2025 confirmed Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi has been killed in the Israeli airstrikes.

Saturday August 30, 2025 8:50 PM , ummid.com News Network

Sanaa: Houthi, the rebel group in Yemen, Saturday August 30, 2025 confirmed Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi has been killed in the Israeli airstrikes.

In a statement released today, Yemens Houthis said a number of ministers have also killed in the Israeli missile attacks.

"The Presidency of the Republic of Yemen announces the martyrdom of Mujahid Ahmed Ghaleb Al-Rahwi, Prime Minister of the Government of Change and Construction, along with a number of his fellow ministers, as a result of the Zionist aggression last Thursday", the rebel group said.

The Israeli forces had conducted airstrikes in Yemen capital Sanaa Thursday August 28, 2025.

Israel targeted workshop venue

Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi was Prime Minister of the Houthi-led government since August 2024. He and other ministers and officials were attending a routine workshop organised by the government to evaluate its activities and performance over the past year when the Israeli forces bombarded the area, Houthis said in the statement.

The workshop was held to mark the one-year anniversary of the governments formation.

Israel had earlier claimed that Houthis Defense Minister Mohammad Nasser al-Attafi and Chief of Staff Mohammad Abd al-Karim al-Ghamari were also killed in its airstrikes on Yemen Capital Thursday.

The Houthi rebels are conducting raids and blocking the cargo vessels since Al Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023.

The rebel group has in the past weeks fired missiles on Tel Aviv and other occupied Palestinian territories to, what they said, support the Palestinian Resistance Fighters.

Condolences pour in

Relatives and the Houthi rebels are mourning the assassination of Al Rahawi and posting condolence messages in tribute. Emad Hussein Al Rahawi, a relative of Ahmed Al Rahawi while lamenting the loss described him as a man who carried no hatred in his heart, but lived with forgiveness, generosity, and loyalty, always extending his hand to the needy and serving as a guide and support in times of hardship.

Your greatest testimony is that you ascended at the hands of the enemies of the nation, and we reckon you with God as a martyr. Farewell to you, who were a beacon guiding us; glory and eternity be yours", Emad wrote on X.

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 29, 2025)  Despite growing protests and an online petition gathering thousands of signatures, Virginia Wesleyan University affirmed that the transition to the name Batten University is "final."

A protest was organized on Friday just before a closed-door town-hall meeting, where university staff and faculty convened to discuss the impending rebranding. The demonstration began around noon, preceding the 1 p.m. meeting.

Alumna Kim Russell, class of 1993, expressed her surprise and emotional connection to the institution: "Oh, we were completely caught off guard," she said. Russell added that VWU holds deep personal significance as "where she met her husband and holds so many memories."

Russell also voiced concern over the transparency of the rebranding process: "We'd like to understand why we'd like to see the white paper that was done that convinced Mrs. Batten to go along with this name change," she stated. "We're so appreciative of everything she's done for the school. We think she's amazing, but we just want to understand what got us here."

The name change, proposed in honor of Jane P. Batten and her family's significant contributions to the university, is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Although the town-hall was intended to address community concerns, students and alumni who are not employed by VWU were barred from attending. Representatives from The Marlin Chronicle, VWU's student newspaper, were among those excluded; only the group's faculty adviser was permitted to participate.

As of Friday afternoon, an online petition created by Devin Cowhey had amassed more than 5,000 signatures, urging university leadership to reconsider the name change. Cowhey questioned whether there might be "a different way to honor the family while still keeping the Virginia Wesleyan legacy." She added, "People are flooding social media with their Virginia Wesleyan stories, and we want to have that conversation, so at some point we're going to keep going until we have that."

In response, university officials emphasized their commitment to listening while reaffirming the decision. Tina Raines, VWU's executive director of marketing and communications, said the institution has "read each comment and story and have engaged in countless conversations." She added, "We are paying attention, adjusting our messaging to address the questions and concerns. While it has been hard at times, it is also beautiful to see a community come together."

Raines further stated that a name like "Batten"associated with "nationally renowned philanthropists whose vision and generosity have shaped our University"broadens the institution's appeal while honoring the alumni legacy that shaped its foundation. She reaffirmed: "As President Miller explained, this decision is final."

Full story can be read at News 3 WTKR Norfolk.
Italy marks the centenary of beloved author of the Inspector Montalbano novels.

Italy is staging a special programme of events to mark the centenary of the birth of the hugely popular Sicilian writer Andrea Camilleri, who died in Rome six years ago.

Although he penned more than 100 books - selling 30 million copies - Camilleri will be best remembered for the Inspector Montalbano detective novels which have been translated into almost 40 languages and were adapted into a popular television series shown in Italy and around the world.

Events planned for his centenary include the publication of around a dozen books by and about Camilleri, as well as meetings, concerts, awards, conferences and performances centred on the writer's personality and work.

The Andrea Camilleri Fund, chaired by the writer's daughter Andreina, and the Camilleri 100 National Committee, have organised several initiatives taking place in September and October.

The Taormina Arte Sicilia Foundation will stage two evening events dedicated to Camilleri in the magnificent setting of the Teatro Antico in Taormina on 5-6 September.

100 anni fa, il #6settembre 1925, nasceva #AndreaCamilleri, tra gli autori piu amati della letteratura italiana e internazionale.

Scopri tutti gli eventi in programma: https://t.co/BkqRIYOVJj#Camilleri100 pic.twitter.com/fmc0QEyrkI  Ministero della Cultura (@MiC_Italia) September 6, 2025

Rome's Casa del Cinema will host a free open-air screening of a film of the final play written and performed by Camilleri, Conversazione su Tiresia, on 6 September at 21.00.

Also in the capital, the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone will host another important event, titled Andrea Camilleri, Birth of a Legend. From the First Poems to the First Montalbano, with readings by 12 of Camilleri's former students at the National Academy of Dramatic Arts, and live music, on 14 September at 18.00.

Rome's Teatro Quirino will present the first edition of the Andrea Camilleri-New Narrators Award on 20 September at 19.00. The award - organised by the Andrea Camilleri Fund and curated by Arianna Mortelliti, writer and the author's granddaughter - aims to promote writing in various forms.

The southern city of Bari, where Camilleri directed several plays in the late 1950s, will host two special events under the title Welcome back to Bari, dear Camilleri, on 12-13 October.

In Rome, the Dante Alighieri Society will celebrate Camilleri's centenary with a major exhibition at the Palazzo Firenze from 22 October to 29 November. Titled Scenes, Voices, Accents, Writings: The Infinite Theatre of Andrea Camilleri, the exhibition promises to be a fascinating journey through the writer's life and works.

Born in Porto Empedocle on 6 September 1925, Camilleri died in Rome on 17 July 2019, at the age of 93, and is buried in the capital's Non-Catholic Cemetery.
Lotto

There was no winner of this weeks lotto jackpot of 5,200. The numbers pulled were 6, 8, 9 and 15. Congratulations to Bernie Roberts, Catherine Hurley, Ray and Imelda, Stumpy Power and Tony Kirk who matched three numbers. Best of luck to all the players.

Community Text Alert

The Community Text Alert Service is still ongoing and open to any member of the public to join. Some messages that the group send out include notifications from the Gardai, Met Eireann and others which help to keep the community informed. If you want to join the text service, please contact Kill Action Group on 086 3772945.

Gina & The Champions

Gina & The Champions will perform live at Kill Community Cetre at 8pm on Friday, October 24. The organisers of the concert expressed delight in being able to welcome Gina and the back to the stage in Kill Community Centre after a gap of over 40 years. Formed in 1973, they were one of the most popular acts on the show band scene for over 20 years. The late Jerdy Mackey, from Kilmacthomas, was known as Dale Haze and fronted the band with Gina during the show band era. Remaining as popular as ever nowadays Gina & The Champions are performing in concerts up and down the country. Gina is one of Irelands top entertainers with a voice that has stirred the emotions of her audience right throughout her illustrious career. She has enjoyed great success as a recording artist but it is on stage where her talents as an entertainer are showcased to every audiences delight. This is definitely a night not to be missed. Tickets, priced 25 on Powertik or contact 086 8569358.

Social Dancing

Last week, the brilliant Michael Collins entertained everyone at dancing on Wednesday night. The crowd really enjoyed the evening. Next up is Michelle Murphy, on Wednesday, September 3. A firm favourite with all our dancers so mark Wednesday night dancing 9pm to 11..30pm in your calendar. Complementary tea/coffee and sweet treat so come and join in the fun. Last Sunday, Muriel OConnor and Fran Curry entertained a great crowd, the dancefloor was full all afternoon. Next on the line-up is the mighty Michael Collins, on Sunday, September 7, who will no doubt entertain and draw a crowd. Sunday afternoons social dancing begins at 3pm and finishes at 6pm. Kill Community Centre guarantees a great afternoon of good music and refreshments. So why not put on your dancing shoes and join in the fun?

Copper Coast School of Music

The Copper Coast School of Music are now enrolling for September. All ages welcome. Now offering even more with lessons with singing, piano and fiddle available. Contact Celine 087 9742080 or Michael 087 9050190 to find out more information.
Waterford News & Star is currently compiling Festive Star 2025, the Waterford News & Star Christmas annual, and we are reaching out to Waterford's fantastic poets and creative writers to submit their work for our dedicated Waterford Creative Writing section.

If you would like to submit a piece for consideration (submit a maximum of one short story or two poems), send to festivestar@waterford-news.com no later than Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Please put 'Festive Star Writing' in the subject line, and if you are under 18 please specify for our 'Young Voices' section. There is no specific theme.

The Festive Star will be published in November and in Waterford shops until Christmas.

For more info on Festive Star check out https://www.waterford-news.ie/wns-more/the-festive-star/
Last week, a journey to the Six Cross Roads area was very instructive. Its a voyage of discovery to an area, which once was very much removed from the city, to find it developing rapidly.

Housing developments are springing up everywhere in the Kilbarry and Lacken areas and places like the Black Rock on the Tramore Road, which once seemed very far out of town, will be surrounded by houses in the not too distant future.

The story is the same in Carrickphierish, Ballygunner and Ferrybank and in surrounding areas like Tramore, Dunmore, Passage and Kilmeaden.

A recent CSO report shows strong population growth locally, so housing development must continue apace if people are to find a place to live.

It is interesting to read that the national population has doubled to circa 5.6 million since 1960. It is also interesting to learn that the number of private cars on Irish roads has more than trebled to 2.4 million since 1995.

This latter statistic is obvious to anyone living or working in Waterford city. We have a generally well-developed road network in and around the city, but capacity issues are emerging in many places. Attempts to adjust traffic flows in places like the Williamstown Roundabout, or with a small one-way system on Passage Road elicit howls of disapproval or are taken as an attack on personal freedoms.

Who would want to be a road traffic engineer?

Had the Outer Ring Road, which was after all designed and planned by the City Council, not been developed in the first decade of this century, Waterford city would be utterly gridlocked, yet this successful project is rarely mentioned in the negative commentary on the councils performance.

The volume of rush hour traffic on the Outer Ring Road is often incredible for a small city like Waterford. But road capacity can only deliver so much while we persist in our love affairs with suburban living and the private car.

Some green activists suggest that it is a zero-sum game, with more roads inevitably leading to more traffic and more cars, but with the schools back from their summer holidays, the ritual delivery of suburban children by car to their place of education starts again.

Two things offer partial solutions to our suburban, car-focused lifestyles: better public transport and redevelopment of decayed or underused central areas.

Public transport in Waterford city has seen positive developments in recent years. We have a seven-day, functioning bus network in the city with sensible links to Tramore, Dunmore, Slieverue and Carrick-on-Suir.

People are using the services. That much is obvious from simple observation.

The high-capacity link between the city and Tramore was vital this year in ferrying people to the seaside. The biggest problem with city bus services is the lack of dedicated bus routes, which means that buses compete with private cars for road space and often face delays. Its easy to say that a competition between a vehicle capable of ferrying 50 people to its destination and one carrying four or fewer is nonsense and that public transport should have priority everywhere in the city.

Not many people would relish the thought of selling that idea to a very jaundiced public.

Cycle lanes have a very obvious role to play also but locally these tend to be a narrow and often dangerous (and bumpy) piece of curbside road carriageway.

Public transport links to the city and its hinterland will inevitably be further developed in the coming years. Cycle users will hope that cycle lanes, more like the fully segregated facilities in other European countries, will be developed.

Bringing more people to live in our city centre is a no brainer. All available sites have easy access to public utilities and services.

Redevelopment of vacant sites in the city centre is in all our interests and a bigger centre city population helps with urban vitality and increased footfall.

The spin-off to small retailers and restaurants can be significant.

Every Irish urban area, large and small, has problems with vacancy and dereliction. In some instances, property remains empty or unoccupied for decades.

Vacant sites used as surface car parks can linger for a lifetime.

Economists suggest that these symptoms are a sign of wealth rather than lack of money. If people needed the money they would sell on, but instead, under Irish law, people can sit on dereliction for a generation while awaiting speculative gains.

There are many buildings and sites in public ownership, which need attention - including the former Ardree Hotel overlooking the city.

The lovely 18th century terrace of shops on Parade Quay was acquired by the council. Plans to redevelop the area are posted on the empty shop windows.

A nice selection of small shops was closed there in the heart of the Viking Triangle to facilitate sensible redevelopment, but nothing has happened. Announcements were made of redevelopment in places like Hanover Street, The Glen, Summerland Square, without subsequent action. Quite obviously, delays in acquiring older properties or in ascertaining ownership consume a huge amount of council time and money, but progress is glacial.

Our council is very active at present in pursuing the owners of derelict and rundown property and has had some major success.

Unfortunately, problematic and highly visible areas, like New Street, Brownes Lane, Newgate Street and Stephen Street, are still rundown or partially derelict. These undermine what is otherwise very good work.

That area is a huge hole in our urban landscape and needs priority redevelopment.

Vandalism in Wyse Park is probably symptomatic of a lack of people and residents in that area, as much as anything else.

The ongoing, long-term failure to attract private investment into the older city centre area may eventually only be solved by a new, national urban renewal tax scheme. Nonetheless, the council cannot be the developer of last resort in this city.

While it is sensible to seek inward funding for urban renewal in the city centre and elsewhere, local property owners must show the way with their own significant investment. The Glassworks 1 building on the Cork Road shows what must be done.
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BusinessCompaniesRetail This was published 3 months ago Retailers warn of shopping ghost towns without crackdown on crime Elias Visontay and Jessica Yun August 30, 2025  3:15am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Australias peak retail body has warned shopping precincts could become ghost towns without a national response to retail theft as retailers lose billions of dollars and workers face increasing levels of threat to their safety. Australian Retail Council chief executive Chris Rodwell said the federal government needed to step in and replace the patchwork measures in use across various jurisdictions, adding that the problem was particularly acute in Victoria. I think as an Australian community, we need to say enough is enough, Rodwell said. Victoria has emerged as the retail crime hotspot of the nation. Jason South We need leadership from the federal government in really combating retail crime. We should be looking for a reduction in retail crime, not simply trying to put a lid on the current levels of retail crime.

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More than 800,000 incidents of retail crime were lodged last year through the retail theft reporting platform Auror, which industry leaders believe has led to over $9 billion in annual losses. About 30 per cent of those events were reported from Victoria. However, according to Victoria Police statistics, there were only 82,000 incidences of retail crime in the last year, a discrepancy Rodwell said was proof that the extent of the issue was under-reported by authorities. Related Article Retail Its out of control: Organised crime gangs strike Rebel stores The loss figures also dont take into account the huge outlays large retailers, especially supermarkets, have spent on security measures in recent years. Though the problem is nationwide, Victoria has emerged as a clear hotspot, where crime has reached its highest level on record, including among youth. Rodwell noted a near-30 per cent increase in incidents over the past year. Threatening incidents in the state were up 52 per cent over the same period.

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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.

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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. Related Article Opinion

Supermarkets Organised crime is hitting supermarkets, but customers are coming back Elizabeth Knight Business columnist 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.

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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.

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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. Related Article Exclusive

Privacy Bunnings keen to roll out facial recognition tech to all its stores 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.

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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. Related Article Tobacco Illegal tobacco is big business, and retail giants are counting the cost 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.

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In some Dan Murphys and BWS stores, augmented reality and lock-out buttons have been implemented to prevent threatening individuals from entering the store. Rebel Sport operator Super Retail Group chief Anthony Heraghty said it was a completely unacceptable situation for organised thieves to target stores in urban Victoria flashing a knife and reselling thousands worth of high-value items online. There is an economic equation to this, said Heraghty. [These items] can be sold at a profit. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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Review Eating outLeederville This Vietnamese snack bar is a lunchtime destination worth travelling for Fresh-faced riffs on favourites equals a welcome addition to Perths modern Asian and sandwich food scenes. Max Veenhuyzen 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

1 / 5 Gently crunchy and a pleasing cottony texture  the banh mi rolls get toasted to order. Matt ODonohue 2 / 5 The chicken wings, finished with a sticky fish sauce caramel. Matt ODonohue 3 / 5 Some fillings can be served as a bowl alongside rice or rice noodles. Matt ODonohue 4 / 5 North 54 offers a variety of Asian-influenced sweets including pandan Basque cheesecake. Matt ODonohue 5 / 5 Owner Bac Pham. Matt ODonohue Previous Slide Next Slide 14 / 20 How we score Asian$$$$ Between 1954 and 1955, an estimated one million people in the north of Vietnam, fearful of persecution under communist rule, relocated to the countrys south. It was a migration that helped define a nation. Two of the people that made this journey were Van Uyen Nguyen and Thi Huong Nguyen: a couple that swapped the greenery of picturesque Ninh Binh province for the bustle of then-Saigon. A decade after resettling in the capital, the Nguyens gave birth to their daughter, Thi Nga Nguyen. Three decades later, Nguyen made her own southern migration and, together with one-year-old son Bac Pham, flew to Western Australia where her husband Van Pham had settled after fleeing Vietnam in 1980.

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Although Bac, now in his mid-30s, is yet to have children of his own, he did give birth last month to North 54, a fresh-faced Leederville eatery shaped by his familys story as well as that of the Vietnamese diaspora. (North 54 is the name given to the transplanted northern Vietnamese living in the south as well as their migration). While the Vietnamese migration story has no shortage of hardship, Bac has the vibe at North 54 set to upbeat and welcoming. North 54 owner Bac Pham as a baby with his family. The former Oxford Street home of Gigis  funnily enough, also a Vietnamese eatery  has been brightened with bold brushstrokes of red and gold: two cheery colours that psychologists and roughly a gazillion fast food businesses around the world believe make people happy. If its equally sunny outside, guests can crowd around low tables and squat, cherry-red plastic stools. Otherwise, pull up at the seven-seat, tile-lined bench hugging the room. While North 54s accoutrements are few  think teacups, cans of Asian soft drinks and red boxes of Trung Nguyen Gourmet Blend coffee  the smiles are many, thanks largely to Bac and the other outgoing staff doing their best to keep the lunch queues moving. Bac may have been raised in Perths Vietnamese heartlands, but his is also the generation that grew up with Munchies, so theres rap in the air, tattoos on limbs and his culinary small-screen heroes are less Peter Russell-Clarke and more Matty Matheson. It also means that while Bacs cooking is clearly Vietnamese, its Vietnamese thats been influenced by modern cooking ideas (Bacs resume includes Petition, Special Delivery and Vinotto) as well as whats happening at street level in Asia. So the thick cream that sits like a quiff atop a cup of heart-starting coffee is a nod to Vietnams salted coffee trend, just as Madeleines with pandan ganache centres tipped with darkly toasted coconut make splendid introductions to the bright and colourful world of Korean-style Madeleines. The result is a properly brilliant Twinkie-like wonder that deserves your attention, as does baker Ilju Natasha Moun of Tasha Bakery that makes these for Bac.

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North 54 Korean-style pandan Madeleines baked by Tasha Bakery. Matt ODonohue Bac also outsources the baking of the bread of his banh mi. Gently crunchy and a pleasing cottony texture  the wheat and rice flour rolls get toasted to order  theyre solid examples of their genre and ideal vehicles for the six fillings in North 54s core range. You wont find a classic cold-cut banh mi thit here, possibly because Bac reckons

you can get those anywhere. So a ream of pork belly as thick as a magazine is sharpened with fermented red bean. Lamb gets shaped into crumbly xiu mai meatballs  typically made with pork  and braised in a tomato-based sauce till brilliantly (and dangerously) juicy. While the spiced grilled chicken dish known as gai yang originated in Thailand, riffing on it by grilling deboned Marylands hit with turmeric and white pepper suggests the dish would feel at home on the Vietnamese side of the Gulf of Thailand. Hanoi-style pork patties are played straighter and finished on a hibachi for maximum char. In addition to deployment in bread, some fillings can be served as a bowl alongside rice or rice noodles: good news, I suspect, for surrounding office workers. Your correspondent, however, is likely to stick to the banh mi, especially since the vegetarian son-in-law eggs  one of the two fillings Im yet to try  is a roll-only option. Compared to regular-issue banh mi, North 54s rolls are thinner, but longer and less likely to dislocate jaws. One banh mi makes a sensible meal for one, although Ive seen some eaters share one between two. (Rolls are thoughtfully cut in half as default.) Hello half-and-half lunchtime swapsies, or supplementing orders with some snacks.

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Golden and crunchy spring rolls are, as every spring roll in history is, fine as-is, but sparkle when dragged through a brilliantly murky and herbal green sauce typically paired with seafood. The chicken wings, however, are what youll want to get around. One serve contains three whole, juicy wings finished with a sticky fish sauce caramel whose savoury marine funk will perfume your fingers like an Aesop hand cream. You will dab at your hands with napkin after napkin and wash them repeatedly with soap, but you will not remove the smell. You will not mind. This is a flavour thats travelled a long way to get here. Why not let it stay a while. The low-down Vibe: a likeable, accessible snack bar flying the flag for contemporary Vietnamese cooking. (Look mum! No tired Asian food tropes!) Go-to dishes: lamb meatball banh mi ($16), chicken wings ($14) Drinks: Viet-inspired coffees and soft drinks Cost: about $45 for two people Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.
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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  3:00am

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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.

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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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Tony Wrights Column NationalPoetry This was published 3 months ago Banjo Paterson, Henry Lawson, Adam Lindsay who? The shining soul a nation forgot Tony Wright August 30, 2025  3:24am 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 1 View all comments

They were racing in the Adam Lindsay Gordon Hurdle at the lovely old Great Western Steeplechase course at Coleraine, south-west Victoria, only a few weeks ago. Its more than a century and half since Gordon himself went over the jumps there. Hit the Road Jack, ridden by Aaron Lynch, on the way to winning this years Adam Lindsay Gordon Hurdle at Coleraine on August 10. Pat Scala He rode in the Great Western Steeplechase five times in a row, from 1862 to 1866, and wrote one of his epic poems about the race, The Fields of Coleraine. It was, pretty clearly, a rough event in those days: On the fields of Colraine therell be labour in vain before the Great Western is ended, Gordon wrote. The nags will have toiled and silks will be soiled and the rails will require to be mended.

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Adam Lindsay Gordons story, however, deserves to be commemorated by more than a country race meeting, even one as venerable as Coleraines Great Western, which, it happens, is one of a chain of jumps events named after him at Hamilton, Casterton, Coleraine and Ballarat. Related Article Review Is Gerald Murnane our most talented writer? There seemed a synchronicity that the special guest at this years Great Western was the novelist, short story writer, poet and essayist Gerald Murnane, who lives in the tiny West Wimmera town of Goroke, building a world for himself through imagination and words. Murnane is both a dedicated horseracing enthusiast and an author once famously described by The New York Times as the greatest living English-language writer most people have never heard of. Though hes never to be found on the bestseller lists  hes best known for The Plains (1982) and other books concerned loosely with memory and specifically with the Australian landscape  Murnane, 86, is regularly tipped to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, but so far never has.

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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.

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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.

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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. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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,

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 Tis somewhat late to trouble. Editor's pick Review These poems are suffused with a sense of belonging - and letting go 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.

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This year, after all, has been nominated by the federal government as the time for the nation to finally search for a poet laureate under the National Cultural Policy, Revive. Weve never thought to appoint a poet laureate, it happens, unless you count Michael Massey Robinson, a former convict who was given the job briefly by governor Lachlan Macquarie in the early 19th century. He was paid with two cows for writing odes for the queens birthday. 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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NationalNational security This was published 3 months ago Opinion If theres a war in the Pacific, who defends Australia? Jennifer Parker Defence and national security expert August 29, 2025  3:30pm

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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. 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.

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Australias 2024 National Defence Strategy notes that Australias alliance with the US is fundamental to our national security and the ADFs capacity to generate, sustain and project credible military capability. While true, it prompts a critical question: in a crisis or conflict in the Indo-Pacific, would that power be projected as part of a US-led force, with Australian units integrated into American command, or in a complementary role with clearly defined missions, responsibilities and geographic areas? Who is responsible for defending Australia? Related Article Opinion

National security As China prepares to invade Taiwan, a reality check: sitting on the sidelines wont help us Jennifer Parker Defence and national security expert This is more than semantics; it goes to the heart of who controls the employment of Australian ships, aircraft and other capabilities, and how we design and operate the ADF. The question of integration of forces versus delineation of forces becomes even more pressing given that, in any Indo-Pacific conflict, Australia would be fighting from its own territory for the first time since WWII. This represents a profound cultural shift, highlighted by Chief of Defence Force Admiral David Johnston, who noted earlier this year that perhaps finally we are having to reconsider Australia as a homeland from which we will conduct combat operations. Australia often underscores its reliability by noting that Australian and American forces have fought side by side in every major conflict since the Battle of Hamel in WWI, from Europe to Iraq and Afghanistan. This history can create the impression that operating together is a well-trodden path. At the tactical level, thats true. But strategically, the conflicts of the past differ markedly from those we may face in the future.

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Australia built its force contributions to fight and, when required, to sacrifice on distant shores, where the defence of the continent was never in question and Australian civilians were never directly at risk. The only time Australia fought alongside the US with its own defence and civilian population at risk was during the Pacific campaign of WWII. After the fall of Singapore, a vulnerable Australia turned to Washington for protection, placing its forces under US General Douglas MacArthurs command. While that arrangement proved successful, Australia today is a different nation. It has long since shed the constraints of empire, formalised by the 1986 Australia Act, and now boasts a far more diverse population, with 31.5 per cent of Australians born overseas. Under the AUKUS deal, Australia will acquire at least three US-built Virginia-class submarines in the early 2030s. AP Australia in 2025 is far less willing to hand control of its naval, air and land forces and its defence to a US commander, and rightly so. But does Washington see it that way? Its a critical question, especially with the growing presence of US marines, bombers and submarines on Australian shores, all of which will need protection. The harder truth, however, is that Australia has neither funded nor designed its ADF to independently defend the continent or execute key missions without US support. From a lack of sovereign space capability to limited missile defence and a stretched navy, the gaps are stark. Investment in nuclear-powered submarines and a larger surface fleet is a start, but real sovereignty requires more, a clear strategy and a force design built around Australias own defence and regional roles. It should be designed to be supported by the US in our defence, not in support of the US defending us.

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The AustraliaUS alliance is, rightly, a cornerstone of Australias defence strategy and efforts to deepen co-operation with Washington have been vital. But as states increasingly turn to force to settle disputes, a stronger alliance depends on both partners having a clear understanding of each others expectations. Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined. To preserve its autonomy, Australia must articulate and fund a strategy that clearly delineates responsibilities, rather than continuing to field a force built to be employed under US command, as it has in past conflicts. Jennifer Parker is a defence and national security expert associate at the ANUs National Security College. She has served for more than 20 years as a warfare officer in the Royal Australian Navy.

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For subscribers Jennifer Parker is a defence and national security expert associate at the ANUs National Security College. She has served for more than 20 years as a warfare officer in the Royal Australian Navy.
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Editorial NationalVictoriaPorepunkah shooting This was published 3 months ago As a nation mourns slain police, urgent questions remain The Age's View August 29, 2025  5:55pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The 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.

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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. The picture that is emerging is that Freeman, who was born Desmond Christopher Filby, has severely changed over recent years, particularly during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, in both his character and beliefs. Flinders Street Station illuminated in blue light on Wednesday night. Wayne Taylor Police were ever present in Victoria during that period, but how traffic stops and other encounters with law enforcement can lead to talk of Nazism and satanic symbols, as it did in Freemans case, is worrying. The risk of escalating violence posed by the freeman on the land ideology he has been associated with has been on the radar of security agencies for some time. Surely, it must now be the subject of even more thorough and sustained focus, given the similarity of this weeks events to that at a rural property in Wieambilla, Queensland, in December 2022, where two police officers and a neighbour offering assistance were killed.

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Speaking in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that there will be a time to process this  and to try to come to terms with it, but emphasised the dangers that police officers face to keep our families and communities safe. That 10 officers were sent to Freemans Porepunkah property to make his arrest underlines police awareness of the risks involved. However, we owe it to the slain officers and their families to establish how Freemans case was assessed and why the Special Operations Group was not deployed. Asked on Friday whether local police had requested assistance from special operations officers to serve Freeman with a warrant on Tuesday, Bush said there was no request made. What I can tell you is that that was considered, but it wasnt requested, Bush said. When they prepare for a search warrant, theyll do a risk assessment. They will then decide what level of risk is attached to that and what resources are required to support that.

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They did not consider a request to the Special Operations Group necessary. Sadly, there is no way to eliminate risk from the day-to-day task of policing. Which is why even as The Age asks the necessary questions about how this case was handled, and keeps you up to date on the hunt for its alleged perpetrator, we also mourn what was stolen by gunfire, to use the prime ministers words: Two lives full of future happiness, years of happy memories that should have been made and treasured with others. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
On the evening of August 30, President Xi Jinping met at the Tianjin Guest House with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025 and the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

President Xi pointed out that China and Kazakhstan are strategic partners that can trust and count on each other. No matter how the international landscape evolves, the two sides should stay committed to the overarching policy of good-neighborliness and friendship, the guiding principle of openness and win-win cooperation, and the overall direction of jointly building a community with a shared future. The two sides should firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, consolidate and expand all-round cooperation, and bring China-Kazakhstan relations to new heights.

President Xi emphasized that the two countries should further synergize their development strategies, explore more converging interests and new areas of growth in cooperation; consolidate energy cooperation as the foundationand deepen cooperation on connectivity, especially advancing hard connectivity of infrastructure and soft connectivity of policies and mechanisms; continue to promote people-to-people exchanges, and ensure the success of the China-Kazakhstan year of cultural exchange; step up multilateral coordination, consolidate and strengthen the SCO, jointly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, and work for a more just and equitable international order.

President Tokayev noted that China, during its SCO presidency, performed its duties effectively. Kazakhstan had actively participated in all agenda items and is ready to work closely with China to ensure the success of the upcoming SCO Summit. He extended congratulations on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, noting that the Chinese people made a significant historical contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and demonstrated extraordinary courage and patriotism. He said that Kazakhstan-China relations are at the highest level ever. Bilateral trade reached a new record last year, and major cooperation projects are progressing smoothly. Kazakhstan stands ready to work with China to continue to deepen practical cooperation and enhance people-to-people exchanges, to take bilateral relations to an even higher level.

During the meeting, the two heads of state witnessed the announcement of more than 20 bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as alignment of development strategies, energy, science and technology, housing and urban development, education, sports, and wildlife protection, and the unveiling of two new Luban Workshops in Kazakhstan.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, Chen Miner, among others, were present at the meeting.
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A 61-year-old man was arrested in the alpine search for suspected Porepunkah gunman Dezi Freeman.

On Saturday, police said they arrested the man just before 5pm on Friday, in the nearby town of Bright.

The hunt for fugitive Dezi Freeman continues. Justin McManus

The man was still being interviewed by detectives late Saturday.

Whether he is associated with Freeman, who police continue to search for after two officers were shot dead on Tuesday, is expected to be covered by police during the interview.
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NationalVictoriaIsraeli-Palestinian conflict This was published 3 months ago MSO targeted over Gandel link at Melbourne orchestras London performance Alexander Darling and Kerrie O'Brien Updated August 30, 2025  5:46pm ,first published August 30, 2025  1:44pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has been silenced during a concert at Londons BBC Proms by protesters angry that it cancelled the performance of a pianist who spoke out against the killing of Palestinian journalists. A group calling itself Jewish Artists for Palestine claimed responsibility for disrupting the MSOs performance at the Royal Albert Hall for a live broadcast on BBC Radio 3, stopping the music and forcing the concert to restart. Jewish Artists for Palestine protesters at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Friday night. The group disrupted the MSOs performance during a live broadcast for the BBC Proms. Artfrontline/X The MSO has blood on its hands, roared a woman in the crowd, in a video filmed by an audience member, and uploaded to social media. You silenced Jayson Gillham! The MSO is complicit in genocide! You silence artists! The MSO is complicit!

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Video footage of the concert was posted to Instagram, jointly uploaded by accounts belonging to Andrew Feinstein, an investigative author and activist, actors Maxine Peake and Khalid Abdalla, and climate and political activist Greta Thunberg, among others. It is not clear if these individuals are members of the group, Jewish Artists for Palestine, or, indeed, who are the members of that group. The MSO cancelled a concert by pianist Gillham after he made a statement in support of Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza before a performance in August 2024. It cancelled the next MSO event at which Gillham was to perform, and released a statement saying his comments were not appropriate and an intrusion of personal political views. The MSO later said it had made an error in cancelling Gillhams shows. Gillham later reached an in-principle settlement with former MSO managing director Sophie Galaise, but is still suing the MSO.

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The trial begins on December 1, and the musician says he has raised more than $100,000 to put towards his legal fees. On its website, Jewish Artists for Palestine said its members were angry that the MSO had accepted principal funding from the Gandel Foundation, which it described as vocal supporters of the genocide in Gaza, and long-time associates of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There is no suggestion that the allegation is true, only that it has been made by the Jewish Artists for Palestine group. The Gandel Foundation has also been in the sights of Melbournes pro-Palestine protesters, who rallied outside the National Gallery of Victoria in late July in protest against the gallery receiving the familys financial backing. On July 27, pro-Palestine protesters marched on the gallery, sending it into lockdown, writing on the gallery wall slogans such as NGV funded by Zionists, and holding banners which said, NGV, you cant hide, youre supporting genocide.

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Related Article Arts Sacked pianist settles case with former MSO boss, pursues claim against orchestra On Saturday, the foundation had no comment to make on the MSO incident, though earlier this month it told this masthead it would not be deterred from its support of the NGV. Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said the fresh attack on the Gandels was no different to what we saw at the NGV, a targeted campaign against a Jewish family. Lets be clear: When a Jewish family is singled out in this way, it can only be described as one thing  antisemitism. Explicit, unmistakable antisemitism, regardless of the label this anonymous group chooses for itself. After the NGV protest, Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the actions extremist and antisemitic, saying the demonstrators were shameful and that she supported the Gandel family.

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Related Article Philanthropy Jewish billionaire family say they will continue funding NGV amid protests Polish immigrants Sam and Faye Gandel founded the Sussan womens fashion chain. Their son, John Gandel, became the billionaire co-owner of Chadstone shopping centre. John Gandel is married to Pauline Gandel, who was honoured with a Companion of the Order of Australia for her community work. The Gandel family has donated more than $150 million over the years to various institutions and causes, including $2 million to the Melbourne Museum, $2 million to the State Library of Victoria and $2 million to the NGV for the Pauline Gandel Gallery of Japanese Art. The family are long-standing supporters of Israel. The Gandel Foundation funds the Birthright program, which is managed by the Zionist Federation of Australia and provides free tours of Israel, Jerusalem and the occupied Golan Heights for young Jewish adults from around the world. In the immediate aftermath of Hamas October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, when about 1200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage, John Gandel told The Australian Financial Review that Israel had to go all out in response. Theres sort of no choice. If they dont go all out, it means they withdraw. They cant do it gently, he said.

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In the two years since, at least 60,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza, which is now in the grip of starvation, prompting a humanitarian outcry and leading some countries to move towards recognising a Palestinian state. Gandel has made no further public remarks about the conflict. Days after the initial Gillham incident last year, MSO musicians sent a vote of no confidence to the board, requesting the removal of Galaise and chief operating officer Guy Ross, and asking for an independent review of what had happened. Pianist Jayson Gillham and former MSO managing director Sophie Galaise. Galaise was sacked weeks later, a decision she described as unfair. Last November, she reached her own settlement with the MSO. She had lodged a Fair Work complaint after being sacked for her handling of the Gillham affair. No details of the settlement were provided. In a statement on Saturday night, the MSO said: We are proud of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for the resilience and professionalism demonstrated in its performance in London.

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The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was making its first visit to the BBC Proms under Chief Conductor Jaime Martin, with a sold-out performance at Royal Albert Hall. The London performance was the culmination of the MSOs successful tour of Europe. We are proud of our musicians for delivering a world-class performance at one of the worlds great music venues. In a statement to its newsroom on Friday, the BBC said: We are sorry about the disruption to our coverage of the BBC Proms on Radio 3 tonight. There was a disturbance at tonights Prom which meant the concert was paused for a few minutes and the live broadcast on BBC Radio 3 diverted to prerecorded music. The incident was dealt with swiftly by the Royal Albert Hall.

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Medical misogyny Olivias extreme pain was fobbed off by 10 doctors. They all missed the golf ball-sized lump Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of everyone who attends the BBC Proms, and we would like to thank our staff and the performers whose response helped keep disruption to a minimum. The protest group, Palestine Action, was banned in Britain in July after a High Court judge refused its request to temporarily block the UK government from proscribing it as a terror group. The ban means supporting Palestine Action has become a criminal offence, with membership or expressing support for the group punishable by up to 14 years in prison. With Stephen Brook and Cara Waters
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Updated PoliticsFederalImmigration This was published 3 months ago Australia belongs to all of us: Ley calls for calm ahead of anti-immigration march Brittany Busch and Alexander Darling August 30, 2025  3:00pm 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

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has warned protesters planning to attend neo-Nazi linked, anti-immigration marches around the country that violence and racism has no place in Australia, while police say agitators will be met with a serious response. March for Australia protests, which organisers say are promoting an end to mass migration, will be held in major cities on Sunday. Though the events are deliberately leaderless, many organisers were quickly linked to far-right groups, sparking safety warnings for Australias multicultural communities. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has called for calm ahead of planned anti-immigration rallies. Alex Ellinghausen There is no place for violence, racism or intimidation, Ley said in a video posted to social media on Saturday afternoon. Whether incited from afar or stirred up here, we cannot let hatred and fear tear at our social cohesion.

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Ley said while Australia protected the right to protest, it must be done peacefully and respectfully. Strong borders keep us safe, but they also allow us to be generous and compassionate to those fleeing conflict. That is the Australian story. Respect, tolerance, community. It belongs to all of us, she said. A Facebook page promoting the protest has heaped criticism on Liberal Party branches around the country, accusing them of straying from traditional party values for not supporting the marches. The Liberals you once admired are gone, and they have been for a long time, a post from organisers said.

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We all know this country has been sold out, and that isnt something that could be accomplished by Labor alone ... Menzies would be rolling in his grave if he saw the Liberal party today. Under Peter Duttons leadership, the Coalition took a hard-line stance against immigration and vowed to slash arrival numbers if elected, which drew condemnation from human rights organisations. The party suffered a historic loss in Mays election, and Dutton lost his seat. Related Article Investigation

Protests White Australians and neo-Nazis: Whos behind anti-immigration rally Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell has called the March for Australia our rally on the messaging app Telegram, while a senior member of the far-right National Socialist Network claimed on video-streaming site Rumble that the group had been asked to help with the rally, ABC News Verify reported. Some organisers have distanced themselves from the event following Sewells comments, and March for Australia has denied links to Sewell and the National Socialist Network.

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Progressive influencers have slammed the march online, and counterprotests have been organised in some cities, including Melbourne, where a coalition of left-wing groups will hold a pro-Palestine, anti-fascist demonstration. Victoria Police said it planned a significant operational response and warned that there could be conflict between the two groups. The CBD will be declared a designated area on Sunday, meaning police can search people for weapons and ask them to remove face coverings. Police intelligence suggests groups who hold far-right ideologies and extreme views are likely to attend the [March for Australia], it said in a statement. Anyone thinking of coming into the city to cause trouble, display hateful behaviour, breach the peace or confront others will be met with a strong police response. NSW Police said it would have no tolerance for violence or criminal behaviour.

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If anyone wants to come along and hijack these assemblies and do the wrong thing  they will be arrested and charged, Assistant Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna told media ahead of the rallies. Ley decried the pro-Palestinian demonstrations earlier this month, in which hundreds of thousands of people marched around the country and shut down the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Its not reasonable that we throw Sydney into chaos for hours and hours, she said at the time. We cant continue to have these protests that shut down such an important area of a major city. Fewer than 700 people have registered to attend the Sydney March for Australia on a Facebook event. The federal government condemned the marches in a brief statement on Thursday, but declined further requests for comment.

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Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Labor stood against the planned marches as nothing could be less Australian. There is no place in our country for people who seek to divide and undermine our social cohesion, he said in the statement. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly said migrant communities would not be intimidated. This brand of far-right activism grounded in racism and ethnocentrism has no place in modern Australia, she said. The Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation declined to comment. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.
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Exclusive PoliticsFederalImmigration This was published 3 months ago Burke signs $400m deal to deport hundreds of former detainees to Nauru Natassia Chrysanthos and Paul Sakkal August 30, 2025  2:00am 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 110 View all comments

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. 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.

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Fridays deal comes days after Burke quietly introduced laws to strip those people of natural justice when the government tries to deport them to a third country, such as Nauru. Related Article Asylum seekers Its rushed, its secretive: Burke quietly seeks to strip deportees of fair process That Burke was on the cusp of an agreement with Nauru gives context to Tuesdays unexpected new laws, as they will remove the hurdle of procedural fairness when the government seeks to deport large numbers of people. Labors attempts to deport three people from the NZYQ cohort to Nauru have so far stalled due to court challenges. Procedural fairness is a fundamental principle in many areas of decision-making. However, these provisions can and are being used by non-citizens to delay and frustrate their removal, Burke told parliament on Tuesday. In a statement attributed to the minister on Friday, he said: Anyone who doesnt have a valid visa should leave the country. This is a fundamental element of a functioning visa system.

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Burke was given the sensitive Home Affairs portfolio last year, tasked with neutralising the political attacks that had plagued the Albanese government since the NZYQ case. Related Article Exclusive

Political leadership Divisive debate has no place in Australia, Tony Burke says Earlier this month, Burke told this masthead that his approach to national security would be to retain Coalition-era toughness without emphasising anti-immigration rhetoric. Asylum seeker issues were given public prominence under the Coalition, compared to Burkes discreet approach on Friday, where a brief statement was uploaded without fanfare. But Greens senator David Shoebridge blasted the government. Minister Burke dumping this on a Friday when no one is looking shows the government knows this is cruel and unfair, he said. At a time when we should be building partnerships in the Pacific based on equality and respect, the government is instead forcing our smaller neighbours to become 21st-century prison colonies.

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Shoebridge said Labor was seeking to condemn far-right, anti-migration hatred on one hand, while forcing through some of the worlds most anti-migrant policies on the other. The United Nations Human Rights Committee has also issued a non-binding order for the federal government to stop one of the deportations while it investigates the human rights implications of the mans case. The mans lawyers argue that the federal government has international legal responsibilities not to deport people to countries where they could face death or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Refugees and people transferred to Nauru have experienced violence in the past. But the federal governments latest deal with Nauru suggests it is trying to get around these arguments. It [the memorandum of understanding] contains undertakings for the proper treatment and long-term residence of people who have no legal right to stay in Australia, to be received in Nauru, the statement on the Home Affairs website said.

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Australia will provide funding to underpin this arrangement and support Naurus long-term economic resilience. In announcing the MOU, the president and minister referred to further long-term visas to be granted by Nauru to people who no longer have a legal right to remain in Australia. Related Article Immigration Australia will pay countries to take our undeportables in latest High Court fix Adeang told his parliament that the $408 million payment would be distributed to the Nauru Trust Fund to support the countrys long-term economic resilience and execute the agreement based on how many people are deported. The payment comes on top of a $100 million treaty signed between the two countries last year, and is separate to funding Australia gives Nauru to run its offshore detention regime. According to Amnesty International, there were about 100 people in the Nauru detention centre at the start of this year. Labor has struggled to contain the fallout from the High Courts NZYQ decision, which was politically damaging for the government. The saga was weaponised by Peter Dutton as opposition leader and led ministers Clare ONeil and Andrew Giles to be moved out of their portfolios.

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Several people in the cohort have gone on to commit other serious offences in the community, and one man was charged over a murder in Melbourne in June. The government first responded to the High Courts ruling by imposing curfews and electronic monitoring, but the High Court eventually ruled that was also unconstitutional. Burkes most recent package of laws  allowing Australia to pay third countries to take the former detainees, put them back into detention once another country agreed to take them, and jail people who did not co-operate for up to five years  passed with the Coalitions support last year. The agreement with Nauru on Friday raises the prospect that people could be sent back to detention. 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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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  3:00am

August 30, 2025  3:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 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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TechnologyCo-working This was published 3 months ago Crying emojis, taxpayer subsidies: Where next for Sydneys start-ups? David Swan August 30, 2025  3:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 5 View all comments

The final week at the Sydney Startup Hub was punctuated not by champagne toasts but by Slack threads littered with crying emojis. Tech founders hauled monitors into Ubers, along with cardboard boxes stacked with office documents and half-used whiteboard markers. For many, the move felt abrupt and disorienting: after seven years, the NSW government shut down the York Street hub, breaking its lease three years early. The official line was blunt. The tenancy was costing taxpayers $15 million a year, and government ministers deemed it not commercially viable and not fit for purpose. In an era of fiscal restraint and question marks around the relevance of physical office spaces, that was enough justification. For many of the 600-odd entrepreneurs and start-up employees who called the hub home, however, the announcement landed like a thunderclap. Carolyn Breeze, chief executive of ASX-listed Scalare Partners. Its no secret it has not been well received, says Carolyn Breeze, chief executive of ASX-listed Scalare Partners. It has been a cornerstone of Sydneys innovation ecosystem. The hub provided space, connection and opportunities for thousands of entrepreneurs. Its absence creates a void that risks slowing momentum at a time when supporting founders has never been more important. Breeze, whose company has since acquired co-working provider Tank Stream Labs to offer displaced founders with an alternative home, argues the government underestimated the hubs symbolic and practical role. The hub has been more than just a building  its been the beating heart of our start-up ecosystem.

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A community cut adrift For many of the entrepreneurs who worked from the hub, such as Timothy Yang, the announcement was a blindside. He says he heard the news through the media. We had no consultation, no clarity. One day were in, the next day were told its shutting, he says. Related Article Exclusive

Funding The hundreds of millions in tax incentives for Australian start-ups that went south For Yang, the lack of certainty is more than an inconvenience: it forces young companies, already strapped for cash, into costly leases or scatters them across a patchwork of co-working providers. Many of them dont know where to go. Some are going remote-first and working from home again or in more classic start-up move, a garage. Its left a lot of founders in limbo, says Skye Theodorou, chief executive of insurance tech start-up Upcover. Many are deciding whether to have their teams work remotely or fork out for a more expensive space, a cost they may not have budgeted for in a tight funding market.

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Skye Therodorou (centre) is one of the co-founders of start-up Upcover. 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.

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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.

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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. SMH

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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. Related Article Exclusive

Funding They built a billion-dollar start-up from their garage. Now theyre going again 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.

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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. 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.

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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.

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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.

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The test ahead For those intent on building the next Atlassian or Canva, the demise of the York Street hub is more than a simple relocation to a different building, or a line item in the state budget. Its a litmus test of to what degree governments value physical ecosystems in an increasingly digital age, and whether taxpayers should be willing to subsidise them. Related Article Software Canva now bigger than Telstra, Woolies For now, members of Sydneys start-up community remain hopeful but wary. Founders are improvising, either shifting over to Tech Central, signing expensive leases, or going fully remote. The Slack channels may be filled with crying emojis, but the real tears could come later, if the loss of a common space translates into lost momentum for an industry that thrives on proximity, energy, and chance encounters. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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WorldAsiaBali This was published 3 months ago They did it smiling: This favourite Bali beach spot was destroyed  and another could be next Zach Hope and Amilia Rosa August 30, 2025  3:30am 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

What in the World, a free weekly newsletter from our foreign correspondents, is sent every Thursday. Below is an excerpt. Sign up to get the whole newsletter delivered to your inbox. Bali: Bingin is the kind of break to inspire devotion. Gazing at the crisp, barrel waves jutting from an otherwise tranquil Bali sea, even I, a child of the inland who has never set toes on a surfboard, can kind of see why. It breaks so hollow, says an Australian contemplating the same scene and explaining for my benefit. Almost every one is a tube. Tony and Susie Camma at Bingin Beach in Bali Amilia Rosa Tony Camma, his wife Susie and I are about halfway down the Bingin Beach cliff, having followed whats left of the path. Below, a dozen or so surfers bob as a group, chatting between waves under a cloudless sky and fading sun.

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If we werent standing in the rubble of someones gutted business, it would almost be idyllic. The Cammas, from Torquay on Victorias surf coast, tell me they come here every year. But this is a very different trip. They are not surfing today. Theyre mourning. One of the gutted businesses at Balis famous surf spot, Bingin Beach. Zach Hope It looks like theres been an earthquake, Susie says. Last month, Bali authorities, military included, began demolishing all 48 illegal tourist structures  villas, restaurants, warungs  built onto the cliff. The reason is that buildings are on state land and, therefore, without permits.

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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. 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.

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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. 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.

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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.

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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. Amilia Rosa A sign greeting visitors to the beach. 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.

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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. 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.

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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. 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.

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REBOUND, Inc. and the Louisville Urban League collaborated on The Richmond, a 15-unit apartment complex in west Louisville built in honor of the late Ben Richmond, who led the LUL for nearly 30 years as president and CEO. (Louisville Urban League photo via Louisville Business First)
Louisville Metro Police said in a Facebook post Friday they had arrested and charged the teen with sex abuse.
The dispute has simmered for two years and is now boiling over as Metro government refuses to sign a new contract with the commission's chosen attorney.
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.
A Mayo-based martial artist has been recognised as one of the worlds best.

Dubbed 'The Chilean Bruce Lee', Raul Sanhueza now calls the county home and operates a martial arts school just outside Castlebar.

Grandmaster Sanhueza was honoured and has been included in a new Worlds Greatest Martial Artists book. He is the only Irish and Chilean representative.

Raul has also been lauded for his abilities and his community work in Ireland for the last 20 years and passing on his Kenpo and Jujitsu skills to children and adults. He previously won a gold medal representing Ireland at the World Martial Arts Awards.

Raul is also the creator of the Muaykenan system, which marries his disciplines into a new form of self-defence training.

Raul and his wife Hannah met in Galway and later moved to Mayo.

As a native of Westport, I brought Raul back here to build our new dojo after the Covid pandemic forced us to start over," Hannah explained. "We took on the challenge of restoring the old N5 garage in Ballynew into something special and give the surrounding communities and the greenway to Turlough what it deserves.

We are really proud that Raul has been recognised for the work he has done, she added.

Originally from Santiago, Chile, Raul is the son of a martial artist and the discipline is hugely popular in his home city.

In one street we have 10 martial arts schools. Five on one side of the street and five on the other, he told the Western People.

It got really popular back in the '60s when Bruce Lee came out and everyone wanted to be like Bruce Lee. In fact, they call me the Chilean Bruce Lee'," laughed Raul.

Rauls school now boasts more than 100 students from all over the county.

My dream is to become the best martial arts school in Mayo, said Raul.
There has been no shortage of data this summer suggesting that the cost of living in Ireland continues its relentless rise.

The latest information from the Central Statistics Office revealed food prices rose 4.6% in the 12 months to the end of July while data from retail research consultancy Kantar suggested grocery prices were up 5% in June on the same period last year.

The factors have been debated - some have accused retailers of price gouging while farmer representative groups like the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) have been clear that producing food more sustainably costs more, thus consumers should get used to paying higher prices for dairy and meat products.

But the scale and impact of rising prices on local lives will be profound, with people in East Mayo telling the Western People theyre forced to eat less or work more.

The scale of the increase in prices has been remarkable. Christine Henry, who lives near Ballyhaunis, noticed a few weeks ago that the ground coffee she normally buys had gone up to 5.29 from 4.65.

Bear in mind I used to get it for a long time at 3.99. It went up to 4.65 halfway through Covid and stayed at that till last month.

Thats not all.

The cheese I buy was 1.50 for a long time, during Covid it went up to 2.40 and this year it went up to 3.50. Its the same weight, no difference.

Householders in the wider Ballyhaunis area say higher prices are forcing lifestyle changes with some working longer hours to pay for higher bills while others have cut back on their consumption of products and services.

Long-time Ballyhaunis resident Megan Mylie, now living in Charlestown, explained.

My groceries budget has doubled in the last 12 to 18 months, and I don't think it's reasonable at all.

"I used to be able to afford food for my son and I as well weekly gym fees, now just about my entire budget goes towards food and I had to cut gym out as it became a luxury I cant afford.

We don't eat take-aways and I try to eat as healthy as possible but I can no longer afford red meat, the price is just unjustifiable and I find myself buying more frozen goods trying to keep up with a hungry growing lad. Even bread has gotten expensive.

Megan said shes looking for remote online work to pay for her childs activities.

As a parent with no help or childcare, I'm looking for online work so that I will be able to afford to send my child to at least one sport to enrich his life as he gets bigger because as things stand now I only have money for food.

SHRINKFLATION

Others, like Ballyhaunis retiree Charlotte Esterson, note that even if prices dont rise, the size of contents of food packets have shrunk.

Certainly we find that our grocery bills have risen and certain things like milk and coffee seem to have had unreasonable hikes.

"What annoys us most is shrinkflation, for example SuperValu double chocolate muffins. When I first bought them there were 18 in a box and they were selling for two boxes for 5. Now there are 14 in a box for the same price.

"Luckily we can cope okay, we don't have a mortgage or family.

Also in Ballyhaunis, Sajid Chaudry said hes seen the price of groceries rising two fold in the past half-decade.

Yesterday. I was telling my wife that I have spent 200 since last Saturday just on groceries, which is much higher than it used to be.

Chaudry believes supermarkets are handing out less coupons and discounts which previously cushioned price rises.

I used to do my shopping at SuperValu and Dunnes Stores and some from Aldi. SuperValu and Dunnes Stores gave some money off vouchers, which helped people like me.

Chaudry believes the situation is being exacerbated by the cost of housing rising at similar levels.

Rent has been rising like a jet plane. A three-bedroom house in the Maples [estate] was on rent last week for 1,975.

The cost of food and non-food services in Ireland is out of line with European norms, while growth in prices has outpaced wage growth. Ballindine-based Manuel Asensio said: I can say that compared to Germany, Italy and Greece, the cost of living in Ireland is much higher. Personally, my wages in the private sector, havent increased at the same pace as the cost of living.

Asensio thinks higher prices have eroded Irelands attractiveness for visitors.

I appreciate that while prices of goods are much cheaper in other countries, the base salary in Ireland is way better. Having said that, accommodation in Ireland is very expensive so the remaining difference is very close between countries. So it will come to what you can do with that difference and on that point going on holidays in Ireland, for example, is unthinkable. Its cheaper to travel abroad than staying here. Eating in restaurants or having pints in the pub is much more expensive here.

Older people on fixed incomes are possibly most exposed to higher prices. Ballyhaunis retiree Merrilyn Finn has kept what she calls her "custard creme index" to track price rises. The cost of her favourite biscuits has gone up in price by more than 50% in the past six years.

She recounts a recent shopping trip with pensioners whose habits are conducive to getting the best prices, noting that the consensus was that prices of everyday goods have soared.

"The costs of meat, bread, milk increase weekly. A friend said she sees big increases in meat prices. Bread has gone up. Milk too. She is grateful for being only responsible for herself, as she can still buy what she wants. She feels for families where food is essential for growth and health. It must be very hard.

However, Merrilyn said her friends also feel many local retailers do their best for loyal customers.

They express gratitude to long-standing local businesses who are providing options for stretching meals. They also acknowledge how real quality is available locally.

For me personally I love SuperValu. I can trust the discounted items for use that day and [Ballyhaunis butcher] Paddy Phillips and Maura the Wednesday fishmonger offer the best food in the world.

BACK TO THE 1980s

A retiree living near Ballyhaunis, JT Smyth believes that prices shot up after Covid as service industries were making up for what they lost during the pandemic.

Smyth and his wife in the last year have cut back on visits to cafes and restaurants, instead taking a coffee in the supermarket where they shop.

Dearer groceries in Ireland are not a new phenomenon, said Smyth.

In the 1980s, it was cheaper to live on a camp site in France than at home," he notes.

Higher prices are forcing a change in eating habits for others too, with several locals who spoke for this article saying theyre consuming less meat. Anna Doyle in Cloonfad explains: We as a family always had meatless Monday for the planet but now we mainly only have meat twice a week as the cost of meat is off the scale. The price of chicken is sky high.

"The butchers used to do deals of three for 20 and now it is three for 25. Its the same in supermarkets... my food budget had to increase... so instead of 60 a week to feed three of us it is now 80 and there will be less in the trolley for that.

It really affects our budget. I am a careful shopper and a marketer's worst nightmare. I make a list and stick to it. I find when planning meals now I use more pantry staples than fresh food as it is so expensive. I make bulk meals out with chickpeas, mushrooms and breadcrumbs.

My heart goes out to anyone on low income right now because there is no way they are getting full balanced meals all week... I am even struggling with that with my income.

Rather than do with less, some like working mother Anna Kowalska from Ballyhaunis have had to work longer hours to pay for higher prices, which, she said makes me really tired and stressed".

If you'd want to spend time with family outside home for even a day it costs you a lot. Everything has really gone up in price and I mean really from food, clothes, travel, camps and activities for kids, hairdressers, furniture, extra medication and lastly house rent. For example, a few years ago you could rent a house for 400 or 500 and the minimum wage was 9.20 per hour; now you have to give 1,200 for rent and the minimum wage went up 4 per hour.

"Also heating, petrol and electricity prices have increased... The prices of fruit and vegetables are shocking, you try to eat healthy but for the fruit for our family I spend around 50 a week.

The rise in prices is prompting some to change where they shop. Christine Henry, from the Granlahan side of Ballyhaunis, said: I buy milk, yoghurt and eggs from a local farm and their quality and price is much better than the supermarkets. I dont want to compromise on the quality of food, so I'm just buying and eating less.

I tend to buy the same things with a little variation each week and it's got to the stage where now I'm getting half a bag of groceries for the same price a full bag would have been maybe 18 months or two years ago."

Theres not much scope to make savings on other purchases given price rises extend beyond food products, said Henry who recently bought an 11 litre tub of white masonry paint, along with a roller and a six-inch brush.

It was nearly 90! The last time I bought same, about three years ago, the total was less than 50.

Higher prices have created their own vicious cycle, forcing wage increases on employers who in turn have to raise their rates. Henrys local garage this year has raised its charges.

That's fair enough, they have no choice, but it does sting financially, and we've no option here but to have a car.

Theres pressure too from electricity bills.

The last bill I had for the two-month spring period was the same price as I would normally expect to pay for winter months. I've become very careful with lights, nothing on standby, I charge my phone in the car when Im driving etc, but it doesn't seem to make much difference.

Power costs have been the hardest to bear for a lone parent in a Ballyhaunis apartment who didnt want to be named.

Prices have increased, but its the electricity that buckles me. We generally just go without. Times are difficult for sure.
In a scene fit for Her Majestys Secret Service, Radio Novas PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe got to grips with a rare Aston Martin DB11 to announce that the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation is the official charity partner for Cannonball 2025 - and that Cannonball is coming back to Sligo Town on Saturday, September 13th, for the finish line of Day 2.

Amid feverish Bond casting rumours and as debates swirl about 007s next Aston Martin, could Agents PJ, Jim and the DB11 be hiding in plain sight?

Cannonball founder Alan Bannon confirmed that Cannonball, the action-packed supercar spectacle is set to roll on September 12th to 14th from Johnstown Estate in Enfield, Co Kildare, taking in Ballymaloe, Killarney, Clare, Sligo, Cavan and finishing in Naas, Co Kildare.

Cannonball, fuelled by miles+ from Circle K, is the largest organised road trip in Europe featuring the finest cars on the planet from the awe-inspiring power of Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren to the grace and elegance of Porsche, Aston Martin, and Maserati. Over 200,000 spectators are expected with free festivals organised from coast to coast.

PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe, presenters of Morning Glory on Radio Nova, are all revved up to support this incredible fundraising drive for Jack and Jill.

We broadcasted our show from the start line at Cannonball last year and we were blown away by the atmosphere and the buzz of it all. We cant wait to be there at the start line at Johnstown Estate again on September 12th! Were no James Bonds but Jims always shaken, and PJs always stirring it!

"Weve long been supporters of the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation and are proud to help raise awareness for what promises to be a spectacular fundraiser for this fantastic charity.

Cannonball has already raised 2,024,809 for Irish childrens charities and brings an electric atmosphere to host towns all over the country, making it a widely anticipated free family event for spectators.

The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation is an Irish childrens charity that funds and delivers in-home nursing care, respite support and end-of-life care for children from birth to six years of age with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs and is often described as a lifeline, giving exhausted parent carers a break from their 24/7 care regime. Jack and Jills service operates seven days a week, no means test, no red tape and no waiting list. Some 48 children in Sligo have been cared for by the charity since its inception in 1997 and this year six children in Sligo are being cared for by Jack and Jill.

Cannonball offers spectators a unique opportunity to witness the world's most prestigious and sought-after supercars up close and enjoy the unique festival atmosphere that Cannonball is renowned for. The Brazilian Dancers, giant screens, music and fanfare brings all the glamour of carnival and live DJs, bands and festivals in host towns around the country get the party started. The Cannonballers and celebrities in colourful costumes add to the pageantry. From Spiderman to Star Wars, Cat Woman to Wonder Woman, cheerleaders to Charlies Angels, Batman, the Joker and more, it is a totally unique free family day out. This year, organisers are also calling on spectators to dress up in fancy dress with prizes for best dressed!

Cannonball was founded by Kildare businessman Alan Bannon and the benefit to the host towns for this event is estimated at 2,567,000 per year. Cannonball is fuelled byamiles+aBetter engine protection, the secret to longer engine life from Circle K as the main headline sponsor for 2025. Cannonball official partners include Jade Insurance, Monster Energy, Capital Switch, and Combilift, Karl Goodwin Motors, AB Signs, Majestic Ireland Road Trips.

Cannonball will arrive in Sligo at around 6pm on Saturday, September 13th. For further details, see www.cannonball.ie.
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
When I found out about the summary suspension of my medical license in February, I was terrified and shocked, but I knew it was a mistake. There had not been any hearing. I was not even aware they were charging me until I got the letter.

The allegations involved three patients. I had the cases reviewed by four independent spine surgeons, leaders in the field from stellar institutions; all agreed that everything had been done to the standard of care. Almost sixty doctors from my community wrote letters of support. While I never thought I would be in this position, I could not imagine the lengths the state medical board would go to try and win. This is not about medicine or standard of care anymore: Winning at any cost is now the only goal.

For example, the medical boards lead attorney, the lawyer who led the entire investigation, did not know that the hospital where I did the surgeries and the health system medical group (my employer) were different legal entities. She only submitted a subpoena to the hospital, and so never obtained any outpatient records. She did not even read the charts herself; she said at the medical board, it is up to an individual attorneys discretion whether to review the evidence or not.

So, the records were incomplete, missing months of treatments which were key evidence. The medical board then relied on their expert, a neurosurgeon, to interpret the incomplete records. He knew they were incomplete, but he still rendered an opinion, a clear violation of the ethical rules the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.

He was a surprising choice for an expert. He had a significant malpractice history, including a large jury verdict just prior to reviewing these cases and a prior settlement, both for injuring patients during spine surgery. During the hearing, he admitted that he did not disclose that information to the medical board when he applied for re-licensure. Is it not that required? Yes; the medical boards attorney testified that physicians get disciplined for that sort of thing. He did not tell the medical board, and they hired him to be their expert.

On top of that, the experts reports were riddled with errors. His report regarding Patient 1, whom I treated for severe spine deformity, was the most outrageous. He claimed the scans were normal when a radiologist at his own institution said the stenosis was severe. Did he even look at the imaging? He said surgery was unindicated when one of his partners at the same employer had already evaluated the patient and offered surgery. He said I was obligated to refer or transfer the patients, but never reviewed anything about me, my training, or the hospital. During the hearing, he testified that he agreed his own reports were substandard in terms of content.

And wait, Patient 1 was doing great after surgery, happy with the results, angry with the medical board for suspending me, and upset I could no longer be his doctor. In fact, he was scheduled to come to the hearing to testify, on my behalf, against the medical board. We were confident the medical board would recognize its mistakes; the evidence was overwhelming.

On seeing this evidence, did the medical board admit that they did not review the records, or that they were incomplete? Did anyone try to correct such a blunder? Apologize? No. Instead they did everything in their power to cover it up, to bury the evidence and win by any means necessary. They dismissed the summary suspension and then re-summarily suspended me. Patient 1 was not in the second summary suspension, so I could not cross-examine the expert about any of his numerous errors. They proceeded with the second summary suspension like it never happened. A calculated legal tactic for sure, and a clear sign of how little this had to do with medicine or public safety.

At every turn, they prevented me from presenting evidence. I believe to avoid embarrassment, they tried to prevent Patient 1 coming to the new hearing. The notice that involved Patient 1 is gone, the hearing adjudicator said. They even tried to quash the subpoenas to obtain the full records; I guess they thought incomplete evidence was sufficient. No tactic was off limits. The experts reports were redacted, state secrets had to be protected. I could not even question their vetting process for experts, if there even is one. I expected an open-book proceeding like we have in hospitals when reviewing cases. What I got was the opposite, an agency trying to protect its own reputation instead of trying to get to the truth.

The hearing itself was even more surreal. The expert, who was the medical boards sole witness and their only evidence, agreed that the surgeries were indicated, informed consent was proper, I was qualified, and all perioperative care was satisfactory and within standard, the complete opposite of what the medical board had charged. I met the standard of care, and the cases were appropriate (the medical boards expert agreed), yet somehow the case continued. The four experts who reviewed and testified on my behalf all testified that I was qualified, the surgeries were indicated, informed consent was properly obtained, they were performed within the standard of care, and the facility was proper for the performance of the surgeries. Amazingly, the medical boards expert was permitted to opine that these indicated and well-performed surgeries should not have been offered at all, by anyone. Patient 2 was in a wheelchair, rapidly progressing to paraplegia. Patient 3s deformity was so severe (she was so curved) she could not drive because she could not fit behind the wheel of a car. The spinal screws were eroding through her skin. Did any of this matter? Not to the expert.

And I guess not to the medical board. They said the clearance and optimization did not mean anything. They argued there are worse things than being confined to a wheelchair, when they knew well that the prognosis for a frail, elderly patient who is paralyzed is abysmal. Self-determination is a major tenet of medicine; can it really be that a paralyzed patient cannot consent to surgery to regain control of her body? I guess patient autonomy is not important in the state, at least not to the medical board.

If the medical board does not know a hospital from an outpatient practice, how can it govern them? Without policies to ensure evidence is reviewed, what will stop any physician from being wrongfully suspended? The medical board made these decisions off one doctors opinion, after reviewing an incomplete record set and writing an admittedly substandard report; how many other physicians have been subjected to this process marked by incompetence?

The medical board members will make a final determination in October. Given the one-sidedness of the evidence, I am hopeful and confident. It is tough to disagree with the aligned opinions of true leaders in the specialty. Especially (and more importantly) when the opposing argument goes against all principles of medical ethics. I just hope they are willing to admit a mistake and make things right. Better late than never.

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Jeffrey Hatef, Jr. is a neurosurgeon practicing in central Ohio. After earning his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in 2015, he completed his neurosurgery residency at The Ohio State University with enfolded fellowship training in spinal deformity. His clinical and research work, highlighted on jeffreyhatefmd.com, focuses on spinal deformity, perioperative care, and neuromodulation. He is active in academic discourse, with studies published in journals such as Spine Deformity and the Journal of Surgical Education, including research on protocol-driven early tracheal extubation and resident duty-hour structure. He also engages the public and professional community through X @JeffreyHatef and LinkedIn.
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Im often asked about how to pursue a physician entrepreneurial career pathway. Like Peter Medawar opined in his Advice to a young scientist, allow me to offer some advice:

You will not learn about innovation or entrepreneurship in medical school or residency. Medical education is designed to teach students clinical care and research methods. If you have an entrepreneurial interest, you will have to pursue it using alternative pathways. Medicine is a culture of conformity not a culture of creativity.

Physician entrepreneurs need to be physicians first. Complete a residency and get clinical experience. It will provide you with the insights you will need to identify opportunities and the ecosystems that create them. Work on reading about business topics, identifying local resources, building your network, finding a mentor, getting some experience when you can, like taking a gap year or leave of absence, and joining social networks of like-minded people for social support. Its called physician entrepreneur for a reason.

Do not pursue being a physician and being an entrepreneur sequentially, but, rather, concomitantly. The time and effort to be a doctor is overwhelming and leaves time for little else. However, begin to develop an entrepreneurial mindset by using free materials and reading outside of your field of interest as often as time allows.

Bioentrepreneurship is the pursuit of opportunity using scarce resources with the goal of creating user-defined value through the deployment of innovation using a VAST business model. Walk before you run. Involve yourself in projects that address a clear customer need, be they educational, social, or otherwise, and participate in creating a solution that adds value.

Be a problem seeker, not a problem solver in the early stages. Most businesses fail because they dont create enough customers willing to pay for a solution that does not solve their problem, or they have an unsustainable business model that does not create enough profit to last.

What got you to where you are now will not get you to where you want to go. But, you have many transferable skills to learn to use them. To develop as a physician entrepreneur, you will need education, resources, networks, mentors, experience, support networks, and policy partners and advocates. Every great entrepreneur is a great networker. Every great entrepreneur stands on the shoulders of advisers and mentors. Every great entrepreneur understands and avoids their blind spots and fills those gaps with people who are smarter. You not only need the right people on your bus, but they need to be sitting in the right seats at the right parts of the trip.

Follow your instincts when it comes to getting more involved. There are few, if any, specialties in medicine you can practice part-time and still maintain your diagnostic and therapeutic acumen. On the other hand, there are many ways to get involved as a physician entrepreneur that will give you the experience and insights you need to know whether you want to get more involved. Serving on advisory boards is a good next step. Here is a guide to non-clinical careers.

What got you into medical school and made you a good doctor is different from what you will need to deliver in business. The clinical mindset is not the entrepreneurial mindset. Advisory board members, for example, are expected to deliver management advice, customers, money, new product feedback, and key opinion leader marketing help. When it comes to the business of medicine, assume that you dont know what you dont know. Find a place to learn what you dont know and then a place to answer the questions.

Dont kick a dead horse. Only about 1 percent of physicians have an entrepreneurial mindset. If you dont have the basic entrepreneurial DNA, then move on. Dont be a wannapreneur.

Surgeons who dont have complications dont operate enough. Entrepreneurs who dont fail havent been involved in enough businesses. Business and clinical judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from failing and making mistakes.

Sick care cannot be fixed from inside. Go to events and meet people who have nothing to do with biomedicine.

Shamelessly steal ideas that work in other industries that can be tweaked to work in medicine. Sick care cannot be fixed from inside.

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That said, my main advice is dont take my advice and choose your own path. Know thyself and listen to your inner voice and develop your mindset. Character is destiny.

One in five physicians say it is likely they will leave their current practice within two years. Meanwhile, about one in three doctors and other health professionals say they intend to reduce work hours in the next 12 months, according to recently published survey research. However, what they say is not necessarily what they will do. Heres why.

You should think twice before throwing away your white coat.

Biomedical and health innovation will be the only way out of our global care crisis. We will need increasing numbers of talented, passionate, dedicated physician entrepreneurs to be part of the solutions. Seeing 20 patients a day for 40 years is one way to add value. Creating a company that changes the lives of millions of patients, employs hundreds, and adds a substantial economic boost to the regional economy is another. However, those are but two of many or the roles, holes and goals.

Good luck with your venture.

Arlen Meyers is a physician executive.
The Court of Appeal overturned on Friday an interim injunction imposed by the High Court last week, which had banned the Bell Hotel in Epping, England from housing asylum seekers.

Since July far-right forcesincluding openly neo-Nazi groups and individualshave led weekly protests outside the Bell Hotel demanding the 138 asylum seekers it houses be kicked out.

Court of Appeal, at the Royal Courts of Justice in London [Photo by Open Government Licence]

Events at the Bell have been used as a launchpad for a national campaign of far-right mobilisations against asylum seekers, demanding forced mass deportations. They have utilised the arrestmade public on July 8of a 41-year-old refugee from Ethiopia accused of sexually propositioning a schoolgirl. The asylum seeker, who was staying at the Bell Hotel, denied the charges and attended a two-day trial from August 26. A verdict is expected on September 4.

The root and branch overturning by the Court of Appeals three judges of the High Court ruling was necessitated because it was so overtly sympathetic with the aims of the far-right mob. The High Court judge, Sir Stephen Eyre, was previously a Conservative Party parliamentary candidate four times.

In their ruling the judgesLord Justice David Bean, Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Stephen Cobbnoted worrying aspects of the original decision which favoured the arguments brought by lawyers for the planning department of Conservative Party-run Epping Forest District Council. They declared that Justice Eyre had made a number of errors in his ruling and that his use of the balance of convenience exercise in favouring Epping council was seriously flawed in principle.

The Council argued before the High Court that the owner, Somani Hotels Limited, needed planning permission to house asylum seekers and that its failure to obtain it was unlawful. It also argued successfully that the hotel being used as a location for housing asylum seekers had triggered concern in the local community and protests.

In their submission to the Court of Appeal, Edward Brown KC, representing the Home Office, said of a submission put forward by Epping Council, which was mainly on the impact of local protests that Epping has effectively conceded before this court that this was, in truth, only ever about protest.

Ruling against Epping Council, the Court of Appeal judges determined, If an outbreak of protest enhances a case for a planning injunction this runs the risk of acting as an impetus ... for further protest, some of which may be disorderly.

The judges also noted, For much of the period of four years from 2020-2024 Somani had been running the Hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers without enforcement action from the Council. When, in 2023, Somani sought planning consent to change its use, for over a year Epping did not process the application, notwithstanding the statutory duty upon it to do so within eight weeks. The Council was aware by February 2025 that the Hotel was once again to be used to house asylum seekers, and by its letter of 15 May 2025 Somani made clear that it had been advised by the Home Office that a planning application was unnecessary.

The Court of Appeal ruledafter hearing submissions from Epping Council and the Home Officethat the High Court was wrong in not allowing the Home Secretary to provide evidence during the original hearing.

The Home Offices lawyers argued the relevant public interests in play are not equalreferring to Eppings interest in enforcing planning control issuesand the home secretarys duty which comes from UK obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporates the majority of ECHR rights into domestic law. Under legislation passed in Parliament in 1999 and updated in 2005, the home secretary has a duty to provide accommodation for asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute.

In its ruling the Court of Appeal granted the Home Secretary [Yvette Coopers] application for permission to appeal against the High Courts decision dismissing her application for party status and also granted her intervener status in the litigation between the Council and Somani.

It ruled, The Home Secretary has clear statutory duties towards asylum seekers in this country under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; these include the duty to provide support to them and their dependents, and to prevent destitution among this cohort. Her evidence [before the High Court] would have detailed the consequences of closing the site, including the need to find new accommodation for the asylum seekers. Given these duties, in addition her constitutional role relating to public safety, the Home Secretary is plainly directly affected by the issues in this case, and specifically by the grant (or not) of an injunction to restrain the provision of accommodation for the asylum seekers at the Hotel.

As the WSWS noted, there was nothing principled in the intervention of the Labour government. What prompted it was fear that their own anti-immigration plansincluding to bar hotels from being used as accommodation by the end of this parliament in 2029would be in disarray were ad hoc rulings in favour of councils such as Epping to prevail. Coopers effort to have Epping Councils case dismissed was launched on the basis that the government was working to close hotels housing asylum seekers as swiftly as possible, as part of an orderly programme.

Hours prior to the Court of Appeal ruling, Health Minister Stephen 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 were taking a pragmatic approach to how we want to manage the process, not because we believe that the [Bell] hotel  per se should stay open. Asked where asylum seekers would be sent if hotels were no longer used, Kinnock revealed, Weve got a whole range of options  disused warehouses, disused office blocks, disused military barracks.

In such an environment of maligning asylum seekers for decades by Labour and Tory governments, the far-right have been able to mobilise and have their demands for mass deportations made official policy of both parties.

The council could still be granted another injunction at a full High Court hearing in mid-October. The Court of Appeal noted that it was perverse for the High Court to have given very little weight to the desirability of preserving the status quo until that point only some six weeks later

The ruling will do nothing to appease the far-right, the Tories, and Reform UK, and will allow the Labour government to continue its own attacks. Border Security and Asylum Minister Angela Eagle reiterated that the Home Offices appeal was to ensure hotels like the Bell could be exited in a controlled and orderly way, saying Labours managed hotel closure plan avoids the chaos of recent years that saw 400 hotels open at a cost of 9m a day.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said This ruling is a setback, but it is not the end. I say to Conservative councils seeking similar injunctions against asylum hotels  KEEP GOING!

Tory Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, who has been touted as Badenochs successor and attended a far-right demo outside the Bell, ranted, There is no acceptable accommodation for illegal migrants The government should be prioritising Brits in need and deporting every illegal migrant, as the last [Conservative] government should have done and Ive argued for years. Denouncing the Court of Appeal decision he said, Councils can and should still act to close hotels.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who has made Britain leaving the ECHR a flagship policy of his far-right party, said the government has used ECHR against the people of Epping and Illegal migrants have more rights than the British people under Starmer.

Summing up right-wing sentiment in a media broadly sympathetic to Farage, LBC host Nick Ferrari declared on his talk show of Labours appeal, How dare they? How bloody dare they?
Rescue workers with the North Montgomery County Fire Department

If you have information on what led to the deaths at Trinity, Texas, contact the WSWS by filling out the form at the bottom of this article. Your anonymity will be respected.

Three workers were killed Wednesday after being exposed to toxic hydrogen sulfide gas at the Westwood Shores sewer plant near Trinity, Texas. Hydrogen sulfide, produced by the decay of organic matter, is a well-known hazard in sewers, sewage treatment facilities, food processing plants, ranches and landfills, as well as in certain industrial processes.

Two of the victimsJohn Nelson Sr., 52, of Cleveland, and Bradley Wrightsman, 46, of Katywere employed by H2O Innovation, a Canada-based multinational specializing in wastewater utility maintenance and management. The third, Brad Hutton, 47, worked for Hydroclear Services, which operates sewage vacuum trucks. All three men, residents of the Houston area, were in the prime of their working lives.

Both companies were working under contract for the plant, which is operated by the Westwood Shores Municipal Utility District.

According to the Trinity County sheriff, the men were initially working above ground, fixing a motor at a lift station in the sewage facility. Lift stations are used to pump sewage or wastewater from lower to higher elevations.

When sewage began backing up in the area, one of the men descended into a nearby manhole to try to fix the problem but did not return. The other two attempted a heroic rescue, and all three were apparently overcome by the lethal hydrogen sulfide gas. Their bodies were later recovered by Montgomery County Emergency Service District (ESD) 1 and sent for autopsy. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified of the incident.

H2O Innovation President and CEO Frederic Dugre issued a perfunctory statement characterizing the incident as a tragic work accident and said the company was working to determine what led to the deaths, working closely with the Trinity County Sheriffs Office and other local officials. He added that the company would release more information when its available and as permitted by the families and law enforcement.

Hydrogen sulfide poisoning, however, is a well-documented workplace hazard. One of the most basic safety measures in sewer work is the use of fan systems to ventilate confined spaces and evacuate toxic gases. It is not known whether such equipment was in use at Westwood Shores. Additional safeguards include personal and remote monitors to detect hydrogen sulfide and other dangerous gases, such as methane, which is also explosive.

Reports indicate that at least one of the workers who went in to save his co-worker had a gas meter alarm that was sounding, but it seems that not all the men were equipped with such devices.

It is our understanding that the crew that was doing this work was not supposed to be doing any underground or not equipped or outfitted for that type of work, Deputy Chief Jeremy Carroll of the Trinity County Sheriffs office stated.

Working in confined spaces is also a well-known industrial hazard. OSHA regulations require that when such spaces contain, or could contain, hazardous atmospheres, a permit system must be in place. This includes periodic air monitoring, strict control of entry, and an emergency plan for foreseeable dangers, such as hydrogen sulfide exposure. It is not known whether any such permit system was in effect at Westwood Shores.

None of these questions has been addressed in the statements issued by either company or by local officials.

A similar tragedy occurred recently at a Colorado farm, where six workers were killed by hydrogen sulfide exposure in an underground manure pit. Their deaths were among the thousands that occur every year in the agricultural sector, where workplace safety is systematically neglected so that cost savings can be converted into profit.

More than 5,200 workers are killed on the job each year in the United States, according to official figures. The real toll, including deaths from occupational diseases, is over 140,000 annually. At Clairton Coke Works, for example, two workers were killed and 10 seriously injured in what workers have said was a foreseeable disaster, the result of deliberate neglect by both management and the union of urgently needed repairs at the plant.

The rank-and-file investigation into the death of Ronald Adams Sr., an autoworker crushed by a gantry crane at Stellantis Dundee Engine Plant in southeast Michigan, provides an important lesson for stopping such deaths. Whatever has been exposed about Adams entirely preventable deathor about the disaster at Clairton Coke Workswas uncovered through the initiative of rank-and-file workers, not the companies, unions or government agencies.

We call on all workers and anyone with knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the deaths at the Westwood Shores sewer plant to contact the World Socialist Web Site by filling out the form below.
Protests continued yesterday in many cities across Indonesia after a 21-year-old man, Affan Kurniawan, died from being hit by an armoured police vehicle as police aggressively tried to break up a rally in Jakarta on Thursday. Kurniawan was one of the many motorcycle ride-sharing drivers in Indonesia who eke out a living ferrying passengers.

Students confront police during a protest at the Regional Police Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, August 29, 2025. [AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana]

The demonstrations initially erupted on Monday, after it was announced that parliamentarians would be given an exorbitant monthly accommodation allowance of 50 million rupiah ($US3,045), highlighting the countrys worsening social inequality. The figure is up to 20 times the monthly minimum wage of workers in poor areas of the country.

There has been a heavy police presence throughout the days of protest. More than 1,200 security personnel were deployed on Monday to secure the parliament building and fired tear gas as protesters attempted to approach. The police blocked off streets leading to the parliamentary compound, including several toll roads.

Angry ride-sharing drivers, students and many others gathered outside the parliament building and police headquarters in Jakarta on Friday chanting, Killer! Killer! amid desperate attempts by President Prabowo Subianto to appeal for calm. Seven police involved in the incident have been detained. At the same time, the government deployed troops from the navy marine corps to contain the protests.

According to the limited press reports, thousands have been involved in the protests in Jakarta and at least 600 have been arrested. Other protests were held in major cities, including Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Solo in Java, Medan in northern Sumatra and Gorontalo in Sulawesi.

The protests have been fuelled by a groundswell of resentment and anger, particularly among young people, over deteriorating living conditions, glaring social inequality and anti-democratic methods. But the immediate spark for this weeks protests was the accommodation allowance for parliamentarians.

The governments rationale for the benefit was the decommissioning of the housing complex that provided free accommodation to parliamentarians. However, the monthly allowance of 50 million rupiah is out of all proportion to housing costs, even in expensive central Jakarta, and represents an astronomical sum for most workers. It comes on top of hefty salaries, other allowances and benefits for the 580 members of the House of Representatives.

By contrast, managers in Jakarta, on average, receive monthly salaries of less than 15 million rupiah. The minimum monthly wage for workers in Jakarta is just 5.4 million rupiah and is as low as 2.1 million rupiah in other parts of the country. Moreover, nearly 60 percent of the workforce is in the so-called informal sector, consigned to insecure jobs, and often receive less than the minimum wage.

Young people have been particularly hard hit by worsening economic conditions, which will deteriorate further under the impact of the Trump administrations tariffs of 19 percent on Indonesian goods. While the overall official unemployment rate is 5 percent, the rate for youth is 16 percent. Moreover, the official statistics are widely regarded as an underestimate.

The parliamentary accommodation allowance announcement immediately set off a wave of outraged and derisory commentary on social media, as well as calls for protests. One of the slogans has been for the dissolution of the House of Representatives. The Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) joined the protests, demanding protections from mass layoffs and outsourcing, but made no suggestion of strike action.

The wider sentiments among young people were echoed by comedian Aci Resti, who attended a protest at parliament against the housing allowance. Im here to voice the opinions of my friends, who are fed up with everything, with the members of the House of Representatives, with everything, with the government, she said, in comments cited by Reuters.

This weeks protests are the latest this year in expressions of opposition and unrest. In February, students held a nationwide campaign of demonstrations called Indonesia Gelap, or Dark Indonesia. They protested against the deep austerity measures implemented by the Prabowo administration to pay for his election pledges, which included a nationwide free school lunch program and more affordable housing.

Prabowo has slashed billions of dollars in government funding for public health, education and works. Thousands of government contractors were sacked. By February, the total cutbacks were raised to $44 billion or more than 15 percent of the state budget. While providing free school lunches, funding for primary and secondary education was reduced by $480 million and the higher education budget was slashed by 25 percent or $2.6 billion.

In March, student demonstrations took place against legislation to strengthen the role of the military in government. The parliament voted unanimously for amendments to the armed forces law to expand the number of institutions in which serving officers could serve, including the Attorney Generals Office, National Counterterrorism Agency, National Agency for Border Management and National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

Hundreds of student activists camped outside parliament the night before that bill was passed. The crowd swelled to a thousand the following day, with banners reading Against militarism and oligarchy! and The New Order [the name of the Suharto dictatorship] strikes back! Prabowo, who was military dictator General Suhartos son-in-law and a top military officer, is notorious for his brutal repression of opposition to the regime.

Earlier this month, an unusual but widespread form of opposition emerged after Prabowo in late July called on citizens to raise the red and white flag wherever you are in the lead up to Indonesias Independence Day on August 17. Instead of the national flag, the flag of the Straw Hat Pirates from the manga comic One Piece began to emerge in houses, streets and on vehicles as a symbol of rebellion and resistance to the government.

Even though this country is officially independent, many of us have not truly experienced that freedom in our daily lives, Ali Maulana, a resident of Jayapura in Indonesia, told the BBC. The One Piece story reflected the injustice and inequality that Indonesians experience, he said.



Prabowo is clearly concerned about the days of protest this week, despite the extensive police mobilisation, and the far broader sentiment that they reflect. As well as appealing for calm, the president expressed condolences for Kurniawans death and declared that he was shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the officers. He called for a thorough investigation.

No one should take these hypocritical comments at face value. Prabowo, who was responsible for torture, murder and other atrocities under the Suharto dictatorship, will not hesitate to use every means available to suppress any movement against his government. The deployment of the military and special operations police this week is a warning that his false sympathy can quickly give way to repression.

In comments cited by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) researcher Arif Maulana said that what happened at the Thursday protest reminded him of the New Order Era, where critical people who open their mouths are seen as enemies and people giving their voice [are] dubbed as criminals, being tortured, and being arrested arbitrarily.
On Sunday, over 50 ships carrying humanitarian aid and activists from 44 countries are set to depart from Barcelona, Genoa, Sicily, Greece, and other Mediterranean ports, joined on September 4 by vessels from Tunis, under the name Global Sumud Flotilla. Sumud is Arabic for perseverance.

Logo for the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) [Photo: https://globalsumudflotilla.org/press/]

The Flotilla is the largest organised civilian maritime mission yet against the land and sea blockade of Gaza organized by Israel with the assistance of the Egyptian army to the south. It brings together four initiatives: Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Global Movement for Gaza, the Maghreb Sumud Convoy and the Southeast Asian Nusantara Sumud Initiative. Thousands of doctors, lawyers, journalists, and cultural figures have registered to join or support the flotilla, with some 30,000 reportedly on waiting lists.

Among those joining are former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, Mariana Mortagua of Portugals Left Bloc, Emma Fourreau, an MP for La France Insoumise, and Bruno Gilga of the Movimento Revolucionario de Trabalhadores in Brazil. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg will also board one of the boats. Acclaimed Irish novelist Naoise Dolan has announced her participation, alongside actors such as Susan Sarandon and Gustaf Skarsgard. Others, including Mark Ruffalo, Liam Cunningham, Alessandro Gassman, and Zerocalcare, have publicly endorsed the initiative.

The Global Sumud Flotilla marks the largest civilian-led maritime effort in solidarity with Gaza since the 2010 Mavi Marmara. Israeli commandos stormed the aid ship in international waters, murdering nine peopleeight Turkish citizens and one Turkish Americanand seriously wounding many others.

Announced by Thunberg two weeks ago, its declared aim is to open a corridor to deliver aid to the besieged population of Gaza and to raise global awareness of the need to break Israels blockade. Israel, backed to the hilt by Washington and the European powers, has made clear it will not permit such a corridor to be forced open.

In May, a ship named The Conscience was hit by drone strikes off the coast of Malta, which caused a fire and a breach in the hull, injuring four. Last June, the Madleen departed from Catania, Sicily with medical supplies, baby formula, and flour, including Thunberg and MEP Rima Hassan from France Insumise, before being violently intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, its crew abducted and deported.

The following month, in July, the Handala set sail from Siracusa, Italy, later intercepted after leaving Gallipoli, with passengers beaten, phones confiscated, interrogated, and many forced onto hunger strike to protest their detention.

This June, the Sumud Convoy saw around 1,000 people attempt to travel from Tunisia to the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Israel, until the NATO-backed Libyan government blocked their passage. At the same time, thousands of people tried to walk to Rafah from the nearby city of Arish under the banner of the Global March to Gaza. They were met with a violent crackdown from the Egyptian government; hundreds were either detained or deported.

The World Socialist Web Site unconditionally defends the democratic right of this flotilla to sail, and opposes all attempts to suppress it, whether by US and European imperialist powers or by the Israeli state.

Nevertheless, it must be bluntly stated that initiatives such as the Global Sumud Flotilla cannot halt the genocide. The strategy of appealing to imperialist powers or to the Israeli regime itself is utterly bankrupt. This is underscored by the organisers appeals for government officials across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East to join the mission, in the hope that their presence might shield activists from repression.

Figures like Colau, Mortagua, Hassan and Fourreau are leading members of parties like Spains Podemos and Sumar, Portugals Left Bloc and France Unbowed that have joined pro-Gaza protests on a perspective of pressuring capitalist governments to restrain Israel. Yet the genocide has only escalated because these very governments are enablers of Israels crimes. Israel acts as imperialisms enforcer in the Middle East, and its genocide in Gaza is inseparable from their preparations for wider war, above all against Iran, Russia and China.

For over 22 months, Israels far-right government, backed by Washington and the European capitals, has pursued a genocidal campaign in Gaza. In early March, Israel also sealed off Gaza by land, letting in no supplies. The UN has declared famine in Gaza City. More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed, the majority women and children and now hundreds are being starved to death. Hospitals, schools, and refugee camps have been bombed. Last Wednesday, Israeli jets carried out a double tap strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, killing at least 20 people including five journalists.

The genocide will not be halted by moral appeals or protests aimed at pressuring imperialist governments. The only social force capable of stopping it is the international working class. Workers, bound together across borders by a common interest and common struggle, have the power to halt arms shipments, shut down production, and break the financial and logistical lifelines of the genocidal machine.

There is immense potential for such a movement. Across Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, workers and youth have repeatedly demonstrated their opposition to war and genocide, joining mass protests. Last week in Italy, dockworkers in Genoa blocked weapons shipments aboard the Bahri Yanbu, a Saudi-owned vessel bound for Israel. In June, dockworkers at the port of Marseille-Fos refused to load a container of spare parts for machine guns and cannon tubes onto a ship headed for Israel.

Port workers in Barcelona, airport ground crew in Belgium, and staff at Athens International Airport have all taken similar steps since the genocide began. Last year, workers at 11 major Indian ports declared they would not handle weapons bound for Israel, while Greek dockworkers stopped a shipment of 21 tonnes of ammunition. Moroccan dockworkers have also refused to load Maersk container ships carrying parts for F-35 fighter jets used by Israel in its genocide in Gaza.

Workers and youth across every country must take up this struggle as their own, raising definite demands: an immediate halt to all shipments of weapons and military aid to Israel; a boycott of trade and economic activity with Israel to sever the financial lifeline of genocide; the indictment and prosecution of corporations supplying Israel with the means of mass murder; and the arrest and prosecution of Israeli leaders and their accomplices for war crimes.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks as President Donald Trump, from left, Vice President JD Vance, Cody Campbell, WWE CCO Triple H and professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau listen during an event in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington. [AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin]

On the same day that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ousted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Susan Monarez, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved significant new restrictions on COVID vaccines.

Specifically, only those 65 and older, or younger people with at least one medical comorbidity that puts them at increased risk of severe disease, are now eligible to receive them. These restrictions await approval from the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), with approval all but certain given that Kennedy has previously fired all 17 ACIP members and replaced them with a majority of anti-vaccine allies.

The effects of these restrictions are immediate and severe. Facing the threat of legal retribution, many pharmacies across the country are already requiring prescriptions from doctors for anyone seeking vaccination. In some states, pharmacies have ceased offering doses altogether, further narrowing access. Insurance uncertainty means that for those able to obtain a prescription, the out-of-pocket cost for a COVID booster can reach $150 per dose. Even for individuals seeking off-label use, doctor shopping is becoming the norm, with physicians themselves facing the threat of sanction from their boards or state medical authorities for issuing scripts.

Pharmacy giants CVS and Walgreens have restricted vaccine access in more than a dozen states. CVS spokesperson Amy Thibault confirmed that vaccines would not be available in their pharmacies across 16 states, citing the regulatory environment imposed by recent policies. As of Friday, 13 of these 16 states, including the District of Columbia, now require a prescription from a licensed provider; in Massachusetts, New Mexico and Nevada, the shots cannot be offered at all.

These political restrictions will have disastrous consequences for public health as the country heads into the fall and winter waves of the pandemic.

The Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative has been unable to update its models since August 11 due to changes imposed on CDC data, but as of their last update, approximately 700,000 Americans were becoming infected daily with SARS-CoV-2. This rate amounts to between one and four million COVID cases and 7,900 to 13,100 excess deaths in September alone.

Annually, some 50,000 to 60,000 people continue to die from COVID or COVID-related complications. Long COVID, affecting at least 6 percent of those infected, brings chronic illness comparable to that caused by stroke, rheumatoid arthritis or Parkinsons.

The broader attack on science was given a violent expression earlier this month, when a gunman unleashed more than 500 rounds of ammunition into the CDCs Atlanta campus, killing a police officer and then himself. The assailant, Patrick Joseph White, suffering from severe depression and suicidal ideation, blamed the COVID vaccine for his conditionbeliefs encouraged by the anti-vaccine, anti-science rhetoric for which Kennedy and his ilk are notorious.

These forces have worked not only to shift the blame for the pandemic destruction from governmental neglect to public health officials and scientists, but also to foster an atmosphere in which such acts become increasingly possible. Kennedys response to the shootingremaining silent for more than 18 hours and instead posting fishing trip photos to social mediasparked outrage among CDC employees. When an official statement was finally released, it was widely condemned as tepid and inadequate.

Monarezs ousting followed a show-down where she refused to implement Kennedys demand that she rubber-stamp all recommendations from his newly assembled anti-vaccine ACIP board and to purge high-level staff from key posts. Principal Deputy Chief of Staff Stefanie Spear demanded her resignation, and by Wednesday, HHS issued a perfunctory statement that Monarez was no longer director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With yesterdays White House announcement that Jim ONeill, Kennedys current deputy and a former Silicon Valley tech investor, would replace Monarez, Kennedy has consolidated control over the public health system, transforming these institutions into bastions of anti-scientific thought and presenting an existential threat to public health and safety.

Dr. Robert Steinbrook, director of Public Citizens Health Research Group, summed up the sentiment among public health experts:

Ousting the first Senate-confirmed CDC director weeks into the start of her tenure makes absolutely no sense and underscores the destructive chaos at RFK Jr.s Department of Health and Human Services. To make matters even worse, there are reports of additional resignations of critical high-ranking CDC staff. The CDC is being decapitated. This is an absolute disaster for public health.

In solidarity with Monarez, four other long-serving public health leaders have resigned: Dr. Debra Houry, CDC chief medical officer; Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; Dr. Daniel Jernigan, director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases; and Dr. Jennifer Layden, head of the Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance and Technology.

Dr. Debra Houry, right, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, left, and Dr. Daniel Jernigan gather as workers and supporters rally for departing scientific leaders at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outside the CDC headquarters, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, in Atlanta. [AP Photo/Ben Gray]

On the New York Times podcast, Dr. Daskalakis revealed that neither he nor his staff, who advise on vaccines, had ever met with Kennedy since he became Health Secretary, nor had they been consulted on major issues surfacing under his tenure, such as the measles outbreak in Texas and elsewhere. He only learned of Kennedys previous restriction on childrens access to COVID vaccines through social media, having not been consulted whatsoever.

Daskalakis stated in no uncertain terms:

My job is to make sure that were giving good science so people can make good decisions. And if I cant make sure that science is untouched by non-scientific influence, I cannot say that Im doing my job. I believe that CDC science is going to be compromised by HHS. And if that science becomes biased, if it gets unduly influenced, then I cant have my name on that science as something that I think should be used to make important decisions for peoples lives.

In the discussion, Daskalakis explained that Kennedy would use the CDC and their database to manipulate or make inaccurate in a manner that doesnt reflect scientific reality for his political agenda. This will further tarnish the reputation of scientists and public safety in numerous ways and reverse much of the scientific gains that have been amassed over decades of deeply collaborative work.

Daskalakis resignation letter provides a social and political background to Kennedys deepening coup on science:

The intentional eroding of trust in low-risk vaccines favoring natural infection and unproven remedies will bring us to a pre-vaccine era where only the strong will survive and many if not all will suffer ... Eugenics plays prominently in the rhetoric being generated and is derivative of a legacy that good medicine and science should continue to shun. The recent shooting at CDC is not why I am resigning. My grandfather, who I am named after, stood up to fascist forces in Greece and lost his life doing so. I am resigning to make him and his legacy proud. I am resigning because of the cowardice of a leader that cannot admit that HIS and his minions words over decades created an environment where violence like this can occur. I reject his and his colleagues thoughts and prayers, and advise they direct those to people that they have not actively harmed.

Kennedys consolidation of power over the institutions of science will have untold consequences. The new restrictions on COVID vaccines are only the latest chapter of a far-reaching attack on public health which threatens to undo decades of progress and endanger millions of lives globally.
President Emmanuel Macron, centre, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, left, and Minister for Overseas Territories Manuel Valls attend a meeting with New Caledonia's elected officials and state representatives at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, July 12, 2025. [AP Photo/Tom Nicholson]

By calling a vote of confidence on his austerity budget, French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has blown the lid off the political crisis in France and across Europe. With his minority government set to fall, and no clear winner expected if new legislative elections are called, France is in deadlock.

An irreconcilable conflict is emerging between the working class and the capitalist oligarchys funding of its war course through deep austerity. As German Chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares a 1 trillion war fund and declares, The welfare state can no longer be financed, Bayrou is calling to cut vacation days and 44 billion in social spending to prepare to triple French military spending. These policies of austerity and militarization, pursued across Europe, face overwhelming popular opposition.

Polls show 84 percent of Frances population oppose Bayrous budget. Over two-thirds want the removal of both Bayrou and French President Emmanuel Macron, the president of the rich. Work stoppages are being prepared by energy and rail workers, supermarket workers, taxi drivers, and pharmacists, and there are growing calls to block the economy with a one-day nationwide protest strike on September 10.

The political situation is pregnant with the possibility of a general strike like that of May 1968 in France. But such an eruption of the class struggle, for which a one-day national protest strike in France would only be a rehearsal, must be fought for. The working class must be politically armed with an understanding of its tasks in the emerging international struggle, and overcome the obstacle posed by bureaucracies that seek to delay and disorganize the class struggle.

In France, these are above all the New Popular Front (NFP) coalition led by Jean-Luc Melenchons France Unbowed (LFI) party, the big-business Socialist Party (PS), the Greens, and the Stalinist PCF. The union bureaucracies reject calls to block the economy: the CFDT called them not our method and the CGT dismissed them as nebulous. Melenchon calls for a one-day general blockage on September 10, because on September 23, we will table a censure motion in parliament, hoping to force Macron to resign.

But there will be no national solution to this crisis, and workers must oppose petty-bourgeois parties like LFI trying to subordinate the class struggle to their parliamentary maneuvers. The task facing the workers is not to elect a new capitalist government, but to take power out of the hands of a capitalist oligarchy plunging head first into war, genocide, and dictatorship.

Class roots of the French budget crisis

Workers cannot resolve the French budget crisis by electing a new capitalist government. Such a government would inevitably seek to continue the broad outline of Bayrous policies. Workers face two stark alternatives: stop the wars and the military build-up via a direct assault on capitalist property, or be plunged into poverty.

Bayrous cuts aim to finance the rise in defense spending to 5 percent of GDP that Europes NATO powers agreed with Washington amid the NATO-Russia war in Ukraine and the Gaza genocide. It aims to free up 100 billion per year for the army, while slashing state budgets to reassure the banks that Frances public debt can be paid off.

Workers are not responsible for these debts. Since the 2008 Wall Street crash, Frances debt has mushroomed from 68 to 115 percent of GDP. Of this 47 percent of GDP rise in the debt, two-thirds came as France financed just two of the euro zones many bank bailouts: in 2009, after the Wall Street crash, and in 2020, to halt the financial panic as the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Euro zone states borrowed money from the European Central Bank and gave it to their banks to prop up stock and debt markets and bloat the wealth of the oligarchy. Since 2009, industry and living standards have stagnated. Yet the wealth of just the top 500 French people, as recorded by Challenges magazine, exploded after each bank bailout, rising more than sixfold since 2009 from 194 to 1,228 billion. This obscene wealth has become incompatible with democracy.

Of the French states 445 billion operating budget, 25 percent goes to pensions, 20 percent to health care, 15 percent to education and other administrations, and 11 percent to unemployment insurance and family benefits, according to the Elysee presidential palace. With Frances revenues for its operating budget at 330 billion, it runs a massive budget deficit that the banks threaten not to finance.

With 71 percent of Frances operating budget going to basic services, the only way to find 100 billion for the war machine, and another 100 billion to cut the deficit, is to destroy the welfare state. This also means setting up a police state dictatorship to smash social opposition. Conversely, to defend social and democratic rights, the working class must stop the war and smash the diktat of the capitalist oligarchy.

What way forward for the working class?

Political lessons must be drawn from the struggles of recent years. In the 2023 pension struggle, millions went on strike and riots erupted against Macrons cutsonly to see unions call off strikes after Macron promulgated his cuts by decree. In 2024, millions voted for Melenchon and the NFP, which came in first in the legislative elections, only to see Melenchon endorse Macrons candidates on the second round, letting Macron keep power via a series of weak, minority governments.

One central lesson is: the class struggle must be freed from the deadening grip of the NFP bureaucracies and the nationalist perspective underlying Melenchons parliamentary maneuvers.

To this end, workers must build rank-and-file organizations, independent of the union bureaucracies and their social dialog with the state, to coordinate and organize their struggles. An enormous growth of the class struggle is essential to create conditions in which a general strike and an international struggle against capitalism and imperialist war can emerge.

The working class needs its own demands around which it can mount such a political offensive. The Parti de legalite socialiste advances for this purpose the following demands:

No to imperialist war! Stop war with Russia, dismantle NATO! End the military build-up!

Plans for NATO war against Russia, rejected by the overwhelming majority of the people, must be stopped. Workers must demand France leave the imperialist NATO alliance, which threatens to trigger nuclear war, as part of an international struggle of the working class to dismantle NATO and stop its wars. Not a penny should go to military spending increases to prepare for high intensity war, that is, for mass slaughter like that which has cost hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian and Russian lives.

Stop the Gaza genocide! No persecution of opponents of genocide!

Workers in France and internationally must block the production and delivery of arms to the Israeli regime for the Gaza genocide. The prosecution of opponents of the Gaza genocide on bogus anti-terrorism or antisemitism charges must end. Israeli officials responsible for the genocide, as well as French and NATO officials who help arm it or are complicit in it, must be prosecuted.

Bring down Macron, abolish the Fifth Republics executive presidency!

Macron rules against the people by police repression and mass arrests of strikers and protesters. He must be removed by the working class, but his replacement by another capitalist politician would not stop the attacks on democratic rights. The executive presidency of Frances 1958 constitution, the nerve center of police-state repression and plots against democracy, must be abolished.

Stop the persecution of refugees and immigrants, for the international unity of the working class!

A struggle for socialist revolution is inseparable from the struggle for the international unity of the working class. Workers must oppose the persecution of immigrants, the setting up of mass detention camps for refugees, and humiliating laws like those banning Muslim clothing in French schools. This is essential to overcoming attempts by the bourgeoisie and petty-bourgeois bureaucracies to divide workers along national lines and thus block a European struggle against war and capitalism.

Impound public bailout funds, expropriate the capitalist oligarchy!

Workers must reject the lie that there is no money for social programs and jobs. The trillions of euros of public funds monopolized by the capitalist oligarchy in France and across Europe must be impounded, and used to fund jobs and social programs. This requires a struggle by the working class to expropriate the oligarchy and turn Europes major enterprises into a network of public utilities, serving the interests of the people.

For the United Socialist States of Europe

Workers and youth in France have powerful allies in the millions of workers across Europe and internationally opposed to war, fascism, genocide and austerity. Bureaucrats and parliamentarians will stand in the way. Workers must build their own rank-and-file organizations of struggle and a political movement to transfer power to the working class in France, across Europe and internationally, replacing the capitalist European Union with the United Socialist States of Europe.
While executing an arrest warrant at a property in the regional Victorian town of Porepunkah on Tuesday morning, two police officers were shot dead and another was seriously wounded. The alleged perpetrator, Dezi Freeman, has not been seen since and is suspected to have escaped into the massive and dense bushland neighbouring the town.

Dezi Freeman [Photo: Facebook/Dezi Freeman]

Victorian Police have stated that the warrant was over historical child sexual assault allegations, not political matters. The incident nevertheless has a political significance, given that Freeman was a highly active member of the far-right sovereign citizen movement, which has grown over recent years, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Freeman obviously has not been brought before a court and is entitled to a presumption of innocence and to due process.

According to the police account, ten officers were dispatched to execute the warrant. When they approached a bus that Freeman was living in on a larger property, they claim he opened fire with a homemade shotgun, in an ambush-style attack, before escaping with his own weapons and those of the slain policemen.

Freeman appears to have been active in the loosely-connected sovereign citizen milieu since at least 2019. Adherents of the movement, though they increasingly eschew the term, tend to deploy a bizarre and nonsensical pseudo-legal jargon to claim that they are not subject to laws or authority and to thus assert their sovereignty.

In a capitalist society, where the law and the police in the final analysis serve to defend the interests of a corporate and financial elite, there is no shortage of abuses to which the sovereign citizens can point.

In essence, though, the movement is a form of extreme right-wing libertarianism. Its assertion of the unfettered rights of the individual to do whatever they please, regardless of the social consequences, is a caricatured expression of the exploitative and anti-social logic of the profit system itself. Sovereign citizens often also subscribe to right-wing conspiracy theories regarding global cabals, with an open or implicit antisemitism to them.

While Freeman was active in right-wing circles prior to the pandemic, COVID appears to have further radicalised him. According to Porepunkah residents who have spoken to the media, he flagrantly disobeyed masking, social distancing and other public health measures and was a vocal opponent of vaccination.

In 2021, Freeman was among a group of right-wing extremists who attempted a private prosecution of then Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews on the charge of treason, over his governments imposition of COVID lockdowns.

The anti-lockdown movement served to normalise previously fringe elements, such as the sovereign citizens. Protests involving hundreds or in some instances several thousand outside the Victorian parliament included menacing and fascistic displays, such as the bringing of a gallows and noose with the names of Andrews and other proponents of public health measures on it.

While the Porepunkah shooting has received wall-to-wall coverage over recent days, and Freemans anti-lockdown positions have been widely noted, the political significance of those positions has largely been covered up.

The anti-lockdown movement was not simply an autonomous initiative of disoriented and backward social layers such as Freeman. It was a de facto alliance between the far right, including violent forces such as the sovereign citizens and even neo-Nazis, and powerful sections of the ruling elite.

Freemans attempts to prosecute Premier Andrews and descriptions of him as authoritarian were largely indistinguishable from what was being promoted by much of the media, especially the Murdoch stable, which dubbed the Victorian leader dictator Dan. The state Liberal opposition made similar comments, as did figures in the federal Liberal-National Coalition which at the time was the government of the country.

The far-right forces were used as the shock troops of a campaign to end public safety measures, because they were viewed as an impediment to unfettered corporate profit-making activities. While much of the rhetoric focussed on Andrews, the real target was the working class, key sections of which had demanded safety measures and threatened strike action to stop the spread of the virus early in the pandemic.

Andrews, together with other state and federal leaders, would eventually open the economy and end all pretenses of a coordinated public health response in late 2021. For all the depictions of Freeman and his ilk as outliers, all of the governments of the country essentially adopted the policies that those like him had advocated.

The promotion of the anti-lockdown layers formed part of a longer-term cultivation of a far-right milieu by sections of the establishment. Far-right and fascistic organisations have, over the past decade, frequently dovetailed their own campaigns with those of the media and even Labor and the Liberal-Nationals, particularly in the demonisation of refugees and immigrants.

The massive growth of social inequality, and the transformation of Labor and the unions into unalloyed defenders of the corporate and financial elite, has, moreover, created discontent and a political vacuum that provides recruitment opportunities for far-right forces.

That Freeman is not simply an individual has been shown by the response of prominent figures within the sovereign citizen movement. A number of them have expressed their solidarity with the fugitive, with only limited disclaimers regarding what he is alleged to have done. The police have also repeatedly threatened supporters of the movement against aiding Freeman, hinting they believe that is what may be occurring.

Questions have emerged about how Freeman was able to carry out his alleged ambush.

The deployment of ten police clearly indicated the cops were aware that he could become violent. They executed the warrant, however, at around 10:30 in the morning, choosing against a dawn raid or the use of specialist tactical officers.

An article in the Age this morning cited an anonymous police source, who said many cops were pissed off that Freemans gun license had been repeatedly revoked and then returned to him, although it was apparently suspended at the time of the ambush. Crikey reviewed social media posts, going back many years, in which Freeman expressed homicidal intentions against the police.

He is undoubtedly someone who would have been on the radar of the police and intelligence agencies.

The event has drawn comparisons with a December 2022 shooting in the Queensland town of Wieambilla. Four inexperienced officers were sent to the residence of the Train family, to execute an arrest warrant for Gareth Train. When they arrived, the cops were ambushed, with two dying, along with a neighbour.

The Trains too were far-right activists, obsessively hostile to the COVID lockdown measures and on record as wanting to murder police. It has never been explained why junior officers were sent to the property, nor why in the wake of the incident the command of Queensland Police insisted the shooting was not politically motivated despite all evidence to the contrary.

There have been several other far-right terroristic incidents. Last year, a young man walked into the office of Newcastle Labor MP Tim Crakanthorp, dressed in fatigues and carrying weapons. He was inspired by Brenton Tarrant, the terrorist who massacred dozens of Muslims in New Zealand mosques. Disaster was seemingly only averted in Newcastle because the young man lost his nerve.

That and other far-right actions involving violence have been downplayed by the media and the political establishment.

They have received far less attention than the peaceful mass movement against Israels genocide in Gaza, which has been continuously slandered as antisemitic and subjected to police-state attacks.

The different attitude reflects the fact that the powers-that-be have a symbiotic relationship with the far-right. While some of their activities may be viewed as an irritation, they are a milieu fully committed to the staples of capitalist rule, including extreme individualism and nationalism, and can be deployed to effect political outcomes desired by the corporate elite, as in the pandemic.

That underscores the reality that the fight against far-right violence cannot be entrusted to the capitalist state. To the extent that any crackdown against such forces takes place, it will only be to establish another precedent for use against left-wing opposition and the working class.

What is required is the development of an independent socialist movement, mobilising the working class against war, austerity and dictatorship, and providing a powerful pole of attraction for the widespread discontent that exists.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with US President Donald Trump in Washington on August 25. During the first in-person meeting between the two since Lee took office in June, the South Korean leader pledged to back Trumps war drive against China.

President Donald Trump, right, speaks during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the Oval Office of the White House, August 25, 2025. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon]

During the public portion of the meeting, Lee and Trump focused on issues like North Korea, which is regularly used to justify the rapidly expanding militarization of the region led by US imperialism. Trump expressed his supposed interest in a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the future.

In response, Lee lavished praise on the fascistic Trump, calling him a peacemaker. Lee told Trump, It is not easy for inter-Korean relations to improve through my involvement alone. In fact, the only person who can truly resolve this issue is President Trump.

The real purpose of the meeting, however, was not North Korea, but to provide Lee an opportunity to assure the Trump regime that his three-month-old administration would continue to fully back Washingtons war plans against China. Lee came to power claiming he would improve relations with Beijing and Pyongyang, exploiting widespread anti-war sentiment in the South Korean working class.

The leaders discussed the new shipbuilding deal, a part of the tariff agreement reached between the two countries in July, as well as the de facto trilateral military alliance between the US, South Korea and Japan.

A major part of the tariff agreement included Seouls proposed Make American Shipbuilding Great Again program, under which South Korean companies would build new shipyards and ships, including naval vessels in the US, and train US workers. South Korean companies would also carry out the maintenance and repair of US warships. Lee visited the South Korean-owned Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia on Tuesday to promote this agenda.

This is directly bound up with war planning against China, which has the worlds largest navy by ship count. Jang Seong-gil, director general for trade policy at South Koreas Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated on July 11, The prerequisite for the shipbuilding cooperation is South Koreas participation in Washingtons efforts to contain China.

In regards to Japan, Lee prefaced the summit in Washington with a stop in Tokyo for discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. He pledged to continue to cooperate militarily with Japan and to build future-oriented ties, meaning Seoul will not pursue disputes stemming from Japans 19101945 colonization of Korea.

In the past, South Koreas ruling Democratic Party (DP) regularly used anti-Japanese chauvinism to distract from declining domestic conditions. This led to concerns in Washington and Tokyo over whether the new Lee administration and the DP would honor the trilateral agreement made under the previous administration of the right-wing Yoon Suk-yeol, who was removed from office after staging a failed coup last December.

Lee made clear he will continue the same foreign policy as Yoon. In an interview with Japans Yomiuri Shimbun published on August 21, Lee stated, Trust and consistency of policy are essential principles in state-to-state relations.

Following the summit with Trump, Lee expanded on these talks during a speech he delivered at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He stated, President Trump and I agreed to modernize our bilateral alliance to be more reciprocal and future-oriented in line with the changing security landscape.

Modernization means the open use of US forces and bases in South Korea for war against China. At present, the ostensible role of the US military is to defend the South from North Korea. Modernization would address evolving geopolitics, technological shifts, and the growing strategic influence of China, in the words of a Lee administration official speaking to the media anonymously at the end of July.

During his CSIS speech, Lee mixed empty statements about the supposed strength of South Korean democracy while also speaking about the growing competition between the US and China. He claimed that Seoul is still attempting to maintain relations with Beijing, but stated, At this point, we cannot act or make decisions that go against Americas basic policy stance. In other words, whatever Washington demands, Seoul will adhere to it.

Therefore, in line with Washingtons call for US allies to raise military spending to 5 percent of GDP, Lee declared that Seoul will increase our defense budget, which will be used to transform the (South) Korean military into a smart military that will prevail in future warfare. And so we will use this to acquire cutting-edge technology and military assets.

According to South Koreas Defense Ministry, Seoul will spend 61.2 trillion won ($US44 billion) on the military in 2025, or 2.32 percent of GDP. Other sources in the South Korean press place the figure higher at 2.7 percent. On Friday, the Defense Ministry proposed a 66.29 trillion won ($US47.6 billion) budget for next year, the largest increase in seven years.

Seoul will likely purchase more weaponry from the US. During the summit with Lee, Trump hinted that South Korea could purchase nuclear-capable B-2 bombers, though the US has never sold this plane to another country. If realized, it would be a dramatic escalation in which bombers could potentially be flown by South Korean pilots loaded with US nuclear bombs.

In addition, while Lee absurdly lauded Trump as a peacemaker, the summit took place as the US and South Korea carried out their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield war exercises, the first half of which began on August 18 and ran through August 28. The exercises are of the same scale as last year, with approximately 18,000 South Korean soldiers taking part. More than 40 field exercises have been planned in total.

At the same time, the Trump administration was rapidly escalating its plans for war abroad and dictatorship at home. This included dispatching US navy vessels and Marines to the coast of Venezuela, while deploying National Guard troops throughout Washington D.C. and threatening the same in other major cities.

Therefore, Lees praise for Trump is not just empty talk to placate the US presidents ego, but serves a definite political purpose: to cover up and justify Seouls alignment with the US war preparations against China.

Prior to the summit, Lee also claimed that Washingtons demands for modernization and strategic flexibility were things to which Seoul cannot easily agree. This rapidly proved not to be the case.

However, to the extent that Lees administration has expressed a desire for improved relations with Beijing, it is because the ruling Democrats speak for sections of the South Korean bourgeoisie that have long favored closer economic ties with China.

Lee is also conscious that there is widespread anti-war sentiment in South Korea, and that workers will not simply accept the further attacks on their living conditions that will inevitably come with increased military spending and war with China.

This once again reveals the fraudulent posturing of the Democratic Party and Lee government, claiming to have come to power to defend democracy and pledging reforms for the working class. The Democrats goal was to stabilize the capitalist political system and suppress the class struggle. In doing so, Seoul and the Democrats seek to maintain the support of Washington.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon speaks during a cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at the White House in Washington. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein]

On August 19, the US Department of Education (DOE) announced it was placing five school divisions in Northern Virginia on high-risk status, with the condition that all federal funding be delivered by reimbursement only.

The change in policy, which subjects schools to increased scrutiny whenever seeking federal funds, follows a late-July investigation by the DOEs Office of Civil Rights (OCR), which determined that the school districts had violated Title IX in their policies regarding bathroom and locker room usage as it pertains to LGBTQ+ students.

The policy targets districts in Alexandria City, Arlington, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County. Together, the five school divisions enroll well over 400,000 students, with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) serving over 183,000, making it the largest district in Virginia and the ninth largest in the country. In all, the Trump administration has launched 575 investigations into Virginia schools alone.

In a letter posted on the districts website, FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid stated, We were given 10 days to update our policies and regulations or risk potential penalties, including losing up to $160 million in federal funding.

The federal aid at risk includes funding for Title I programs that support low-income students, special education under IDEA, and school nutrition. By forcing districts to cover costs up front, the DOEs reimbursement policy particularly targets underserved students and working class families who rely most heavily on these programs.

Linda McMahon, the billionaire wrestling magnate and secretary of education, has been positioned at the helm of these attacks on education and democratic rights. According to her, the Northern Virginia school districts have chosen to abide by woke gender ideology and must now prove that every federal dollar is being used for a legal purpose. At the same time that the DOE undergoes dismantlement through budget cuts, McMahons role in carrying out this assault reflects the relentless assault on public education in the country.

The OCR has proposed a resolution agreement requiring that the school divisions rescind all policies and regulations allowing students to access restrooms and locker rooms based on gender identity rather than biological sex. The proposal goes even further by requiring the school divisions to issue a memorandum affirming that any future policies related to access to intimate facilities must be consistent with Title IX by separating students strictly on the basis of sex, as well as to adopt a biological definition of male and female in all Title IX-related policies and practices.

The OCR gave the school divisions 10 days to voluntarily accept the terms or risk imminent enforcement action, including a potential referral to the US Department of Justice. Every school division rejected the resolution agreement by the August 15 deadline.

As a consequence, the Department of Education has begun administrative proceedings to suspend or terminate their federal financial assistance.

To ensure that federal funding is not being used for supposed illegal activity, the DOE is placing these school divisions on reimbursement status for all Department funds, including formula funding, discretionary grants, and impact aid grants, totaling over $50 million. The DOE added that the school divisions will now be required to pay their education expenses up front and then request reimbursement for expenditures in order to access funds obligated by the department.

The attack on Northern Virginias K12 schools is not occurring in isolation. Only a few days earlier, the DOE ruled that George Mason Universitys diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies also violated civil rights law, placing the university under the same threat of financial strangulation. As GMU welcomes a record number of incoming students for the 2025 fall semester, the university faces the loss of millions in federal support. Much like the K12 divisions, the DOE gave GMU just 10 days to comply with a resolution agreement, which included a public statement of compliance in the form of a formal apology.

Meanwhile, school districts throughout the country are grappling with serious funding crises. In Philadelphia, where some 14,000 educators have been on the verge of a work stoppage after the first day of classes as their contracts run out, the school district faces a $306 million deficit, which could balloon to almost $2 billion by 2030.

In Chicago, where President Trump has threatened to deploy the National Guard on the false pretense of rampant crime, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is facing a significant financial crisis, with a projected budget deficit of about $734 million for fiscal year 2025, as of August 2025. Numerous other school districts around the country face similar circumstances.

In all cases, the fundamental obstacle to workers attempts to fight back has been the pro-corporate trade union bureaucracy. In Philadelphia, where teachers voted to strike in June, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers has sought to bury the strike vote by announcing a sellout tentative agreement which meets none of the educators demands. This, the union leaders declare, will buy them labor peace.

In fact, as the Trump administrations deepening assault on public education demonstrates, such sellout agreements engineered to block a movement of the working class serve to hamstring workers in the face of their class enemies.

For its part, the Virginia Education Association (VEA) has busied itself with support for Democratic Party candidates in the states upcoming gubernatorial election in November. The VEAs Fund for Children and Public Education, its electoral arm, has endorsed Democratic Party candidate Abigail Spanberger, one of several Democratic Party officials with national security and intelligence backgrounds. Spanberger, a former CIA agent, has consistently taken positions that are pro-military and pro-war and to the detriment of public education.

As schools resume around the country, the nationwide campaign to undermine education must be understood as part of a deepening crisis of American capitalism. The broad assault on students democratic rights and the attack on public education are inseparable from the other crises inherent in the capitalist system. Its burden will fall heaviest on the working class, which must be mobilized independently in defense of public education and the democratic rights of all students.
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New Orleans residents walk through chest deep floodwater after Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Louisiana coast on Monday, Aug. 29, 2005. [AP Photo/Dave Martin]

Friday marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. On the morning of August 29, 2005, the massive Category 3 storm made landfall in New Orleans, Louisiana. The surge breached the citys levees, flooding 80 percent of the low-lying metropolis, with water reaching depths of more than 15 feet in some areas.

What followed was a catastrophe that claimed nearly 1,400 lives and caused $125 billion in damage. The world watched in shock as tens of thousands of residents, unable to escape, clung to rooftops or remained trapped in flooded homes without food or water. For days they pleaded for help, but none arrived.

More than 10,000 people were forced to huddle for days in the New Orleans Superdome, amid scenes of hunger, disease and desperation. Survivors recalled corpses floating in the floodwaters, left to rot in the sweltering August heat. In total, more than 1 million people were displaced, scattered to cities across the region.

All of this devastation could have been avoided. Scientists had long warned that New Orleans levee system was inadequate and would be overtopped by a major storm, causing extensive flooding. Nothing was done, nor was there an evacuation plan in place.

Four days after the hurricane struck, the World Socialist Web Site wrote:

Hurricane Katrina has laid bare the awful truths of contemporary Americaa country torn by the most intense class divisions, ruled by a corrupt plutocracy that possesses no sense either of social reality or public responsibility, in which millions of its citizens are deemed expendable and cannot depend on any social safety net or public assistance if disaster, in whatever form, strikes. Washingtons response to this human tragedy has been one of gross incompetence and criminal indifference. People have been left to literally die in the streets of a major American city without any assistance for four days. Images of suffering and degradation that resemble the conditions in the most impoverished Third World countries are broadcast daily with virtually no visible response from the government of a country that concentrates the greatest share of wealth in the world.

The official response to the disaster focused on repression rather than saving lives. Fueled by trumped-up media claims of looting and lawlessness, some 65,000 National Guard troops, joined by Blackwater mercenaries, were dispatched to enforce law and order. For the ruling class and its political representatives, from Republican President George W. Bush to Democratic state and local officials, the overriding concern was not rescuing the population but preventing the human catastrophe from morphing into a social uprising.

The Army Times published an article declaring that the military would fight insurgency in the city, while the US Armys own website boasted that troops used their experience in Iraq and other operations to bring order to a confused situation. Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco stated, They have M16s and are locked and loaded. These troops know how to shoot and kill, and I expect they will. In the early days of the flooding, there was a string of murders carried out by police.

President Bushs conduct epitomized the ruling class response to the catastrophe. He stayed on vacation at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, and did not return to Washington D.C. until Wednesday, three days into the disaster. As Air Force One flew over New Orleans, Bush was photographed peering out on the scene of mass suffering through a window on the plane.

For a quarter-century before Katrina, administrations of both parties diverted resources away from social infrastructure and programs and funneled them into the coffers of the corporate oligarchy. Bush and Congress had unlimited funds to wage war in Iraq and Afghanistan and to build up, in the name of homeland security, the framework of a police state, but offered no federal aid to the victims of Katrina. Instead, the White House urged the population to donate to private charities.

And what are the conditions 20 years later? The rebuilding program after Katrina accelerated the nationwide social counterrevolution already underway. The city was held up as a model for the country: Nearly the entire public school system was privatized and turned into for-profit charter schools, housing projects were demolished, and Charity Hospital, founded in 1736 to serve the poor, was permanently closed. The poorest neighborhoods were emptied of large sections of their working class residents, while other areas were gentrified.

Today, the population remains 23 percent smaller than before the storm, the poverty rate is 22.6 percentmore than double the national average of 11.1 percentand economic inequality is greater than ever. Public transportation has shrunk to just 35 percent of its pre-Katrina capacity.

As the New York Times admitted this week,

New Orleans is smaller, poorer and more unequal than before the storm  rebuilding programs were little more than corporate bailouts  used to justify major private-sector takeovers of public services.  New Orleans now ranks as the most income unequal major city in America. Nearly one in three children live in povertyand for Black children, the rate is 43 percent.

These conditions are a concentrated expression of broader developments across the United States. Since 2005, the concentration of wealth in the hands of the rich and super-rich has only accelerated: The share of national wealth held by the top 1 percent has risen from 22 percent to more than 30 percent today.

Over the same period, there have been two multitrillion-dollar bailouts of Wall Street, in 2008 and 2020, carried out with bipartisan support, alongside further tax cuts for the wealthy, record military budgets and deep cuts to social programs.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by the refusal of both parties to adopt public health measures that impinge on corporate profit, has demonstrated that for the American state, millions of its citizens are deemed expendable. The pandemic has claimed nearly 1.2 million lives and left 48 million suffering from Long COVID. Meanwhile, global warming, with ocean temperatures at record highs, ensures that further weather-related disasters on the scale of Katrina are inevitable.

With the second Trump administration, these reactionary processes have reached a qualitatively new level. Trumps war on science and his sweeping cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including the elimination of its research arm in the fiscal 2026 budget, will reverse significant progress in tracking major storms. At the same time, his administration is dismantling Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

On Tuesday, three days before the Katrina anniversary, Trumps FEMA administrator suspended more than 20 employees, who had signed an open letter to Congress, called the Katrina Declaration, warning that the administrations cuts would have disastrous consequences.

Science News, citing the cuts at NOAA, wrote on Thursday:

Taken together, its not at all clear that the country is better prepared for another Katrina.  Climate change will make hazards more frequent and more severe, raising the costs of future disasters. The cost of climate-related hazards for the US Gulf region could double by 2050, a recent study found.  Hurricanes are becoming more dangerous as Earths climate warms: bigger, rainier, penetrating farther inlandand, increasingly, explosively and swiftly intensifying into major storms, fueled by rising ocean water temperatures.

In 2005, the WSWS wrote:

The political establishment and the corporate elite have been exposed as bankrupt, together with their ceaseless insistence that the unfettered development of capitalism is the solution to all of societys problems.

In the figure of the fascist dictator-in-the-making Donald Trump, and his complicit Democratic Party opposition, this assessment is being brutally confirmed. The central lesson of Katrinathat the basic requirements of modern society are incompatible with a system that subordinates everything to the enrichment of a financial oligarchymust now serve as the starting point for the working class to build its own independent revolutionary and socialist movement against capitalism.
Yesterday, for the second time this week, the Australian Labor government launched previously unannounced measures to overturn basic legal and democratic rights. Its immediate aim is to consign up to 400 former immigration detainees to the impoverished tiny Pacific island of Nauru, a former British, Australian and New Zealand colony.

Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses government is setting far-reaching precedents, initially directed against refugees and immigrants, that parallel or go beyond those being pursued by other capitalist governments internationally, spearheaded by the Trump administration in the US and the Starmer government in the UK.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) with former Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke November 27, 2022 [Photo: Facebook/Anthony Albanese]

Without any prior notice, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke made a snap visit to Nauru on Friday to sign a $408 million-plus deal to allow the Albanese government to start deporting to the remote island hundreds of people, including asylum seekers, who had been released from indefinite detention in November 2023 as the result of a High Court case known as NZYQ.

Burkes office silently uploaded a cursory statement to the Home Affairs website on Friday afternoon, providing no details. It simply stated that Burke had met with Naurus President David Adeang, cabinet and entire parliament to sign a memorandum of understanding. Under the deal, Nauru, with a population of just 12,000 people, will take ex-detainees who had been freed by the ruling in NZYQ v Minister for Immigration.

A transcript from the Nauru parliaments session on Friday showed that Australia committed an upfront $408 million to Nauru, and will keep paying about $70 million each year to cover the ongoing costs of resettlement.

Bullied by Australia, Naurus government had previously agreed in February to grant 30-year visas to victims of this policy. They will be consigned to live under a supervised regime, potentially for life, supposedly with vague shared accommodation and working rights.

On Tuesday, equally without public warning, the Albanese government introduced a bill into parliament to abolish the right of procedural fairnessthe fundamental right to a fair hearingfor the ex-detainees and for anyone else facing removal to a location where the government has similar third country reception arrangements.

Burke told parliament: Procedural fairness is a fundamental principle in many areas of decision-making, however, these provisions can and are being used by non-citizens to frustrate their removal at cost to the Commonwealth in circumstances where it is neither necessary or appropriate for it to continue to apply.

That logic opens the door for the abolition of hearing and due process rights, and other basic democratic rights more broadly, wherever the government wants to expunge the ability of its victims to challenge its decisions.

In fact, the bill seeks to scrap procedural fairness rights, with retrospective effect, on all issues relating to any third country deportation plans. It also aims to limit the power of the relevant tribunal, the Administrative Review Tribunal, to overturn a ministers decision to deny or cancel a visa on character grounds.

Even the official Human Rights Commission expressed concern yesterday. Commissioner Lorraine Finlay stated: These amendments strip away one of the most basic legal protections of a fair society: the right to be heard. They would allow the government to remove someone to a third country without giving them a meaningful opportunity to respond to a decision that has significant consequences for their life, safety, health and family.

But the bills official explanatory memorandum blatantly dismissed such reservations. To the extent that the measures in these amendments limit human rights, they do so in order to maintain the integrity of the migration system, it stated.

The governments moves could see around 350 former detainees quickly rounded up for a new version of indefinite detentionfirst inside Australian detention facilities and then on Nauru. They had been released in 2023 after the High Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to indefinitely imprison people who could not be deported because no other country would take them.

A previous bill passed last year means that if a third country offers an ex-detainee a visa, their current Australian visa would be automatically cancelled and they would be sent back into immigration detention.

Axing the right to procedural fairness would mean that the ex-detainees can be forcibly removed to Nauru, or any other contracted third country, without any form of hearing or due process.

That is regardless of whether those third countries are signatories of the international refugee convention, which prohibits removal back to countries that refugees had fled, fearing death or persecution.

The High Courts NZYQ ruling involved a stateless Rohingya man, identified only as NZYQ. The judges partially overturned a shocking near-20 year precedent set by the High Court of permitting indefinite detention of non-citizens. In NZYQ, the judges said detention amounted to punishment, which only courts can inflict under the Australian Constitution, but said it would still be constitutional to lock up people where there was a real prospect of removal to another country.

The Albanese governments more than $400 million pledge to Nauru is on top of a $100 million deal it earlier signed with Naurus government, despite opposition from Naurus population, to reopen a notorious Australian-funded refugee detention facility.

That virtual concentration camp had originally been established as part of the 19962007 Howard Liberal-National governments Pacific Solution to imprison asylum seekers on remote islands in Nauru and Papua New Guinea, both former colonies. That solution, which Labor backed, set a global model for extinguishing the rights of the growing numbers of refugees and others trying to flee the oppression, impoverishment and military violence that has its roots in imperialist exploitation and plunder around the world.

According to Amnesty International, there were about 100 people in the Nauru detention centre at the start of this year. On August 1, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre reported an outbreak of painful and debilitating mosquito-borne dengue fever among the refugees, on top of other physical and mental health problems. The centre voiced fears for their safety because of Naurus fragile health system, reporting: The people seeking asylum are surviving on a stipend of $230 a fortnight, and are unable to afford or access mosquito nets and repellent to protect themselves.

The Labor governments moves this week mark its fifth and most sweeping step, backed by the Coalition, to thwart the High Courts NZYQ ruling and hence the constitutional bar to indefinite detention, and to terminate all legal challenges currently underway against its Nauru plan.

Labors previous measures included far-reaching preventative detention laws that proved difficult to implement, and powers to impose ankle bracelets, curfews and other police-state restrictions on released detainees. But the High Court then ruled that these latter restrictions were another form of unconstitutional indefinite punishment.

Despite popular opposition, Labor and the Coalition also joined hands to pass three anti-immigrant bills. One was a potential mass deportation bill. Immigration officials admitted that more than 80,000 people on bridging or temporary visas could be expelled from the country under its provisions

The second bill ordered migrants being expelled from the country to cooperate in efforts to ensure their prompt and lawful removal, or they could be imprisoned repeatedly for up to five years. The third bill provided the government the power to confiscate mobile phones from detainees, to prevent them from communicating with the outside world.

All these moves have been accompanied by bipartisan and corporate media scaremongering, demonising the detainees as serious criminals, murderers and rapists. Many are traumatised refugees, and all have completed any prison sentences they received for earlier convictions. If they were citizens, they would not be incarcerated.

Why Nauru?

Nauru was ravaged by decades of colonial phosphate mining, leaving many of its people destitute and now facing the danger of being swamped by the rising ocean levels produced by global climate change.

Researchers estimate 80 percent of Nauru has become uninhabitable due to mining, and local authorities believe that rising tides will force 90 percent of its residents to relocate to higher ground. Its government has become so desperate that it is selling $160,000 golden passports to wealthy foreigners to raise cash.

In response, the Albanese government is intensifying the Australian ruling classs neo-colonial pressure, and not just on becoming a dumping ground for immigration detainees.

Last December, in return for a pittance in aid, the Labor government imposed a pact on Nauru that gives Australian governments veto powers over Naurus diplomatic and foreign policy, and will dominate its financial and communication infrastructure.

Similar agreements with Australia were inflicted last year on two other former strategically-located colonies, Papua New Guinea and the small island state of Tuvalu, all on the condition that they line up unequivocally with the US-led and Canberra-enforced confrontation with China.

The Labor government is now rushing to get parliament to ratify the Nauru treaty, raising an alarm that a $A1 billion ($US648.85 million) Chinese investment proposal could breach its provisions. Under that proposal, the China Rural Revitalization and Development Corp would help develop Naurus renewable energy, phosphate industry, fisheries, water, agriculture, transportation and health sectors.

Labors role is not an aberration. The Labor Party was founded in the 1890s on the racist White Australia policy of excluding non-European migrants. In recent decades, Labor has headed attacks on asylum, including the introduction of mandatory detention for all refugees in the 1990s and the reopening of offshore detention camps in 2012.

Since the 1990s, both Labor and Coalition governments have set leads for other governments to shut their doors, block refugee boats, detain asylum seekers and either return them or transport them to grim isolated locations.

Today, the Labor government is also slashing the numbers of immigrants and international students, blaming them for the deteriorating social conditions produced by capitalisms economic and cost-of-living crisis, and the channelling of billions of dollars into military spending amid the US-backed Gaza genocide and the preparations for war against China.

This amounts to a poisonous nationalist drive to divide working people, domestically and globally. To defeat it means fighting for the international unity of working people, including refugees, in the common struggle against capitalism and for socialism.
Displaced Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza Strip move with their belongings on a street in Gaza City, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana]

Since the official declaration by the UN of a famine in Gaza City one week ago, Palestinians have endured among the deadliest attacks since the onset of Israels campaign of genocide began in October 2023.

Lethal strikes targeting medical facilities are part of the accelerated moves by the Zionist government for the complete occupation of Gaza City. These measures are being carried out in advance of mass expulsions and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, all of which are backed by the US and supported by the other imperialist powers.

On August 25, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, the largest remaining partially functioning hospital in southern Gaza. At around 10:00 a.m., the first strike hit the hospitals upper floors as journalists and medical staff tended to over 1,000 patients, triggering chaos and panic.

Over the next several minutes, a second and then a nearly simultaneous third strikenow documented in footage by CNNstruck the gathering of rescuers, health workers and additional reporters. In total, at least 22 people were killed: five journalists, four healthcare staff, members of the civil defense, patients and civilians. More than 50 others were wounded, many critically.

Deliberately striking emergency responders and journalists with double-tap and triple-tap attacks, as described by the BBC and CNN, is a war crime under international law. Journalists killed included Reuters contractor Hussam al-Masri, Al Jazeeras Mohammad Salama, APs Mariam Abu Dagga, freelancers Moaz Abu Taha and Ahmad Abu Aziz.

Despite Israels claim of a tragic mishap, the IDF justified the strikes as usual by stating that six terrorists were targeted and that a comprehensive investigation was ongoing that will never produce any findings.

On Wednesday, the IDF formally declared Gaza City a dangerous combat zone, meaning a broader ground assault is imminent. The Israeli militarys statement canceled all daily tactical pauses for humanitarian delivery and confirmed that evacuation of Gaza is inevitable, a reference to the removal of the citys Palestinian population, estimated at nearly 1 million.

Israeli spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed on social media that preliminary operations and the initial phases of the assault on Gaza City had begun, with ground forces operating at the citys outskirts.

Residents described scenes of widespread panic. Many have nowhere to flee except toward designated concentration zones in southern Gaza, which are already overwhelmed with displaced Palestinians.

Israeli leaders have made clear their intentions. Far-right Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich publicly called for the annexation of the entire Gaza Strip, a move Hamas has described as an official call to exterminate Palestinians. Israels measures are being executed in open defiance of mass international outrage and documented charges of ethnic cleansing.

After more than 10 months of total siege and the systematic destruction of critical infrastructure, the United Nations officially declared famine in the Gaza Governorate, including Gaza City, on August 22, 2025. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed widespread starvation, destitution, and preventable deaths.

Over half a million people are trapped in famine, with hundreds of thousands more at risk as hunger spreads into the central and southern regions of Gaza. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated, The famine declared today in Gaza Governorate  is the direct result of actions taken by the Israeli Government, including unlawful restrictions on humanitarian aid, destruction of agricultural and civilian infrastructure and forced displacement.

UNICEF has warned that deaths from starvation and malnutrition are now occurring across the Strip, particularly among children, and that the situation worsens daily. Meanwhile, the Israeli government is disputing the declaration and continuing the blockade and preventing aid from entering Gaza.

As of Thursday, at least 62,966 Palestinians have been killed and tens of thousands more wounded since October 2023 in what is now acknowledged by international agencies and human rights groups as a genocide. The true number is likely multiples higher, as thousands have perished under the rubble from continuous bombardment, starvation and preventable disease. These deaths may never be fully recorded.

Amid the catastrophe, coordination by the imperialist powers in the ethnic cleansing of Gaza has been evident throughout. Reports reveal that a meeting was held at the Trump White House with the participation of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, prominent US and Israeli officials, and Gulf State envoys that plotted the next stage of the conspiracy against the Palestinians.

The agenda included discussion of plans to organize the mass transfer of Palestiniansa policy that represents a repeat of the Nakba of 1948and to resettle the people from Gaza into third countries, including South Sudan. Blairs involvement highlights the central role played by the Western imperialist powers in orchestrating and legitimizing Israeli war crimes.

The US and European governments continue to arm and shield Israels actions in Gaza, actively plotting with the Israeli military to execute policies of mass expulsion while feigning outrage over Zionist atrocities. The Trump administration has been at the forefront of this campaign, functioning as the political and logistical arm of the ethnic cleansing operation that has no precedent in world history other than the Nazi Holocaust of World War II.

Tony Blairs appearance at the Trump White House is a warning. Blair has decades of service as an architect of imperialist wars and war crimes. As Labour Party prime minister, he played a pivotal role in the US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003, justifying the war and promoting the lie of the administration of George W. Bush that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction.

The resulting military assault and occupation of Iraq led to hundreds of thousands of deaths and the destruction of Iraqi society. The World Socialist Web Site has documented Blairs participation in crimes against humanity, including the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria.

His transition from head of the British government to Middle East envoy for the Quartet (US, EU, Russia, UN) in 2007 enabled him to work directly with the Zionists in Israel to deepen the siege and occupation of Gaza. Through lucrative consultancies and advisory roles, Blair has continued his decades-long pattern of enabling and sanitizing imperialist violence under the guise of diplomacy and peace negotiations.

The murder of five journalists during the air strikes on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis on Monday follows the long record of Israeli targeting of members of the press. International journalists organizations and independent investigations have documented how Israeli forces have repeatedly used sniper fire, artillery and airstrikes against clearly identified journalists covering the war in Gaza.

The deliberate targeting of media personnel is intended both to silence reports on Israeli war crimes and to terrorize the besieged population.

Meanwhile, according to an investigative report published in The Guardian and cited by others, US troops deployed to the regionincluding those involved in logistical, intelligence and armaments support for Israelare likely liable for war crimes committed in Gaza. Legal experts emphasize that American military personnel and civilian planners could face prosecution under international law for their complicity in collective punishment, use of starvation as a weapon and enabling ethnic cleansing.

An orchestrated plan is now in motion to remove the entire Palestinian population from Gaza City and, ultimately, the whole Gaza Strip. Israel and the US are working on the forced relocation of over a million Palestinians to humanitarian cities in the southessentially concentration campswith the intent to remove them to third countries in Africa or the Arab world, including South Sudan.

The US has mobilized logistical and diplomatic resources in preparation for the expulsion, securing the complicity of neighboring Arab states and international agencies for the Israeli campaign of ethnic cleansing. The role played by the Trump White House shows that the destruction of Gaza is not only Israels crime but a crime authorized and strategically planned by US imperialism.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein]

In the aftermath of the horrific mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, in which two children were killed and 18 others wounded, the fascist right, Elon Musk and the Trump administration are seizing on the shooters identity to launch a pogrom-style campaign of demonization against transgender people.

The comments and proposals now being advanced by the White House and its allies in the media, including openly neo-Nazi and Christian nationalist propagandists, are the political antecedents of imprisonment, forced deprogramming, electroshock, and other forms of abuse historically visited on LGBTQ people.

While the fascists are fixated on the shooters identity, at a press conference Thursday police officials stated that the shooter hated everyone except other mass murderers. The latter include several neo-Nazis whose names the shooter had written on the weapons used in the killings.



Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara confirmed that among the 18 wounded in Tuesdays attack, 15 were children between the ages of 6 and 15, with three elderly adults in their eighties also injured. While some children suffered graze wounds, several remain hospitalized in critical condition.



Chief OHara said the shooter was a former student at the school whose mother once worked there. The shooter, OHara said, had some deranged fascination with previous mass shootings and very disturbing writings that demonstrate hatred towards many different individuals and groups of people, and fantasized about previous mass killers.

As families mourned, the far-right propaganda machine directed from the billionaires in the White House and the owners of major media platforms moved into overdrive.

The owner of X and worlds richest man, Elon Musk, has led the charge. On Friday, he reposted Libs of TikToks smear that the Democratic Party grooms kids into being transgender and turns them into radical LGBTQ terrorists.

Elon Musk gives a Nazi salute at an indoor presidential Inauguration event in Washington, Monday, January 20, 2025. [AP Photo]

Less than a day after the shooting, in posts to his 180 million followers, Musk claimed that violent crime among trans people was 10 times higher than the general population, a blatant lie, and demanded the FDA withdraw gender-affirming hormones.

Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, falsely claiming that violent crimes per capita by trans-identifying individuals are ten times higher than the rest of the population and demanding the FDA withdraw hormone treatments, Aug. 28, 2025 [Photo: Twitter/X screenshot]

In an interview with Brian Kilmeade, fascist propagandist for Fox News, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. backed Musks call to go after psychiatric and hormone medications. Kilmeade said that while there were a lot of questions, it was clear that the shooter was trans or transitioning.

Kilmeade then asked Kennedy if he was going to be examining at all any of the drugs used to make that transition happening? To see if it plays a role? Because we also know there was a trans shooter in the Tennessee situation.

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, in conversation with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speculating that transition drugs may have played a role in the Minneapolis school shooting. Kennedy confirmed the NIH is conducting studies on psychiatric medications and violence, Aug. 28, 2025. [Photo: Fox News]

Kennedy assured Kilmeade,

Yea, we are doing those kinds of studies now at [National Institute of Health] on the potential contribution of some SSRI drugs and some of the other psychiatric drugs that might be contributing to violence. You know many of them...have black box warnings that warn of suicidal ideation and homicidal ideation. So we need, we cant exclude those as a culprit and those are the kind of studies that we are doing.

By pointing to hormones, SSRIs, and transition drugs, both Kilmeade and Kennedy reinforce a fascist conspiracy linking transgender identity and mass violence. It sets the stage for regulatory crackdowns on gender-affirming care, with the NIH itself framed as investigating trans people as a public safety threat.

In a press conference Thursday, Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, called the shooter an evil monster and did not deny a call from fascist Daily Wire reporter Mary Olohan for the FBI to create a new category of domestic terrorism involving trans ideology.



The day before on her Instagram, Leavitt amplified a post from the far-right style magazine The Conservateurs which claimed a demonic force is moving when a transgender maniac sprays bullets at pews of Catholic school children. Shame on the progressive leaders and lawmakers who make this about the man in the White House, the second amendment or so-called trans bigotry.

MAGA-propagandists, including Matt Walsh, Charlie Kirk and Jack Posobiec, have joined in the attack. On X, Walsh claimed Trans terrorism is an epidemic. Kirk reposted a Libs of TikTok post calling trans persons a growing safety threat while Posbiec shared a graphic falsely claiming a surge of trans shooters.

This rhetoric is specifically designed to scapegoat and equate the existence of transgender people with terrorism.

On his program following the attack, Jesse Watters of Fox News used the shooting to paint a target on all opponents of the fascistic Trump administration. Above a caption that read theres a pattern of trans violence Watters mused, and it seems like half of antifa is trans.

The United States is home to the most billionaires and school mass shootings. The phenomena of mass school shootings in the US has exploded over the last three decades under conditions of unending war abroad, deepening inequality and the evisceration of democratic rights and what remains of the social safety.

While the ruling class and politicians ignore these factors in the rise of school shootings, the fascist attempt to pin the blame on transgender persons is transparently false.

As the Republicans drive the anti-trans crusade, the Democrats are rushing to keep pace with their fascist colleagues. During his 2024 campaign Trump routinely spread fascist lies about transgender people. In response to similar attacks from Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, his opponent in the race, Democrat Colin Allred ran an ad declaring he opposed trans participation in womens sports.

Speaking with the aforementioned fascist Charlie Kirk on his podcast earlier this year, California Governor Gavin Newsom backed Kirks anti-trans campaign, which is laundered under the false flag of defending womens sports. Newsom, adapting to his fascist guest, said, I am not wrestling with the fairness issue. I totally agree with you.

Gavin Newsom boasting to Charlie Kirk that he has coordinated 10,000 deportations with ICE on the "This is Gavin Newsom" show, March 6, 2025. [Photo: Gavin Newsom]

The Democratic Party, which elevates issues of identity above class to obscure its own alignment with corporate and military interests, has no principled opposition to the fascist assault.



The defense of democratic rights is a class question. It cannot be entrusted to the Democratic Party, a party that funds genocide abroad and votes with Trump to finance a government carrying out mass deportations.



The Minneapolis massacre is being transformed into an ideological battering ram for the far right. What is posed is the necessity of the independent political mobilization of the working class, uniting every section of the oppressed in a common struggle against capitalism, dictatorship, and war.
Cardi B has been embroiled in a $24 million lawsuit with security guard Emani Ellis since 2020.

Ellis filed suit against Cardi (real name Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar) following an alleged altercation that took place at a Beverly Hills, California, medical office in 2018. A physical confrontation allegedly erupted when Cardi suspected that Ellis was filming her without her permission.

In the bombshell lawsuit, Ellis accused the Grammy-winning musician of assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and false imprisonment over the incident. The security guard also claimed that shed undergone psychological and medical treatment to recover.

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Cardi denied all allegations made against her by Ellis and accused the security guard of trying to unfairly secure a massive financial payout. More than seven years after the original altercation, Cardi and Ellis finally faced off in court in August 2025.

Cardi B Appears to Lose Her Patience During Cross-Examination in Viral Clip From $24M Assault Trial

Keep scrolling for more information on Ellis and why she filed a $24 million lawsuit against the rapper:

Who Is Emani Ellis?

Ellis worked as a security guard at the Beverly Hills medical center where Cardi was receiving obstetrics treatment in February 2018. She testified in the August 2025 trial that shed been working at the building for four years by 2018 and had no criminal record.

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Asked how shed landed the security job, Ellis told her lawyer: You have to get finger-printed and its sent to the state of California for approval.

Ellis denied during her testimony that shed ever "assaulted or battered anyone in her life. Under cross-examination, Ellis said she was fired from her security job due to the incident with Cardi but had since pivoted to a new career as a social worker.

I work with low-income families to access resources, she noted.

What Happened Between Emani Ellis and Cardi B?

The exact details of the 2018 confrontation remain in dispute, as Ellis and Cardi have given very different descriptions of their run-in.

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Cardi was four months pregnant at the time, though she had not yet publicly announced she was expecting her first child. (The rapper shares her daughter Kulture (born in July 2018), as well as son Wave (born in September 2021) and daughter Blossom (born in September 2024), with her estranged husband, Offset. Cardi filed for divorce from Offset in July 2024 after nearly seven years of marriage.)

Ellis and Cardi both agree that they crossed paths in the medical buildings hallway. During her August 2025 testimony, Cardi recalled that Ellis followed her down the hall and tried to secretly film her.

Cardi said she asked why Ellis was recording her, to which the security guard allegedly replied: Because I can.

No, you cant, Cardi recalled responding.

Snorlax / MEGA

While Cardi has denied that the argument ever turned physical, she acknowledged that the two women were standing chest to chest as she demanded, Bitch, get the f*** out of my face.

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Were literally screaming at each other, Cardi told the court. I didnt touch her. It was like a verbal fight, but it didnt get physical at all.

Ellis offered a totally different interpretation in her testimony. She admitted to saying aloud, Wow, its Cardi B, when she spotted the artist stepping off the elevator. However, Ellis said she immediately tried to assure Cardi B that she wouldnt tell anyone about her visit to the obstetrics office.

Ellis accused Cardi of cutting her face with a fingernail once the disagreement allegedly turned physical. Cardi also allegedly spit on the security guard and used racial slurs before the two were separated.

What Has Emani Ellis Said About the Case?

In her own August 2025 testimony, Ellis insisted that she wasnt speaking to anyone in particular when she identified Cardi on the fifth floor hallway.

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After she heard me say her name, she turned back around and the first thing out of her mouth was  excuse my language  Why the f*** are you telling people that you see me, Ellis said. At this time, I tried to calm her down and assure her that I didnt tell anyone that Id seen her, and she was extremely upset.

Cardi B Goes Off on Offset on Instagram Live  And Then He Tunes In

Ellis alleged that Cardi B initiated physicality between them by jabbing a finger in her face as she engaged in a profanity-laced tirade.

She was like, F*** you, you fat-ass bitch, Im gonna beat your ass, Im gonna get you fired  thats why you do security,' Ellis told the court.

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According to Ellis, Cardi tried to strike her and ended up slashing her face with a nail. Ellis alleged that Cardi later used her celebrity status to get her fired from the security job.

APEX / MEGA

Ellis testified that shed dealt with a variety of physical and emotional symptoms in the wake of her alleged encounter with Cardi, including anxiety and depression, insomnia and post-traumatic stress. She confirmed to her lawyer that shed sought treatment with a psychologist two months after the incident.

During her court appearance, Ellis admitted she initially had no intention of suing Cardi, yet she changed her mind after weighing the physical and emotional trauma of their encounter.
Devon Flanagan, an assistant attorney general from Rhode Island, was arrested earlier this month during an embarassing incident that was captured on police body camera. On August 14, the police were called to the Clarke Cooke House restaurant in Newport, Rhode Island. Flanagan was at the restaurant with a friend who was intoxicated and refused to leave.

During the interaction, Flanagan continuously tried to pressure the police to turn off their body cameras and used her position as an assistant attorney general to try to get her way.

Protocol is that you turn it off if a citizen requests to turn it off, she told them. Im an AG! Im an AG!

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After Flanagan repeatedly refused to comply with police orders, they prepared to detain her for willful trespass. As the police loaded her into the back of a patrol car, she was still shouting warnings her way.

Youre going to regret this. Youre going to regret it. Im an A, she said right as she was cut off by the patrol car door slamming.

Flanagan, who pleaded no contest to the charges against her, has now learned that she will receive six months of unpaid leave for the incident.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha spoke out about the embarrassment that Flanagan caused not only herself but her colleagues.

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On Aug. 14, Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan mistreated the Newport Police Department and embarrassed herself, the Office, and frankly, me. We hold our attorneys to the highest personal and professional standards, and Ms. Flanagan plainly did not meet those standards here, he said.

He also acknowledged that this incident will be hard for Flanagan to recover from professionally.

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, he said.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  One person was airlifted and two were hoptilazed after a two-vehicle crash in Darke County on Friday evening.

According to the Darke County Sheriffs Office, the crash happened at approximately 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Childrens Home-Bradford and Horatio-New Harrison roads.

The initial investigation found a Black 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, driven by a 38-year-old man from Franklin, was heading east on Childrens Home-Bradford Road. A Dark Green 2020 Toyota Tacoma, driven by a 56-year-old man from Bradford, was heading south on Horatio-New Harrison Road. Officials said the Chevy failed to yield the right of way to the Toyota at the stop sign. The Chevy was then hit by the Toyota.

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Police chase ends with arrest, man found in trash can on Friday evening

The Chevy driver was taken by medics to Wayne Hospital. His passengers, a 36-year-old woman and three juveniles, were uninjured.

The Toyota driver was taken to Upper Valley Medical Center by Care Flight. His passenger, a 55-year-old woman, was also taken to Wayne Hospital.

Officials said all injuries are non-life-threatening. The crash is under active investigation.

2 NEWS is working to learn more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
TIVERTON, R.I. (WPRI)  A woman was injured in a fire that tore through a Tiverton home Friday evening.

Deputy Fire Chief Joshua Ferreira told 12 News firefighters rushed to the Blaisdell Street home after receiving a 911 call just before 6 p.m.

Firefighters were immediately met with flames shooting out of the front of the home and the injured woman. She was brought to the hospital for evaluation and is expected to be OK, according to Ferreira.

(Courtesy: Ronald Camara)

The home sustained significant fire, water and smoke damage. Ferreira said two neighboring homes also sustained minor exterior damage.

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Its unclear if the injured woman lived in the home, which has been deemed a total loss.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

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Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.

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CHICAGO  A woman was killed and another is recovering in the hospital following an overnight shooting on the citys South Side.

Police say the victims were found inside an apartment building in the 7700 block of South Essex, in South Shore, just before midnight, as officers were responding to a report of a person shot in the area.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

While it is unclear if the shooting unfolded in the area, officers said when they arrived at the building, they found an open door. After announcing their arrival, they went inside and found the two victims, a 23-year-old woman and a 25-year-old woman who had both suffered gunshot wounds.

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The 25-year-old woman was later taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead, while the 23-year-old woman remains in fair condition.

Officers say they spoke with a person of interest in connection with the incident, but no arrests have been made.

Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting or if it unfolded at the apartment building.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Authorities have not identified the victim killed.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact CPD Area Two Detectives at 312-747-8273 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  One person was airlifted and three others were hurt after a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on Friday afternoon, Aug. 29, in Sunland Park, according to a spokesperson with the Sunland Park Fire Department.

The crash happened along McNutt and Naranjo on Aug. 29.

Two people  a man and a woman  were riding on a motorcycle when they were involved in a crash. They were both wearing helmets, according to the spokesperson.

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One of the riders had to be flown out to a local hospital for treatment. The spokesperson did not say which rider was airlifted.

The other rider suffered serious injuries, but both are in stable condition, according to the spokesperson.

The other two people involved in the crash were in a vehicle and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

According to the Sunland Park Fire spokesperson, north and southbound lanes on McNutt are closed to traffic between Country Club Road and Airport Road.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  One person was shot on the Las Vegas Strip early Saturday morning, officials said.

The shooting happened on the sidewalk during a fight between several men on South Las Vegas Boulevard near Flamingo Road around 12:15 a.m. Police took one person into custody, and there was no threat to the public, they said.

The shooting victim was rushed to the hospital for treatment and was expected to survive.

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No other information was available.

Stay with 8 News Now as this story develops.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Ten people have been arrested and charged in connection with a drug and contraband ring operating within the Hidalgo County Detention Center in Lordsburg, New Mexico, according to the Sixth Judicial District Attorneys Office.

The people who were arrested included both inmates and outside accomplices who allegedly served as distributors, runners and facilitators, the DAs Office said.

The investigation began when a District Attorneys Office investigator, while reviewing inmate phone calls for an unrelated case, identified suspicious conversations involving prison inmates and a detention center kitchen worker.

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This discovery prompted a deeper investigation, revealing a broader criminal operation, the DAs Office said.

Investigators uncovered a network responsible for smuggling drugs and contraband into the facility, the DAs Office said.

District Attorney Norman Wheeler coordinated with the New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, New Mexico State Police and the Silver City Police Department on the arrests.

This kind of activity, and the danger it brings, will not be tolerated, Wheeler said. Our rural communities deserve better. These individuals are accused of exploiting the prison system for personal gain, preying on incarcerated individuals, and profiting from criminal activity within a system meant to uphold justice.

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The case remains under active investigation, and additional charges may follow, the DAs Office said.

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Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), has stated that during the upcoming joint RussianBelarusian exercises Zapad-2025, the active phase of which begins on 12 September, a large-scale information attack is expected.

Source: Budanovs statement at the international forum Information War: From Resistance to Resilience

Quote: "From 12 September, there will be a truly massive wave of information escalation. Disinformation will be spread from absolutely all sides. Around 90% will come from Russia, and, unfortunately, 10% from others. Hysteria will be fuelled."

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Details: He said that the exercises in the military and political and military spheres are aimed at rehearsing manoeuvres on the western axis of the theatre of war.

Quote: "They will be acting out certain elements of a future war. This is not about Ukraine. It is a symbol and a message primarily for European countries, and first and foremost for the Baltic states."

Details: Budanov stressed that with the start of the active phase of these exercises, the Baltic countries will come under serious information pressure, which will be accompanied by multiple disinformation injections and provocations.

Between 12 and 16 September, the joint RussianBelarusian military exercises Zapad-2025 will take place in Belarus. More than 13,000 service personnel are expected to participate.

Background:

On 13 August, Belarus stated that during the exercises with Russia, they would draw up a plan for the use of nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system.

In April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that in summer 2025, Russia might be preparing something in Belarus under the cover of military exercises.

In February, Zelenskyy said that in 2025, Russia planned to prepare 15 divisions numbering 100,000-150,000 troops to reinforce the Belarusian front.

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On the afternoon of August 30, President Xi Jinping met at the Tianjin Guest House with Nepali Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli, who was in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025 and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

President Xi noted that China and Nepal are neighbors linked by mountains and rivers and enjoy lasting friendship. The two are also peace-loving countries who stand on our own feet. Over the past 70 years of diplomatic relations, the two peoples have stood together through thick and thin and written a historic chapter of good-neighborliness and friendship. China and Nepal are now making steady progress in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the two peoples have forged a closer bond with each other. China stands ready to work with Nepal to carry forward the traditional friendship and take to a new height the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.

President Xi stressed that the two sides need to enhance mutual strategic trust and firmly support each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns. We need to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly advance Belt and Road cooperation, and strengthen connectivity through ports, roads, power grids, aviation and telecommunications. We need to enhance cooperation in areas such as industry, agriculture and animal husbandry, new energy, environmental protection, oil and gas, artificial intelligence, education, health, law enforcement, and security. We need to continue the successful activities in celebration of the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. We need to enhance communication and coordination in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, jointly support free trade and sustainable development, and safeguard international fairness and justice.

Prime Minister Oli said that the Nepal-China relationship, having stood many tests, has only grown stronger. Both sides have always respected and trusted each other and attended to one anothers concerns. Cooperation with China has significantly boosted Nepals economic and social development. Nepal is firmly committed to the one-China principle, resolutely opposes Taiwan independence, and does not allow any force to use its territory to undermine Chinas interests. Nepal is committed to achieving continuous development and looks forward to deepening cooperation with China in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. We will enhance cooperation with China on trade, investment, agriculture, science and technology, tourism, climate response, and other fields and deliver more positive outcomes. Nepal supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China, values the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, actively upholds the Shanghai Spirit, and looks forward to China playing an even bigger role in international affairs.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Chen Miner, among others, were present at the meeting.
ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY, Mo.  Cody Trenkle, 13, is back home after being rescued from a ravine more than a month ago.

You did it, dude! Stephanie Neely said as she embraced her son, Cody, after walking out of Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital on Friday.

Cody has been asking to go home ever since he woke up from a coma in early August.

Protesters rally in Clayton over Mo.s redistricting plan

They took way too much of my blood for me to want to stay here, he said with laughter on Friday.

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On July 27, Cody went missing after going out to ride his skateboard in St. Francois County. The community spent days searching for him.

When he was found three days later, it was discovered that he had fallen 240 feet down a ravine. He suffered from multiple skull fractures, brain bleeds and lacerations all over his body. Cody spent 11 days in a medically induced coma at Cardinal Glennon. Neely never left his side.

Focus on the positives. Even find the small silver lining at the end of the day and for us thats always been, Hey, lets get you home as soon as possible so we can get Cody back to being Cody,' Neely said.

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Cody also never dwelled on the negatives.

I cant really remember what happened after I crashed. All I know is I survived and thats the best part of it, he said.

After he was released from Cardinal Glennon, he was transferred to Ranken Jordan for rehabilitation. When he was released Friday, he was moving around well with just a bandage on one knee. But his treatment is not over.

Neely says he will still have more physically, occupation and speech therapies. The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with his continuous medical needs.

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Hes a fighter. Just him having that will power to be home and be a normal teenage boy againthats what really drove him, Neely said.

He definitely already sounds like a normal teenage boy again. FOX 2 asked Cody what he will do when he gets home.

Im going to lay down on not a hospital bed. Maybe open the refrigerator and check my own food stock, he said with a smile.

The investigation continues into how Cody ended up in the ravine.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
NEED TO KNOW

A 16-year-old in Mississippi, who graduated high school two years early, just started college, per local news outlet WAPT 16

Quinton Simpson is studying electromagnetic engineering at Hinds Community College, and he also is playing tuba in the college band on a music scholarship

Quinton said the accomplishment feels amazing

A 16-year-old in Mississippi has already begun his next adventure: college!

Quinton Simpson of Clinton, a suburb of Jackson, graduated from high school two years early and recently began attending Hinds Community College, per local news outlet WAPT 16.



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Quinton said the significance of his accomplishment isnt lost on him.

I do think its a big accomplishment because I graduated early, he told the outlet. You can't just go around and say I graduated early  thats not something a lot of people do, and at 16 no less. It feels amazing.

His mother, Tiana Rhodes, worked in education for multiple years, and said she was there to witness her sons achievements every step of the way.

I know living with a teacher has its challenges, but he knows that I value education, she 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.

Quinton is studying electromechanical engineering. He also received a scholarship for music and plays tuba in the college band, according to WAPT 16.

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The academic nonprofit SR1 College Preparatory and STEM Academy, which has worked with Quinton in the past, congratulated him on Instagram on Aug. 27.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Big Congratulations to Quinton Simpson! the nonprofit wrote. Quinton is a shining example of the excellence, dedication, and hard work we celebrate at the SR1 C.O.O.L. Zone. Were so proud of him and cant wait to see all he accomplishes next!



Read the original article on People
(KRON)  Two suspects in an armed robbery of a University of California, Berkeley student were found with loaded guns after they sped away from campus and led police on a short pursuit, said the Berkeley Police Department.

San Francisco man convicted of domestic violence and assault

The morning incident happened in the south campus of the university. BPD said the suspected vehicle soon smashed into a center median in Downtown Berkeley where the duo was taken into custody. Police did not disclose the time and date of the incident in a social media post.

Photo courtesy of Berkeley Police Department.

Inside the getaway vehicle, officers found two loaded handguns, ammunition, a cache of marijuana (over 270 grams), as well as the victims stolen jewelry, said Berkeley PD.

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Berkeley police have not reported any injuries so far.

The jewelry was returned to the victim, police confirmed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
DENVER (KDVR)  Several vehicle crashes occurred overnight Friday in the Denver metro area, including a pair of hit-and-runs.

The Denver Police Department first said at 2:05 a.m. that it was investigating a hit and run crash involving a motorist and a bicycle in the area of West 14th Avenue and North Yates Street. One person was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, police said.

2 extracted from cars after separate crashes in Adams County Thursday night

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Less than an hour later, DPD said at 2:51 a.m. that it was investigating a hit and run crash involving a motorist anda stand up scooter in the area of West 17th Avenue and Welton Street. Two people who were riding the scooter were transported to the hospital with serious injuries, police said.

Less than 10 minutes later, DPD said at 2:59 a.m. that it was investigating a crash involving a single motorist that struck a tree in the area of East 17th Avenue and North Bellaire Street. One person was transported to the hospital with an unknown extent of injuries, police said.

Also this morning, a vehicle crashed into a power pole at around 6 a.m., causing it to fall down and break near East 40th Avenue and Jackson Street, according to DPD, who told Fox31 that the driver took off after the crash.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Two civilian U.S. Navy super visors were indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for conspiring to cover up the size and severity of the May 6, 2021, that contaminated water for 93, 000 people and prompted a class-action lawsuit.

John Floyd, 63, of Mililani, who worked as Fuels Department deputy director for the Navy, and Nelson Wu, 38, of Waipahu who was Fuels Department supervisory engineer, were indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday.

Wu reported directly to Floyd. The pair allegedly redacted data sets, control room logs, tank inventory reports, tank level logs and transfer records.

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A federal into the May 6, 2021, spill, and another 20, 000-gallon jet fuel spill on Nov. 20, 2021, have been on going since at least 2022.

Civilian and U.S. Department of Defense officials in charge of Red Hill operations during the fuel leaks have been testifying before the panel.

Floyd and Wu are charged with conspiracy to commit an offense against the U.S. and causing another person to make a materially false statement or a material omission in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the federal government, according to the U.S. Attorneys office.

The pair are summoned for an arraignment on Friday at 10 :30 a.m. before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Kenneth J. Mansfield and are not in federal custody.

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In October 2021, that the May 6, 2021, spill was due to a control room operators failure to follow correct procedures and not due to age of infrastructure, corrosion or the equipment condition.

Between May 6, 2021, and Oct. 1, 2021, Floyd and Wu worked in their roles for the Navy Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor, which included the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

After 20, 000 gallons of jet fuel spilled on May 6, 2021, following the failing of two pipeline couplings, the state Department of Health issued a formal request for answers as part of its authorized role as a regulator of the facility.

On Oct. 1, 2021, the Navy responded to the states request for information and Floyd and Wu participated in drafting the response to the RFI (request for information ) for review by Navy officers and transmission to the (state ).

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The Fuels Department was the main source of information for the response.

When questioned about the accuracy of the May 6, 2021, spill volume data by multiple Navy officers involved in approving the response to the RFI, Floyd and Wu reiterated that only an estimated 1, 618 gallons had spilled into the tunnel and that the remainder of the jet fuel put into the JP-5 pipeline during the attempted transfer from Tank 12 had remained in the pipeline,  according to the indictment.

Floyd and Wu intended the Navy to report to the state Department of Health a fuel release quantity for the May 6, 2021, jet fuel spill that severely underreported the actual figure  by supplying the Navy officers responsible for issuing a response to the state with a draft response that contained materially inaccurate information and omitted information and records material to the questions and demands. They also reassured the Navy officers that their fuel release and capture quantities were accurate  when questioned by the Navy officers, according to the indictment.

The Red Hill facility was built in the cavities of a mountain above an aquifer to conceal it from enemy attacks, according to the Navy and federal prosecutors. Construction occurred between 1940 to 1943 and included 20 steel-lined storage tanks.

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Each of the cylindrical tanks was 100 feet in diameter and 250 feet tall with a storage capacity of approximately 12.5 million gallons, according to the federal court records.

The storage tanks, which were numbered 1 through 20, were connected by an approximately 2.5-mile pipeline system that ran through an underground tunnel adjacent to the tanks from just uphill of tanks 19 and 20 down to Pearl Harbor.

The water contamination, including a Nov. 20, 2021, spill of 20, 000 gallons, affected roughly 93, 000 people, mostly military families and civilians living in former military areas.

For months following the November spill, the state Department of Health issued an advisory that the water was unsafe to drink.

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Thousands of families relocated to hotel rooms or moved out of their housing as the Navy and regulators worked to make the water safe to drink. The all-clear was declared in March 2022, about four months after the jet fuel contamination was found.

In March 2022, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the department would permanently shut down the Red Hill facility following the disaster.

The decision came amid withering pressure from state officials, the Hawaii congressional delegation, protests and extensive community opposition to keeping the under ground, World War II-era fuel facility in operation.

If convicted, Floyd and Wu face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250, 000 on each charge.

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This case is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, and the Environmental Protection Agency Office of the Inspector General.

On May 7, Senior U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to 17 people affected by the Red Hill water crisis as part of ongoing consideration of civil complaints generated by the disaster.

Koba yashi ordered the government to pay $682, 258 to the plaintiffs to compensate them for damages and, in the case of some clients, for future medical care related to exposure to jet fuel that tainted the Navys Oahu water system.

The 17 bellwether cases  were selected from more than 7, 500 cases connected to the Red Hill fuel spill that are awaiting resolution. Two other related casesone for military service members and one for more military families and civiliansalso are pending in Hawaiis federal court.

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Last month, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply in connection to the jet fuel leaks.

In a nearly 100-page federal civil tort complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of Hawaii, BWS says its suing the Navy for negligence, nuisance, and trespass resulting in damages where the government of the United States of America, if a private party, would be liable to the BWS.

BWS has estimated the cost of past, current and future impacts from the fuel leaks at $1.2 billion.

by
Two pastors were arrested Friday night as they attempted to block state crews from covering up a street mural, according to St. Petersburg Police.

Florida Department of Transportation crews arrived to paint over a Black History Matters street mural outside the Woodson African American Museum of Florida around 8 p.m. Friday, police said in a news release.

About 15 minutes later, Rev. Andy Oliver, an activist and pastor of Allendale United Methodist Church, and Benedict Atherton-Zeman, a minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church, walked by police officers and sat down in the road on the mural to block state machinery, police said.

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Officers warned them to move, according to police, but they refused and were arrested. Both were charged with obstruction and obstructing or hindering traffic as a pedestrian and booked into the Pinellas County Jail. Online records show they were released on cash bond early Saturday.

The mural was ultimately covered up.

Oliver and Atherton-Zeman both told the Tampa Bay Times that they were kneeling on the mural, praying. They said officers asked them to move, but they didnt. Several officers carried them to nearbygrass and placed them into handcuffs.

For me, living out my faith, resisting tyranny and fascism and white supremacy was the most important thing last night, Oliver said. I had to do what I had to do.

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I said Im just going to stay here and pray until my prayers are answered, Atherton-Zeman said.

The state has erased four out of five St. Petersburg street murals identified for removal as part of a statewide effort.

Last month, state officials issued a memo to make all roads uniform, giving new orders to eliminate non-compliant street art to keep roads free and clear of political ideologies by Sept. 4. After St. Petersburgs request to exempt five street murals was denied, the city announced last week that it would comply with the state order and let state crews cover up the street art.

Other cities are pushing back, but Mayor Ken Welch said Monday that city attorneys advised him that there was no winning legal path forward. He said he would not risk the city losing state funding, calling such a move irresponsible leadership.

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Welch encouraged residents to visit mural sites and take photos. But he urged them: Obey the law. Dont take the bait.

Welch posted on social media about the removed murals Saturday after a reporter reached out for comment but did not mention the pastors arrests. Through a spokesperson, he said he encourages citizens to exercise their right to protest peacefully and lawfully.

As I stated previously-blocking roadways and intersections is illegal under Florida law, the statement said. Be smart and protest in alignment with the law.

State crews on Friday also covered up a University of South Florida-themed crosswalk at USF St. Petersburgs campus and a geometric design at an intersection in the Childs Park neighborhood. Yolanda Fernandez, a police spokesperson, said state crews painted over the Common Ground colorful intersection at Central Avenue and Fifth Street overnight Friday. She didnt know when the final mural will be removed.

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The only one left is the progressive pride mural at Central Avenue and 25th Street.

An event called #StandUpStPete is taking place there Sunday. Residents are invited to make chalk art at surrounding intersections and take photos of the mural.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Two people were displaced and two dogs rescued after El Paso Fire Department crews knocked down a house fire in East-Central on Saturday, Aug. 30.

According to a spokesperson with El Paso Fire, the call came in at 10:23 a.m. along the 1500 block of Raynolds.

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The fire was in the kitchen and then spread to the attic, causing the call to be upgraded to a Condition 2 fire, the spokesperson said.

No injuries were reported and two dogs were rescued from the fire.

15 El Paso Fire units were called to the scene.

The El Paso Fire spokesperson said the American Red Cross has been notified to help the displaced residents.

The scene is still under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
PARKER, Colo. (KDVR)  Friday marked 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana, causing more than $120 billion in damage and taking more than 1,000 lives.

Some of those who fled New Orleans still call Colorado home two decades later.

New Orleans marks 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with solemn memorials, uplifting music

Marla Jones-Newman, her husband and their one-year-old daughter evacuated from their New Orleans home, thinking theyd only be gone a few days. Jones-Newman grew up in the city.

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In 2005, she and her husband were living in Treme, a neighborhood not far from the famous French Quarter. By the time late August rolled around, they had already evacuated for other storms twice that summer.

Its just a wonderful, warm, inviting place, Jones-Newman said. When you grow up in New Orleans, youre an amateur meteorologist.

The third time was ahead of Katrina. They left originally for Alabama before having to move further north into Atlanta. Seeing the images out of the city she loves, hurt, and originally they planned to return.

We packed up thinking we were going to be gone for three days, Jones-Newman said.

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Their home wasnt destroyed, but they still couldnt get back into the city. They decided it was time to move and Jones-Newman had one big requirement.

I was done. No more water, she said.

Her husbands job made a few cities feasible, but Littleton immediately stuck out.

I looked at a map and Im like, oh my god, theyre landlocked, Jones-Newman said. Thats where we want to go.

Twenty years on, the family lives in Parker. Jones-Newman says the community welcomed them with open arms.

You create this family, and we have people in our lives here. Its just amazing, she said.

They still go back to New Orleans a couple of times a year to visit family, and shes concerned another incident like Katrina remains possible.

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With the recent defunding of FEMA and climate change happening what it is, Im really worried. It feels like we havent learned anything, Jones-Newman said.

Trump proposed getting rid of FEMA, but his review council seems focused on reforming the agency

While Jones-Newman loved growing up where she did, shes thankful her daughter got to grow up in Colorado.

Im not crazy how I got here, I just like the fact that Im here, Jones-Newman said.

She says she hopes the people of Colorado continue to welcome people, maybe experiencing similar hardships like her family did, saying shes grateful for her communitys open minds and hearts.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
NEED TO KNOW

Florida Highway Patrol said a tractor-trailer that was traveling on I-95 failed to stop and crashed into vehicles in traffic

At least 29 people were injured, including 13 who were transported to nearby hospitals, in Miami-Dade on Aug. 28

You could hear tires screeching, you could hear banging, crashing, you could smell the burnt in the air, a witness said



More than two dozen people were hurt in a chain-reaction collision involving 18 vehicles on Floridas Interstate- 95 in Miami-Dade.

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officials said the incident  which injured 29 people including 13 who were hospitalized  happened at around 11:25 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, in the southbound lanes of I-95 near Ives Dairy Road, according to NBC Miami, Local 10 News and the Miami Herald.

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A tractor-trailer that was traveling southbound on I-95 failed to stop and crashed into vehicles in traffic, FHP Lt. Alex Camacho told Local 10 News.

As a result, the tractor trailer collided into several vehicles causing a chain reaction of crashes, Camacho said.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue told NBC Miami that there were 29 people that received treatment as a result of the crash, including 13 who were transported to nearby hospitals for their injuries.

One adult was admitted to the hospital as a trauma alert patient, NBC Miami reported. Nine adults and three children were also hospitalized. Camacho told Local 10 News that some of the people involved in the crash were admitted at HCA Florida Aventura Hospital with minor injuries.

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The sixteen other people were assessed at the site, but did not need additional medical care, per NBC Miami.

Florida Highway Patrol and the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

Luis Rodriguez was one of the people who witnessed the crash while on his way home on Thursday night. He told NBC Miami that it was a jarring sight to see as he was passing by.

"You could hear tires screeching, you could hear banging, crashing, you could smell the burnt in the air," he told the outlet. "The Miami-Dade Police Department Fire Rescue, highway troopers, everyone came into play so quickly. They responded in a matter of minutes."

Eric Broder Van Dyke/Getty An ambulance (stock image) An ambulance (stock image)

Driving by, all you could see is destroyed cars, trucks, and people being carried out on stretchers, he added to Local 10 News. [It] almost looked like a movie scene.

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.

Part of the I-95 roadway was closed overnight due to a fuel leak and traffic was diverted onto Ives Dairy Road, per Local 10 News. The roadway reopened at around 6:20 a.m., the outlet reported.

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The driver of the tractor-trailer was not identified by police, and it was unclear what led up to the crash. However, Camacho told Local 10 news that the driver of the tractor-trailer will face charges.



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More than 3,000 New York City public school teachers are begging for donations for basic classroom supplies  even as the city Department of Education is projected to spend a record-breaking $42,000 per pupil when students return to school Sept. 4.

Teacher Sherri Jackson is one of 3,385 city educators relying on the online fundraising platform DonorsChoose to fund items outside of their schools budget and beyond what they already spend out of their own pockets.

Erica Yonks, an art teacher at the High School for Law Advocacy and Community Justice on the Upper West Side, also needs hygiene products  plus art supplies. Courtesy of DonorsChoose

She is asking for money for bandages, hygiene products like deodorant and menstrual pads, and warm clothing  because theyre as essential to her low-income students as pencils, she told The Post.

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I cannot go and be like, Hey, Department of Education, I need Bandaids and I need sanitary napkins to have in my classroom, because my students are starting their cycles and they need the supplies. Theyll look at me like, Thats not important. But it is, said Jackson, who teaches fifth grade at KIPP All Middle School in Mott Haven, where 85% of students receive free or reduced-price lunches.

We have to pay for things out of pocket . . . that are not being given to us. Thats why I rely on DonorsChoose, Jackson said.

Theres no other profession where youre expected to provide literally the basics that you need to do your job on your own  let alone what the kids need too, said Yonks. Courtesy of Erica Yonks

Erica Yonks, an art teacher at the High School for Law Advocacy and Community Justice on the Upper West Side, also needs hygiene products  plus art supplies.

Theres no other profession where youre expected to provide literally the basics that you need to do your job on your own  let alone what the kids need too, said Yonks.

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The 11th- and 12th-grade teacher said she gets around $400 from her school to spend on supplies for approximately 150 students  a measley $3 per pupil.

Under the Teachers Choice program, the DOE afforded each teacher $235 reimbursement for supplies last year, if instructors turned in receipts. The reimbursement amount this year has not been set, but many educators say the fund only covers a fraction of what they expect to spend throughout the school year.

The district funds schools on an equity based per pupil funding model, according to the DOE, which said that principals ultimately decide how to spend the dough.

More than 3,000 city educators are relying on the online fundraising platform DonorsChoose to fund items outside of their schools budget and beyond what they already spend out of their own pockets. WavebreakMediaMicro  stock.adobe.com

I need basic teacher stuff  highlighters, pens, pencils and copy paper  so its a battle of spending my budget on logistical teacher needs and art stuff that I want the kids to experience, Yonks told The Post.

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The Citizen Budget Commission projects the DOE will shell out $42,168 per pupil this year  up from last years $40,639. Yet NYC teacher requests on DonorsChoose is already up to a collective $4.1 million as the school year begins.

No teacher should have to fundraise for basic supplies, said Manhattan Institute fellow Danyela Souza Egorov of the absurd need to crowdsource. Its just another sign of the DOEs incompetence in managing public funds.

We are proud to provide our schools with the resources they need to support their students and provide a world class education, in addition to free school meals for every student, dedicated facilities teams that keep our schools clean, and school nurses equipped to step in when needed, a DOE spokesperson said. We commend our educators who choose to go above and beyond, raising extra funds for their classrooms and collecting extra resources for students who may need them.

Additional reporting by Susan Edelman.
Police arrested three people Friday night after a stolen car chase from Camden County onto the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which connects New Jersey with Pennsylvania.

The driver of the car was fleeing Camden County police officers who had attempted to perform a traffic stop before the vehicle drove onto the bridge, police said.

The fleeing driver attempted to wedge the vehicle through slow-moving traffic before coming to a full stop at the bridges base, where police were waiting.

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Philadelphia police arrested the three and recovered a gun. There were no injuries reported in the chase, according to a CBS report.

Police said that the suspects are part of an organized stolen auto theft ring. Their names and charges were not immediately available.

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Three Scottish brothers set a world record Saturday for completing the fastest unsupported row across the full Pacific Ocean.

Jamie, Ewan and Lachlan Maclean completed the journey in 139 days, arriving in Cairns, Australia. They rowed over 9,000 miles nonstop from Peru, becoming the first team to achieve the full crossing from South America to Australia.

The trio from Edinburgh endured seasickness, injuries and violent storms, including one that swept Lachlan overboard, while raising over 700,000 pounds ($945,690) toward a 1 million-pound ($1.3 million) target for clean water projects.

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The three rowed into the Cairns Marlin Marina playing the bagpipes and waving the Scottish, Australian and United Kingdom flags. More than 50 family members, supporters and fans, including their mother Sheila, greeted the brothers.

In the hours before their arrival, the eldest brother, Ewan, uploaded a video calling the marina ahead of their approach.

Do you have pizza and beer? I repeat, do you have pizza and beer? Over."

The 33-year-old said the journey was the hardest thing he had ever done, one he would have never contemplated without his siblings.

Weve shed tears of joy and laughed till our cheeks hurt, he said.

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Middle brother Jamie, 31, said things began to look dire toward the end.

We seriously thought we might run out of food, he said.

The Macleans said the experience gave them a new perspective on life. They plan to continue fundraising as they aim to fund projects that provide clean water to 40,000 people living in Madagascar through the brothers charity, the Maclean Foundation.

The previous record for the fastest full, unassisted, nonstop Pacific row was 160 days, set by Russian solo rower Fyodor Konyukhov in 2014.
The Conley sisters were the heroines of what might be the most remarkable underdog saga ever lived out in the Kansas City area. Yet few local folks likely have heard of them.

That might be changing.

A public art project called Trespassers Beware! Fort Conley and Wyandot Women Warriors telling the sisters near-epic story will open at the Wyandotte County Historical Museum in Bonner Springs with an unveiling celebration 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30.

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This isnt your typical art installation, but then the subject matter demanded something beyond the ordinary.

Trespassers Beware! will feature a reproduction of the sisters headquarters, Fort Conley, with videos, audio and other informational presentations.

The driving forces behind the project  Chief Judith Manthe of the Wyandot Nation of Kansas and Neysa Page-Lieberman, founder and artistic director of Kansas City-based Monumenta, which produces commemorative public art projects  have dedicated untold hours to making sure Trespassers Beware! is a worthy tribute to the Conleys.

Chief Judith Manthe, left, and Neysa Page-Lieberman were on hand when Lyda Conley was inducted into the University of Missouri-Kansas Citys Starr Womens Hall of Fame on Feb. 20 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

It is an incredible Kansas City story, but its also an American story, Page-Lieberman said. Its a national indigenous story. When people hear about it, no matter where they live, its Why dont I know about this? Why hasnt this been made into a movie?

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The script would need no embellishments: In the early 20th century, three unmarried sisters approaching middle age begin a decades-long battle against politicians and the white-male establishment to protect the memory of their Native American ancestors by any means necessary, including curses, death threats and a court case that goes all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court  where one of the sisters argues the historic case herself. Their preservation efforts ultimately prove successful, but only at great cost, including the potential murder of one of the sisters.

This structure became known as Fort Conley after the Conley sisters constructed it in 1906 to help them protect the burial ground of their ancestors in Huron Indian Cemetery.

The story of the Conley sisters

Lyda, Ida and Helena Conley lived in Kansas City, Kansas, where their parents and another sister were buried in Huron Indian Cemetery in what became the heart of downtown. City officials decided to develop the 2-acre site even though a treaty protected Huron, It was established in 1843 and is the burial site of more than 800 Wyandots as well as Black soldiers who fought in the Civil War.

The Conleys, who were one-eighth Wyandot, took up residence in the cemetery in 1906 to prevent its desecration, padlocking the gate, putting up a sign reading Trespass at your peril and building 6-by-8-foot shack that came to be called Fort Conley. One or more of the sisters occupied the shack for years, frequently brandishing a shotgun to ward off would-be invaders.

They never loaded it, Manthe said. They never had any intention of shooting anybody. But it was a bluff, and, boy, they pulled it off well.

The Trespassers Beware! art installation will include video re-creations of some of the events. This photo was shot during staging and filming by the Kansas City Repertory Theater.

Not even the threat of federal troops from Fort Leavenworth could persuade the Conleys to abandon their fort. Nor could its destruction in 1911 by a U.S. marshal, who invaded after all three sisters were lured away by a judge claiming they were required in court to hear legal arguments in their case.

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They simply rebuilt the place, defying a federal court order.

Lyda, born Eliza Burton Conley, had graduated from the Kansas City School of Law and was the first woman admitted to the Kansas Bar before becoming, in 1910, the first Native American woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court. The court wasnt swayed by her claim that an 1855 treaty protected the burial ground, ruling unanimously that the federal government had the right to administer tribal land.

Despite the court loss, the Conleys continued to resist those who wanted to develop the land, and it never was. The cemetery gained some protection when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, and it now is completely safe after being designated a National Historic Landmark in 2016.

Wyandot women are always strong

The Conleys resistance played out locally and nationally in newspapers that chronicled their many encounters with public officials and their frequent arrests.

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Helena provided the most color, especially with her notorious curses. Among her targets were a worker who kept removing wires the sisters had installed to block the cemetery gate, a park commissioner who allowed a white man to be buried there and a motorcycle patrolman who arrested her for disturbing the peace.

Of the patrolman, she told a local court, All I did was to damn his soul to eternity.  You cant disturb the peace of a police officer.

In 1918, it took six cops to drag a pistol-packing Helena from the shack after Lyda, who already was in custody, shouted to her, Run into the house and shoot anyone that approaches.

The sisters defiance was in the news as late as 1937, when Lyda was arrested after threatening to shoot park workers trying to clear brush on the cemetery grounds.

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Wyandot women are always strong, said Manthe, who has been chief of the Kansas Wyandots since 2019. They always say, Dont mess with a Wyandot woman because you might not like what you get.

None of the Conleys married, and all eventually were buried in Huron Cemetery, now formally known as the Wyandot National Burying Ground. Lydas death wrote a disturbing epilogue to the Conleys story.

At the age of at least 75 (her birth date is unclear), the youngest Conley sister was leaving the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library  directly east of the Huron Cemetery on Minnesota Avenue  on May 28, 1946, when someone hit her in the head with a brick and ran off with her purse containing 20 cents. She died the next day.

Newspaper reports on her death didnt mention the assault, and the police investigation was minimal. Manthe doesnt rule out the possibility that it was more than a mugging, that it might have been a revenge killing.

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It wouldnt surprise me at all, she said.

Page-Lieberman said: Im sure there was a lot of resentment toward her.

Neysa Page-Lieberman is the founder and artistic director of Monumenta, which produces commemorative public art projects including Trespassers Beware!

Monumental task

Manthe has been telling the sisters story at schools and community gatherings for years. Shes assembled volumes of clippings, anecdotes and details, which she provided to three artists from the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma who created the monument.

When I approached her about doing this, she said, Great, Im already doing this all the time, Page-Lieberman said. I always say that Chief Judith, shes like the walking, living, breathing monument to this because she has spent so many years giving visibility to the story.

Chief Judith Manthe of the Wyandot Nation of Kansas has been telling the story of the Conley sisters for years at schools and community gatherings.

Manthe said the monuments artists have created exactly what I had in my mind by building a Fort Conley, an example of it.  Its just come to fruition. Its just been beautiful.

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Now its time to share Trespassers Beware! with the public. It will be on view at the Wyandotte County Historical Museum into November during its business hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Next spring it will travel to Johnson County Community College and then to the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library.

Manthe hopes the local engagements are only the start, even dreaming of staging the exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution.

Ive got people coming out of the woodwork that want it next, she said. Theyre just lining up for time to have it.

Constructed much like a tiny home, though slightly bigger at 7 by 9 feet, the monument will sit outside at each venue, moving from place to place on a trailer.

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The project, which will charge no admission, was made possible by grants, largely from the Mellon Foundation as part of the Kansas City Monuments Coalition through the UMKC Center for Digital and Public Humanities.

Monumenta also beat out thousands of other applicants for a National Endowment for the Arts ArtsHERE grant of $130,000, but the Trump administration has broken that contract and has left the project with a $32,500 shortfall.

Thats a big chunk that were probably going to have to fundraise for, Page-Lieberman said. Now its really tricky.

Name confusion

Todays four Wyandot/Wyandotte Nations include one in Canada and one in Michigan, as well as the Wyandot Nation of Kansas and the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma, which owns and cares for the Wyandot National Burying Ground. They all derived from the Wendat Confederacy, which originated in Canada and faced forced relocations in the 19th century that led members to Kansas and elsewhere.

In the works

The University Press of Kansas is scheduled to release Lyda Conley and the Fight to Preserve Huron Indian Cemetery: With Sources & Oral Histories, edited by Stephanie Bennett, Samantha Gill and Tai S. Edwards, in the spring.

Also, the Kansas City Repertory Theatre commissioned a play about the Conleys called Representatives for Those at Peace by Oklahoma Wyandotte playwright Madeline Easley and presented a staged reading in December 2023. Conversations about producing it as a full-scale show are ongoing.
(NewsNation)  Approximately 30 children were rushed to the hospital Friday with a mystery illness that also led to the evacuation of two school buildings.

First responders raced to Mapleton High School in Ashland, Ohio, at around 10:20 a.m. local time after dozens of children suddenly got sick from an unknown substance.

Children at Mapleton Middle School complained of headaches, nausea, and dizziness, local NewsNation affiliate WJW reported. Some of them said they felt shaky, and 30 children were taken to hospitals.

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Did the government poison a city? Inside the Armys secret tests in St. Louis

The schools were evacuated as first responders investigated. They ruled out a gas leak, and its unclear what caused the students to get sick.

Out of an abundance of caution, both Mapleton Middle School and Mapleton High School were evacuated to ensure the safety of all students and staff, Mapleton School Superintendent Scott Smith wrote in a letter to students and staff.

The children were said to be doing well after being taken to the hospital as the investigation into what made them sick continues.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(FOX40.COM)  Four individuals were arraigned in court on Thursday, following their arrests for methamphetamine trafficking and endangerment of a five-month-old infant, according to the San Joaquin County District Attorneys Office.

Video Above: Almost 70% of California residents voted in favor of Prop 36

On Tuesday, the four suspects were stopped by deputies for a traffic stop on Interstate 580 for committing multiple traffic violations. After being stopped by the deputies, K9 Rango alerted to the odor of narcotics inside the vehicle.

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A search revealed ten vacuum-sealed packages containing 10.9 pounds of methamphetamine. Deputies also discovered a five-month-old infant inside the vehicle, according to the district attorneys office.

SPD make multiple firearms and drug arrests in ongoing investigation

Endangering a baby while trafficking nearly 11 pounds of methamphetamine is unacceptable. My office will pursue this case to the fullest extent of the law, District Attorney Ron Freitas said.

Authorities said that the suspects inside the vehicle were identified as L.A. residents 29-year-old Miguel Angel Gomez Ruiz, 38-year-old Israel Lopez, 31-year-old Guillermina Perez Torrez, and 32-year-old Adilene Carrillo.

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All four defendants have been charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale, transportation of a controlled substance for sale, and Child endangerment, according to the district attorneys office. Prosecutors filed an enhancement for possession of more than four kilograms of methamphetamine.

San Joaquin deputies make two arrests in May homicide case

The defendants were arraigned in San Joaquin County Superior Court, with bail set at $200,000 each. Further hearings are scheduled for Sept. 9 at 8:30 a.m., the district attorneys office said.

San Joaquin County families and children deserve to know that we are committed to protecting their safety and holding drug traffickers accountable, Freitas said.

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Child Protective Services responded to the report and placed the child into protective care.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
Aug. 29A reward has been increased to $5,000 for information that helps police find a wanted man accused of causing an explosion by putting a pipe bomb in a lawnmower.

State Trooper Steve Limani said police are hoping that offering more cash will push someone to come forward with information about James M. Sever, 54. Authorities from multiple agencies have been looking for him for more than a month in connection with a July 20 explosion at a Salem property from which he was evicted.

They think he's still in the area, possibly living in the woods or using an e-bike to get around.

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"We have no reason to believe he's somewhere else," Limani said.

State police charged him July 25 with attempted homicide, weapons of mass destruction, risking catastrophe and related offenses in connection with the July 20 explosion. The landlord of the property on Route 22 east told police he filled the lawnmower's tank with gas and started the engine in a garage, letting it idle for about 10 seconds, according to court papers. It exploded when he pushed the lawnmower's handles to move it forward and troopers seized numerous pieces of shrapnel in the garage.

Sever was evicted in June after his failure to pay a monthly lease, according to Westmoreland County court records and police. He lived on the first floor.

Authorities are still trying to determine the cause of a suspicious fire at the same property Aug. 22. They've ruled out electrical as being a possible cause, Limani said. The blaze, which destroyed the home, appeared to have started on the vacant first floor. A tenant who lived on the second floor was not home at the time.

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Items from the home are being processed at a lab to see if there was any accelerant present, he said. No charges had been filed in relation to the fire.

Troopers are working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. They've been combing the area for weeks for Sever and following up on possible sightings, Limani said.

"We don't have anything to substantiate someone is helping him," Limani said, but added "he has to charge his bike somewhere."

"If you are harboring a fugitive or you are aiding and abetting and assisting someone to avoid law enforcement ... there are criminal statutes that address that type of behavior," he said.

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The $5,000 reward is being offered by PSP Tips. The money comes from asset forfeiture funds. The reward previously was $2,000.

Sever may be in the area of New Alexandria, Derry Township, West Newton, Kane or the woods, according to PSP Tips. He may be operating a dark blue e-bike.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts can contact state police in Kiski at 724-697-5780, 911 or PSP Tips at 1-800-472-8477.

Renatta Signorini is a TribLive reporter covering breaking news, crime, courts and Jeannette. She has been working at the Trib since 2005. She can be reached at rsignorini@triblive.com.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Seven Arkansas cities are planning Workers Over Billionaires protests for Labor Day as part of the 50501 Movement.

The seven cities will join hundreds of other cities in the United States to rally in support of the working class, and against the greed and corruption of the Trump administration and corporate billionaires, according to event organizers of the Fort Smith protest.

The seven Arkansas cities participating in the protests are:

Fayetteville

Location : Public sidewalks on Joyce Boulevard in front of King Burrito on 3931 N Shiloh Drive.

Time : 3-5 p.m.

More information here

Fort Smith

Location: 74th Street and Rogers Avenue

Time: 4:30  7 p.m.

More information here

Harrison

Location : 100 N. Main Street

Time : 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More information here

Jonesboro

Location: Corner of Highland and Caraway at the Barnes and Noble parking lot

Time: 9-11 a.m.

More information here

Little Rock

Location: Broadway Bridge

Time: 10 a.m. to noon

More information here

Hot Springs

Location: Hot Springs National Park on Fountain Street and Central Avenue

Time: 10 a.m. to noon

More information here

Texarkana

Location: Sign-up required for location details

Time: 12-2 p.m.

More information here

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The 50501 Movement is behind previous nationwide protests, including the No Kings protests in June.

Northwest Arkansas residents gather for National Day of Protest

50501 stands for 50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Movement, according to the organizations website.

The organization says it wants the government to uphold the Constitution, and end Executive overreach.

50501 says it will continue to hold massive protests nationwide until the two calls are met.

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LUFKIN, Texas (KETK)  The Lufkin Police Department said that 8 people were arrested on Saturday morning after a disturbance on Houston Street.

Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips sentenced to 30 days in jail

According to Lufkin PD, a terroristic threat was called in from a home in the 1300 block of Houston Street at around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. The caller said a woman named Brianna Davis was talking with her about the treatment of a dog.

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Lufkin PD said the caller reported that Davis then left the property on Houston Street and threatened to come back with friends to shoot into the home. Lufkin PD officers then began to patrol nearby to look for Davis.

The caller then contacted Lufkin PD again to report that Davis had arrived back at the home with other people, threatening the home and starting to fight, according to a Lufkin PD press release.

While Lufkin PD officers were returning to the Houston Street home, Davis and the group left in a white car that officers pursued to the 700 block of Raguet Street. Another vehicle arrived during the traffic stop, and its occupants got out and started yelling.

Officers who stayed on Houston Street to the Raguet Street officers reported that a man named Keith Strange was possibly involved in the disturbance. According to the Lufkin PD, Strange was in the second vehicle that pulled up to the traffic stop.

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Lufkin PD said that the occupants of both vehicles were arrested and that three weapons were found during the traffic stop. Lufkin PD made the following arrests in connection to the disturbance:

Alandria Strange was arrested for evading arrest/detention with a vehicle and engaging in organized criminal activity.

Nora Jaramillo Strange was arrested for engaging in organized criminal activity.

Keith Strange was arrested for engaging in organized criminal activity and two prior warrants.

Fabian Strange was arrested for engaging in criminal activity.

Jacquion Daniels was arrested for engaging in organized criminal activity, failing to maintain financial responsibility and displaying expired license plates.

Brianna Davis was arrested for engaging with organized criminal activity.

Jurnee Smith was arrested for engaging in criminal activity.

Stephanie Jaramillo was for engaging in criminal activity and prior warrants.

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On June 12, 1940  just over a year before the U.S. was drawn into World War II  19-year-old Ernest Pugh joined the Army. He was a new graduate of Botetourt High School in Gloucester and was stationed at what was then called Langley Field.

In May 1942, Pugh was shipped off to Australia to support the war effort. He was a member of the 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group.

On the stormy night of Sept. 15, 1942, he flew with a group of B-17s out of an airfield near Port Moresby on the southern coast of Papua New Guinea over the Owen Stanley mountains, and up to East New Britain to attack Rabaul, home to a large Japanese military base.

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Pughs B-17 lost contact with their base shortly after takeoff. At 1:30 the next morning, the crew was declared missing in action. Neither Pugh nor the nine others aboard were ever heard from again.

On Jan. 7, 1946, they were officially declared deceased.

Over eight decades had passed since his disappearance when in April 2023, a logging company was drilling a road up a mountain cloud forest in East New Britain when their equipment hit the engine of a plane.

The crew sent pictures of the crash site to the National Magazine and Art Gallery of Papua New Guinea, which called the United States Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

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We knew from the photos right away, said Dr. Kyle Bracken, DPAAs Indo-Pacific World War II Chief of Research. The photos were of exactly what we were looking for.

Historian Justin Taylan, founder of the database Pacific Wrecks, a nonprofit documenting Pacific World War II history, was able to ascend the mountain in June 2023 and photograph the B-17. On the engines, he found the stenciled serial number associated with Pughs aircraft: 41-24427.

There is no doubt the crash site is this missing bomber and likely contains the remains of the crew, Taylan told the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal.

The DPAA arrived a few weeks later to investigate the site. It also confirmed that the plane was the same bomber that carried Pugh and his fellow crew members.

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But when a DPAA crew arrived in East New Britain to begin the recovery in 2024, they found the logging road washed out and the trail impassable.

The reason we were able to access (the site) fairly easily (in 2023) was because of the logging road, which coincidentally became the source of our challenges when we tried to field a recovery in 2024, said Bracken.

Two years after the planes discovery, the site remains unrecovered.

The location of the crash, 6,000 feet up, is remote and subject to severe weather. Though Bracken described the site as having a high probability of having remains, no date has been set for a future recovery effort.

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Even under the best of conditions, the process for a recovery operation is lengthy and involved. It includes a large crew and can require living out of a makeshift base camp for up to three months.

The big difference between an investigation and a recovery is a recovery requires a lot more people, said Bracken. Its basically a full scale archeological operation.

He said the DPAA hoped to do that this year, but was unable to find an effective way to do so.

Our hope now is that well be able to get that one across the finish line in 2026, said Bracken. Its a priority for us. Its a site that were really excited to get back to.

Like putting a puzzle together

In late 2024, Meredith Larsen was scrolling through a Facebook group dedicated to missing WWII soldiers when a post caught her eye.

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Larsen, a school counselor in the Bay Area, became interested in these stories after discovering a box belonging to her husbands grandmothers first husband, an airman who went missing in action over the Baltic Sea.

I started researching him throughout the pandemic and I learned all of the corners of the internet where things are kept, Larsen said. Its incredible what you can find on people who served in World War II.

Since then, Larsen has become a regular contributor to online forums and assists with research when she can. The post she saw that day came from the family of Sgt. Glenn Keclik.

They had discovered an entry on Pacific Wrecks, detailing the discovery of a B-17 in Papua New Guinea. Keclik had served as a gunner on the bomber when it vanished in 1942. According to Larsen, this was the familys first indication that the aircraft had been found.

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She began digging further and quickly became captivated by the story of another crew member: Sgt. Ernest Pugh.

Pugh, she learned, was a foster child, just like the man whose belongings had sparked her interest in WWII research. He had been adopted by George and Sarah Jane Walker of Sassafras, Virginia. He met Dorothy Dot Pierce at the Post Exchange on the base at Langley, and the two were married in Hampton on May 1, 1942, the same month he shipped out. But tracking down information about him was difficult. With no direct bloodline, leads were scarce.

I thought, weve got to find somebody that cares about this guy, said Larsen. Theres got to be somebody.

Pughs Individual Deceased Personnel File listed only his wife, Dot, and her mother, Erma, as next of kin. At the time of his death, Pughs personal effects included a towel, a sweater, magazines, toiletries, a mirror, a diary, stationery and $5.62  about $111 today  all of which were returned to Dot at the Washington Street address in Hampton where she lived with her mother.

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Dot waited for years, holding onto hope from the time he was declared missing until he was officially listed as deceased.

Larsen reached out to Barbara King, a self-described amateur genealogist. The two began piecing together Pughs life, reaching out to potential relatives and combing through records.

Like putting a puzzle together, said King.

But progress was slow. Pughs marriage certificate listed his parents as Emma Coleman and Lee Pugh, but searches for those names led nowhere.

King, a military widow herself, felt a deep personal connection to Ernests story.

My heart was very much for Ernest in trying to find a family member because this young man was so young, only married a week and gave his life for his country only to be forgotten about, she said. And it just broke my heart.

A breakthrough

This month, Steve Pugh of Richmond received a message from a friend who had just read a story in the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal about a local World War II airman named Ernest.

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She said, Not only does this guy have your last name, but he actually looks like you, Steve recalled.

I discovered that (Ernest) was from Buena Vista, said Steve. Thats what immediately made me go, Wait a second. 

Steves grandfather, born just three years before Ernest, was also from the small town of Buena Vista, near Lexington along Interstate 81. Steve requested Ernests birth certificate from the Virginia Department of Health. He immediately recognized the name listed as Ernests mother.

Eva Corinne Pugh, Steve said. My great-grandfathers sister.

Ernest, it turned out, was Steves first cousin twice removed.

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Its unclear why Ernest listed different parents  Emma Coleman and Lee Pugh  on his marriage certificate.

Over two weeks, he combed through online records and a genealogy book written by a relative in 2007. He learned that Ernests mother, Eva, was institutionalized when Ernest was 7. She died in 1930, leaving behind four children, including Ernest and an older son, Omer.

Omers son, Omer Jr., also lives in the Richmond area, along with his son, Todd Pugh.

On Aug. 22, Steve, Omer Jr. and Todd met for lunch. They talked for three hours, learning about one another and their shared history. Then came a surprising realization.

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As the crow flies, (Todd) lives less than a mile from me and has for over 20 years, said Steve. I just cant believe how close our lives are.

Steve said Omer Jr. submitted DNA to help identify Ernest once recovery efforts begin. Steve said he hopes the story stays alive and that Ernest and his crew will finally get the commemoration they deserve.

You want to make sure that you give people a proper burial, he said. Its sad when somebody just kind of disappeared and never really got that.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has reiterated its commitment to closing this case. Dr. Kyle Bracken noted that in Papua New Guinea alone, more than 3,700 WWII service members remain missing. Across the Asia-Pacific Theater, that number rises to over 50,000.

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The Pacific theater hosted deadly terrain. In areas like New Britain, Allied forces faced not only enemy fire, but also the challenges of isolation, disease, dense jungles and mountains. Bodies were often lost in the jungle or swallowed by the ocean.

The biggest thing that we try and convey to family members is that were out there looking for them, and thats not going to change, Bracken said.

Meredith Larsen, who is also awaiting the return of her own loved ones remains, hopes for action soon. Shes spoken with several families of the B-17s crew, including Glenda Keclik, daughter of Glenn Keclik, who was just an infant when her father disappeared.

Glenda is now 83 and still waiting for the chance to bury him, Larsen said.

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We just really want that closure, said Larsen. Ive been fortunate enough to go to two funerals for World War II veterans that were missing and then brought back here in California. They get a ceremony with full honors and its very touching. So I just cant wait for that to happen for these families.

As for Steve, hes thankful this discovery brought him closer to his roots and to family he never knew existed. He says theyre planning a gathering in Richmond.

Wed be crazy not to, he said. Lifes too short.

Emma Rose Brown, 757-805-2256, emma.brown@virginiamedia.com
EAU CLAIRE  If anyone knows me, said Todd Johnson, they know I like a good story.

Along with John Duretsky, Johnson will be one of the presenters of the upcoming event at the Chippewa Valley Museum entitled From the Philippines to Japan  The World War II POW Experience 80 Years Later. The event tells not only of the general experience that an American soldier who became a prisoner of war may have faced, but also brings in the loved ones of former servicemen from the Chippewa Valley to tell their loved ones stories as well.

Johnson, a member of the Eau Claire Police Department for over two decades, said the catalyst for looking into the histories of former prisoners of war from the area was discovering that one of the former members of the ECPD was himself a Japanese POW.

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That introduced me to the family and their story, said Johnson. And fast forward to now  this being the 80th anniversary of the surrender of the Japanese and the liberation of POWs across Japan  and the goal was to try to get a reunion of many of the POWs family members.

Many POWs were taken by the Japanese after the fall of Bataan in the Philippines in 1942, leading to what is now known as the Bataan Death March, where tens of thousands of POWs were mercilessly marched for miles, enduring disease, exhaustion, physical abuse and more. Those POWs were imprisoned and then transported via Hell Ships (where conditions aboard are implied right in the name) that were subject to friendly fire. Johnson said these Hell Ships were never marked as containing prisoners, meaning Allies sometimes unwittingly sank their own. Those not subject to friendly fire were transferred to POW camps across Japan. Many POWs from the area ended up in the Mukaishima POW camp.

Johnson noted that asking former POWs from the area to tell their stories was just not possible, with the last one passing away in 2018. This meant that, besides presenting, Johnson was tasked with locating family members of POWs. He also possesses a background in genealogy  he credited his father for getting him interested in the topic  and went to work on his search. He said modern technology helped him in a number of ways.

When I first started 40-some years ago, [sources] were all microfilm  it was a hand page-to-page search for any information, he said. Now, you can do keyword searches on, say, newspapers.com. If youre looking for articles on a particular person, if you knew what municipality he lived in ... as long as that newspaper is represented on any of the newspaper search services, then you can search through that.

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And while services like Ancestry and social media have made finding those people easier, its another thing to contact those individuals. In todays climate, rife with online scams, people have understandably become more guarded against communication from someone they dont know.

Multiple different fraud artists and what have you will blind-call people and sell them a story, and at some point theres a con in the mix there, said Johnson, so getting people to trust your intentions are genuine was sometimes a bit of a challenge. But, its a hurdle that can be overcome as long as youre patient and you understand what their perspective is  that they dont want to lose money or have their identity stolen.

However, a more significant hurdle has been the relentless passage of time. As time progresses, the vividness of past memories diminishes. Johnson noted that, since some former POWs died only a few years after their release, their stories now seem even more distant and are more faded with time.

Time means that, once again, all of the POWs from the area have passed on. Even if those servicemen were still alive, Johnson added, they would be at least in their late 90s; this means their children would be in their 70s and 80s. For many in that age range, traveling cross-country for a weekend is not possible.

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But there are those who are making the trek to Eau Claire for the event, from all across the country, to tell the story of a parent or another loved one who served their country. Johnson considers himself only a small part in keeping those stories of service alive for years to come.

I do whatever I can do to help remember these servicemen and POWs and give a chance for families to reminisce about their sacrifices because a lot of these gentlemen  it was not a topic of conversation. It was something that was too painful, said Johnson. But what I learned is a lot of these gentlemen, when they were nearing end of life, would open up about some things with family members that werent discussed before.

I consider my part of this very minuscule compared to the sacrifice that these gentlemen went through and experienced in their service to the United States and to the rest of the world during World War II.
Ed Galkin is about to add another adventure to his astonishing flight resume.

Galkin has flown around the world four times, most recently in 2022, in the same single-engine plane the retired dentist purchased in 1977.

Now hes getting ready for a 37-day, 8,800-mile journey that is starting and finishing in New Jersey. It will be highlighted by two crossings of the Atlantic Ocean and 15 stops in 11 nations.

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Galkin said he and his copilot, Peter Teahen, are planning to depart Central Jersey Regional Airport in Hillsborough around 9 a.m. Saturday.

I get a chance to do one more mission, to fly across the Atlantic, Galkin, a married father of two, grandfather of five and great-grandfather of six, told NJ Advance Media on Friday.

Galkin was accompanied by copilots during his four journeys around the Earth in 1988, 2004, 2018 and 2022.

He has been a licensed pilot since 1970 and has logged 1.3 million miles on his Cessna 210 Centurion.

His latest trip is serving as a fundraiser for Rotary Internationals global polio eradication effort, according to the organization. It is being called, Circle the Atlantic: Flight To End Polio.

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Eliminating the disease is a top priority of Rotary, the service organization to which both Galkin and Teahen are members. The shared interest in Rotary is how he met Teahen, 72, who lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Galkin, whose last worldwide flight in 2022 raised money for the Alzheimers Association, said he did not want to attempt another 22,000-mile journey.

He opted instead to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, and back, with appearances along the way touting their mission.

We plan to do a bunch of presentations to Rotary groups, Galkin said.

From the airport in Hillsborough, Galkin and Teahen will fly to Houlton, Maine. They will depart Monday for Newfoundland, Canada, then arrive in Greenland on Wednesday. They will stop briefly in Iceland on Sunday before landing in Norway later that day, according to their itinerary.

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They will visit Poland, France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. After crossing the Atlantic Ocean a second time, they will make a final stop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, before returning to New Jersey on Oct. 5.

Galkin was born in Newark and grew up in Hoboken and has been a licensed pilot since 1970. He retired from his dental practice in Woodbridge in December 2020.

He and his wife, Bobbie, celebrated their 65th anniversary on Aug. 27.

He said he has been living in the same house in Edison since 1968.

Galkin is turning 90 next March. He offered a simple explanation for his persistence in piloting.

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I love flying, he said.

Rob Jennings

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The howler monkey family at the Abilene Zoo has welcomed a new baby.

Howler monkeys are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a cooperative program designed to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population across AZA-accredited zoos.



The baby can currently be seen clinging tightly to its mother as it adjusts to life. It is the offspring of Beatle and Dante, the zoos resident howler monkeys.

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The babys gender has not yet been determined, as zoo staff are waiting for it to grow a little more before confirming.

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SARCOXIE, Mo.  Acculevel Inc. announced plans Friday to expand into Missouri with three new regional headquarters across the state, one of which will be in Sarcoxie, according to a statement released by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

The company  a foundation repair and basement waterproofing company  said it would invest $8.7 million to establish operations in Kennett and Smithville as well as Sarcoxie. The company will create 41 new jobs at each site and said it will pay wages above the county average.

Our decision to expand into Missouri reflects both confidence in these communities and our commitment to contributing to their future, Andy Beery, founder and CEO of Acculevel, said in a statement. By creating good-paying jobs, supporting local suppliers and delivering unmatched foundation repair expertise, were investing in the economic strength and stability of the region. Were proud to be part of Missouris growth story.

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Construction is expected to be finished at the Kennett and Sarcoxie sites by the end of 2026, with Smithville to follow afterward.

Acculevels decision to expand here is a commitment to Sarcoxies people and the potential of our region, Amy Kauffman, executive director of MOKAN Partnership, said in the announcement. These new, high-paying jobs will boost economic growth and deliver meaningful, long-term benefits to our local communities.

Acculevel said it selected Missouri for its central location and strong highway network, and in a statement cited a pro-business climate, collaborative local partners, skilled workforce and welcoming communities.

Acculevels decision to establish three facilities in Missouri demonstrates confidence in our states ideal business climate, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a statement. Were proud that this company is investing and creating good-paying jobs in these communities and look forward to its continued success.

Acculevel has operations in seven other Midwest states  Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois.
Columbus  The ACLU of Ohio sent a letter to the Dublin City School District Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen regarding their failure to enact and enforce lawful policies governing student expression to ensure school officials respect the constitutional rights of all students. This correspondence follows an incident that occurred during the 20242025 school year which raised First Amendment concerns.

In the spring, school administrators at Dublin Jerome High School prohibited senior Corinne Embi from carrying out her final project concerning transgender activism as part of her Womens Studies course due to school policies; however, the ACLU argues that the school restricted her speech based on viewpoint. In furtherance of the project, Corinne planned a peaceful show of support where students, faculty and staff could come to school dressed in pink, white and blue (the colors of the transgender pride flag) to show solidarity with the community following a rise in legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The school initially prohibited the planned demonstration and associated teach-in, citing policies about disorder and disruption. The school also prohibited Corinne from handing out transgender wristbands to students on school property and ultimately prohibited any student from presenting their final project to the class.

A statement from ACLU of Ohio Senior Staff Attorney Amy Gilbert said, Public schools may not restrict student expression merely because they disagree with it or find the message controversial. It has been well established that school censorship of political speech and viewpoint discrimination are unconstitutional under the First Amendment. In the landmark students rights case Tinker v. Des Moines, the United States Supreme Court ruled that students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of expression at the schoolhouse gate. This decision from 1969 still applies in 2025 and represents a long history of the ACLU protecting students rights to free speech in public schools.

The ACLU of Ohio urges the Dublin City School District Board of Education take all necessary steps to ensure their policies and school administrators provide for the full extent of student expression consistent with the U.S. Constitution.
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  Supporters called Senate Bill 12 the Parents Bill of Rights. Now, four days before it becomes law, opponents are suing over the bill theyre calling the Student Identity Censorship Law.

Senate Bill 12 is a blatant attempt to erase students identities and silence the stories that make Texas strong, American Civil Liberties Union of Texas Staff Attorney Brian Klosterboer said. SB 12 is one of the most extreme education censorship laws in the country, undermining the free speech rights of Texas students, parents, and educators. Were challenging this law in court because our schools should be places of truth, inclusion, and opportunity  not fear and erasure.

SB 12 is an expansive bill relating to public school governance. Chiefly, the bill bans diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts from the Texas public schools, including banning DEI student groups.

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At its core, the Texas Parental Bill of Rights in Education is about reaffirming that parents are the chief decision makers for their children, SB 12 author State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, said when laying his bill on the Senate floor in March. Making it clear that their fundamental role in their childs education, their moral and religious upbringing, is decided by their parents.

The plaintiffs said the bill isnt about parental rights, but government control.

Its really only privileging the viewpoints of certain parents, parents who agree with certain politicians that discussions of race, gender, identity or sexual orientation should be banned, Klosterboer said. But the parents who are affiliated with the students in our lawsuitand many other parents across Texaswant their [children] to learn about the world around them, to learn about the history of racism in this country, to think about issues of systemic inequality and to openly recognize and support students who are LGBTQ+.

The lawsuit

On Thursday, the ACLU of Texas, the Transgender Law Center and Baker McKenzie filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Network, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) and three anonymous individuals. The defendants in the suit are Mike Morath (in his official capacity as Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency), the Houston Independent School District, the Katy Independent School District and the Plano Independent School District.

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gsa_network_et_al_v._morath_et_al_-_complaintDownload

The lawsuit targets four specific concerns the plaintiffs have with SB 12:

Bans on all student organizations based on sexual orientation or gender identity

Bans on references to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation in any policy, procedure, training, activity or program, develop(ed) or implement(ed) by a school employee, contractor or volunteer at, for, or on behalf of a school

Bans on school employees assisting any students social transition

Bans on educators and third parties from giving instruction, guidance, activities, or programming regarding sexual orientation or gender identity to student enrolled

The plaintiffs believe these are all First Amendment violations (imposed on Texas through the Fourteenth Amendment).

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The First and Fourteenth Amendments do not permit state officials to censor viewpoints they dislike, nor does the Equal Access Act allow school districts to prohibit students from participating in student organizations based on content, the lawsuit said.

The ACLU also filed a motion for preliminary injunction on the case which, if approved, would put a pause on the laws implementation until the case is settled. However, the United States Supreme Court recently ruled courts can not issue universal injunctions  meaning the ACLU would have to get creative to stop the implementation statewide.

Our goal is to block it statewide, Klosterboer said. Theres a couple different paths that we could possibly take to get there, but I do agree it is a very difficult landscape for civil rights and human rights all across the country. It is sad to see sometimes the courts shutting their doors to access to justice.

filed._gsa_v_morath_pi_motion_redacted15Download

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Klosterboer highlighted their targeting of Morath in the lawsuit as a potential avenue to secure a block on the law statewide.

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Ohio Southeast Economic Development announced on Aug. 29 that Adrianne Utter as its new Project Manager, effective Monday, August 18, 2025. Utters hire follows Gloria Blauvelt moving to the Business Development Team in June of this year.

As a member of the Project Management Team, Utter will serve counties in the southern most part of the region: Adams, Gallia, Highland, Lawrence, Scioto and Vinton. Blauvelt will continue to serve Jackson, Pike and Ross counties.

Im excited to bring my passion for building strong community and business relationships to OhioSE, along with my experience in fostering partnerships, creating strategic initiatives, and connecting organizations with the resources they need to grow, said Utter.

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A graduate of The Ohio State Universitys Fisher College of Busines with a degree in Business Administration and a specialization in Marketing, Utter has served as President and CEO of the Brown County Chamber of Commerce and most recently as Community Engagement Coordinator for the Adams County Regional Medical Center. Active in local organizations, she is a member of the Brown County Cattlemens Association, Mt. Orab Lions Club and Brown County Farm Bureau.

I look forward to contributing to OhioSEs mission of advancing economic development across the Appalachian region and helping to create meaningful opportunities that have a lasting impact on businesses, communities and families in southern Ohio, she said.

As a Project Manager, Utter will work directly with companies across the region, listening to their needs and aligning their opportunities for growth with state, regional, and local incentives.

We are excited to welcome Adrianne to the team as a Project Manager, said Matt Abbott, OhioSE President and CEO. Her understanding of the region and passion for serving its communities will serve her well in this role. We have no doubts she will become an outstanding member of our team.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  It has been nearly four and a half years since medical cannabis was legalized in Alabama.

But medical cannabis is still not available to Alabama patients.

City of Huntsville to pay over $256K to family of Public Works employee killed in July crash

Advocates say many thousands of people have been waiting for the relief that treatment promises, but it is not clear if those delays will soon be over.

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The most significant development in recent months is that there is now an agreed-upon process laid out for businesses that didnt get a medical cannabis license  to challenge the decisions. Lawsuits challenging the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commissions selection process have been moving through the courts for the past few years, effectively putting the program on hold. The plaintiffs say the commission could have moved it forward sooner, if it had followed existing law.

Either way, for the people trying to build a medical cannabis business and for advocates like Jennifer Boozer Stewart, a spokesperson for the Alabama Cannabis Coalition, the wait has already been far too long.

No matter what has happened, we cannot seem to move the medical cannabis program forward, for all of our trying, Stewart said. And so many people on that side of the industry have invested millions and millions of dollars and years of time. I have friends who are growers, who have already harvested with the blessing of Alabama, and cannot get a penny back on it, because its sitting in a freezer somewhere.

Guntersville Mayoral race heading runoff as provisional ballots force tie

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The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has been sued by companies that say the license award process was deeply flawed and violated the law. Those lawsuits have dragged out over the past few years. But it appears those challenges will be heard, soon, by an administrative judge.

The Alabama Legislature also sharply expanded hemp regulations this year. Advocates say the hemp products have served as an alternative to medical cannabis for many people. Thats now largely gone away, Stewart said, with hemp businesses shutting down or facing extensive new regulations.

The pending license challenges in administrative law hearings may also prove to be the final hurdle for getting business licenses sorted out and businesses able to conduct medical cannabis work. But there is still no timetable for resolving those disputes.

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NEED TO KNOW

A new report revealed a significant increase in both global aviation accidents and fatalities in 2024

The International Civil Aviation Organization released its annus State of Global Aviation Safety report on Aug. 11

Despite the surge, experts advise aviation is still the safest form of travel

A new study revealed the stark reality of flying in 2024.

On Monday, Aug. 11, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) released its annual State of Global Aviation Safety report. The study revealed an alarming increase in both accidents and fatalities on planes.

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In 2024, there were 95 accidents involving scheduled commercial flights, compared to 66 accidents the year prior  a nearly 44% increase. Meanwhile, the total number of fatalities increased 311%. Last year, there were 296 fatalities, up from just 72 in 2023.

The global accident rate rose to 2.56 accidents per million departures up from 1.87 in 2023.

By region, Asia and the Pacific was the deadliest with three accidents resulting in 185 fatalities. Europe and North America also had three accidents, but only 40 deaths.



Getty Passengers exiting a plane Passengers exiting a plane

Despite the surge in 2024, the organization says the numbers are still lower than pre-pandemic levels.

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Aviation remains the safest form of transport, and the long-term trend demonstrates continuous improvement, ICAO secretary Juan Carlos Salazar said in a statement.

ICAO identified four high-risk categories that accounted for 25% of fatalities and 40% of fatal accidents last year: controlled flight into terrain, loss of control in flight, mid-air collision and runway incursion. The analysis also determined turbulence accounted for nearly three-quarters of all serious injuries, citing the increasing impact of weather related-hazards.

The figures from 2024 are a tragic and timely reminder that sustained, collective action is necessary to keep advancing toward ICAOs goal of zero fatalities in commercial air transport, said ICAO council president Salvatore Sciacchitano. ICAO will reinforce its advocacy and support for robust safety management, innovation and international collaboration towards this goal.

One of the initiatives is global runway safety action plans to reduce runway excursions and incursions. Another initiative is to improve real-time turbulence monitoring systems to better anticipate and avoid severe weather.

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CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The organization is also looking to address the growing threat of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio frequency interference. These disruptions, both intentional and unintentional, can reduce the accuracy and reliability of signals used for positioning, navigation and timing.

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To combat the risk, ICAO is developing enhanced guidance on spoofing and jamming mitigation, updating navigation manuals to better handle disruptions and working with international partners to establish protective frameworks for these systems.

The report comes as a record number of passengers are traveling by air. Worldwide, approximately 4.528 billion travelers flew in 2024, per the report. That is up about 8.6% from 4.17 billion in 2023. The number even surpasses pre-pandemic levels with 4.5 billion passengers in 2019.



This year has already seen multiple deadly crashes, including the American Airlines flight that collided with an Army Blackhawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington D.C. in January, killing 67, and the Air India flight that crashed in June killing 241, all but one person on board.

Those two incidents alone mean 2025's fatality total will be greater than 2024.

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Aug. 29Some improvements noted at a few schools

The overall percentage of Albert Lea school district students who met standards in the 2025 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests in math and reading decreased for the third year in a row, according to data released Friday from the Minnesota Department of Education.

As a district, 27.7% of students were proficient in math and 37.4% were proficient in reading. That is down from 31.5% in math in 2024 and 38.4% in reading in 2024. The highest results in the last five years were in 2022 when 36.6% were proficient in math and 40.4% were proficient in reading.

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The Department of Education also released statistics related to attendance, specifically the number of students attending school regularly. A student is considered consistently attending if they attend more than 90% of the time the student is enrolled during the year.

The district as a whole had 68.1% consistent attendance compared to 75.5% statewide. This is a slight increase from 67.2% in 2024 for the district and 74.5% statewide.

"Albert Lea Area Schools has reviewed the spring 2025 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) results and remains focused on ensuring every student is supported in meeting state standards," said Superintendent Steven Heil.

He said he was pleased to see an increase in consistent student attendance across the district.

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"When students are present and engaged in the classroom on a regular basis, they have greater opportunities to participate, build relationships and deepen their learning," he said. "This rise in consistent attendance is directly tied to stronger engagement and, in time, improved overall performance, reinforcing the importance of being in school every day."

Heil said the district remains on track with state-mandated literacy training and is awaiting guidance from the state regarding the second phase, which includes secondary educators. He said they remain committed to balancing the requirements of literacy training with the effective use of high-quality curricular resources to best support students and teachers.

This year is also the first year of the new K-5 reading curriculum, Wit and Wisdom, which he said is "an important step" in strengthening literacy instruction in the district.

Teachers are piloting curricular resources for literacy this year at the middle school level, and it is the district's intention to adopt a literacy resource for the middle school that meets state standards and embodies the required state literacy training.

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While overall results were down, there were gains in math proficiency at two of the district's four elementary schools and in reading at one of the schools.

Halverson Elementary School saw math proficiency rates increase from 41.8% in 2024 to 44.5% in 2025, though reading proficiency rates were 38.4% in 2025, compared to 43.8% in 2024.

Sibley Elementary School saw math proficiency rates increase from 28.8% in 2024 to 29.8% in 2025. Reading rates were 32.3% in 2025, compared to 38.3% in 2024.

Hawthorne Elementary School saw an increase in its reading proficiency rates with 32.2% of students proficient in 2025, compared to 30.1% in 2024. For math, 26.7% of students were proficient in 2025, compared to 27% in 2024.

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Lakeview Elementary School had decreases in both its math and reading proficiency rates with 47.7% proficient in math in 2025, compared to 53.7% in 2024, and 43.8% proficient in reading in 2025, compared to 50.5% in 2024.

At Southwest Middle School, 17.6% of students were proficient in math in 2025, compared to 24.3% in 2024, while 33.9% were proficient in reading in 2025, compared to 34.6% in 2024.

At Albert Lea. High School, 23.8% of students were proficient in math in 2025, compared to 27.7% in 2024, while 41.8% were proficient in reading in 2025, compared to 38.7% in 2024.

Heil noted at the high school level, students are making steady progress toward English language proficiency, developing stronger skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. This growth is reflected in their ability to engage more confidently in classroom learning and demonstrate increasing success on language assessments. He said over the course of the past two years student proficiency at the high school has increased by 10%. English language learners across the district have demonstrated increased proficiency increasing from 42.8% proficient to 46.3% proficient.

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Results were not available for the Area Learning Center.

Heil said the district is preparing for the implementation of new state math standards in the 2027-28 school. Year and will begin the K-8 curriculum review cycle to make sure instructional resources and practices are aligned to meet current needs and future expectations.

"Albert Lea Area Schools remain committed to building on these areas of growth, addressing challenges directly and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed," he said.

Students take the reading MCA in grades 3 through 8 and 10 and the mathematics MCA in grades 3 through 8 and 11.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Hes a criminal with a record that spans the last four decades in Albuquerque. Now, police said his latest offense is brandishing a gun at workers at the North Valley Senior Center.

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Albert Rival, 65, is no stranger to New Mexicos prison system. On Tuesday, Albuquerque police arrested Rival for causing problems at the North Valley Senior Center on 4th Street. Turns out, Rival was a member at the senior facility, staff told police he came in often and would take meals from other seniors.

According to a police report, Rival was heard by staff yelling at other members and threatening them to say he would put someone six feet under. When staff intervened, he then started insulting them. Thats when they said he pulled a handgun from his waistband and cocked the weapon before hiding it behind his back. Not knowing his exact circumstances, but obviously this is a very unusual situation where someone would just brazenly walk in and try to create problems with other members there, said Gilbert Gallegos, Spokesperson, Albuquerque Police Department.

Rival is now charged with a fourth-degree felony of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. This isnt the first felony Rival has faced. He spent 21 years in prison for second-degree murder. You know, he served his time, and thats understandable, but you know, obviously, he still had access to a firearm and took it into a senior center. So, its very concerning, and like I said, I hope he stays in jail, said Gallegos.

Since the 1980s, Rival has been convicted of violent felonies ranging from assault to burglary. Obviously, senior centers, community centers where we have children and families that attend are very high priorities for us. So, we just, its great that we dont have these kinds of situations happen, and unfortunate that this one did, but it ended well, said Gallegos.

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Albert Rival has another pending case of aggravated assault, which happened in February. Police said Rival pulled a knife from his waist, threatening staff at a business nearby when they told him to leave.

The state filed a motion to keep Albert Rival behind bars until trial. A judge is set to make that decision next Wednesday.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The City of Albuquerque is hoping to become a hub for the future of clean energy, and theyre trying to convince a leader in the industry to make Albuquerque home. We think New Mexico can be the leader in fusion for the world, said Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Economic Development Department.

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An energy company, in the cutting-edge field of fusion, is looking for a place to build its new billion-dollar research and development facility, and the city of Albuquerque wants to make sure its the companys number one choice.

In July, the New Mexico Economic Development Department announced that the company, Pacific Fusion, is considering making Albuquerque the site of their new facility. There, they would develop power-generating technology, using fusion a process that creates huge amounts of energy in the same way as the sun. Now the city is introducing two new ordinances to entice the company to set up shop.

The ordinances authorize property tax incentives, as well as economic development or LEDA funds, that would reimburse Pacific Fusion $9 million for expenses like land acquisition and infrastructure. Pacific Fusion, theyre looking to put in a billion-dollar investment themselves, so this is just ways that we can come alongside and help through a public-private partnership, said Albuquerque City Councilor Nicole Rogers, District 6.

The ordinances said the potential site would go on 17 acres of vacant land in Mesa del Sol. Last week, the city approved zoning changes to make way for the more than 200,000 square foot headquarters. The state said the location is ideal because its close to Sandia National Laboratories, where the fusion technology was invented. They can help them build this new facility, in a way that no other place could really do because of the expertise both in our construction workforce and then in our scientific workforce, its really, really special here in the State of New Mexico, said Black.

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Although the company is still deciding between Albuquerque and locations in California, city officials are optimistic. What I believe is it will set us apart from other cities that theyre looking at. Were showing upfront that were going to come alongside them and help, said Councilor Rogers.

Councilor Rogers said if the company were to build the site in Albuquerque, it would create more than 200 high-paying jobs and have a $1.2 billion economic impact on the state over the next ten years.

The New Mexico Economic Development Department said that it expects Pacific Fusion to make a final decision in September. If Albuquerque is selected, they could break ground in 2026.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Aug. 29 denounced Russia's attacks on Germany's infrastructure and attempts to undermine the countrys social stability and public opinion

"(Russian President Vladimir) Putin is destabilizing a big part of our country," Merz told French outlet La Chaine Info. "We are already in conflict with Russia."

Western leaders have repeatedly accused Moscow of hybrid operations and sabotage attacks across the European continent, targeting countries supporting Ukraine.

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"We all hope that one day the Russians and we will be good neighbors. But today, unfortunately, we are very, very far from that," the German leader continued, adding that Putin wants to "restore the Soviet Union."

Since taking office in May, Merz has ramped up German military support for Ukraine and taken a tougher line towards the Russian leader.

Despite his earlier promises, the chancellor has held off on sending some key military equipment, most famously Taurus missiles.

Earlier this week, the New York Times and the German outlet WirtschaftsWoche reported growing concerns over suspected Russian drone flights over U.S. arms routes in Germany.

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Officials quoted by the outlets presented the flights as espionage of Western arms heading to Ukraine and possible preparations for further sabotage operations in Europe.

Russia is suspected of being behind arson attacks in Poland, Lithuania, and elsewhere, sabotage of underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, and dispatches of incendiary parcels across European countries.

Read also: Exclusive: Maker of Ukraines new Flamingo cruise missile facing corruption probe

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The most powerful lobbying group for Americas doctors has a big decision to make: Go to war with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. or try to work with him.

For many members of the American Medical Association, publicly opposing Kennedy feels right. It means defending public health against policies  from changes to vaccine guidance to cuts to Medicaid  they see as dire threats. But it could come at a big cost if Republicans decide to overhaul how doctors are paid, as Kennedy has said he wants to do.

It's up to AMA leaders, like its new president, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, to strike the balance between rebuffing the administration and building relationships within it.

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On Monday, we might have something to say, We disagree. They shouldn't be doing this, and on Tuesday, We love this and congratulations, Mukkamala said in an interview with POLITICO. That's what I think the year is going to be like.

After member doctors gave AMA staff a tongue-lashing for inaction at a June summit, the group has criticized Kennedy and President Donald Trump more vocally. But that could imperil the AMAs longstanding relationships on Capitol Hill with GOP lawmakers and stall efforts to net policy wins. At stake: billions in Medicare reimbursements, the doc vote in the midterms and physicians clout in Washington.

Mukkamala said the AMA is negotiating to reverse a 3 percent Medicare pay cut that took effect in January. Congressional Republicans floated the fix earlier this year, but havent been able to push it over the line.

Mukkamala is an ear, nose and throat doctor who grew up in Flint, Michigan, and became AMA president in June. He loves to talk about his towns blue-collar bona fides, forgets the name of the fancy grocery store  Whole Foods  and boasts a car collection with 86 vehicles. His ascension to the AMA presidency was nearly derailed in November when his doctor discovered a 3-inch cancerous lump in his brain. He had the tumor removed and has since cracked jokes about the hole in his head.

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Dr. Mario Motta, a former AMA board member, described Mukkamala as a storyteller and natural-born activist.



When Mukkamala discusses the pills he takes to manage his cancer, he notes the cuts to the National Institutes of Health that helped develop them. In the past he has taken attention-grabbing steps  like purchasing an AR-15  to spotlight public health issues.

A large majority of the AMA, including those on the left, do feel like he is representative of our views and has our concerns at heart, said Dr. Ray Lorenzoni, an AMA delegate.

Dr. Laurie Lapp, who served on an AMA committee that responds to federal legislation, said she supports Mukkamalas efforts to build bridges with the Trump administration, but she hopes the AMA will focus on fighting it.

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Is it going to work? I dont know, Lapp said. I do not envy him and the line he has to tow.

Mukkamala, as chief communicator, helms the AMA alongside a new CEO, Dr. John Whyte. Whyte, who has held posts at the FDA and HHS, leads the groups advocacy efforts.

Mukkamala told POLITICO that neither of them has spoken yet with Kennedy. Mukkamala wrote letters to Kennedy introducing himself and suggested the two work together to improve preventive care since Mukkamala is certified in lifestyle medicine. He said Kennedy hasnt responded.

I don't know if I'd ever get a hug from the HHS secretary. I'd take it if I got it, he said of Kennedy, who has repeatedly criticized doctors, accusing them of failing to treat the root causes of disease and being in league with pharma. Kennedy has also said he wants to change the way the government sets rates for medical services, reducing the AMAs role in the process. Still Mukkamala thinks there may be common ground on some issues. The point is that we could get along well on the things we agree on.

A political shift

The AMA was once a dominant force in GOP politics and influential with Republican officials.

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The AMA shot down President Harry Trumans national health care proposal, opposed the creation of Medicare and helped sink President Bill Clintons 1993 health plan. But the group started moving left when Democrats sided with doctors in their battles with insurers health maintenance organizations in the 1990s. That shift accelerated after Trump came to office and Americans political allegiances resorted based on education levels. Since 2018, the AMA has given more of its campaign contributions to Democrats.

For the better part of 2025, the group was rankled by infighting. Its physician members rallied against its leaders, accusing them of listlessly standing by as Trump sowed doubt in the medical establishment.

The group did not speak out when Trump nominated Kennedy to lead HHS and when it became clear that Medicaid cuts would fund the GOPs tax cuts. What kicked off much of the internal disgruntlement, some members said, began with a March letter from concerned physicians asking the AMA board of trustees to publicly oppose the Medicaid cuts.

I understand, having been on the board, why they might be hesitant, Motta, the former AMA board member, said in an interview, describing the boards response as tepid.

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At the same time, if youre the leading health care organization, and you dont speak up when there are major transgressions, then what are we here for? he added.

Dr. Michael Suk, then chair of the AMA board, replied to the letter saying, Reactive activism can be risky  it can divert attention from larger, long-term goals, STAT reported.

In June, the doctors discontent burst into rancor at the AMAs annual summit in Chicago. Physicians queued up to voice support for resolutions against various Trump policies. While the conference was going on, Kennedy dismissed an outside panel of experts on vaccine safety. The physician delegates united to take an emergency vote rebuking the move.

Suk changed his tone.

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Let us be honest; we recognize that at times, we could have been more forceful, he told the delegates. We could have spoken louder, earlier, and more publicly.

The AMA has since released a flurry of pronouncements against Trump and Kennedy.

Even so, on July 4, Trump signed into law nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts.

The AMAs new tone appears to be sticking. On Wednesday when the White House ousted Dr. Susan Monarez, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the AMA quickly alerted that this turmoil leaves us highly susceptible to public health threats.

But three AMA physicians in leadership roles, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said the group still wasnt doing enough to counter the Trump administrations assault on public health. They added that the AMA board is still discouraging members from speaking out.

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They're trying to make us more unified, but we have fighting people who want to see more public action, one of the physicians said.

Its unclear how the AMA plans to handle the midterm elections. Mukkamala said he doesnt necessarily believe a Democratic majority in Congress would be friendlier to doctors.

The AMA also faces a generational split. Several members said that the old guard hopes the AMA will keep on with its biggest battle: fighting to reverse declining Medicare payments for doctors. But younger physicians are pushing the AMA to speak out on public health.

The power of the AMA is that we are a group of Americas physicians and our job is to advocate for our patients, said Lapp, an OB/GYN resident. The older ones are very set in that mindset that we have to take care of the physicians. I could not care less about Medicare payment reform.

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Mukkamala defended the AMAs quiet advocacy strategy from earlier in the year, saying that it was the right choice for the group to forgo organizing against Kennedys nomination as secretary.

If the group rallied against Kennedy, he said, the AMA would be looking through a window as opposed to being in the room.

But the AMA may be outside the room anyway, said Lorenzoni, the AMA delegate.

He called the Trump administrations apparent disinterest in the AMAs views a failure from us that we haven't been able to engage  our message hasn't been as emphatic and influential as it needs to have been to really sway public opinion.
Twenty years ago in 2005, majorities of voters in France and the Netherlands rejected the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe in national referenda. But that didnt stop the Machiavellian European elites. They repackaged the new European federal constitution as an amendment to existing European treaties and passed the nearly-identical Treaty of Lisbon, which was ratified by all EU member states and came into force in 2009. The government of the Netherlands circumvented democracy by approving the constitution-disguised-as-a-treaty by a parliamentary procedure, instead of a second referendum.

The French and Dutch voters who rejected Eurofederalism in 2005 were right  and so were the British voters who voted for Brexit in 2016. The European Union in its present form was a mistake from its origins in the Maastricht Treaty in 1993. The so-called European project  a project to create a colossal European federal state, comparable to the United States  was doomed from the beginning and has been a miserable failure.

There is nothing wrong with international cooperation among sovereign countries in matters ranging from defence and trade to mundane issues like pollution control and the regulation of international waterways and air traffic. And transnational agencies with limited powers can play useful roles, as long as they are subordinate to nation states. The increasing integration of non-communist Europe after the Second World War was useful in the form of the European Economic Community (EEC), the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) in the Treaty of Brussels (the Merger Treaty) in 1967.

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But European integration should have stopped there, give or take some minor tweaks. Unfortunately, elite Eurofederalists proceeded to carry out a half-century programme of turning a loose collection of independent European nation-states into a fake country, with its own parliament, the European Parliament, its own supreme court, the Court of Justice of the European Union, and its own government, the European Commission.

Democracy is impossible without a demos, and there is no European people, only separate nations with different histories and cultures and languages. There are a few successful multinational states, like Switzerland and Belgium, but they are the exception, not the rule.

If people cannot speak to each other and be understood, they cannot form a genuine political community with genuine public opinion. In this sense, the Anglosphere is more real than Europe, and so is the Hispanosphere. In contrast, Dutch and French citizens cannot understand each other, unless they are multilingual or speak a second language, like English, which is the de facto lingua franca of modern Europe, to the distress of the French elite.

Real countries have landscapes imbued with local cultural associations and historic memories. But when the European Union issued its first bank notes following the adoption of the euro, instead of showing actual landmarks, they depicted fictitious bridges appropriate only as symbols of a fake country. A Dutch artist, Robert Stam, subsequently built humorous toy versions of these fake bridges in a Rotterdam suburb, Spijkenisse.

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Everything about the post-Maastricht European Union has been similarly fake. The promise of common European defence, distinct from Nato, has never materialised, because Europes constituent nations have different interests and values.

The project of creating a single market with a single currency that would enable post-national Europe to rival the giant economies of the US and China has been a failure as well. In tech and other areas, Europe has failed to create firms that can exploit scale and battle American and Chinese firms for global markets.

Eurofederalists claim that the problem is too little pan-European economic integration, not too much. But Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have globally-competitive firms, even though they are medium-sized countries, comparable to Germany, France, and Britain, not titans with huge internal markets like China and the US.

The present-day European Single Market is based on the Four Freedoms: unobstructed flows of goods, services, capital, and people across national borders. The fourth of these, the unhindered flow of migrants, has been a political disaster. Cross-border migrant flows provoked the public backlash that led to Brexit, and non-European migration is now fuelling the rise of populist parties opposed to mass immigration everywhere in Europe.

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For decades, Eurofederalists have pointed to the gradual economic integration of the United States as a model for ever-increasing European integration. But this has always been nonsense. The British colonies that seceded from the British empire in 1776 had Anglo-Protestant majorities, along with other European ethnic groups, native Americans, and black Americans, enslaved and free. Most Americans always shared a common language and culture.

Moreover, the political and military unity of the US preceded its economic integration. The US military, dating back to the Continental Line in 1776, is older than the present US federal constitution of 1787. In 1865, the federal government crushed the attempt of the South to secede, well before the creation of a true national economy from separate state economies, a process which occurred only in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries and is still not complete in some areas.

Another misleading model cited by some advocates of a European superstate has been the unification of Germany in 1871. While it was preceded by the Zollverein (customs union) that originated in the 1830s, intra-German trade by itself would not have consolidated the independent states of Germany outside of Austria, without Prussias wars with Austria in 1866 and France in 1870-71.

Speaking of misleading historical parallels, European superstate is based on a historical lie  the lie that the two world wars were caused by nationalism in the abstract, rather than German nationalism in particular.

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The world wars were caused by the determination of the elites of Imperial Germany and Nazi Germany to use aggressive warfare to turn Germany from a medium-sized power into a world power on the scale of the US, the British empire, and the Russian empire. Berlins ambitions under the Kaiser and Hitler could be achieved only if Germany crushed its European neighbours and created a European empire run from Berlin.

If Germanys leaders had been content for their country to be the largest of a group of sovereign European states, the world wars never would have taken place. Neither Tsarist Russia nor France nor Britain  notwithstanding their imperialism outside of Europe  would have sought to turn their European neighbours into vassal states, to use German Chancellor Bethmann Hollwegs term for Belgium in his September Programme of 1914.

As an American, I have always been amazed at the willingness of non-German Europeans to tolerate the insulting myth that the nationalism of all countries  including their own  caused the world wars. Unless the British and French and Italians and others suppress their own national sentiments, it seems to have been assumed, German nationalists might come to power and run amok again.

Nobody wants a neo-Prussian or neo-Nazi Germany, though that is not a serious threat, given todays ageing, prosperous, bourgeois federal republic, however obnoxious some on the German far-Right may be. Paradoxically, the revival of a healthy, constructive, democratic German nationalism could put an end to the myth of common European guilt, which leads Euro-elites in Paris, London, and elsewhere to smear the legitimate patriotism of their own fellow nationals as anachronistic or inherently aggressive or fascistic.

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In 1876, German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck is alleged to have written in the margin of a letter from Russian Chancellor Gorchakov, Whoever speaks of Europe is wrong. In 1863, when Sir Andrew Buchanan, the British ambassador, appealed to the supposed interest of Europe, Bismarck is famously said to have replied, Who is Europe?

The true Europe is not a phoney country with a comic-opera legislature and imaginary landmarks, but a collection of diverse, proud and independent nations. They can and should cooperate to pursue shared interests through common military alliances like Nato and via a degree of integration in trade. But in this Americans perspective, European integration since 1993 has gone too far, depriving member states of control over their own borders, their own immigration policies, and their own currencies.

Battered from below by populist revolts and bombarded from outside by both the subsidised dumping of goods by China and American tariffs, the European Union looks less like a model for a post-national future and more like a costly mistake. European countries like the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium have led the world in legalising euthanasia. The euthanasia of the European Union as an institution is overdue.

Michael Lind is a fellow at New America and the author of Hell to Pay: How the Suppression of Wages Is Destroying America

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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, Florida. (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.

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For children and teens, the biggest gaps were in firearm-related incidents and car crashes.

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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.

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.

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This report was originally published by Stateline, part of the States Newsroom nonprofit news network. Its 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.
There's a lot about the United States that is worthy of criticism, but some things have become so normalized that we don't realize just how...dystopian they really are. Recently, we asked American BuzzFeed Community members to share the aspects of US politics that actually shouldn't be normalized, and they didn't hold back:

1."The fact that the president can just make up any law that he wants using his executive orders instead of going through the actual process. Or that our top judiciary system is a lifetime job. We seriously need some term limits put in place."

MANDEL NGAN / AFP via Getty Images

abourque

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2."Lobbying is legalized bribery, and you can't convince me otherwise."

stephaniep461d11578

3."How two political parties can have a stranglehold on this country. How people feel that if you don't support the leading candidate in one party, then you must be supporting the leading candidate of the OTHER party. How people only feel like they have two options in general elections: Republican or Democrat. And while you can technically vote for a third-party candidate or write someone in for the US presidential election, it's basically a protest vote more than anything else. Other countries usually have more candidates and political parties to choose from!"

jomariem

Related: JD Vance's "Ridiculous" Answer About How To Curb School Shootings Is Going Viral

4."That right-wing media is allowed to blatantly lie to their viewers and call it 'free speech.'"

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homeydaclown

5."Political merch."

Anonymous

6."Our vote doesn't actually matter in presidential elections thanks to the Electoral College. The EC was a compromise from the era when a slave counted as 3/5 of a person. Now, thanks to that, a vote in Wyoming is weighted the same as three votes in California. Electors don't even have to go with what the state's vote is. It's DEI for red states. If we went by the popular vote, Republicans would never win another election. They only win by giving power to land."

luxahoy

7."That there are higher requirements to serve in the military than to become POTUS. I've always found that odd, seeing as stereotyping military service members as 'illiterate morons who can't cut it in the real world' became the popular thing to do long before Trump's 'suckers and losers' comment hit the airwaves."

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certified_drapetomaniac

8."That Congress and representatives get better healthcare than the people they represent. They shouldn't be allowed to have healthcare other than the median of the healthcare the people they represent have."

Anonymous

Related: JD Vances Old Epstein Tweets Are Coming Back To Haunt Him In A Big Way

9."Certain Trump Bibles selling for $1,000."

Anonymous

10."That the leader of the 'free world' is posting rants on social media talking about stuff like hating Taylor Swift."

Anonymous

11."Hear me out: the people do not actually have any power. Yes, we can vote, but that vote means essentially nothing once it's cast. First, most long-term Congress members run unopposed, meaning your 'choice' is anything but. Next, elected officials vote in their own best interest, not ours. We can't make them do anything. Finally, we have no way to check, replace, or stop a rogue president, congressperson, vice president, etc., because all of that power lies with Congress. A Congress that has no spine, principles, or a moral compass. They don't care what their electorate wants; they just want to get rich and keep their jobs. This country will fall because 'we the people' are utterly powerless to do anything to stop it."

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mollykin1015

12."The list is long, but a good place to start is the fact that a wannabe dictator can order troops to take over the nation's capital, all while threatening to do the same in other cities. And no one says anything to stop him. There is a little article called the Posse Comitatus Act, which forbids this kind of action. Why is no one demanding the enforcement of it? Is everyone afraid of this deranged toddler?"

silverpizza405

Related: "WHY ARE PEOPLE SO STUPID": This MAGA Supporter Shared 10 Reasons Why They Regret Voting For Trump, And The Internet Is Not Impressed

13."First off, there are too many examples to list. But the one that stands out the most is the fact that Americans voted for Trump even after what went down on January 6."

Jon Cherry / Getty Images

crispyjaguar243

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14."Money in politics, especially after Citizens United. Just think: the rich get an outsized voice in a supposed democracy just because they, in most cases, won the birth lottery (and then generally and effectively exploited the labor of others). It's absolutely destructive to the real purpose of any representative system."

Anonymous

15."That a presidential candidate can get the majority of votes yet still lose the election."

anotheranon

16."The amount of money it takes to get elected, in addition to the amount of time our election cycles are. In other countries, it's like six to eight weeks of campaigning, and all candidates are required to get equal time for free on media channels. It really makes you wonder what the US would be like if we didn't have election campaigning happening for an entire year."

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Anonymous

17."I'm 69. I've been through many presidents, some good, some not. But to watch masked men snatch people off the streets? That's horrifying. To see the American military patrolling American streets? That's horrifying. To watch 1/3 of the levers (the Republican-controlled Congress) of government cede control to this administration? Horrifying. To see how few of the American people vote breaks my heart."

Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images

charmingelf8181

18."That felons are allowed to be president. That people who are held liable for sexual abuse are allowed to be president. That people accused of being pedophiles are allowed to be president."

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stephaniev23

Related: MAGA Is (Loudly) Regretting Their Votes After Witnessing ICE Raids Across The Nation, And It's Reallyyyy Not Looking Good For Trump

19."How people treat their political beliefs like it's their whole identity, and how polarized it's become because of it. Ideology has been pushed to extremes, and people just go along with it. It is all about winning and keeping other people from winning. People treat politics like a professional sport, and that's something that affects real people's lives. It's gone beyond people cutting their noses off to spite their face; they will cut off their whole face at this point."

Krubar, 56, California

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20."That politicians can make smear campaigns with no basis in fact and put ads on the TV and radio."

stephaniev23

21.Lastly: "All of the paintings of himself that Trump has put in the White House, along with the way he's trying to erase slavery and other history. These MAGAts are too obsessed with him to see how corrupt his administration is."

Win McNamee / Getty Images

Anonymous

*Big American sigh.* What's a super normalized thing in US politics that is actually really dystopian? Let us know in the comments, or you can anonymously submit your thoughts using the form below.

Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Also in In the News: A Video Of Obama Exposing MAGAs Double Standards Is Going Viral, And Its A Startling Reminder Of Just How Much Things Have Changed

Also in In the News: "This Is Like Applauding A Grown Man For Being Able To Wipe Their Behind": 29 Of The Best, Most Brutal, And Funniest Political Tweets Of The Week

Also in In the News: Trump Can't Stop Talking About Pete Buttigieg, And Pete Responded With One Simple Tweet

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India in December this year, the Kremlin said on Aug. 29 amid U.S. President Donald Trump's mounting pressure on New Delhi over energy ties with Russia.

Washington targeted Indian goods with 50% tariffs  which came into effect on Aug. 27  as Trump lashed out against the South Asian country for buying Russian weapons and oil.

The move came amid Trump's effort to negotiate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia and end the full-scale war ongoing for three and a half years.

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Putin is also expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their visit to China on Sept. 1, where the two are set to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The visit will mark Putin's first visit to India since December 2021, when he held talks with Modi just a few months before launching an all-out war against Ukraine.

After the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, India has emerged as one of Moscow's largest oil buyers, taking advantage of discount prices as Russia lost much of its European market.

This prompted criticism from Washington, with Trump's advisor, Peter Navarro, denouncing India as an "oil money laundromat for the Kremlin."

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India initially seemed to submit to Washington's pressure, with earlier reporting indicating that the country was reducing Russian oil imports as U.S. tariffs took effect.

Earlier this week, Reuters reported that India instead moves to ramp up Russian oil imports by 10-20% in September, despite U.S. tariffs. New Delhi argues that Russian imports are crucial to maintain stable energy costs.

Oil revenues account for roughly one-third of Russia's federal budget, making energy exports a vital source of funding for its war against Ukraine.

India has publicly adopted a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, urging a peaceful resolution while maintaining its economic ties with Moscow.

Read also: BREAKING: Ukraines ex-parliament speaker shot dead in Lviv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Waylon Cunningham and Samantha Marshak

(Reuters) -A White House call to curtail the marketing of unhealthy food to children would be vulnerable to industry lobbying that killed previous government efforts, nutrition and public health experts said.

U.S. President Donald Trump's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, established in February and led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is tasked with investigating what its supporters call an epidemic of childhood disease.

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A draft obtained by Reuters of the commission's upcoming report, which is expected to be published in coming weeks, contains a recommendation that agencies explore "potential industry guidelines" to limit food advertising aimed at children.

The MAHA movement aligned with Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic and former environmental lawyer, has sometimes been at odds with industry groups and a traditional Republican preference for market-based policy. The draft report criticizes the food industry for annually spending "billions" on "targeted marketing of unhealthy foods to children via television and social media."

The food industry has beefed up its lobbying since Trump took office in January. Companies have sought to push the White House and other officials on policies such as children's nutrition programs, packaging label rules and the upcoming commission report, according to lobbying disclosures.

Companies taking part in the industry's voluntary self-regulation program to limit children's marketing spent $12.5 million on lobbying in the first half of 2025, up from $11.3 million in the year-ago period when no major legislation was pending. The disclosures do not detail lobbying expenses on health-related issues versus other areas.

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Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, ConAgra Brands and Oreo-maker Mondelez Global specifically mentioned MAHA as a recent lobbying topic with regulators and officials in Washington, according to July disclosures. None of the companies responded to requests for comment.

McDonald's has spent at least $1.67 million on lobbying since January. Its latest disclosure, filed in July, mentions discussions with lawmakers, regulators and the White House on nutrition and other topics. McDonald's did not respond to a request for comment.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai said "Gold Standard Science" would be the only factor guiding the administration's decision-making in its "Make America Healthy Again" efforts.

The Department of Health and Human Services declined to comment.

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Food marketing is probably the leading influence on eating choices for people and especially children, said Nick Freudenberg, a public health professor at the City University of New York School. He recently co-authored a study reviewing 25 years of research on the effects of marketing unhealthy food to adolescents and young adults.

Freudenberg said the U.S. lacks protections against harmful marketing to children found in the European Union and some Latin American countries because of the food industry's outsized influence, and was skeptical that the report's recommendation would lead to policies that meaningfully limit marketing.

After the MAHA Commission's first report came out in May, Kennedy said its members had a consensus to prioritize what he called the ultra-processed food crisis and to work to improve the food American children eat.

The draft of the upcoming second report recommends that agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, explore developing industry guidelines to limit the direct marketing of certain unhealthy foods to children, including by evaluating the use of misleading claims and imagery.

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Most major U.S. food advertisers participate in a voluntary self-regulation pledge program called the Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI). Participants, including McDonald's and Coca-Cola, commit to not advertise directly to children under 6 and to only promote sufficiently nutritional food to children under 13.

Many public health experts are critical of the program.

Jennifer Harris, a research advisor at the University of Connecticut who studies food marketing to children, said the promise made by these companies has "so many loopholes that it's basically meaningless."

CFBAI head Daniel Range disagreed, saying the program has produced "observable, meaningful changes to child-directed food advertising."

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Public health experts said the draft MAHA report's recommendation resembles a failed 2011 effort by the FTC to adopt guidelines that would have asked companies to voluntarily end all food advertising unless they were promoting healthy fare, such as whole grains, fresh fruits or vegetables.

(Reporting by Waylon Cunningham; Editing by Richard Chang)
With political tensions running high, the vast majority of congressional lawmakers steered clear of town halls this summer. The handful who entered the lions den were met with boos, jeers and tense confrontations.

President Donald Trump and the Republicans may have full control of Washington, but protesters spared neither political party. At 25 town halls across the country that were viewed or attended by NBC News this summer, voters pressured Democrats to deploy more aggressive tactics as they battle Trump and took them to task over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Republicans faced hostile crowds over their support for Trumps big, beautiful bill, his nationwide immigration crackdown and Trumps deployment of federal forces to Washington, D.C., in what he has called an effort to crack down on crime.

The crowd reacts as Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., answers questions from constituents at a town hall in Lincoln on Aug. 4. (Scott Morgan / Reuters file)

The hostile tone is not a huge surprise, given that town halls tend to attract fired-up activists who want nothing more than to turn up the heat on their elected officials. But these public events provide a snapshot of our nations white-hot politics in the first quarter of Trumps tumultuous second term.

Trump immigration moves flare up

Alligator Alcatraz, masked agents carrying out ICE raids, third-country deportations: Anger at Trumps immigration blitz was palpable at town halls across the country, in districts represented by both Democrats and Republicans.

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It was the central focus of questions at Wisconsin GOP Rep. Bryan Steils town hall in late July, as attendees lambasted the congressmans efforts to blame former President Joe Bidens policies for the countrys immigration problems.

What I see happening to our immigrant population embarrasses me, and you have not raised a voice to complain about it, one attendee told Steil. Where do I see your leadership? I see no leadership. I see following Trump 100% of the time.

Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., answers questions at a town hall in Elkhorn on July 31. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA Today Network)

The biggest crowd reactions of the night came in response to Steils introductory remarks celebrating border security, which then prompted an attendee to shout, We are all immigrants.

In Virginia in late July, frustrations surrounding the Trump administrations handling of immigration pulled focus away from Social Security and Medicaid at Democratic Rep. Jennifer McClellans town hall geared toward senior citizens.

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While McClellan directed attendees to keep their questions geared toward senior issues, the audience asked more questions about immigration than any other subject, expressing concerns about deportations and immigration raids. Among the only times McClellan drew applause where when she condemned the Trump administrations handling of deportations and its use of Alligator Alcatraz, a migrant detention center in Florida that a federal judge has ordered closed.

I hope that when we enforce our immigration policy  whether its who we detain, who we deport  that we do so consistent with American values of due process and compassion, McClellan said.

Following the town hall in North Chesterfield, McClellan told NBC News she had expected immigration to be a recurring topic because of recent ICE activity in her district.

Theres been so much ICE activity here in Chesterfield County thats impacted people of all ages, McClellan said, adding that people of all walks of life have  reached out and said theyre concerned about it.

Democrats focus on GOP Medicaid cuts seems to be working

A month after Trump signed his sweeping big, beautiful bill into law, its nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, and health care more broadly, dominated some GOP town halls  a sign that Democrats early messaging on the legislation is having its desired effect.

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Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., said his office had been inundated with calls about the cuts in the bill he voted for, so he decided to address the issue head-on during a town hall in Lincoln on Aug. 4.

Medicaid, Medicaid, Medicaid, Medicaid  that was the No. 1 issue, Flood, the chairman of Republicans Main Street Caucus, told NBC News.

Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., during his Lincoln town hall on Aug. 4. (Scott Morgan / Reuters)

He said he spent a good deal of his event trying to explain to people on Medicare  which provides health care for seniors, while Medicaid is for low-income people  that their coverage would not be cut under the GOP legislation. It didnt touch Medicare, he told attendees.

The law imposes new 80-hour-per-month work requirements for able-bodied adults, ages 19 to 64, who receive Medicaid benefits.

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Theyve got the bejesus scared out of them, Flood said in a phone interview, referring to what he described as an audience of mostly seniors. They think that theyre going to lose their health care, you know? And thats not the case.

Flood conceded to the audience at the University of Nebraska that the Trump bill wasnt perfect but argued it cut taxes, would provide certainty for Americans and protects Medicaid by shoring up the program. Responding to other questions, Flood said one way to bring down the cost of health insurance was to not have as many people on Medicaid. He also told the crowd the country cant afford Medicare for All.

Some replied by chanting Yes, you can! while others booed and jeered Flood.

Across the country in another college town, Chico, California, Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa was also getting an earful about the Medicaid cuts in Trumps big bill. LaMalfa responded by echoing GOP leaders, who have insisted the tax and spending cuts act doesnt cut Medicaid but simply reforms it.

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Theres not cuts for Medicaid, LaMalfa said, sparking an emotional reaction from the crowd.

The new work requirements and other changes are projected to cut nearly $1 trillion in federal Medicaid spending over a decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

One attendee named Cecilia, who said she was a constituent from Chico, stayed with the Medicaid topic and came prepared with statistics. How do you justify voting yes on the big, ugly bill, she said, using a Democratic nickname for the Trump bill, knowing that 43% of your constituents  the highest of any California congressional district  received Medicaid and other government assistance?

LaMalfa, who represents a safe GOP district and held five town halls over the summer recess, replied that changes to the Trump law could be made in the future. That would be an uphill fight, however, given how difficult it was for Republicans to pass the Trump legislation on a party-line basis.

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OK, so this bill is not going to be the be all, end all.  Its not the end of the discussion. Its not the end of the legislation, LaMalfa said.

Thats bulls---! one attendee shot back.

Democrats feel the heat on the partys direction after Trumps win

Democratic lawmakers were also pressed about the direction of their party at several town halls. Attendees asked how Democrats will combat Trumps agenda and turn the partys trajectory around following the 2024 presidential election loss.

Theres no one running to save us, Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., said of the Democratic Party to a crowd in Steamboat Springs. There is no panacea. Theres no master plan. It is about doing the work, developing and building coalitions.

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At several town halls, fellow Colorado Democrat and gubernatorial candidate Sen. Michael Bennet said that the Democratic Party should have never lost the 2024 presidential election and called Trumps victory catastrophic.

Bennet added that Democrats must run on more than just opposition to Trump.

Hes not doing anything, basically, that he didnt promise to do when he was running for office, which is part of the problem, when he built a majority coalition to get elected president and we couldnt stop it. Knowing what we know about it sitting in this room  we have to ask ourselves, Why are we not able to build a governing coalition to beat them either time? Bennet said.

In Michigan, before an audience of mostly white seniors in a Republican district represented by Rep. Bill Huizenga, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., warned that young people are disillusioned and feel left out of Democratic politics. She emphasized that Democrats want to see a new generation of leaders, pointing to Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor in New York City.

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[Democrats] are willing to take someone new, or that they may not know a ton about, rather than the kind of warmed-over leftovers, right? And so, I think, to me, that signal couldnt be sent any clearer, she said.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., during a town hall in Lansing on June 6. (Emily Elconin / Bloomberg via Getty Images file)

A Dem town hall is shut down over Gaza crisis

The political handling of the ongoing war in Gaza continues to haunt Democrats, as constituents across the country continuously interrupted town halls to voice their anger at U.S. politicians for not doing more  and in one case, shut down the town hall.

Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., canceled his town hall after nine pro-Palestinian protesters took over the stage, shouting and disrupting the ongoing event, according to the Renton Police Department. Smith posted on X that the behavior displayed by the protesters was unacceptable, calling it a coordinated effort to shut down public dialogue and alleging that one of his staff was was physically assaulted during the chaos.

Three protesters at Smiths event were later arrested on trespassing charges, police said.

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A day later in Rhode Island, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Rep. Seth Magaziner, D-R.I., held a joint, two-hour town hall where they faced consistent disruptions and questions about their stances on Israel and Gaza.

In July, Reed voted in favor of a resolution introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to prohibit the sale of certain assault rifles to Israel, but he voted against a second Sanders resolution that applied to bomb sales, which attendees reminded Reed of  through shouts of but not bombs when the Rhode Island senator highlighted his vote.

Magaziner didnt say how he would vote if a bill banning arms to Israel reached the House floor. Instead, he told the heated audience that he would judge it through the lens of, how do we end the atrocities? What is the most effective way to do that?  an answer that did not seem to satisfy the crowd.

Rep. Steven Cohen, D-Tenn., criticized Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a Memphis town hall, mentioning that he did not attend Netanyahus addresses to Congress in 2015 or 2024, and adding he has no respect for the Israeli leader.

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However, Cohen faced boos when he declined to say outright that there is a genocide in Gaza, instead saying the situation has some aspects of a genocide.

There is a definition of genocide, Cohen said. Whether all the aspects are met. I do not know.

Despite her staunchly progressive and pro-Palestinian record, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., still faced shouts of shame and you are wrong for not denouncing defensive aid for Israel during her Seattle town hall in early August.

Physical clashes but no major security breach

The June assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman put lawmakers in both parties on edge. Security was top of mind for many lawmakers who opted to hold town halls.

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At their August events, they faced a barrage of boos and heckles, and were shouted down; Flood said he was greeted with middle fingers. But for the most part, the protests were peaceful.

Sarah Davis shouts after asking Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., a question during a town hall in Lincoln on Aug. 4. (Scott Morgan / Reuters)

But there was one major clash between protesters and security at the end of a town hall hosted by freshman Rep. Wesley Bell, D-Mo., who sparred with pro-Palestinian attendees throughout the two-hour event over his support for Israel.

Im a Missouri congressman, and the M doesnt stand for the Middle East, said Bell, who ousted progressive Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., in a primary last year.

As the St. Louis town hall ended, officials tried to clear the room, but some refused to leave. Video posted on social media shows police and private security personnel hired by Bell shoving protesters to the ground and grabbing one by the neck and hair.

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The St. Louis Police Department said on X that many of the officers involved were not members of its department, so it couldnt discuss tactics. The department said it was not aware of any arrests. Asked about the altercation, a Bell spokesperson sent NBC News a statement that did not mention it explicitly: Despite the efforts of the protestors, he found it gratifying to engage with his constituents on the most pressing issues in their lives, and he will not shy away from holding more town halls in the future.

Before holding a series of town halls in Oklahoma, GOP Rep. Josh Brecheen warned on X that anyone disrupting his events would be asked to leave or removed by law enforcement.

Flood, the Nebraska Republican, takes a different approach. He said he follows security guidance from the House sergeant at arms whenever he hosts public events and that he coordinated with University of Nebraska police, who sent several officers to the town hall. But he told officers that he didnt want people removed from the town hall if they were expressing their opinion.

People are literally screaming, flipping me off. They are jumping up and down. They are standing with their back to me, Flood recounted. None of those folks get asked to leave.

GOP Rep. Barry Moore, who is running for the Senate in Alabama, was also heckled and shouted down during his Wednesday town hall in Daphne. Things got really tense 40 minutes into the event, after Moore said noncitizens are not protected by due process.

False! Lies!  Shame! Shame! attendees shouted at him.

Without saying another word, Moore withdrew to the back of the room, then slipped out a back door.

Bye, Felicia! a man yelled at Moore.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Missouris Republican Governor Mike Kehoe has called state lawmakers for a special session to redraw Missouris congressional maps, after a push from President Donald Trump.

In a video statement posted to social media, Kehoe explained his justification for calling the session, and introduced the new Missouri First map that will be implemented.

[The map] is simpler, cleaner stronger. [It] was drawn here, made here, for here, by our team, he explained, holding up a print-out of the map that shows Kansas City split into three districts. Kansas City is currently entirely in the 5th District, and has been represented by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver for 11 terms.

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. pic.twitter.com/O3ZDArSDQV  Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) August 29, 2025

Thanking Trump in his announcement video, Kehoe said, 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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Trump was quick to respond on Truth Social, sharing an image of Missouri that shows the entire state, bar the 1st District, colored red.

GREAT Governor Mike Kehoe, of the Wonderful State of Missouri, which I love and won SIX times, including with 1.8 Million Votes in 2024 (by far the most Votes in History!), just called a very Special Session to begin passage of a new, much fairer, and much improved, Congressional Map, that will give the incredible people of Missouri the tremendous opportunity to elect an additional MAGA Republican in the 2026 Midterm ElectionsA HUGE VICTORY for our America First Agenda, not just in the Show-Me State, but across our Nation," he wrote.

I call on all of my Republican friends in the Missouri Legislature to work as fast as they can to get this new Congressional Map, AS IS, to Governor Mike Kehoes desk, ASAP.

Gov. Kehoe's proposed redistricted 'Missouri First' congressional map. / Office of Governor Mike Kehoe

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who has represented Missouris 5th District since 2005, released a statement shortly after Kehoes announcement, calling President Trumps unprecedented directive to redistrict the state an unconstitutional attack against democracy.

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This attempt to gerrymander Missouri will not simply change district lines, it will silence voices. It will deny representation. It will tell the people of Missouri that their lawmakers no longer wish to earn their vote, that elections are predetermined by the power brokers in Washington, and that politiciansnot the peoplewill decide the outcome.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat who has represented Missouris 5th District since 2005, said, This attempt to gerrymander Missouri will not simply change district lines, it will silence voices. It will deny representation. / Jemal Countess/Getty Images for MoveOn

DNC Chair Ken Martin also condemned the move in a post on X, calling it a pathetic attempt to rig the system, evade accountability, and undermine the voices of Missouri voters.

The proposal makes Missouri the latest in a line of states to redraw their congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Leading the charge was Texas, where Democrats fled the state in an attempt to prevent a vote on new gerrymandered maps from being held.

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Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom responded by proposing redistricted maps of his own, designed to counterbalance the five new Republican districts introduced by the changes in Texas, with five new Democratic districts in his own state.

Republicans in Indiana and Florida are also considering redrawing their states congressional maps, while Democratic governors in New York, Maryland and Illinois may yet do the same.

In his video, Kehoe also called for initiative petition reform, which would weaken the mechanism by which citizens can put measures like legalizing marijuana or expanding Medicaid on the ballot.

The special session is set for Sept. 3, when the changes are expected to pass thanks to Republican supermajorities in both houses.
New York Times Executive Editor Joseph Kahns Greenwich Village apartment building appears to have been vandalized over the papers coverage of Gaza.

The apartment buildings walls and front steps were covered with red paint on Friday, photos of the scene show. There was also a message at the bottom of the buildings steps that read: Joe Kahn lies Gaza dies.

The New York Police Department responded to reports about the vandalism around 4:45 a.m. on Friday, a spokesperson told The Independent. An investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.

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The vandalism at Kahns home crosses a line, according to New York Times spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander.

People are free to disagree with The New York Timess reporting but vandalism and targeting of individuals and their families crosses a line and we will work with authorities to address it, Stadtlander said.

The New York Times's headquarters in New York City. Executive Editor Joseph Kahns apartment building was vandalized Friday with a message that read: 'Joe Kahn lies Gaza dies' (AFP via Getty Images)

This isnt the first instance of vandalism over the outlets coverage of Gaza. The papers Manhattan headquarters was vandalized last month with white paint that read: NYT lies Gaza dies.

The message was painted shortly after the paper issued an editors note on a July 24 story titled: Gazans are Dying of Starvation.

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The outlet said it updated the story to include new information about Mohammed Zakaria al-Mutawaq, one of the malnourished children featured in the story. The update came after some pro-Israel groups had criticized the outlets use of al-Mutawaqs photo and said he had pre-existing health conditions, Semafor reports.

We recently ran a story about Gazas most vulnerable civilians, including Mohammed Zakaria al-Mutawaq, who is about 18 months old and suffers from severe malnutrition, the Times said in a statement on July 29.

We have since learned new information, including from the hospital that treated him and his medical records, and have updated our story to add context about his pre-existing health problems, the statement continued. This additional detail gives readers a greater understanding of the situation.

Gaza is experiencing the worst-case scenario of famine amid Israels ongoing war with Hamas, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the leading global authority on food crises.

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Mounting evidence shows that widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths, the organization said last week. Latest data indicates that Famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City.

World leaders have decried the conditions in Gaza. President Donald Trump said last month that there is real starvation in Gaza, while UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said last week that starvation in Gaza is a moral outrage and blamed Israels refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called last weeks report an outright lie and has repeatedly claimed there is no hunger in Gaza.

Health officials say the death toll in Gaza surpassed 63,000 this week amid the Israel-Hamas war. The conflict broke out on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 people hostage.
An employee adds a stack of mail-in ballots to a machine that automatically places the ballots in envelopes at Runbeck Election Services on Sept. 25, 2024 in Phoenix. The company prints mail-in ballots for 30 states and Washington, D.C. Photo by Rebecca Noble | Getty Images

An appeals court has dismissed a challenge from the Arizona Republican Party and its allies that aimed to change the way the state verifies voter signatures on mail-in ballots.

The Division Two Arizona Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that the Republican Party, the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, and others who joined in the lawsuit, did not have legal standing to move forward with the challenge.

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The Republican Party argued in 2023 to the Yavapai County Superior Court, and later to the three-judge appeals court panel, that state law allows only the signatures from voter registration forms to be used for comparison to verify voter signatures on vote-by-mail envelopes.

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Attorney for the plaintiffs Kory Langhofer argued before the appeals court on Aug. 20 that Arizona had been improperly using signatures for comparison from other sources, like ballot envelopes and poll books, that voters had signed in previous elections. Election workers used those additional signatures based on instructions in 2019 and 2023 in Arizonas elections rulebook  the Election Procedures Manual  written by the secretary of state.

But the court of appeals found, in a decision written by Judge Jeffrey Sklar and joined by Judges Peter Eckerstrom and Garye Vasquez, that state law gives Secretary of State Adrian Fontes some discretion to interpret election law, regardless of whether the Republican Party believes he did so correctly.

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State law requires the secretary of state to enact EPM provisions to attain and maintain maximum degree of correctness, impartiality, uniformity and efficiency on voting and ballot procedures, Sklar wrote. Otherwise, there would be no need for an EPM; it would simply reiterate the law as written.

Sklar found that neither the Arizona Republican Party nor the Yavapai County voter who joined the party in the lawsuit had achieved the threshold to prove standing: that they would suffer a distinct and palpable injury from the EPM rules they challenged, giving them a personal stake in the controversys outcome.

The Free Enterprise Club has claimed since it first filed the lawsuit in 2023 that using signatures from a voters ballot affidavit or poll books in a previous election would open up the possibility of increased voter fraud, but didnt provide specific examples of that actually happening.

Multiple former Arizona election officials signed onto a brief in the case attesting that having more signatures for comparison was a best practice, and would actually result in better election integrity than using only one signature.

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Sklar went on to say that the Republican Party did not explain at the trial court or in its briefing how the EPM provision might impair its interest in uniform application of election law.

He wrote that the Republican Partys argument amounts to little more than a hypothetical interest in the dispute, which we lack the ability to evaluate.

On Friday, in a post on the social media site X, formerly Twitter, the Maricopa County Republican Committee wrote that the appeals court was anti-election integrity, based on the ruling.

Co-Conspirator Court Essentially Green Lights Dangerous Democrat Adrian Fontes Circumventing Arizona Election Law, the MCRC wrote in the post. We Must Eliminate Mass-Scale No-Excuse Vote-By-Mail.

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The same court previously ruled to invalidate Fontes 2023 EPM because he didnt give the public enough time to weigh in on changes to it.

While Eckerstrom and Vasquez were appointed to the appeals court by Gov. Janet Napolitano, a Democrat, Sklar, who authored the opinion, was appointed by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey.

The trial court judge, who tossed out the case last year, Yavapai County Superior Court Judge John Napper, was also appointed by Ducey.

The Free Enterprise Club, in a written statement, also decried the appeals courts decision.

The Court of Appeals dismissed our challenge to mail-in ballot signature verification on a manufactured standing issue instead of addressing the merits, the club said. Arizona law requires signatures on mailed ballots to be verified against voter registration records. Allowing officials to ignore this undermines election integrity and denies citizens the right to enforce the law.

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Fontes on Aug. 1 released a new draft version of the EPM for review, which included some changes in response to Republicans successful legal challenges to the 2023 version. Typically, the secretary of state releases a new version of the manual every two years.

The post from the Maricopa County Republican Committee came after President Donald Trump promised to abolish vote-by-mail entirely, something that far-right Republicans have demanded for several years  both in Arizona and nationally  backed by unproven claims of widespread fraud.

Election expert Rick Hasen, director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project and professor of political science at the University of California, Los Angeles, explained in a Aug. 18 blog post that the president doesnt have the power to do that.

The Constitution does not give the President any control over federal elections, he wrote.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Detectives are investigating a deadly shooting in Darrow on Friday.

According to the Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office, deputies were called to a home on Brown Extension Road regarding an 18-year-old man found with a gunshot wound.

A suspect or motive has not been identified yet.

No further details were immediately available. This is an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the sheriffs office at 225-621-4636 or by texting 847411. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867.

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Al-Ain reports that some Israeli officials make no secret of their desire to promote the voluntary migration of Palestinians, though experts describe this proposal as unrealistic.

There is an increasing focus in the Arab states on the upcoming battle for Gaza City. Israel has vowed to attack Hamas strongholds in the city, and reports indicate that 60,000 soldiers are being called up for the battle.

This is expected to be a major confrontation in a large urban area. Concerns about the aftermath of the battle are growing in the region.

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Evidence of this heightened attention includes frequent reports in Arabic media regarding potential future developments in Gaza.

Al-Arabiya notes, "Israel prepares to evacuate thousands from Gaza, Red Cross warns. The Red Cross confirms that mass evacuation is impossible." Jordans Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, has called on the international community to take stronger action to stop the offensive in Gaza City.

The Arab states are aware that EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas has said sanctions against Israel are unlikely. As a result, they are hoping to push other countries to exert greater pressure.

Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas speaks during a press conference after the informal EU defence ministers meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, August 29, 2025. (credit: Ritzau Scanpix/Liselotte Sabroe/via REUTERS )

Arab News reported that Jordans foreign minister on Friday called on the international community to take stronger action against Israel in response to the nations latest military offensive in Gaza, warning that continued impunity will only fuel further regional instability.

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Safadi also praised foreign ministers from Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain for their joint condemnation of the upcoming offensive.

The impunity with which Israel is making a mockery of international law cannot continue, Safadi said. Netanyahu thrives on conflict, he continued, describing the policies of the Israeli government as serving a racist, inhumane ideology that the world should not tolerate.

The Jordanian minister accused Israels prime minister of destroying Gaza, destroying hopes for a just peace, and setting fire to the entire region to save his own political career. He prefers the war to continue, Safadi said. This is the horrific reality that the international community can no longer ignore. We urge all countries to adopt the position of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain, and others who are standing on the side of peace and justice, and act now to stop the slaughter of innocent Palestinians, he added, as reported by Arab News.

Focus on the battle for Zeitoun in Gaza

At Al-Arabiya, reports have focused on the battle for Zeitoun in Gaza. This neighborhood has been captured by Israel seven times during the war.

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It has now been taken again. There is a dispute over the number of Gazans remaining in Gaza City. Israeli sources, as reported by Al-Ain, claim there are only 10,000 people left in key neighborhoods. The Red Cross states that a mass evacuation of Gaza City is impossible.

Israeli forces declared Gaza City outside the scope of any humanitarian truce on Friday, classifying it as a dangerous combat zone, Al-Arabiya noted. The report added that the plans for Gideons Chariots II were approved on August 21, more than two weeks after the launch of a large-scale military operation in the Zeitoun neighborhood, which extended into the adjacent Sabra neighborhood in southern Gaza City.

An Al-Ain report from the UAE focused on the dilemmas Israel will face as it moves forward. The difference from previous operations in Shujaiya and Zeitoun, according to [Erez] Weiner, is that the population was evacuated and a total siege was imposed, leaving only armed Hamas members, the report said.

The article suggests that Israel will enter Gaza City and remain there, rather than carrying out raids as it did in 2024. Resources such as water will be under Israeli control.

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However, the Al-Ain report also highlights perceived differences between Israels political leadership and its military Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

The report predicts that the mission could take months and lead to exhaustion. Though the army asserts that the buildings will be demolished for operational reasons only, field estimates indicate that entire neighborhoods will likely be destroyed, similar to what happened in Rafah and the northern Gaza Strip.

Al-Ain reports that some Israeli officials make no secret of their desire to promote the voluntary migration of Palestinians, though experts describe this proposal as unrealistic. At the same time, the report notes that there is no clear day after plan for Gaza.

The army opposes the establishment of a long-term Israeli military administration, but acknowledges that the absence of a ready alternative may impose a temporary solution. The political echelon believes that the success of the operation is measured by achieving two goals: concluding a comprehensive deal to release the hostages and establishing a local, technocratic administration as an alternative to Hamas.
Arizona lawmakers grilled prisons Director Ryan Thornell during an Aug. 26 hearing after reports of a rise in violence and inmate homicides.

This hearing is not just a formality, Sen. Kevin Payne, R-Peoria, said in an opening statement. Its a response to the growing alarm from inside Arizonas prison system.

There have been nine inmate homicides in 2025 as of Aug. 29.

On April 4, three inmates were killed at a prison facility in Tucson in quick succession. Ricky Wassenaar, who led an attempted prison escape in 2004, was identified as the killer by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry.

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Payne said the hearing wasnt solely about the April 4 incident, but rather an ongoing, systemic issue that threatened the safety of both inmates and correctional officers.

The senator criticized a number of Corrections Department practices, including reclassifying inmates in maximum custody  solitary confinement  to close custody, where they are housed with others.

Payne also castigated the department for failing to provide any of the documents that lawmakers had requested on June 3.

We requested specific reports and information that would have answered many of the questions we will ask today, Payne said. Instead of being transparent and responsive, the department chose to forward our request to their public records office three weeks after we made it.

Former wardens cite flaws in drug program, inmate security classification

Committee members werent the only ones to levy accusations that Thornell had failed to address the security needs of inmates and correctional staff.

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Travis Scott, a former warden who ended his career spanning three decades by retiring in May, criticized the agencys Medication-Assisted Treatment program, which was enacted to help inmates with substance abuse issues overcome their addiction.

Scott accused Thornell of working to ensure the program would be required by an April 2023 court order stemming from a class-action lawsuit over health care in Arizona-run prisons.

The program was doomed from the start, Scott said. It was implemented without the necessary systems and infrastructure.

News alerts in your inbox: Don't miss the important news of the day. Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know.

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Scott said that inmates participating in the program were supposed to be monitored for 15 minutes to ensure the medication was properly administered and absorbed, but that this became unfeasible due to the large number of inmates involved in the program, along with staffing shortages.

This led to inmates being allowed to leave without satisfying the 15-minute supervised waiting period, which allowed inmates to sell their medication where it was often combined with other drugs, causing new health emergencies, Scott said.

Staci Ibarra, another warden who left the department in May  after she was put on administrative leave in the wake of an inmates death  assailed a practice in which maximum security inmates had their classification downgraded.

Over 1,300 maximum custody inmates were moved to lower-custody yards," Ibarra said. That destabilized the populations and placed staff at greater risk, she said.

Prisons director promises future meetings with lawmakers

After over two hours of criticism from former correctional staff, Thornell, who was picked by Gov. Katie Hobbs to run the state's troubled prison system in 2023, addressed concerns while defending the changes implemented during his tenure.

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Were cleaning up a lot of outdated practices, Thornell said. While youve heard that a small number of our current staff, or former staff, disagree with our actions, theyre the minority.

Thornell said its common for there to be opponents to change, but their existence alone doesn't delegitimize the effort.

He added that he takes inmate deaths seriously and that they each warrant a thorough investigation and, when appropriate, corrective action.

This year has undoubtedly been a tough year, Thornell said. Its been a tough year with violence. Its been a tough year with high rates of homicides. And its been a tough year with other things were combating.

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Of the nine inmate homicides in 2025, six occurred in one-on-one skirmishes within jail cells. Wassenaars suspected homicides are the remaining three.

Thornell said his administration has responded by increasing staffing in high-custody areas and equipping correctional staff with body-worn cameras.

Thornell partially attributed the rise in assaults and homicides to the end of policies relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, when prison facilities were largely locked down.

He also said nearly every other state in the country was wrestling with the same problems and implementing similar solutions.

Republicans on the committee presented three charts that showed spikes in inmate assaults  on both other inmates and correctional staff  and inmate homicides.

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The charts, which spanned fiscal years 2021 to 2025, showed inmate assaults increasing from 1,353 in 2021 to 3,054 in 2025 and assaults on staff going from 537 to 716. A chart on inmate homicides showed fiscal year 2025 alone had 11 homicides, while the previous four fiscal years combined only had seven.

Thornell responded, saying he would have to review the statistics they presented and the context behind them, but added that he would be happy to have more meetings with the lawmakers to provide more information.

I want you to be really considering those three charts before you come to meet with us, Rep. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott, told Thornell toward the meetings conclusion. Because I just cant take any answer seriously, and its bothered me tremendously.

Mistaken release: Arizona prisoner released early used fake documents, state director says

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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: Arizona lawmakers grill prisons director amid spike in inmate killings
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson looks on as Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes speaks during a House Administration Committee hearing in the Longworth House Office Building at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 11, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The hearing examined American Confidence in Elections while looking forward to the 2024 presidential election in just under two months. Photo by Bonnie Cash | Getty Images

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes says he has refused demands from the U.S. Department of Justice to hand over voter registration information and provide his offices voter list maintenance procedures.

Arizona voters deserve to participate in elections without fear that their personal information will be collected and stored in federal systems without proper legal safeguards or transparency, Fontes said in a written statement on Friday.

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For several months, the U.S. Department of Justice has been asking states to turn over voter data and information about voter list maintenance practices, causing concern about how the federal government plans to use that information.

President Donald Trump has, for years, spread false claims that U.S. elections, and especially the one he lost to Joe Biden in 2020, are rigged. Now, in his second term as president, Trump has taken a heightened interest in state and local election administration and announced plans  like his promise to ban vote-by-mail  to illegally assert power over those processes.

Its the responsibility of Arizonas county recorders, not the federal government, to register voters and maintain voter rolls, per the federal National Voter Registration Act and the Arizona Election Procedures Manual.

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In his statement, Fontes said that the DOJs demands to provide a complete copy of the states voter registration database, which includes sensitive personal information like drivers license, Social Security numbers and birthdates, raise serious legal and constitutional concerns.

Arizona law strictly prohibits the disclosure of this information, and releasing it would subject state officials to felony liability, he wrote. These protections exist for a reason: to defend voters privacy and prevent misuse of their personal data.

Fontes said that Arizonas robust, data-driven approach to voter list maintenance is rigorously applied and said that only eligible voters remain on the rolls.

Those procedures include confirmation mail to voter addresses, action based on undeliverable election mail and reports from the Electronic Registration Information Center, which helps states collaborate to update voter information across state lines. The state also participates in the SAVE program, which allows it to verify immigration status for voter registration purposes.

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Fontes wrote that these services help alert his office to duplicate registrations, and keeps elections officials in Arizona in the know when a voter moves, dies or updates their registration.

Arizona also updates voter registration records if a voter is convicted of a felony that disqualifies them from voting or if they are declared mentally incompetent.

These efforts are not only essential for election integrity  they also help ensure that election mailings are sent to valid, up-to-date addresses, minimizing waste of taxpayer dollars and significantly reducing the confusion and mistrust that can result from voters receiving mail for individuals who no longer reside at an address or are deceased, Fontes said.

During his campaign last year, Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap claimed that one-third of voters in the state received vote-by-mail ballots for people who didnt live at their addresses. But that claim was based not on actual data from official sources, but on a show of hands at his political events.

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Fontes also pointed out that Arizona law requires voters to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when they register. Arizona is the only state with this requirement.

While noncitizen voting is incredibly rare, Trump and his allies have falsely claimed that it is prevalent.

In agreement with other election experts, Fontes wrote that the DOJ hasnt adequately explained how it has the authority to preempt Arizonas voter privacy protections or how its request complies with the federal Privacy Act of 1974.

Any federal agency collecting data on voters  particularly data connected to how individuals exercise their First Amendment rights  must follow federal law, including disclosing how that data will be used, maintained, and protected, Fontes said.

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And, so far, the DOJ has not done that.

Arizona already uses best-in-class tools and well-established legal procedures to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of its voter registration system, Fontes wrote. Our commitment to secure, lawful, and transparent elections is unwavering.

Fontes promised to continue to protect the rights and privacy of the states voters as his office continues to respond to inquiries from the federal government.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  On Friday, many came together to honor the 20th anniversary of the Testament: The Little Rock Nine Monument at the Arkansas capitol.

Little Rock Nine member Elizabeth Eckford, state leaders and present students of Central High School recognized their legacy.

Thelma Mothershed-Wair, one of the Little Rock Nine, passes away

If we honestly acknowledge our history, then we can begin to understand each other, Eckford said.

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In 1957, the nine African American teenagers desegregated Little Rock Central High School after being met by a mob. The U.S. Army eventually escorted them into school under presidential order.

Eckford remembers her first year as tumultuous.

She goes on to say, I want to be remembered not as a brave person but as someone who kept coming back to school in spite of knowing it was going to get better.

Little Rock Nine reflects on 66th anniversary of entering Central High

Present-day students of Central High School honored each one of the nine bronze sculptures. Elizabeth Rigsby, a 17-year-old, is one of the students who put a medal around one of the sculptures and said a quote from one of the members.

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My quote was from Melba Pattillo Beals, she said. The task that remains is to cope with our interdependence to see ourselves reflected in every other human being and to respect and honor differences.

Rigsby says she is grateful that Eckford, along with the others, took a stand.

Her diligence and resilience is the reason I stand before you and the reason I have been able to be honored and able to attend Central High, said Rigsby.

Eckford says shes glad, They have deliberately tried to learn something about history and Im very proud.

Central High School and Little Rock Nine member watch unveiling of Daisy Bates statue in Washington D.C.

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During the event, the Little Rock Nines fight and legacy continue to shine.

The path to equality in America is not linear, but because we have overcome difficulties in the past, Im hopeful for the future, Eckford said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced his opposition to current Gov. Gavin Newsoms response to the Texas redistricting scam. In a special election this November, Golden State voters will be asked to approve new congressional districts gerrymandered to favor Democrats in time for the 2026 mid-term election.

Newsom is attempting to preserve the countrys last shred of democracy against President Donald Trumps autocratic ambitions by adding up to five seats to the California congressional delegation. Blind to the militarization of Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., Schwarzenegger is more concerned with his own weak legacy, having supported the establishment of the states independent redistricting commission in 2008, a constitutional amendment effort led by Common Cause. He has little else to boast about from his time in Sacramento.

Schwarzenegger has nothing to offer California voters in this debate. Politically and personally, he has much in common with Trump  and neither ones judgment can be trusted.

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From large increases in government debt while in office, to sexual assaults gone unpunished and executive power grabs, the two men are two of a kind. Theyre screen personalities with political careers based on image and ambition who lack substance and a basic understanding of the struggles faced by working-class people.

Like Trump today, Schwarzenegger was elected despite credible reports of sexual assault by at least 15 women, according to the Los Angeles Times. Echoing Trumps series of failed marriages and affairs, Schwarzenegger also fathered a child with a housekeeper, bringing his marriage to an end.

Like Trump, Schwarzenegger relied on secret accords with tabloids to avoid public accountability by buying and killing reports of those sexual assaults while running for office, according to The Bulwark, a moderate Republican website.

Its not much of an exaggeration to say that Schwarzenegger pioneered the master catch-and-kill methodology with tabloid czar David Pecker that Trump would later use to clear his path to the White House, wrote A.L. Bardach in 2023.

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Twenty years ago, California faced another November special election  one engineered by Schwarzenegger himself. Like Trump today, he was making a brazen power grab. The Austrian-born bodybuilder turned actor, turned politician, turned actor again sought the right to declare a fiscal emergency as governor in order to suspend public employee union contracts, end teacher tenure and slash school funding.

Trump and Schwarzenegger share another disturbing similarity: an ideology that favors autocracy, one modeled for them at home by their fathers. Fred Trump was arrested in 1927 for his participation in a Ku Klux Klan rally in New York, and both father and son have been sued for racist housing discrimination as landlords.

In 1939, Gustav Schwarzenegger joined the Nazi party about six months after Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass, when Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues were attacked across Germany and Austria and thousands of Jews were hauled off to concentration camps, according to the Los Angeles Times.

As a union political organizer in 2005, I got an up-close look at Schwarzeneggers political priorities and personality, including participation in debates against him in Fresno and Sacramento. It was ugly. Fortunately, the Alliance for a Better California coalition of nearly all the states unions stood together in opposition to his agenda and soundly defeated him.

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They must do the same again today by supporting Newsoms redistricting strategy.

Schwarzenegger, for his part, should at long last quit seeking the limelight and instead reflect on whats happening around us. He is in danger of helping Trump and the MAGA movement grow in power by asking California to be like Austria in 1938 and capitulate to the dangerous would-be dictator Trump. Like father, like son.

Kevin Hall is a retired community, political and labor organizer who has focused on climate change and air quality since 1999. He is a former member of the Fresno County Planning Commission.

An earlier version of this op-ed stated that Gustav Schwarzenegger was a member of the Sturmabteilungen. That is incorrect. While Gustav Schwarzenegger was a member of the Nazi party, he was not a member of the Sturmabteilungen. The piece has been updated to reflect this.
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ  Get caught up with some of this weeks top stories in Essex County (click headline to read article). Want more local news? Sign up for free Patch email newsletters.

See crime and public safety coverage for the week here >> Essex County 911: Man Kills Stepfather + Boy Shot + Restaurant Burglary

Check out some stories that will make you smile here >> Good News In Essex County: Food Unites + Inspiring Teens + Unique Dog Park

Government/Politics:

Labor Day In Essex County: Strikes, Protests And Workplace Rights

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Labor Day Rally Planned In North Jersey: Workers Over Billionaires

NJ Republicans Overwhelmingly Support MAGA Movement, New Poll Finds

Parents Lose Lawsuit Against Seton Hall After Student Dies During COVID Pandemic

NJ School Aide Sues District, Claims She Was Fired For Protecting Special Ed Students

Time To Release School Bus Safety Report, NJ Lawmaker Urges Ahead Of Return To Class

Town In Essex County Faces 2 Builder's Remedy Lawsuits

Essex County Town Releases Its Long-Awaited Affordable Housing Plan

Not So NIMBY: North Jersey Town Shares Affordable Housing Survey Results

Freedom And Empathy: NJ Governor Candidate Ramps Up 2025 Campaign

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Most NJ Residents Dont Know Their State Allowed Slavery, Poll Finds

Most NJ Residents Dont Know Their State Allowed Slavery, Poll Finds https://t.co/DTUJnvRWnL

 PatchEssexCountyNJ (@EK_Patch) August 28, 2025

Other news in Essex County and New Jersey:

Residents Of This NJ City Could Generate $2 Billion If They Shop Locally, Report Says

Gas Price Dips Below $3 In Essex County, Online Tracker Shows (Here's Where)

E-Bikes, E-Scooters Raise Concerns In Essex County Town; Cops Patrol Hotspots

Rutgers-Newark Cheers For Largest-Ever Incoming Class

Nearly Half Of New Law School Class In NJ Are Students Of Color

Animal Shelter In Essex County Temporarily Closes Due To COVID Outbreak

Deer Cull Will Return In North Jersey Town With Bow Hunting: See Dates, Places

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Chess Grandmaster Beats 25 Challengers At Same Time In Essex County

Health Care Advocates Find Unity At Networking Event: 'All Of Us, Together'

2 Scratch-Off Lottery Winners Sold In Essex County Last Week: Heres Where

Essex County Church's New Senior Pastor Has History Of Building Inclusive Communities

NJ Parents Lose Court Case Against Seton Hall After Student Dies During COVID Pandemic https://t.co/uFxV94R9zd

 PatchEssexCountyNJ (@EK_Patch) August 25, 2025

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Around South Orange: Workers Rights + MAGA + Lawsuits + Back To School originally appeared on the South Orange Patch
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Shreveport police have arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting death of 16-year-old Hailey McDonald, who was killed during a gunfire exchange late last month.

On August 18, 2025, investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Jon Darius Scott, 25, for illegal use of weapons in connection with the case.

Police said officers responded to reports of a shooting at about 1:40 a.m. July 27 in the 1700 block of North Market Street near Superior Smoke Shop. When officers arrived, they found McDonald suffering from a gunshot wound to her upper body. She was transported to Ochsner LSU Health, where she later died from her injuries.

Teenager killed in Shreveport shooting on North Market Street

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Investigators said a large crowd had gathered in a shopping center parking lot before the incident, during which multiple vehicles exchanged gunfire in the roadway. McDonald was struck during the exchange, according to authorities.

Scott was taken into custody on Friday, August 29, 2025, by Shreveport Police homicide detectives, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Task Force and the Special Response Team. Authorities said he was arrested without incident during a search warrant operation and transported to the Shreveport Police Investigations Division.

Detectives later charged Scott with one count of second-degree murder.

Shreveport Police expressed gratitude to federal and local partners who assisted in the arrest and extended condolences to the McDonald family.

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As thrill-seekers emerged in 2021 from pandemic-induced isolation, the businessman at the center of the racketeering allegations against now-suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez extended his interests to a number of Central Florida casinos running Las Vegas-style games.

He was not discreet, giving his ventures names like Players Club, with flashy signage along busy highways. He set up shop in high-profile locations in Osceola County, where investigators say he had a key ally in the former sheriff, and  newly obtained records reveal  in Lake County, where the county government was then sanctioning gaming establishments through an unusual permitting process.

Unlike Lopez and five other associates facing criminal charges, the businessman, Krishna Deokaran, who was named in open court as an alleged co-conspirator, hasnt been charged with a crime.

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But the owner of The Eclipse, the now-closed Kissimmee casino that Lopez allegedly used his position to protect, is a veteran of the local gambling industry who aggressively sought to secure a foothold in Lake around the same time that Osceola County casino opened in 2022, records collected by Lake County as part of its permitting process and reviewed by the Orlando Sentinel show.

And Deokaran worked in that effort with at least two of the same people who now face charges in connection with the Lopez case. The Sentinel previously reported on the existence of those Lake County clubs, but the connections among their key players are clarified in the new records.

Lopez, who prosecutors say first became involved in an illegal gambling scheme in August 2019 and became Osceola Countys sheriff the following year, is accused of tapping The Eclipse for campaign contributions and personal payments while using his office to shield it from law enforcement. Investigators allege he made at least $600,000, and that the now-suspended sheriff and his estranged wife played a ministerial role at The Eclipse, although details of that role remain obscure with the states continuing refusal to release arrest affidavits and other investigative materials in the case against him.

Investigators have said in court that Lopez and his co-conspirators sought to expand their gaming enterprise into Lake County, though they did not provide any details about those efforts. But the new records from that county shed light on how Lopezs associates worked with the local code enforcement and planning and zoning offices to shore up their presence there.

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The documents do not mention Lopez himself, whose alleged involvement in gambling was not publicly known at the time, and its not clear what role he played in the Lake businesses.

Deokaran was a key player, records show. He had been in the casino business since at least 2018, when he met Sheldon Wetherholt, charged as one of Lopezs co-conspirators. Wetherholt told investigators his sister worked at a Citrus County game room owned by Deokaran, who wanted him to help open a similar entity in Leesburg, with a convenience store and a car wash, according to an affidavit filed as part of a forfeiture case in Osceola County against The Eclipse.

Like Deokaran, Wetherholt had experience in the gaming business, records show. He had opened one such entity the year before, according to an affidavit submitted to Lake Countys Office of Code Enforcement.

Wetherholt, who faces two felony counts in connection with the Lopez case, told investigators his involvement with The Eclipse was limited. He said he only visited the property once, in 2022, before it was open to the public. At the time, he believed Deokaran intended to open a hookah lounge, he told investigators. Later, when it became clear Deokaran had something else in mind, Wetherholt said he told him he wanted no part.

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But during that same period, Wetherholt served as a point of contact on permitting applications for at least two Lake County gaming rooms associated with Deokaran, the newly released records show. One of them was Players Club, which was open until recently, located in a retail complex on U.S. Highway 27 alongside a car wash, a smoke shop, a medical office and several other businesses. The other was called The Palace, in Clermont.

Wetherholts email address, according to the applications, is aceyduecy, an apparent nod to a betting card game

Wetherholt also applied in 2021 for a permit for a third establishment called Luckys Arcade, in Clermont. That business had opened in 2017, according to an affidavit he submitted to the county. The permit holder, Fusion Social Club, is the same entity that operated The Eclipse, which opened in February 2022, according to tax collector records. The records for Luckys Arcade, however, do not list Deokaran by name.

Another of Lopezs alleged co-conspirators, Sharon Fedrick, also served as a contact on two applications submitted for casinos connected to Deokaran, including Players Club, where she told investigators she and Wetherholt both worked. Fedrick, according to the affidavit in the Osceola County forfeiture case, said she met Deokaran while playing at a casino in Lake County and would collect and count money pulled from machines at The Eclipse  as much as $200,000 at once  and deliver it to Deokaran.

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Deokaran, Wetherholt and Fedrick did not respond to emails or phone calls from the Orlando Sentinel seeking comment for this story.

Gambling is generally illegal in Florida, though it is allowed in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, on cruise ships at sea in international waters or in casinos run by one of Floridas federally recognized Native American tribes.

While its not clear why Deokaran and his affiliates homed in on Lake, the county did, from 2021 until last year, issue permits to businesses that offered illegal games and require annual inspections of those entities, effectively allowing them to operate even though their activities ran afoul of Florida law. Law enforcement officers have told the Sentinel that the practice created confusion among deputies.

It also apparently baffled some members of the public, including one woman who complained in early 2023 to Lake County staff members about a Sorrento casino with the word arcade in its name. She urged them to please shut this nonsense down.

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I never have seen a police officer checking in on the place but clearly there is nefarious activity going on there which really picks up in the evening, she wrote. And last I had always been told and understood, gambling was illegal here. And that is exactly what this establishment is. It should not be labeled as an arcade as that is misleading to children who think it looks cool and want to go play.

The next year, Lake County Commissioners voted to stop permitting illegal gambling businesses.

anmartin@orlandosentinel.com

creyes-rios@orlandosentinel.com
BUCYRUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A Delaware County Common Pleas judge has sentenced a former central Ohio attorney to serve the maximum sentence for fraudulently representing a client.

According to the Delaware County Prosecutors Office, 42-year-old Adam Stone will serve 4 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of telecommunications fraud and attempted impersonation of a peace officer.

A former attorney, Stone, of Bucyrus, was hired to represent a Delaware County family to file a wrongful death lawsuit after the 2016 death of their son. While his efforts in the lawsuit were unsuccessful, the prosecutions office said Stone continued to pursue an investigation into his clients sons death with the Ohio Attorney Generals Office.

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For over a year, Stone reportedly continued to defraud his clients, including disguising his voice while impersonating an attorney on an alleged three-way call with the victims and the Special Prosecutions Section of the Ohio Attorney Generals Office. According to the Ohio BCI agent assigned to the case, the Attorney Generals Office had not had any contact with Stone.

Dublin redrawing high school maps for first time since 2006

The investigation into Stone revealed that for years he delayed or fabricated details in the case to pacify his clients. After additional pressure, Stone reportedly set up a phone call and attempted to disguise his voice as Assistant Attorney General Chris Kinsler.

His clients became suspicious, noting that Stone kept calling the assistant attorney general Ben. Recordings of the conversations were turned into the Attorney Generals Office, and Ohio BCI and investigators interviewed the victims in August 2022.

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Phone records indicated no calls took place between Stone and the Attorney Generals Office regarding the wrongful death suit of Stones clients son.

Between 2016 and 2022, the Ohio BCI report states Stone received about $30,000 from the victims and had been provided over $50,000 for forensic reconstruction and related casework and court costs. The victims also opened a trust in their sons name and deposited between $12,000 and $14,000.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  As Johnson City has settled a civil suit for $28 million with alleged serial rapist Sean Williams victims and Williamss criminal cases proceed, the case that arguably launched it all has seen little movement in recent months  something that doesnt shock one area attorney.

Its really interesting to see how this is playing out, Corey Shipley told News Channel 11 this week of the Dahl v Johnson City case filed in June 2022 by former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kateri Kat Dahl.

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE SEAN WILLIAMS CASE

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The primary issues currently hanging over the case are the citys motion for summary judgment  a standard effort to get elements of the lawsuit ruled immaterial and a move that can sometimes be tantamount to dismissal  and Dahls attorneys motion to reopen discovery. Both sides have submitted filings opposing the others requests.

Shipley said Williamss criminal cases and the victims civil suit make Dahls case more complex and leave Judge Katherine Crytzer facing tough decisions. She hasnt ruled on either of the motions.

You cannot talk about Kat Dahls case without talking about the Sean Williams case, Shipley said.

Dahl, at a time when Williams had been wanted for a year on federal ammunition charges but hadnt ever been charged with any sex crimes, sued the city and then-Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) Chief Karl Turner. She alleged she was fired in retaliation for pressing JCPD brass to more aggressively investigate reports that Williams was drugging and raping women in his Johnson City apartment.

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Johnson Citys attorneys have argued that not only was Dahl not even an actual employee, but that they didnt renew her contract because she failed to follow through on expectations to indict some specific cases in federal court.

Ten months after Dahl sued, authorities in Sylva, N.C. arrested Williams on drug possession charges, then discovered digital drives in his possession that prosecutors have said show Williams sexually assaulting several children and dozens of women in his apartment. And two months later, some of those adult victims sued the city, alleging that JCPD didnt adequately investigate complaints against Williams.

As those cases played out in civil and criminal court, information came out of them, including discovery in the Does case, that Shipley said could arguably be relevant to Dahls case. Some of that discovery and some of the criminal cases facts have come out after discovery in Dahls case officially closed in January 2024.

You cant think about one of these cases without looking at the other two, Shipley said.

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Because of all the other things that have come out, not only in discovery in the Does case and how that was settled, but what came out in trial in the Sean Williams case, going back to some of the claims that are found within Ms. Dahls case or at least alluded to  I think that could be a situation thats causing some time here, Shipley said.

Will she just throw it out?

A broad summary judgment ruling from Crytzer could leave Dahls case effectively gutted, but Shipley said theres a high bar for arguments that any issues arent material.

The court will ultimately look at it in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, Shipley said. In this case, thats Dahls side. Theyll almost always give that party the benefit of the doubt if its not very clear there is no genuine issue of material fact for summary judgment.

Nevertheless, the citys motion still remains, with the looming possibility that it could be granted in a way that badly damages Dahls prospects for success.

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Because the criminal cases in the dockets are so large, that could be one factor, Shipley said, referring to the busy docket in the Eastern District of Tennessee and the fact that criminal cases often get moved along more quickly.

But another factor is that this is just such an odd case, he said. The issues that she has alleged in her lawsuit really directly relate to the actions that have already been proven in the Sean Williams case. So you cant bifurcate these lawsuits.

Will plaintiffs reopen the box?

On the other side, Dahls attorneys have claimed several bits of discovery that surfaced in the Does case, and other developments since January 2024, justify allowing them to reopen discovery.

After the defense opposed that motion, Crytzer ordered Dahls attorneys to narrow the scope of their ask. Shipley, who has argued multiple civil and criminal federal cases, said he supports that approach from the bench.

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If there is a valid reason that could serve the interest of justice, a judge has to look at that. And I think thats been a very good ruling by the judge to say, give me a reason, show me why that discovery should be reopened and be specific on it. Because if its warranted and its valid, then sure, well let you do that. But its not going to be a fishing expedition. It just cant be.

Shipley said hes not surprised the citys attorneys have vehemently opposed the motion to reopen discovery. Civil cases require only a preponderance of the evidence for one side to prevail, as opposed to criminal cases in which a defendant must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Shipley said that may have worked in the Jane Doe attorneys favor as they built a mountain of circumstantial evidence based on massive amounts of discovery. While there may not have been a smoking gun proving the JCPD was guilty of the allegations against it (including corruption), ultimately, the city settled the case for $28 million without a trial.

Maybe some of the stuff thats come out that the plaintiffs want to go further into may not be good for them, Shipley said of the defense.

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The terrible facts that were proven in the criminal trial and some of the things that were not necessarily proven in the Does case, but talked about in some of the reports and some other things, that was very damaging to those parties.

By the same token, Shipley said, Dahls attorneys probably want access to as much discovery as they can get.

For the most part, you want to have as much proof as you can, especially to take that beyond the 50-yard line, he said. You want to take it as far as you can. But alternatively, as the defense  if there is proof out there, you want to limit that because, you hate to refer to it as percentages, but it really is, because if youre the defense and you can disallow the plaintiff to prove his or her case by more than 50%, you win.

Shipley said all the moving parts complicate the job for Crytzer, who was appointed to the bench several years ago.

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If all these other cases that are going on, you cant leave the case open forever, Shipley said. But you want to make sure that the parties that are going to trial both get a fair shake, and both parties can present their case to the best of their abilities.

The judge, its an interesting balance because you have to be able to see a case to its closure, but you also want to make sure that that case is closed effectively, and making sure its closed fully, and both parties have had the opportunity to go in and try their case appropriately.

The case was most recently set for trial last September. That was postponed and a new date has not been set.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday fired a Justice Department employee accused of flipping off National Guard members deployed to Washington, D.C., as part of President Donald Trumps stated effort to mitigate crime in the city, a Justice Department official confirmed.

According to a memo sent by Bondi, the veracity of which was confirmed by the DOJ, the employee, Elizabeth Baxter, worked as a paralegal specialist in the departments Environment and Natural Resources Division.

The New York Post was first to report Baxters termination.

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Based on your inappropriate conduct towards National Guard service members, your employment with the Department of Justice is hereby terminated, and you are removed from federal service effective immediately, Bondi wrote in the memo, as confirmed by the Justice Department.

A Justice Department official told NBC News that Baxter was seen and heard using the vulgar gesture and shouting to Guard members on multiple occasions.

The incidents allegedly occurred several times during the last two weeks, though NBC News has not independently confirmed the accusations.

Armed members of the National Guard patrol the National Mall on Wednesday. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images)

A spokesperson for the Justice Department, Gates McGavick, lauded the termination on Friday, writing in a post on X, if you dont support law enforcement, [Attorney General Pam Bondis] DOJ might not be a good fit.

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The termination marks the second time this month Bondi has terminated a Justice Department employee for conduct shes deemed inappropriate toward law enforcement personnel.

Weeks ago, Bondi fired a department paralegal after he was caught on camera throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent outside of a popular nightlife area in D.C. She wrote at the time that you will NOT work in this administration while disrespecting our government and law enforcement.

Bondi initially sought to secure felony charges against that employee, Sean Dunn, but a grand jury declined to return an indictment, a signal that local residents did not identify probable cause to back that charge. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro instead charged Dunn with misdemeanor assault.

Trump has consistently touted what he has called an effort to mitigate crime in D.C., which was already declining, as incredibly successful, pointing to further decreases this month in acts like carjackings. But the effort has faced mounting criticism from Democratic lawmakers and protest from D.C. residents, many of whom have characterized Trumps operation as overblown, a scare tactic and racially motivated.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The fate of an Armenian political dissidents life is before a federal immigration judge.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has held Vardan Gukasian, 47, for the last six months at its Henderson Detention Center.

They know that his life is in danger if he were returned to Armenia; Thats why he came here and sought asylum in the first place, Zachary Nightingale of Van Der LLP said. He was a very public figure in the Armenian political community.

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Nightingale and Hardeep Sull of Sull and Associates are among the lawyers helping Gukasian navigate the federal immigration system and representing him in court.

The thing about asylum law in particular is by law theyre confidential. These are folks who fear being harmed, Nightingale said.

Nightingale describes Gukasians case as very unusual. For one, the dissident is very well known among Armenians, and second, being detained has hurt his chances of being granted asylum.

The fact that he has been required to be detained has really made this case much more difficult to defend. And as a result, weve had several court hearings, Nightingale said.

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Gukasians supporters have shown up to all his hearings, and many are worried about the outcome of his case.

If hes deported to Armenia or another country, theyre going to kill him. Yes, theyre going to kill him, Gayane Manukyan previously told 8 News Now.

Gukasian initially came to the United States under political asylum.

ICE provided a statement to 8 News Now on the arrest.

Gukasian was arrested by ICE officers Feb. 20 and placed into custody for his immigration proceedings. He entered the United States Feb. 19, 2022, and failed to depart under the terms of his admission, an ICE spokesperson said.

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According to a 2023 Armenian article, an international warrant was issued for Gukasians arrest after he was charged with extortion, calls for violence and contempt of court. The Armenian government asked the US to extradite him.

Hes really glad to get his day in court. Hes not thrilled to be detained while its happening. Thats unfortunate, were dealing with that, Nightingale said.

Gukasian has had several immigration hearings, but his attorneys said Fridays may have been the final one. They dont expect an answer on whether hes granted asylum for a couple of days.

Supporters of the Armenian dissident have appealed to President Donald Trump to intercede, but they havent had any luck.

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NEED TO KNOW

Kayla Welch was born 14 weeks early on May 20, 2005, in Louisiana and experienced health issues including a hole in her heart. Three months later, Hurricane Katrina hit.

For two weeks during the chaos of the hurricane, both Kayla and her parents were separated from each other as she was being cared for at a Baton Rouge hospital

I tell everybody, "This kid here, she is a miracle baby, mom Paula Norris Welch says of Kayla, who is now a college student

Today, Kayla Welch is a healthy 20-year-old woman with a bright future ahead of her, including a college degree that's just months away. But twenty years ago, she came into the world as a premature baby with a hole in her heart  and she was still in the hospital when Hurricane Katrina hit.

I tell everybody, 'This kid here, she is a miracle baby," Paula, 46, of Minden, La., tells PEOPLE. Hands down, 100% a miracle baby.



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Kayla  whose survival story first appeared in the Dec. 26, 2005 issue of PEOPLE  was born 14 weeks early on May 30, 2005, at a hospital in Shreveport, La.

The doctors did some tests and found that I had an abnormality to where I would never be able to carry a child to term, Paula recalls.

Her newborn had underdeveloped lungs and a hole in her heart  and a medication she was taking for her heart resulted in a piece of her intestine having to be removed. Then everything was fine," her mom says. "Like nothing ever happened."

Kayla was later transferred to a New Orleans children's hospital so that she could receive additional specialized care.

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Paula says that she and her then-fiance, who is Kaylas biological father, were told that their baby would stay at the facility for the next three-and-a-half months  and, since they lived in Bossier City at the time, which is about three hours away, they traveled to New Orleans on the weekends to see her.

Right before Katrina struck, Paula and her fiance were in the hospital's waiting room with other families when staffers politely asked them to leave, which Kayla adamantly didn't want to do, but had no choice.

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.

Despite having to go back to their home in Bossier City, Paula was kept up to date about Kaylas condition from the nurses.

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They were absolutely just wonderful, she says. I mean, they were literally losing their houses but were there with the children and taking care of them. And every hour on the hour, her nurse kept me informed on how everything was going, that they were in a safe spot.

Ultimately, a decision was made to transport all of the children, including Kayla, to another hospital in Baton Rouge. "It was just a crazy time," says Paula, but fortunately, "the whole thing went so smoothly."

Paula wasnt able to see Kayla for two weeks, which was incredibly difficult. As a parent being separated from a child for any length of time, it's horrible," she says. "But then to have a natural disaster of that caliber come through, and you're seeing what you're seeing on television  I mean, it still brings tears to my eyes thinking about it."

Paula Norris Welch Kayla Welch (L) with her mom Paula Norris Welch Kayla Welch (L) with her mom Paula Norris Welch

After those two weeks were up, Kayla was discharged from the Baton Rouge hospital and put on an apnea monitor that checked her heart rate at home. It did everything, says Paula. That joker would go off when the fire truck drove by. It was insane.

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When PEOPLE interviewed me last and came to our home, she was actually attached to one at that time, she adds. That was only for about a year. She was fine after that. To date, she has no medical issues, doing great and living her life.

Paula is no longer with Kayla's biological father and has since gotten married to a man whose last name Kayla has adopted as her own. She marvels at how much Kayla, who now lives with a boyfriend, has overcome since her premature birth and the chaotic events following the hurricane.

"The Lord was working out for us obviously because she's still here today, Paula says. Like I said, she has no medical issues that we know of because of her being born so early. She's doing great. Absolutely wonderful."



Read the original article on People
The Fourth Annual Barks, Beer, & BBQ is ready for yet another chapter at the Scioto County Fairgrounds, with big musical acts and massive opportunities to meet craft brewers with your four-legged friends on Saturday, Sept. 6.

We have grown every year. We initially launched at the Spock Memorial Dog Park in Portsmouth, Wells explained. The second and third were both held at the fairgrounds, which will be the same this year. It has grown each year and we proud of what weve done.

For those who may be unfamiliar with the event, Well says there is a lot to enjoy. Part craft beer festival, part concert, and completely dog friendly; the event has something for most people to enjoy.

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We will have great live music, and of course craft beer, since it is a craft beer festival. We have 16 craft beers total on tap and 60 vendors for beer, Wells said. We also have lots of food trucks, craft vendors and pet adoptions. 100 percent of proceeds got to Sierras Haven, our local animal shelter.

The music starts with two local bands, and a Cincinnati band closing the night. The musical acts include The Detours from 2 to 3:30 p.m., the Josh Stewart Band from 4 and 5:30 p.m., and Abes Lincoln will close the night from at 6 to 8 p.m.

Dogs are welcome, but a leash is required. For those looking for a new pet, Sierras Haven will have adoptions ready for their forever home.

The shelter is struggling, to be quite honest, because of the rising costs for vet care and general costs like food and utilities, Well said. We are trying to keep the doors open because the need in this area is so high. We are very worried theyre going to end up closing their doors and we need to do everything we can, as a community, to keep those doors open.

Barks, Beer, & BBQ will be held Sept. 6, between 2 and 8 p.m., at Scioto County Fairgrounds, 12250 US 23, Lucasville. There is a $5 entry fee. Drink tickets are $5 each or six for $25. Each drink is a seven ounce pour.
BARRE, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  A just-approved change to Barre Citys TIF district will help a 31-unit apartment project move forward on Seminary Street.

At a meeting on Thursday, the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC) allowed Barre to put on the November 4 ballot a vote to fund infrastructure improvements. That project would be necessary for the Stevens Branch Apartments project, which would replace part of a little-used parking lot.

The planned improvements include upgrades to water and sewer lines, streetscape enhancements, changes to the parking lot, and other utility work.

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Loan fund to support Vermont businesses in future disasters goes live

TIF stands for tax increment financing: through a TIF district, municipalities can finance building projects using bonds, which are then repaid using tax revenue generated later by the new development.

Its exactly the kind of smart, forward-thinking development Barre needs right now, said Mayor of Barre, Thom Lauzon.

Barre woman reportedly overdoses, crashes stolen car

Those apartments are only one of many currently under consideration in the city. According to the city manager, others include 143 North Main Street, North End Gateway, and Prospect Heights.

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Angie Harbin of Downstreet Housing and Community Development said that project served a critical need for housing, and expressed hope that the project would make the citys downtown stronger and more affordable.

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The other day I had a brilliant idea. The BBC had just been insisting that it was right to use the word woman to describe a biologically male killer who stabbed his husband to death with a samurai sword  and lots of people were angry. Poor old BBC, I thought. It desperately needs to find a way to avoid these rows.

Then, in a flash, the solution hit me. It should ask BBC Verify.

BBC Verify, after all, is a dedicated fact-checking service, launched by the BBC two years ago to address the growing threat of disinformation and build trust with audiences. So, if BBC bosses are unsure what a woman is, they should commission BBC Verify to find out for them. Its crack team of unbiased, scrupulously objective fact-checkers could consult leading experts  such as gynaecologists, midwives and GCSE biology teachers  and then establish, once and for all, whether or not women are the ones that have penises.

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Think how wonderfully helpful that would be for the BBC. After years of confusion and controversy, everyone would finally know whether its factually accurate to say that a male convicted criminal whos put on a blonde wig and a frock has become a woman  or whether such claims are simply disinformation spread by propagandists.

Sadly, however, Ive since realised that my brilliant idea is a non-starter. Because, on Thursday, BBC Verify wrote about Robin Westman, the biologically male transgender murderer who carried out a school shooting in Minneapolis this week, killing two children and wounding more than a dozen others. And it referred to him using the words she and her.

As soon as the name Robin Westman emerged online as the suspect, wrote a BBC Verify staffer, [we] found a YouTube channel which appeared to be associated with her. In a notebook, the staffer added, Westman wrote about how she [was] planning to shoot without aiming.

As far as I can see, there are two possibilities here. Either the BBCs rigorously impartial fact-checking service has conducted a landmark study of human biology, and confirmed that male child-killers can indeed turn into women. Or its staff are as ardently committed to promoting deeply contentious ideological beliefs as just about everyone else who works for our national broadcaster these days.

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Which of the two possibilities is correct? Id love to know. If only there were a publicly funded fact-checking service I could trust to tell me the answer.

Whos triggered by British flags?

Essex County Council, we learnt this week, has offered support to staff who feel unsettled by the sight of British flags. The councils Children & Families Senior Leadership Team said it was aware of the increasing visibility of St Georges and Union Jack flags displayed on road signs, bridges and trees in parts of Essex, and urged staff to reach out if it causes them feelings of discomfort.

I for one find this baffling. But not just because no sane person should feel traumatised by the sight of their own countrys flag. Its also because the council itself flies the St Georges and Union flags from its HQ. So do the staff feel unsettled every time they arrive at work? Do they stagger to their desks each morning and then burst into tears, horrified that their own employer would subject them to this shocking emotional cruelty?

Surely not. Mind you, it might help to explain something. At the end of the pandemic, in 2021, Essex County Council said it expected three quarters of its 7,700 staff to continue working from home. Maybe this was nothing to do with a desire for greater work-life balance. The staff just couldnt bear to return to the office, for fear of seeing those horrible British flags again.

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While were on the subject, theres something else Id be fascinated to know. Do staff who get upset by the sight of our countrys flags get equally upset by the sight of other countries flags? Im going to guess not. Because last year it was revealed that many councils now permit staff to do their work from exotic locations overseas. From 2021-23, for example, Enfield Council allowed 24 staff to work in a hybrid form from abroad in countries including Spain, Greece and Jamaica.

The moment the staff arrived in these countries, they will inevitably have been confronted by the sight of their national flags. Im surprised they didnt gasp in horror, snatch up their luggage and fly straight back home.

A new low in state-funded stupidity

Visitors to the Governments Find a Job website this week will have seen adverts for some highly unusual roles. Bizarrely, candidates were sought to teach flower-arranging, cake decoration and something called balloon-craft to migrants facing deportation.

After this was reported in the press, a Home Office minister hastily ordered such roles to be scrapped. What a pity. We already knew how generous our superiors can be to those who enter this country. But I didnt know they were equally generous to those few they decide to kick out, too.

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Awfully sorry to have to deport you, old chap  but, to make up for it, heres a free lesson in how to make a dog out of balloons. I trust these skills will prove useful. As the old saying goes: Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to make balloon animals, and he can almost certainly find a completely pointless non-job funded by the UK tax-payer.

Way of the World is a twice-weekly satirical look at the headlines aiming to mock the absurdities of the modern world. It is published at 6am every Tuesday and Saturday

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Aug. 29Barton Community College has been chosen to be part of a national consortium that looks at best practices for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at community colleges.

Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki and staff provided an overview to the BCC Board of Trustees this week. He was joined by Dr. Kathy Kottas, dean of Workforce Training and Community Education, and Renee Demel, chief information officer.

The American Association of Community Colleges created the AI Skills for All initiative, which is intended to be a support of community practice. Its member institutions will look at ways to use AI and develop AI policies for both students and staff.

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"This journey started almost nine months ago," Garstecki said. The AACC launched the initiative and Barton applied.

"We were not selected initially," he said. "Miami Dade, Houston Community College and Maricopa were the drivers that launched it."

However, perhaps because of its earlier application, Barton was one of 30 community colleges that were later invited to join. Garstecki said Vice President of Instruction Elaine Simmons was "very involved. We signed an agreement and are now part of the consortium."

Representatives from the community colleges met in July and will continue to share their AI practices through December of 2026, Dr. Kottas said. They'll be looking at industry relevance and student empowerment as they teach ethical and responsible use of AI by students, faculty and staff.

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Demel said training sessions will start on Sept. 25. There will be an introduction to generative AI  the type of artificial intelligence that creates new, original content such as text, images, music and code. They'll also look at Microsoft Copilot. Staff will learn how to use AI in their day-to-day work.

"It's a neat opportunity for us," Garstecki said. "It's pretty neat that we were one of the ones selected."

Staff agreed that artificial intelligence is a tool that can be misused but there are good uses for it. Dr. Narren Brown, Barton's director of Institutional Effectiveness, said they use it for coding. It is also useful for creating neutral survey questions that use simple language and avoid leading words or phrases.

Editor's note: The Great Bend Tribune used Microsoft Copilot to create the image of pennies on today's Opinion page and on this story.
TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV)  Beach erosion is always a concern on our Sea Islands, especially within the community of Tybee Island.

Oceanfront areas of the island are vulnerable to issues that a smaller beach would bring. The shorter the distance from the dunes to the waters edge, the closer the ocean is to impacting property.

Property owners are concerned that erosion will compromise the dune line and threaten their beachfront homes and businesses.

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A unique partnership between the City of Tybee, the US Army Corps of Engineers and area universities monitors the beach nourishment cycle. The six-to-eight-year cycle is a plan in place to monitor and maintain the beachs structure.

The biggest step at the beginning of this cycle in 2019 was adding dunes to begin with. Before the extensive dune structure was added, routine king tide and high surf events would flood the street without a storm directly impacting the coast.

The dunes cushion the blow that the ocean brings to the beach. It allows property and city infrastructure to be protected from waves.

Since the last renourishment project, Tybee Island has lost 40% of its sand. Officials said that this is all going according to plan.

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It was also mentioned that the current beach erosion might look different compared to years past because of the dunes changing the way sand moves along the beach.

The first beach renourishment project gets underway later this year, with areas along the Savannah River shipping channel getting more sand added to the dunes.

The plan is to renourish additional portions of the island between the end of hurricane season and the beginning of turtle nesting season.

Funding has been allocated, and the city is finalizing a schedule on the upcoming renourishment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across California. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Other notable stories this week include:

A theft in Santa Rosa led to a police chase through downtown Healdsburg, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol said the crash happened in an open area just off the freeway between Highways 165 and 152 near Los Banos.

Mathew Bowyer, now 50, pleaded guilty a year ago to running an illegal gambling business, money laundering and filing a false tax return.

From bull riding to live country music, Bannings signature event promises three days of rodeo thrills, music, food and family fun.

Guillermo del Toro partnered with Heritage Auctions for an auction to sell a fraction of a collection that is bursting at the seams.

Children's Fairyland at Lake Merritt is holding a "birthday party" to mark its longevity.

The food festival and night market is celebrating its five year anniversary this year.

California's coronavirus wave is hitting later than last year and climbing to worrisome levels. What to know.

A California sea lion exhibiting wounds and severe malnourishment was rescued in Orange County this morning.

Howl-O-Scream returns with reimagined haunted houses, new scare zones, hidden speakeasies and more at the San Diego theme park.

The road-rage incident left a pedestrian severely injured and multiple vehicles damaged, authorities said.

The family-friendly event will feature enchanting mermaids, whimsical pirates, spooky surprises and trick-or-treating throughout the park.

All departing flights from three Southern California airports have been ordered a ground stop due to thunderstorm activity in the region.

Police said they found racks of clothes and bags inside two suspect vehicles.

CA Attorney General Rob Bonta said the agreement would allow the department to "better protect the safety of the community it serves."

"I hope that all audiences will see themselves and their families in this story," Playwright Wendy Graf said.

A dramatic video published on Friday morning by the sheriff's department shows deputies clearing apartment units in heavy smoke conditions.

The County claims the state is withholding funds that are threatening core local services.

The victim had been transported to the hospital where he later died from his injuries, police said.

Witnesses said the suspect fled the scene before police arrived.

Bear Behind 12 Home Invasions | Dog Helps Locate Missing Owner | Major Airline Change: Patch PM originally appeared on the Los Angeles Patch
A US Army soldier recently executed the service's first-ever drone-on-drone kill.

Troops involved told Business Insider about the months of work that went into the milestone.

The kill marks a notable step as the Army pursues drone technologies at a breakneck pace.

It was a windy, rainy day at Fort Rucker, Alabama, not exactly ideal conditions for flying a first-person-view drone armed with a Claymore mine on a hunt for a fixed-wing aircraft.

Weeks of practice, however, gave US Army soldiers a sense they'd be able to achieve the drone-on-drone kill, a first for the service.

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The Army's achievement showcases the drive to master the ins and outs of fast-moving drone warfare as the Pentagon prioritizes uncrewed combat systems, with which troops across the military are increasingly experimenting.

While Ukraine regularly uses drones to intercept uncrewed surveillance assets, this was new ground for the Army.

Earlier this month, at the US Army's UAS and Launched Effects Summit, the Bayonet Innovation Team of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, out of the Army's Southern European Task Force, Africa, experimented with flying FPV drones to intercept other uncrewed aerial systems.

The FPV drone was flown by Chief Nate Shea with the Pennsylvania National Guard, who has a background in uncrewed operations, including serving as an instructor and time in Germany in support of Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.

TK Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre

Prior to the summit, Shea spent roughly two weeks practicing flying drones with a friend. "I would try to stay as close as possible. He would fly, and I would try and chase him as best as possible," he told Business Insider.

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Shea's prior experience proved especially valuable during the milestone drone-on-drone kill, when he flew his FPV drone within range of a fixed-wing drone, operated by Chief Andrew Topits with the 173rd, and detonated the explosive payload.

The initial challenge with this kind of intercept is just locating the target aircraft, he said.

"We're flying with analog systems," Shea said. "They're not digital systems, so they don't have the greatest picture quality."

The next challenge is keeping up with the target.

The flight time, speed, and movement limitations of the FPV were factored in as well. "We literally only had about six minutes to perform the kill," 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre, also with the 173rd and the officer in charge during the kill, told Business Insider.

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Safety was also important, even as the training sought to make the intercept scenario as realistic as possible. In the lead-up to the summit, much of the brigade's focus was on rehearsing the engagement and ensuring that when it came time to execute the kill, everything went smoothly.

"You only have really one chance" to take it out, Shea said.

Practice makes perfect

TK Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre

For nine months before the summit, 173rd had been hard at work on short-range attack drone training, including one-way attacks with FPV drones, live ordnance  grenade  drops, and other activities in exercises across Germany, Tunisia, and Lithuania.

"Each of those live fires was kind of a stepping stone in terms of complexity leading towards the UAS summit," La Torre explained. Through the training exercises, soldiers became familiar with engaging static and moving targets, as well as targets at increasing distances.

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At the summit, Shea and Topits ran multiple test fights each day, with each run usually anywhere from five to 10 minutes. They'd work on getting the fixed-wing aircraft assembled and taken apart, 3D print different pieces, and practice with inert Claymores.

The training event provided a lot of opportunity for planning that isn't always available in combat, but it was a valuable educational moment for the Army.

The 173rd is the Army's only airborne brigade forward-stationed in Europe, and it works closely with other NATO allies. They're designated as the Contingency Response Force for US European Command as well, meaning they can deploy on short notice to deter aggression or defend NATO's eastern front against Russia.

The brigade left this month's summit with plenty of feedback on how to incorporate drones. The Army has acquired a variety of UAS capabilities. Now, the next step, La Torre shared, is going to be looking at "tying systems together, so designing the data and network architecture that can display all those systems in a meaningful way for commanders to make decisions."

Betting on drones

TK Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre

Army leadership is pursuing a massive transformation initiative, the size and estimated cost of which make it one of the biggest overhauls for the service since the Cold War. Weapons deemed no longer valuable for potential future conflict are out; uncrewed capabilities, counter-drone systems, and other future warfare technologies are the priorities now.

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Within the next two years, every Army division will be operating small drones. Units will be flooded with thousands of drones. Much of the adoption of these systems has been a work-in-progress, as soldiers test drones out in the field, experiment with new tactics, and work together across ranks and specialties.

While drones aren't everything and the US and its allies possess other essential combat capabilities, drone and counter-drone capabilities could be critical in a future fight. US rivals and adversaries have been investing heavily in these technologies, which lower the cost and technological barriers for surveillance and precision strike.

At the UAS summit, one notable point of collaboration was the different component units, namely the active-duty Army and the Army National Guard, which were "merged together working seamlessly," Shea said.

For drones, that cooperation results in a combination of approaches from civilian jobs and active-duty experiences, whether that be recreational flight skills, combat training, or new technology.

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Correction: September 4, 2025  An earlier version of this story mispelled the name of the US Army soldier who made the first drone-on-drone kill for the service. It is Nate Shea, not Nate Shae.

Read the original article on Business Insider
CHICAGO  So long, Axhi.

The Brookfield Zoo Chicago this week euthanized the 30-year-old rescued brown bear due to his declining health, the zoo announced in a Facebook post Friday.

Axhis legacy is one of resilience, care, and inspiration, the zoos post read. He will be deeply missed by our staff, volunteers, and the countless guests whose lives he touched.

Axhi, alongside his cub brother, arrived at the Brookfield Zoo in 1995 at 6 months old, rescued from southeastern Alaska after a hunter killed their mother. Just this summer, the zoo celebrated the 30th anniversary of Axhis rescue and arrival. Axhis brother, Jim, died nearly three years ago.

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In recent months, Axhis health had been declining as he showed signs of worsening geriatric conditions, according to the zoo, making his quality of life difficult to maintain. The zoo remembered Axhi for the cozy dens he built each winter, never being shy to remind staffers when he wanted more food, and his fearlessness as he dove underwater to retrieve a treat.

For those who cared for him, Axhi will always be remembered as resilient, curious, and deeply beloved, the zoo wrote to social media.

As of Friday night, hundreds of comments had flooded the zoos post with memories and pictures of Axhi.
Aug. 29More than a month ago, the Metropolitan Detention Center confiscated personal possessions like books, letters and photos from inmates in an attempt to stem the flow of contraband in the jail  which has seen a rash of overdoses and deaths of those in detox.

A month in, jail officials said it was too early to comment on the policy's effectiveness, while attorneys who represent inmates have called its implementation harmful and dehumanizing.

Beginning July 18, MDC stopped accepting physical copies of books, magazines and other literature, now providing them digitally on tablets.

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A mother whose son is an inmate at MDC used to send him books about substance abuse recovery and novels to pass the time, all of which were confiscated, she said. The woman spoke on the condition of anonymity, fearing that her son might face retribution at the jail.

"What do they expect them to do all day?" she said Friday.

Inmates are allowed to have physical copies of Narcotics or Alcoholics Anonymous books if provided by the in-house medical and addiction treatment provider; otherwise, digital copies are available for free on tablets, said MDC spokesperson Candace Hopkins.

Educational materials are free to access on the tablets, Hopkins said, but inmates will have to pay for some fiction books, particularly newer releases.

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The woman said her son's NA workbook, along with all his other books, were sent through a bookseller licensed with the jail, like Barnes & Noble.

The books available for free, according to the mother, included classics like "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville and "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy, books that are too dense and tedious for her son to enjoy.

Books, among other paper possessions, needed to be confiscated due to incidents of inmates concealing drugs and other contraband inside of them, Hopkins said. Drugs and contraband were also sent through the mail to the jail, she said.

From October 2022 to July 2023, drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine and cannabis were seized from inmates at the facility more than 180 times, in quantities large and small, according to MDC reports obtained through an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

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With tablets now serving as one of an inmate's only tangible connections to the outside world, some have questioned whether they have sufficient access.

"What we've heard is there are not enough tablets for people," said Kate Loewe, an attorney representing those incarcerated at MDC under a class-action settlement agreement. "I am worried for people's mental health  locked down for hours with no access to something to read, something to calm you in the night."

There are approximately 1,000 tablets  a ratio of one tablet for every two inmates  at MDC and they can be used between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Family members looking to send their loved ones mail now must send it to Maryland, where it is digitized and sent to tablets in the jail. The process of digitizing mail is run by Viapath, Bernalillo County's phone and tablet vendor, and comes at no additional cost to the county.

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There was always a delay in sending mail, said the inmate's mother, but while mailing physical letters used to take days, through the new process it's taken at least a week.

Putting more resources into the jail's addiction clinic to cut down on the waitlist for care is a better fix, Loewe said, than taking away an inmate's personal items.

"That would be a more humane and evidence-based way of curbing contraband," Loewe said.

The new policy around personal items isn't forward-thinking, the mother said, pointing out that many inmates at MDC are either awaiting trial or are serving time for minor crimes.

"They're all going to get out someday, and are we making it easier or harder for them to live a good life when they get out?" she said.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Saturday endorsed political outsider Graham Platner, the populist oyster farmer running to oust Maines Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

While national Democrats have been eyeing Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) for the Senate race, Platner arrived as an unexpected progressive contender, pitching himself to those frustrated with the partys inefficacy in Congress and growing class inequality.

We need senators in Washington who are prepared to take on the billionaire class and fight for working people, Sanders said in a statement. This is why I am proud to endorse Graham Platner for U.S. Senate.

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He added, Graham is a Marine and Army National Guard veteran, an oyster farmer, and a proud member of Americas working class. Hes a Mainer through and through, and he is building a movement strong enough to take on the oligarchy that is making Maine unaffordable for all except a privileged few.

Sanders is hosting a rally with Platner and logger turned Maine gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson in Portland, Maine, on Monday. The Labor Day event location was changed from an auditorium to a much larger arena based on the number of expected attendees.

Platner, 40, announced his bid for office earlier this month. Since that time, he raised $1 million in nine days, with an average contribution of $33, according to his campaign. He calls himself a friend of the working Mainer, foe of the oligarchy in his bio on X.

He said on X he was honored beyond words to have Sanders endorsement. Together were going to defeat Susan Collins and take back our government for the people.

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Collins, who is chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has drawn Mainers frustration for voting to advance Donald Trumps so-called Big Beautiful Bill, which slashed taxes for the rich and will take away health insurance coverage for millions of Americans.

While Collins has a reputation as a moderate, she voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trumps unqualified, science-hating Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Trumps budget director Russell Vought, who famously said of government workers: We want to put them in trauma. She also cast a crucial vote to confirm Trumps controversial Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh during the presidents first term, paving the way for conservatives to end the federal right to an abortion.

Earlier this week, about 200 protesters shouted shame and stop funding genocide at Collins at a ribbon-cutting event in a small coastal town in Maine. She was met with more protesters later in the week during a visit to a food bank.

Our concern is that she hasnt had a town hall in 20 years, shes not talking to her constituents, shes supporting a fascist government, Indivisible Sagadahoc Co-leader Jessica Mahnae told WGME.

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Im not fooled by this fake charade of Collins deliberations and moderation, Platner said in a campaign video. The difference between Susan Collins and Ted Cruz is at least Ted Cruz is honest about selling us out and not giving a damn.

Platner, who was voted most likely to start a revolution in high school, has not held back in his rhetoric.

Nothing pisses me off more than getting a fundraising text from Democrats talking about how theyre fighting fascism, Platner posted on X shortly after he stepped into the race. Because its such bullshit. Were not idiots. Everyone knows most of them arent doing jack shit right now to fight back.

People are being kidnapped into unmarked vans by masked police, he continued. There is a genocide happening in Palestine. Literal billionaires have taken over our government. And all Democratic leadership can do is send us another fundraising text?

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Mills, the 77-year-old governor, remains a possible contender from establishment Democrats. She said Wednesday that she is seriously considering a run for Collins seat, the Portland Press Herald reported.

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The Bettendorf Police Department has added six new officers to its force as the City of Bettendorf continues to grow in population and geography, according to a news release.

On Friday, Aug. 29, Mayor Bob Gallagher swore in Nikolas Davis, Alexis Sandon, Ashley Acaster, Justin Bowman, Trevor Johnson, and Sebastian Villanueva.

(L-R) Mayor Bob Gallagher, Nikolas Davis, Alexis Sandon, Ashley Acaster, Justin Bowman, Trevor Johnson, Sebastian Villanueva, Chief Doug Scott (City of Bettendorf)

I dont know if weve ever sworn in this many officers at one time, said Chief Doug Scott, Bettendorf Police Department. These six individuals have dedicated themselves to a life of service, and we are very honored that they chose Bettendorf as their community to serve.

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This city is very supportive of our first responders, and we thank these six outstanding people for choosing this profession and choosing Bettendorf, said Mayor Bob Gallagher.

During the swearing-in ceremony, each officer took an oath led by Gallagher. The officers are:

Ashley Acaster : Graduate of Pleasant Valley High School and Western Illinois University.

Justin Bowman: Graduate of Davenport West High School and Scott Community College, and served as a police officer in Oakwood, Georgia.

Nikolas Davis : Graduate of North Scott High School and Indian Hills Community College, and served as a volunteer firefighter with the McCausland Fire Department.

Trevor Johnson: Graduate of Pleasant Valley High School and Kirkwood Community College, and served with the U.S. Armys 75th Ranger Regiment.

Alexis Sandon: Grew up in Yorkville, Illinois, and is a graduate of Western Illinois University.

Sebastian Villanueva: Graduate of Alleman High School and St. Ambrose University, Davenport, and a certified peace officer.

Davis, Sandon, and Acaster recently graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, which is a rigorous 16-week training program that takes place at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. Villanueva graduated from the same program in August 2024. Johnson will begin the academy on Sept. 2 and Bowman has already served as a police officer so it is not required for him to go through the academy again.

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All officers will go through the Bettendorf Police Departments field training program, which is also 16 weeks long. This program takes the lessons learned at the academy and applies them to the real world while being supervised by a field training officer.

We are dedicated to helping our new officers through these training phases, so they are ready to hit the streets and start helping our community, said Scott.



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The superyacht Phi, owned by Sergei Naumenko, will remain detained in London, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled. Megayacht News reports this is the latest chapter in the three-year legal battle.

The 192-foot yacht has been detained since March 2022 because of sanctions related to the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite its owner's appeals, it cannot leave the London harbor.

While Naumenko is not being directly penalized by arresting the yacht or stripping him of ownership, he's unable to use the superyacht. The U.K. government cited his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin when it ordered the yacht's detention, Megayacht News reports. This detention marks the first of its kind in British waters because of Russian sanctions.

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The U.K. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that keeping the vessel docked is legal, despite the owners' appeal stating that it is being withheld without justification. According to the judges, "Given the court's finding that the detention of the Phi was lawful, the issue does not arise in this appeal."

They noted that the charter activity generates over 650,000 ($761,000) weekly, potentially supporting Russia's political and economic networks. This ruling highlights that even indirect prestige and wealth among Russian elites, such as Naumenko, have consequences that align with the objectives of international sanctions.

The case has drawn attention not just for its geopolitical stakes but also for what Phi represents: a symbol of unchecked wealth with staggering environmental costs. Superyachts are among the most polluting forms of private luxury.

According to Fortune, a single vessel can emit more carbon than 1,500 cars annually. These floating mansions burn immense amounts of fuel daily, all while ordinary citizens are asked to reduce their own climate footprints.

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Environmental advocates argue that detentions like this underscore the urgent need to reassess the relationship between wealth and consumption, as well as its impact on pollution.

Cleaner alternatives already exist in marine technology, from wind-assisted shipping to electric ferries, but superyachts continue to epitomize some of the least sustainable uses of resources.

Commenters on r/WorldNews shared their sentiments on the detainment, with one saying, "The sweet smell of sanctions."

With another chiming in, "Stop detaining them and just start disassembling them."

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A Birmingham man who was found shot near a Central Pratt residence Friday night died.

According to the Birmingham Police Department, officers were dispatched around 10 p.m. to a person shot call in the 900 block of Sixth Lane. At the scene, officers found Robert Mitchell, 41, lying in the grass. He had been shot.

The BPD stated officers performed life-saving measures before Mitchell was taken to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit investigating 2 shootings, including 1 injuring 15-year-old boy

A preliminary investigation revealed Mitchell may have been shot while inside an area residence. There is no one in custody in connection to the case.

Those with information on the shooting are asked to call the BPD at 205-254-1764 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Crime Stoppers may pay tipsters a cash reward.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett announced the arrest of four mothers Thursday night. He says the group encouraged their children to fight and they have all been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

In a press release, Pickett says the following:

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.

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Pickett says the arrests were made to set an example his department will not tolerate parents who encourage violence. Thats an example thats being heard  father of four Robbie Sturevant says he agrees with the chief and thinks the arrests will make a positive impact on Birmingham youth.

Travelers in central Alabama taking advantage of Labor Day weekend

Absolutely. An example has to be set, a tone has to be set. If the parents arent doing it on their own, someone needs to step in and kind of help guide everyone on the process and how it needs to be done.

But, Sturevant isnt the only parent who thinks its a good thing for the community. Candance Johnson has two sons, she says she is aware of the arrests and believes they are the best way to stop youth violence.

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Our kids are a reflection of us and we need someone to take accountability and responsibility to raise our children. We should be out encouraging our kids to fight. Because then what are we saying is parents, what are we looking like as parents? So, I agree, remarked Johnson.

The Birmingham Police Department says they will continue to hold parents who encourage violent or disruptive behavior accountable.

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Aug. 30WATERTOWN  A few steps away from the counter of Gray's Flower Shop, the length of say, a hefty hollyhock, an antique metal and wood cash register sits in the shadows.

The National cash register was state-of-the art of its day. In 1884, John Patterson began to make the devices in Dayton, Ohio. National became widely regarded as a "high tech" company.

"That was my grandmother's," Scott A. Gray said. "I remember operating it as a kid, pressing the buttons and rolling the handle. Later, the handle stopped working. You'd have to get in there and pop the drawer."

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The device, and the change it made, now act as a symbol of the changes the city's floral business has experienced over the years. Gray's Flowers, 1605 State St., the oldest business in Jefferson County, kept up with those changes, until July when Gray announced that the florist would be closing on Sept. 1, Monday.

Four generations of the Gray family have operated the business. Through each, the family maintained a tradition of quality service, affordability and community involvement, making the flower shop a household name in Northern New York.

"It simply said it was time," Gray said on Tuesday afternoon at the shop, which still blossomed with stock. That "it" involves a couple of factors.

Gray was elected to his first two-year Assembly term in 2022 and was reelected in November. Previously, he served as chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Legislators for six years, and as a legislator for 21 years in total.

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"I wasn't going to get back into the business," Gray explained. "I had left it during COVID. The pandemic kept me busy with the county every day."

Since then, being an Assembly member has taken up his time. "I realized that I wasn't going to come back to the business."

The business model of running a flower shop was also a factor.

"The floral industry has changed," Gray said. "Just like any other retail business, it is increasingly moving away from brick-and-mortar to people ordering online. In our case, the floral industry, it wasn't just people ordering online. They go through a fulfillment center."

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The Gray family legacy

John Gray, born in 1835 in Redwood, the son of Scottish immigrants, served in the Civil War with the 10th New York Regiment of Heavy Artillery Volunteers. He was honorably discharged in July 1865. He and Nancy Dillon Gray had two girls and four boys, including Frank, who went by his middle name, Burton.

Burton opened a greenhouse and florist shop in Clayton in 1918, when he was 44. Likely at his side in that endeavor, according to Times files, were his wife, Maybelle, their daughter, Ethelwyn, and 13-year-old Harold L. Gray.

Harold picked up the family tradition and attended the Wharton School of Business and Finance at the University of Pennsylvania and was ready in 1930 to look for an opportunity.

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He found it in Carthage, where widow Mary Klein was looking to unload the business her late husband, Charles, created in 1924. He became ill in 1928, and died on Aug. 29, at 51. Harold Gray was hired to manage the shop and later bought the business.

Burton apparently saw more fertile opportunities in Carthage, with its paper mills, the railroad and lumberjacks. The senior florist sold his business in Clayton in 1933 and moved to Carthage to partner with his son. Meanwhile, he often took his grandson Robert to the islands near Clayton to do landscaping for old customers  the resort hotels and large estates.

Until Nov. 20, 1946, there were three generations of Grays involved in the business. Robert L. Gray, Scott's father, was 14 when his grandfather died. Scott's first job was filling water picks (small, plastic tubes designed to keep single-stem flowers hydrated) for his grandfather, at 2 cents a tube.

After establishing a site in Watertown, the business returned to its roots by establishing a Clayton location in 1999, all while offering daily delivery service to customers across the region, including Fort Drum's military community.

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Scott earned an associate degree in agriculture at Cobleskill Agricultural and Technical College in 1982, and followed his family tradition. He became president when the business incorporated in 1993, and a 50-50 partner with his father. Robert died in 2005.

"My father opened up here in 1971," Gray said of the State Street location. "I joined him in 1981."

At the time, Gray's was one of seven flower shops in the city  with all but one, operating their own greenhouse. Gray easily ticked off the names of the six other shops: Chapin's, Sammy's, Castro's, Tubilino's, which later became Distefano's, New York Florists and Hutchin's.

"Now, there's three," Gray said. "There was a point in time, there was just us. We survived them all."

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'Fluid' building status

The State Street store was originally set to close on Monday, but that has changed. On Wednesday, the Gray's Flower Shop Facebook page noted, "A clearance sale is going on until everything is done."

There's another factor related to the initial plan to close. "I think the date is fluid right now," Gray said on Tuesday. "It's fluid because we just don't know what the situation is."

The situation may involve another floral business operating out of the current Gray's building. "Now, we have a sense of, 'What do we do?'" Gray said. "My original thought was to just let the business sunset. It's had a good ride. Let it go out on its own  not sell to anybody. But if someone wanted to operate out of here, I would sell the real estate and let them put their own name on it. They could even maintain our phone number if they'd like to."

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The Times contacted two other floral firms in the Watertown area this week, seeking comments on the state of the local industry. Both declined to comment.

Too much 'fulfillment'

One aspect that was a thorn in the side of Gray for the past few decades had been the status of the business as a "fulfillment center."

"There's the consumer, and then what we call in the industry, the order gatherers," he explained. "And then, there's the fulfillment center. Instead of the consumer coming directly to us, a third person was put in there  a middle man. They not only charged the consumer a significant fee for orders, they also charged us to receive the orders. They were profiting from us, and the consumer. In my opinion, that's not a good business model."

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That business model "worked OK" for a while, Gray said. "We had a fair mix of national companies paying us, and local customers. And then it all started to get out of balance on the national market, and those vendors gave us a haircut, if you will."

In the 1990s, Gray became heavily involved in the Young Owner/Managers Advisory Committee of the Florist Transworld Delivery Association. At one point, he was chairman. "I was vocal in the industry, saying we were cannibalizing our own business."

The order gatherers, Gray said, would also be a master at working the internet search engines.

"For instance, if you used, say, Google, and put in 'Watertown NY florists,' it would say Gray's Flowers, but they would co-op our name to get that order. It was really deceptive. People had the thought they were dealing with us directly, but they were dealing with a third party."

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At one time, the only way to send flowers out of town was to contact your local florist. "We had a directory of all the florists in the U.S. and we would pick a florist out of the requested area, and we would transmit that order to them," Gray said. "The directory was 3 to 4 inches thick. That will tell you how much the business has changed."

The Grays responded to the calls  from work and from home.

"My grandmother had an extension, not only one right next to her kitchen, but one in her bedroom. Any time the phone rang, she answered it. It didn't matter what time of day. She was old-style customer service," Gray said. "My whole sense of service, whether it's been customer service or public service, was nurtured from my grandmother and grandfather, through my father, onto me."

Aggressive buyers

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Gray said his family was "aggressive" in purchasing flowers, especially from the west coast. He also purchased flowers from Holland and through brokers in Miami, who shipped out of South America.

"Those were the three main points. There were also local growers and Canadian growers," he said.

Eventually, greenhouses in the Northeast, also a source, began to close, a cause Gray credited to the rising costs of utilities.

"You had to be resourceful in buying. We also used to buy from suppliers in Albany," Gray said. "They were shipped by Greyhound bus. We'd have to go at 8 at night to the Watertown bus station to pick them up."

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Later, those trips were diverted to the Syracuse airport as air transportation became the preferred way to ship flowers.

Customs lost their bloom

Gray has also witnessed the change in habits and customs of when people purchase flowers.

"Easter and Mother's Day were the big holidays," Gray said. "Everybody got dressed up and wore flowers to church. As time moved on and people got less oriented toward religion, the business shifted from Easter. Valentine's Day was zero, a blip when I was a kid. But it became the mammoth holiday. On Valentine's Days and Mother's Days, there were times when we worked right around the clock, preparing orders and getting the store ready. We would do five times our normal business."

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Over the years, the practice of buying flowers at stand-alone businesses has changed. From a single flower to large arrangements, they can be found from the local convenience store to supermarkets.

Gray said that years ago when the city had several florists to choose from, a consumer often selected one based on their religion.

"Florists were separated by Catholics and Protestants. We built our business on the Protestant side of Watertown. Doing business with First Presbyterian was one of the initial churches that we did business with," he said. "That's the way people looked at things, saying 'They are a Catholic florist, or Protestant. It's the same way they looked at funeral homes. Everything was guided by religion."

And at those funeral homes, fewer flowers began arriving for services, which also impacted florists in the city.

"Back then, two sets of calling hours were popular. That's primarily why we were open seven days a week. Sometimes, Sundays would be our busiest day. My father and I would be chugging along at it," he said. "Our philosophy was, 'If we were there on Sundays when people needed us, they would come back Mondays through Saturdays.'"

That buzz of the busy State Street floral shop is now history. Gray said the "great employees" over the years and loyal customers was the mix that made it a success.

"It was an agonizing decision," Gray said of the closure. "it took a long time to make it. It wasn't a snap decision by any stretch of the imagination. After 107 years, you don't just turn around and say, 'We're done.' There's no question it's bittersweet."

He added, "I'm forever grateful to the community and for everything they've done for my family since I was growing up in this business. They've always supported us. Our business has always worked hard for our consumers."
(This August 30 story is repeated without any changes to the text)

By Jasper Ward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi fired a Department of Justice official on Friday for making a vulgar gesture to members of the National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., on her way to work.

"Today, I took action to terminate a DOJ employee for inappropriate conduct towards National Guard service members in DC," Bondi posted on X, responding to a New York Post story about the firing.

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She said people who disrespect law enforcement will no longer work at the department.

The fired employee, Elizabeth Baxter, was a paralegal at the department's environmental defense section, according to a memo to her from Bondi that was published by the New York Post, which first reported the dismissal.

Reuters could not immediately contact Baxter, who the newspaper said had raised her middle finger and uttered vulgarities at National Guard members on August 18 and later disparaged the troops.

President Donald Trump deployed hundreds of National Guard members to the streets of Washington this month, declaring a crime emergency and announcing a temporary federal takeover of the city's police department.

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In June, Trump, a Republican, ordered Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles and has threatened to send troops and federal officials to Chicago, against the wishes of Democratic governors of California and Illinois.

The president has portrayed the nation's capital as a city awash in crime, although Justice Department data shows violent crime hit a 30-year low last year in Washington, a self-governing federal district under the jurisdiction of Congress.

The U.S. government also dispatched agents from numerous agencies, including the FBI, to patrol the capital's streets.

Following a legal challenge filed by the city's attorney general, the Trump administration negotiated a deal with Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, to keep Police Chief Pamela Smith in charge of the department's operations.

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While some, including Democrats, have criticized the move to deploy National Guard to the capital, Trump and allies have pointed to lower crime in the district to show success of the deployment.

"DC will soon be a CRIME FREE ZONE, in only 14 days, far faster than scheduled," Trump posted on Truth Social on Thursday.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by William Mallard)
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.

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"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.

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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.

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"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."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
PORTLAND, Ore (KOIN)  After completing a two-day search for Travis Decker, the father suspected of murdering his daughters in late May, officials confirmed Friday that bones were among several items recovered near a campground in Leavenworth, Wash.

Teams began searching the rugged terrain on Aug. 25, near the Rock Island Campground, with leadership from the FBI Seattle Field Office as well as help from the U.S. Forest Service.

Search crews covered roughly 247 acres and Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison confirmed to KIRO 7 that bones were found during the search.

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Armed suspect arrested near Washougal after SWAT response

At this time, it is unclear whether the remains are human or animal. They have been sent to Central Washington Universitys anthropology department for testing.

In a Friday statement, the FBI Seattle Field Office said other items recovered from the area are being examined to determine their relevance to the investigation.

The bodies of Deckers three daughters were originally found in early June near his truck outside of the Rock Island Campground after he was supposed to return the girls to their mothers home in Wenatchee.

This undated photo provided by Whitney Decker shows Paityn, Olivia and Evelyn Decker. (Courtesy of Whitney Decker via AP)

Decker was nowhere to be found, and his disappearance sparked a manhunt throughout Washington. However, the Chelan County Sheriffs Office scaled back their efforts in late July due to a decline in new investigative leads.

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In late June, authorities acknowledged Decker may have also died while evading law enforcement. They have also advised that he may have changed his appearance in the ensuing weeks to avoid detection.

This undated photo provided by the Wenatchee Police Department shows Travis Caleb Decker who the police are asking the public for help in locating the Washington state father who is wanted for murder after his three young daughters were reported missing and then found dead. (Wenatchee Police Department via AP)

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of $20,000 for any information leading to Deckers arrest.

Officials are encouraging anyone who sees Decker to call 911 immediately and to not approach him, as he is considered armed and dangerous.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Boston police have made an arrest in connection with a string of burglaries across the city.

Police said they arrested and charged Thomas Patak, 55, of Boston, for incidents in the Back Bay and South End, Boston-25 News reported.

Patak was wanted on four warrants issued by Boston Municipal Court, the station reported. The charges included:

Four counts of breaking and entering a building, nighttime for felony

Two counts of larceny from a building

Two counts of destruction of property over $1,200

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The investigation remains ongoing, the station reported.

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Boston Mayor Michelle Wus office has fired back at a reported immigration enforcement surge in Boston that could begin as soon as September.

Unlike the Trump administration, Boston follows the lawcity, state and federal. 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," Wu said in a statement to MassLive. Boston will never back down from being a beacon of freedom and a home for everyone. Stop attacking cities to hide your administrations failures.

The clampdown in Boston, 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.

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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.

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The Republican White House has clashed repeatedly with Wu, a Democrat, 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.

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Earlier this month, Wu shot down U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondis demand that the city comply with federal immigration policies.

Here is our response: Stop attacking our cities to hide your administrations failures, Wu said at a City Hall news conference. Unlike the Trump administration, Boston follows the law. And Boston will not back down from who we are and what we stand for.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healeys office did not respond to a request for comment by MassLive.

More on Politics

Read the original article on MassLive.
NEED TO KNOW

An 8-year-old boy died after he sustained injuries from an attack by a family dog

Police found the child unresponsive with apparent signs of trauma to his neck consistent with an animal bite"

The dog is now set to be euthanized after the tragedy

An 8-year-old boy from Virginia has died after sustaining injuries from a dog attack.

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, just after 8 p.m. local time, the Danville Police Department (DPD) responded to a home and found the child unresponsive with apparent signs of trauma to his neck consistent with an animal bite, according to a news release.

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Police said the young boy's family told officers that the dog was not previously known to be aggressive.

The 8-year-old had been under the care of his teenage sister at the time of the tragedy, according to authorities.

Danville VA Police Department/Facebook A police car outside the Danielle Police Department. A police car outside the Danielle Police Department.

The 4-year-old dog was relocated to the Danville Area Humane Society after the fatal attack. Police did not disclose the breed of the canine.

According to local news outlet WSET, the dog will be under observation for 10 days in order to check for rabies. He will then be euthanized.



Paulette Dean, the executive director of the Danville Area Humane Society, explained the reasoning behind the euthanization in a statement to the outlet.

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"We will not put the dog up for adoption, nor will we transfer him to any group or sanctuary for rehabilitation. We will euthanize him, she said. "This will anger some people. But, the dog killed a child. A helpless child.

His family and friends, as well as the police department and other first responders, will bear emotional scars from what they saw, Dean added. "It is a tragedy from first sentence to last sentence."

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

getty Police tape (stock image). Police tape (stock image).

After the incident, local police offered their support to the familys neighbors.

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"Whenever there's a traumatic event that occurs, the Danville Police Department holds heart walks in the area to do exactly what we're doing here today, again offering those services and letting people know what happened," Matt Bell, a public relations specialist to the department, told WSET.

One neighbor, Tenita Younger, told the outlet that the incident "made me feel sad and hurt."

Another, Kenyetta Atkins, added, "I ain't like it. That's too sad how the little boy died like that."



Read the original article on People
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm while on his way to an anime comic convention in London.

The arrest occurred near Chelsea FCs Stamford Bridge stadium at around 2.30pm on Saturday, as crowds were leaving following the home teams 2-0 victory over Fulham.

The boy is alleged to have been displaying a realistic-looking imitation gun as he walked to the convention, causing distress to passers-by.

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Soon after his arrest, rumours claiming the suspect was an attempted mass shooter were circulated on social media.

But the Metropolitan Police issued a statement confirming the claims were false.

A spokesman added: A 16-year-old boy remains in police custody after he was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm.

The arrest occurred in Fulham Broadway at 2.41pm on Saturday, Aug 30, after officers received information about a boy displaying a weapon and walking towards a crowded area.

No one was injured in the incident.

The circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.

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It is unclear which convention the boy was attending, but the London Anime and Gaming Con is taking place this weekend in Hammersmith.

Animeleague, the hosts of the convention, were contacted for comment.

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor announced it will be opening a new Club site at Pioneer Elementary School.

The Pioneer Club will be open to K-12 students and operate Monday through Friday from school dismissal until 6 p.m., following the Pioneer School Corporation calendar. The Club will be open whenever school is in session and closed when school is closed. Families are welcome to pick up their children at any time before 6 p.m.

An official launch date has not be announced yet.

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The Club will begin with a roster of 30 students. Once capacity is reached, registration will shift to a waitlist. Families can still complete the registration form, but students will be placed on the waitlist until staffing and space allows for more members.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor work to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens, according to its website. The Northern Indiana Corridor represents Cass, St. Joseph, Pulaski, Fulton and White counties.

Boys & Girls Clubs programs are built on five key elements that create a foundation for positive youth development. According to its website, The five key Club elements include a safe and positive environment, supportive relationships with caring adults and peers, opportunities and expectations for growth, to recognize children for positive behavior and to have fun.

A site coordinator will be announced at a later date. Until then, questions, comments and concerns can be sent to Dan Fry, director of Club engagement, at dfry@bgcnic.org.

Registration can be completed at https://tinyurl.com/3pcheba4. For registration help, email register@bgcnic.org.
CONKLIN, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  The Broome County Sheriffs Office has released details and some video surveillance related to a murder suicide that took place last week in Conklin and Montrose, Pennsylvania.

Sheriff Fred Akshar says 65 year-old Michael Shuta shot his nephew, 41 year-old Matthew Slavetskas, multiple times with a small caliber revolver on Thursday August 21st shortly after 10 PM.

Shuta then traveled to family property in Montrose and shot himself to death with a separate handgun.

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Akshar says both men lived at 4467 Brady Hill Road in Conklin and had been in a feud ever since Slavetskas inherited the property.

Slavetskas lived in the main house while Shuta lived in a trailer out back.

Sheriff Fred Akshar says, The ongoing and longstanding family dispute was known, not to law enforcement, but certainly to the internal family members that had been dealing with that for an extended period of time.

Akshar showed the media video surveillance from a neighbor that showed Shuta using a pole to disable a camera on the property. After Shuta shot Slavetskas, the victim locked himself in his home where he died from his injuries.

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Shutas body was discovered last Friday in Montrose, causing family members to direct law enforcement to check the welfare of Slavestkas leading to the discovery of his 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 WIVT - News 34.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Branigan Cultural Center will host a new exhibit that will focus on six indigenous groups in the Las Cruces, El Paso and the wider Borderland region.

Land of the People: Shimba Tainin kau natheure wein  Tierra Sagrada  Ndende bi Keya  Nafole atsihem  Nde benah  Ndee Bikaa opens on Saturday, Sept. 6 and runs through May 2027.

The grand opening will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 6 in the Branigan Cultural Center courtyard and include members from all the indigenous groups.

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Through their own words and perspectives, each group presents information about their traditions and current lifeways, the City of Las Cruces said in a news release.

Featured groups in the exhibit are Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, Tortugas Pueblo, Mescalero Apache Tribe, Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe, Chiricahua Apache, and Gila Apache.

Reflecting the collaborative nature of this exhibit, each group has included their interpretation of the term Land of the People within the title, corresponding with their exhibit rotation.

The exhibit is multi-faceted and features a shared, introductory space that explores principal themes common to all six groups. These include their origin stories, movement and homeland, relationships to and stewardship of the land and natural resources, and cultural practices including food, family connections, ceremonies, and traditions.

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A secondary, rotating gallery will change every 12 weeks, which allows each indigenous group to go deeper into their own unique stories, traditions, and perspectives. The exhibit sequence is as follows:

Sept. 6 Nov. 29: Ysleta del Sur Pueblo

Dec. 20March 14: Tortugas Pueblo

April 4-June 27: Mescalero Apache Tribe

July 18Oct. 10: Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe

Nov. 7, 2026  Jan. 30, 2027: Chiricahua Apache Nation

Feb. 20May 15, 2027: Gila Apache

The exhibit grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 6, features demonstrations, activities, and discussions scheduled in 30-minute increments.

For more detailed information and up-to-date events visit lascruces.gov/museums or Las Cruces Museums social media platforms @LCMuseums.

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The Branigan Cultural Center is located at 501 N. Main St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. There is no admission charge.

The museum is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1 Stop 1.

For additional information, visit the website at https://www.lascruces.gov/museums or call (575) 541-2154 / TTY 711

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. The article contains graphic footage.

Andrii Parubii, a Ukrainian politician who previously served as the parliament speaker and played a prominent role in the EuroMaidan Revolution, was shot dead in Lviv on Aug. 30.

Earlier in the day, the National Police said that a political figure was murdered after a shooting in the western Ukrainian city. Iryna Herashchenko, a lawmaker from the European Solidarity party, subsequently confirmed for the Kyiv Independent that Parubii was the victim.

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A suspect in the fatal shooting was detained, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in the early hours of Sept. 1. "The suspect has given an initial testimony. Urgent investigative actions are currently underway to establish all the circumstances of this murder," Zelensky said.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said that the suspect was apprehended in the western Khmelnytskyi Oblast.

On Aug. 30, authorities received an emergency call at around noon after the shooting in Lviv's southern Frankivskyi city district, the police said. The victim died on the spot. Citing sources, Suspilne broadcaster reported that the suspected assailant was dressed as a delivery courier and rode an electric bicycle.

During a press briefing in Lviv, police officials said that Parubii was shot at eight times with a short-barreled firearm. Seven shell casings were found at the crime scene, law enforcement sources told Suspilne.

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The search for the shooter is underway in Lviv Oblast, Governor Maksym Kozytskyi said, while the Prosecutor General's Office has launched a murder investigation. Officials did not provide information about the suspect's identity or motive.

Law enforcement authorities said they are investigating whether Parubii received threats before his death. A probe was also launched into the unauthorized release of a street camera recording showing moments before and after the shooting.

The video shared online appears to show the shooter waiting for the victim near a car before approaching him from behind. The crime itself is not visible.

Parubii, born in 1971 in a town near Lviv, was a long-time activist, lawmaker, and government official. During Soviet times, he organized anti-government demonstrations and was twice arrested.

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After Ukraine gained its independence, Parubii entered politics, being elected into the parliament for the first time in 2007. He participated in the Orange Revolution in 2004 and led self-defense volunteer groups during the EuroMaidan Revolution in 2013-2014.

After the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych during EuroMaidan, Parubii was appointed secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. He held the position between February and August 2014, when Russia occupied Crimea and initiated the war in Donbas.

His role as the National Security and Defense Council secretary at the onset of Moscow's aggression made him a common target of Russian propaganda and disinformation.

The politician then served as the first deputy parliament speaker between 2014 and 2016 and as the parliament speaker from 2016 until 2019. Since 2019, Parubii has served as a lawmaker for ex-President Petro Poroshenko's European Solidarity party.

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Ruslan Stefanchuk, the current parliament speaker, called Parubii a "consistent defender of Ukrainian statehood."

"On behalf of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, I express my condolences to Andrii's family and friends," Stefanchuk said in a public statement. Parubii is survived by his wife and daughter.

"Our team is shocked. This is terror," Heraschenko said in a statement published on European Solidarity's Facebook page.

"Andrii was one of the founders of the modern Ukraine... principled and decent, patriotic, intelligent."

The news of Parubii's death also garnered reactions from abroad.

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"The news of his murder in Lviv is shocking. My sincere condolences to his loved ones and to the entire Ukrainian people, who today lost one of their best sons," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski wrote on social media.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys described Parubii as a "fighter for Ukraine's European future," and expressed his "sincere condolences to his family and loved ones."

EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova similarly characterized Parubii as a "fighter for Ukraine's democracy" and relayed her "condolences to his family and friends."

Separately, the statement shared by the European Solidarity party suggested that Russia or its "fifth column" may have been responsible for Parubii's death, pointing to the ex-speaker's firmly pro-Ukrainian stances.

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According to the police, a Russian involvement is one of the possible versions under investigation. At the same time, the law enforcement agency said there is no evidence linking the killing to the murder of Iryna Farion, an ex-lawmaker and professor murdered in Lviv in July 2024.

Volodymyr Ariev, a European Solidarity lawmaker, took a more cautious view than some of his party colleagues.

"It is not yet known who did this. I do not rule anything out and do not want to speculate until we have information about the person who ordered it," Ariev told the Kyiv Independent.

Zelensky said he had instructed Vasyl Maliuk, the chief of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), to join the investigation and present verified information to the public as soon as possible.

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Kateryna Denisova contributed reporting.

Read also: The elephant in the room  Russia wont agree to Ukraine security guarantees, Europe cant enforce them

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  An an Interstate 10 off-ramp and bridge will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 3 for what is being called necessary maintenance work, the New Mexico Department of Transportation said.

NMDOT will close the I-10 off-ramp and bridge at mile marker 132 (Crawford Blvd.) from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 3, the agency said.

The on-ramps at exit 132 (Crawford Blvd.) will remain open. Traffic will not be allowed to cross the bridge at Crawford Boulevard during the closure. Detours will be in place.

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Detours:

Eastbound traffic mile marker 127 to the frontage road (Robert Larson Blvd.).

Westbound traffic will detour at mile marker 135 (US70/I-10 Interchange) onto north frontage road.

Drivers are urged to follow posted detour signs, reduce speed, and use caution in the work zone.

For updated information go to, you can click here or call 511.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  A Bronx father was back in the hospital Friday after suffering a brain injury last weekend  one he says was at the hands of New York City police.

Several videos obtained by PIX11 News show part of the arrest in which Sammy Santiago suffers several punches to the head after officers said the man advanced toward them.

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Officers in the 41st Precinct were responding to noise complaints on Hunts Point Avenue last Saturday night and are now facing brutality complaints.

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The video shows punches being thrown, not by the man being arrested, but by the officers handcuffing him.

One pushed me, the other punched me in the face three times. I went on the floor. They beat me on the floor, Santiago said.

Santiago has been in and out of the hospital since last weekend, after suffering a hematoma to his brain stem, according to his lawyer.

The 50-year-old said he was trying to de-escalate a tense situation involving his mentally ill daughter after 311 was called. Ultimately, they both wound up arrested, and Santiago landed in an intensive care unit.

I was trying to tell the officers she has a problem, and they went crazy. They were really hype, he said.

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Santiago said he spent three days shackled to the bed while undergoing a battery of brain scans.

Thats when they said I was bleeding in the brain, Santiago said.

Neither Santiago nor his daughter were charged with assaulting a police officer. But a Bronx criminal complaint alleges Santiago was prepared to fight, advanced towards arresting officers, and then resisted arrest.

Additional video reviewed by PIX11 shows Santiago squaring up right before being punched by police.

You can see the beatdown starting the second he walks up to police, said attorney Ezra Glazer.

They escalated it, and they are the criminals, Glazer added.

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Glazer is preparing a lawsuit and calling on Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark to charge the officers, not his client.

One officer actually strikes him in the head as others hold him with hands by his side when hes helpless, Glazer said.

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Clarks office said its Public Integrity Bureau is reviewing body-worn camera video of the incident.

PIX11 pressed Mayor Eric Adams about the case Thursday, before he viewed the video.

No officer, no one should be punching someone while carrying out their duties. Well look at the video and turn it over to Internal Affairs to investigate, Adams said.

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The NYPD would not answer questions about the status of the officers involved. However, the department classified Santiagos injuries as minor.

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Cold air from the north will reach Oklahoma during the first week of September, bringing temperatures down to levels not seen since last spring.

Overnight lows are forecast to dip into the 50s in Oklahoma City and across northern Oklahoma when the cold front arrives on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Here's what to expect from Oklahoma weather on and after Labor Day.

Oklahoma City weather forecast

Saturday, Aug. 30 : High temp of 76, chance of showers

Sunday : 79, chance of showers

Monday (Labor Day) : 83, slight chance of showers

Tuesday : 81, partly cloudy

Wednesday : 82, storms possible with overnight low of 59 degrees

Thursday: 73, storms possible

Rainy Labor Day weekend in Oklahoma

The state will see a good chance of showers throughout Labor Day weekend, with the best chances for heavy isolated rain in western and southwestern Oklahoma.

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Rainy weather will move out of the Oklahoma City area by Monday, although eastern Oklahoma could still see showers on Labor Day, according to the National Weather Service.

Across the state, temperatures will remain cooler than normal but Monday could see daytime highs in the mid-80s.

Stronger cold front, chilly overnight weather on its way

In the long-range forecast issued Aug. 29, meteorologists expect overnight low temperatures to reach into the 50s by Wednesday night, Sept. 3.

Confidence in the forecast that far out is usually low, so precise temperatures cannot be guaranteed.

More: There's still time to prepare your home for Oklahoma's winter months. Here's how.

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Despite that, climate models show a high probability that Oklahoma's temperatures will be below normal for this time of year. A cold front moving out of the Great Lakes region will dip into Oklahoma, with the coldest temperatures expected in the northeast part of the state.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Cold front will bring Oklahoma temps below average in September
Harborcreek Township is home to hundreds of businesses, and soon more will be calling the municipality home.

We feel that were very business-friendly. We work with developers. They let us know where they want to get to, and well get there, said Tim May, Harborcreek Township Supervisor. We have our residential areas, but we also have our farming areas out on the east end of the township. We want to revitalize, we certainly dont want to become a concrete jungle type of thing. We want to be a little bit of a mix, and thats one of our taglines, Harborcreek is a great place to live, work and play.

First on the list, a new Goodwill store will be taking over the old Walgreens location at the intersection of Buffalo and Nagle Roads. That store is expected to open sometime in October.

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Also, the township is still moving forward with plans to bring in a Canadian-based distillery called the Artist in Residence Distillerie, and although construction hasnt begun, May said its still all systems go for the facility on Station Road. That facility right off Interstate 90 doesnt have a construction date set, but May said the owners are just finishing up another facility in Ontario.

Harborcreek Twp. receives money for MS4 restoration project

Then, May said a new Wingstop restaurant will be opening in the plaza on Buffalo Road near the Little Caesars and Planet Fitness, but he said there isnt a clear timeline on when it will be open.

One employee who works at the smoke store next door said shes excited for a unique business like Wingstop to come to Erie for the first time.

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Its just a hometown feeling, you know? I like seeing growth. I like seeing new things around here, so definitely, it feels like it brings a sense of community. Everyones walking by, What are they doing next door? Whats going on next door? Were all just interested and conversing with each other about it, said Adriana Sypin, an employee at Smoker Friendly.

Loving Giving Local: Harborcreek Historical Society

As businesses continue to develop in the Harborcreek area, residential development is also taking place on Buffalo Road.

Palermo Realty is developing a 173-townhome facility. They are actually turning dirt, theyre putting foundations in, said May. Its definitely a need in Harborcreek for these townhomes. Its something that weve heard for many years, that people would like that option as far as residency in Harborcreek.

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May said the more than $40 million project next to the Walmart on Buffalo Road also plans to bring some commercial real estate towards the front of the property.

He said theres no clear completion date, but the project is in full construction mode.

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill.  Police from the Cahokia Police Department are seeking the publics help in identifying a suspect wanted for a deadly hit-and-run.

Officials say the incident happened on Aug. 23 alongside Illinois Route 157, where 49-year-old Harold Schaedler was fatally struck by a vehicle while riding his bike northbound.

In a press conference on Friday, authorities told the public that they are searching for a black four-door Sedan, which is believed to be connected to the hit-and-run.

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Police Chief Thomas Trice is pleading for the suspected driver to come forward.

There is no lighting on that road, Trice said. And thats why my appeal is that this person did not intend to hurt Harold.

Trice, who called the investigation a tragic accident, is asking for local body shops in the Cahokia Heights area to report any vehicles that came in for front-end damage.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call the Cahokia Police Departments tipline at 618-337-9520.

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Kamala Harris will be protected by the California Highway Patrol after President Donald Trump ordered the Secret Service to pull protection detail for the former vice president, according to a report.

State officials have reportedly put a plan in place to provide Harris with dignitary protection, according to the LA Times, citing law enforcement sources.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass held discussions Thursday about Harriss situation, according to the outlet.

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Trump revoked an order signed in January by then-President Joe Biden to extend Harriss security detail until January 2026. Under normal circumstances, Harris would have lost her protection six months after the end of her term.

The president issued a memorandum Thursday to the Secret Service, informing officials that they were hereby authorized to discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum concerning Harris.

State officials have reportedly put a plan in place to provide Kamala Harris with dignitary protection after Trump pulled her Secret Service detail last week (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

Newsom would need to sign off on the new arrangement with the California Highway Patrol, although his office would not confirm the plans.

Our office does not comment on security arrangements, Newsoms spokesperson Izzy Gordon told the LA Times. The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulses.

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Bass hit out at the Trump administration over revoking Harriss protection in what she called another act of revenge.

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, the mayor said in a statement to the Times.

Harris has largely kept a low profile since she was defeated by Trump in last years presidential election. Last month she ruled out a run for California governor after months of speculation she could seek to return to elected office.

Trump revoked an order signed in January by then-president Joe Biden to extend Harriss security detail until January 2026 (Getty Images)

The former vice president is set to release a memoir in the fall about her 107-day campaign for president after Biden dropped out of the race, and she is about to embark on a book tour.

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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.

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 stroke on Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps leader Qassem Soleimani during the presidents first term.

But Trump nonetheless ordered their protective details to be withdrawn.

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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.

Additional reporting from Andrew Feinberg
An investigation is underway after a California inmate convicted of murder was accused of trying to kill a prison psychiatrist during a one-on-one meeting.

On Aug. 29, Jose L. Ramirez, 35, allegedly attacked a psychiatrist at the California Medical Facility, a state prison in Vacaville, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

Officials said a correctional officer quickly intervened to stop the attack. An improvised weapon was found at the scene.

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The psychiatrist was taken to a local hospital for treatment and officials said he was expected to recover. Following the attempted homicide, Ramirez was placed in restricted housing pending an investigation.

Jose L. Ramirez, 35, is a California inmate convicted of murder who was accused of trying to kill a prison psychiatrist during a one-on-one meeting on Aug. 29, 2025. (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)

Ramirez was received from Los Angeles County on Dec. 9, 2019. He was serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder with enhancements that included the use of a firearm, felony arson and more.

The case will be referred to the Solano County District Attorneys Office for possible felony prosecution.

The California Medical Facility provides medical, psychiatric and dental health care needs to male inmates incarcerated within the CDCR. The majority of inmate-patients at CMF reside in an outpatient setting and receive health care in outpatient clinics.

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Since Pell Grants have become available to people pursuing degrees from prison, every state and the Federal Bureau of Prisons has tried to expand access to higher education.

What they havent all done, however, is create a learning environment that supports college-level study. Some states still ban inmates from almost all technology, leaving students to get by with textbooks and paper assignments. Others dont give students computers, forcing them to write term papers on tablets that lack external keyboards. When students have the right technology, internet access becomes the barrier, as safety risks surrounding how people might abuse it outweigh educational opportunity.

Getting a degree is one of the best ways to reduce the chances of ending up back in prison after release. Some researchers have clocked precipitous drops in the recidivism rate, as this metric is called, because of educational progress and its connection to landing a good job.

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But the United States punitive approach to incarceration clashes with the promise education holds for lower recidivism. Bidhan Roy, the director of the prison education program at Cal State Los Angeles, has studied the restorative approach in Norwegian prisons and highlights the contrast.

The concept in Norway is that the time that you serve is the punishment, and the job of the prison is to prepare the resident to become your neighbor again, Roy said. When you think about it like that, it changes the goal of what you do in there. Why would you not give research skills and internet access?

Slow progress

When Roy started developing Cal State L.A.s Prison Graduation Initiative about a decade ago, students had to do all their work on paper. To give the incarcerated students a way to conduct research, Roy would pair them with an on-campus peer who could go to the library on their behalf and print out materials for Roy to bring back inside the prison. Once students started using desktops from prison classrooms, he pre-loaded academic articles onto thumb drives they could explore offline. Since the fall of 2023, his students have been able to search a much wider universe of academic articles online through EBSCO, a company that aggregates online research databases. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation purchased EBSCO access for students at all of the states prisons.

Little by little, Roys classes have improved for both instructors and students. Grading handwritten essays, he said, was a nightmare in itself. And students have blossomed as scholars with the power to set their own research agendas  a level of autonomy that contrasts sharply with their otherwise hypercontrolled lives inside.

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Theres an empowerment that comes from that, and a learning of not just the narrow research skill, but the broader bits, Roy said.

Still, students run into walls.

Suzanne Carlson, 42, received her GED in prison and then went on to get two associate degrees before joining the bachelors degree program Roy oversees. When she started taking classes, they were with textbooks and paper only.

It was awful, she said. She loves and appreciates the laptop she has now at the California Institution for Women in Chino, but the EBSCO database gives her access to only pre-approved resources and the library here is very small in comparison to the things that we need, she said. She finds herself wishing she had a Google equivalent to do her work.

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I understand why [thats not available] and I wouldnt want to open any avenues for criminal behavior to happen, Carlson said, but she is sure theres a way to prohibit criminal activity while still opening up more of the web to people who are incarcerated.

In fact, other states have figured it out. Kansas, Ohio and Wisconsin all have firewalled internet options for students on a separate network that keeps the prisons network safe and still gets students access to educationally relevant websites.

Wed love to see more states headed in that direction, said Ruth Delaney, who directs the Unlocking Potential Initiative at the Vera Institute, a criminal justice nonprofit. The initiative aims to expand high-quality post-secondary education in prison and Delaneys team has worked with departments of corrections as well as education leaders in most states since 2012. Their early outcomes inspired the Obama administration to allow some low-income students to access Pell Grants even while incarcerated, eventually leading to full restoration of Pell Grants to this population. Congress approved that expansion during the first Trump administration and it took effect in 2023.

Still, even under the best circumstances, incarcerated students are broadly kept away from much of the human knowledge housed online. Unlike in K-12 schools, where filters are designed to restrict student access to dangerous or inappropriate websites and otherwise let students browse freely  a blacklist approach  prisons operate with whitelists: facilities identify specific sites users can access and the rest of the internet is blocked.

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Both methods keep students from more websites than necessary to maintain order and safety. In K-12 schools, The Markup, now a part of CalMatters, found high schools kept students from sex education websites, LGBTQ+ resources, Wikipedia and a wide range of other websites they sought out while doing homework. In prisons, Delaney said, the whitelist approach leads to a very closed-down version of the internet.

For students who are incarcerated, the limitations co-opt their educational opportunity. Carlson finished her bachelors degree this spring but worries the credential wont get her as far as shed like.

When I go into the career world when I get out and I go to apply for a job and I work next to others, I dont want to have stunted growth because of things like this, Carlson said.

National trends

Last year, the Vera Institute released a report about the quality, equity and scale of prison education, assessing each states progress across 15 metrics. Two measures of quality were technology and academic research and library access. California received a green on both measures, a sign that its system offered adequate access, but Carlsons research experiences illustrate the limits of adequate.

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Nationwide, the Vera Institute named technology an area to improve. Only 17 states were labeled adequate for providing technology that shrinks the digital divide and supports the quality of education. Just 12 hit the same mark when it comes to providing access to academic research materials and library services.

Meanwhile, in 2016, the United States signed onto a revision to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, naming internet access a fundamental human right with ties to the right to education.

Delaney said prison administrators often fear internet access for students could lead to violence or harm either inside or outside the prison. But she said the fear, although legitimate, appears to be overblown.

There is a lot of evidence that people who go to college in prison are not involved in the activities you need to worry about, Delaney said. Students qualify for prison education programs only once they have a record of good behavior, and even minor infractions can get them kicked out. They take the opportunity seriously.

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Joe Tragert, vice president of product strategy at EBSCOed, EBSCOs education division, helped create a prison version of EBSCOs database of research resources, which holds over a billion items, including academic articles and media archives that users can search. In the prisons, users can only read and download the resources once theyve been approved, but they can conduct their own searches and request access to documents. Tragert said he hears how dedicated people are to pursuing their degrees.

This is their ticket to either getting out and staying out or just getting through the day, Tragert said.

Limited opportunity

Theresa Torricellas, 66, completed her bachelors degree in liberal studies this spring through Roys program at the California Institution for Women. She said EBSCO was her main research resource and although it was full of sources, she ran into dead ends trying to study conditions for Palestinians last summer.

A lot of the information that Im interested in, its just not in the media, Torricellas said at the time. Its very rarely covered in the media. On the outside, she said she probably would have turned to social media for her research. On the inside, that wasnt an option.

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She also ran into problems with Wi-Fi access when she was working on her schoolwork. Wi-Fi is available only in designated common areas and the cells that happen to be close enough to pick up that signal. She lucked out for a while, but when she moved across the hall to get a cell with better sunlight, it didnt occur to her she might be leaving her Wi-Fi access behind. She discovered that only after it was too late.

This past academic year, her routine was to go to the noisy dayroom to search EBSCO for documents she needed or log into her course software to download assignment details and then go back to her room to continue working offline. Interrupting this workflow was the limited storage space on the prison-issued laptops.

My laptop stopped working because I had downloaded so many EBSCO articles, Torricellas said. Another person in the prison education program said the same thing happened to her after downloading only two large PDFs, but the newer laptops distributed by the prison have more space.

As the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation rolls out newer hardware, it is also expanding student access to research resources. Besides EBSCO, students are slowly gaining access to JSTOR, another searchable research database. Students studying in prisons through nearby college programs, like Roys, get access to the JSTOR database through the colleges existing license, meaning its already paid for.

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Stacy Burnett, who directs the JSTOR Access in Prison Initiative, said many prisons offer an approach like EBSCOs, where someone has to review and approve each student request for a document. Others have expanded access with a bulk approval tool. In some cases, state prison systems have bulk-approved an entire discipline; in Colorado, officials bulk-approved everything in JSTOR.

If its on there, a student can read it, Burnett said. They can restrict access following a problem, but so far, Burnett said that hasnt happened.

When Carlson got to prison, she was shocked by the low education levels of the women around her. She went to a rigorous high school and learned how to read, write and conduct research. Others didnt learn any of those skills. EBSCO and JSTOR offer a way to further their education inside. But Carlson said limited access to online research just compounds the lack of education many women received in the first place.

I feel like when it comes to education, Carlson said, the doors should be wide open.

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Tara Garcia Mathewson writes for CalMatters, where this article originally ran.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The California Senate Appropriations Committee today unanimously approved two bills authored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino), aimed at supporting federally recognized tribes with limited gaming resources and addressing suicide prevention on Californias roadways and bridges.

These bills will now head to the Senate Floor. Both measures represent important steps California can take to help the vulnerable in our state, Ramos said. I look forward to getting them to Gov. Newsoms desk.

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AB 221 seeks to strengthen the Tribal Nation Grant Fund (TNGF) by ensuring that grant funding provided by gaming tribes is directed toward federally recognized tribes that either do not participate in gaming or operate fewer than 350 Class III gaming devices. The funding, available through an annual application process, must be used for tribal government purposes. The measure is sponsored by the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations and the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, and is supported by over 30 tribes, the California Chamber of Commerce, and the California Democratic Party Rural Caucus.

AB 440 would require the Office of Suicide Preventionestablished through previous legislation by Ramos in 2020to collaborate with Caltrans in identifying cost-effective strategies to prevent suicide attempts on the states bridges and highways. Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services sponsors the bill, with additional support from organizations such as Children Now, the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, California Behavioral Health Association, California Police Chiefs Association, and the California Hospital Association.

Both bills are now slated for consideration on the Senate Floor.

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By Erwin Seba

HOUSTON (Reuters) -California's Energy Commission voted on Friday to temporarily set aside penalties for excessive refining profits that were adopted after gasoline pump prices climbed over $8 a gallon in 2022.

The five-year delay in implementing the penalties comes as Phillips 66's Los Angeles refinery is preparing to begin shutting production as early as next week ahead of a permanent closure.

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"The fact is, supply is declining faster than demand, and we need to bring them into alignment: that means slowing supply loss while aggressively pursuing the transition to zero emission vehicles," the Commission's staff said in an emailed statement.

California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom had proposed the penalties, but has since switched direction amid worries of price spikes in 2026 after the closure of the Phillips 66 refinery and a San Francisco-area plant operated by Valero Energy Corp next year.

Both companies said declining gasoline demand promoted by state's policies in favor of non-fossil-fuel-powered vehicles made the once-lucrative California market untenable in the long-term.

California has adopted a goal to ban the sale of fossil-fuel-powered vehicles by 2035.

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The delay was supported by Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), which had called for the penalties to be delayed for 20 years, saying prices were determined by global oil markets and not the state's policies.

The state's Consumer Watchdog group faulted the change in direction by California officials.

"By taking the penalty off the table, you are opening the market to the price spikes we suffered in 2022," said Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court in a letter prior to the vote.

In addition to putting penalties on hold, the commission also voted to adopt policies to stabilize California's refinery capacity, increase motor fuel imports and promote development of the state's oil reserves.

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California is isolated by the Rocky Mountains from the U.S. refining centers along the U.S. Gulf Coast and in the Midwest. The state relies on what plants in that state and Washington can make as well as imports from Asian refineries.

(Reporting by Erwin Seba; Editing by Stephen Coates)
The debate over constitutional reform in Armenia has become one of the key stumbling blocks in the peace process with Azerbaijan. While Yerevans leadership insists that constitutional changes are part of its domestic agenda rather than the result of external pressure, Baku has repeatedly argued that the Armenian Constitution contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan that must be removed if a sustainable peace agreement is to be signed.

Armenia has not committed to amending its Constitution as part of the agreements with Azerbaijan. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated this in an interview with Public Television. He also mentioned that he does not agree with the Azerbaijani view that there are issues within the Armenian Constitution:

"The issue of the Constitution was not discussed in Washington, although we have previously heard statements about this from Azerbaijan. We also observe problems in their Constitution, but we believe a peace agreement can resolve these issues without requiring amendments...

Armenia has not agreed to amend its Constitution at the request of any country. We have been discussing the possibility since 2018, and only a section related to the Declaration has been added to these talks."

Last year, N. Pashinyan announced plans to adopt a new constitution, and he reaffirmed these plans last week. He even mentioned that if there are any discrepancies, he would intervene to accelerate the process.

What are the reasons behind these disagreements in Yerevan? What do they suggest about the future of the peace agreement? In such a scenario, could Azerbaijan include claims to its historical lands, specifically Western Azerbaijan, and propose adding clauses about the return of these territories to its Constitution, as well as demand the immediate evacuation of Yerevan and other territories due to the expiration of the lease?

Azernews sought insights from leading political experts in Azerbaijan.

According to Ilyas Huseynov, Senior Advisor to the Center for Social Research and a Political Scientist, if Armenia resists the amendments, Baku may consider reciprocal constitutional measures that introduce claims to historical lands or escalate diplomatic and legal pressure:

The Armenian constitution must be changed without any condition. Azerbaijans demands must be met here. Because this constitution contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan, and only if those claims are removed can a peace agreement be signed. Unfortunately, the agreements reached in Washington are presented to the domestic audience by Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan in a completely different form, which is certainly unacceptable. Because Armenia has taken on obligations at the request of the Azerbaijani side, and these are also related to the amendment of the Constitution.

I believe that such a statement by Ararat Mirzoyan is calculated to protect the image of the Armenian delegation before the domestic audience. The Armenian Constitution will undoubtedly change. However, they are trying to present it in such a way that this is not being fulfilled at the request of Azerbaijan, these changes are related to the countrys European integration. It will hold a referendum based on the priorities it has put forward.

However, even if Azerbaijans demand is met in these changes, it will not be conveyed to the domestic audience as our pressure on Armenia. Because parliamentary elections will be held in Armenia next year, the ruling party will show its strength, successes and achievements over the past period.

In one form or another, I think that changing the constitution in the context of official Baku's demands is a must. Otherwise, the Azerbaijani side can also take adequate steps. It can make constitutional amendments, add the issue of Western Azerbaijan to its constitution on a legal level. Its demands can increase and become tougher, and the Armenian side should not forget that Azerbaijan leased Yerevan and other territories. It can appeal to international instances, citing the expiration of its term. In short, Azerbaijan has enough arguments to present to the Armenian side. It would be better for Azerbaijan to take steps against Armenia within the framework of its current demands, because history and the processes taking place in the near future show that after its demands are not met, our subsequent demands become more consistent, and in this case, of course, it can implement all options.

Moscow-based political analyst Andrew Korybko, on the other hand, warns that continued ambiguity in Yerevans stance could complicate regional dynamics, particularly as Azerbaijan pursues its own integration strategies through the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP):

Azerbaijan's demand that Armenia amend its constitution to remove references to what was once known as Nagorno-Karabakh as the final prerequisite for a peace treaty has divided Armenian society. The newly announced Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) has been similarly contentious. Those who oppose both believe that they represent unacceptable concessions of Armenian sovereignty that could possibly presage the de facto re-erasure of their state.

The Foreign and Prime Ministers might be sincere in their respective stances of opposing and supporting such an amendment, or they might be playing a game of good cop, bad cop whereby they speculatively already agreed to push through this amendment but want to manage public opinion first. Whichever it may be, this rhetoric will predictably cause concern in Azerbaijan that Armenia might either only partially implement the Washington Pact or possibly renege on it in the future.

Its possible that Azerbaijani-Armenian relations can normalize even in the absence of a peace agreement, upon which the associated amendment is required, so long as TRIPP becomes operational. From Azerbaijans perspective, obtaining more direct access to Nakhchivan and thenceforth Turkiye and beyond is a priority since itll position the country as one of Eurasias geo-economic pivot states for connecting East (China, Central Asia) and West (EU), so it might use TRIPP even without a peace treaty.

From Armenias perspective, if it continues to refuse to amend its constitution in the way thats demanded (or it tries to via a failed referendum), politicians (whether from the ruling party or the opposition depending on the aforesaid scenario) can claim that they saved Armenias sovereignty. Either way, while the issue is certainly significant due to what that part of the current Armenian Constitution implies, TRIPP might help them normalize their relations even without a peace treaty.

If Azerbaijan includes amendments in its constitution that mirror Armenias implied claims to neighboring land, that could imperil the peace process and lead to negative media attention from the West (with whom Azerbaijan is attempting to enter into a rapprochement) even though it has the right. Such a move might only be done if TRIPP doesnt enter into operation for whatever reason and Armenia continues to refuse to amend its constitution in the way thats demanded.

If bilateral relations normalize through TRIPP even in the absence of a peace treaty and Azerbaijan suddenly signals interest in this move, then it could spook Armenia into fearing that Azerbaijan might seek to advance such similarly implied claims via military means. In that scenario, the US would likely have to mediate between them, especially if Armenia then expresses newfound reservations about continuing TRIPPs operations in such a tense political context. Once again, Azerbaijan has the full legal right to amend its constitution however it wants, but the context in which that might happen could lead to the opposite reaction from Armenia than might be expected.
NEED TO KNOW

Sean Odonnell, 37, is facing a murder charge after allegedly shooting his friend Aaron Prout

Odonnell and Prout were allegedly taking turns shooting at each other with a rifle while the other wore a Kevlar helmet

The incident was initially reported to police as a suicide, but authorities say things didn't add up

A Texas man is facing a murder charge after allegedly killing his friend while the two played a game with a firearm.

In what Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez called "hard to believe" circumstances, "so-called friends" Sean Odonnell, 37, and Aaron Prout, 34, allegedly took turns shooting at each other with a rifle as the other wore a Kevlar helmet inside a house on Pennington Hills Drive in Spring, about 30 miles north of downtown Houston  until things turned deadly.

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Deputies responded on Aug. 17 to a call that was initially reported as a possible suicide, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said on social media.

There, they discovered Prout, a British national living in Texas, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to the hospital but could not be saved.

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"Things weren't adding up" with the suicide story, Gonzalez said. Eventually, detectives charged Odonnell with murder on Thursday, Aug. 28 and booked him into the Harris County Jail.

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Odonnell is being held in jail on a $300,000 bond and is due back before a judge on Sept. 2, according to Harris County court records. It's not clear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney.

Read the original article on People
CHEST SPRINGS, Pa.  Cambria County Farm Bureau President Marty Yahner didnt mince words Friday on the bureaus top priority for the coming year.

Our No. 1 issue, he said, is to get the federal Farm Bill done.

While the Trump administrations big tax and spending bill ushered in a list of agriculture priorities that were part of the Farm Bill, components that are crucial for farms remain elusive, Yahner said.

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That includes efforts to ensure that farms in Cambria County and across the country can keep the labor they rely on to plant and pick crops.

Cambria Farm Bureau

Cambria County Farm Bureau President Marty Yahner and fellow farmer Bob Davis speak to attendees during the annual Farm Bureau Legislative Farm Tour, which was held August 29, 2025 at the Krug Family Farm.

Yahner and fellow Farm Bureau members spoke Friday during the organizations annual legislative farm tour at the Krug family farm near Chest Springs.

Members of the family sometimes work late nights in their corn fields after getting home from their day jobs  including Mark Krug, who said he also works as a truck driver to make ends meet.

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Now more than ever, Yahner said, many American farms have to look far beyond their family farmsteads to find workers.

Immigrant workers are willing to leave their countries and work long days picking crops as small as mushrooms and as large as watermelons, regardless of weather conditions.

Cambria Farm Bureau

(From left) Mark, Bill and Scott Krug talk with fellow farmer Ethan Hoover on the Krug Family Farm near Chest Springs.

The Farm Bill proposes developing pathways for unauthorized workers to legally do the work.

Unfortunately, Americans today are not willing to do the hard labor that needs to be done, regardless of what the pay is, Yahner said.

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Farms are caught between what they are paid for the crops they sell and what they can afford to pay workers to get them to the market  but even at $25 an hour, we still cant get people to work here, Yahner added.

For American wages, most immigrants who come to work in the U.S. will willingly weather hot days in fields so they can send money home to their families, Yahner said.

In a list of federal requests, Farm Bureau officials noted that President Donald Trump has expressed willingness in recent months to support farmers pathway to continue employing unauthorized workers  but other administration officials have made contradictory remarks, state Farm Bureau counterparts wrote.

We support the enforcement of the law, but we must (also) have a stable workforce to get food from our farms to Americas tables, the state Farm Bureau wrote.

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Hoover, Farm Bureau

Cambria County farmer Ethan Hoover discusses a state bill that would increase tax credits for the sale of certain agricultural assets - a move designed to help young farmers enter the industry.

The Farm Bill also proposes investing in U.S. Department of Agriculture broadband programs to better connect rural farms to the outside marketplace and invest in agricultural research programs, among other proposals.

Budget talk

Cambria County Farm Bureau members also urged state lawmakers to find a compromise on the 2025-26 Pennsylvania budget, which is two months overdue.

Yahner said state agricultural research, conservation programs and lending are supported by the state.

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Agriculture needs certainty for the future ... certainty for our programs, Yahner said, speaking generally about state and federal laws.

State Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-Richland Township; state Rep. Dallas Kephart, R-Clearfield; and state Rep. Jim Rigby, R-Ferndale, all attended Fridays session.

Langherholc said he understands the public is frustrated with the lack of progress, but added that theres a lot involved that most Pennsylvanians dont recognize. He said Gov. Josh Shapiro initially proposed to raise spending by $3.6 billion, and debate over mass transit has bogged down talks at times.

Hoover, Farm Bill

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Cambria County farmer Ethan Hoover discusses a state bill that would increase tax credits for the sale of certain agricultural assets - a move designed to help young farmers enter the industry.

State Republicans have proposed reining in spending on the Philadelphia areas Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority system.

Lawmakers have offered several proposals, including directing some of the Public Transportation Trust Fund for proposed mass transit increases instead of general fund dollars. But until recently, Democratic colleagues have shown little willingness to budge, Langerholc said.

Weve put forth common-sense solutions to this (issue), he said.

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Shapiro also said this week that hes open to using Pennsylvania Transportation Trust Fund dollars, if its paired with recurring revenue.

Yahner urged both parties to come together and find compromise.

Its long overdue, he said.

East Carroll Township farmer Ethan Hoover separately urged the state Senate to pass a tax credit bill aimed at helping a new generation of farmers. State House Bill 242 would increase tax credits for beginning farmers who sell certain agricultural assets.

Cambria County Farm Bureau members also urged the passage of Senate Bill 349, which would require solar farm developers to pay for the full cost of removing equipment when solar farms are no longer in use. Yahner said the requirements are similar to those that wind farm developers have abided by for years.

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Vale Wood Farms Director of Business Development Carissa Itle Westrick stressed the importance of Senate Bill 481, which would allow milk hauling to continue during emergencies when possible. As is, deliveries must stop when weather emergencies and state-declared disaster declarations are issued, which can cause stockpiles of milk products to spoil, Farm Bureau advocates said.

Itle referenced one example Friday. An emergency declaration during an ice storm on the Interstate 99 corridor caused issues for truckers trying to deliver supplies to nursing homes last winter.

The bill would require special permits for those deliveries to occur.

Somerset County Farm Bureau members have also urged state leaders to pass both Senate bills.
A man intentionally ploughed his car into a crowd outside a wine bar in northern France, killing one and injuring five, authorities said.

The driver allegedly deliberately reversed at high speed into the group into the town centre of Evreux in Normandy in the early hours of Saturday following an altercation.

A man in his 30s died at the scene, while two men, aged 31 and 52, were seriously injured and taken to hospital in a critical condition.

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Two other pedestrians, aged 34 and 58, were also hospitalised in a relatively critical condition. A 50-year-old woman was also lightly injured.

An investigation has been opened into homicide and attempted homicide. Investigators have ruled out any terrorist or racist motives.

The toll is very heavy

Unfortunately, the toll is very heavy, said Remi Coutin, Evreux public prosecutor.

Mr Coutin said that there was an altercation around 4am between a young woman and several men.

Bouncers then emptied out the late-night bar, forcing dozens of people onto a central street in the town of 50,0000 people.

One person went to fetch a vehicle and deliberately reversed at high speed into the crowd outside the establishment, Mr Coutin added, saying the incident had escalated and ended in a terrible tragedy.

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Two men, including the cars driver, and a woman have been taken into custody, the prosecutor said, adding that further arrests were possible.

Guy Lefrand, the mayor of Evreux, expressed his deepest sympathy and solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones.

An investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances of this tragedy, he added.

The mayor, speaking to broadcaster BFMTV, claimed the bar should have closed at 1 am. It is an establishment with a bad reputation, he said.

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.
CARL JUNCTION, Mo.  After six hours of testimony over two days, the Carl Junction Board of Aldermen voted to remove the mayor who had been elected just four months earlier.

The vote was 6-2 on a final resolution ousting Mike Moss from the seat he held from 2005 to 2017 before being reelected in April.

Board members Roger Spencer and David Pyle voted no while Mayor Pro Tem Holly LaVigne and board members Walter Hays, Bob McAffee, Carol Wofford, James Shanks and Anita Francis voted yes.

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The votes on the four individual articles of impeachment were:

 8-0 on Article 1 accusing Moss of malfeasance in office, specifically for referring to female employees of City Hall as Steves Harem, a reference to City Administrator Steve Lawver, according to a complaint filed by Shanks in May.

 8-0 on Article 2accusing Moss of misfeasance, or the improper performance of his duties, for failing to enforce a city code that says all employees, have the right to a workplace free of sexual harassment.

 6-2 with Spencer and Pyle voting no on Article 3 alleging Moss violated the citys personnel policy against age discrimination by making age-biased comments about Lawver, including inquiries as to when Lawver was going to retire and insulting him due to his age.

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 6-2 with Spencer and Pyle voting no on Article 4 alleging misfeasance, nonfeasance and/or malfeasance on the part of Moss, in that his actions further establish that Mayor Moss is not suited to hold public office, is an inadequate steward of the position of mayor of the city of Carl Junction and undeserving of the trust placed in him by the citizens of the city of Carl Junction, Missouri.

Moss testified in his own defense Thursday following testimony from six witness who claimed Moss had created a hostile workplace in City Hall with his actions and words in the first few weeks of his term.

Moss defended himself, saying he didnt think the word harem was hostile and claiming some of the testimony against him on Tuesday was inaccurate.

During his testimony, Moss also issued an apology to the workers in City Hall.

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I would like to apologize to the women in the office of the city of Carl Junction, Moss said. I had no disrespect for all of you, I thought it was just a cute comment and Im sorry it happened.

In his closing statement, Moss attorney William Fleischaker said he felt that there was more going on than just Mike made an inappropriate comment.

The thing I find interesting here is Mr. Shanks felt it was so inappropriate that he should write a letter of complaint. Now at least Steve Lawver, when he felt Mike said something inappropriate, Steve spoke up. He said, Mike, youre not supposed to talk about those kinds of things. Well ... neither Mr. Shanks nor his wife when she looked it up bothered to pick up the phone and call Mike and say, either while he was there or wherever, thats just not appropriate, its not the kind of language you should use.

This has certainly snowballed way out of proportion to what took place, Fleischaker said.

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Nobody has said Mike used that term in the presence of any employee. And maybe Mike was a little inept but I saw from his side he was making an effort, he felt and had heard from people that there was not the kind of customer service, not the kind of cordiality that the employees have. They heard rumors, they heard Mike was going to do this, they heard Mike was going to clean house, drain the swamp.

Attorney Nate Dally, representing the city in the impeachment, said he didnt perceive any personality conflicts that Fleischaker talked about in the time hes been involved with the city.

Dally also said theres no definition of the word harem where its appropriate to use to describe women in the workplace.

Reasonable people, which is the standard here, I think, would agree that calling women a harem is demeaning, Dally said. I dont believe that that in any sense of the word could be seen as something positive.

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Before the vote on the four counts in the impeachment resolution, Fleischaker objected and asked that Shanks recuse himself from voting because he was the initial complainant against Moss.

Dally responded saying that was an issue that should have been brought up before the hearings started.

Attorney Steve Kaderly, hired by the board to act as hearing officer, asked Shanks if he wanted to recuse, to which he replied he would do what the board voted that he do. The aldermen voted unanimously against asking Shanks to recuse.

As mayor pro tem, LaVigne will likely be sworn in as mayor until April 2026 when a special election will be held to elect a new mayor and a new member will be appointed to fill LaVignes Ward 1 seat.

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Moss declined to comment after the hearing.

Fleischaker confirmed that Moss has the option to appeal the boards finding to a circuit court judge but thats a decision Moss has not yet made. Moss has 30 days to appeal if he chooses to.
Firefighters were able to rescue a cat from the roof of a 17th Street two-family home struck by fire Friday afternoon.

Niagara Falls firefighters, along with Niagara Falls Police and AMR, responded to 744 17th St. around 2 p.m. Friday for reports of the structure fire. Firefighters arrived on scene to smoke and flames showing from a second-floor apartment. Firefighters stretched a hand line up to the second-floor balcony and into the residence to extinguish the fire, which appeared to have started in the kitchen.

All occupants, including a dog and a cat, were able to escape both apartments without injury. The cat escaped the apartment and went to the top of the roof and hunkered down near the chimney. Using a couple of ladders, firefighters were able bring it off the roof safely and reunite it with its owner.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Investigation Unit.

The Red Cross has been requested to assist the two families.
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 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 CDC. 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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Its nightmarish. 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.

 Dr. Paul Offit, Vaccine Education Center, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

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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.

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.

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Kennedy defended religious exemptions and endorsed the governors order in a post on X. His agency 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.

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.

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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.

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 problems. Healthy children whose parents want them to get the shot should also be offered them, the AAP says.

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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.

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.

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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.

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 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.

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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.

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.

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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.

This story first appeared in Stateline, a partner of the nonprofit States Newsroom, which includes the Florid a Phoenix.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/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.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

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%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.
Workers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been told to return to the office September 15  a little over a month after a gunman attacked the agencys Atlanta campus, firing almost 500 shots and killing a police officer before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The push for workers to return to the office was shared in an email to staff, a Health and Human Services spokesperson confirmed. The announcement comes just weeks after the August 8 attack left CDC staff reeling, with one staffer saying employees felt like sitting ducks as the shooter unloaded hundreds of bullets, around 200 of which struck six CDC buildings, leaving bullet holes in windows.

Employees, who were preparing to leave for the weekend, say they took cover under their desks as bullets flew over their heads. Many workers have been working remotely since.

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CDC staffers whose workspaces remain impacted by the shooting will be assigned alternate spaces, according to the HHS spokesperson. The agencys return-to-office plan was first reported by CNBC.

The shooting unfolded during a tumultuous time for the CDC: The agency, which is tasked with protecting Americans health, lost about a quarter of its staff during widespread reduction-in-force layoffs of federal employees led by the Trump administration earlier this year. And just earlier this week, at least 600 CDC employees received permanent termination notices, according to the American Federation of Government Employees.

This week, CDC Director Susan Monarez was ousted from her position after clashing with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy over vaccine policy and her refusal to fire several veteran CDC leaders, according to people familiar with the situation. Her removal was followed by the resignations of several senior leaders. Late this week, Kennedy said Deputy HHS Secretary Jim ONeill will serve as acting director of the CDC.

Tom Frieden, who was appointed to serve as the CDCs director by President Barack Obama, described Monarezs firing as unprecedented in an interview with CNNs Manu Raju.

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Its no longer possible to have any confidence in whats coming out of HHS or CDC, he said.

Our agency is crumbling, a source within the CDC, who is not allowed to speak to the media and did not want to be identified for fear of retribution, told CNN after Monarezs departure.

The agency has also been the subject of dogged conspiracy theories surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine  which may have contributed to the deadly attack. The gunman, 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White, had expressed discontent with the Covid-19 vaccine in written documents recovered from his home. He wanted to make the public aware of his public distrust of the vaccines, Georgia Bureau of Investigation director Chris Hosey previously said.

No CDC scientists have ever briefed Kennedy  a longtime critic of vaccines, including the Covid-19 shot  on vaccines, according to Deb Houry, the former CDC chief medical officer who resigned after Monarezs ouster. Houry told Raju that she regularly provided such briefings to staff during the first Trump administration.

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With the loss of so many staff at the agency, we will not be ready for the next pandemic, she added.

More than 750 HHS employees implored Kennedy to stop spreading false information about vaccines and denigrating public health workers in a letter last week.

The letter tied the deadly August shooting to political attacks on health agencies.

The attack came amid growing mistrust in public institutions, driven by politicized rhetoric that has turned public health professionals from trusted experts into targets of villainization  and now, violence, wrote the staffers, who emphasized they signed the letter in our own personal capacities.

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Some signed anonymously out of fear of retaliation and personal safety.

911 audio released

The shooter who attacked the CDC stole five weapons from his fathers safe, including a long gun, which was used for most of the shots, according to state investigators.

White, wearing what appeared to be a surgical mask and armed with two handguns, a rifle, a shotgun and two backpacks filled with ammo, began shooting at the CDC campus and triggered a lockdown at the agency as well as nearby Emory University. Almost 100 children at a daycare on the campus were locked down, too.

One unidentified witness described seeing the gunman shoot at a police officer on a 911 call, according to audio released this week by the Atlanta Police Department.

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Hes still shooting, the caller said. Hes shooting at the officer.

The sound of gunfire is audible during the call.

Officers hit, officers down, the caller said.

David Rose, a DeKalb County Police officer who arrived during the attack, was fatally shot. He left behind a pregnant wife and two children.

No one at the CDC was injured in the shooting.

White had no known criminal history. He was found dead on the second floor of the CVS store, directly across from the CDCs main entrance.

Aliki Pappas Weakland, who works at the CDC, recalled in a social media post earlier this month the terror she felt during the attack.

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I dropped to the floor when the shooting started. The fear that gripped me as the gunfire continued in a steady stream for an endless 15 minutes, she wrote after the attack. My knees are chafed and hurting from crawling on the floor with my colleagues as we scrambled to seek shelter.

CNNs Meg Tirrell, Chris Youd, Brenda Goodman, Ryan Young, Jason Morris, Dakin Andone, Dalia Faheid, and Sarah Dewberry contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Dawn Farrell, chair of the board of directors of the Trans Mountain Corporation, has been named the CEO of the Liberal government's Major Projects Office, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Friday.

"Canada has always been a nation of builders," Carney said in a statement announcing the opening of the office. "I am thrilled that Dawn Farrell, one of Canada's most experienced executives, is stepping up to help lead this vital priority."

Before Farrell's appointment was made public, a source told Radio-Canada that Carney was looking for a candidate "with experience in carrying out large, complex projects involving several provinces, and who was able to navigate a regulatory environment."

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The move is likely to help Carney strengthen ties between Ottawa and Alberta.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she has great respect for Farrell, who Smith said has an impressive corporate record in the province.

"I count her as an adviser," Smith said. "I am very, very pleased that the prime minister and I have something in common: that he's going to count her as an adviser as well."

WATCH | Former energy executive to lead Major Projects Office:

Farrell has almost four decades of experience in the energy industry, having served as an executive vice-president for B.C. Hydro and CEO of TransAlta, one of Canada's largest wind power producers, before becoming Trans Mountain's CEO in 2022.

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Bill C-5, Carney's legislation to speed up approvals for major infrastructure projects identified as being "nation-building," passed through Parliament in June.

The second half of the bill, the Building Canada Act, enables the federal cabinet to pick projects, approve them upfront and override federal laws, environmental reviews and the permitting process.

The legislation also speeds approval times from five years to two by introducing a "one project, one review" approach instead of having federal and provincial approval processes happen sequentially.

The Major Projects Office (MPO) will be the central place to make pitches, deliver complaints or express concerns about projects. CBC News has learned that not all projects approved by the office will necessarily get federal financing.

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The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the office will "help structure and co-ordinate financing from the private sector, provincial and territorial partners" and the federal government to ensure taxpayers get value for money.

WATCH | Churchill port could be 'one of the first' major projects:

A statement from the PMO said it would be headquartered in Calgary but will have offices "in other major Canadian cities."

The MPO will be given advice on projects from an Indigenous Advisory Council, to be struck in September, that will have First Nations, Inuit and Metis representatives, including modern treaty and self-governing partners.

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"Establishing the [MPO] is critical to ensuring the interests of First Nations, Inuit and Metis are at the centre of building Canada strong," said Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, in the statement.

The PMO said the office will also help streamline approvals for major projects not identified under the Building Canada Act.

Ports in Montreal, Churchill

Earlier this week while on a trip to Germany, Carney said some of the nation-building projects that might be approved first could include new port infrastructure in Churchill, Man., and Montreal.

Carney's comments about the northern Manitoba site came as he said the federal government will spend half a trillion dollars on infrastructure projects, ranging from energy to ports to intelligence.

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"A number of those investments, the first of which we will be formally announcing in the next two weeks, are with respect to new port infrastructure," Carney said Tuesday.

"Some of the examples in the public domain will include reinforcing and building on the Port Of Montreal, Contrecoeur; a new port, effectively, in Churchill, Manitoba, which would open up enormous LNG [liquified natural gas] plus other opportunities; and other East Coast ports for those critical metals and minerals."

The Port of Churchill, which is one of Canada's northernmost deepwater ports, is owned and operated by Arctic Gateway Group, a partnership of dozens of First Nations and Hudson Bay communities. It's the only deepwater port with Arctic Ocean access in North America that's also accessible by rail.

The port currently has a brief operational window each summer.

Industry backs MPO, Conservatives not so much

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) said Farrell is the "ideal candidate" to preside over the office.

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"The creation of the Major Projects Office and this appointment are concrete steps towards making Canada an energy superpower and send a positive signal to industry and investors," CAPP president and CEO Lisa Baiton told CBC News in a statement.

President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Candace Laing, also said establishing the MPO sends the right message to industry.

"It is good news to see this set up in Calgary, closer to many of the companies involved in major projects, while sending a signal of a truly national and Team Canada approach," Laing said in a statement.

Some Indigenous leaders, including Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chief Na'Moks and Hagwilget Village Council Deputy Chief Jesse Stoeppler expressed concern about how major projects will impact their communities.

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"All Canadians, and all Indigenous nations, must stand together to oppose this office and refuse to support it," Na'Moks said in a news release issued by the three leaders and several environmental organizations.

The Conservatives criticized the Liberal government for taking this long to establish the MPO.

"Another office of bureaucrats that will one day consider approving a project won't get anything built. This is just another mechanism for Liberals to pick their winners and losers," the party's statement said.
Aug. 30Bemidji Chamber Ambassadors recently visited Starbucks to celebrate the opening of its new location at 202 Shevlin Ave. SW.

Manager Kate Boyd and her team aim to create a welcoming space where people from all backgrounds can connect, a release said.

The location features a community room and is also committed to local outreach, including raising awareness for MMIW/MMIR efforts and supporting anti-trafficking initiatives in Bemidji and across the state.
The Charlotte Fire Department located a man who went missing near Rea Road.

Artur Braliyev is a 20-year-old man with special needs who had last been seen near the intersection of Rea Road and Tom Short Road.

Officials said Braliyev does not speak English, but he speaks Russian and will respond to his first name.

Braliyev is described as being 5-foot-6. He was last seen wearing brown shorts with a black shirt.

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The fire department had asked that anyone who sees Braliyev call 911 immediately.

Officials said Braliyev was located shortly after they began the search and he was reunited with his family.

WATCH: Woman forced into vehicle in Caldwell County, sheriffs office investigating
Charlotte firefighters battled blazes at an abandoned Bank of America in southeast Charlotte Friday night.

Firefighters responded to the scene at the 9700 block of Monroe Road around 7 p.m. Friday. Officials said smoke was showing on arrival.

The fire caused crews to close Monroe Road from Orchard Lake Drive to Sardis Road North for a while. It later reopened.

No one was hurt, but the roof of the abandoned bank collapsed, causing $425,000 in damage.

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Investigators told Channel 9 that the fire began outside the building and spread inside. The incident is still under investigation.

WATCH: Charlotte Douglas International Airport gears up for busy holiday weekend
PITTSBORO  The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners recently honored Chatham County Assistant County Manager Carolyn Miller with the Heroic Hands award.

The Heroic Hands Initiative was created last year to highlight those who serve their local community, often behind the scenes, through integral roles.

Miller has been serving in Chatham County government for more than 28 years, a release states.

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She began working for the county in November 1996 as the front desk administrative support specialist in the county managers office.

She went on to serve as purchasing agent and director of human resources and was later promoted to assistant county manager.

Carolyn leads with compassion and empathy, and her caliber is unmatched, County Manager Bryan Thompson said. Her employees appreciate her openness to new ideas and how she encourages creative problem solving and innovative solutions. Our staff feel a great sense of loyalty to the organization because of her leadership.

As part of her recognition, Miller will be featured alongside other North Carolina public service heroes in a commemorative book.
Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order to take immediate, drastic action to protect the citys residents before the Trump administration deploys the military, possibly in the coming days.

After deploying National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump has threatened to target Chicago next.

Johnson laid out plans Saturday detailing how his administration would respond to any attempts by Trump to move into the city.

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We have received credible reports that we have days, not weeks before our city sees some type of militarized activity by the federal government, Johnson warned Saturday. It is unclear at this time what that will look like. We must take immediate, drastic action to protect our people from federal overreach.

We may see militarized immigration enforcement. We may also see National Guard troops. We may even see active duty military and armed vehicles in our streets, the mayor said.

Trump previously called Chicago a mess and characterized it as a killing field as he hit out at Johnsons leadership.

Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order to take immediate, drastic action to protect its people (Getty Images)

Chicagos a mess. You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent. And well straighten that one out probably next, Trump threatened.

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The White House dismissed Johnsons executive order signing as a publicity stunt.

If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement to The Independent. Cracking down on crime should not be a partisan issue, but Democrats suffering from [Trump Derangement Syndrome] are trying to make it one.

They should listen to fellow Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser who recently celebrated the Trump Administrations success in driving down violent crime in Washington DC, Jackson added, referring to comments made by the D.C. mayor last week.

Bowser said Wednesday that she greatly appreciate[s] the surge of officers Trump deployed to the capital. We think that theres more accountability in the system, or at least perceived accountability in the system, that is driving down illegal behavior, Bowser said.

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However, the mayor did criticize the administrations tactics, particularly on immigration, and said the police takeover led to a break in trust between the community and police.

The order, titled the Protecting Chicago initiative, instructs the citys police not to collaborate with the military on immigration enforcement, Johnson said (REUTERS)

The order announced by Johnson, titled the Protecting Chicago initiative, instructs the citys police not to collaborate with the military on immigration enforcement.

This order affirms that the Chicago Police Department will not collaborate with military personnel on police patrols or civil immigration enforcement, the mayor said. We will not have our police officers who are working hard every single day to drive down crime, deputized to do traffic stops and checkpoints for the president.

Chicago Police Department officers will be directed to wear uniforms and refrain from wearing masks so that citizens can clearly distinguish them from federal agents, the mayor said.

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We do not want to see tanks in our streets. You do not want to see families ripped apart. We do not want grandmothers thrown into the back of unmarked vans, Johnson said. We don't want to see homeless Chicagoans harassed or disappeared by federal agents. We don't want to see Chicagoans arrested for sitting on their porch.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has also told Trump that the nations third-largest city doesnt need or want military intervention to fight crime.

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.

Border Czar Tom Homan said this week that a large contingent of ICE officers would be sent to Chicago, but did not say how many.

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The Times estimated that around 200 homeland security officials would be sent to the Midwest city.

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.
The mayor of Chicago pushed back Saturday against what he called the out-of-control Trump administration's plan to surge federal officers into the nations third-largest city, which could take place within days.

The Chicago Police Department will be barred from helping federal authorities with civil immigration enforcement or any related patrols, traffic stops and checkpoints during the surge, according to an executive order signed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The mayor directed all city departments to guard the constitutional rights of Chicago residents amidst the possibility of imminent militarized immigration or National Guard deployment by the federal government.

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When asked during a news conference about federal agents who are presumably taking orders, Johnson replied: Yeah, and I dont take orders from the federal government.

Johnson also blocked Chicago police from wearing face coverings to hide their identities, as most federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have adopted since the Trump administration took charge this year.

The federal surge into Chicago could start as early as Sept. 5 and last about 30 days, according to two U.S. officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss plans that had not been made public.

The officials described the immigration crackdown as part of a larger effort to expand the federal law enforcement presence in major Democratic-run cities, as it did this summer in Los Angeles.

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On Saturday, President Donald Trump commented about Chicago crime and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on his Truth Social site: Six people were killed, and 24 people were shot, in Chicago last weekend, and JB Pritzker, the weak and pathetic Governor of Illinois, just said that he doesnt need help in preventing CRIME. He is CRAZY!!! He better straighten it out, FAST, or were coming! MAGA. President DJT

Unlike the recent federal takeover of policing in Washington, D.C., the Chicago operation is not expected to rely on the National Guard or military and is focused exclusively on immigration instead of being cast as part of a broad campaign against crime, the officials said.

Chicago is home to a large immigrant population, and both the city and the state of Illinois have some of the countrys strongest rules against cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts. That has often put the city and state at odds with Trump 's mass deportation agenda.

Johnson's order builds on the city's longtime stance, saying neither Chicago nor Illinois officials have sought or been consulted on the federal presence and demanding Trump stand down on those plans.

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Johnson had harsh words for Trump during his news conference, accusing the president of behaving outside the bounds of the Constitution and seeking a federal presence in blue cities as retribution against his political rivals.

He is reckless and out of control, Johnson said. He's the biggest threat to our democracy that we've experienced in the history of our country.

In response, the White House insisted the potential flood of federal agents was about cracking down on crime.

If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer," White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in an email Saturday.
Mayor Brandon Johnson departs Aug. 25, 2025, after city, state and federal leaders denounced President Donald Trump's possible military deployment into Chicago. Credit - Brian CassellaChicago Tribune/Tribune News Service

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order on Saturday instructing city departments not to collaborate with an anticipated deployment of National Guard troops by President Donald Trump as part of a federal immigration crackdown.

The order instructed for Chicago Police not to wear masks, and not to collaborate with federal agents on joint law enforcement patrols, arrest operations, or other law enforcement duties including civil immigration enforcement.

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All city departments, it added, are prohibited from participating in any enforcement actions aimed at violating Chicagoan's rights to peacefully assemble and protest. 

The mayor's order said that the city will pursue all available legal and legislative avenues to counter coordinated efforts from the federal government that violate the rights of the City and its residents, including the Constitutional rights to peacefully assemble and protest and the right to due process.

Read more: Trump Says Chicago Is Next in His Crackdown on Crime. Here Are the Facts About Crime in the City

Speaking at a city hall press event to announce the order, Johnson described his measures as the most sweeping campaign of any city in the country to protect ourselves from the threats and actions of this out-of-control administration.

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We will protect our constitution. We will protect our city. And we will protect our people. We do not want to see tanks in our streets. We do not want to see families ripped apart, he said, adding that the executive order would ensure that every Chicagoan knows their rights, that every single family is prepared, and every part of city government is directed to protect the people of Chicago from federal action.

The order comes as Trump is reportedly weighing a deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago similar to the operation in Los Angeles earlier this summer, when he sent some 4,000 California National Guard soldiers and 700 U.S. Marines to quell protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the city.

Johnson said on Saturday that he had received several reports that the Trump Administration plans on deploying militarized action to Chicagopossibly in the form of federal agents, National Guard troops, or active-duty military forces as early as the end of next week. He said he was working with the city council to pass legislation to prepare for any deployment, but felt he did not have the luxury of time.

Tom Homan, White House border czar, told Fox & Friends this week that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has a big operation up there and its about to get alot bigger. He also confirmed ICE would be stepping up operations in Chicago after Labor Day, and said a large contingent" would be involved.

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Trump has escalated threats against Democratic-run cities in recent weeks, threatening to deploy National Guard troops to address crime in Chicago, Baltimore, and Oakland. Trump has used the precedent of his militarized takeover of Washington D.C., where the president has some authority over local police in times of emergencyalthough many of his actions are being challenged in court.

Read More: Trump Has Deployed Troops At Home Like No Other President. Here is Where He Has Sent Them

The president deployed over 2,000 National Guard troops and federal officers to the capital as part of what he says is a crackdown on crime.

Although Trump has not announced that he is deploying troops to Chicago, he has hinted that the Midwestern city is next.

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After we do this, well go to another location and well make it safe also, Trump told reporters on Aug. 22. Chicago is a mess. You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent, and well straighten that one out, probably next.

Trump has continuously criticized Chicagos leadership for years and throughout his first term, even though city police data shows that Chicago violencemuch like Washington D.C.shas dropped in recent years. Crime has decreased by 15% since 2023, according to city police data, and fatal and nonfatal shootings are down nearly 38% so far this year compared to the year before.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
By Susan Heavey

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Chicago police will not collaborate with any National Guard troops or federal agents if U.S. President Donald Trump deploys them to the city in coming days as threatened, Mayor Brandon Johnson said on Saturday.

The Democratic mayor, surrounded by other city leaders, signed an executive order aimed at preparing Chicago for any U.S. enforcement operation as Trump has done in Los Angeles and Washington, and urged the Republican president to reverse course.

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"This is about making sure that we are prepared," he told reporters as he signed the order, adding that the order aimed to offer "real, clear guidance" to city government workers and "all the Chicagoans of how we can stand up against this tyranny."

The executive order says that Chicago police officers will continue to enforce state and local laws but will not assist with any patrols, arrests or other law enforcement actions alongside federal officers, including the National Guard.

It also directs city police to wear their official police uniforms, continue to identify themselves, follow body camera procedures and not to wear masks to clearly distinguish themselves from any federal operations, according to a copy of the order.

"The deployment of federal military forces in Chicago without the consent of local authorities undermines democratic norms, violates the Citys sovereignty, threatens civil liberties, and risks escalating violence rather than securing the peace," the order says.

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Trump has been threatening to expand his federal crackdown on Democrat-led U.S. cities to Chicago, casting the use of presidential power as an urgent effort to tackle crime even as city officials cite declines in homicides, gun violence and burglaries.

Local officials and residents in Chicago, the nation's third-largest city, have been preparing for the possible arrival of federal agents and troops, and Johnson said they have received credible reports that action could come within days.

The White House dismissed Johnson's move and accused Democrats of trying to make tackling crime a partisan issue.

"If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer," White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement.

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While it is unclear how much state and local officials can do to push back against any U.S. deployment, the mayor said he was pursuing any legal and legislative measures available, including possible lawsuits.

"We will use the courts if that's necessary," Johnson said.

Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly said he wants to be asked for federal agents to be deployed to various cities even as he continues to threaten to send them anyway without any formal request.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat whose name has also been floated as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, has said the president lacks the legal authority to deploy troops to his state if not requested by the governor.

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That differs from Washington, a federal city whose police department Trump took over.

"It's an invasion with U.S. troops, if they, in fact, do that," Pritzker told CBS News' "Face the Nation" program in an excerpt released ahead of its Sunday airing. "He may disagree with a state that didn't vote for him. But should he be sending troops in? No."

Previous deployments of the National Guard to Chicago were coordinated with local officials. A president's power to send in troops is limited under U.S. law, but the president has broad authority to deploy federal law enforcement officers such as ICE agents.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Richard Chang, Nick Zieminski and Nia Williams)
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Saturday laying out initial plans for how the city will try to resist President Donald Trumps planned immigration crackdown in the coming days.

The mayors order provides guidance and directives to the citys agencies and law enforcement in the midst of escalating threats from the federal government. CNN previously reported the Trump administration is preparing to conduct a major immigration enforcement operation in Chicago as soon as next week, according to multiple sources familiar with the planning.

We may see militarized immigration enforcement. We may also see National Guard troops. We may even see active duty military and armed vehicles in our streets. We have not called for this. Our people have not asked for this, but nevertheless, we find ourselves having to respond to this, Johnson said before signing the executive order on Saturday.

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The mayors order affirms that Chicago police will not collaborate with federal agents on joint law enforcement patrols, arrest operations, or other law enforcement duties including civil immigration enforcement.

The order also urges federal law enforcement officers who operate in Chicago to refrain from wearing masks, to wear and use body cameras and to identify themselves to members of the public with names and badge numbers. Johnson reiterated the citys police force will be required to wear attire that clearly identifies them.

Johnsons order also directs city departments to pursue all available legal and legislative avenues to resist coordinated efforts from the federal government that violate the rights of Chicagoans.

The mayors order ultimately demands Trump stand down from deploying military forces to Chicago for immigration enforcement  but its not clear how effective it will be in stopping Trumps plans.

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It marks the latest effort to push back on the Trump administrations attacks on Democratic-led cities. The move comes as Trump has signaled expanding his law enforcement efforts in Los Angeles and Washington, DC to cities across the country.

CNN has previously reported that the administrations plans for Chicago would be different from the ongoing law enforcement crackdown in the nations capital. Instead, they are expected to look like Trumps deployment of the National Guard in June to Los Angeles to quell immigration protests. Trump is currently facing a legal challenge over that deployment.

Earlier this week, Trump signed an executive order on establishing specialized units in the National Guard to address crime in cities, though it is unclear how the order will work in practice. The National Guard already has reaction forces that are designed to respond to incidents requiring law enforcement or security support in each state, territory and DC.

If Trump were to use certain presidential powers to deploy the National Guard and federal law enforcement agencies in US cities, it would amount to an unprecedented move that some experts and local leaders argue is illegal.

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Johnson condemned Trumps possible plan to deploy federal troops to the United States third largest city in an interview with CNNs Anderson Cooper on Monday.

This is clearly unconstitutional. Its illegal, and its costly, he said. Is there more work to be done? Of course, there is. Is sending military troops into cities a way to actually drive community safety? Absolutely not.

The White House on Saturday described Johnsons move as a publicity stunt.

If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer. Cracking down on crime should not be a partisan issue, Abigail Jackson, White House spokeswoman said in a statement to CNN.

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Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker has also railed against Trump for suggesting he would deploy federal forces to Chicago. Earlier this week at a press conference, he accused the administration of searching for ways to lay the groundwork to circumvent our democracy, militarize our cities and end elections.

If this was really about fighting crime and making the streets safe, what possible justification could the White House have for planning such an exceptional action without any conversations or consultations with the governor, the mayor, or the police? Pritzker said.

Trump hit back at Pritzker on Saturday.

JB Pritzker, the weak and pathetic Governor of Illinois, just said that he doesnt need help in preventing CRIME. He is CRAZY!!! He better straighten it out, FAST, or were coming! Trump posted on Truth Social.

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Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday while visiting La Crosse, Wisconsin that the administration wants governors and mayors to ask for help.

Were not too far from Chicago. Chicago has had a lot of crime problems. Why is it that you have mayors and governors who are angrier about Donald Trump offering to help them than they are about the fact that their own residents are being carjacked and murdered in the streets? It doesnt make an ounce of sense, he said.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs David Wright, Kaanita Iyer, Shania Shelton and Kit Maher contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Saturday aimed at curbing the power of federal law enforcement officers and National Guard troops that he said President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy to Illinois.

We find ourselves in a position where we must take immediate, drastic action to protect our people from federal overreach, Johnson, a Democrat, said in a press conference.

One of the main points of the order, Johnson said, was to direct the citys law department to use every legal mechanism to try to stop Trumps potential plan.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city would use "every legal mechanism" to push back against a crackdown. (Kamil Krzaczynski / AFP - Getty Images)

Johnson added later that he would use every single tool that is at our disposal, and that includes the courts.

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Its an area in which at least theres some semblance of check and balance in this country, he said.

The executive order also includes a litany of other directives, Johnson said, including clarifying what actions Chicagos police officers can take to assist federal law enforcement and prohibiting them from covering their faces or the police departments logo on their uniforms.

This order affirms that the Chicago Police Department will not collaborate with military personnel on police patrols or civil immigration enforcement. We will not have our police officers, who are working hard every single day to drive down crime, deputized to do traffic stops and checkpoints for the president, Johnson said at the press conference.

He added: We do not want to see families ripped apart. We do not want grandmothers thrown into the back of unmarked vans.

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Johnsons move comes as the president has already deployed troops and federal law enforcement to Washington, D.C., and as hes increasingly threatened to do the same in other major American cities, like Baltimore.

Most Democratic officials have so far pushed back on Trumps threats to send troops to American cities, with over a dozen Democratic governors on Thursday releasing a statement condemning the presidents actions.

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, the governors said in the statement. This chaotic federal interference in our states National Guard must come to an end.

Meanwhile, in Washington, Mayor Muriel Bowser said earlier this week that the federal surge had lowered crime but the presence of immigration officers and National Guard troops wasnt working.

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What we know is not working is a break in trust between police and community, especially with new federal partners in our community, Bowser told reporters last week. We know having masked ICE agents in the community has not worked, and National Guards from other states has not been an efficient use of those resources.

Trump has not announced plans to send federal law enforcement or National Guard troops to Chicago, but The Washington Post reported earlier this month that the Pentagon was deeply involved in planning a military deployment to the city.

Earlier this week, NBC News reported that federal authorities plan to surge agents to Chicago as soon as next week to ramp up arrests of unauthorized immigrants.

Johnson on Saturday said that the city has received credible reports that we have days, not weeks, before our cities see some type of militarized activity by the federal government.

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It is unclear at this time what that will look like exactly. We may see militarized immigration enforcement. We may also see National Guard troops. We may even see active-duty military and armed vehicles in our streets, Johnson added.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson on Saturday responded to Johnsons announcement, accusing the mayor of having Trump derangement syndrome.

If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer. Cracking down on crime should not be a partisan issue, but Democrats suffering from TDS are trying to make it one, Jackson said, adding: They should listen to fellow Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser who recently celebrated the Trump Administrations success in driving down violent crime in Washington DC.

On Friday, Trump border czar Tom Homan told Fox News that the administration was looking into action in Chicago.

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Chicago is coming, along with every other sanctuary city, Homan said. President Trump is committed that were going to focus on and prioritize sanctuary cities because that is where the problem is.

Get out of the way, because were going to do it, Homan said later when asked about potential pushback from local officials.

Earlier this month, the president deployed National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officers to Washington, D.C., in what he has called an effort to fight crime. Troops and federal officials deployed with the Metropolitan Police Department to several areas of the nations capital.

So far, hes only deployed federal officers and National Guard troops to Washington as part of his stated crime-fighting plan, though earlier this year Trump federalized Californias National Guard, despite the opposition of Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., sending troops to Los Angeles to quell protests against the administrations immigration enforcement actions.

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Earlier this week, during an event in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Vice President JD Vance spoke about the presidents plans to send troops into other American cities, telling the crowd that he didnt expect Trump to force troops on governors and mayors who didnt want them.

What the president has said is that, very simply, we want governors and mayors to ask for the help, Vance said, adding later: The president of the United States is not going out there forcing this on anybody, though we do think that we have the legal right to clean up Americas streets if we want to. But what the president has said is, very simply, is, Why dont you invite us in?

The vice president later referenced Chicago specifically, telling attendees, Were not too far from Chicago. Chicagos had a lot of crime problems. Why is it that you have mayors and governors who are angrier about Donald Trump offering to help them than they are about the fact that their own residents are being carjacked and murdered in the streets? It doesnt make an ounce of sense.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
First lady Melania Trumps social media team has posted a video that appears to artistically slow down her arrival with the president at Thursdays Congressional Ball. The video shows Donald Trump, 79, and Melania, 55, arm in arm, carefully descending a staircase in the grand foyer of the White House to the tune of Hail to the Chief. But the FLOTUS-approved video appears to be slightly slowed down from other footage of the Trumps coming down the stairs on the night at a marginally faster pace.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Saturday aimed at pushing back against President Donald Trumps threats of a planned immigration crackdown in the city.

The new order provides guidance to the citys agencies and law enforcement on how to conduct themselves in the midst of escalating threats from the federal government, the order said.

Related: JB Pritzker Spells Out Exactly How Trump Could Use Chicago To Target 2026 Midterms

Trump border czar Tom Homan said Thursday that plans are underway to send a large contingent of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to Chicago.

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Youre going to see a ramp-up of operations in Chicago, absolutely, Homan said during a press briefing. Youre going to see a ramp-up of operations in New York. Youre going to see a ramp-up of operations continuing in L.A., Portland, Seattle, all these sanctuary cities that refuse to work with ICE.

Trump may also send in the National Guard after he deployed them in D.C. earlier this month over what he called a crime emergency. But National Guard members  including some units armed with handguns and rifles  have spent most of their time standing around, chatting with tourists and picking up trash.

Johnson said the executive order also makes clear that Chicago police are not to collaborate with National Guard members or ICE agents. The order also directs police to wear their official uniforms and not wear masks.

Related: Dumber Than Dogs**t: GOP Congressman Roasted Over Phony F**k Trump Video

We may see militarized immigration enforcement, Johnson said before signing the order. We may also see National Guard troops. We may even see active duty military and armed vehicles in our streets. We have not called for this. Our people have not asked for this, but nevertheless, we find ourselves having to respond to this.

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Earlier this week, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) emphasized that he has not requested federal intervention in a city where overall violent crime is down by roughly 22% compared to 2024.

Mr. President, do not come to Chicago, Pritzker said. You are neither wanted here nor needed here.

The White House called Johnsons executive order signing a publicity stunt.

Related: Its Time: Ex-Politico Editor Has 6 Blunt Questions About Trumps Health

If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement.

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CHICAGO  Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an executive order Saturday calling for President Donald Trump to stand down on his threat to deploy the National Guard to Chicago. The order also affirms that the Chicago Police Department doesnt take orders from anyone other than the mayor.

Chicago police will not collaborate with federal agents on joint law enforcement patrols, arrest operations, or other law enforcement duties including civil immigration enforcement, according to the order.

Johnsons directive also urges the federal law enforcement officers on the ground in Chicago to refrain from wearing masks and to identify themselves by agency and badge number.

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Chicago Police, including undercover officers, will be required to wear their full uniforms.

It gives a clear directive about whos in charge, Johnson told reporters after signing the order. This is about making a clear distinction about what our law enforcement engages in vs. what the federal government engages in. This president is not going to come in and deputize our police department.

The mayors executive order follows a memo from the Department of Homeland Security requesting use of the Naval Station Great Lakes north of Chicago as a home base for immigration operations in Chicago. Local officials said nearby suburbs could be affected, too.

Separately, Trump has vowed to send the National Guard to Chicago to address crime, similar to actions his administration took in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

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In response, the White House slammed Johnson and Democrats more broadly for "doing publicity stunts" to criticize Trump, and praised the DC mayor for her tempered response to the administration's takeover. "They should listen to fellow Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser who recently celebrated the Trump Administrations success in driving down violent crime in Washington DC," said Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman.

Johnson, who has spoken to LA Mayor Karen Bass, said his office expects an expansive slew of federal agents are being sent to Chicago as early as Friday.

Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker have both criticized the Trump administration for not communicating its plans. Without any information, the city is preparing by using the playbook it followed during the Democratic National Convention, which drew large protests that were considered peaceful.
(NewsNation)  Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has not yet received word about the Trump administrations plans to send federal immigration enforcement officers and agents to Chicago after Labor Day, which the Democrat on Friday called offensive.

But the lack of official notice from the White House about what is expected to be a multi-agency federal deployment to Chicago after Labor Day isnt stopping state and city officials from devising a strategy to maintain peace and prevent chaos from taking over city streets, Chicagos police superintendent said this week.

On Thursday, White House border czar Tom Homan confirmed that a large contingent of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will be sent to Chicago. Homan said that he would not disclose how many resources would be sent. The New York Times reported late Thursday that 200 Homeland Security officials would be sent.

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$400M water investment fund announced for US-Mexico border

The report, citing a draft report on the use of Naval Station Great Lakes near the Illinois-Wisconsin border, indicated that space for 250 department personnel had been requested. In addition, the plan asked for a tactical operations center and an incident command post, bathrooms, laundry facilities, parking for 140 vehicles and storage space for medical supplies and weapons including rubber bullets and tear gas.

On Friday, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said he had no updates on Chicago, but said that the Trump administration is committed to the eradication of organized street violence across the country.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks to reporters outside the White House, Friday, May 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Using the deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., as an example, Miller said Trump is proud to be using federal law enforcement and our National Guard to make this city safe and peaceful for Americans.

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However, Miller, without providing specifics on what is planned for Chicago, said cities that have sanctuary policies in place are the jurisdictions Trump is targeting for large-scale operations. On Thursday, Homan said New York City, Portland and Seattle could all be in play for similar post-Labor Day federal law enforcement operations, along with Chicago.

Pritzker said Friday that plans for the upcoming operation in Chicago have little to do with law enforcement, but rather about Trumps efforts to invade Democrat-led cities including Chicago.

A U.S. president invading an American city with troops . Ive never heard of such a thing, Pritzker said. It shouldnt happen. You call up the National Guard when you have an emergency. There is no emergency here.

However, Pritzker acknowledged that should the operation focus on immigration enforcement, as has been reported, there is little state and city officials can do to prevent DHS officers and agents from being deployed to Chicago.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker speaks as he takes a Chicago water taxi from Michigan Avenue stop, on the way to a press conference in Chicago, Illinois, on August 25, 2025. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP) (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Chicago was among the first places Homan postured toward after Trump took office. During a two-day enforcement operation just a week after the inauguration, ICE officers made more than 1,300 arrests of migrants, which Homan on Thursday said included the removal of seven child predators.

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During that operation, Pritzker said Friday that ICE officers were literally scaring the heck out of residents in Chicagos Hispanic communities. Pritzker compared Trumps plans to federal deployment to Los Angeles this summer.

$110M to faith-based organizations for security improvements: Noem

A source with direct knowledge of plans for the Chicago operation told NewsNation the Los Angeles deployment is the blueprint for what could be coming to Chicago as early as late next week.

The intentions here are clear, Pritzker said Friday. Nothing to do with actually enforcing the law, nothing to do with actually keeping the peace. They want to inflame something. Thats what they want.

What Chicago planning could look like

Pritzker said that Chicago will prepare for possible deployment of troops and possible protests similar to what the city did ahead of the Democratic National Convention last summer.

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The governor said Friday that the Chicago Police Department is working in conjunction with the Illinois State Police and civilian law enforcement at the federal and state levels. On Thursday, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said that should Trump send ICE officers or federalize the National Guard, all Chicago Police Department officers will be required to wear uniforms that clearly identify them.

Snelling said that his department will not interfere with the work of federal immigration enforcement officers and agents and will not prevent them from doing their job. However, he made it clear that officers would not cooperate with immigration enforcement, which is prohibited under the Illinois Trust Act.

If we know that its only immigration enforcement going on, our officers will not be in those areas assisting in any way when it comes to immigration enforcement, Snelling said.

Like Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said that his office has not received official word from the Trump administration about any federal deployment of troops. In a statement issued Thursday, Johnson said the reported operation seems to be a rerun of (federal) tactics in Los Angeles.

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He added: We reject any attempts that put Chicagoans in danger as a means of furthering the presidents political ends.

Yet, as the city braces for an operation that could begin within a week, Snelling said his departments top priority is providing protection to Chicago residents and to maintain peace in the city and make sure were not stoking fears through the neighborhoods and we dont have people running scared and it doesnt create chaos on our streets.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Saturday signed an executive order that demands President Donald Trump end "his threats to deploy the National Guard" to his city.

The "Protecting Chicago Initiative" is in response to a "credible threat" that troops will be deployed in a few days, and directs the city to pursue all legal and legislative avenues stop stop the deployment.

"I do not take this executive action lightly," Johnson said during a signing in the mayor's ceremonial office, said. "I would've preferred to work more collaboratively to pass legislation ... but unfortunately we do not have the luxury of time. We have received credible reports that we have days, not weeks, before our city sees some kind of militarized activity by the federal government."

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White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson blasted the action, telling the Sun Times: "If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the president, their communities would be much safer."

The order affirms that Chicago police will remain a locally controlled law enforcement agency. Earlier this month, when Trump deployed troops to Washington, D.C., the Trump administration took over the police department.

"We do not want military checkpoints or armored vehicles on our streets and we do not want to see families ripped apart," Johnson said. "We will take any action necessary to protect the rights of all Chicagoans."

Federal law enforcement and U.S. Armed Forces in the order are told to abide by municipal laws, including not concealing their identities, using body cameras when interacting with a member of the public and displaying which agency they are with, including their last name and badge number.

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"This executive order makes it emphatically clear this president is not going to come in and deputize our police department," Johnson said. "We do not want to see tanks in our streets. We do not want families ripped apart. ... And I don't take orders from the federal government."

The Naval Station Great Lakes, about 40 miles north of downtown Chicago in North Chicago, confirmed that it is preparing to host federal immigration agents. The base, which is the largest military installation in the state, is planning to host more than 200 federal agents from Tuesday to Sept. 30.

Johnson has set Friday as the arrival date.

The Naval base is in Lake County, north of Cook County.

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Esiah Campos, the county's Board Commissioner and Navy corpsman who finished his training at Naval Station Great Lakes in 2020, urged state legislators Friday to ban law enforcement from using masks statewide. Also for Lake County mayors to reaffirm their commitment not to assist ICE.

"It hurts to see the base I drilled out of to house ICE and Homeland Security agents to terrorize our people," Campos said at a Friday news conference with other legislators and community groups in North Chicago's Veterans Memorial Park. "This is not a time for platitudes. Now is a time for action."

Since 1985, Chicago has been a sanctuary city, which limits local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzer has told Trump the federal response is not needed, considering crime has fallen significantly.

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On Tuesday, he posted on X: "If Trump wants to get to Chicago, he's going to have to go through us. And we're not backing down."

During a news conference in Chicago on Thursday, he said: "Donald Trump is exactly the kind of person that our founders warned us about. He cozies up to dictators like Putin because he idolizes them. His actions are dangerous and un-American.

Donald Trump is exactly the kind of person that our founders warned us about. He cozies up to dictators like Putin because he idolizes them. His actions are dangerous and un-American. pic.twitter.com/0L84FMRV68 JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) August 28, 2025

Trump has said he would tackle crime next in Chicago after deploying personnel to the nation's capital, which is a federal jurisdiction.

"We're going to make our cities very, very safe," Trump said on Aug. 22. "Chicago's a mess. You have an incompetent mayor. Grossly incompetent and we'll straighten that one out probably next. That will be our next one after this. And it won't even be tough."

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"No, Donald. You can't do whatever you want," the governor responded to the president on X.

Through late August, Chicago had 266 homicides in 2025, according to the Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The Midwest city is "about 25% below where they were in the first half of 2019," Ernesto Lopez, a senior research specialist at the Council on Criminal Justice, told the Chicago Sun Times.

In 2024, there were 581 murders in Chicago with 621 in 2023 in a city of 2.7 million people.

The top homicide rate is in Memphis, Tenn., with 409 per 100,000 for a total of 372 in 2023. Chicago wasn't even in the top 15 with 29.7 per 100,000.

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The drop in homicides in Chicago from 2019 to 2025 was significantly larger than the national average.

Chicago's highest concentrations of crime is in neighborhoods on the South and West sides, and not downtown.

The governor showed off parts of the city this week, including where crime dropped.

On Saturday, Trump renewed his criticism of Pritzker, writing on Truth Social: "Six people were killed, and 24 people were shot, in Chicago last weekend, and JB Pritzker, the weak and pathetic Governor of Illinois, just said that he doesn't need help in preventing CRIME. He is CRAZY!!! He better straighten it out, FAST, or we're coming!"
(NEXSTAR)  Raising Canes previously confirmed plans to have opened nearly 100 new restaurants by the end of 2025. The fast casual chicken chain is making a sizable contribution to that goal this fall.

It starts in September, with new restaurants on track to open in six states. That includes two landmark openings, a spokesperson told Nexstar.

Founded in Louisiana nearly three decades ago, Raising Canes has been growing as of late. Well-known for its chicken fingers, Texas toast, and Canes sauce, Raising Canes opened a record-breaking 118 restaurants last year.

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Among the more than 860 Raising Canes locations in the U.S. are several new restaurants that opened in August. Those were in California, Pennsylvania, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Wisconsin.

Some of those states will see new locations open in September, as well. The list below, provided to Nexstar, shows when and where Raising Canes is expanding:

California

Santa Fe Springs, 12623 Imperial Highway, September 2

San Diego, 3704 Camino del Rio W., September 10

Indiana

Indianapolis, 5458 E. 82nd Street, September 30

Maryland

Bel Air, 344 Baltimore Pike, September 16

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Michigan

Ann Arbor, 1116 S. University Ave., Unit B, September 16

New York

New York (Broadway), 2850 Broadway, September 4

Washington

9252 N. Newport Highway, Spokane, September 9

The locations in Spokane and Ann Arbor, opening near Gonzaga University and the University of Michigan, respectively, reflect Canes strong connection to college Communities, which began 29 years ago near LSUs North Gates in Baton Rouge at its very first Restaurant, fondly called The Mothership, a spokesperson explained.

Beloved discount retailer opening 11 more stores this year: Heres where, and what to expect

Additional Canes locations are expected to open in the coming months. Those locations include:

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California

Canoga Park, Fall 2025

Indiana

Indianapolis, Winter 2025

Iowa

Sioux City, Winter 2025

Kansas

Topeka, Early 2026

Michigan

Portage, Fall 2025

North Carolina

Raleigh, Fall 2025

Tennessee

Memphis (North Germantown Parkway), Spring 2026

West Virginia

Morgantown, Winter 2025

While Raising Canes has yet to confirm it, local media reports say a location is also gearing up to open in Milford, Connecticut, on October 2.

At any given time, we have about 300 Restaurants at various stages in our development pipeline and are continually evaluating sites all over the world to achieve our goal of operating 1,600+ Restaurants and becoming a Top 10 US Restaurant Brand, the company said in a statement previously shared with Nexstar.

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Popular mall retailer to close nearly 300 stores nationwide

Despite its growth, you cant yet find Raising Canes in every state. Residents in Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Idaho, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming need to cross state lines to get their hands on chicken fingers and Cane sauce.

That is expected to change.

We plan to operate Restaurants in every state and all major cities across the U.S., the statement from Raising Canes noted. Were continually evaluating growth opportunities beyond our current footprint and are excited to enter into those markets when the time is right.

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West Virginia is on track to be the first among those aforementioned states to get their inaugural location when the Morgantown restaurant opens later this year.

With these new restaurant openings also come job openings. A recent survey showed Raising Canes employees are among the happiest in the fast food industry, with more than 80% saying they would recommend the job to a friend.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
China is set to open the worlds highest bridge after just three-and-a-half years of construction  the same amount of time it is taking Britain to build a new motorway overpass near Manchester.

The Huajiang Canyon Bridge, which was started in 2022, will soar twice the height of Londons Shard above the river in the countrys rugged south-western province of Guizhou when it opens next month.

The rapid construction is all the more impressive compared to Britains sluggish pace. The National Highways has required the same amount of time as China to build a new motorway overpass above the M67 near Manchester.

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In Denton, on the outskirts of Manchester, work began on replacing the St Annes Road bridge over the M67 a year later, in January 2023.

The estimated completion date for the 23m project, which spans the six lanes of five-mile-long M67, is sometime in 2026.

Chinas bridge, which will rise 625 metres above the Beipan River canyon, will dramatically eclipse the existing record of 343 metres, held by the Millau Viaduct in France.

At almost 1.8 miles long and 0.86 miles wide, it is also setting a record as the longest distance between two towers of any bridge built in a mountainous area.

A flotilla of 96 trucks weighing almost 3,000 tonnes rolled across the bridge last week in a final test of the structures strength

A colourful flotilla of 96 trucks weighing almost 3,000 tonnes rolled across the bridge last week in a final test of the structures strength. That almost brings to a close a 2.1bn-renminbi (217m) construction project that only got going in January 2022  an impressive pace even by Chinese standards.

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Engineers have marvelled at the Chinese builders prowess.

In other parts of the world, a project of this scale would typically take five to 10 years from groundbreaking to completion, depending on environmental, political, and logistical factors, Calgary University professor Mamdouh El-Badry said.

Britains National Highways has stressed the complexity of its own overpass project. Chinas bridge is in untouched countryside, whereas the UK agency is trying to demolish and rebuild a bridge without too much disruption to traffic and local residents.

It also points out that the existing bridge, which it had to demolish, carried gas, electricity and water pipelines that had to be diverted to ensure nearby households were still supplied.

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Chinese press reports credited the Huajiang Bridges rapid completion to the high-tech design software, the modular and prefabricated construction techniques, and the use of drones and sensors to check on the structures integrity.

The bridge itself has not seemed to draw public controversy but it forms part of a motorway project that has upset environmental groups by ripping large V-shaped fissures through the limestone karst landscape.

Environmentalists reportedly said the explosive, drilling and excavation techniques  used to allow the road to pass through, rather than over, the peaks  could have caused landslides, erosion and habitat loss.

However, Chinas Guizhou region would be familiar with projects of this kind: almost half the worlds 100 tallest bridges are in this province.

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But this one has been particularly feted in state media. It will not only reduce an hour-long drive across the canyon to just 90 seconds, but will also double as a tourist attraction, with a glass walkway, bungee jumping, paragliding and rope-swinging.

China also holds other bridge-building records. The Danyang-Kunshan Bridge is the worlds longest, at a mind-boggling 102.4 miles. It opened in 2010 and took just four years to build.

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MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Taiwans foreign minister has flown to the Philippines as head of a high-level delegation of investors, two senior Philippine officials said Saturday, prompting a protest from China and a warning to Manila not to play with fire.

Relations between China and the Philippines have been strained as their coast guards and other forces spar in increasingly tense confrontations over the ownership of islands and fishing grounds in the disputed South China Sea. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lungs visit earlier this week to Manila and the Clark Freeport Zone, an industrial hub north of the capital, has exacerbated the tensions.

Philippine officials have publicly neither confirmed nor denied news reports of Lins visit, but two members of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s Cabinet told The Associated Press that Taiwans top diplomat flew to the country in his private capacity to lead a major delegation of Taiwanese investors and business executives in the semiconductor and other key industries.

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Lin did not have any official engagements with political and security officials while in the Philippines for two or three days, said the two officials, who did not elaborate and spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Under a One China policy, the Philippines does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, which could be annexed by force if necessary, and opposes the self-governing island having official interactions with other countries, particularly the United States.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said Friday that the Philippines has consistently upheld that policy, which is clear and unwavering. It added, however, that the Philippines maintains economic and people-to-people engagements with Taiwan, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and tourism. These interactions are conducted within the bounds of our One China Policy.

The department said that no official from Taiwan (was) recognized as a member of the business delegation that recently visited the Philippines, suggesting that Lin came as a private business representative.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing issued a strongly worded protest in Manila and Beijing and said that by allowing Lin to visit, the Philippines has provided a platform for 'Taiwan independence' separatists to engage in anti-China activities and has severely violated its own commitment on Taiwan-related issues.

It urged the Philippines to stop pursuing the wrong course and return to the right track at once, stop playing with fire on issues concerning Chinas core interests. It warned the Philippines not to underestimate the firm resolve of the Chinese people to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

There is a price to pay for trampling on Chinas red line, and all consequences arising therefrom will be borne by the Philippines, the Chinese foreign ministry said.
Autocrats, populists, friends and foes, a strongman waging a war in Europe and the leader of the worlds biggest democracy will all be hosted by Chinese leader Xi Jinping this weekend at a summit designed to showcase Beijing as a global leader capable of providing a counterweight to Western institutions.

Heads of state and delegations from across Asia and the Middle East will meet from Sunday in the Chinese port city of Tianjin for the two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional security grouping that has emerged as a cornerstone of Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putins drive to rebalance global power in their favor.

Chinese officials have billed the summit as the SCOs largest yet, with the diplomacy and pageantry setting the stage for Xi to tout his country as a stable and powerful alternative leader at a time when the worlds leading superpower the United States under President Donald Trump is shaking up its alliances and waging a global trade war.

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The gathering also comes days ahead of a major military parade in Beijing that will offer a different message  that of Chinas rapidly developing military might, and draw autocrats like North Koreas Kim Jong Un and Myanmars Min Aung Hlaing alongside Putin and Russia-friendly European leaders Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and Slovakias Robert Fico.

The summit also gifts Russias Putin some international spotlight, just two weeks after his Alaska summit with Trump, and as he continues to ignore international pressure to end his onslaught in Ukraine. Earlier this week Russias forces carried out the second-biggest aerial attack since its full-scale invasion of its neighbor.

Putin, who arrived to a red-carpet welcome in Tianjin on Sunday local time, praised the China-Russia partnership ahead of his trip as a stabilizing force for the world. In a written interview for Chinese state news agency Xinhua, he said they were united in our vision of building a just, multipolar world order  an allusion to the two countries efforts to revise what they see as a US-led world order unfairly stacked against them.

SCO members  which include China, Russia, India, Iran, Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan  preside over vast swaths of global energy reserves and govern some 40% of the global population.

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Leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have arrived in Tianjin, and Xi has been holding a flurry of bilateral meetings with his guests since Saturday.

Architect and host

The guests at the summit have national rivalries between them and vast differences in political systems. And while this has sparked criticism of the group as too disparate to be effective, it also may serve to underscore Xis message.

Beijing wants to signal that China is the indispensable convener in Eurasia, capable of seating rivals at the same table and translating great-power competition into managed interdependence, said Rabia Akhtar, director of the Centre for Security, Strategy and Policy Research at the University of Lahore in Pakistan.

The optics are straightforward: China is not just a participant in regional order-making  it is a primary architect and host.

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Modis attendance at the gathering also adds heft to Xis guest list. The Indian prime minister skipped last years summit in Kazakhstan. Now, he has arrived in Tianjin against a backdrop of souring relations with Washington  and as Beijing and New Delhi have moved to ease their own frictions, a nascent realignment that could imperil US efforts to cultivate India as a counterweight against a rising China.

Delegations are also expected from the SCOs 16 official partner and observer countries, which include Cambodia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, as well as NATO member Turkey, among others, Chinese officials said ahead of the gathering.

Beijing additionally invited a handful of Southeast Asian leaders. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is also expected to attend.

Across the city of Tianjin, banners in English, Russian and Chinese heralding the gathering lined highways. Officials heavily restricted traffic in the city center as Chinese leaders welcomed their guests with the ceremony and pomp typical of Chinese diplomacy at the highest level.

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The location has pointed symbolism for China, as a port that was forced open by colonial powers in the 19th century, with those from Europe and Imperial Japan receiving land concessions  and a key city occupied by Japan during World War II.

Some guests, including Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, are slated to stay for the military parade in Beijing, where the ruling Communist Party will show off its military might and play up its role fighting Imperial Japan as part of the Allied Forces in World War II as the globe marks 80 years since the end of that war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, China, on August 31, 2025. - Xinhua/Shutterstock

What is the SCO?

Since its formation in 2001 as a group focused on regional security cooperation between China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has expanded in its size and scope.

SCO members conduct joint counter-terrorism drills, share intelligence on combatting terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and work to expand coordination across areas like education, trade and energy. Theyre also united in a call for a just international order  or one not led by a single superpower and its allies.

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Irans inclusion in the group in 2023 and Belarus a year later have been widely seen as an effort by Beijing and Moscow to the make the body more explicitly anti-West. It also is one facet of a tightening of bonds between Moscow, Beijing and Tehran thats raised alarm in Washington.

Now, growing frictions and uncertainties between some countries and the US under Trump will loom over the gathering  a reality sure to be referenced prominently if indirectly in remarks by Xi to his guests in the days ahead.

Observers will be watching whether this summit will produce momentum toward further economic integration between member countries, especially when it comes to regional trade or development finance, but expectations for practical developments are low.

Without deeply addressing what the mission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization should be and how it can resolve internal sources of conflict both between members and between members with external countries, the SCO is just a showcase, said Shanghai-based foreign affairs analyst Shen Dingli.

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Even as the group regularly calls for avoiding bloc, ideological or confrontational approaches to addressing security threats, its summits have yet to produce a joint statement mentioning the war in Ukraine.

SCO  and its lead members China and Russia  also appeared to have little role in de-escalating a four-day conflict between members India and Pakistan earlier this year.

The group did, however, strongly condemn the military strikes carried out by the US and Israel on Iran this past June.

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By Mei Mei Chu and Liangping Gao

TIANJIN, China (Reuters) -China's role in upholding multilateralism is fundamental, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a security forum meeting on Saturday.

Xi in turn said China would always be a "reliable partner" to the U.N and continue to provide "stability and certainty".

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Guterres is in China's northern port city of Tianjin for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East will gather with Xi in a powerful show of Global South solidarity.

"In this moment in which multilateralism is under fire, the support of China...is an extremely important element to preserve," he said, according to a media pool report.

"We see new forms of policy that are sometimes difficult to understand, that sometimes look more like a show than the serious diplomatic efforts and in which business and politics seem sometimes also mixed," Guterres said.

"The role of the People's Republic of China as a fundamental pillar of the multilateral system is extremely important and we are extremely appreciative and grateful for that," he added.

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Xi promised China's support.

"China is willing to deepen cooperation with the United Nations, supports its central role in international affairs, and jointly shoulder its responsibilities in maintaining world peace and promoting development and prosperity," Xi told Guterres.

(Reporting by Liangping Gao and Ryan Woo; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Barbara Lewis)
BEIJING (Reuters) -China's trade representative Li Chenggang visited the United States from August 27-29, holding discussions with U.S. officials on bilateral economic and trade relations, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Saturday.

Li met with representatives from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Department of Commerce, and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to exchange views on the implementation of prior agreements.

Li said both sides should manage differences and expand cooperation through equal dialogue and consultation.

(Reporting by Beijingnewsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
Former Vice President Kamala Harris will receive protection from the California Highway Patrol after President Trump revoked her Secret Service protection, law enforcement sources said Friday.

California officials put in place a plan to provide Harris with dignitary protection after Trump ended an arrangement that gave his opponent in last year's election extended Secret Service security coverage.

Trump signed a memorandum on Thursday ending Harris' protection as of Monday, according to sources not authorized to discuss the security matter.

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Former vice presidents usually get Secret Service protection for six months after leaving office, while ex-presidents get protection for life. But before his term ended, then-President Biden signed an order to extend Harris' protection beyond six months to July 2026. Aides to Harris had asked Biden for the extension. Without it, her security detail would have ended last month, according to sources.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who would need to sign off on such CHP protection, would not confirm the arrangement. "Our office does not comment on security arrangements," said Izzy Gordon, a spokesperson for Newsom. "The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulses."

The decision came after Newsom's office and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass were in discussions Thursday evening on how best to address the situation. Harris resides in the western portion of Los Angeles.

Bass in a statement, said "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."

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The Secret Service, CHP and Los Angeles Police Department do not discuss details of dignity protection in terms of deployment, numbers and travel teams. CNN first reported the removal of Harris' protection detail. Sources familiar with Harris' security arrangements would not say how long the CHP would provide protection.

The curtailing of Secret Service protection comes as Harris is about to begin a book tour for her memoir, titled 107 Days. The tour has 15 stops, which include visits to London and Toronto. The book title references the short length of her presidential campaign. The tour begins next month.

Harris, the first Black woman to serve as vice president, was the subject of an elevated threat level  particularly when she became the Democratic presidential contender last year. The Associated Press reports, however, a recent threat intelligence assessment by the Secret Service conducted on those it protects, such as Harris, found no red flags or credible evidence of a threat to the former vice president.

During his second term, Trump stripped Secret Service protection from several one-time allies turned critics, including his former national security adviser John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, both of whom have been targeted by Iran. In March, he ended Secret Service protection for Biden's children  Hunter and Ashley Biden  who both had been granted extended protection by their father.

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Harris' predecessor, former Vice President Mike Pence, did not have extended Secret Service protection beyond the standard six months.

Harris, a former senator, state attorney general and San Francisco district attorney, announced earlier this year she won't seek to run for California governor in 2026.

During last year's campaign, Trump faced two assassination attempts, including the July 2024 rally in Butler, Pa., where a Secret Service countersniper shot a gunman dead after he fired eight shots, killing an attendee, wounding two others and grazing Trumps right ear.

Times staff writer Melody Gutierrez and the Associated Press contributed to this story.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
This is an adapted excerpt from the Aug. 28 episode of All In with Chris Hayes.

Authorities in Washington have been fighting the states largest wildfire nonstop for almost two months. Since early July, the Bear Gulch Fire has burned nearly 9,000 acres, and officials say it is only 13% contained. In fact, its so big that the state has to rely on contract firefighters.

But on Wednesday, one group of firefighters who were battling the blaze had to take a three-hour timeout from their work after their camp was raided by Border Patrol officials.

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Video of the raid shows dozens of fire contractors being lined up and asked to show their IDs. Border Patrol officers ultimately arrested two of the firefighters, whom they believed were in the country illegally.

In a statement to NBC News, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that the arrests followed a criminal investigation into two companies contracted to assist with fighting the fire.

On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement on X, which said the two men "apprehended were NOT firefighters" but worked in a "support role, cutting logs into firewood." Adding: "The firefighting response remained uninterrupted the entire time."

According to reporting from The Seattle Times, one of the firefighters told the men they were not allowed to take video of the incident. You risked your life out here to save the community, that firefighter told the Times. This is how they treat us.

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Another firefighter told the paper that they were denied the chance to say goodbye to the detained crew members.

I asked them if his (family) can say goodbye to him because theyre family, and theyre just ripping them away, the firefighter said. And this is what he said, You need to get the [blank] out of here. Im gonna make you leave.

As the Times notes, It is unusual for federal border agents to make arrests during the fighting of an active fire, especially in a remote area. Earlier this year, Donald Trump rescinded a Biden-era policy that barred immigration enforcement at so-called sensitive locations, which applied to natural disasters.

Trump and his supporters constantly push this idea that you either care about America or you care about immigrants, not both. But that is a racist fantasy. We are an interconnected society of human beings who depend on each other to survive and thrive. Theres no neat line between Americans and foreigners. We just have neighbors and communities.

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But Trumpworld says thats bunk, that theres just two sides. Trumpworld says that to Make America Great Again, you need armed federal officers roaming streets, businesses and Home Depot parking lots in search of people to disappear. And now you need raids on camps of firefighters as they literally battle the largest wildfire in the American Northwest.

It appears Trump, JD Vance, Stephen Miller and their ilk are willing to burn the country to the ground if thats what it takes, all so they can rule over the ashes.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Adults and children appeared to be understandably confused and concerned as Florida police officers handcuffed and detained a Chuck E. Cheese employee in full costume, according to bodycam video released Friday.

The surreal footage captured the moments when police had to interrupt the pizza-loving rodent entertaining young customers on July 23 in Tallahassee.

"Chuck E.'s a little bit busy ma'am," police officer Jarrett Cruz appears to tell an adult, as he and his partner move in on the costumed suspect. "Chuck E., come with me, Chuck E."

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Police struggled for just a moment, near the "Cars" and "SpongeBob SquarePants" games, to handcuff the man in the mouse suit, later identified as 41-year-old Jermel Jones. Jones was accused of stealing and using a customer's credit card.

'Chuck E. Cheese' handcuffed and arrested in Florida on charges of using a stolen credit card (KGET / Youtube)

"Chuck E. stop resisting, stop resisting," Cruz could be heard instructing the suspect. "You're being detained, stop resisting. Let it go, let it go. Do not cause a scene here, sir."

As officers led "Chuck E." out of the restaurant, a woman could be seen trying to shield her child from witnessing the potentially traumatizing moment.

"We got to do our job ma'am," Cruz appears to tell a concerned parent. "Not my call ma'am."

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At least one young voice could be heard saying, What are you doing? as Chuck E. is led away.

One concerned adult confronted officer Cruz's partner, who explained that the mouse was an accused criminal.

"Would yall put Mickey Mouse in handcuffs? the angry parent said.

The officer responded, "Have a good night" and walked away.

Officers put Jones in a police car and helped him take off his costume  his mouse head, fury hands, oversized shoes and pants with suspenders.

Jones denied any wrongdoing.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Previous Barbie coverage above.

Opinions are the authors alone and not endorsed by 2 NEWS and/or Nexstar Media Group.

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  There are very few toys as impactful on childhood as Barbie.

She can be anything, and that level of boundless imaginative play is something many kids adore.

The Cincinnati Museum Center is hosting the Barbie: A Cultural Icon exhibit. The very last day to visit it is Monday, Sept. 1.

Barbie #1, via LeAnne Marie McPherson, WDTN.

Seeing the 1959 doll in person was so spectacular, in a way that is hard to describe. It felt surreal and dreamlike.

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Attendees walk in past a recent Barbie ad video, turn the corner and see the famous, Barbie has always represented the fact that a woman has choices, Ruth Handler quote on the wall.

Then they turn again, walking into the exhibit proper to see the 1959 doll front and center.

The exhibit was so elegantly designed, it follows the 66-year history of the doll in chronological order. Showing some of the very first dolls, their outfits and the first vintage ad plays on loop.

Some of the earliest Kens are on display alongside Barbies sister Skipper and the first set of friends, indulging Midge and Christie.

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Christies history is explained and it is paired with a kid-friendly, factual way of explaining how she was introduced as the Civil Rights movement was at the forefront of American life. Christie broke down racial barriers in the toy market.

Barbie exhibit, via LeAnne Marie McPherson, WDTN.

Dayton NAACP reflects on 100+ years, whats next in 2025

Turning the corner, Barbies first dreamhouse is front and center. The exhibit explains how revolutionary it was for Barbie to have her own home, considering it was introduced at a time before woman could legally get their own credit card. The first wave of career Barbies is shown with another historical time explanation.

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There is a space-age section, which is a fun appetizer for later.

The next section is a prototype and design area with a staged sewing machine and a designer video interview. The vibrancy of the tools themself being encased like art, the visible paint brushes and doll hair samples.

Then the late 70s fuse into the early 80s, and there are multiple collections around a real-life-sized toy Barbie Corvette, which attendees are encouraged to play in and take photos. Including a multicultural fashion section.

There is a section showing both the first Black and Hispanic dolls with the Barbie name. They are displayed with the same glamour as the first 1959 doll, each in its own solo case. The display explains the importance of kids being able to see themselves represented.

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First Barbie with Type 1 diabetes unveiled

The moon landing Barbie is shown with lights and a giant moon. Kneeling down to better see it, the understanding that the exhibit was intentionally designed to be best viewed by a kid hit. This was another surreal moment. So many spaces are kid-friendly, but this is kid-focused.

The next was the late 80s and 90s, which were so colorful and fun. There was another wave of select career dolls on display. There were life-sized Barbie and Ken boxes, which many guests were playing and posing in. The first doll with disabilities is shown, Becky, who is a wheelchair user.

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Hitting the 2000s was nostalgic and delightful. The 2010s and modern section featured Barbie high-fashion collaborations and the body-diverse Fashionista line. Which features so many amazing dolls, including dolls with prosthetics and vitiligo and the first doll representing Down syndrome.

The collection ends with the depiction of modern Barbie, designed to be a content creator and the beloved Barbie movie dolls. It also features the celebrity dolls.

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Final thoughts: Collectors, regular fans and anyone could have a fun time at the exhibit.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP)  A city councilor in Connecticut was arrested Friday on 10 additional counts in connection with an investigation into absentee ballot tampering in the state's largest city, officials said.

Bridgeport City Council member Alfredo Castillo was among five Democratic politicians and operatives charged earlier this year with tampering with absentee ballots in the 2023 Democratic primary election. Claims of misuse of the ballots spurred a court-ordered rerun of a mayoral primary and general election and helped fuel skepticism about the security of U.S. elections.

The new counts against Castillo include multiple counts of possession of restricted ballots and envelopes, failure to sign as assister on an absentee ballot and misrepresenting eligibility requirements for voting by absentee ballot, Chief States Attorney Patrick Griffins office said.

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Castillo didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment. His lawyer, Frank Riccio, said hell study the evidence the State claims it has and determine if their case holds water.

Police have said that in the run-up to the 2023 primary, surveillance videos showed people on several occasions stuffing what appeared to be multiple absentee ballots into city collection boxes.

Castillo and other defendants have also been accused of illegally helping voters fill out ballots and telling them who to vote for, according to arrest warrants.

Castillo was previously charged with similar absentee ballot crimes connected to the 2019 election.

Griffin's office said Castillo was released Friday with a promise to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Sept. 2.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  The City of Greenville is set to transform a long-vacant site into a vibrant cityscape with the Gateway Project, which will begin construction in September.

Approved by the city council, the Gateway Project will revitalize the land on North Church Street near the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, which has been vacant for nearly three decades. The plans include improved sidewalks, crosswalks, landscaping, a public plaza, and a public art gallery.

Tall buildings, I love it. I love it, just gives me city vibes. And I feel like, because Greenville is growing, its needed, said Jasmine Mathis, a Greenville resident.

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Alexander Hunter, another resident, expressed support for the development, saying, I think we need bigger builders in Greenville because we are a growing city.

The Gateway Project will feature a 29-story residential building with more than 300 apartments and a parking garage with over 360 spaces. The city claims this tower will be the tallest building in the state.

However, Vincent Vocchino, originally from New York, voiced concerns.

New York, where Im from. And I dont want to see that here, he said.

His wife, Michelle Vocchino, added, Its going to stick out like a sore thumb and its not going to look good.

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Jeremy Boyd offered a balanced view, acknowledging the need for growth but expressing a desire for more green space.

Id rather see the nature more nature in Greenville myself, Boyd said.

The project also aims to address infrastructure needs such as storm drainage improvements, a sanitary sewer extension, and new public lighting.

As Greenville prepares for the Gateway Project, residents are divided on the impact of the new development, with some welcoming the growth and others concerned about the citys changing skyline.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Aug. 29MITCHELL  The Corn Palace seats are headed to the salvage yard.

The highest bidder in the online Purple Wave auction for the 1,772 Corn Palace seats was a no show Thursday evening, so a four-man crew of city of Mitchell workers began loading seats into the back of a dump truck first thing Friday morning.

City of Mitchell Engineering Supervisor Terry Johnson told the Mitchell Republic that the chairs will not go to the city landfill.

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Instead, the seats are headed to H and R Salvage, just west of Mitchell city limits. There, the seats and wooden arm rests will be separated from the metal chairs so that the metal can be recycled. The city is not paying H and R Salvage for dumping the chairs, according to Johnson.

Johnson could not confirm whether

the highest bidder for the Corn Palace chairs,

Oscar Gomez Hernandez, had communicated with the city about picking up the chairs. Hernandez paid a total of $211.75 for 1,772 chairs, which came out to about 11 cents per chair. The auction was final and Hernandez's contract was voided by not picking up the chairs on time.

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Johnson expects the chairs to be removed from the shared Mitchell City Hall and Corn Palace parking lot by the end of the day, but said it'd be "close" because of being short-staffed for the day.

What's left in the Corn Palace arena where the chairs were located is dust and a few bolts that need to be removed.

The chair removal started on Monday and chairs were completely removed by 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26. A total of 15,000 bolts were removed from the Corn Palace seats, according to Mitchell Engineering Technician Jon Thurman. Each chair had four bolts plus an extra bolt and an anchor bolt, which was partially ground off.

Pro Polish will start grinding floors on Tuesday, Sept. 2, according to Johnson. This is part of a multi-week process to prepare for

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1,538

new seats. ADA-compliant railing will also be installed around this time. Pro Polish's $91,250 contract was awarded by the Mitchell City Council in June.

Previously, Hernandez had bought Parks Department surplused items and the city stored the items for a later pick up date.

"In this case, we couldn't just leave (the chairs)," Johnson said, referring to the large pile of seats that heaped in the parking lot.

The Corn Palace

theater-style seats were installed in the 1960s,

and were used for almost six decades. The Bret Michaels concert, capping out the 2025 Corn Palace Festival, was the last event to use these Corn Palace seats.

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"In my lifetime, I won't have to do this again," Johnson said.

Corn Palace Director Dave Sietsema said there was a lot of nostalgia with the chairs, but that the chair removal should be viewed as exciting. The new chairs will bring a little better hospitality with some of the cup holders, and a safer environment, according to Sietsema.

"As we continue to make Mitchell a great place to live and work, chairs also will represent some new progress, some more leg room, some more comfort," Sietsema said.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Debate about a possible pay increase for firefighters sparked during Clarksvilles City Council meeting. Officials weighed a potential pay study to find out how their salaries compare with other cities in Middle Tennessee.

The council discussed completing a $64,000 pay study, which would include a look at the budgets of other cities paying their firefighters, like Murfreesboro and Chattanooga. Some council members defended the need for the study while others claimed the study is simply another added expense.

Ward 4 councilmember Tim Chandler questioned if the council should pay an outside firm for the planned study when they have experts in their human resources department who could possibly complete the study themselves. Chandler said hed received countless emails on the ongoing firefighter pay debate, adding that he had been called an anti-firefighter himself.

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All Im asking for is just for us all to sit down and come up with a decent plan and put it into place, Chandler said. It might take two months. It might take six months, but just to cut it completely off? Thats just not right.

Ward 10 Councilwoman Stacey Streetman said experts in the Human Resource department cant handle the responsibility of conducting the study along with their daily tasks, which is to serve all of the citys employees.

READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County

There is so much that is entailed in a pay study to analyze where we really are so we can truly compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges, Streetman said.

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Ward 9 Councilman Jimmy Brown said another resource the city has available is the Material Transfer Agreement. Since the MTAS has state data, the city has access to some available information, but only from the communities that contribute to it. Brown pointed out this resource wouldnt cost the city much if officials decide to move forward.

However, Chandler shed light on the fact that the human resource department is shorthanded. Chandler said he doesnt expect the study to be the result of a project with a tight turnaround, but he would prefer for the council to have a plan in place.

Councilwoman Wanda Smith said that firefighters received a 9% pay raise last year  along with a 5% raise a year before that. Smith pointed out employees cant always expect a pay raise simply because they work for the city. She said the council should focus on doing whats best for residents, including managing citizens tax dollars.

The council is still deciding on the plan study. They will continue to discuss at their next meeting on Thursday, September 4.

Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Deputies with the Clay County, Missouri Sheriffs Office shot a person in Kansas City, Missouri, around 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

The shooting happened near 50th Street and North Oak Trafficway.

The person shot has non-life-threatening injuries, and none of the deputies were harmed.

The Kansas City Police Department took over the investigation, which revealed that the suspect was a man wielding a machete.

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Highway Patrol pursuit results in the death of the fleeing driver

KCPD Officers were initially sent to the intersection of Northeast Englewood Road and North Oak Trafficway on reports of a man with a large knife in the shopping center parking lot around 2:20 p.m. However, the suspect left before officers responded.

Officers were dispatched to the Englewood Shopping Center involving a disturbance with an adult male who was armed with a machete and was shattering out windows of vehicles in the area, said KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

KCPD officers put out a suspect description, and within minutes, Clay County deputies spotted a man matching the description near Northeast 50th Street and North Oak Trafficway. The deputy approached the man, and the suspect pulled the knife from his waistband and began running.

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The deputy chased the man on foot and called additional deputies to the scene. Those deputies chased the man into a wooded area, where the man would then charge at them with the machete.

They began giving this man verbal commands to drop the knife. He is still armed with the knife, and he is noncompliant at this point. The male then charged the Sheriffs deputies with the knife still in hand, Gonzalez explained.

The armed suspect charged at deputies twice before shots were fired.

They attempted the de-escalation, telling the individual to drop the knife, trying to get him into custody peacefully. They were charged at more than once, which resulted in them firing their duty weapons, Gonzalez said.

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Some people were shocked to learn that somebody had been walking around with a machete in a family-friendly area.

When we pulled in here, I saw all the police cars. I was bringing my grandchildren, and when they told me that somebody had been out here doing that, I was kind of shocked, said Michael Briggs, who was at the Englewood Shopping Center Saturday afternoon.

The first thing I think of is safety. Youve got kids over here, so safety is the main thing.

Multiple children injured in I-29 rollover bus crash: MSHP

After attempting to de-escalate and giving the suspect verbal commands to drop the knife, Clay County Sheriffs deputies fired their guns and struck the suspect around 2:33 p.m.

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Deputies on scene provided medical aid until EMS arrived.

The man was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to be released from the hospital this evening.

Gonzalez says the suspect will be put on an investigative hold after he is released from the hospital.

This is an ongoing investigation; FOX4 will provide updates as theyre made available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A Coca-Cola bottling facility in the Netherlands has stopped using dirty gas for its operations after installing electric boilers and systems that reuse heat, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners stated.

The Dutch facility joins other Coca-Cola operations worldwide working to reduce dirty fuel dependence as the company pursues its 2040 zero-pollution goal.

The Dongen plant, which has operated since 1957, produces beverages totaling 600 million liters each year, making up 85% of the company's Dutch beverage sales. The facility runs on clean power from a local wind cooperative and solar installation sitting only 300 meters (984 feet) from the facility.

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The change involved replacing gas boilers with electric versions in 2024. Engineers also created a network using pumps and steel pipes stretching four kilometers to capture and move thermal energy between different production areas.

The plant also switched to LED lighting throughout, installed energy-saving air compressors, and lowered bottle washing temperatures. Even the forklifts now run on battery power instead of dirty fuel.

These changes help local communities, as they slash air pollution while helping the company cut costs through lower energy consumption. The facility's move away from gas combustion means nearby residents can enjoy cleaner air, and the collaboration with regional clean energy providers keeps money circulating in the local economy.

The environmental benefits include reducing carbon dioxide pollution from gas combustion at the site. By capturing and reusing heat that would normally escape, the facility reduces its total energy needs.

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These improvements are a sign of progress. However, Coca-Cola is one of the world's largest plastic polluters. The corporation faces criticism for its steep environmental footprint, developed across its packaging, water usage, and sugar cultivation efforts. Outside of facility upgrades, the company has a ton of work ahead to address its broader sustainability challenges.

Spokespeople for Coca-Cola emphasized the project's collaborative nature, stating, "The electrification of our Dongen bottling site is a major milestone, one that shows what's possible when you combine innovation, local partnerships and a clear strategy to drive down carbon emissions."

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Columbus Police Department says officers are investigating a shooting that happened on Friday.

According to CPD, the shooting happened in the 1700 block of MLK Blvd, which left one person dead.

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan said that a 17-year-old was killed after a firearm went off and he was struck in the head.

According to Bryan, the shooting was possibly an accident.

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It remains unconfirmed what led up to the incident. The victims body will be sent to the GBI crime lab in Decatur for an autopsy.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 1 person dead after shooting in Shirley B. Winston Park

Columbus authorities are currently investigating a string of shooting incidents that happened throughout the afternoon on Friday.

One person was killed in a shooting that happened inside Shirley B. Winston Park and there was a heavy police presence spotted at the Patriot Place Apartments, as CPD says the two incidents are possibly connected.

Columbus authorities continue to investigate the incidents.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  The Wilbur Cross High School student detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement last month will head back home soon.

The student, named Esdras, was brought to several detainment facilities after he was picked up by ICE while working at a car wash on July 21. He was granted a $1,500 bond release on Thursday.

PREVIOUS: New Haven student detained by ICE in July granted bond by federal judge

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This means that Esdras can go back to school, can return to his life to his community, said Tina Colon-Williams, an immigration attorney at Esperanza Law.

Teachers of the rising Wilbur Cross junior and New Haven officials said he is known as a hard-working productive member of the community.

The Trump Administration promised to focus on deporting violent criminals, but too many people like Esdras are being targeted instead, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D, CT-03) said in a statement. I was proud to write a letter in support of Esdras, and I will continue to stand with our community and for the due process rights guaranteed to everyone under our Constitution.

It took a rally, community support and legal action to help facilitate Esdras release. There is no exact date set in place for his return, but his attorney said he will no longer be in detention.

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New Haven has stepped up and continued to reaffirm our values as a welcoming city, no matter who you are or where you come from, Mayor Justin Elicker said.

While this is a step forward in this case, it came with challenges.

We are in an era of very limited access to a full and fair proceedings for non-citizens across the country, and Esdras case illustrates, I think, just how painful and concerning this all is, Colon-Williams said.

News 8 reached out to ICE, but the agency has not issued a statement addressing this case. Esdras was not the first person involved in an ICE incident at Wilbur Cross. According to school officials, another student was detained back in 2019.

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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 WTNH.com.
August 7 brought a crowd to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Over a hundred Chesterfield residents showed up in red shirts, there to push back on Dominion's gas plant plan, Virginia Mercury reported.

What's happening?

Dominion plans to build a 1,000-megawatt peaker that kicks on when the grid strains. Company filings say it would run about 37% of the time and start in roughly 15 minutes during extreme heat or cold.

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The company calls it essential, warning that statewide power use could double by the late 2030s. Locals aren't convinced.

Rachel James, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, put it bluntly, according to Virginia Mercury: "This plant is dirty and expensive. No two ways about it."

She said burning methane gas creates pollutants like fine particulate matter, one of the deadliest air contaminants. Residents said they've had enough.

Why is this concerning?

Locals finally enjoyed cleaner air when the coal burning stopped in 2023. Now, they worry a new gas plant will put them right back where they started.

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Fights like this have surfaced elsewhere, such as over Formosa Plastics permits in Louisiana, which would allow the plant to release hundreds of tons of pollution annually.

A landfill in North Carolina, water worries in Texas, and even a sewer project in Vermont mobilized local resistance. The issue is the same: dirty energy sources keep driving pollution that overheats the planet.

Critics argue that industry lobbying stalls progress toward more affordable energy.

What's being done about it?

Advocates say Dominion could meet demand with wind, solar, and batteries, consistent with Virginia's Clean Economy Act.

Both the company and opponents presented to the State Corporation Commission on August 19, and DEQ set a September 8 hearing to take public comment.

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Turnout in Chesterfield shows what local organizing looks like. Sustained local action  such as voting for pro-climate candidates and talking about the issue with loved ones  is key to keeping pressure on decision-makers.

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.




WILLIMANTIC  The Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum will open its gates this holiday weekend to celebrate Railroad Day, a yearly tradition.

The event will take place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 55 Bridge Street in Willimantic.

Each year, between 200-250 people attend Railroad Day and the event will offer a variety of activities from food, demonstrations, historical days, hand-car rides, train rides, photo opportunities, and more.

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This year, there will be a dedication of the restored New Haven Station Master Clock at 11:30 a.m. at the Chaplin Station.

Food vendors this year include Tamales Atzala and A Cupcake for Later.

Closed toe shoes are recommended to attend the event.

The museum is located at 65 Bridge Street in Willimantic, at the original site of the Columbia Junction Freight Yard.

The collection includes locomotives and rolling stock, vintage railroad buildings and a six-stall roundhouse reconstructed on the original foundation.

Visitors can receive a guided tour of the museum and kids of all ages can operate a replica 1850s-style pump car along the rail that was once part of the New Haven Railroads Air Line.

Other rides include the rail speeders.

Admission for adults over 12 is $10, and kids 8-12 are $5. Children under eight are free.
CHICAGO  Ted Dabrowski, president of the conservative activist organization Wirepoints Inc., has formally entered the race for the Republican nomination for governor of Illinois, 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.

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Chicago Tribunes Jeremy Gorner contributed.

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It is inexplicable that, rather than fighting back against the Trump administration illegally cutting off hundreds of millions in research funds, reports now suggest that the University of California system is seeking to instead negotiate a deal, potentially giving in to high-level extortion. Harvard University has fought back, filed lawsuits, and won yet again in court this past week. It is not too late for the University of California to walk away from the bargaining table and take the Trump administration to court instead.

According to a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) site in early June, the Trump administration had already frozen $324 million in grants earmarked for University of California researchers. In actuality, the figure was likely much higher due to the DOGE site being incomplete and also failing to include critical sub-grants. Then on Aug. 1, the Trump administration illegally suspended an additional $584 million in federal funds due to UCLA.

Federal district court Judge Rita F. Lin in San Francisco found that the suspension and termination of these grants by several U.S. agencies violated federal law because it was done in an arbitrary manner without any semblance of meaningful explanation or fair process.

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The court also found that the termination of these grants violated the 1st Amendment because the choice to do so was based on the perceived viewpoint of the research, including scanning documents for the word diversity and then cutting off grants that used it  even instances when the term intended to explain the diversity of plant life or microbial colonies. Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit came to the same conclusion and upheld the preliminary injunction requiring that funds granted by these agencies be restored.

This is a lawsuit that was brought by volunteer lawyers  I am co-counsel  on behalf of the researchers. It was not brought by the University of California, which could have sued to challenge the termination of grants, including to UCLA. Ive been told by school officials that the University didnt sue because it did not want to provoke the Trump administration. That seemed naive at the time and  and, as my father would say, a helluva lot of good that did.

The ostensible basis for the Trump administrations action is due to displays of antisemitism on the UCLA campus. But if that were truly the reason for cutting off the money, the law is clear as to the procedures the government must follow. The institution must be given notice and a hearing in front of the agency granting the funds before any funds are cut off. There must be explicit findings that the university, in acting deliberately indifferent to creating a hostile environment for Jewish students on campus, violated Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The House and the Senate must be given 30 days' advance notice before funds are cut off, and the funds can only be cut for those parts UCLA deemed to violate the law.

The Trump administration has done none of this, nor would it likely have succeeded in meeting this very demanding standard. Even if the Trump administration prevailed, it would not allow the massive cutting off of funds that the Trump administration has imposed on UC schools.

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The Trump administration is using allegations of antisemitism as the pretext for harming universities and for coercing changes to advance its ideological agenda. For example, the administration's settlement with Brown University includes its ending of gender-affirming care at all its medical care facilities. The rumored settlement with UCLA includes both eliminating gender-neutral restrooms and ending gender-affirming care at its facilities. It would be unconscionable to throw transgender students, staff and faculty under the bus like this.

The Trump administration seeks the end of diversity programs. Since 1996, the California Constitution has prohibited affirmative action based on race or sex. In 2023, the Supreme Court held that the U.S. Constitution also forbids this. But nothing in the law or the Supreme Court decision precludes the University of California from pursuing diversity through other lawful means. And to be true to its mandate and values, it must do so.

Any settlement will involve proferring a hefty sum. Brown University has agreed to pay $50 million; Columbia University has said it will pay $221 million. If the University of California agrees to similar terms, every penny will come from funds for education and research  what the university exists to accomplish.

And if the University of California capitulates, there is nothing to stop the Trump administration from extorting funds from it again and again in the future. Surely university officials arent going to put their trust in the hope that the Trump administration will act in good faith in the future. We all learned long ago on the playground that giving into a bully only makes it worse. I have no doubt that President Trump is going after the most prestigious universities  Harvard, Columbia, Brown, University of California  because he thinks that if they give in, all other schools will cave as well.

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The Supreme Court may ultimately rule against the University of California if it sues. But the University must at least have the courage to try and must fight for its values. Capitulating will send the wrong message to other universities and most of all to its faculty and students. As California state Senator Scott Wiener recently explained in an open letter urging UC leadership not to back down against Trump, Concessions by UCLA would establish a damaging precedent for extorting public schools in states with leadership that does not bow down to this President.

Being on a UC campus, it feels clear to me that the faculty and students strongly oppose a settlement. They want university officials and the regents to challenge the illegal actions of the Trump administration. I know I speak for so many in saying: the University of California should not give in to extortion and make a deal with the Trump administration.

Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley Law School, is an Opinion Voices contributing writer.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Controversial Republican staying on Fulton elections board despite efforts to keep her off

Despite commissioners attempts to remove a controversial Republican nominee, she is still on the Fulton County Board of Elections.

The GOP nominated Julie Adams to fill the seat she already held. But commissioners have labeled her an election denier and are seeking to prevent her from serving another term.

A judge recently ruled that the county commission willfully disobeyed an order to seat two new Republican nominees.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

I believe they are both election deniers who are doing everything they can to undermine faith in our elections, County Commissioner Dana Barrett.

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For now, commissioners are allowing Adams to remain on the board.

The judge has ordered commissioners to pay a $10,000 daily contempt fine for refusing to seat Adams and another nominee.

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Adams previously sued the board, asserting her right to refuse to certify an election, but the Georgia Supreme Court ruled against her.

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The Georgia Court of Appeals is set to hear Fulton Countys arguments regarding re-seating Adams, but the appeal may not occur until next January.

The commission is also appealing the contempt fine, so it is also on hold.

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People attend the WorldPride International Rally and March on Washington for Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial on June 8, 2025 in Washington, D.C. This year Washington, DC is the host city for the WorldPride 2025 celebration, a global celebration of the LGBTQ community that coincides with the 50th anniversary of the citys first Pride parade; the three-week WorldPride festival has drawn thousands to events across the capital despite lingering concerns about LGBTQ rights under President Trump. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

Week after week, a teenage Brandon Long sat through counseling sessions that he said framed his identity as a failure.

Now an ordained minister in northern Kentucky, Long told Kentucky state lawmakers about the years he spent undergoing therapy designed to rid him of his same-sex attraction.

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Just imagine yourself being told, session after session, that if you remained as you were, you would be rejected, he said.

Long testified in February before a Kentucky House committee against a Republican-sponsored bill that would cancel Democratic Gov. Andy Beshears 2024 executive order that banned a controversial practice known as conversion therapy for minors.

Conversion therapy is a catchall term for controversial efforts to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ+ people. Sometimes called reparative therapy, it can range from talk therapy and religious counseling to electrical shocks, pain-inducing aversion therapy and physical isolation.

The bill, Long told lawmakers, creates a legal shield for conversion therapy, allowing parents to force their children into a practice condemned by every major medical and mental health organization worldwide.

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Kentuckys Republican-controlled legislature passed the bill, then overrode the governors veto in March.

Conversion therapy has been denounced by major medical organizations including the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. They say its ineffective and harmful and puts LGBTQ+ people at risk for depression, substance use, suicide and other mental health issues.

More than half of states have banned or restricted the practice for underage patients since California became the first to do so in 2012, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a nonprofit research organization that tracks LGBTQ+-related laws and policies.

But political currents are shifting. Conservative majorities in the courts, in state legislatures and at the federal level have reshaped the legal landscape, opening the door for Republican lawmakers and conservative Christian groups to reinstate a practice that has been roundly discredited by the medical community.

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In March, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case challenging Colorados 2019 conversion therapy ban on freedom of speech grounds. The decision marks a change from 2017, when the court refused to hear a challenge to Californias ban, and 2023, when it declined to hear a challenge to Washingtons ban.

The high courts decision, which isnt expected until next year, could reverse  or solidify  conversion therapy bans across the country.

Last month, a Virginia court partially struck down the states 2020 law banning conversion therapy for minors, a win for conservative Christian organizations. GOP lawmakers in Michigan have introduced a bill to repeal the states ban. And Missouris Republican attorney general has filed suit to overturn local conversion therapy bans.

On the flip side, in Wisconsin, the state Supreme Court cleared the way earlier this year for the state to permanently ban the practice.

The world has changed

While organized attempts to cure homosexuality have been around for centuries, ex-gay groups that promised to change a persons sexual orientation began gaining ground in the 1990s as policy debates arose over same-sex marriage and gay people serving in the military, said Dr. Jack Drescher, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in private practice in New York City. He is also a clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University whose research has focused on gender and sexuality.

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But after Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage in 2004 and more states followed, the influence of conversion therapy proponents waned.

As of this year, 23 states and Washington, D.C., prevent licensed health care providers from subjecting minors to conversion therapy, according to an analysis of state laws by the Movement Advancement Project. Four more states restrict the practice, such as by not allowing public funding to go toward conversion therapy services.

State laws typically levy fines or discipline the professional licenses of practitioners who try to engage minors in conversion therapy. They dont necessarily prevent clergy or unlicensed counselors from attempting such counseling.

The bans are more of a public statement of acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, rather than a commonly used preventive measure, said Drescher.

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The bans are reinforcements of the belief that if homosexuality is not a mental disorder or disease, theres no reason to pretend you can treat it, and anybody who tries is acting outside the mainstream of science, Drescher told Stateline.

The American Medical Association has written model legislation for state lawmakers who want to ban conversion therapy, a reflection of the broad consensus in the medical community that homosexuality and gender nonconformity are not mental illnesses, said R.J. Mills, a representative from the American Medical Association, in a statement to Stateline.

In the past, some leading psychiatric and psychological associations were hesitant to support state restrictions because they saw the laws as intrusions into the doctor-patient or therapist-patient relationship, Drescher said.

Everybody understands whats at stake now.

 Dr. Jack Drescher, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in New York City whose research focuses on gender and sexuality

Now, spurred by Trump administration policies that place new restrictions on LGBTQ+ people and the most conservative U.S. Supreme Court in generations, medical organizations are growing more vocal in their opposition to conversion therapy.

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The world has changed, Drescher said. Everybody understands whats at stake now.

Free speech argument

Conservative legal firms have filed lawsuits in states such as Colorado, Michigan and Virginia on behalf of Christian counselors who say the laws prevent them from practicing according to their faith-based values. They say the bans should be repealed so practitioners wont face losing their careers over providing services informed by their faith.

A Virginia court last month oversaw a consent decree in which Virginia agreed to not fully enforce its 2020 conversion therapy ban and to allow counselors to engage in talk conversion therapy with minors. The plaintiffs in the case were John and Janet Raymond, state-licensed professional counselors in Virginia who were represented by the Founding Freedoms Law Center, an organization that takes on conservative legal causes.

The kind of talk therapy now allowed can involve conversation, prayer and sharing of written materials such as religious scriptures, said Josh Hetzler, the Raymonds attorney, during a public news conference following the court decision.

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With this court order, every counselor in Virginia will now be able to speak freely, truthfully and candidly with clients who are seeking to have those critical conversations about their identity, and to hear faith-based insights from trusted professionals, he said.

Conservative legislators also are citing their Christian faith in their attempts to roll back state bans.

Michigan state Rep. Josh Schriver, a Republican, filed a package of bills last month aimed at repealing a handful of what he calls anti-Christ laws, including Michigans 2023 ban on conversion therapy for youth.

A legislative aide said Schriver wasnt available for an interview, and instead referred Stateline to the recent Substack post he emailed to his constituents.

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As legislators, were duty-bound to remove statutes that overstep the authority given by our state and federal Constitutions, Schriver said in the post.

Long, the Kentucky minister, said the bans are needed because no one enters conversion therapy willingly.

The only reason a child would go through it is because a trusted authority in their life  a parent, a pastor or a therapist  has told them that they are broken and need to be fixed.

At least five states have a law or policy prohibiting or deterring local-level ordinances that aim to protect youth from conversion therapy.

Some states without such laws are going after municipalities that have banned conversion therapy.

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Missouri Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey in February sued Jackson County, Missouri, home to Kansas City, challenging the countys 2023 ordinance and Kansas Citys 2019 ordinance, both of which ban licensed counselors from engaging in conversion therapy with minors.

Our children have a right to therapy that allows for honest, unrestricted conversations, free from transgender indoctrination, Bailey said in a statement in February. He called the ordinances a dangerous overreach that violate free speech and religious liberty rights.

A Republican loss

In at least one state, conservatives have hit a legal roadblock.

In Wisconsin, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers administration has been trying since 2020 to enact a statewide conversion therapy ban proposed by the state agency that oversees provider licensing.

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But the ban has been blocked twice by a Republican-controlled legislative committee.

Evers administration sued.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court sided with Evers last month, ruling that the state legislative committee was overreaching and couldnt block the rule.

Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org.

This story was originally produced by Stateline which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
NEED TO KNOW

In June, Costco introduced a controversial new policy change with a perk for customers with the more expensive Executive Membership

Since June 30, Costco Executive Membership holders have had an exclusive hour-long shopping window before other customers are allowed in stores

There was a "grace period" on the new rule, however, and starting Sept. 1 the policy will be strictly enforced

The grace period on Costcos controversial new policy change is nearly over. If customers arrive at the wrong time with the wrong membership, they now risk being turned away.

This summer, the grocery chain introduced a new perk for Costco shoppers with its more expensive Executive Membership: an exclusive, hour-long shopping window in the morning, before other customers are allowed in stores. The policy went into effect June 30, but with a grace period that officially comes to an end this month, according to business outlet The Street.

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After Aug. 31, Executive Membership holders  and only Executive Membership holders  will be allowed in Costco stores from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. local time every day. (Saturday is the only exception, with the exclusive window lasting only until 9:30 a.m.)

While the rule has now been in effect for a month, it was not strictly enforced, with signs at some Costco locations announcing a grace period as shoppers adjust, according to The Street. "A grace period for Gold Star and Business members will be in effect through August 31, one sign read, per the outlet.

MyLoupe/Universal Images Group via Getty A stock image of the interior of a Costco store A stock image of the interior of a Costco store

Starting in September, however, the exclusive shopping window will not only be in place, but will also be officially enforced by Costco employees, the business outlet reported. If customers do not have the chains Executive Membership  which, at $130 annually, is the more steeply priced Costco membership by far  they may be denied entry should they attempt to shop before 10 a.m.

When Costco first announced the rule in June, some customers expressed negative feelings about it, accusing the chain of favoring its higher-paying members, and punishing or alienating the rest. Meanwhile, others were upset because at Costco locations that already had a 9 a.m. opening prior to the policy, all other members now lose an hour of shopping time.

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Costco did not respond to PEOPLEs request for comment when the policy was first announced.

In an email announcing the policy to Costco employees, the company explained the decision by stating, Our Executive Members are our most loyal members, and we want to reward them for their commitment to Costco, according to Business Insider.

Costcos Gold Star Membership has an annual $65 fee, while the Executive Membership rings up at a price of $130 annually, per Costco's website. According to Business Insider, a little less than half of all Costco members pay for the executive tier, but these customers represent 73% of the companys sales.

NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty A stock image of a Costco store

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The Gold Star Membership covers the companys membership card, which allows shoppers from the same household to shop at all Costco locations worldwide. The Executive Membership includes the card, plus additional benefits and rewards. (Costco also offers a Business Membership, which is priced at $65 and not included in the exclusive shopping window.)

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Along with the exclusive shopping window, Costco also announced another perk for its higher-paying members earlier this summer, which also went into effect on June 30. Executive Membership holders now receive a $10 monthly credit to use on an eligible sameday.costco.com or Costco via Instacart order over $150, the brand said on Instagram at the time.

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As access to Covid-19 vaccines has become increasingly restricted over the past few months, there has been mounting concern over whether it would be possible for the Trump administration to go one step further and ban the shots altogether.

These fears were stoked following an Aug. 25 article in The Daily Beast, in which British cardiologist Dr. Aseem Malhotra  chief medical advisor at the Make America Healthy Again Action organization, and ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert J. Kennedy Jr.  said that the Trump administration will pull the Covid vaccines off the U.S. market within months. Although the article was largely dismissed as a baseless rumor, it reinforced the idea that the jabs could soon no longer be available to those who wanted them. And the recent chaos at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  from Kennedys attempt to fire the agencys director, to a wave of resignations, to anti-RFK Jr.-themed vandalism  doesnt exactly inspire confidence in its ability to regulate vaccines.

More from Rolling Stone

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But could Covid-19 actually be taken off the market or banned? Rolling Stone spoke with several vaccine and legal experts to find out if thats a possibility, what it would mean for public health, and whether you should get your shot sooner rather than later.

Could the Trump administration ban Covid-19 vaccines?

When we talk about the Covid vaccines being banned, we likely envision Kennedy or Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary making them inaccessible for everyone in one fell swoop. But this restriction could also happen gradually. And that process has already started.

In May, FDA officials recommended that Covid-19 vaccines and annual boosters will be limited to people ages 65 and older, and those with certain medical conditions  including asthma, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity  that put them at high risk for severe infection. Later that month, Kennedy announced that the Covid vaccine has been removed from the CDCs recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and healthy pregnant people  continuing the erosion of its accessibility.

On top of that, Kennedys cancellation of $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine development earlier this month is a clear signal that the administration has essentially abandoned the technology used to create the Covid-19 vaccine  which Donald Trump once called a monumental national achievement and a gold standard vaccine.

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When the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meets in October, its newly appointed members  several of whom are vaccine critics  could decide to place additional restrictions on Covid-19 vaccines.

What theyve been doing is making it more difficult [to access Covid vaccines], says Paul Offit, MD, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and a former member of the ACIP. He predicts that restricting access to various vaccines will continue  starting with eliminating the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, and not recommending the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine for children under four. Like the velociraptor in Jurassic Park, I think theyre testing the fence to see where the weaknesses are, he says.

The FDA could also take additional steps towards making Covid-19 vaccine inaccessible. According to Ana Santos Rutschman, a law professor at Villanova University with expertise in vaccine law and policy, this could include imposing restrictive requirements on the commercialization and administration of vaccines. In addition to limiting the vaccine to certain populations, the FDA could also require that vaccines only be administered by certain health professionals  and require additional training for professionals who want to administer the vaccine  or that the vaccine can only be administered in certain places that patients would have to travel to, she explains.

Additionally, the FDA could further restrict the vaccines because of their perceived safety concerns, says Wilbur Chen, MD, chief of the adult clinical studies section within the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and a former member of the ACIP.

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In a more extreme scenario, these safety concerns could be used to attempt to ban Covid vaccines. Banning in this context means withdrawing market approval, which is basically taking away the license to sell formerly approved products, Rutschman says. This is a tool that the law  specifically, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and related laws and regulations  gives the FDA.

Even if a vaccine is approved, the FDA still has the ability to withdraw it from the market if theres data showing that its unsafe, says Dorit Rubinstein Reiss, PhD, a law professor at the UC Hastings College of the Law and an expert in legal and policy issues related to vaccines. Lacking data from reputable studies, she says that its likely that the FDA would use the same anti-vaccine junk science featured in a June HHS report.

While the ACIP can advise the FDA to withdraw approval of a specific vaccine or vaccines, its ultimately the FDAs decision, and its responsibility to initiate this process, Rutschman explains. The agency will notify the company that has the license to manufacture and sell the vaccine that they will be revoking the permission to commercialize the vaccine, she tells Rolling Stone. At that point the vaccine would be pulled out from the market. Though doing so is rare, its not unheard of. In fact, on Aug. 22, the FDA suspended the license for a chikungunya vaccine based on serious safety concerns.

If the FDA takes a Covid vaccine off the market, the manufacturer is entitled to a hearing, where they can make a case for their products safety. If the FDA still decides to ban the vaccine, the manufacturer would be able to take the agency to court, Reiss says Theres another way that Covid vaccines could be taken off the market. Legally, Kennedy has the ability to suspend approval for a vaccine on a finding that there is an imminent hazard to public health, although Reiss says that this power is typically delegated to the FDA commissioner. The Secretary could do that, but it runs a very high risk of being taken to court and losing in court, since showing an imminent risk to public health from pulling the vaccines is going to be very tricky, she explains.

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So far, the Trump administration has not said that a ban on Covid-19 vaccines was in the works. When asked for comment, the White House declined, and a spokesperson for HHS told Rolling Stone that the department does not comment on potential policy decisions.

Impact of a Covid vaccine ban on public health

Banning or seriously restricting access to Covid vaccines would be a major blow to public health, says James Alwine, PhD, virologist and a member of the coordinating committee for Defend Public Health, an all-volunteer network of public health experts and allies fighting to protect the health of all from the current administrations policies.

You would have a situation where few people in this country would be vaccinated, their immunity to the virus would wane, and you would be getting this virus replicating in hundreds of millions of people around the country  and thats going to produce more and more variants, Alwine tells Rolling Stone. When youre replicating the virus billions of times, were going to get variants that are going to be worse and escape our immune system. Theyll be able to maybe make us sicker, cause more Long Covid  things like that.

Banning Covid vaccines would also limit scientists ability to stay on top of new variants of the virus. In the U.S., were not even going to be able to study those variants very well, because virology studies on pandemic pathogens have been really hogtied by regulations and executive orders, Alwine says. Were really in a bad place in this country as far as being able to defend ourselves against the virus. Were going to see lots of people getting sick.

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Alwine is especially concerned about groups like the elderly, the infirm, migrants, and the poor who are going to be most affected by a surge in Covid. I see the suppression of vaccines thats happening with Robert [F.] Kennedy [Jr.] as being targeted against the most vulnerable in our society, he says. Kennedy is taking us to a place where its going to be the resurrection of infectious diseases. Having him be the Secretary of Health and Human Services, people think that means what he says is correct and knowledgeable and scientifically sound, and its not.

When to get a Covid vaccine

So, if theres a possibility that Covid vaccines could be banned, or their accessibility severely restricted, should you run out and get your annual booster ASAP? Not necessarily, says Offit. I dont think you need to rush to do that  get [the Covid vaccine] the way you would normally get it, he says.

As of Aug. 27, the 2025-2026 updated Covid vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are FDA-approved. According to statements from Pfizer and Moderna, the vaccine manufacturers would begin shipping the updated Covid-19 vaccines to pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics across the country immediately, and available within a few days. The Novavax booster will be available this fall.

But that doesnt mean the vaccines will be accessible to everyone. Could Covid vaccines become very difficult to obtain if youre uninsured or in a resource-poor area where health care is not very intact?, Chen asks. Absolutely that could be the case.

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Confusion is the point

If the rules surrounding Covid vaccine accessibility and insurance coverage seem unclear, its not your imagination. In fact, Offit says its by design, and part of Kennedys strategy since being appointed HHS secretary.

I think confusion is the point, he says. I think thats the goal for the man who brought you Im not going to take away vaccines for people who want them, [then] proceeds to take away vaccines for people who want them.

For example, take Kennedys May announcement that the Covid vaccine would no longer be recommended for healthy pregnant people. So what now?, Offit questions. Is there insurance coverage? Is there liability protection? Because there may be neither, [and] that has the functional equivalent of taking it off the market.

Ultimately, Offit sees some form of a ban on Covid vaccines as a possibility. I think [the Trump administration] could do it, he says. I think they could say that Covid vaccines are no longer recommended because the current Secretary of Health and Human Services has said that the Covid vaccine is the deadliest vaccine ever made. And I think he means it. Hes a zealot  so buckle up.

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JEFFERSON  Ashtabula County observed International Overdose Awareness Day Friday at the lawn outside of the old Ashtabula County Courthouse.

The fourth annual commemoration was organized by the Ashtabula County Health Department and the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.

The ACHD provided free fentanyl test strips, naloxone kits and hygiene kits.

Weve played a role in preventing overdoses, Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board Executive Director Kaitie Park Hart said. We want people to seek recovery. We do see people seek recovery. Often times, we only hear about the doom and gloom. We hear about the fatal overdoses, but we also want people to know that hope is possible [and] that recovery is possible.

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ACHD Health Educator Maggie McClymonds said the awareness day is commemorated throughout the state and the department works year-round to combat overdoses.

We do provide naloxone. Its Narcan in its generic form, she said. We provide education. We provide trainings to any community, agencies or businesses that would like some training on how identify an overdose and how to administer naloxone as well.

Much of the county health departments work involves harm reduction, McClymonds said.

Harm reduction is basically just giving people the resources and the knowledge to make a better-educated decision when it comes to using a substance, she said. Its just reducing the harm and the effects that could happen if used without the knowledge.

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ACHD Director of Nursing David Shumate said the department has other programs for harm reduction.

We have a needle exchange program. We dont want to see dirty needles on the street, he said. Well actually exchange those or just take them. We have a 24 hour, seven-day-a-week dropbox right out front.

The items the health department handed out are always available at its office, which is located at 12 West Jefferson St. in Jefferson, Shumate said.

We want to see less harm in our community related to everything related to substance abuse, he said.

Shumate said the health department had made some progress in reducing opioid overdoses.

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That number dropped by ten, he said. That number is significant in our county.

Alongside that, Shumate said there were more people saved with naloxone products last year, like Narcan.

We still have a lot more work to do, he said. There is a naloxone vending machine thats at the rest stop on Route 11 that Governor [Mike] DeWine has instituted. It carries 150 naloxone. Its free. Anybody can walk up anytime they want one.

The rest stop vending machine has gone through around 140 doses of naloxone every week since it was put in place around two months ago, Shumate said.

The need is still there, he said. The public is showing us its still there, when we see them come for the resources.

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There were several other organizations with tables at the event, including the Ashtabula City Health Department, Ashtabula Regional Medical Center and Adams Angels.

The Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation for International Overdose Awareness Day to Park Hart

According to the proclamation, 22 Ashtabula County residents died last year because of unintentional drug overdoses.

Ashtabula County Commissioner J.P. Ducro said he was thankful for the organizations at the event fighting overdoses.

Its always a privilege for us to be a part of supporting all the good works you guys do in the community, he said. We really appreciate your time and effort today.

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Ashtabula County Commissioner Kathryn Whittington said it was great to see all the people at the event.

Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski said he was thankful for the providers in the community.

One thing that Ashtabula County really can hang its hat on is the fact that we have a number of organizations here in our county that work together to address this issue, he said. Were very blessed to have a community thats strong and works together.
NEED TO KNOW

A couple from Lincoln, Neb., was arrested after their 4-month-old daughter died of injuries consistent with shaking

Ryan Greenwood allegedly told police that the day before her death, he and his daughter were "playing rough" and she began crying

Court records show that Tanya Greenwood searched online about shaken baby syndrome after her daughter's death, and she had previously questioned Ryan about injuries on their daughter via text

A 4-month-old baby in Nebraska died from a brain injury consistent with shaking, and both of her parents have been arrested. Her dad claims that prior to her death, he and the baby were "playing rough."

Following the death of their baby daughter, Ryan and Tanya Greenwood of Lincoln, Neb., are behind bars, where they are both being held on suspicion of child abuse resulting in death, according to the Lincoln Police Department (LPD). They are also accused of denying the infant medical assistance, Nebraska outlet KOLN reported.

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In the early morning of Thursday, Aug. 14, around 5:30 a.m. local time, police responded to the couples apartment after Ryan, 36, called 911 to report that his baby daughter was dead, police said. Both he and Tanya, 28, were home when officers arrived.

The baby died of a traumatic brain injury consistent with shaking, KOLN reported, citing an official autopsy. A child abuse specialist also examined the infant, concluding that her fatal injuries were non-accidental, and that immediate medical attention could have improved her chance of surviving, according to the Lincoln outlet.

Lancaster County Jail Ryan Greenwood's mugshot Ryan Greenwood's mugshot

Ryan allegedly told police that the day before he called 911, he had been playing rough with his daughter, who subsequently began crying uncontrollably, KOLN reported.

He claimed he gave her a bottle and put her to bed late that night, but hours later, Tanya realized she did not wake up as usual, according to the outlet.

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The Lincoln dad said the infant was then found unresponsive and cold, per KOLN. He claimed he then attempted CPR on the baby before calling his mother, and then 911.

Tanya told a different story, according to KOLN.

During the investigation into her daughters death, the mother told authorities that on Aug. 13, she went grocery shopping, but returned to her daughters wails, which she described as the worst cry I had ever heard, per the outlet.

She also claimed that she wanted to seek medical help for the baby, but Ryan said not to.

Lancaster County Jail Tanya Greenwood's mugshot Tanya Greenwood's mugshot

The investigation later revealed that Tanya had witnessed Ryan shake their daughter when he was frustrated in the past, per KOLN. It also revealed that Tanya had searched online about shaken baby syndrome in the days after the infants death, the outlet reported, citing court records.

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Tanya had also previously texted Ryan inquiring about injuries she had observed on their daughter, KOLN reported, citing court records.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

It is not immediately clear whether the Greenwoods have obtained legal representation to comment on their behalf.

Ryan was arrested and booked into Lancaster County Jail on Tuesday, Aug. 26, and Tanya was booked on Thursday, Aug. 28, according to jail and police records viewed by PEOPLE. Their bonds are both set at $1.5 million.

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Lincoln police are asking anyone with information about this case to call 402-441-6000 and reference case number C5-070524.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Read the original article on People
Aug. 29The updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to become available in coming days, but whether it will be available to New Mexicans may depend on where they get their vaccinations.

State health officials say that the new COVID formulation could arrive at New Mexico pharmacies as early as next week and offered assurances Friday that the vaccines will be available to New Mexicans.

But don't count on getting a COVID vaccination from CVS anytime soon, and Walgreens may require a prescription.

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A spokeswoman for CVS said Friday that New Mexico is one of three states that require approval from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory committee to administer the vaccine.

"There are three states (Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico) where we are currently unable to offer COVID-19 vaccines at our pharmacies," CVS spokeswoman Amy Thibault said in a statement.

The reason? New Mexico requires approval from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which recommends vaccine policy to the CDC director, Thibault said.

"New Mexico requires ACIP approval," she said. "In that state, there's no option to administer the vaccine at the pharmacy until approved  even with a prescription."

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Obtaining guidance from the CDC vaccine advisory panel is uncertain this year because Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired every member of the panel in June. Kennedy has named replacements who have yet to make recommendations.

The panel is not scheduled to meet for three weeks. On Thursday, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, chairman of the Senate's health committee, called for the meeting to be postponed indefinitely.

David Morgan, spokesman for the state Department of Health, said the agency is investigating CVS' claim "and will provide more information as we learn more."

"Regarding CVS's position, New Mexico will ensure the COVID-19 vaccination will be available," Morgan said in an email. Manufacturers are shipping the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, which could begin arriving in New Mexico next week, he said.

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"The New Mexico Department of Health should receive vaccine in the weeks following," he said. "Pharmacies historically receive the first shipments from vaccine manufacturers."

A Journal reporter who attempted to schedule a COVID vaccination at a Walgreens on Friday was told to first obtain a prescription before scheduling a vaccination.

Also on Thursday, a slew of top CDC officials resigned or were fired, including Susan Monarez, the agency's director. President Donald Trump's press secretary said Thursday that Trump fired Monarez after she refused to resign, prompting the resignation of three other top CDC officials.

Cases of COVID-19 remain low in New Mexico but have edged upward in recent weeks. For the week ending Aug. 21, New Mexico reported a seven-day rolling average of 130 cases a day, up from 31 cases a day on July 21.

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"The number of COVID cases in New Mexico has slowly been rising since June but overall case numbers remain low," Morgan said.

Presbyterian Healthcare Services, the state's largest health care system, and smaller pharmacies around the state said Friday they are awaiting the arrival of the updated vaccine.

"We do plan to offer the newly approved COVID-19 vaccine once we receive it and will share updates as more information becomes available," said Presbyterian spokeswoman Kourtney Munoz.

Thibault said CVS expects to receive the updated COVID vaccines "in coming days" and will administer them in states where they are legally permitted to do so.

CVS will administer the vaccines without a prescription in 34 states, including Texas, Thibault said. In addition, CVS will offer the updated vaccine with a prescription in 13 other states, including Arizona and Colorado, she said.
The latest childhood vaccination statistics from UKHSA make for depressing reading. No childhood vaccine reaches the 95 per cent level of coverage necessary to protect every child, including those who cannot be immunised for medical reasons. These are the lowest levels since 2010/11. The figures are particularly disappointing because childhood vaccines have been in use for many years with a brilliant record of safety and efficacy. It should be every childs right to receive them.

Vaccine uptake depends upon two main factors: the willingness of parents or carers to bring children to be vaccinated and the accessibility of the places where the vaccine is delivered.

Although the evidence is not clear, it does seem that parental confidence in childhood vaccines has suffered in the backwash from the Covid vaccination campaigns. The exaggeration of benefits, confusing messaging and the resort to what amounted to compulsion have all left their mark.

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These have been compounded by a slowness openly to acknowledge the harms suffered by some who received the vaccine and a perceived lack of urgency and generosity in compensating them. In practice, bodies like JCVI responded very quickly to evidence of adverse effects. However, there has not been a clear public statement that the emergency situation meant less data than usual were available before the Covid vaccines were rolled out. Governments sometimes have to make hard choices but populations will generally accept these if there is an honest and transparent explanation. Ordinary parents can be forgiven for being confused and uncertain about whether the limitations of the Covid vaccine policies also applied to the vaccines they were being asked to give their children.

This confusion has been aggravated by the lack of contact with trusted sources of information, particularly health visitors. Health visitor numbers have declined significantly since a peak in 2015. During the pandemic, they were often confined to contacts by telephone or video call. In some areas, the workforce was raided to reinforce hospital staffing. The consequences are still emerging in areas like child protection, readiness for school or early detection of hearing and visual impairments.

What makes this especially disturbing is that the evidence of effectiveness has been around for 80 years. Early in World War II, the government became concerned about the threat of a diphtheria epidemic because of all the disruptions to childrens lives, from bombing and evacuation. A vaccine had been available since the 1930s but only adopted in a few towns and cities. Now there would be a national campaign. Much effort was put into mass media like press and cinema advertisements but the only thing that worked was health visitors knocking on doors and inviting parents to come to the local clinics. The media campaign was abandoned and health visitors who had been called up for military service were returned to their public health roles.

Personal relationships matter. It is one thing to have a minister or a chief medical officer telling parents what to do. It is quite another to have a conversation with someone you have known since you brought your child home from hospital.

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The professionals on the ground also know what it takes to get a child to a clinic. Policies get made by people who live in detached houses in affluent suburbs and think nothing of driving their SUV to the next suburb for their favoured health centre. Many of the poorest people in the UK rarely leave the few streets around them. No weekly shop in a big supermarket but daily visits to a convenience store. Their children deserve protection as much as those on the other side of town but this involves getting the vaccines into the neighbourhoods. That involves imagination  mobile clinics, pop-ups in community premises, even front rooms, minibuses to clinics, carrying groups for mutual support in leaving the area.

None of the major faiths in this country have a ban on childhood vaccines. There are a few zealots in all faiths but they can be sidelined by good relationships with accepted leaders, whether priests, rabbis or imams. Street-level professionals know who these influencers are and how best to work with them.

Public health needs to rediscover the value of the boots on the ground who were always the principal agents for its mission. Flirtations with apps, TikTok or nudges will not replace them. If, as a society, we believe that all children are entitled to the best protection we can give them, we must commit the resources and the people to make that happen.

Robert Dingwall is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Nottingham Trent University

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Iconic eatery Cracker Barrel changed their mind days after announcing a logo rebrand.

"We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have," the company said in a statement to USA TODAY on August 26. "Our new logo is going away and our 'Old Timer' will remain."

Earlier this month, Cracker Barrel unveiled a new simplified logo saying "The things you love about us will stay."

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Loyal lovers of comfort food were outraged by the change, seemingly forcing the brand to reconsider.

"The things that make us truly who we are  that's not changing," Cracker Barrel chief marketing officer Sarah Moore told Fox Digital on August 10. "We're just looking at ways to freshen up the experience so that we can open our door a bit wider for more guests."

The company -- which launched in September 1969 and has since become a nationwide staple -- has been undergoing many changes in recent months, including freshening up some of their stores.

Dozens of locations have gotten a facelift since May which involved fresh paint, new modern light fixtures and antiques organized into shadow boxes.

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"We are very pleased with the trajectory of our remodeled stores. Feedback from both guests and team members has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic about the refreshed dining and shopping experience," a spokesperson told People. "As with any change, we recognize that there may be a vocal minority who feel differently."

However, the company seemingly had a change of heart as they later walked back their stance and changed their mind on the new logo redesign.

"If the last few days have shown us anything, it's how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel. We're truly grateful for your heartfelt voices," the company said on August 25. "You've also shown us that we could've done a better job sharing who we are and who we'll always be."

This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Aug 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Food section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A crash on I-4 West in Orange County has blocked the left lane before mile marker 90 and State Road 414.

The incident occurred earlier today, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. Authorities have been working to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow.

Channel 9 contacted authorities regarding the crash and was last updated at 3:51 PM, showing that efforts to handle the situation are still in progress. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid delays, as the left lane remains blocked. A trooper is currently monitoring the area at the scene. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
WALKER, Mich. (WOOD)  A crash on northbound US-131 at I-96 in Walker snarled traffic Friday.

It happened around 5:30 p.m. Kent County dispatchers said injuries were reported, but its not yet known how many people were hurt or how seriously.

Its also not yet known how many vehicles were involved in the crash or what led up to it.

Inside woodtv.com: Live traffic conditions

All northbound lanes were closed for about 45 minutes, causing northbound traffic to back up to around the I-196 interchange in downtown Grand Rapids, a News 8 crew reported.

Around 6:15 p.m., only one northbound lane was blocked, the Michigan Department of Transportation said. The highway was reopened by about 6:30 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
A Connecticut man faces a federal charge accusing him of coercing an 11-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl into sending him explicit videos of themselves.

Christopher Rodriguez, 31, of Windsor was arrested Thursday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with coercion and enticement of a minor, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut.

Federal officials allege he used the social media applications LiveIn and Discord to communicate with an 11-year-old girl in Florida in October and November 2023, coercing her to send him an explicit video of herself.

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In November and December 2023, authorities allege Rodriguez posed as a teenager and communicated with a 13-year-old girl from Pennsylvania using Discord and iMessage. According to federal officials, he allegedly engaged in explicit conversations with her and coerced her to send him explicit images and videos of herself. He is also accused of allegedly sending the teen explicit images of himself.

Officials said Rodriguez was ordered detained during a hearing in federal court in Hartford. The charge he faces carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum of a life sentence, federal authorities noted.
A Connecticut man is desperately trying to get help from United States officials after he claims that his son and wife are not being allowed to leave Israel because of their Palestinian heritage.

Mahar Abdelghani said his wife Intifada and 14-year-old son Musa, who are American citizens, were supposed to fly back to the U.S. on Aug. 14 after a routine trip to the West Bank to visit family members.

According to Abdelghani, Israeli authorities allegedly denied them departure from Ben Gurion Airport to fly back home to Connecticut because theyre Palestinian.

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The Meriden resident, who moved to Connecticut from California in 2013, also alleges that his wife was searched unnecessarily over eight times by airport security staff and told to undress in front of male officers while being verbally degraded. In addition, he claims that security officials detained them for 12 hours after rejecting their U.S. passports and requesting Palestinian Authority documents despite the fact that they are U.S. citizens.

When I first found out, I thought I would be angry, but fear instantly took over me because I couldnt be there to protect them, Abdelghani said. Because when they do these things under the guise of security, and then hold my family in detention for 12 hours, while we know theres hostilities back in the streets of Tel Aviv against Palestinians, Im in absolute fear. This has happened to other people, too. But the West Bank is our home land. We will always go back despite knowing there is chance we may never come home.

The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Intifada and Musa Abdelghani arrived at Ben Gurion Airport with valid U.S. passports and confirmed Lufthansa tickets back to Connecticut. Intifada is a naturalized U.S. citizen and Musa was born in Indio, California.

My fear is they will find any reason to arrest my son and Ill never get him out. Because thats what we are seeing right now, Mahar Abdelghani said, referring to another teen who is currently detained in a military prison in Isreal due to a claim that he threw rocks at Israeli soldiers.

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According to officials, a 16-year-old Palestinian-American named Mohammed Ibrahim from Florida has been detained in an Israeli prison since February 2025, while his family continues to plead to the U.S. government for intervention in his case.

Abdelghani has sought assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, the State Department, U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, and U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal without any results, he said. The U.S. Embassy has advised the family to hire a lawyer. He said he has been in contact with his wife and son and that they are currently safe in the West Bank.

The State Department has ignored all responses so far from our Connecticut elected officials, Abdelghani said. On every entity, when it comes to the American Embassy, Blumenthal, Murphy and Hayes offices, they have all been ignored so far by the State Department.

The CAIR-CT is aiding the family and recently called on state elected officials and the Trump administration to demand the immediate release of Intifada and Musa.

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The U.S. government must act now to bring Intifada and Musa home, said CAIR-CT chairman Farhan Memon. This case raises troubling questions that go beyond one family. Are American citizens being treated differently abroad because of their Palestinian heritage? Why havent Connecticuts elected officials intervened more forcefully to protect their constituents? These are fundamental issues of equal treatment, freedom of expression and government accountability that demand answers.

Israel was admitted into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2023 on the condition that it provides reciprocal treatment to all American citizens, including Palestinian- and Arab-Americans, Memon said. The program requires that U.S. citizens be able to enter and depart Israel on equal terms, regardless of national origin or heritage. Memon said that it appears Israel is violating the program based on the treatment of Intifada and Musa.

I am tired of hearing deal with it, youre Palestinian. That breaks my heart, Abdelghani said. I am an American. I am a human. I am speaking up because I can only imagine my son will end up in prison or worse. I dont care about the politics, I want my family to come home.

The Courant reached out to Blumenthal and Murphy but did not hear back in time for this story.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority released its annual report covering July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025 on Friday, with the number of claims filed in the fiscal year 2025 increased by over 9% compared to 2024.

The CT Paid Leave program received 102,519 applications in the fiscal year, with 55,598 applications (54%) being an employees own illness or injury. The Authority approved 71,353 (about 80%) of the claims.

Former Stamford postal worker pleads guilty to stealing over $100K worth of checks from mail

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Of the denied applications, 71.33% were due to applicants not filing the requested documentation.

During the fiscal year, 65,138 Connecticut workers received over $448.3 million in approved benefit payments. The average weekly benefit payment was $759.43, and the average approved leave duration was 7.85 weeks.

The program received over $477.4 million over the fiscal year from 147,458 registered employees and 3,408 people who are self-employed or enrolled sole proprietors.

As of June 30, the trust fund balance was over $585.8 million.

In a statement, the CT Paid Leave Authority said that the program is now available to victims of sexual assault, workers at governmental entities like housing authorities, health districts, and transit districts.

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Starting in October, it was made available to employees of public school operators and non-public elementary and secondary schools who are in positions that do not require professional certification.

2025-ct-paid-leave-annual-reportDownload

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CVS Health is unable to offer updated annual COVID-19 vaccinations in several states, including Massachusetts, until a regulatory hurdle is cleared.

A spokesperson for CVS told The Hillnot that based on the current regulatory environment, the pharmacy chain will no offer the vaccinations as normal in the following states and territories:

Arizona

Colorado

Florida

Georgia

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Massachusetts

Nevada

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

Utah

Virginia

West Virginia

District of Columbia

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To offer the shots, pharmacists in these locations must have a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) panel.

The Boston Globe reported that this panel was not scheduled to meet for another three weeks.

And due to major resignations at the CDC, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who chairs the Senate Health Committee, called for the meeting to be delayed indefinitely.

This means people wanting the shot at more than 340 of these CVS pharmacies wont be able to do so until the advisory panel clears it, a CVS spokesperson told The Globe, regardless of whether the patient has a prescription for the vaccine.

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However, shots will still be available at roughly 40 CVS MinuteClinics inside the stores as they are governed by the state pharmacy board, rather than the state Department of Public Health (DPH).

Every state has different pharmacy regulations, CVS spokeswoman Amy Thibault told the Globe. We want to vaccinate everybody, but we have to follow the law.

Patients can also receive COVID-19 vaccines from their primary care providers once the doses are in stock.

However, Chief Infection Control Officer at Tufts Medicine, Dr. Shira Doron, told the newspaper that doctors offices might be unable to make up for the shots that would otherwise be given at CVS stores.

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This news comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for seniors and people with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, The Hill reported.

Modernas shots were approved for people in this cohort between the ages of six months and 64 years old, The Hill wrote. Pfizers vaccine was approved for people between five and 64 years old.

Originally, vaccinated people six months and older were eligible for at least one dose of either Moderna or Pfizers updated COVID-19 shots.

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CVS and Walgreens are now requiring a prescription or are not offering COVID-19 vaccines in some states as the companies attempt to follow state guidelines that require approvals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax for all seniors, but only for younger adults and children with health conditions.

In a statement, CVS said the pharmacy chain cannot vaccinate those even with a prescription in Massachusetts, Nevada and New Mexico due to state laws and regulations.

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"Based on the current regulatory environment," CVS said it's offering COVID-19 vaccinations in the following states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, 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.

CVS said the list of states offering COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription may change at any time.

In the other 16 states, CVS said it can administer a COVID-19 vaccination, depending on the patient's age, with an authorized prescriber's prescription.

In a statement, Walgreens said, "With the recent FDA approval of the 20252026 COVID-19 vaccine, Walgreens is prepared to offer the vaccine in states where we are able to do so."

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The FDA's decision to end emergency authorization for the Pfizer vaccine for children under 5 will limit vaccine choices for younger children, leaving the Moderna vaccine as the only vaccine available for those 6 months to 4 years old with at least one health condition. Last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics released vaccine recommendations that, for the first time in 30 years, differ from U.S. government advice.

In the guidance published Aug. 19, the AAP said it's "strongly recommending" COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years old. However, the CDC doesn't recommend COVID-19 shots for healthy children of any age, but instead says kids may get the shots in consultation with a physician.

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DENVER (KDVR)  CVS and Walgreens customers in Colorado will now need a prescription to get COVID-19 vaccines.

Colorado is one of 13 states where CVS will require prescriptions. In three states, CVS will not offer COVID-19 vaccines. Walgreens did not release a list of states with restrictions.

A spokesperson for CVS told FOX31 that the decision was based on the current regulatory environment and that the company was administering the vaccine in states where legally permitted. CVS said the list of states could change at any time. A Walgreens statement said it was prepared to offer the vaccine in states where we are able to do so.

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The Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 vaccines on Wednesday, but limited their use for people nationwide, also removing one of the two vaccines available for young children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet made a decision on vaccine recommendation this year. The CDC director was fired this week.

In some states, pharmacists can only administer vaccines approved by the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This year, a new Colorado law directed the state board of health to take into consideration the recommendations of additional medical groups.

Walgreens told FOX31 that customers could check eligibility by scheduling an appointment online or by phone. As of Friday evening, when attempting to book an appointment in Denver, the website said a prescription was required in Colorado.

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CVS said it will give the vaccine to customers with a prescription in the following states:

Colorado

Arizona

Florida

Georgia

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

New York

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

Utah

Virginia

West Virginia

The District of Columbia.

CVS is not offering COVID-19 vaccines in:

Massachusetts

Nevada

New Mexico

The CVS spokesperson said, We expect to receive the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines in the coming days.

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The updated vaccines are said by health officials to target a newer version of the evolving virus, which is expected to be shipped soon. However, there is no current timeline and access to the vaccines is heavily dependent on decisions by federal health advisers, health insurers, pharmacies and state agencies.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  A new cybersecurity law designed to encourage small businesses to strengthen their digital defenses is set to take effect on Monday.

Senate Bill 2610, authored by Texas Sen. Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso, limits civil liability for small businesses that experience a data breachprovided they have implemented a cybersecurity program that meets the standards outlined in the bill.

Its a way to encourage these small mom and pop businesses to add these additional protections for themselves and also for their customers, Blanco said. They could still be sued, but a judge or a jury cant pile on extra penalties such as punitive damages.

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According to Cornell Law School, punitive damages in civil lawsuits are considered a form of punishment, typically awarded when the defendants conduct is especially harmful. These damages are granted in addition to actual (compensatory) damages in certain cases.

Unlike large corporationswhen were having these conversations with small businessesthey tell us that they dont have big IT teams, they dont have the deep pockets for the large corporate cybersecurity measures that they take, Blanco said. What this bill does is it gives them both a clear roadmap for protecting data and for legal protectionif they take the right stepsto help level the playing field.

One way small businesses are building effective cybersecurity programs is through support from the Texas Cybersecurity Clinic at the University of Texas. Launched in 2023, the clinic provides customized cybersecurity services to Texas-based small businesses, nonprofits, and public sector organizations. The clinic is also in partnership with cybersecurity company Huntress.

Digital security is becoming increasingly important and relevant as were seeing small businesses and other organizations victimized by what we call malicious cyber actors on a daily basis, said Francesca Lockhart, the program lead at the Texas Cybersecurity Clinic. It can cause reputational damage. It can cause financial loss to your business.

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One local business the clinic partnered with is Standout Authority, a branding and marketing company. Rachel B. Lee, the co-owner Standout Authority, said that they experienced a breach that heavily impacted them prior to working with the clinic.

We had $15,000 stolen from us, Lee said. It looks like through a phishing email after investigation, the banking number had changed, and so instead of our employee being paid, that money was being completely stolen.

Since the breach, Lee says her company has established a cybersecurity program with the clinics assistance by educating employees and implementing security measures. Lee also emphasized for other small businesses to follow suit, so they dont find themselves vulnerable to breaches.

Unfortunately, what a [breach] happensuntil it happens to youits like number 25 on the list of things to do because were wearing so many hats, Lee said. I think education is just absolutely so important. The small things go a very long way for small businesses.

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With the cybersecurity law taking effect on Monday, Lee says its a step in the right direction to make sure small businesses can stay functional during a breach.

I think having some legislation and support to give a little bit of grace as companies, especially the small ones, are learning and systematically changing how they do business. Is just the right thing to do, Lee said.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30  Every problem in a country can be resolved through open dialogue at the negotiating table without the need for demonstrations, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in reference to the ongoing unrest in Indonesia.

According to Astro Awani, Zahid expressed confidence in Indonesian President Prabowo Subiantos ability to manage the crisis.

What is most important is that there is no problem that cannot be overcome. Everything can be brought to the negotiating table, and there is no need for rallies or demonstrations, he reportedly said.

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He made the remarks after attending Malaysia #QuranHour 2025 at Masjid Negara here today.

Zahid stressed, however, that his remarks are not intended to interfere in the affairs of another country.

We have no intention of interfering in any countrys affairs, especially those of our neighbours.

However, I believe President Prabowo is very approachable and open. God willing, any issue, big or small, can be negotiated and resolved, he said, as reported by Astro Awani.

Indonesia is experiencing widespread unrest following the death of 21-year-old delivery rider Affan Kurniawan, who was run over by a police armored vehicle during a protest near the parliament in Jakarta on August 28.

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The incident has sparked nationwide demonstrations, with protesters demanding justice and police reform.

In Makassar, South Sulawesi, protests escalated when demonstrators set fire to the regional parliament building, resulting in three fatalities and several injuries.

Similar protests have occurred in other cities, including Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya, with calls for accountability and systemic change.

Prabowo has condemned the polices actions as excessive and has ordered an investigation into the incident.

He expressed his condolences to Kurniawans family and pledged swift legal action if misconduct is found.
Police arrested a man for a bomb threat against ICE in Dallas earlier this week. Now, The Dallas Express has learned, he had previous run-ins with the law and was released from supervision just months prior.

The Bomb Threat

Bratton Dean Wilkinson, 36, arrived at the reporting entrance of the ICE Dallas Field Office on August 25, according to the press release. He claimed to have a bomb in his backpack around 6:37 p.m., and showed the security officer what he claimed was a detonator on his wrist.

So the officer called 911, and local police responded with the bomb squad. They issued a shelter-in-place order for the facility, home to the ICE Dallas Field Office and Enforcement and Removal Operations.

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Local law enforcement ultimately arrested Wilkinson, now charged with making terroristic threats. Police said the scene was all clear at 7:19 p.m.

Trouble with the Law

Wilkinson was arrested in Austin for obstructing a highway or passageway on September 10, 2022, according to court records obtained by The Dallas Express.

He allegedly blocked W. 24th Street and Guadalupe Street in Austin that day  intentionally, knowingly, and recklessly, according to the documents. He was apprehended that evening.

An alcohol evaluation was apparently a condition of his bail at the time. He pled nolo contendere  accepting punishment without admitting guilt  on February 21, 2024.

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A judge placed Wilkinson under community supervision for 12 months. This also required him to undergo drug and alcohol assessments, a drunk driving panel, and counseling/treatment. The order placed an ignition interlock  or a breathalyzer  on his car.

A judge ordered the removal of the breathalyzer on January 2, 2025.

On February 28, he was discharged from probation  just months before allegedly making a bomb threat against ICE in Dallas.

A Violent Pattern

Just two weeks before this latest incident, an ICE office in New York City received an envelope containing white powder. Less than a week ago, a rioter  in an Arab headdress  threatened to stab an ICE agent and target his family.

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This comes after Antifa militants ambushed an ICE facility near Fort Worth on July 4, wounding a police officer in the neck, as The Dallas Express reported. Investigators uncovered evidence suggesting anarchist motives, and one alleged shooter had a long history of far-left activism in the area.

These incidents come after months of smears and rhetoric by activists, politicians, and the media comparing ICE law enforcement to the Nazi Gestapo, kidnappers, and the Secret Police, an unnamed senior DHS official said in the release. All sanctuary politicians, activists, and the media need to turn down their temperature.
A 21-year-old Davenport man was in custody Saturday after Iowa State Patrol says he led a 90-mph chase through Davenport, according to Scott County Court arrest affidavits.

Jamarlin Wilson (Scott County Jail)

Jamarlin Wilson faces felony charges of second-degree theft and eluding  speed over 25 mph over the limit, and serious misdemeanor charges of interference with official acts  bodily injury and possession of a controlled substance  marijuana  first offense, arrest affidavits say.

Shortly after 11:30 p.m. Friday, Iowa State Patrol tried to stop a silver Nissan Altima with no plates at West Central Park Avenue/North Brady Street for no plates and a non-working front left headlight.

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Wilson, who was driving, failed to stop for a fully marked patrol car with red/blue flashing lights and sirens and initiated a pursuit. He ran every red light they came upon and reached speeds of 90 mph in the posted 45 mph zone on North Brady Street near East 46th Street, affidavits show.

Wilson passed several other vehicles using the roadway as the intended purpose,

show affidavits, which say he continued to operate the vehicle in a reckless manor and at a high rate of speed all the way up to the north end of Davenport.

Co-defendants fled the vehicle on foot after Iowa State Patrol performed a PIT maneuver (PIT stands for precision immobilization technique in which a pursuing vehicle forces another car to turn sideways by hitting the pursued car at an angle near its rear, which causes the second car to spin out and stop.)

The PIT maneuver was used at 65th and Western Avenue, but Wilson regained control and kept eluding, affidavits show.

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Police used another PIT maneuver to stop him in the 6200 block of Western Avenue, then Wilson took off and was caught after he was tackled to the ground. A uniformed police officer suffered minor hand injuries during the tackle, according to affidavits.

The Nissan had no registration. Wilson has a suspended license, police say in affidavits.

Police discovered the Nissan was stolen. The Kelley Blue Book fair market value for the car is about $3,769.

After he was read his Miranda Rights, Wilson admitted he does not know who owns the Nissan, affidavits say. Wilson had a clear plastic bag with marijuana in his front pants pocket, in the drivers door pocket, and the center console. The total packaged weight is estimated about 5 grams.

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Wilson, who was being held on a cash-only $11,000 bond in Scott County Jail, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Sept. 9 in Scott County Court.

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Aug. 30 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1780, Gen. Benedict Arnold betrayed the United States when he promised secretly to surrender the fort at West Point to the British army. He fled to England where he died in poverty, and his name became synonymous with treason.

In 1918, Fanta Kaplan, a member of the Socialist Revolutionary Party, attempted to assassinate Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Lenin, shooting him twice. He survived wounds to each shoulder, one of which pierced his lung.

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In 1945, Gen. Douglas MacArthur landed in Japan to oversee the country's formal surrender at the end of World War II. MacArthur told United Press Japan's "punishment for her sins, which is just beginning, will be long and bitter."

In 1954, Hurricane Carol prompted evacuations along the North Carolina coast. The storm later battered states along the northern eastern seaboard and killed 72 people.

On August 30, 1983, Guion Bluford became the first Black astronaut in space. File Photo courtesy of NASA

In 1963, a hotline was established between Washington, D.C., and Moscow, allowing President John F. Kennedy direct phone access to the Kremlin for the first time.

In 1967, the nomination of Thurgood Marshall to the U.S. Supreme Court was confirmed. Marshall was the first African American to sit on the court.

Evacuee children wait for the next flight after being manifested at Hamid Karzai International Airport, in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 19, 2021. File Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Andries/USMC

File Photo courtesy Library of Congress

In 1983, Guion Bluford became the first Black American astronaut in space aboard the Challenger as part of the STS-8 mission. Bluford participated in four Space Shuttle missions, his final in 1992.

On August 30, 2011, two U.S. Justice Department officials charged with overseeing the failed government gun-smuggling operation "Fast and Furious" were replaced. File Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

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In 1994, the Lockheed and Martin Marietta corporations agreed to a merger that would create the largest U.S. defense contractor.

In 2003, more than 120 people, including prominent Shiite cleric Ayatollah Mohammad Baqir al-Hakim, were killed in a bomb attack on Iraq's Imam Ali Mosque.

Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and Gen. Yoshijiro Umezu of Japan sign the "complete capitulation of Japan" on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo. On August 30, 1945, Gen. Douglas MacArthur landed in Japan to oversee the country's formal surrender at the end of World War II. File Photo by Ed Hoffman/UPI

In 2003, a Russian K-159 nuclear-powered submarine was lost in the Barents Sea, claiming the lives of nine of its 10-member crew. Russian authorities blamed negligence by navy officials.

In 2011, two senior U.S. Justice Department officials charged with overseeing the failed government gun-smuggling "sting" operation dubbed "Fast and Furious" were replaced amid bitter congressional criticism of the mission. The plan was to pass thousands of weapons to suspected Mexican gun smugglers and trace them to drug leaders, but hundreds of firearms were lost, some showing up at crime scenes, including the 2010 slaying of a U.S. Border Patrol agent.

A visitor walks past a US made Lockheed Martin army surface to surface missile on the opening day of the Eurosatory international exhibition for Land and Land-air Defene in Villepinte, north of Paris, June 12, 2006. The show is to run until June 16. File Photo by Eco Clement/UPI

In 2021, the United States completed its evacuation mission at the international airport in Afghanistan, officially bringing an end to the longest war in U.S. history.

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In 2024, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension of the social media platform X across the country after it missed a deadline to name a local legal representative. The ban was lifted in October.

Storm surge from Hurricane Carol batters the coast of Connecticut on August 31, 1954. On August 30, 1954, Hurricane Carol prompted evacuations in North Carolina. File Photo courtesy NOAA
Growing up in south Mississippi with a birthday near the height of hurricane season, I often joke I had more birthdays without power than with, but Hurricane Katrina in particular sticks in my mind. I was 8 years old when the storm made landfall, exactly a week before my 9th birthday.

We were lucky. My grandparents left the city of Pascagoula when my father was a teenager, building a house on a hill on a 40-acre plot of former pine lumber land. Our land was battered but mostly safe, as the winds werent the problem. The storm surge dealt the most damage to the coastal counties.

There are two things I remember from my childhood experience with Katrina after my mom and dad finally brought us back from our short stay in evacuation: I had lost my favorite climbing tree  a young crab apple that was maybe a decade older than I was  and the lack of power for what felt like an eternity but was in actuality about a month.

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It was fun at first  similar to camping  taking bucket baths in the night with cold water pumped from our wells in short bursts of generator power. I felt like a little soldier gnashing on the meals-ready-to-eat procured by my parents and grandparents. The impromptu extension of summer break was also enjoyable, at least at first. As time dragged on, I ran out of books to read, got tired of begging my grandmother for batteries for my Game Boy and helping my grandfather clean up the yard before he was pulled out of retirement to help rebuild the phone lines in the region.

I dont remember the day we got power back, but if youve never experienced long bouts without reliable electricity in the Mississippi heat to finally be rewarded with the hum of an air conditioner, youve missed out on a formative religious experience. With power comes a sense of normalcy. I saw the devastation, rubbernecking with my grandparents on the way to get supplies from the National Guard at the fairgrounds, but the cruel reality of natural disasters is when things begin to become normal.

When I returned to school, (ours was the first to reopen in the district, to my chagrin) it was packed with children from other schools in the district. Many of them had lost everything, and it truly put into perspective how lucky my family was.

Katrina was a fixture for much of my childhood. The ripple effects are felt even to this day. Foundation slabs still pock the faces of every city on the coast. I rarely talk about my experience because so many suffered more than my family. But it is still important to remember on this day, 20 years ago, my home changed forever.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A 19-year-old man will spend the next 14 years in prison after being sentenced Friday for two armed carjackings, according to the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) for the District of Columbia.

Erick Alvarenga, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty on June 23 to two counts of carjacking and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to court documents, Alvarenga was charged with his involvement in two carjackings that occurred days apart, with one taking place on Dec. 28, 2024, and another on Jan. 3, 2025.

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Arlington police arrest 15 in Pentagon City retail theft crackdown

Court documents said on Dec. 28, around 4:45 a.m., Alvarenga and co-conspirator Malik Kearney approached a victim in a Jeep SUV parked in the 6100 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. Alvarenga was armed with a black handgun and demanded that the victim exit the car and give him his keys.

The two then drove away in the victims vehicle.

On Jan. 3, around 3 p.m., a second victim had finished filling up his Dodge sedan at a gas station when he was blocked in by Alvarenga, who was driving the Jeep he had stolen days prior, so that the victim could not escape. Kearney then approached the victim, armed with a handgun, and ordered him out of his car before stealing his car and driving away in the same direction as Alvarenga.

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According to court documents, the two were arrested later that day, and two firearms were seized, with one displaying a removed serial number and the other being a PMF ghost gun.

The two have since remained in custody. Kearney pleaded guilty in June and is set to be sentenced on October 10.

The incident was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.

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At least two people have died from a flesh-eating bacteria they contracted from eating raw oysters harvested in Louisiana, underscoring what health authorities say is a notable rise in infections.

An official announced the two fatalities at a Louisiana Oyster Task Force meeting earlier this week, a state health official confirmed. According to local outlet WBRZ, one of the deceased ate the oysters at an in-state restaurant, while the other ate them at a Florida eatery.

The fatalities were cased by Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria that occurs in warm coastal waters and is more common between May and October when water temperatures are higher  though scientists say climate change is expanding that risk.

Related: Flesh-Eating Bacteria Have Killed 4 People In Florida  Here's How They're Spreading

Emma Herrock, communications director for the Louisiana Department of Health, told HuffPost that Louisiana has counted 22 cases of Vibrio vulnificus this year, not including the Florida case. All were hospitalized, and a total of four have died.

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Thats an alarming increase from the same time period over the past 10 years, which have averaged seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death annually, the department warned last month.

Freshly shucked wild oysters at a restaurant in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by: Edwin Remsberg/VW PICS/UIG via Getty Image) VW Pics via Getty Images

Its possible to contract the bacteria from eating any raw or undercooked seafood from warmer waters, but consuming raw oysters, which feed themselves by filtering seawater, is one of the more significant risk factors. Its impossible to tell whether an oyster is infected by looking at, smelling or eating one, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn.

Theres a bigger risk of contracting the virus when exposing open wounds to seawater. Herrock told HuffPost that those exposures accounted for about 82% of the 22 cases in Louisiana this year.

Vibrio vulnificus infection can result in gastrointestinal illness, wound infection or blood poisoning, health officials said. About one in five people with the infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill, the state warned. Others may require limb amputation or extended hospitalization.

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Earlier this month, a Louisiana man recounted his Vibrio vulnificus infection to CNN, saying that a day after he noticed a scratch on his leg while crabbing in the bayou, he woke up to a fever, vomiting and blackening sores spreading across his scratched leg. He immediately sought medical attention  a decision doctors told him saved his life.

I was given a 50/50 chance of coming out of the hospital alive, he said of the moments before he was rushed into an operating room to cut away the infection. He spent three weeks in the hospital.

Climate change is likely making Vibrio vulnificus more common, scientists say. A 2023 study found that warming waters on the U.S. eastern seaboard are likely to result in a doubling of cases by 20412060. Another study from last year found that such infections have increased eightfold in the eastern U.S. between 1988 and 2018.

Related: Gaps Collab With Diverse Pop Group Goes Viral After Sydney Sweeney American Eagle Controversy

The bacteria is already showing up more in previously unseen places, the 2024 study noted. In summer 2023, there were 12 cases in major population centers of New York and Connecticut  regions where infections were virtually nonexistent until recently, the studys authors said. The shift correlates with a 27% increase in favorable conditions for Vibrio vulnificus along the northeastern coastline.

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Warming waters from climate change are also expanding plankton communities, which serve as excellent reservoirs for Vibrio vulnificus, that 2024 study noted.

Bigger, more frequent natural disasters  another result of climate change  also appear to help spread the bacteria. In Florida, scientists have observed Vibrio vulnificus outbreaks directly after major storms washed seawaters ashore, the 2024 study shared.

The 2023 study noted that overall annual costs associated with Vibrio vulnificus are estimated at $320 million, making it the most expensive marine pathogen in to treat in the U.S.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) -Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham slams city council for objecting to the use of Community Development Block Grant funds for the citys firefighters.

CDBG funds come from the federal government and can be used for certain types of municipal spending. Kraham says that the city is at risk of these funds being clawed back by the Trump administration if they are not spent.

He proposed that 368 thousand dollars of the funding be spent on turnout gear that firefighters wear and two med car emergency response vehicles, as the fire department responds to EMS calls as well.

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City council rejected this proposal, as three of the seven members objected, three voted in favor of it, and one member was absent. A three-to-three draw meant that it could not pass without a majority in favor of it.

Kraham says firefighters receiving the funding for equipment is essential.

Mayor Jared Kraham says, City council failed to support this funding. The fire department needs this equipment, there is no alternative sources available right now. Waiting until next years budget is not an option. They need this equipment and they need it now.

Councilmember and Majority Leader Rebecca Rathmell says the CDBG funds should be going towards affordable housing, as that should be the number one priority in Binghamton given the housing crisis.

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Rathmell says that Kraham has spent 8 years dismantling the existing affordable housing in the city to create luxury and student housing.

She says the city has over 700 thousand dollars in their budget in unspent CDBG funding and has not been forthright in communicating that to the council.

Kraham says Binghamton uses more funding for affordable housing than any other municipality in Broome County.

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  Supporters and opponents of an effort to change the name of Columbus Park in Binghamton plan to make their opinions known at a town hall meeting next month.

A committee of City Council is hosting the public discussion at the request of the Broome-Tioga NAACP. The civil rights organization says it believes the park should have a more inclusive name that honors the neighborhoods rich African-American history.

While the area around Columbus Park was known for having many Italian-American families and businesses in the 1900s, it was originally a Black neighborhood in the 1800s.

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In fact, Trinity A-M-E Zion Church and the first school for Black students originally stood where the park is now.

Reverend Damond Wilson is President of the NAACP and pastor of Trinity AME Zion which is now located on Oak Street in the First Ward.



Wilson says given Columbuss controversial connection to the colonization of the Western Hemisphere, the park should have a name that better represents the historic neighborhood.

Rev. Damond Wilson says, People want their culture to be celebrated and currently its not. So, as the NAACP, we want to progress the cultural significance of the people who live in this neighborhood going back in history.

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Former Binghamton Mayor Rich Bucci is a member of a committee of concerned citizens who do not want the name changed.

Bucci says his group believes there should be a tribute to the rich history of African-Americans in Binghamton, but it should not be a reason to displace or dishonor another ethnic community.

Bucci says the Italian immigrant experience in America was a difficult one.

Former Binghamton Mayor Rich Bucci says, We faced poverty, prejudice, discrimination and even at times exploitation. So for the Italian immigrants dealing with all of that, Columbus became a symbol. A symbol of hope, a symbol of achievement , a symbol of Italian heritage. It was a way of them demonstrating, We do belong here because Columbus played a role in the birth of this nation.

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The town hall will take place Tuesday September 9th at 6 oclock in the Columbus Park Recreation Center.

Wilson says all are welcome, including those who live outside of the neighborhood or outside of the city and even those who oppose the name change.

The NAACP has been running a survey on the topic.

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PRICEVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  After a month-long investigation, the Priceville Police Department arrested a Decatur woman on Saturday for theft.

On July 30, a local business reported a theft by an employee, which led to an investigation.

The business said that about $10,000 in unauthorized charges were made on a company credit card that the employee had.

PPD said when officers had enough evidence and reviewed it, a warrant for first-degree theft of property was issued for Dayna Ferrell King, 44, of Decatur.

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This led to investigators arresting King on Aug. 30 on the felony warrant and taking her to the Morgan County Jail.

PPD said she is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.

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ACEN Corp. said Thursday the 600-megawatt Monsoon Wind Power Project in southern Laos has started commercial operations, becoming what it called Asias first cross-border renewable energy project.

The facility officially reached its commercial operation on Aug. 22, the company said in a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

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ACEN, a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp., said the clean power flows from the mountains of southern Laos into Vietnam, which helps strengthen regional energy security and boost economic growth.

The project, which has 133 wind turbines, is located in the Dak Cheung District of Sekong Province and the Sanxay District of Attapeu Province.

Energy from the wind project travels through four 115 kilovolt (kV) substations before connecting to Vietnams 500 kV transmission system.

The project was initiated by Thailands Impact Electrons Siam (IES) and is developed and operated by Monsoon Wind Power Co. Ltd., a company incorporated in Laos.

The project is backed by an international consortium of shareholders including IES, ACEN, Thailands BCPG Public Company Limited and STP&I Public Company Limited, Japans Mitsubishi Corp. and its subsidiary Diamond Generating Asia, and Laos SMP Consultation Sole Co. Ltd.

Financing for the project came from a group of regional and global lenders, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Thailand), Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation (HKMC), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), Kasikornbank (KBANK) and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB).

Construction of the project was led by PowerChina, with wind turbines supplied by Envision Energy.

This is a proud and historic moment for our company, our partners, and the region, Nat Hutanuwatr, managing director of the Monsoon Wind Power Co., said in the statement.

Paradai Suebma, chairwoman of Monsoon Wind Power, said the achievement stands as a testament to the determination, innovation, and collaboration of everyone involved.
In our In the Spotlight stories, Herald-Leader journalists bring you continuing coverage of news and events important to our Central Kentucky community. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com.

Amid a budget crisis, a Fayette County Public SchoolS board member says Superintendent Demetrus Liggins must make public a list of district salaries with employee names attached, which is customary for many Kentucky public agencies.

When Monica Mundy made that request to Liggins Thursday night at a school board meeting, he said he was totally open to that. He asked Mundy to provide him with what she would like to see in addition to whats already provided every month.

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Mundy emailed Liggins Friday with an example of what she was asking for: Name, salary, job title, and department of each employee in the district annually.

Liggins replied by email less than 30 minutes later: Thank you for the example. We will create a database to add to our transparency website.

The transparency discussion comes as FCPS faces a $16 million budget shortfall and intense public criticism over a previous attempt to raise the occupational license tax, along with the revelation the districts contingency fund is millions of dollars smaller than anticipated.

Its not the first time Liggins has been asked to release more salary and position information.

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Board member Amanda Ferguson on Friday provided the Herald-Leader with emails that show she has been making a request of Liggins for greater detail in salary and position information since 2023, noting the district provided more information in the past.

The emails show Liggins said he would provide more information and had apologized in 2024 for not delivering it. Ferguson said Friday that despite this, the information has never been given to her or made public.

For most of my career, my own salary has been listed in a publicly available database alongside thousands of other employees, Mundy told the Herald-Leader Friday.

Mundy is a University of Kentucky employee.

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Under Kentucky law, salaries of public employees are a public record. Several major institutions in Kentucky  including state government, Jefferson County Public Schools and public universities  already publish annual databases that include employee names, job titles, departments and salaries, Mundy said.

I understand this level of transparency can be uncomfortable for some, but it serves an important purpose. It promotes transparency in how the vast majority of our school districts budget is spent, ensures accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars, and fosters openness with the community, Mundy said.

Until a few years ago, the district regularly provided the position, the salary, the dates a position was created and the fund source, as shown in a 2021 document on the district website.

The June 2025 position control document on the district website had three columns. The first said, for example, contract employee with no employee name; the second described a position in generic terms, such as administrative dean; and the third provided a salary.

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There was no date of when the position was created or the fund source, as Ferguson had been seeking.

(Former board member) Tom Jones and I both started requesting that the position control document be re-added to the agenda in its original format sometime in late 2023 or early 2024. It has never returned to the regular agenda in that format, Ferguson told the Herald-Leader Friday.

On Sept. 22, 2023, Ferguson wrote to Liggins in an email, Thank you for including the position control document on this months agenda. Is there a reason the format has changed? In the past, it included salaries and the creation date of each position, and I would like to see that information as well.

Two days later, Liggins wrote to Ferguson, Thank you for your prompt attention to the position control document on this months agenda. I appreciate your diligence in reviewing the information.

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Regarding the format change, the adjustment was made due to the fact that the previous format proved to be extremely laborious and time-intensive, often requiring the involvement of several departments over an extended period. In an effort to streamline the process and allocate resources more efficiently, we opted for a more streamlined presentation, Liggins wrote.

However, I want to assure you that I understand the importance of the additional details you mentioned, specifically the inclusion of salaries and creation dates for each position. Given your request, I will have my team allocate the necessary time and resources to provide this information in the format you find most beneficial. It will not be ready in time for Mondays board meeting though.

As soon as it is complete, I will send it to you via email.

That information never arrived.

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Ferguson wrote another email to Liggins May 3, 2024, asking again for more complete salary and position information.

I am revisiting this email from last fall and requesting that a full position control document be included on the board agenda each month. By full, I mean one that shows not only new positions for the fiscal year but all positions including salaries, creation dates, and funding source, Ferguson said.

She added: Transparency and fiscal responsibility are important to me, and I think taxpayers should be able to see this information on a regular basis.

On May 4, 2024, Liggins replied, Thanks for following back up about this. I apologize for not completing this task as intended. Im not entirely sure where things fell through, but I take full responsibility for not following up as I had planned and mentioned in my previous email.

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As I explained in that email, creating this report is quite labor-intensive and involves coordination with several other departments. Considering the current workload on our budget team this month, with the extensive work required for finalizing the tentative budget, and the increased demands on many other departments due to the closing of the school year, Im hesitant to add this additional task to their plates, Liggins wrote.

He added, That being said, I completely agree with your sentiment regarding transparency. Its worth noting that weve made significant strides towards transparency during my tenure, including the introduction of initiatives like the Financial Transparency Dashboard and the Salary Calculator. Nevertheless, Ill make sure it gets done this time, although I cant commit to a specific timeline.

But Friday, nearly 16 months after Liggins pledge to provide the information, Ferguson said shes still waiting.

Liggins had not as of Saturday afternoon responded to Herald-Leader interview questions about the issue and the requests.

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In addition to the more specific salary and position information, Ferguson is also asking for a list of positions at the districts Central Office that have been previously cut. Liggins has said several jobs totaling $9 million have been eliminated in the office.

Id like to see that list of positions, Ferguson said.

Fayette County occupational license tax rate increase

An advertisement for a Friday, Sept. 5 public hearing in Fridays Herald-Leader says discussion may include mention of a previous proposal requesting the levy of an occupational license tax of 0.75 percent.

However, Thursday night, Liggins said he was recommending the proposal be taken off the table.

Friday, district spokesperson Miranda Scully told the Herald-Leader, The ad in todays paper was scheduled to post prior to last nights meeting. The OLT is off the table, as stated in the Herald Leader.
Delray Beach city officials are gearing up to attend a state hearing Tuesday  trying to keep the citys LGBTQ+ pride intersection despite orders from the state to remove it.

The Florida Department of Transportation has been cracking down on road markings across the state, including recently removing the rainbow crosswalk in front of Orlandos former Pulse nightclub in the middle of the night.

And Delray Beachs upcoming hearing is the first  if not one of the first  where local government officials will meet directly with the transportation department over the street-art issue.

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The outcome of Tuesday, Sept. 2, will direct or guide the citys action and response, Delray Beach City Manager Terrence Moore told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

While Delray Beach could be the first city to go head-to-head with the state before a judge, some other municipalities have chosen to keep their pavement markings, at least for now, such as Fort Lauderdale and Key West. Other cities, such as West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach, opted to remove their LGBTQ+ rainbow markings.

Aubrey Jewett, a University of Central Florida political scientist, said Tuesdays hearing is potentially quite important because well see if the state is going to have any wiggle room at all for the crosswalk art.

Will they just sort of summarily dismiss Delray Beach and their arguments, or will they actually listen to them? Jewett said. It will show other local governments whether there is any use in trying the same thing, right?

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Even if Delray Beach fails, you may have some others try it, but I will just say, if Delray Beach fails, then its a pretty good indication that the state is not going to allow any exceptions.

Beyond being an issue that many opponents say targets the LGBTQ+ community, city officials also have criticized the states actions as an act of government overreach, especially because some of the markings exist on city-owned roads.

The states have almost all the power, Jewett said. Local governments are creatures of the state. The states can create them, the states can abolish them, the states control them, and the local governments only have as much discretion and choice as the state allows. And thus thats a long way of saying that if the state is determined that we are not going to have art in crosswalks, then they are likely to be able to get their way.

This is despite Florida having a history of moving toward home rule and allowing local government officials to make their own decisions, Jewett said.

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Republicans in particular used to really stress that as part of their overall ideology that the lower levels of government, local governments, should have more discretion, but we have seen that sort of change in the last five to 10 years, Jewett said. This is one more instance.  This seems like a pretty picky and petty thing to be coming after.

If the state does not rule in Delray Beachs favor, city spokesperson Gina Carter wrote in an email that all administrative remedies will be exhausted.

If the city does not prevail, the City Commission will determine if the city will proceed to the next step, which is litigation, Carter wrote.

On Thursday, attorney Howard Dubosar, Delray Beachs outside counsel  whose firm also represents Fort Lauderdale and Key West  sent an email to the Florida Department of Transportation district secretary Steven Braun requesting a formal hearing to replace the informal hearing taking place on Tuesday. But Tuesdays hearing is expected to move forward as originally planned.

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The informal hearing is simply an opportunity to present a legal argument, Carter wrote, whereas a formal hearing would have allowed Delray Beach to present witnesses and testimony to assist the decision-maker in resolving factual disputes, much like a trial before a judge in a courtroom.

The city believes that there are factual issues in dispute that warrant a formal hearing, Carter wrote. City leaders strongly believe in the concepts of due process and fairness.

Even though this process will not occur in a formal courtroom, those basic principles should always be present in all facets of government, whether in an administrative hearing or in a case being argued before the Supreme Court.
President Donald Trumps recent focus on urban crime presents a classic dilemma for Democrats.

If they point out that his lurid portrait of a violent epidemic is inaccurate, they risk turning off voters who agree with him on an emotional level. But if they go along with it, they risk legitimizing his power grab.

Trump and his Republican allies clearly hope to ride this issue all the way into next years midterms, so Democrats need to come up with a counteroffensive soon.

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Fortunately for them, there is a group of Democrats who know exactly how to run  and win  while talking about fighting crime effectively: big-city mayors.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott told me that they are in a much better position than members of Congress or other national Democratic leaders to push back against Trump on crime.

They should be lifting us up and allowing us to be the folks that are pushing the message, instead of trying to do the same thing that they always do, he said. They dont know anything about reducing crime and violence. They dont have to do it. They dont have to deal with it.

Democrats dont just win mayoral races in the U.S. these days; they dominate them. Twenty-one of the 25 biggest cities in the U.S. are run by Democrats.

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In each of those races, they face a similar set of local issues: taxes, schools and crime.

On the national level, voters tend to trust Republicans more to fight crime, yet Democrats regularly win mayoral races on the issue. Thats because they take the issue seriously.

When crime happens, mayors are the first responders of politics. After a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school earlier this week, Mayor Jacob Frey gave an emotional speech from the scene about the need for more than just thoughts and prayers.

Mayors also understand at a gut level something national Democrats often overlook, which is that emotional truth matters as much as the facts on the ground.

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Its a similar issue Democrats faced with the economy in 2024. The macroeconomics and the data sheets pointed to a resilient economy, but how people felt about the economy overpowered all of that.

At the local level, the same is true for crime. You cant win a race for mayor by pointing to a spreadsheet if voters are scared.

Every good police executive also has to be concerned about the perception of crime. If the numbers are going down and people are not feeling safe, then youre in the same place. You have a crime problem, said former Rep. Val Demings, who previously served as a police chief.

Like most Democrats, Demings thinks Trumps decision to send armed National Guard troops into D.C. and take over the local police department is a political stunt and a massive overreach.

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But at the same time, she was clear the party has to embrace a smarter message on public safety, an issue that cuts across race, education and socioeconomic status.

When Republicans propose throwing more police at the problem, Democrats can be the party that focuses on initiatives that have been tested and shown to reduce the social ills that caused decay in the first place, such as high unemployment, substandard education and poor housing and living conditions, she said.

Other Democratic strategists said that the party will also need to talk directly to the people hurt by crime, making sure they feel heard and having nuanced conversations that dont just resort to talking points.

Polls show that Democrats face a crime problem. A recent AP-NORC survey found that two-thirds of U.S. adults think crime is a major problem in the country overall, and 81% think its a major concern in cities.

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At the same time, only 24% of voters thought crime was a major problem in their own community.

Trump could easily overplay his hand, too. While the majority of respondents supported the idea of having the U.S. military and National Guard assist local police, most opposed the idea of the federal government taking control of a police department, as Trump did in D.C.

It was also easier for Trump to send the National Guard into D.C., which is not a state. If he follows through on his threat to send it into cities such as Baltimore, Chicago and New York over the objection of state and local officials, the mood might shift.

The mayors of those cities could play a big role in that.

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Baltimores Scott, who is in constant touch with other Democratic mayors of big cities, says they are frustrated that the national party isnt making more use of them.

Imagine if the Democratic National Committee held weekly events with mayors across the country on what they are doing to reduce crime. Or if the DNC or any of the other organizations tasked with winning elections were cutting and funding ads that could uplift the work of these mayors across the country.

Is it a silver bullet? No. But just spewing facts at people isnt going to solve the perception issue.

There is no way to have a winning message or strategy around gun violence, the drop in crime and all of that, and not include local mayors. Because at the end of the day, when it goes bad, they too are calling the mayor. What are you and the police doing? What is this community violence intervention group doing? So now, let us lead. And you can lead from behind, he said.

For more thought-provoking insights from Eugene Daniels, watch The Weekend every Saturday and Sunday from 7 to 10 a.m. ET on MSNBC.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Locked out of power throughout the country, Democrats see ruby-red Iowa as one of their best shots at mounting a conservative state comeback in the upcoming midterms.

And they believe Sen. Joni Ernsts retirement , made public Friday, is the latest sign that a state President Donald Trump won by double digits presents an offensive opportunity for them next year.

Ernsts pending exit comes as Iowa Auditor Rob Sand, the only Democrat elected statewide, runs for governor to replace departing Republican Kim Reynolds. Democrats are also enthused about picking off Republicans in Congress in a couple of potentially competitive House races in the Hawkeye State.

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And while Iowa presents an uphill climb for Democrats, who have not won a presidential election there since 2012, the party has some cause for optimism: they overperformed in four state legislative special contests this year, including winning in a plus-11 Trump district this week. Democrats are anticipating air cover from their party nationally as they head into an election cycle that will determine whether they can claw back any control in Washington.

We haven't, as Democrats, had an organized, coordinated campaign since 2018 and that's one of the many things that I think is going to happen, said state Rep. J.D. Scholten, a Democrat who came 3 points from defeating a House Republican in a deep-red district in 2018 . He predicted the states Senate and gubernatorial candidates would be well-funded, adding, I think that will go a long ways."

Catelin Drey, the Democrat whose victory this week broke Republicans legislative supermajority, received significant financial support from the state party as the Democratic National Committee deployed its organizing team toward the end of the campaign. From Florida to Pennsylvania, Democrats have outperformed the 2024 presidential ticket in nearly 40 specials across the country this year, but the party has found the most consistent success in Iowa.

The idea that Democrats are going to reclaim any ground in Iowa two years after they lost complete control in Washington  and while they piece their party together amid record-low approval ratings  is difficult to imagine. Many Republicans dismiss it outright. Even some strategists and party officials on the left admit they may be overly hopeful. But Democrats in Iowa think Republicans are vulnerable because they have fumbled both hyper-local and national issues in the state, and believe that anti-Trump sentiment will drag down the GOP.

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The prospect of taking back the Midwestern state that was once a top national battleground  one that is home to many working-class and rural voters whom the party has lost to the GOP  is too alluring for Democrats to ignore. Former President Barack Obama won Iowa twice and Democrat Tom Harkin held a Senate seat there from 1985 to 2014.

Perhaps recognizing the state could be an opportunity for the opposing party, the White House privately tried and failed to persuade Ernst to run for reelection.

Democratic leaders said their key to success in the recent special elections has been hammering an affordability message.

Democrats have really risen. They're very motivated, said Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. They recognize how important it is that we win some elections here, and that's why all eyes are now on 2026.

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Despite Harts positive assessment, Democrats were clobbered in 2024 and have yet to recover their reputation nationally, leading to endless intra-party debate about the best path forward.

Most Iowa Republicans laughed off the possibility of a blue wave in Iowa. They said they are confident about their odds of hanging onto Ernsts Senate seat despite losing a proven incumbent. Rep. Ashley Hinson plans to enter the Senate field by the end of September with wide backing among Iowa Republicans.

However, a GOP strategist, granted anonymity in order to speak freely, said Republicans are more worried about Sands gubernatorial campaign, which raised $2.25 million in the first 24 hours after its launch, breaking a state record. Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra has formed an exploratory committee, and will likely face a crowded primary field.

Rob is a proven communicator, the strategist said. Rob is just running as I'm not actually a Democrat. Hes just different.

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Democrats spree of special election wins  starting in January when a Democrat flipped a statehouse seat in a district Trump won by 21 points  has made some Iowa Republicans uneasy. But most GOP operatives maintain that Democrats lack the necessary base of support to pull off a statewide win, and dismiss the results as isolated bursts of energy.

While that's a big get for the Democrats here, I just still do not see the type of organizing on the ground or the infrastructure that's necessarily going to yield widespread statewide results in 2026, said Tyler Campbell, a Republican strategist in Iowa.

Some in the GOP said there is a deeper dissatisfaction at play in the results.

Republican Woodbury County Supervisor Mark Nelson took to Facebook this week to unload after Drey won her state Senate race, which he said prompted a lot of questions and anger at GOP officials.

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I dont think it was about Donald Trump at all, he said. I think it was about Kim Reynolds and I think its about what the Republicans have done in the Iowa legislature for several years now.

He cited a state battle over eminent domain, which culminated in June when Reynolds vetoed a bill that would have limited private pipelines use of the controversial practice. The taking of private property for private gain is just wrong. It just is. Im sorry, governor, he added.

Democrats cite other issues driving voters to question their allegiance to the GOP, including a lackluster regional economy, a controversial privatized Medicaid system and environmental concerns . Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said earlier this month that what were seeing is basically a recession economy in Nebraska and Iowa right now.

Democrats also argue Iowas massive expansion of school vouchers under Reynolds has hurt public schools, another issue the party believes helps them with independents and Republicans. Private schools have boomed since the passage of Iowas school choice law in 2023  which allows parents to send children to those institutions using state funds  while more than a dozen public schools have closed .

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The health care issue, the education issue, the water quality issues and eminent domain are kind of like a perfect storm of dissatisfaction right now in Iowa, said Irene Lin, a Democratic strategist and veteran of races in the state.

She acknowledged Democrats might be fueled by hopium in Iowa, but added, it's still worth fighting for because there's no path to the House or Senate without Iowa going blue.
ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH)  Gov. Mike DeWine joined Athens County leaders, students and families Friday afternoon for the groundbreaking of the new Athens High School.

The $69 million project was supported by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), which contributed $27.7 million. The school opening is the final phase of Athens City School Districts facilities plan. The district already built two elementary schools, renovated an elementary and middle school, and demolished three outdated elementaries.

The groundbreaking is the culmination of nine years of planning. Athens residents have all contributed; most of the funding came from a voter-approved property tax levy that passed in November 2023.

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Are Gavin Newsoms claims about Ohio true?

The 153,140-square-foot building includes advanced safety measures to protect students on all three stories. The district has secure entry vestibules, enclosed spaces between the entrance and and access to the buildings interior. The district also invested in new surveillance systems for increased security.

The new high school will open for the 2027-2028 school year.

While in Athens, DeWine was also asked about his decision to send National Guard troops to Washington D.C. as part of President Donald Trumps

Their mission is very limited  its not to make arrests, it is to do really two things. One is to guard federal buildings, and the other is to do some patrols, DeWine said. So I am monitoring what they are doing there. I had the chance to talk to some of our troops the other day.

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DeWine said the mission was set for 30 days, but its possible Ohio will be asked to extend the deployment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Inside Look stories give Star-Telegram subscribers exclusive sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes reporting. Story suggestion? Editors@star-telegram.com.

Mary Sues Hot Chicken and Dough serves its hot chicken and dough directly across the street from AT&T Stadium. With the Cowboys playing again, its worth rotating into your gameday schedule, according to some loyal customers.

This Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant is from Eddie Deen, who is known for his barbecue. Eddie Deen owns Crossroads BBQ in Arlington, Hickory Roots BBQ in Terrell, and Eddie Deens BBQ in Rockwall. So what made him open a hot chicken restaurant?

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Well, Mary Sue is Eddie Deens mother, and she showed the Deen family how to cook food from the soul. Deens son, Brent, fell in love with Nashville-style hot chicken and thought it would be something locals would support.

The first Mary Sues opened in Forney in 2020, closed in 2022, and then reopened in 2024. Now, just this past June, the second location opened in Arlington.

So if you havent heard about Mary Sues across from the stadium in Arlington, heres what its about.

Mary Sues Hot Chicken and Dough is located across the street from AT&T Stadium at 816 N Collins St. in Arlington.

Mary Sues Hot Chicken and Dough story

The whole point of Mary Sues Hot Chicken and Dough is for customers to find who they are, general manager Kevin Jacobs told the Star-Telegram.

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You know why people go to Texas Roadhouse all the time? Jacobs asked. The rolls. Hot, fresh bread with sweet butter creates a release of endorphins. Theyre going to Texas Roadhouse because Texas Roadhouse is selling dopamine.

Jacobs strives for the same thing at Mary Sues  consistently producing the same delicious chicken and rolls that customers can count on.

Its been slow since the restaurants opening in June. However, one thing Jacobs does notice is the people that have come once, come back.

Brent Deen said: Dont tell us how good the chicken is, tell your friends.

The four-piece tender meal with a side of mac and cheese at Mary Sues in Arlington.

What is on Mary Sues menu?

Mary Sues sells, well, chicken and dough.

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You can get chicken tender bites with a dry rub or tossed in sauce. They come with fries, coleslaw or mac and cheese and always with a classic Mary Sues sweet roll.

As for the dough, Mary Sues has homemade cinnamon rolls and dough babies which are fried dough doused in icing.

Right now, the restaurant also has a secret item: hot chicken mac and cheese. You wont see it on the menu, but you can ask the cashier for the dish.

And thats it. Small menus often hint at high quality.

Mary Sues is still perfecting its Nashville hot sauce and mac and cheese. The restaurant only has mild and medium spice for Nashville chicken, but will soon offer hot and atomic flavors.

The Dough Babies at Mary Sues in Arlington.

What are people saying about Mary Sues in Arlington?

The Star-Telegrams Bud Kennedy says, The spicy chicken tender bites are good  two or three bites each, larger than a nugget, like a nibble of a tender with a light, spicy coating, not some heavy chunk of fried crust.

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Customers on Facebook leave comments like: Have to admit.this is some damn good eating.

The best chicken strips and rolls in town! another commenter said.

Where to find Mary Sues Hot Chicken and Dough

Mary Sues Hot Chicken and Dough is located at 816 N Collins St., Arlington.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Sunday.

Also note that on days when the Dallas Cowboys play at home at AT&T Stadium, the restaurant is closed for Eddie Deens tailgate.

See the Cowboys home schedule here.

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The month before a shooter opened fire on children gathered in a Minnesota church this week, the Trump administration cut funding in the state for efforts to identify potential mass shooters and head off their violence.

The grants were ended as part of $18.5 million in cuts to a Homeland Security program that the Trump administration decried as partisan and unsuccessful  but which some experts and lawmakers say bolsters work to spot early warning signs of mass shooters like Robin Westman, who died of self-inflicted wounds after killing two children and wounding 18 others at a Catholic Mass on Wednesday.

The capacity to combat domestic terrorism is eroding, said Jacob Ware, a research fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. It seems like the eye has been taken off the ball in terms of domestic terrorism prevention in this country  that terrorism is not that major a concern.

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Even Westmanin journal writingsquestioned not being identified as a potential threat by authorities.

Law enforcement vehicles are parked outside Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis following a mass shooting on Wednesday. - Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Should be harder for people like me to carry out these attacks, Westman wrote at one point. Another time the shooter thought some purchases would draw suspicion. I have been showing signs for a while, I need to be stopped! I dont want to abandon my plan, but I really want to be stopped for the sake of my family.

The scuttled grants, which were run by the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), an arm of DHS, had funded local programs at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Hennepin County Sheriffs Office to assess and manage mass violence threats.

In July, DHS pulled the funds to the two local agencies, which totaled about $800,000. A letter from DHS shared with CNN alleged the money had gone to openly partisan and political organizations.

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On Friday, a DHS spokesperson defended that decision, saying in a statement that the grant program previously administered by CP3 was nothing more than a slush fund for left-wing ideologies, and did next to nothing to combat actual threats in our communities.

But some lawmakers say that argument is baseless and that yanking the grants has left the state less equipped to prevent tragedies like this weeks attack at Annunciation Catholic School.

The cancelation of that grant limits our state law enforcement from access to vital federal counterterrorism partners and resources and leaves Minnesota communities more vulnerable to violent attacks, said Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum, one of six Democratic lawmakers who sent a letter to DHS earlier this month imploring the agency to reinstate the grant to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

That letter referenced the shooting of state lawmakers in June and cited violence directed at religious organizations and threats to schools. Never in our worst nightmares could we have imagined another tragedy occurring so soon, McCollum said on Friday.

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Its impossible to say whether any programs could have prevented Wednesdays shooting. But authorities have been examining lengthy journals left behind by Westman, some of which raise questions about whether red flags could have prevented the shooter from obtaining the guns used in the attack.

According to the journals, Westman had recently broken up with a long-term partner, bought three firearms in one month, began frequenting gun ranges, and quit a job at a local marijuana dispensary.

Westman wrote, I have dropped a few warning signs to a few people. Nothing crazy, but if I did something, they would say it was obvious in hindsight.

People gather at a memorial for victims of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church on Thursday. - Scott Olson/Getty Images

The programs administered by CP3 were aimed at bolstering local communities in recognizing those kinds of signs  though there has long been criticism of their efficacy. When the Biden administration announced the initiative in 2021, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union criticized such programs as ineffective, discriminatory and harmful to Muslims and communities of color.

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Still, law enforcement agencies and other groups have shown high demand for funding through the program. A DHS report last year stated 178 organizations applied for what added up to more than five times the available funding. The report touted various incidents where the programs have been useful, such as a sheriffs office responding to online threats of mass violence and charging an individual, a neo-Nazi being encouraged to access mental health services and a hospital referring a troubled student to a support clinic.

The grant for Minnesotas Department of Public Safety specifically references school shooters, stating that the funds would help create a statewide threat assessment and management team and focus on persons of concern, potential active shooters, school shootings/threats, stalking, and workplace violence.

For Hennepin County Sheriffs Office, the roughly $100,000 grant was meant to be used to establish a multidisciplinary team to engage more actively with mental health professionals, school officials, social workers, and probation officers.

Those programs could potentially have had an impact on identifying Westman, some experts and officials said.

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This event in Minneapolis was 100% preventable. This was exactly the kind of event we could have stopped, said a former DHS employee, who asked not to be named out of fear of their deferred resignation being impacted.

Jill Oliveira, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, said the grant was awarded for behavioral threat assessment and management staff and training, and that because of the cut, the department made adjustments to free up other resources to cover costs.

Members of Moms Demand Action attend a press conference with city officials and gun legislation advocates following a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on Thursday. - Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

When DHS announced the sweeping cuts to CP3 programs in July, it called the grants wasteful and intended to to push woke, partisan agendas and silencing dissent.

Asked about the cuts, DHS alleged that many of these grants went to organizations that celebrated, and encouraged transgenderism in our children.

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Its unclear what specific programs DHS was referring to, though the July announcement mentioned a grant that had been awarded to a nonprofit focused on LGBTQ issues.

Not all CP3 grants appear to have been canceled. Asked about two grants awarded to the sheriffs office in Palm Beach County, Florida  where Mar-a-Lago is located  a sheriffs office spokesperson said the grants are active.

After the shooting, First Lady Melania Trump called for more preemptive interventions to stop potential shooters.

To prevent future tragedies, it is crucial we look into behavioral threat assessments across all levels of societybeginning in our homes, extending through school districts and of course, social media platforms, she posted on X. Being aware of these warning signs and acting quickly can save lives and make American communities safer.

CNNs Rob Kuznia and Nina Subkhanberdina contributed to this report.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  A student was charged on Friday for allegedly bringing a handgun to North High School.

According to the Des Moines Police Department, at around 2:30 p.m. an anonymous caller reported that there was a student at North High School who possibly had a gun. With the assistance of school staff, the DMPD said officers seized a 9 mm pistol and ammunition from a 15-year-old students backpack.

Election 2026: How Sen. Ernst not running could shake up other campaigns

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This is an excellent example of how see something, say something works to keep kids safe, Sgt. Paul Parizek with the DMPD said in a statement. A student became aware of the potential of a gun being possessed by another student today. That student told someone, and that person called the school.

The DMPD said that there was no indication of any threats being made to the high school or other students.

The student has been referred to the Polk County Juvenile Courts for charges of carrying weapons on school grounds and persons ineligible to possess a dangerous weapon.

Metro new

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Tighter budgets are reshaping the practice of public relations, the rise of paid influence, and the growing power of consumers.

These tensions take center stage at the 32nd National PR Congress on September 11 to 12 at Solaire Resort North, where the countrys top communicators will gather to debate the professions most pressing questions.

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Organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the two-day event carries the theme Plot Twist: Unraveling Todays PR Paradox, reflecting how practitioners must balance human connection with data-driven insight in an era of disruption.

David Guerrero of BBDO Guerrero will explore whether creativity can deliver significant PR on limited budgets, while Carlo Ople of Unbox Group will tackle the ethical complexities of influencer partnerships. Miko David of David & Golyat will address the challenge of proving PRs value to corporate leaders, and Cliff Eala of BS World will explore how automation and AI can coexist with authenticity. Panels will expand the discussion to address industry-wide dilemmas, including metrics that matter most, the credibility of purpose-driven strategies, bridging the gaps between PR education and industry needs, and whether brands still hold power in an age of empowered consumers.

These topics are at the very core of PR practice today. They reflect the real challenges we are facing. Through these discussions, we aim to equip practitioners with the clarity and confidence to address them, said PRSP vice president-External and chairman of the Congress Norman Agatep.

PRSP president Ma. Luisa Sebastian added that the Congress is both a reckoning and a rallying point.

The 32nd National PR Congress is supported by PMFTC, Development Bank of the Philippines, PLDT Home, International Container Terminal Services, Inc., Meralco, Pag-IBIG Fund, Daily Tribune, and GMA Network.
NEED TO KNOW

Stephanie Garcia is a mother of two from Cleveland, Texas

She and her husband are avid animal lovers and have a special place in their hearts for dogs

Given her affinity for four-legged friends, Garcia jumped into action when she saw a dog in need outside her neighbors' house

One quiet afternoon in May, as she stood at the sink doing dishes, Stephanie Garcia glanced out her kitchen window and saw a dog wandering her neighbors front yard.

While the sight might not have been unusual a few weeks prior, Garcia's neighbors had notably packed up and moved out several days earlier, leaving the property completely empty, aside from the mysterious brown dog.

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Concerned, the 26-year-old brought over some food and water, placing it just inside the gate.

I knew I couldn't trespass by going onto the property because I didn't have permission, so I figured a rescue definitely could help if I couldn't, Garcia tells PEOPLE exclusively.

She contacted the SPCA immediately, hoping they could help, but they needed a warrant from the Liberty County judge to access the property.

Shockingly, the judge denied the request and the SPCA was forced to drop the case, leaving the dog  later named Chance  with no official support.

For two weeks, Garcia reached out to rescues across the Houston area, but nearly every shelter was full or simply unable to assist.

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Then one day, Garcia saw a woman with keys to the house and ran over, desperate for permission to finally step onto the property.

Stephanie Garcia/@steephanieeraee Chance hiding next door under a trailer. Chance hiding next door under a trailer.

Chance wouldve been left to fend for himself next door in the south Texas heat with no food or water if my husband and I didn't step in, Garcia says. It's unclear if the dog belonged to the neighbors or anyone else nearby, as Garcia notes the area is a popular dump site.

After finally getting the green light, Garcia and her husband brought over supplies  such as food, water, a dog bed  and began the slow process of earning Chances trust.

Chance was terrified and it was clear he had been through a lot in his lifetime. Luckily for this rescue, we had the opportunity of taking it slow and working with Chance over the weeks, whereas most rescues require immediate rescuing, Garcia explains.

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Nevertheless, the mother of two received some criticism online for not attempting to rescue Chance immediately after spotting him. However, Chance was fearful and kept his distance, making it clear that he wouldnt allow anyone to approach him right away.

Stephanie Garcia/@steephanieeraee Chance hiding next door under a trailer. Chance hiding next door under a trailer.

Given that she already had four dogs at home, along with his behavior, Garcia and her husband decided the best course of action was to take things slowly and focus on building trust over time.

We didnt get close to him the first few days, we let him get familiar with our faces, scents and voices, Garcia recalls. "After the first week of going into the property, Chance stopped running from us and we saw him getting more comfortable."

On day 13, Chance even followed her onto her property, but returned next door shortly after feeling uncomfortable in an unfamiliar setting. It was a significant step, as he had rarely left the safety of his hiding spot under a trailer.

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On day 14, Garcia returned to mow the grass near where he was hiding to reduce bugs. That morning, Chance approached her upon arrival and followed her home again. She spent hours with him in the garage, showing him it was a safe place.

His body language was changing and tail wags started becoming more apparent, she says. Our patience was paying off. Chance could see we werent there to hurt him and we cared about him.

On June 20, Chance finally seemed ready to stay. Garcia kept him in her garage until a mobile vet visit confirmed he was safe to be around her other dogs. The vet diagnosed him with heartworms and treatment began soon after.

Stephanie Garcia/@steephanieeraee Chance being playful. Chance being playful.

A few days after having Chance in our care, I heard howling outside, and to my surprise, another dog was in my garage with Chance, a female German Shepherd who appeared to be a stray, Garcia reveals.

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She posted on a neighborhood app to ask about the German Shepherd and was told the dog had been abandoned several months earlier. The dog, later named Nova, had been seen regularly around a nearby dollar store, where shoppers occasionally fed her.

We kept Nova ever since she showed up and she has also seen the vet, Garcia tells PEOPLE. Chance and Nova are a package.

Garcias husband introduced each of their own dogs to Chance and Nova one at a time, carefully monitoring their behavior and allowing time for adjustment.

Stephanie Garcia/@steephanieeraee 5 of Stephanie Garcia's dogs: Savannah, Chance, Tess, Zoey and Nova (L to R). 5 of Stephanie Garcia's dogs: Savannah, Chance, Tess, Zoey and Nova (L to R).

The hardest part about rescuing dogs is staying strong during the trauma youre witnessing, coming up with an appropriate and fitting plan to rescue in different scenarios because its not always right to trap a dog and we learned that during our rescue with Chance, Garcia says.

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Every dog she and her husband have welcomed into their home has come with a unique story. Over the years, they have shared a deep passion for animals  especially dogs  and have always been drawn to helping those in need.

Of their six dogs, Chance and Nova were the first they personally rescued, aside from adopting from shelters.

Having a lot of dogs is not easy financially. There is food, medications, vet bills, supplies, and more to be bought, Garcia admits. My husbands job in the oilfield took a hit around election time last year and we have experienced the hardest financial times ever going into this year.

That, however, didnt stop them from rescuing Chance and Nova, despite already having four dogs and two children.

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Dogs dont deserve to be treated horribly or discarded like trash. I posted my story to social media about Chance and Nova for awareness, Garcia says. The animal issue is growing out of hand in Texas and it is devastating to see.

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.

Stephanie Garcia/@steephanieeraee Chance and Stephanie Garcia's daughter. Chance and Stephanie Garcia's daughter.

While they plan to rescue more dogs, they do not intend to keep any more in their home. One of the hardest lessons will be learning to detach after rescues so that the dogs can find loving, safe homes.

On the rewarding side, they find it reviving to see a dog change physically and emotionally, knowing that patience and persistence truly pay off.

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Seeing a dog's eyes light up after being so dim and dark is enough to heal the soul. Chance has changed my life in more ways than one, Garcia shares.

Given that her neighborhood is known as a dumping ground - often attracting dogs from nearby cities - Garcia says she intends to start a rescue dedicated to helping abandoned, abused, and stray dogs.

If I could give advice to anyone wanting to help animals in any way, it would be to not give up. Even though I am not a technical rescue or an organization, I was capable of rescuing Chance, Garcia says.

Patience is the biggest key to have when working with animals and difficult situations. Greatness takes time and effort.



Read the original article on People
OZARK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A high-speed chase through Ozark in May ended in a crash, an arrest and the launch of a small dog riding in the suspects pickup.

Samuel Ortiz, 42, of Federal Heights, Colorado, faces multiple charges including felony fleeing, aggravated assault, DWI, resisting arrest and animal cruelty, according to court documents.

Samuel Ortiz, 42. (COURTESY: Franklin County Detention Center)

The pursuit began May 28 after an Ozark police officer responded to a call about a blue pickup stopped in the middle of U.S. 64 near the Butterball plant. When the officer approached, the truck sped off westbound into the city, according to an arrest affidavit.

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Police attempted to block the vehicle several times as it moved through city streets. According to the affidavit, Ortiz drove on grass, sidewalks and into oncoming traffic.

The affidavit says he drove about 90 mph on Arkansas 219, almost hit several cars, and forced a deputy to swerve.

The chase stretched about eight miles northeast of Ozark before Ortiz lost control on a curve and crashed into a tree.

During the collision, a small dog was launched from the bed of the truck and fled into the surrounding area, according to the affidavit.

Ortiz attempted to flee on foot but was arrested after a brief struggle. He was treated for minor injuries before being booked into the Franklin County Detention Center.

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Arraignment rescheduled for Arkansas man accused of punching woman, choking police K9

The affidavit does not note the dogs condition or whereabouts. Ozark Animal Hospital confirmed it treated Ortizs 15-pound black-and-white dog earlier this year but has not seen it since.

KNWA/FOX24 has reached out to the Ozark Police Department about the status of the animal but has not yet heard back.

Ortiz pleaded not guilty July 16 and is scheduled for a pretrial hearing Oct. 2.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
A dorm was evacuated at Salem State University following an alleged bomb threat that was deemed a hoax.

According to the Salem State University Police Department, the incident began when a community member received a social media message about a possible bomb threat at Marsh Hall.

University Police, along with the Massachusetts State Police and City of Salem Police, responded promptly, evacuating the building as a precaution.

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Student safety is our top priority, which is why the university took the situation seriously, University Police Chief Trish Murphy wrote on Facebook.

Explosive detection dogs were used as part of the investigation at Marsh Hall.

Marsh Dining Hall was closed for the night as a result of the incident.

The threat was deemed a hoax after an investigation led to an arrest and confession.

Chief Murphy expressed gratitude towards the students for their patience during the evacuation.

I want to thank the Marsh Hall students for their patience and actions this evening, Chief Murphy wrote. We are sorry that the fall semester began this way, but we are committed to the safety of everyone in our community.

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Despite the hoax, State Police, City of Salem Police, and University Police remain at the scene.

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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A 27-year-old man from Downey has been arrested on federal charges of possessing child pornography after authorities linked him to an online network of violent extremists, according to court records.

Dong Hwan Kim was taken into custody Wednesday at his home by members of the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Justice Department said. He was charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles and is expected to make his first court appearance Friday.

The complaint alleges that Kim coerced several minor girls into producing sexually explicit photos and videos between 2022 and the present. Prosecutors say Kim threatened to expose the material to family members and others if the victims refused to provide additional images.

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Investigators believe Kim was active in an online extremist group known as 764, which the FBI describes as a network of nihilistic violent extremists. Members of the group allegedly engage in criminal activity, including the sexual exploitation of children.

Kidnapping suspect arrested after crashing stolen car

According to the FBI, so-called nihilistic violent extremists often target vulnerable people, particularly minors, using social media platforms to share explicit images, graphic violence, and other disturbing material. Victims may be pressured into acts of self-harm, animal abuse, or sexual exploitation, the complaint says.

Court documents allege that Kim not only solicited explicit content from minors but also shared child sexual abuse material with others.

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In one instance, he allegedly boasted of his actions, calling himself an OG after being praised by another user. Agents said they recovered several explicit images and videos during a search of his home.

The complaint also includes statements from a minor who said Kim ran an online server where child pornography was created, shared and traded. Victims were allegedly coerced into degrading acts, including self-mutilation and sexual exploitation, according to prosecutors.

Kim is known to have used online aliases such as Ryzen and Lobster, investigators said. The FBI believes there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified and urged anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

If convicted, Kim faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A driver was brought to the hospital after crashing their car into a tree on Grayson Drive in Springfield Saturday morning.

Police find deceased man outside Enlite Cannabis in Indian Orchard

The Springfield Fire Department stated that at approximately 7:00 a.m., crews were called to the area of 364 Grayson Drive regarding a car crashing into a tree. Firefighters freed a single occupant from the vehicle.

(Springfield Fire Department) (Springfield Fire Department) (Springfield Fire Department) (Springfield Fire Department)

Springfield Fire said that the occupant was brought to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

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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DENVER (KDVR)  In a sentencing hearing Friday, a judge determined that prison will be the next stop for a driver who was reportedly street racing when he hit another vehicle, killing an 18-year-old and injuring three of the teens family members.

On Friday, Erik Hernandez-Escobar, 20, was sentenced to seven years in prison after he pleaded guilty in late May to charges of leaving the scene of an accident involving death and vehicular homicide  reckless driving, both felonies.

Vehicles crash into 2 Parker vape stores, causing thousands of dollars in damage

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The crash took place on Oct. 6, 2024, at the intersection of 58th Avenue and Holly Street in Commerce City.

Hernandez-Escobar failed to stop at a stop sign, leading to the deadly collision that claimed the life of 18-year-old Emiliano Malpica and caused life-threatening injuries to two family members in the car, as well as injuring a third person in the car.

During the sentencing hearing on Friday, members of Malpicas family asked the judge for justice and listened to the hearing through translators.

The hearing on Friday was filled with tearful testimony from Malpicas family and friends as they remembered the night their loved one died.

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Emiliano was a 19-year-old full of life, shared his eldest sister on Friday in court. A person full of adventures, full of laughter, full of joy. A person who enjoyed everyones company. A person who loved to dance, who loved his job.

She said Oct. 6, 2024, is a night she will not forget, and it changed everyones life forever. She described arriving at the crash and seeing firefighters work to extract her mother from the vehicle.

The car was damaged, broken glass, doors off. I knew it was bad, she said. I remember a police officer came up to me and told me, theyre OK, theyre alive. Your brothers are heading to the hospital.'

She said that her brother died of his injuries at the hospital, and spoke about the weight of having to care for her entire family shortly after having given birth to her own child.

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What do you mean I had to be the one to tell both my parents that one of their babies was no longer with us? she asked. This crime has affected me in so many ways.

18-year-old Emiliano Malpica was killed in a car crash on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (Photo courtesy the Malpica family).

After the crash, police say Hernandez-Escobar did not stay on scene or provide aid to the family; instead, police say he jumped into a nearby vehicle and fled the scene. He then also filed a false police report saying his car had been stolen.

Cellphone data, vehicle crash notifications, and location tracking from his Life360 account placed him at the crash site at the time of impact, the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office said in a Friday release. A passenger in the Audi later confirmed Hernandez-Escobar was the driver.

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FOX31s Alliyah Sims spoke with Karla Malpica-Medina, Emilianos sister, after the crash. She said she just wanted to find her family members alive at the hospital.

Its just crazy how theres people so cruel. How can you live knowing you killed someone or at least leave the scene not knowing if those people made it? said Karla. They have a family they need to come home to, and unfortunately, one of them didnt.

2 passengers sent to hospital after flight from Aspen hits severe turbulence

Additional charges against two other defendants in this case were announced on Aug. 1.

This was an unspeakable tragedy caused by the thoughtless actions of this defendant, said District Attorney Brian S. Mason in his offices release. My heart breaks for the victims and their families whose lives are now forever changed.

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Hernandez-Escobars co-defendants are still facing pending charges in this case. One co-defendant is alleged to have been racing Hernandez-Escobar, while the second is accused of aiding his flight from the scene. Both are set to be arraigned on charges related to this crash in October.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
A Pennsylvania woman was arrested and charged with weapons offenses and driving while intoxicated Thursday after authorities identified her vehicle as stolen using automated license plate readers, police in Gloucester Township said.

Aleesa McIver, of Philadelphia, was charged with receiving stolen property, assault by auto, eluding, hindering apprehension and weapons offenses.

Police were at the Howard Johnson Hotel investigating a separate incident at 2:27 p.m. Thursday when a car entered the parking lot and passed by a patrol car that alerted police that the car was reported stolen out of Philadelphia, police said.

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When officers tried to stop the car, a passenger exited the vehicle and attempted to run into a room before officers detained the person, authorities said.

The car exited the parking lot at a high rate of speed traveling southbound on the Black Horse Pike when it was spotted by another officer driving erratically across a median before turning around and fleeing northbound, authorities said.

At 2:43 p.m., officers were called to a motor vehicle collision in the area of Station Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue in the Glendora section of Gloucester Township possibly involving the stolen vehicle, police said.

Officers were told that one of the drivers fled the scene with a duffle bag, and the woman was quickly located by police and confirmed to be the driver of the stolen vehicle, authorities said.

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Investigators determined that the stolen car failed to stop at a stop sign and caused a head on collision, police said. The driver of the other car suffered minor injuries but refused to be taken to the hospital for treatment, officials said.

The driver of the stolen car was found in possession of a handgun, high-capacity magazines and prescription narcotics, police said.

Empty alcohol containers were found in the the car, according to authorities.

An attorney for McIver could not be reached for comment Friday.

Matthew Enuco

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Randy Duke Cunningham, whose feats as a U.S. Navy flying ace during the Vietnam War catapulted him to a U.S House of Representatives career that ended in disgrace when he was convicted of accepting $2.4 million in bribes, has died. He was 83.

Cunningham died Wednesday at a hospital in a Little Rock, Arkansas, according to former Rep. Duncan L. Hunter, who spent time with him a week before his passing.

He represented the very best of American heroes who go out to meet our enemies at the gates, said Hunter, whose served alongside Cunningham in Congress.

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Cunningham was one of the most highly decorated pilots in the Vietnam War, becoming the first Navy fighter ace in the war for shooting down five enemy aircraft. He received a Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, 15 Air Medals and a Purple Heart for his actions during the war.

With complete disregard for his own personal safety he continued his attack through a hail of cannon fire to rescue his wingman, read the citation for his second Silver Star.

Retired Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady, center left, shakes hands with Rep. Randy

Largest bribery scandal at the time

He went on to serve eight terms in Congress before pleading guilty in 2005 to receiving illegal gifts from defense contractors in exchange for government contracts and other favors, in what was considered at the time to be the largest bribery scandal in congressional history.

The Republican congressman from San Diego admitted to accepting a luxury house, a yacht, a Rolls-Royce, lavish meals and $40,000 in Persian rugs and antique furniture from companies in exchange for steering lucrative contracts their way. He was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison in March 2006.

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His corruption case was one of several that led to the creation of the Office of Congressional Ethics in 2008.

In my life, I have known great joy and great sorrow. And now I know great shame, Cunningham said in his resignation statement. I cannot undo what I have done. But I can atone.

He took a less contrite tone as time went on, telling news organizations and others that he regretted his guilty plea and complaining that the Internal Revenue Service was draining his savings.

A lot of these things that they say are bribes I can absolutely black-and-white prove 100% that they were reimbursement for things that I had already paid, Cunningham said in a phone interview with KGTV while he was in prison.

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In December 2012, Cunningham was released from a federal prison in Arizona to serve the remainder of his sentence in a federal halfway house in New Orleans. It was the longest prison sentence for a member of Congress for taking bribes until Louisiana Democrat William Jefferson got 13 years in 2009.

His sentence also required he pay $1.8 million for back taxes and forfeit an additional $1.85 million for bribes he received, plus proceeds from the sale of a home in the highly exclusive San Diego suburb of Rancho Santa Fe. He was ordered to pay $1,500 a month in prison and $1,000 monthly after his release.

A strong conservative voice

Cunningham was born in Los Angeles on Dec. 8, 1941, but grew up in Shelbina, Missouri, where his parents owned a five-and-dime store, according to court documents. He graduated from the University of Missouri and a few years later enlisted in the Navy in 1967.

He retired as a Navy commander in 1987 and gained national recognition as a media commentator on military topics. When he ran for office in 1990, he replaced Democratic Rep. Jim Bate in a left-leaning district who had been driven from office by charges of sexual harassment.

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Cunningham took an interest in military affairs while in Congress and supported socially conservative positions. He drew attention for his outbursts  during a floor debate in 1995, he attacked his adversaries as the same ones that would put homos in the military.

He brought military operational expertise to the debates in Congress, said Hunter, recalling a debate he watched Cunningham have with a colleague over the fate of a fighter jet. He was a strong conservative, strongly opinionated, and brought a real spark of light to the U.S. Congress.

The disgraced former congressman received one of the pardons issued by President Donald Trump in 2021 at the end of his first term.

He has largely stayed out of the public eye since his release from prison, enjoying retirement in the countryside and serving as the president of the American Fighter Aces Association, according to Hunter.

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He is survived by his wife, Sharon Cunningham, his adult son and two daughters, and other family members. His family could not be immediately reached for comment.

___

Associated Press writer Elliot Spagat contributed from San Diego.
After a strike and publicly contentious negotiations, more than 200 nurses at Essentia Health's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Street Clinics in Duluth, as well as Essentia Health St. Mary's Superior Clinic, have ratified their first contracts with the health care company.

The contracts will run through March 31, 2027, and "mark a significant step forward for ambulatory care nurses organizing to improve patient care and working conditions in clinic settings," the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) said in an announcement.

Nurses rally at Duluth City Hall on May 22Minnesota Nurses Association/Facebook

The deal comes after 14 months of negotiations and a two-week strike that concluded in July.

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The strike was called off after Essenia agreed to combine these four groups of clinical nurses into a single negotiating block.

However, workers at the Solvay Hospice House and Miller Hill Surgery Center, who are negotiating separately, are still without a contract. Those health care workers were also part of the July strike.

Nurses in our clinics stood together and spoke out for the changes we need to better care for our patients, says RN Deanne Budish. This contract is a first step toward ensuring that every patient in Duluth and Superior clinics receives the safe, timely care they deserve.



The contract includes new procedures for addressing workplace violence, "competitive raises," and contractual safeguards, per an MNA announcement.

Related: Walz mulls special session on gun legislation following Annunciation shooting in Minneapolis

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Russia will not be able to regain access to its frozen assets without compensating Ukraine, said Kaja Kallas, the European Unions High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Azernews reports, according to Reuters.

"We cannot imagine a scenario in which a ceasefire or peace agreement is declared and these assets are returned to Russia without any compensation to Ukraine," Kallas stated.

According to EU data, approximately 210 billion (around $245.85 billion) in Russian assets have been frozen across the bloc since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Several EU member statesincluding Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic countrieshave urged the EU to seize these assets and use them to support Ukraines recovery and defense efforts.
The excavation of 2.3-kilometer southbound tunnel of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP) has been completed, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The southbound tunnels completion follows the excavation of the northbound tunnel in April 2025. Both twin tunnels have a 10-meter diameter.

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The DPWH and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Friday celebrated the successful connection of the tunnels north and south ends, completing excavation works on the structure, which is part of the 45.5-kilometer Davao City Bypass. It is the first long-distance mountain road tunnel in the Philippines.

The ceremony, held at the projects South Portal in Barangay Waan, Davao City, was attended by key Philippine and Japanese officials, including DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain and Second Secretary Akito Kinoshita of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

In a speech delivered on behalf of DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Sadain said the achievement was a crucial step toward President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s goal of improving regional connectivity and national development.

We are grateful for the unwavering support of the Government of Japan through JICA, whose official development assistance has been instrumental in achieving this milestone, Sadain said, adding that the partnership reinforces the long-standing ties between the two countries.

Sadain noted the projects use of cutting-edge technology, calling it a strong example of the governments Build Better More mission.

Civil works for the projects Contract Package 1-1 began in December 2020. Awarded to the ShimizuUlticonTakenaka Joint Venture, the phase includes a 10.7-kilometer four-lane highway, the 2.3-kilometer tunnel, three river-crossing bridges, two underpasses and six access roads. It is more than 61-percent complete and is targeted for completion by October 2026.

Funded by JICA and the Philippine government, the Davao City Bypass is currently 9.62 kilometers complete, with another 26.12 kilometers under active construction across five remaining contract packages.

The DPWH said it remains committed to completing the entire project by 2028, despite operational challenges such as difficult geotechnical conditions and shifting weather patterns.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (center, red tie) stands with members of the Alaska Legislature on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at the Alaska Oil and Gas Association's annual convention in Anchorage. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

In a Friday letter to the leaders of the Alaska House and Senate, Gov. Mike Dunleavy said he will not call lawmakers into a special legislative session when the current one expires at the end of Sunday.

I write today to inform you that I will not be extending the current special session, Dunleavys letter begins.

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Officially, Dunleavy called the session in hopes that legislators would take up education policy legislation and his proposal to create an independent Alaska Department of Agriculture.

The agriculture issue remains unresolved amid a dispute over executive power and appears headed to the court system.

Lawmakers rejected the governors education ideas during this springs regular session and declined to take them up during the special session, something Dunleavy called disappointing in his letter.

Unofficially, lawmakers and political observers believe the governor called the session to force an early vote on his decision to veto millions of dollars of public school funding. Because not all lawmakers were expected to attend the session, it was expected that an early vote would increase the odds that Dunleavys veto would stand.

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Instead, through extraordinary actions, 59 of 60 legislators were present on the first day of the special session and overrode Dunleavys veto. It was the first time since 1987 that Alaska legislators reversed a sitting governors budget veto.

After the override, legislators left Juneau and have not held a meeting in the Capitol since.

An education funding task force, created before the special session, has met once, but lawmakers have not taken up education policies the governor prefers, including legal changes that could lead to an increase in the number of charter schools statewide.

In his letter, Dunleavy said that if he does not see progress on his education policies next year, I am prepared to call additional special sessions, in both duration and number, until we see substantive steps taken to improve Alaskas education system.

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Thats his right, said Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak. He can call us into as many special sessions as he wants. Of course, were not going to waste time and money. Well meet and see where we go.

Next year is an election year, and the Alaska Constitution prohibits legislators from campaigning while the Legislature is in session.

Calling a special session could keep incumbent lawmakers from raising money or holding campaign events.

That would be an impact, Stevens said, but you know, he has more of his followers running  or as many as people who are opposing his ideas on education. So, it could really hurt his friends more than his enemies.

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In a news conference with reporters after the veto override, Dunleavy said he was considering a special session in September or October to discuss long-term measures intended to bring state revenue and expenses in line.

Thats now off the table.

The fiscal plan is moving forward. I would expect it to be ready for the 2026 session, said Jeff Turner, the governors communications director.

Another aspect of the special session will linger and may not be resolved short of the court system.

At the start of the special session, Dunleavy issued an executive order setting up the Department of Agriculture.

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Lawmakers refused to take up the order, saying they believe it is unconstitutional to issue an executive order during a special session, and they believe it is unconstitutional to reissue one that has already been rejected.

The governor has declined to withdraw the executive order and has said he plans to consider it effective unless lawmakers vote it down.

Legislators are unwilling to vote it down, because doing so would be an implicit recognition of the governors right to issue an order during a special session.

The dispute remains unresolved as the special session ends.
FARMINGTON, Utah (ABC4)  Eagle Bay Elementary in Davis County experienced a water main break this morning. Davis School District says what could have closed the school down on Friday was quickly handled with teamwork.

According to a press release from Davis School District, just before 7 a.m. Friday morning, custodians discovered water leaking. The source was a line on the west side of the school. After the leak was discovered, multiple departments from the district rushed in to assess the problem.

We were getting multiple different departments here. We had the fire sprinkler shop, the irrigation shop, the equipment shop, basically all hands on deck to take care of this problem so we can keep school up and running for the day, said Wes Little, Davis School Districts plumbing foreman.

District crews discovered and fixed a water main break at Eagle Bay Elementary. (Courtesy: Davis School District) District crews discovered and fixed a water main break at Eagle Bay Elementary. (Courtesy: Davis School District) District crews discovered and fixed a water main break at Eagle Bay Elementary. (Courtesy: Davis School District) District crews discovered and fixed a water main break at Eagle Bay Elementary. (Courtesy: Davis School District) District crews discovered and fixed a water main break at Eagle Bay Elementary. (Courtesy: Davis School District)

Davis School District said that crews brought in backup supplies such as bottled water and portable restrooms while departments worked. The district says they kept parents updated throughout the morning.

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However, the problem was solved before classes started, and those backup measures were not needed.

The whole team from the district just came together they came in and identified what pipe needed to be turned on, which one needed to stay off so that we can have water and have a functioning school day without the use of porta-potties and water bottles, Eagle Bay Elementary Principal Cat Pomeroy shared. So, were up and running as normal now, and its gonna be a great day!

When students arrived at school, they found that everything seemed normal, according to the school district. Clean water was readily available for handwashing, drinking and school lunch service.

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The Sanford Police Department is investigating a surge in cases of stolen EBT funds, leaving families without money for food and other essentials.

Victims told Channel 9 theyve lost thousands of dollars, with little chance of getting the money back. I looked on my Propel account, it said balance zero, one Sanford resident told Channel 9. Thats when she learned she had lost more than $1,000 in food stamp benefits.

The resident said her benefits were spent nearly two hours away in Brandon, Florida.

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It happened down by Tampa in Brandon, Florida, at a Sams Club, she said. I actually called the Sams Club and spoke to a manager. He told me that they do it by shopping online. And then they come in and pick up the groceries. And then, they go and scan their barcode with the person at the door and walk on out.

Shes far from being the only target, however. I noticed it was only a couple of dollars that was missing off of there but then I got a phone call from my son like two Mondays ago saying his whole amount had been wiped out, said Joy Turner, another Sanford resident.

The EBT funds come from Floridas Department of Children and Families (DCF) and are intended to help people cover basic needs. Turner said losing that money creates impossible choices. Its either pay rent, pay lights, eat, medicine. Its an up and down thing right now. And something needs to happen, she said.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, nearly 3 million people across the state receive SNAP benefits. Since December 2023, however, DCF has no longer reimbursed stolen funds. Instead, they only issue replacement EBT cards.

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That means, as Turner said, When are you going to do something about it? Because this is like a continuous thing. Like its just steady wiping out peoples cards.

She said shes heard of cases stretching across the country. I know other people that, their card, they pull up the transactions and its been used in Boise, Idaho, New Jersey, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Turner added.

The Sanford Police Department is urging anyone who has fallen victim to report the theft immediately.

In a statement to Channel 9, DCF said:

If an individuals United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been stolen, they should immediately file a police report with their local law enforcement agency and request a replacement Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. For further assistance, individuals can contact EBT Customer Service at 1-888-356-3281 , or by logging in to their MyACCESS account at MyACCESS.MyFLFamilies.com.

Ensure your money is safe

Change Your PIN Regularly: One of the easiest ways to protect your EBT account is by changing your Personal Identification Number (PIN) often. Avoid using common PINs such as 1111 or 1234. Monitor Your Purchases and Balance: Review your purchases and account balance frequently to detect any suspicious activity. Inspect card readers: check for signs of tampering or skimming devices. Use the same retailer/retailers as often as possible. Visit ebtEDGE platform for added lawyers of protection

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Aug. 29This Monday, the nation will recognize the very important part the American worker plays in our country's continued progression.

On the first Monday of September, the nation recognizes Labor Day, an important day recognizes the work of the employee that keeps businesses across the United States running. Since the late 1894s, when President Grover Cleveland signed the recognition of Labor Day as a federal holiday, we have taken the day to celebrate the worker. The day was marked by parades and celebrations and later by speakers raising the impact that our nation's workforce makes on our country each day.

It's because of the driver we are able to get goods to where they need to go. It's because of the stocker that goes in at 4 a.m. that you have a choice of goods on the shelf. And it's because of the union that many workers have the benefits they deserve to make a living.

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However, these days Labor Day has kind of slid under the radar. For many, it simply celebrates a three-day weekend. A last hurrah for summer, as it were. It has become a weekend of picnics, grilling and fun.

Which is all well and good. There's no law saying that you can't do both, but all too often we don't do both.

The fact is, that without our workforce laying the base for American progress, there is no progress. We are at a standstill and the jobs that we carry out on a daily basis deserve more of a recognition.

Now, are we saying you need to thank each person you see doing a job? No, of course not, but we hope you at least take a moment to appreciate the jobs being done all around you  even your own.

Labor Day is not something to be taken lightly. It's a day of honoring where we have been and where we need to go in order to be the very best we can.
Laurel: Cambria Elementary School students had a smooth return to class Monday after the first day of school was delayed by mold issues at the building and work to remediate them. Principal Heather Niebauer reported only the usual hiccups involving late buses and forgotten lunches. And while library books and other items had to be tossed because of the mold, individual donors and neighboring schools have helped replace them. The community has really shown up, Niebauer said.

Barb: Pennsylvanias largest teachers union estimates that the ongoing stalemate over the commonwealths budget has delayed nearly $2.87 billion so far in subsidies owed to public school entities. The budget deadline of June 30 has long since passed. Negotiations continue, but proposals advanced by the Democratic-controlled House and the Republican-controlled Senate have each been rejected in the other chamber.

Laurel: Indiana University of Pennsylvania signed its latest articulation agreement for its proposed college of osteopathic medicine Monday with Conemaugh Miners Medical Center in Hastings. It was the schools 17th partnership pact and its fourth with the Conemaugh system. The deals will allow future IUP medical students to train at facilities around the region.

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Barb: Pennsylvania set a dubious new record for major electric service disruptions in 2024, according to the annual Electric Reliability Report from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, which cited 71 reportable outages  incidents in which 5% of a utility companys total customers or 2,500 customers, whichever is fewer, experience an outage of at least six consecutive hours. Some 22% of the states population experienced a sustained outage last year. Strong storms, downed trees and aging infrastructure all contributed.

Laurel: Mount Aloysius College in Cresson has expanded its off-campus housing options as it works to accommodate growing enrollment that has led to a lack of space in residence halls. Some students moved in this week to new modular units at the Laurel Woods development, located across Admiral Peary Highway from campus. Were overflowing with students, Mount Aloysius President John McKeegan said. Other area colleges and universities are also seeing more students enrolling, in what some officials hope is the start of a long-term trend.

Barb: The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued a warning last week about a person infected with measles who visited Pennsylvania earlier this month. According to the department, the person visited locations in Adams, Clearfield, Lancaster and York counties and was contagious between Aug. 4 and Aug. 12. Anyone who may have been exposed was urged to immediately contact his or her health care provider or call 877-PA-HEALTH.

Laurel: Grammy-nominated touring acts Maggie Rose and Karina Rykman and local band Jeff Perigo & Friends helped raise money for the Highlands Health clinic at its annual benefit concert this past Saturday. Its an important event because it helps us to raise the additional monies we need to help the most vulnerable patients that we have  those who are uninsured and underinsured, clinic Executive Director Rosalie Danchanko said. It helps them with medications and procedures, but all in all it ensures that they have affordable health care.

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Barb: The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General was still recovering last week from a cyber incident that disrupted online systems within the agency nearly two weeks ago. The agencys computer network was taken down in the incident, first reported publicly Aug. 11, eliminating access to its public-facing website as well as staff email accounts and landline phones.

Laurel: The Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center broke even in its first year being managed by the Cambria County War Memorial Authority, which contracts operations to ASM Global. The City of Johnstown-owned venue generated $447,000 in revenue while incurring $446,000 in expenses, Jean Desrochers, the venues general manager, reported Monday.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office arrested eight suspects in two major drug operations.

According to EBRSO Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, eight people were arrested after two separate drug investigations. The departments Gang Intelligence and Enforcement Unit (GIE) conducted a series of search warrants, resulting in the seizure of over 1.7 pounds of fentanyl, which is equivalent to over 7,800 lethal doses. The searches also revealed eight illegally possessed guns, including a machine gun.

This weeks operations show the tremendous work our deputies are doing alongside our partners to protect this community, said Sheriff Gautreaux. By removing these dangerous drugs and illegal guns, we are preventing countless potential overdoses and violent crimes. I am proud of the dedication and teamwork that made these arrests possible.

First investigation: 2 suspects arrested

An investigation was conducted during July and August and found alleged drug dealer Malchai Tillman, 46. Agents made controlled purchases of crystal meth and fentanyl.

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The search of an apartment complex in the 3400 block of Bluebonnet Boulevard turned over the following:

1.72 pounds of fentanyl (7,802 lethal doses)

6.9 ounces of crystal meth

30.5 grams of synthetic marijuana

11.4 grams of marijuana

Blender (fentanyl residue)

Pyrex measuring cup (cocaine residue)

Vacuum sealer

(2) digital scales

Bottle of acetone (used to make synthetic THC)

Narcotics cutting agent

Boxes of plastic bags

$1,181.00

Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun

Malchai Tillman charges:

Two counts of distribution of Schedule II drugs

Two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II drug

Possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule I drug

Possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Operation of a Clandestine Lab

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Troy Bell, 37, was arrested during the search warrant. He faces charges of possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II drug, possession of a Schedule I drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Second investigation: 6 arrested

In July, deputies were notified by the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office of cocaine distribution in EBR. The department obtained search warrants for four locations: a home in the 7000 block of Silverleaf Drive, a home in the 5600 block of E. Crown Avenue, a home in the 5400 block of Cadillac Street, and a home in the 7000 block of Kent Drive in Baker.

After the searches, the following items were seized:

27.3 grams of marijuana

27 dosage units of Tapentadol

16 grams of crack cocaine

7.25 dosage units of oxycodone

6.7 grams of MOJO (synthetic opiate)

Digital scales

$5,862 in currency

Three 9mm handguns

Three .40 cal. handguns (one reported stolen)

a stolen .38 revolver

rifle

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The following suspects were arrested after the search warrants:

Daylajasha Banks, 20 Possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II drugs, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule III drugs, Two counts of illegal carrying of a firearm, Illegal possession of a stolen firearm

Daylon Banks, 22 Possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II drugs, Possession of marijuana, Possession of Schedule III drugs, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Aggravated battery of a dating partner

Deondrick Lucas, 21 Possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II drugs, Three counts of illegal carrying of a firearm with drugs, Illegal possession of a stolen firearm

Tory Minton, 21 Illegal use of a machine gun

Leslie Coleman, 22 Four counts of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, Battery of a dating partner

Gerald Coleman, 52 Possession of drug paraphernalia



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BEREA, Ky. (FOX 56)  The East Kentucky Power Cooperative has released a statement in the ongoing battle with Berea College over access to a portion of the colleges forest.

Power lines are necessary to deliver electricity. This project is necessary to ensure the reliability of electric service for residents of the Big Hill, Red Lick, and Pilot Knob communities of Madison County, Nick Comer with EKPC said.

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The issue stems from the power company filing a complaint in Madison County Circuit Court, demanding access to about three-quarters of a mile of the forest to run a transmission line through it.

East Kentucky Power Cooperative said most members of the electric cooperative are served a single substation and is close to becoming overloaded.

 During extreme cold weather in January 2025, high electricity usage caused substation equipment to operate near its capacity, threatening overload, which could cause power outages for homes and businesses, Comer said.

According to EKPC, the new Big Hill substation will serve about 1,500 meters from a new segment of transmission line feeding electricity from the south, providing more flexibility to serve homes with electricity from either the south or the north and reducing the risk of outages.

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East Kentucky Power Cooperatives full statement reads:

Power lines are necessary to deliver electricity. This project is necessary to ensure the reliability of electric service for residents of the Big Hill, Red Lick and Pilot Knob communities of Madison County. EKPC has listened and responded to the concerns of the community and affected property owners about potential impacts of this project. EKPC is taking reasonable steps to mitigate impacts while ensuring reliable electric service. Currently, most electric cooperative members in southeastern Madison County, including the areas east and southeast of Berea, are served from a substation that feeds electricity to 4,100 meters, more than any other substation in EKPCs system. The substation is close to becoming overloaded. During extreme cold weather in January 2025, high electricity usage caused substation equipment to operate near its capacity, threatening overload, which could cause power outages for homes and businesses. EKPC is taking steps to prevent outages from happening. The new Big Hill substation will serve approximately 1,500 meters from a new segment of transmission line feeding electricity from the south. This will provide more flexibility to serve these homes with electricity from either the south or the north, reducing the risk of outages. EKPC strives to work cooperatively with property owners to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement to acquire easements and locate poles and wires. When an agreement cannot be reached, eminent domain is the last resort. EKPC has routed the line so that no existing homes or structures will be affected by this project. EKPC first proposed this project and held a public meeting in Berea in September 2023. Since then, EKPC has engaged with the local community to understand their concerns while ensuring continued reliable electric service. EKPC has been responsive to community concerns and plans to take the following steps to minimize impact: The transmission line route will be approximately 1 mile from the closest overlook at the Pinnacles hiking trails. Much of the view of the line from the Pinnacles will be screened by Pilot Knob.



Rather than galvanized steel, EKPC plans to use weathered-steel poles, which have the appearance of wood.



EKPC is committed to mechanically clearing and using mechanical maintenance methods for the entirety of the lines right-of-way rather than using herbicides to control woody vegetation. This addresses concerns about use of herbicides around water sources.



EKPC has reviewed the report commissioned by the City of Berea, Owsley Fork Water Quality Impact StudyBig Hill Transmission Line Construction, prepared by Bell Engineering. The report recommendations align with EKPCs standard practices for project development, and EKPC is committed to meeting or exceeding the recommendations. As required by the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), EKPC has prepared an environmental report, which documents impacts and planned mitigation in a number of areas, including endangered species; cultural resources; water quality; streams, wetlands and floodplains; and land use. This report has been reviewed and approved by the Rural Utilities Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

-Eastern Kentucky Power Cooperative

The college recently responded, saying its not been provided any data demonstrating the necessity of the project.

The power company has until Sept. 15 to officially respond to the court, per the colleges request for written discovery.

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More information on the substation and transmission line project can be found on the East Kentucky Power Cooperative website.

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ELGIN, Ill. (WGN)  A high school in the northwest suburbs showed support for those impacted by a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis that killed two children and injured over a dozen others on Wednesday.

St. Edward Central Catholic School in Elgin held a special prayer and moment of silence for the victims, survivors and their loved ones Friday night.

The vigil happened between two scheduled football games at the school. Students from the visiting teams were also on the field.

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Additionally, the school handed out custom T-shirts supporting Annunciation to the first 150 people who showed up.

Police say Minneapolis church shooter was filled with hatred and admired mass killers

Annunciations principal, Matt DeBoer, graduated from Saint Edwards in 2004 and many of his relatives still live in the area.

When we heard he was leading Annunciation through this tragedy, the one thing that I can say about Saint Eds is that its a community, its a family, so it was super important for us to find a way to support him, AnnMarie Wojciechowski, Principal of St. Edwards, said.

Father of 8-year-old boy killed in Minneapolis church shooting wants him remembered for his love

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DeBoer and his school community have been on the minds of many attendees.

We have to also remember that hes not just leading a school community, he is also a father, and he was in that church with his own children, Wojciechowski said. This is certainly a layered process. A lot of grieving and recovery that will take place.

The school says after the prayer vigil, theyll be mailing some of the T-shirts to Annunciation, along with cards.

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A new daily pill for high blood pressure is set to revolutionise treatment for the first time in decades, experts have said.

The wonder drug, baxdrostat, is the first in a new class of treatments and has been hailed as a game-changer for people with high blood pressure.

It is the first drug to precisely target and suppress a specific hormone, aldosterone, which scientists say is the core problem.

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In a landmark trial, baxdrostat was given to patients whose elevated blood pressure was uncontrolled or resistant and had not responded to other medicines.

The pill slashed patients seated systolic blood pressure  the higher of the two numbers on a reading  by around 10mmHg compared with placebo, in results unveiled at the European Society of Cardiologys annual conference in Madrid.

What is considered to be a healthy blood pressure level?

About four in 10 patients taking the drug reached a healthy blood pressure level  which is typically considered under 130mmHg  compared with fewer than two in 10 taking a placebo. The patients in the trial had previously failed to get a grip on the condition, which can lead to fatal heart disease if untreated.

Prof Bryan Williams of University College London, who led the trial and is chief medical officer of British Heart Foundation, said he had never seen anything like it as he hailed the results as unprecedented.

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That is a big drop in blood pressure. That would reduce [the chance of a] stroke by about 40 per cent and heart disease by about 25 per cent, he said.

Its just amazing. Ive never seen anything like it. The reductions in 24-hour average blood pressure were 15 to 17mmHg. So we may be even underestimating the effect in the clinic, and actually over the whole 24 hour period the effect was huge.

The drug also produced a significant fall that lasted during the participants sleep, which Prof Williams said suggested the benefits of the pill were long-lasting.

Patients experienced benefits within four weeks and up to 32 weeks  the trials duration. Some of the benefit also remained within eight weeks after stopping the drug.

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Some 14 million Britons suffer from high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and millions could be set to benefit from the new drug.

A triumph of scientific discovery

It is understood that AstraZeneca, the manufacturer, is in the process of seeking regulatory approval for the drug, including in the UK, meaning it could be available on the NHS as soon as next year.

Baxdrostat works by blocking the production of aldosterone, which helps the kidneys regulate salt and water.

Some people produce too much aldosterone, which impacts levels of salt in the blood and increases their blood pressure. It increasingly becomes an issue with age.

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With baxdrostat blocking the production of this hormone, scientists were able to directly address the core problem behind high blood pressure.

Prof Williams added: Despite many treatments and a lot of discussion its still the single most important preventable cause of premature death globally.

About 50 per cent of patients who are treated globally dont reach the recommended treatment targets and this represents hundreds of millions of people.

This drug development is really a triumph of scientific discovery.

While it will initially only be licenced for hard-to-treat hypertension, in line with the latest clinical trial, baxdrostat could be expanded to become a first-line option in the future, if it is more effective than other treatments.

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Paul Leeson, a professor of cardiovascular medicine and cardiologist at the University of Oxford, who was not involved in the trial, said the medicine was one version of a new range of medications that work differently, and directly reduce the levels of aldosterone.

He added: Importantly, the trial was performed across several countries and included both men and women, as well as patients with different ethnic backgrounds. This helps ensure the findings are relevant to the range of patients we see with blood pressure problems.

The reduction in blood pressure of 5 to 10mmHg is typically what we would expect for any drug or intervention we use to manage blood pressure. The medication also worked even when added on top of other tablets.

Prof Leeson continued: The trial did not test whether the drug reduces your chance of a heart attack or stroke, but we would expect a benefit based on how it effects the blood pressure.

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This new type of medicine may therefore be a potentially valuable additional treatment to tackle high blood pressure.

The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

In a separate study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress, researchers found that cholesterol-fighting injection inclisiran helped 85 per cent of patients get their cholesterol under control within 90 days.

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The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Saturday welcomed a favorable assessment by credit rating agency Moodys of the countrys access to external financing.

Moodys said in a periodic review released on Aug. 30 the Philippine governments Baa2 rating is supported by the countrys strong economic growth potential and sound fiscal metrics.

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It said the Philippines has strong access to domestic and international funding markets and ample foreign-currency reserves, which help the country weather volatility in global capital flows.

Moodys also noted the countrys access to domestic and international funding markets as well as ample foreign-currency reserves.

The BSP said these factors would help the economy weather global capital flows volatility.

The Philippines has built ample reserves and policy space to absorb external shocks, allowing us to maintain stability even in times of global uncertainty, BSP Governor Eli Remolona, Jr. said in a statement.

The countrys gross international reserves stood at $105.4 billion as of end-July 2025, the BSP said, equivalent to 7.2 months worth of imports and about 3.4 times the countrys short-term external debt based on residual maturity.

Moodys also noted the countrys broader economic growth, which is higher compared with regional and rating peers.

The Philippines gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 5.4 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2025, which is in line with Moodys full-year forecast of 5.7 percent and within the governments target range of 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent.

The economy grew amid stable overseas Filipino (OF) remittances. Cash remittances reached $16.75 billion in the first half of 2025, a 3.1-percent increase from the same period last year.

An investment-grade rating indicates low credit risk, which helps lower borrowing costs and allows the government to channel more resources toward socially beneficial programs.
A 32-year-old man was shot and killed in Cincinnati.

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Cincinnati officers were called to the 1000 block of Gest Street around 12:10 Friday morning.

When they got there, they found 32-year-old Ryan Johnson suffering from a gunshot wound in the parking lot of a Taco Bell, our news partners at WCPO reported.

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Medics attempted to save Johnsons life, but he died on the scene.

WCPO spoke to Johnsons Aunt.

She said Johnson, a father of seven, worked at the Taco Bell and was on break at the time of the shooting.

We just want to know why, why did you take him like he got seven kids, whos gonna raise his kids? said Denton.

Police have not released any further information on what led to the shooting or if they have a possible suspect. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call CPD at 513-765-1212 or Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040..

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Fires sparked in trash and debris at homeless encampments have become a recurring problem in Los Angeles Sepulveda Basin, raising concerns among residents about the potential for the fires to spread to nearby homes.

Its become a public safety concern due to the heavy vegetation, the encampments, and illegal dumping in the area, Captain Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department told KTLAs Rachel Menitoff on Friday.

Encino resident Dan Sweeney says city crews clear the encampments, only to see them return.

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Theyve done cleanups of the bamboo area along Burbank (Boulevard). They clear it out, but typically within six months, people are back again, Sweeney said.

Bonni Milani, another Encino resident, warns its only a matter of time before homes are threatened.

Firefighters douse a fire at a homeless encampment in the Sepulveda Basin. (KTLA)

If they set a fire and the winds pick up, this entire area is going to go, she said.

Fire officials say clearing the area is challenging due to health hazards, booby traps, and dense vegetation, all of which require additional manpower.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order a year ago directing cities to clean up encampments. He is now forming a task force to remove dangerous encampments and provide services to those living in them.

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Residents like Milani believe the city must strike a balance between public safety and compassion.

I think the city really needs to focus on getting people out of homeless encampments and into facilities where they can receive proper treatment, she told KTLA.

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A map of the proposed mine site, submitted as part of Highland Coppers air use permit application. (Credit: Highland Copper Company Inc.)

Following the passage of the Michigan House of Representatives budget proposal for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, opponents of a controversial mining project are slamming the plan for a $50 million allocation aimed at preparing local communities for the project.

Put forth in a request from Rep. Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock), the Republican budget allocates $50 million to Wakefield Township in Gogebic County to invest into road upgrades, fortification of the electrical grid and improvements to telecommunication services across the region.

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Site readiness, or lack thereof, is commonly cited as a factor in investment decisions by businesses and venture funds considering Michigan-based opportunities, Markkanen said in his request for legislative spending in May.

He noted that an opportunity before the Township offers a generational opportunity to create hundreds of good-paying jobs to support local families and bolster the national supply chain and defense capabilities, a reference to Highland Coppers Copperwood Mine, but noted site investment is needed to encourage investment in the area.

While the states Strategic Fund Board approved $50 million for the mining project last year, the funding was held up in the Michigan Senate, when the Appropriations Committee adjourned for the year without voting on the funding.

While some state and community officials have welcomed the project, the mine has received push back from multiple environmental groups who are raising concerns about the underground mine and its proximity to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the North Country Trail, and Lake Superior.

The Presque Isle River flows into Lake Superior near the Copperwood deposit. The current mine access road is a short drive from the Presque Isle Campground in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. (Photo: Ellie Katz/Points North)

Leading the charge is Protect the Porkies, a grassroots group led by Tom Grotewohl, a resident of Wakefield Township.

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In a statement released Thursday, Grotewohl denounced the inclusion of funding for the mine within the House Republicans budget proposal.

Make no mistake, this funding request is identical in purpose to the $50 million Michigan Strategic Fund-approved SOAR grant twice halted last year due to pushback from around the state and nation, Grotehwol said. Considering Speaker Matt Halls [(R-Richland Township)] commitment to transparency, its surprising that he and his colleagues would include a corporate welfare handout thinly veiled as a community infrastructure grant to Wakefield Township.

Earlier this summer, Highland Copper, the Canadian company developing the mine, pointed to Wakefield Townships request for legislative funding as an alternative route in receiving infrastructure funding for the project.

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If one path is successful, the other will no longer be required, the company said in a July 2 news release.

However, Jane Fitkin, director of Citizens for a Safe & Clean Lake Superior, argued that if the project is to move forward, Highland Copper should be the one footing the bill  not Michigan taxpayers.

Chief among environmental advocates concerns is the location of the mines tailings basin, which would store mining waste on sloping topography leading into Lake Superior. Should the dam collapse, several toxins including arsenic, cadmium, selenium, lead and mercury would be released into the waterway.

This contamination would infringe on the treaty rights of several Native American tribes to hunt, fish and gather within the territory ceded in the 1842 Treaty of La Pointe.

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In a statement, Highland Copper called the project a once-in-a-generation project saying the grant would be used to fund infrastructure thats needed to bring to life projects like the Copperwood Mine and more.

On Dec. 11, 2024, members of the House Appropriations Committee heard testimony on a requested transfer of $50 million in state funding to the Copperwood Mine Project in the Upper Peninsula. | Kyle Davidson

Wakefield Township Supervisor Mandy Lake applauded the Legislature for prioritizing the Western Upper Peninsula and demonstrating its commitment to giving our community a future.

The infrastructure funded through this grant will have a tremendous positive impact on our whole region, and while it will support a great opportunity like Copperwood, it will also support our logging industry, and better our position to attract more business opportunities as well, Lake told the Advance in an email.

Marty Fittante, CEO of Invest UP, a regional economic organization based in the Upper Peninsula, similarly cheered the inclusion of funding within the Houses budget proposal, comparing the effort to the Eagle Mine in Marquette County  which has drawn similar concerns from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community alongside environmental advocates.

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According to its website, the mine employs roughly 400 people with a 75% local hire commitment.

We know firsthand from the success of Eagle Mine and its regulation under Michigans stringent mining standards, environmental stewardship and economic opportunity can be complementary to one another, Fittante said. This infrastructure funding will pave the way not just for the Copperwood Mine, a project that will create good paying jobs in a community that desperately needs them, but will also support the forest products industry which is also a critical opportunity for the region.
The judge who ruled that asylum seekers can remain in a hotel in Epping has been reported to the conduct authority for alleged apparent bias over links to Left-wing causes and organisations.

On Friday, Lord Justice Bean and two other Court of Appeal judges ruled that an injunction banning the Bell Hotel from housing asylum seekers should be overturned.

The ruling was a legal victory for the Home Office and has prevented the Governments asylum policy from being plunged into chaos.

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Steven Barrett, a barrister supporting Lawyers for Borders, a campaign to close asylum hotels, on Thursday said he submitted a complaint to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office arguing that Lord Justice Bean should not have heard the Bell Hotel appeal because of apparent conflicts of interest.

Those included his status as a founding member of Matrix Chambers which, Mr Barrett claims, is firmly associated with advocacy in favour of allowing migrants to stay.

Other members of Matrix Chambers include Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, and Philippe Sands KC, the lawyer acting for Mauritius in its case against Britain for sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. Both men are human rights lawyers and long-time friends of Sir Keir Starmer.

Cherie Blair KC, the wife of Tony Blair, former Labour prime minister, is another prominent member, Mr Barrett noted.

Labour member for 28 years

Barristers at Matrix Chambers practice independently and do not necessarily share the views of the organisation or one another.

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Mr Barrett highlighted that Lord Justice Bean had been a Labour Party member for 28 years, had formerly served as deputy chairman of the Society for Labour Lawyers, and is a former chair of the Fabian Society, a socialist think tank which advocates in favour of migrants.

The barrister alleged that in presiding over the case, Lord Justice Bean erred, in failing to properly consider, or if not fail to consider, fail to properly apply, the test of apparent bias.

Mr Barrett cited a definition of apparent bias established in a case involving Augusto Pinochet, the late Chilean dictator, which holds that it can apply if a judges conduct or behaviour may give rise to a suspicion that he is not impartial, for example because of his friendship with a party.

Mr Barrett said: In my opinion, Lord Justice Bean has erred in agreeing to hear such an important case, when it involves his friends in Labour.

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Lord Justice Bean was approached via the Judicial Office for comment.

Residents of the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, celebrated on Friday after the Court of Appeal overturned an injunction that would have stopped 138 asylum seekers from living there.

Several of the migrants thanked Keir Starmer after the controversial ruling allowed them to remain at the hotel.

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.

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Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, from Ethiopia, told a 14-year-old girl he wanted to have Jamaican babies with her after she offered him a slice of pizza, a court heard this week.

Mr Kebatu allegedly attempted to kiss the girl and get her to drink a beer with him.

When she told him she was too young, he replied: Age doesnt matter, Chelmsford magistrates court heard.

The 14-year-old girl said: He said he wanted to make Jamaican babies, and said that if you come back to the hotel, we can have sex and have lovely babies It really creeped me out about that because anything could have happened.

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Did you know that the city of Erie has sisters?

The Sister Cities International (SCI) program began with Dwight Eisenhowers White House summit on citizen diplomacy in 1956. He hoped the program would help foster relationships between the United States and other countries after the end of the Second World War.

Erie strives for just that with its five sister cities, looking to strengthen relationships through educational outreach, humanitarian fundraising, and cultural appreciation.

Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

Photo by: Sergi Reboredo/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The relationship between Erie and Merida, Yucatan, was officially established in 1973. The two cities strengthen their relationship through The Mission of Friendship, which provides volunteer opportunities for parishioners in the Erie Diocese. A program that is part of the mission is the Amigo program, a way to connect families from Erie and Merida to establish long-lasting bonds.

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Auctions have been organized in the past to raise funds for families in Merida.

Zibo, Shandong, China

Photo by Xu Suhui/Xinhua via Getty Images

The relationship with Eries second sister city, Zibo, Shandong, China, was founded in 1985. Since the start of the connection, there have been delegations from both sides visiting. In 2019, a contingent led by Mayor Joe Schember traveled to Zibo and met with government leaders. They gave presentations about Erie in the hope of spurring economic growth between the two cities.

Part of the program set up between the two cities includes promoting education through a teacher and student exchange program. Over the decades-long relationship, over 80 people from Zibo have visited Erie, and over 160 people from Erie have visited Zibo.

Lublin, Poland

Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The relationship between Erie and Lublin, Poland, was established in 1998. The two cities have recently been assisting in the refugee crisis in Ukraine. Many refugees made their way to Lublin seeking asylum. In 2022, Erie companies got involved in raising funds and collecting goods to send to Lublin.

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Logistics Plus, an Erie-based company, raised about $640,000 to donate to the refugees. The organization, Erie, PA for Ukraine, collected donations and items to ship overseas.

Dungarvan, Ireland

Photo by Fiona Hanson  PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images

Dungarvan, Ireland, was the fourth sister city to be founded, with the connection established in 2007. Mercyhurst maintains a tight relationship with the city through the exchange program, allowing students to study at the satellite campus.

In addition, Mercyhursts Global Intelligence Forum was held in Dungarvan. The forum brought together intelligence professionals to speak about their experiences and methods of quality intelligence analysis. The relationship between the two cities offers educational and cultural experiences for students, opening their worldview through travel.

Chornomorsk, Ukraine

Photo by Esra Bilgin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The newest addition to the Erie family is Chornomorsk, Ukraine. The relationship was founded in late 2024. Logistics Plus facilitated the connection to offer humanitarian aid, medical supplies and support.

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Mayor Joe Schember and Chornomorsk Mayor Huliaiev approved the sister city agreement in the hopes of creating a relationship based on educational, cultural, industrial and economic exchanges.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
The European Union should confiscate over 200 billion of frozen Russian assets within the EU and transfer them to Ukraine, according to Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

Source: Tsahkna ahead of an informal meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen on 30 August, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Estonia believes that Russias frozen assets should be confiscated and handed over to Ukraine.

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"We need to confiscate the Russian frozen assets and use this money for Ukraine. We are talking about more than 200 billion euros, which Europe has, and there is no reason why we are not taking this money and giving it to Ukraine," Tsahkna stressed.

He noted that supporting Ukraine requires enormous resources, and this support must continue over the long term.

"There are no legal reasons why we cannot do this. This is only a political reason, and we don't have this consensus. So today we will discuss these opportunities, and Estonia is really heavily pushing this decision to confiscate Russian frozen assets and start using them," the Estonian minister explained.

"I understand the Belgian government very well, because they have more than 200 billion [euros in] frozen assets, and they cannot take the risk alone if there are problems in the future. So we need to form a coalition and find the measures to take down the risks for Belgium," he added.

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Tsahkna emphasised that "Belgium has very legit concerns, but the concerns are not connected in our case with legal reasons".

He concluded that this was much more a question of political will and that, as partners in the Coalition of the Willing, they must find ways to support Belgium and develop measures to reduce risks.

"Russia is crazy about this money. Russia needs this money," said Margus Tsahkna.

Background:

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said ahead of the informal ministerial meeting in Copenhagen that frozen assets cannot be returned to Russia after a ceasefire without the payment of reparations.

"We are advancing work on Russian frozen assets to support Ukraines defence and reconstruction," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the day before.

Earlier reports indicated that the EU could create a fund to facilitate the transfer of nearly 200 billion in Russian assets for Ukraines reconstruction.

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Assets of the Russian Central Bank, frozen within the European Union, cannot be returned to Russia following a ceasefire or peace agreement until reparations are paid to Ukraine.

Source: Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen on 30 August, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kallas stressed that frozen assets must not be returned while Russia has not compensated Ukraine for war damages.

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"We see that Russia does not want peace, although there are a lot of diplomatic efforts made to bring Zelensky and Russia to the table. Then, in relation to that, because it always comes up, we are going to have a deep dive into the frozen assets issue," Kallas announced as one of the topics for todays meeting.

She added that there are "some sensitivities" regarding Russias frozen assets, but "we really have to have an argumented debate about this" to develop an "exit strategy" from the situation.

"We cannot possibly imagine that if there is a ceasefire or a peace deal, that these assets are given back to Russia if they haven't paid for their reparations," the EU high representative emphasised.

Background: As reported by European Pravda, the EU may create a fund to facilitate the transfer of nearly 200 billion of Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

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The foreign ministers of the UK, Iceland and Norway will attend an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen on 30 August to discuss increasing sanctions pressure on Russia.

Source: Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic-Radman, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The UK, Iceland and Norway foreign ministers are discussing sanctions against Russia with EU ministers.

"The EU needs to increase its pressure on Russia. More robust sanctions and the Russian shadow fleet are on our agenda," Grlic-Radman said.

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The Croatian foreign minister added that the main goal is "to get Moscow to engage in meaningful negotiations".

"So, today, and our close partners, the UK, Iceland, and Norway will be present just to contribute to our efforts," Grlic-Radman said.

Background:

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said that the development of the 19th package of European Union sanctions against Russia should be carried out in coordination with the United States.

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, explained what exactly could be included in the 19th package of sanctions against Russia.

The EU is considering introducing secondary sanctions to prevent third countries from helping Russia circumvent existing restrictions.

This tool  adopted in 2023 but not yet used  would prohibit the export, supply, or transfer of certain goods to third countries believed to be enabling the evasion of EU sanctions.

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By Andrew Gray

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -European Union foreign ministers on Saturday were deeply split over the war in Gaza, with some calling for the EU to apply strong economic pressure on Israel while others made clear they were unwilling to go that far.

"We are divided about this issue," Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, said as she arrived for a meeting with the ministers in the Danish capital Copenhagen.

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"If you don't have a unified voice ... on this topic, we don't have a voice on the global scene. So that's definitely very problematic," she said.

Kallas said she was "not very optimistic" that ministers could agree even on a proposal she described as lenient - as it is less severe than other options - to curb Israeli access to an EU research-funding programme.

The war - launched in response to the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas - has brought to the surface deeply rooted differences among the EU's 27 countries on the Middle East.

Many EU governments have criticised Israel's conduct of the war, particularly over deaths of civilians and restrictions on humanitarian aid. But they have been unable to agree on impactful EU political or economic action.

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Countries, including Ireland, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands, have called for the suspension of an EU free trade pact with Israel. But traditional allies of Israel, such as Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic, have rejected such steps.

"If the EU does not act as a collective now and take sanctions against Israel, whenever will it? What more could it possibly take? Children are starving," said Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris.

FAMINE FINDING

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. Israel rejected its findings.

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The European Union is Israel's biggest trading partner, with trade in goods between the two amounting to 42.6 billion euros ($49.9 billion)last year, according to the EU.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin had made clear that Israel had to respect humanitarian principles in its war against Hamas and that Germany had suspended delivery of weapons that could be used in Gaza.

But he said Germany was "not very convinced" by the proposal to curb Israeli access to EU research funds, questioning how suspending such civilian cooperation that he described as sensible would be useful.

European Commission officials say they proposed the measure to send an initial signal to Israel and because it does not need unanimity to pass. Support from 15 countries would be enough if they represent 65% of the EU population.

Israel has rejected criticism of its conduct of the war and says its military action is necessary to defeat Hamas.

($1 = 0.8542 euros)

(Reporting by Andrew Gray; editing by Barbara Lewis)
Foreign ministers from across the European Union have tussled over what action to take in response to Israels deadly war on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as the blocs aid chief urged them to find a strong voice that reflects our values and principles.

Ministers from the EUs 27 member states gathered in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, on Saturday to discuss the situation in Gaza, where Israels military assault has killed more than 63,000 people since October 2023.

The ministers were also expected to debate a proposal to suspend EU funding for Israeli start-ups as an initial punitive action over the countrys war.

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Its clear that member states disagree on how to get the Israeli government to change course, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said before the talks.

Im not very optimistic, and today we are definitely not going to adopt decisions, she said. It sends a signal that we are divided.

Growing numbers of protesters have taken to the streets across Europe in recent months to demand action from their respective governments to pressure Israel to end its war on Gaza, which experts have described as a genocide.





Many EU governments have sharply criticised Israels conduct during the war, particularly over the deaths of Palestinian civilians and restrictions on humanitarian aid entering the coastal enclave.

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The outcry intensified after a United Nations-backed global hunger monitor said last week it had determined there was famine in Gaza  a finding rejected by Israel despite overwhelming evidence.

But the EU so far has failed to agree on a course of action to pressure Israel to end its bombardment and blockade of Gaza.

Some member states such as Spain and Ireland have called for economic curbs and an arms embargo against Israel while others, including Germany and Hungary, have pushed back against efforts to sanction the Israeli government.

Speaking to Al Jazeera before Saturdays meeting, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said doing nothing has failed to achieve anything, nearly two years into the Gaza war. So the time of declaration[s] is really over. We have to move forward, he said.

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Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen urged the bloc to find common ground while calling for sanctions against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right coalition government.

I am not revealing a secret by saying we must change words into sanctions, Rasmussen said. Denmark is ready to suspend the trade chapter in the association agreement and put sanctions on the Netanyahu government and some ministers in his government.





The EUs executive body proposed last month to curb Israeli access to an EU research-funding programme but the initiative has so far not found enough support from member states 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.

Reporting from Copenhagen as the foreign ministers held their talks on Saturday, Al Jazeeras Hashem Ahelbarra said the failure to reach a consensus comes amid a change of mood on the streets of Europe.

More and more people across Europe say that the EU failed to deliver on the promises it made when it comes to the protection of humanitarian law and human rights, said Ahelbarra, adding that the EU has huge political and financial leverage over Israel.

There is huge pressure on them to deliver, he said.

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Hadja Lahbib, the European commissioner for crisis management, who oversees EU humanitarian aid, said earlier this week that it was time for the EU to find a collective voice on Gaza.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels, 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.
China has warned the Philippines there is a price to pay for allegedly allowing Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung to visit Manila this week with a business contingent.

There is a price to pay for trampling on Chinas red line, and all consequences arising therefrom will be borne by the Philippines, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said.

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He urged Manila to stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatists.

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, Guo said

The Chinese official also scored Manila for fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle and hurting China-Philippines ties.

He also asked the Philippines to stop pursuing the wrong course and return to the right track at once and to stop playing with fire on issues concerning Chinas core interests.

The Taiwanese delegation reportedly visited an area related to the Philippines Luzon Economic Corridor infrastructure project, in which the United States and Japan are also involved.

Stop playing with fire on issues concerning Chinas core interests.  Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

Taipei has been strengthening economic ties with Manila in recent years, including through efforts to boost cooperation in areas in which Taiwan has an edge, such as semiconductors.

On Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the One China Policy amid the reported visit of the Taiwanese Foreign Minister.

Consistent with the Philippines One China Policy, no official from Taiwan is recognized as a member of the business delegation that recently visited the Philippines, the DFA said.

Furthermore, the statement also pointed out the Philippines maintains economic and people-to-people engagements with Taiwan, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and tourism, within the bounds of the One China Policy.

Meanwhile, a security analyst warned Chinese sleeper agents are reportedly operating in the Philippines to study local politics and potentially interfere in the 2028 national elections.

Chester Cabalza, founding president of the think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, said Chinese espionage activities have long been present in the country.

Naturally, their mission is to study our politics so it will be easier for them to influence us and win over Filipinos, he said.

Cabalza said the alleged sleeper agents are not only looking at the strategic implications in the West Philippine Sea but also strategic foresight for the 2028 elections.

Earlier, the National Security Council said there were indications that China interfered with the 2025 midterm elections.

Malacanang expressed alarm over the NSC pronouncement, saying the report would be investigated.
The European Union remained divided on Saturday on how to react to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and what measure to take against Israel at a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Copenhagen.

The European Commission had proposed suspending research funding for Israeli companies after an internal EU review concluded that Israel's actions in the embattled territory violate an EU-Israel agreement that obliges both sides to respect human rights.

Germany has been among the countries blocking the measure from going forward. German Foreign Minsiter Johan Wadephul stressed that Berlin is not ready to back the sanction proposal for the time being.

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The planned measure is unlikely to have any influence on Israel's political decision-making and military actions in the Gaza Strip, Wadephul said.

That is why Germany is not convinced by the proposal, Wadephul said.

The minister emphasized that Germany is instead restricting arms deliveries to Israel. "I believe this is a very targeted measure that is very important and very necessary," he said.

EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas said she was "not very optimistic" that there will be a consensus on how to react to the war in Gaza as "quite a lenient" proposal she has made to suspend research funding has failed to reach the required majority backing.

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The plans would have to be approved by a so-called qualified majority, meaning by at least 15 out of the EU's 27 member states representing at least 65% of the bloc's population. This gives Germany, who is the largest EU state with a population of 83.5 million, a big say.

"When we are divided, we don't have a unified voice. If you don't have a unified voice, then on this topic we don't have [a] voice on the global scene," she added.

While some EU countries, like Germany and Austria, remain hesitant to back sanctions, several other countries including Denmark, Spain and Ireland are pushing for a tougher stance.

"We now must change words into action," said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen, who hosted the meeting.

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"We consider Israel a friend, and the Israeli people a friend. But we have an issue with the current government," he added.

Denmark is ready to restrict trade with Israel, impose a ban on products from Israeli settlements in the West Bank or put sanctions on Israeli ministers, Rasmussen said.

He admitted though that reaching consensus on these measures "is probably not achievable," adding that the EU's problem is that "the slow ship in the convoy decides the speed."
The European Union is urging the United States to reconsider revoking entry visas for Palestinian officials ahead of the United Nations' General Assembly in New York next month.

"We all urge for this decision to be reconsidered," said EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas after a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers in Copenhagen.

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)."

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The State Department confirmed to dpa that PA President Mahmoud Abbas and about 80 other representatives of the PA are affected. Existing visas have been revoked, and no new visas will be issued.

The new restrictions make a visit by Abbas to the UN highly unlikely.

The United Nations headquarters in New York sits on special-status territory that technically is not part of the US, but it lacks its own airport, so foreign delegations must first enter US soil before travelling there, which is impossible without a visa.
By Andrew Gray

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -The European Union will examine how to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defence and reconstruction after the war but confiscating them now is not politically realistic, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Saturday.

Some 210 billion euros ($245.85 billion) of Russian assets are frozen in the bloc under sanctions imposed on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine, according to the EU.

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Ukraine and some EU countries, including Estonia, Lithuania and Poland, have said the assets should be seized now and used to support Kyiv. Those calls have intensified as Ukraine faces a funding gap of tens of billions of euros for next year alone.

But EU heavyweights France and Germany - along with Belgium, which holds most of the assets - have rebuffed the idea.

They have questioned the legality of such a move and its potential impact on the euro currency, while noting that profits from the assets are being used to support Ukraine.

Speaking after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen, Kallas said everyone had agreed it was "unthinkable that Russia will ever see this money again unless it fully compensates Ukraine" for damage caused by the war.

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"We don't see them paying for the damages. So we need to have an exit strategy" for using the assets whenever the war comes to an end, Kallas said.

Most of the assets are held in Euroclear, a securities depository in Belgium, whose foreign minister, Maxime Prevot, said any seizure was out of the question for now.

"Those assets are solidly protected under international law," he told reporters in Copenhagen. "Confiscating them would trigger systemic financial instability and also erode trust in the euro."

Prevot also rejected calls for a change in the investment strategy for the profits from the assets, with the aim of securing higher yields. He said that would be too risky, financially and legally.

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Last year, the G7 group of nations - including the EU - agreed to use the profits generated by the assets to fund a $50 billion loan for Ukraine.

"Belgium and many other countries are not willing to discuss (taking the assets) now ... but everybody agrees ... that Russia should pay for the damages, not our taxpayers," Kallas said.

Russia has signalled it could agree to using the frozen assets for reconstruction in Ukraine but will insist that part of the money is spent on areas of the country that its forces control, sources told Reuters in February this year.

(Reporting by Andrew Gray, editing by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Barbara Lewis)
By Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA (Reuters) -The head of the Red Cross warned on Saturday that it would be impossible to keep people safe during a mass evacuation of Gaza City, as Israel intensifies its assault.

Israel is pushing ahead with its plan to take full control of the whole Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City, with the goal of destroying Hamas after nearly 23 months of war, while facing a global outcry over starvation in the besieged enclave.

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"It is impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City could ever be done in a way that is safe and dignified under the current conditions," Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement.

An evacuation would provoke a massive population displacement that no other area in the Gaza Strip is equipped to absorb, amid severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical supplies, Spoljaric said.

The Israeli military said on Friday that it "will continue to support humanitarian efforts alongside ongoing manoeuvring and offensive operations against terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip in order to protect the state of Israel".

Israel has urged civilians to leave for the south of the Palestinian enclave.

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Many people in Gaza City would not be able to follow evacuation orders because they are starving, sick or injured, Spoljaric said.

International humanitarian law requires Israel to ensure that civilians have access to shelter, safety and nutrition, when evacuation orders are issued.

"These conditions cannot currently be met in Gaza. This makes any evacuation not only unfeasible but incomprehensible under the present circumstances," Spoljaric added.

The conflict began with a Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people according to Israeli tallies and seizing about 250 hostages.

Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 63,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to Gaza health officials.

(Reporting by Olivia Le PoidevinEditing by Gareth Jones)
SHANKSVILLE, Pa.  Flight 93 National Memorial will mark the 24th anniversary of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, with a solemn tribute to the passengers and crew aboard United Airlines Flight 93.

The event, which remembers those 40 men and women as heroes who were the first to fight back against terrorism on 9/11, is held annually at the national memorial near Shanksville.

The event and related programs on Sept. 11 are free to attend. The remembrance ceremony will begin at 9:45 a.m., organizers said.

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The Moment of Remembrance will include the reading of names of each passenger and crew member and a moment of silence. A wreath-laying and gate-closing ceremony will take place near the Wall of Names on the Memorial Plaza.

Year-round and especially on Sept. 11, we honor the passengers and crew members of Flight 93, said memorial Superintendent Stephen M. Clark.

The programs presented by the National Park Service and Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial continue the tradition of educating future generations about these heroes.

Attendees can also explore the memorials indoor Visitors Center and Tower of Voices, which was designed as a 93-foot-tall musical reminder of those who died that day.

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For the third year, the National Park Service and the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial will also offer virtual education programs to schools during the week of the event.

Teach to Remember 9/11 will be available to classrooms from Sept. 8 to Sept. 12 and will include the Moment of Remembrance on Sept. 11. Classrooms can join the ceremony via livestream and registration remains underway, National Park Service officials said.

We are excited to again host a week of virtual programs in partnership with Flight 93 National Memorial, said Donna Gibson, head of the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial. Teachers and students from across America have the opportunity to connect and learn from rangers at the memorial about this story.

The memorial will open at 7 a.m. Sept. 11.

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Visitors are encouraged to arrive one hour before the observance to allow ample time to park and shuttle to the event site.

Visitors will be directed toward designated lots and shuttle to and from the event site. The ceremony will be held in a field and will require walking on mown grass and uneven ground, so appropriate footwear is recommended, National Park Service officials said in a media release.

Accessible buses will be available to accommodate wheelchairs. Standing room and ADA seating will be available for the public.

For more information on the observance, including weather updates, prohibited items and group information, visit nps.gov/flni/planyourvisit/ september-11-observance- general-information.htm.

The public can also watch the event at Flight 93 National Memorials Youtube page, youtube.com/@Flight93NationalMemorial.
Former ABC News reporter Terry Moran on Thursday said network news and legacy media companies are failing the American people, bowing to corporate pressure amid President Donald Trumps second term.

They have kind of rules of what they can say and what they cant say, what they can describe and what they cant describe. The facts in front of them are eluding their coverage and I think that they are disserving the American people, said Moran on an episode of the In Good Faith with Philip DeFranco podcast.

Moran  whose world-class haters post on Trump and senior White House aide Stephen Miller led to his ABC News ouster in June  argued that theres frustration among those in network news and, despite changes in tone during segments, correspondents arent saying the words of whats happening.

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Thats corporate pressure, he stressed.

Following his exit from ABC News, Moran has launched a SubStack newsletter and gone on to defend his accurate, fair and true description of Miller, emphasizing that cruelty is the point with him.

Related: Ex-CDC Vaccine Chief Issues Dire Warning Under RFK Jr.: Tip Of The Iceberg'

On DeFrancos podcast, Moran proceeded to turn his attention to the multi-kabillion-dollar business in ABCs parent company Disney.

ABC News is a little, little tiny speck in that giant empire, he explained.

The last thing that the head of Disney or anybody in these corporate offices wants is a problem with the president of the United States because somebody in the news division tweeted something. I mean, theres like absolutely no upside to that. So the pressures on, very much so.

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HuffPost has reached out to Disney and ABC for comment.

FILE - In June, journalist Terry Moran (pictured) was suspended by ABC News following a social media post that described senior White House aide Stephen Miller as using hatreds are his spiritual nourishment." At the time, ABC News called the post a clear violation of the networks policies, before announcing that Moran's contract  which it claimed had reached its end  would not be renewed. David Russell via Getty Images

Morans recent comments arrive months after ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to Trumps presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit over anchor George Stephanopoulos remarks on the civil verdict in E. Jean Carrolls sexual assault suit against the president.

The settlement sparked criticism from legal experts and reportedly led to internal pushback at the network.

Related: Trump Motorcade Gets A Very Blunt Message From A Lone Protester

In May, Disney and ABC News were at the center of a report by The Daily Beast where sources claimed that executives asked the hosts of The View to tone down their political talk, a request the panel wasnt feeling.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
New trail camera footage is showing a robust otter population along a British river, according to the BBC.

The River Deerness, just south of Newcastle, has been host to 38 otter sightings last year and another seven this year, according to the Wear Rivers Trust. This is a sign of an ecosystem healthy enough to support apex predators.

"It could be just one or two otters or a family that cover the whole river, and with a really healthy river, you could have more than that," said Daniel Rutland with the Wear Rivers Trust, according to the BBC. "But we'll take the good news and enjoy it."

Otters have been making a rebound across the U.K.

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Sightings have been made in Hampshire, London, Worcester, and Oxfordshire. Pressures from industrial chemicals and pesticides nearly wiped otters out of the country in the 1950s, but strong legislation, including chemical bans and species protections, has supported recovery since the 70s.

Trail cameras are a vital tool in informing these types of protections. Especially elusive and nocturnal species can be hard to spot, but unobtrusive cameras can generate reliable data without stressing wildlife with human presence. Armed with better data, conservationists can make a strong case for accurate, targeted protections.

While the fresh otter sightings are good news, waterways in the U.K. aren't especially robust habitats. The Wear Rivers Trust estimates that 15% of rivers in England are ecologically healthy. The Deerness itself was given a poor rating in 2019.

Despite the challenges, the Wear Rivers Trust is hopeful about the future of the River Deerness.

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"There's a long way to go yet to be able to say that any water course is healthy," said Rutland, according to the BBC. "But nature is resilient, and we just celebrate every sign that there's life and there's recovery."

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
A new study warns that rising temperatures, together with varied precipitation, may trigger "hot drought," threatening the water supply in and around D.C.

What's happening?

Local news outlet WTOP reported on concerns illustrated in a new study from the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin that indicates "hot drought" could make it harder to source drinking and other water from the river.

Although rainfall is expected to increase over the next 75 years, hot drought  drought made stronger by heat  could cause the Potomac's levels to drop substantially.

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Cherie Schultz, co-author of the study published in June in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association, explained that high temperature tends to increase evaporation.

"It leads to more evaporation from the ground, and from water surfaces, to that effect will counteract the phenomena of increased precipitation," Schultz told WTOP.

Why is this concerning?

The Potomac River is the primary source of drinking water for Washington, D.C., and much of the surrounding region, according to the Potomac Riverkeeper Network.

A significant drop in water levels could disrupt rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater systems. Water scarcity could impact communities as well as animals and plant life.

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While droughts have always occurred periodically, rising global temperatures are acting like steroids for extreme weather events, including droughts, making them more destructive and harder to manage. If this trend continues, some places in the world would be too hot to live in, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has predicted.

What's being done about the issue?

The United States Army Corps of Engineers is already studying ways to increase backup water supplies for the region, WTOP reported. Utility companies are also updating their drought models to anticipate shortages sooner.

Taking a big-picture view of the problem, households, businesses, and whole neighborhoods shifting to cleaner, more efficient energy systems can help reduce heat-trapping pollution to curb the rising temperatures that fuel droughts.

Implementing new technologies, such as hydropanels, can also help protect against scarcity by essentially pulling water from the air.

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Droughts have long been a part of life on Earth, but today's conditions are different. Individuals and municipalities can take action now by exploring critical environmental issues and implementing local initiatives to build resilience.

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.




Filipino researchers have found, through a groundbreaking new study spanning nearly two decades of data from 2006 to 2024, that the hottest days in the Philippines are more likely to produce hail.

The local study Spatiotemporal Analysis of Hail Events in the Philippines marks the first comprehensive analysis of hail occurrences in the country.

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Its authors include Marco Polo Ibanez, John Manalo, and Generich Capuli of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as well as Dr. Lyndon Mark Olaguera of the Ateneo de Manila University and the Manila Observatory.

These researchers discovered that hail events were most frequent during the dry-season months of March, April, and Maythe period when surface temperatures peak and the atmosphere is primed for thunderstorms.

They also found that most hailstorms occurred during the hottest part of the day, between mid to late afternoon.

Luzon recorded the most hail events overall, while relatively larger hailstones were more observed in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The researchers attribute this to the weaker influence of the Southwest Monsoon in those regions, which allows localized convective storms to persist later into the year.

For the study, the researchers used a multi-source, crowd-informed approach relying on a wide range of sources aside from instrument data, including local government records, news media, and geotagged social media posts.

Most people are surprised when hail happens because it is relatively rare in the Philippines, Olaguera, senior author of the study, said.

Many take photos or videos and share them online. Some are scared since its unusual, while others just treat it as a strange kind of rain. People usually explain it as part of strong thunderstorms, and some interpret hail as a warning or sign of climate change, he added.
Claim:

On Aug. 25, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller called the Democratic Party a "domestic, extremist organization" on Fox News.

Rating:

Rating: Correct Attribution

On Aug. 25, 2025, according to posts on social media, U.S. President Donald Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called the Democratic party a "domestic, extremist organization" on live television.

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Using such language to describe the opposition party to the current presidential administration startled many online, some of whom called Miller's rhetoric "fascist." Snopes readers searched the site wondering if Miller had indeed said those words.

This footage will be played in history class in 20 years to explain what fascist propaganda sounds like and to highlight the source of Americas retreat from the world stage.  Gulliver Gadfly (@GulliverGadfly) August 26, 2025

He did. The claim is true.

Miller appeared on Fox News' "Hannity" to talk about "how Democrats have let crime run rampant in Chicago," according to a Fox News clip of his comments. (According to Chicago's NBC affiliate WMAQ, Chicago Police Department statistics show the city saw a 21.9% decrease in violent crime in 2024).

The appearance followed Trump's Aug. 11 decision to station national guard troops in Washington, D.C., in order to, as he said, decrease crime and comments suggesting that Chicago and other cities with mayors from the Democratic party might follow.

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Hannity introduced Miller with the following remarks:

You know Steven, I've been running a scroll of the names of people that have been shot and shot and killed. You could predict with pinpoint accuracy how many people on any given weekend are going to be shot and shot and killed in Chicago. They haven't lifted a finger to solve the problem. You know, they've fallen in to this "defund," "dismantle," "reimagine," "no-bail" insanity. And now Donald Trump wants to help and they're mad at him?

Over a chyron that read "Dems fall on the wrong side of every issue," Miller responded as follows (emphasis added):

Look, we discussed this last time I was on your show. The Democrat party does not fight for, care about or represent American citizens. It is an entity devoted exclusively to the defense of hardened criminals, gangbangers, and illegal alien killers and terrorists. The Democrat party is not a political party. It is a domestic, extremist organization. Look at Chicago. They've shut down the police department, they've handcuffed law enforcement, and as President Trump says, they have turned the streets of Chicago into a bloody killing field. Here in Washington, D.C., before President Trump launched the federal law enforcement liberation in D.C., there was a murder on the streets of this town every other day  body after body after body after body. That was Washington, D.C. Residents were afraid to go to restaurants, they were afraid to go into entire neighborhoods, they were getting carjacked right and left, robbed and beaten. That was Washington, D.C. Now we're two weeks homicide free  the safest the city has ever been in its entire history. And the Democrats, instead of jumping up and down and saying, "Thank you President Trump, thank you for saving our lives, thank you for saving our cities, thank you for scrubbing away all the graffiti, the trash, the homeless encampments, the druggies"  instead of cleaning up the city, instead of thanking him for that, they're saying, "President Trump, how dare you save our lives, how dare you save our children, how dare you save our city." The Democrat party, Sean, that exists today, it disgusts me. I do not recognize that party, Sean.

In Trump's first administration, Miller served as a senior policy adviser and speechwriter. According to The Guardian, he was the architect behind several of Trump's "most notorious policy initiatives," including the "Muslim ban" on travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries in 2017. As of this writing, he serves as Trump's deputy chief of staff of policy and homeland security adviser.

Sources:

- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpCKkWMbmXU. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXR9PByA9SY. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Authoritarianism | Definition, History, Examples, & Facts | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/authoritarianism. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Chughtai, Alia. "When and Why Has the National Guard Been Deployed in the US Before?" Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/25/when-and-why-has-the-national-guard-been-deployed-in-the-us-before. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Dag, O. George Orwell: What Is Fascism? https://www.orwell.ru/library/articles/As_I_Please/english/efasc. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Eco, Umberto. "Ur-Fascism." The New York Review of Books, vol. 42, no. 11, 22 Jun. 1995. www.nybooks.com, https://www.nybooks.com/articles/1995/06/22/ur-fascism/.

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Fascism | Definition, Meaning, Characteristics, Examples, & History | Britannica. 15 Aug. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/fascism.

Lamothe, Dan. "Pentagon Plans Military Deployment in Chicago as Trump Eyes Crackdown." The Washington Post, 23 Aug. 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/08/23/trump-chicago-military-national-guard/.

Leingang, Rachel. "Yale Professor Who Studies Fascism Fleeing US to Work in Canada." The Guardian, 26 Mar. 2025. US News. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/26/yale-professor-fascism-canada.

"Restoring Law and Order in the District of Columbia." The White House, 11 Aug. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/restoring-law-and-order-in-the-district-of-columbia/.

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Schmall, Emily, et al. "In Chicago, Locals Prepare for Trump's Possible Deployment of National Guard." Reuters, 28 Aug. 2025. United States. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/chicago-locals-prepare-trumps-possible-deployment-national-guard-2025-08-28/.

Silva, Christianna. "Fascism Scholar Says U.S. Is 'Losing Its Democratic Status.'" NPR, 6 Sep. 2020. Politics. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2020/09/06/910320018/fascism-scholar-says-u-s-is-losing-its-democratic-status.

Staff  , NBC Chicago. "How Bad Is Chicago Crime? A Look at the Numbers." NBC Chicago, 25 Aug. 2025, https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/as-trump-insists-on-deploying-the-military-how-bad-is-chicago-crime-a-look-at-the-numbers/3814714/.

"Stephen Miller." Southern Poverty Law Center, https://www.splcenter.org/resources/extremist-files/stephen-miller/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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"Stephen Miller: The Democratic Party Is a 'domestic, Extremist Organization' | Fox News Video." MovingImage. Fox News, 26 Aug. 2025, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6377384186112.

Weir, Keziah. "The Fascism Expert at Yale Who's Fleeing America." Vanity Fair, 31 Mar. 2025, https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/the-fascism-expert-at-yale-whos-fleeing-america.
Did the UK enact mandatory ID checks at supermarket entrances before people can shop for "basic essentials like bread or milk", starting September 12, 2025? No, that's not true: A UK government spokesperson told Lead Stories that the rumor is "completely false". No credible media organizations reported what social media posts labeled "breaking news".

The claim appeared in a video (archived here) published on TikTok on August 26, 2025. In it, the narrator said:

UK: no ID - no groceries. From September 12, a shocking new supermarket rule comes into force: Without a government-issued photo ID, you will not be allowed to enter any supermarket in the UK, even for basic essentials like bread or milk.

This is what the video looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

Source: screenshot of a post by the wellcometouk_usa account on TikTok.com

A spokesperson for the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs told Lead Stories on August 29, 2025, via email:

This is completely false.

When asked if there are any upcoming changes concerning IDs and supermarket entrances, the same spokesperson said:

...no changes.

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Earlier, similar claims named different deadlines for the purported change: for example, August 12, 2025 (archived here) or August 18, 2025 (archived here).

Yet, as of August 29, 2025, a search across Google News for the keywords seen here (archived here) didn't yield any corroborating reporting: Search results only showed several 2024 articles discussing future use of digital IDs by those purchasing alcohol at supermarkets and entering bars.

A search for the same keywords on Yahoo (archived here) didn't lead to any credible news stories supporting the claim reviewed in this fact check.
Vice President JD Vance drew yet another sharp criticism online, this time after declaring that mass migration is theft of the American Dream, leaving social media users pointing out that his wife is the daughter of Indian immigrants. The vice president was responding to a video of a Louisiana construction company owner who claimed business had improved since Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began operations in the state, saying he has gotten more calls in the last week than Ive gotten in the last three months.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Metro homebuilder Tom Young was found beaten to death while on the job in 2005. His family, along with the Oklahoma City Police Department, is still trying to figure out who did it and why.

Image KFOR

Investigators arrived at a home near 150th and Western on August 18th, 2005. Its a day the Young family will never forget.

Secrets like this dont die, and were just asking for peoples help, Ryan Young, Toms grandson, said.

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Craig Young, Toms son, recounts the moment he received the gut-wrenching phone call.

Image KFOR

I had been home for about an hour, and my mom called and she said, Craig, there are a couple of police over my house, and you need to come over here. She said, your dad was killed, and I said, what? She said hed been murdered on the job.

Craig told News 4 on Friday, hes still shaken by that phone call and the act of violence twenty years later.

Gov. Stitt calls on lawmaker to resign after domestic violence guilty plea

Hes the best dad that anybody could ever want, Craig said.

Msgt. Gary Knight, with the Oklahoma City Police Department, said Young suffered blunt force trauma that ultimately killed him.

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The 75-year-old was a well-known homebuilder respected by many, which is why their family cant seem to wrap their heads around any possible suspects.

No evidence at the scene or anyone else ever pointed us to a suspect. So the case remains unsolved, Msgt. Knight said.

Adding to the mystery, the house was alarmed and there were no signs of forced entry, so signs of the case going cold were there from almost the beginning.

My son and I did everything that was possible at the time, and a year later, maybe two years later, offering rewards, doubling the rewards and the case justpolice got nothing, Craig added.

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However, police and Youngs family refuse to give up and hope anyone with information will come forward.

Theres no way that something like this could happen in the manner in which it did and somebody not know, Ryan said.

Oklahoma City Police say they did collect DNA at the crime scene and couldnt match a profile for anyone.

If you have information, call Crimestoppers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Knife and fork in hand, Cassie Lin sliced off a corner of her pizza  packed with thick layers of mozzarella, mushrooms and pepperoni  and took a bite. A visitor from Texas, its Lins first time trying Chicago deep dish. Her reaction was mixed.

Its very good, Lin said in between bites, covering her mouth with her hand. Its very cheesy, very meaty.

Another bite. She chewed it over.

Is it too late to say Im lactose intolerant? asked Lin.

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Lin, 18, is a college student from the Houston area and shes no ordinary tourist. She was here with her mom, aunt, uncle and cousin as part of the first organized, large-sized gathering in Chicago of immigrants and their descendants from the Fujian province of China.

Known as Fujian hometown associations, at least a dozen such groups from across North America gathered in and around Streeterville over the past week to participate in the convention, which was made up largely of tourist activities, showcasing the best of what the city has to offer, and culminating with a gala Thursday night at Navy Pier.

Nearly 100 people came together to celebrate shared culture and brainstorm ways to stay connected as a community.

For Dr. Kim K. Tee, 61, an organizer of this weeks convention, the event was a great way for different associations to join forces and strategize about recruitment. Tee was also excited to introduce visitors to his home of more than 40 years, he said.

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I want to show them not only Chicago, but culturally what Chicago has to offer, said Tee, who lives in South Loop.

That had to, of course, include the deep-dish pizza that Lin did not fully finish (in her defense, shes not a pizza fan overall, she said). Still, Thursdays lunch  in a bustling room at Pizzeria Due in Streeterville filled with the sounds of Mandarin Chinese, Hokkien, Cantonese and English  was an experience that helped Lin learn more about new cultures and old communities.

Everyones here to talk about their stories  talk about their successes, their failures, how their business ventures went left or right, said Lin, born in the U.S. to a Fujianese dad and Vietnamese Fujianese mom. Its just all stories about moving to America and becoming something more than themselves.

Home away from home

Fujian is a coastal province in southeast China with a population of about 42 million people. For centuries, Fujianese people emigrated to Taiwan and Southeast Asia, bringing a group of Chinese languages, Hokkien, throughout the region.

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Many of their descendants eventually made their way to the United States, especially starting in the 1960s as people tried to escape the Vietnam War. Tee said they settled in New York and other big cities. In Chicago, they often joined the Asian community in the Uptown neighborhood.

And in the 1980s, after the U.S. and Communist China resumed diplomatic relations, a wave of Fujianese from mainland China also immigrated to the U.S., where a mishmash of shared geography, culture, nationality and language bound them together.

Johnny Zheng, 63, founded the Chicago-based American Fu Jian Business Association about 10 years ago. He said its hard to know exactly how many Fujianese people live in the Chicago area. His best estimate, as a long-standing community leader, is between 20,000-30,000 in the Midwest. About 10,000 Fujianese live in the Chicago area, he and other leaders said.

In total, there were at least 92,000 people who speak Chinese as their household language in the Chicago metropolitan area in 2019-2023, according to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

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Outside of the New York metropolitan area, Zheng added, Chicagoland has one of the biggest Fujianese diaspora in the United States.

While overall Chinese immigration to the U.S. has largely increased for the last few years, Tee and Zheng said theyve noticed less engagement between young people and existing Fujianese community groups. Thats why conventions like this weeks are so important, said Catherine Wang, outgoing president of the Chicago Fujian Association.

Its very hard to get young people to come forward, said Wang, who is Malaysian Fujianese. Thats why we were deciding to all come together to discuss and see how to keep the organization alive.

But 20-year-old Lucas Wang, Catherine Wangs son, said its become less important for members of the Chinese diaspora to reach back to their distant heritage.

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Born in the U.S., he identifies more with his Malaysian than Fujianese background, even though he learned Mandarin in Chicago Public Schools, Lucas Wang said. At the gala dinner, he was one of few attendees under 30, helping check in guests.

While he respects the culture, Lucas Wang said it would feel artificial to force himself into the Fujianese community.

It kind of reminds me of people that want to embrace their culture for college applications and then get into a good college, Lucas Wang added.

For older generations to succeed in keeping young people connected to their Fujianese heritage, Lucas Wang suggested more cultural immersion programs like visiting ancestral hometowns in Fujian. Hes never been to China before, but took biannual trips to Malaysia before the pandemic, he said.

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One strategy Catherine Wang said became more important to her during this weeks convention is starting cultural education young. Parents should teach their children about Fujian-specific traditions, she said.

Chinese New Year, what do Fukienese do? We need to have ganzhe, sugarcane, Catherine Wang said. We tell them, Do you know why we put these two sticks next to the door? Because Fujian culture: We were saved from World War II because we were hiding in the sugarcane forest.

Hometown associations, like the Chicago Fujian Association Tee used to lead, have long served as important social groups for Chinese immigrants looking for community in the U.S. They generally form on the basis of a shared city, province or region of origin. There are at least a dozen Chinese hometown associations active in the Midwest, most based in Chicago.

Tee arrived in the U.S. in the 1980s to study as a 19-year-old from a very poor family in Malaysia. The Chicago Fujian Association helped Tee feel a sense of belonging after an isolating education experience, he said.

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I met John Tan, who was the third president of the Chicago Fujian Association, Tee said. He invited me to the Spring Festival dinner, and right there I felt at home because everyone spoke Hokkien.

And for Lin, this weeks convention has helped her understand her family more  especially her dad, whose generally stoic temperament seems to not match his sense of humor at times, she said.

I feel like our culture, we joke around a lot, she said she learned. We are able to have fun, were able to talk to people in a very carefree, light manner.

Indeed, later Thursday, the Fujian associations held their gala dinner to inaugurate the new Chicago Fujian Association president and celebrate their progress in growing membership. The dinner rounded out with a Tina Turner impression performance and a hearty rendition of the Hokkien song You Need to Love to Fight to Win.

Getting down to business

Chicagos Fujian hometown organization started in 1988, said Catherine Wang, 54. It commonly hosts more local events centered around holidays like the Lunar New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival, but this weeks convention was a bit more business oriented, she added.

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For about the last decade, international Fujian hometown associations have convened for worldwide conventions  2024s took place in Malaysia, Wang said. Because of limited seats at the global conferences, organizations under the United Fukienese of North America umbrella group wanted to be able to confer ahead of time, she added. Thats part of why they decided to hold an event like this weeks.

The Chicago convention included visitors from California, Texas and Edmonton, Canada. Of the 100 association representatives in Chicago this week, potentially only 10 could attend 2025s convention in Quanzhou, Fujian.

United Fukienese of North Americas member groups are apolitical, focusing on business development and cultural awareness, Wang said. Often, theyll help advise each other on how to get a new factory started or the best people to know in a particular industry, she added. The guest list for the Thursday night gala included business leaders like Kevin Chan, CEO of 63-year-old Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in San Francisco.

We help each other to make business, Catherine Wang said. Like, Oh, I have money, you have money, you have skill? Why dont we put (it) together and do something?

Sustaining community

For Dr. Tee, the path forward involves meeting young people where theyre active. He said he hopes the Chicago Fujian Associations internet and social media presence will grow, and that hes looking into using Facebook as a communication tool.

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As more Fujianese people  like other Chinese and Asian immigrants  spread into the suburbs, he said the Chicago association tries to host events out west in the Naperville area.

And Zheng from the Fu Jian Business Association said hes most concerned about language loss. He said fewer U.S.-born Chinese people can speak Mandarin, much less dialects like Hokkien or Fuzhounese, which he speaks.

For dialects, theres no way to teach them, Zheng said in Mandarin. Theres too many dialects. Even with Mandarin as a mother language  to keep it going would already be very good.

So, Zheng said, he focuses on supporting Chinese language schools, like the Asian American Cultural Center in Chinatown.

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Angela Hu, 32, who works with Chicagos Chinese Crisis Responder group, said she thinks people eventually step up to keep diasporic communities connected. She attended the convention as a sponsor and isnt Fujianese. Still, these patterns span different hometown associations, she said, especially as young immigrants prioritize their careers and families.

They will change, Hu said. Their minds will change too, if not focused on their family or work, they will have actual time to do something they want to. For example, some people want to help other people  then they will go to the association.

And Lin said shes glad she came to Chicago to learn about her Fujianese identity and connect with her community. In the past, she didnt talk much about her regional heritage.

Now that I have all this, I can be like, Im different, Lin said. This is my story. This is my familys story.
The family of Mason Kearns  a Mount Airy teen who died in a flash flood last month  is encouraging leaders statewide to take action on storm drain safety, including by changing state law.

The remarks from Kearns aunt came during a visit with Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller on Friday. A legion of first responders, therapy dogs and local officials from Brunswick, Emmitsburg and Taneytown also attended.

In the evening hours of July 31, Kearns was playing in a grassy common area near the Mount Airy Apartments at 201 Watersville Road when it began to rain heavily.

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A stormwater pond for the community overflowed, and a rush of water caused Kearns to become trapped inside a drainage pipe downhill. It took first responders about 45 minutes to recover Kearns body from the drain.

Allison Eggleston, Kearns aunt, said during a press conference on Friday that the storm drain where her nephew became trapped had for months been obscured by gravel, soil and grass.

Mason played out here daily, and he did not know it existed. There was no evidence of it  not a sign, a marking, not an inch of pipe could be seen above ground, Eggleston said. Not visible equates to not functional.

Eggleston said Kearns official cause of death was positional asphyxia, which occurs when a persons body position restricts their ability to breathe.

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During her visit to Mount Airy on Friday, Miller embraced members of Kearns family and laid a bouquet of white flowers near the storm drain where the teen died last month.

The drain, which has since been covered with a metal grate, has become a makeshift memorial to Kearns. A cross made of skateboards marks the site  a nod to the teens favorite hobby.

During Millers visit on Friday, Mount Airy Mayor Larry Hushour told the crowd that there is no worse feeling for an elected official than realizing that, despite your best intentions and efforts, there are dangers hiding in your community.

In the aftermath of Kearns death, Mount Airys engineering team began surveying each of the towns roughly 2,000 storm drains.

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As of Friday, Hushour said in an interview, the town is about a third of the way through the survey process.

The engineering team has identified five drains in need of remediation. The town has already ordered signage to mark those drains and installed grates to cover them, Hushour said.

The mayor encouraged other elected officials at the event on Friday to take similar preventive measures in their own jurisdictions.

While this may sound like an exhausting task, it is not overwhelming, Hushour said. And it is necessary. It is doable by any municipality.

Eggleston noted that what happened to her nephew is not as uncommon as one might think. A 2021 report by ProPublica quoted an expert who counted at least 20 similar deaths between 1996 and 2015.

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What do all of these stories have in common? Retroactive solutions, Eggleston said. It is heart-shattering that our town, Mount Airy, now falls into the statistic of retroactive application of safety standards.

Eggleston said she was grateful to town officials for responding immediately to the safety issues exposed by Kearns death, but said the work cannot stop in Mount Airy.

This is our towns story, but it does not need to be every towns story, Eggleston said. Thats why were going for the creation of Masons Law in the state of Maryland.

As described by Eggleston, Masons Law would require the marking, guarding or grating of all horizontal storm drains of a certain diameter. The family is working with engineers to determine what that diameter should be.

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In an interview on Friday, Eggleston said the family has been in contact with Miller, who is in full support of their idea. She said the familys goal is to have Masons Law introduced during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session.

Miller did not take questions from reporters during her visit to Mount Airy on Friday. Spokespeople for the Moore-Miller administration could not be reached by email for comment on the proposal for Masons Law.

Miller did take time to address the crowd during her visit on Friday. She spoke about the unwritten truth of skateboarders like Kearns, which is that every trick begins with a leap of faith.

Now Masons story asks us to take our own leap of faith, Miller said. A leap of faith that his memory will guide us toward greater awareness and safety for every child.

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Masons story is all of our story, she continued. A reminder that safety is something we all have a stake in, whether at the state, federal, county or community level.

In a statement to The Frederick News-Post on Friday, Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater wrote that Kearns death brought to light important concerns regarding public safety.

While we cannot alleviate the pain of those who have lost a loved one, raising public awareness about the dangers of swift waters is a crucial step in preventing future incidents, Fitzwater said in the statement. We urge everyone to stay vigilant, heed safety warnings, and stay away from flooded roads and swiftly moving stormwater during severe weather events.

Fitzwaters administration is currently evaluating the situation in Frederick County when it comes to storm drains, spokesperson Hope Morris said on Friday.
Three people are dead after an incident that police referred to as family violence early Saturday morning in Warner Robins, the Warner Robins Police Department says.

Officers responded to an incident at Bradford Place Apartments, 115 Tom Chapman Blvd., shortly after midnight Saturday morning, police said. When they arrived, they found two people who had died after being shot, and a third person with gunshot wounds who was still alive.

This victim was transported to a local area hospital for treatment, but passed due to the injuries sustained from the incident, police said in a news release. Due to the nature of the incident, members of the Criminal Investigation Division and the Identification Criminalistics responded to the scene to investigate and process the scene.

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Police said this was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the public.

Police declined to answer questions or provide additional info later Saturday morning, but did say more information would be released at a later time.

The Warner Robins Police Department is continuing their investigation into this incident, police said. If anyone has pertinent information as it relates to this incident, please contact Det. Gary Chambers at 478-302-5380 or the Macon Regional Crimestoppers.
Poor precipitation and unseasonably cool temperatures could damage the upcoming cocoa harvest season in the Ivory Coast, reported Reuters.

What's happening?

The world's largest cocoa-producing country has been experiencing much less rain than usual. While cocoa plants initially showed promise with flowers becoming pods, the combination of cloudy conditions and cooler temperatures poses risks to crop health.

Agricultural workers are concerned that continued cold weather could cause immature pods to fall off their branches. The lack of sunshine could also spread plant illness across plantations.

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"There is a cool spell during the day and in the evening. If this weather persists in August, it could cause the flowers and cherelles to fall," said Salame Kone, a farmer in Soubre, per Reuters.

"More sunshine is needed to help the cocoa," said Francois N'Guessan, a Daloa-based farmer, per the publication.

Why is cocoa production important?

Weather disruptions to cocoa farming hurt local communities and global food supplies. Ivory Coast grows more cocoa than any other nation, supplying raw materials for chocolate products worldwide.

When weather patterns damage cocoa pods, farmers lose income that supports their families and communities. These production challenges can also lead to higher chocolate prices for consumers everywhere, making treats less affordable for households already dealing with rising food costs.

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The harmful weather patterns threaten the October to March harvest season: the primary production window for cocoa beans. Farmers need adequate rain and sunshine to grow healthy crops that meet global demand.

What's being done about weather impacts on cocoa?

Farmers are monitoring weather patterns closely and adjusting their cultivation practices based on conditions.

Agricultural communities share information about weather impacts across different growing regions to help neighbors prepare for changing conditions. Farmers in areas with more typical weather patterns may offset losses from regions experiencing difficulties.

You can support sustainable cocoa farming by choosing chocolate products from companies that work with farmers and invest in climate adaptation programs. Look for brands that help growers implement weather-resistant farming techniques and provide fair compensation that allows farmers to weather production challenges.

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Support chocolate makers who prioritize farmer welfare to build resilience in cocoa-growing communities that face unpredictable weather patterns.

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.
A Wisconsin father who faked his death by drowning during a kayakying trip so that he could start a new life with his mistress has been sentenced to time in jail, WISN 12 News reported.

Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old father of three, was sentenced to 89 days in county jail after pleading no contest to one misdemeanor charge of obstructing an officer. Judge Mark Slate told Borgwardt during his sentencing that the time hell spend in jail is commensurate with the length of time he allowed his deception to continue. Borgwardt was also ordered to pay $30,000 to the Green Lake County Sheriffs Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as compensation for resources they utilized during their search for him.

Green Lake County District Attorney Gerise LaSpisa called Borgwardts deception a premeditated, selfish action which caused incredible damage not only to his family, but our community.

Authorities Searched for Him for Nearly Two Months

Borgwardt was reported missing on Aug. 12, 2024, while on a kayaking trip with his wife and three young children at Green Lake, about 100 miles outside Milwaukee. Investigators found a capsized kayak and an abandoned lifejacket, leading them to conclude that Borgwardt had drowned. Officials spent nearly two months searching for the fathers body, a task which cost an estimated $50,000. After 54 days of searching, it was discovered that Borgwardt had faked his own death so that he could start a new life with an Uzbekestani woman he met online.

Related: Authorities Issue Tragic Update in Case of Hiker Missing for Weeks

He regularly communicated with the woman, professing his love and desire to create a new life with her, LaSpisa explained. He reversed his vasectomy, he applied for a replacement passport, claiming that his original one, which his wife found in the family safe in its normal place, was lost or stolen.

Borgwardt Spent Months Planning His Disappearance

Several months before his planned disappearance, Borgwardt opened a new bank account, cleared his computer, and purchased a new $375,000 life insurance policy for himself. After leaving Wisconsin, Borgwardt traveled to Paris through Canada and on to the country of Georgia. Thats where American officials found him last November before convincing him to return to the States and face charges. After he returned, Borgwardts wife of 22 years filed for divorce, claiming that their union was "irretrievably broken.

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His entire plan to fake his death to devastate his family in order to serve his own selfish desires hinged on him dying in the lake and selling his death to the world, LaSpisa said. The defendant did not count on the determination and dedication of our law enforcement.

This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Aug 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Makassar, Indonesia  At least three people were killed by a fire started by protesters at a council building in eastern Indonesias Makassar city, a local official said Saturday, after demonstrations across the country following the death of a motorcycle taxi driver hit by a police vehicle.

The country was rocked by protests in major cities including the capital Jakarta on Friday, after footage spread of a gig motorcycle driver being run over by a police tactical vehicle in earlier rallies over low wages and perceived lavish perks for lawmakers.

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Protests in Makassar, the biggest city on Sulawesi island, descended into chaos outside the provincial and local city council buildings which were both set on fire and vehicles torched as protesters hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails.

Three people were killed as a result of the fire at the Makassar city council building, its secretary Rahmat Mappatoba told Agence France-Presse.

They were trapped in the burning building, he said, accusing protesters of storming the office to set it on fire.

This is beyond our prediction, usually during a demonstration, protesters only throw rocks or burn a tire in front of the office. They never stormed into the building or burned it.

Two of the victims were staff at the local council and another was a civil servant. Two died at the scene while the third died in hospital.

At least four people were injured in the fire and were being treated at hospital, the official said.

The fire has since been extinguished.

Hundreds of people were seen in footage posted by local media cheering and clapping as fire engulfed the building with few security forces in sight.

One man was heard shouting: there are people upstairs!

In footage verified by AFP, smoldering debris was seen falling from the roof of the city council building surrounded by palm trees as charred cars flickered with flames.

Images showed the South Sulawesi provincial council building ablaze overnight. Protesters had tried to knock down the gate and storm it.

Makassar and South Sulawesi police did not immediately respond to AFPs requests for comments. AFP
(KLFY)  A man wanted in a double murder who has ties to Louisiana was captured, according to authorities.

FBI Denver arrested Matthew LaDaniel Johnson, 55, last night in north Denver, Colorado, authorities said.

Earlier this week , authorities informed the public that Johnson was wanted in connection with a double homicide in Denver from 2023. Johnson had ties to Louisiana, Sacramento, California; Chicago and Colorado, but where in Louisiana was not released.

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Denver Police officers responded Dec. 30, 2023 to a shooting at a bar in the 4800 block of West Colfax Avenue. Police found four people with gunshot wounds. Brandon Houston, 41, and Jason Lewis, 38, died from their injuries. Two other victims were wounded but survived.

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Witnesses told police there had been a disturbance before the shots were fired. The investigation led detectives to Johnson. Denver Police obtained a warrant for his arrest on first degree murder charges.

No other details about Johnsons arrest were released.

Matthew Johnson captured. Credit:FBI Denver Matthew John wanted poster. Credit: FBI Denver

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Seattle office and supporting law enforcement agencies wrapped up a two-day search for Travis Decker, a Pewaukee native whom authorities suspect killed his three daughters. In the search, several items were recovered, which are being examined to determine if they are related to the Decker investigation, FBI special agent in charge W. Mike Herrington said in the news release Aug 29. He said it will take some time to determine final results.

The FBI Seattle office said it conducted its operation Aug. 25 and 26, concluding it Aug. 26 at the Rock Island Campground near Leavenworth, Washington. There, authorities hoped to either find Decker, signs of his whereabouts or any evidence related to the deaths of his three daughters, Herrington said. The FBI did not describe what kind of items were recovered.

"Finding this potential evidence emphasizes the value in having various teams search an area multiple times, especially in such challenging conditions," Herrington said in the news release.

The Wenatchee Police Department provided this photo of Travis Decker, a Pewaukee native being sought in connection with the death of his three daughters in Washington State. Authorities concluded a two-day extensive search Aug. 25 and Aug. 26, 2025 at the Rock Island Campground, recovering several items and are examining them for any connection to the investigation. Provided by Wenatchee Police Department

The search involved more than 100 personnel being deployed in multiple search teams, as they worked in remote outdoor terrain during the day and with temperatures approaching 100 degrees. The FBI Seattle field office, along with FBI headquarters and partner agencies, thoroughly searched and documented over 247 acres. Authorities had not conducted a search of that magnitude and detail in the area before, the news release said.

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Along with FBI resources, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, Spokane County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Port of Seattle Police Department, Yakima Police Department, U.S. Forest Service, Wenatchee River District, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and Central Washington University's Anthropology Department were also involved in the search, according to the news release.

"We not only accomplished our goal of covering the entire area intended for this operation, but we also searched beyond the primary search perimeter. The electronic mapping of this search effort is being provided to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office and our federal partners," Herrington said in the news release.

The Checlan County Sheriff's Office is still leading the investigation and the U.S. Marshal's Service is offering reward money of up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest of Decker, whom authorities consider armed and dangerous. Anyone with information can contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips, the news release said.

Decker is being sought as the suspect in the deaths of his three daughters Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5. Their bodies were found June 5 at the Rock Island Campground along Icicle Creek in the Leavenworth area of Chelan County, three days after their mother, Whitney Decker, reported them missing.

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Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: FBI finds possible evidence in search for Travis Decker in campground
Two firefighters helping to fight a wildfire in Washington state were arrested this week by federal immigration officials, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed. Photo courtesy of Washington state Department of Natural Resources

Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Two firefighters helping to fight a wildfire in Washington state were arrested this week by federal immigration officials, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed.

The two Mexican nationals were arrested and detained by federal agents around a mile from the frontline of the Bear Gulch wildfire in Olympic National Forest.

The blaze was first reported on July 6, has burned more than 9,200 acres and was 13% contained, according to the latest update from the Washington state fire officials.

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The fire is currently the largest actively burning in Washington state.

Federal officials pulled aside 44 people to verify their identity this week, ultimately arresting the two men.

The fire's Incident Management Team later said the arrests did not hinder firefighting capabilities.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrests in a post on X, but said the two men were not frontline firefighters.

"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. The firefighting response remained uninterrupted the entire time," the department said in the post.

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"No active firefighters were even questioned, and U.S. Border Patrol's actions did not prevent or interfere with any personnel actively engaged in firefighting efforts."

The arrests come as President Donald Trump's administration continues its crackdown against illegal immigration.

"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," Gov. Bob Ferguson, D-Wash., said in a post on X.

"Donald Trump ran his campaign on sending out the worst of the worst. I'm not sure who's more the best of the best than our firefighters, actively fighting the largest fire in Washington," Ferguson said in a separate post.
President Donald Trump overstepped the limits of executive authority when he used emergency powers to levy tariffs, a federal appeals court ruled on Friday.

That decision, from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, is the latest in a string of legal losses for Trump's tariffs, which were previously ruled unlawful by the Court of International Trade (CIT) and a federal district court. In the 7-4 ruling handed down Friday, the majority upheld the CIT's decision that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) did not authorize a president to impose tariffs.

"We agree that IEEPA's grant of presidential authority to 'regulate' imports does not authorize the tariffs imposed by the Executive Orders," wrote court ruled. The majority opinion says that Trump's tariffs would "assert an expansive authority" that is "beyond the authority delegated to the President by IEEPA."

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Friday's ruling will almost certainly be appealed to the Supreme Court.

"The decision today is a powerful reaffirmation of our nation's core constitutional commitments from our nation's Founders, especially the principle that Presidents must act within the rule of law," Neal Katyal, an attorney with the Liberty Justice Center, which represented some of the plaintiffs in the case, said in a statement.

Trump administration used IEEPA in February to slap tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico. The Trump administration again invoked IEEPA to impose its so-called "Liberation Day" tariffs in early April, which included a universal 10 percent tariff on all imports and higher, country-specific tariffs, some of which went into effect in August after being delayed several times.

As seemed evident during oral arguments, the court's majority was deeply skeptical of the government's claim to broad powers that are not spelled out in the IEEPA law, which notably does not contain the word "tariff."

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If the government's interpretation of the IEEPA statute is correct, the court ruled, that would create "a functionally limitless delegation of Congressional taxation authority." Elsewhere in the ruling, the court said that such a delegation of taxation power would be unconstitutional, even if that were what Congress intended to do.

In short, the Trump administration's argument for using emergency powers to impose tariffs fails on multiple fronts.

However, the appeals court struck down an important aspect of the CIT's earlier decision: its permanent, universal injunction that blocked the tariffs from being collected.

That injunction was in place for mere hours in May before it was paused by the appeals court, pending the outcome of its review of the underlying case. In Friday's decision, the appeals court vacated that part of the CIT's ruling and ordered the lower court to review that portion of the case in more detail.

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That leaves the tariffs in a chaotic state of limbo. Three courts have now ruled that they were unlawfully imposed, and yet they will remain in place (at least for now).

That's an outcome that seems to create even more uncertainty for American businesses that are bearing the brunt of the tariffs. Rather than providing relief in the form of a new or renewed injuction, the appeals court has effectively said that Trump is illegally taxing nearly all imports into the country and that Americans will have to continue paying those taxes while the rest of the legal process plays out.

Rather than wait for that to happen, Congress should now get involved. It's clear that Trump's tariffs do not have the legal standing to survive in the long term, and lawmakers could save everyone a lot of pain by cancelling the economic emergency that underpins the tariffs.

The post Federal Appeals Court Says Trump's Tariffs Are Unlawful, Allows Them To Remain in Place appeared first on Reason.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed on Friday that the President does not have the authority to impose unlimited tariffs on countries across the world.

The case is led by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, and joined by attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Vermont.

Every court that has reviewed these tariffs has agreed that they are unconstitutional, said Rayfield. This ruling couldnt come at a better time as people are walking into their local stores and seeing price increases for school supplies, clothes, and groceries.

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The lawsuit was filed in April and argued that only Congress has the authority to impose such tariff policies. In May, the U.S. Court of International Trade agreed and affirmed Congresss exclusive powers to regulate commerce with foreign countries.

After White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the ruling judicial overreach and called on the Supreme Court to intervene, a federal court issued an order in July to fast-track the lawsuit.

In a media briefing Friday afternoon, Rayfield said that if the federal government chooses to appeal todays decision, the case could still go before the Supreme Court.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Federal immigration enforcement operations have ramped up across Southern California, part of the governments effort to expand agent ranks and increase arrests.

The raids come a day after the White Houses border czar announced that ICE would increase arrests in California and other sanctuary jurisdictions. Courts in the state, however, have previously ruled that some enforcement operations violate the U.S. Constitution when agents target individuals based on race, language, or location.

One of the latest operations unfolded at a Home Depot in Pomona, where U.S. Border Patrol agents detained a man suspected of being in the country illegally, according to cellphone video from the scene. The number of people taken into custody there remains unclear.

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Community members and local leaders quickly gathered outside the store, voicing concern about the raids impact on families. Pomona City Council member Victor Preciado said the city has aligned with others in opposing the sweeps.

But the enforcement actions have continued. On Friday morning, federal agents arrived at a popular Hand Car Wash along Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. Security cameras, cellphones and KTLAs own crews recorded chaotic scenes as workers and customers scrambled during the raids.

It was chaos, we didnt know what was going on, and everybody was running around, said Jack, a witness at the car wash.

Whats happening inside Floridas Alligator Alcatraz detention center?

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The manager, Ben Forat, described an incident in which he witnessed a man being detained by federal officers as disgraceful, saying the officer acted like a big bully.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that U.S. Border Patrol conducted a targeted immigration enforcement operation at the car wash in Studio City, resulting in the arrests of four individuals from Guatemala and Mexico who were in the country illegally. Officials noted that one of those detained had a prior arrest for possession of marijuana for sale.

The heightened activity comes as the Department of Homeland Security is in the midst of a major recruitment push. President Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, recently passed by Congress, earmarks about $170 billion for border and immigration enforcement, including tens of billions for hiring additional deportation agents and support personnel.

DHS officials said the effort has drawn swift interest: in less than two weeks, the agency received more than 100,000 job applications.

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This latest round of enforcement comes just weeks after a separate confrontation involved immigration enforcement officers firing shots at a familys vehicle in San Bernardino.

U.S. Army vet detained by ICE during California cannabis raid takes on federal government

On Aug. 16, Francisco Longoria was driving home with his teenage son and his daughters boyfriend when, according to the family and their attorneys, several masked men in mismatched uniforms jumped out of an unmarked vehicle and surrounded them.

When Longoria asked for identification, they said, no one responded. One man allegedly smashed the drivers window and struck Longoria, prompting him to speed away in fear. At least three bullets hit the car door near where his son was seated, though no one inside was injured.

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Federal officials later confirmed agents were involved but offered a different account. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Longoria drove toward officers, injuring two, which forced a CBP officer to discharge his firearm in self-defense.

San Bernardino police said they responded but did not intervene, citing state law limiting local involvement in federal immigration enforcement.

Later that day, multiple law enforcement vehicles surrounded the familys home, where advocates said the family feared leaving after the shooting. Agents eventually departed without making an arrest.

Community backlash followed swiftly. On Aug. 18, protesters rallied outside the San Bernardino Police Department, accusing both local and federal authorities of overreach. It doesnt seem theyre protecting us, one advocate said. It seems theyre protecting these bounty hunters and kidnappers.

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The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, which is supporting the family, said Longoria has no criminal record and was targeted without legal justification. They are demanding a criminal investigation and say the Longorias deserve answers.

This article includes reporting by Chris Wolfe.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from carrying out speedy deportations of undocumented migrants detained in the interior of the United States.

The move is a setback for the President Donald Trump's efforts to expand the use of the federal expedited removal statute to quickly remove some migrants in the country illegally without appearing before a judge first.

Trump promised to engineer a massive deportation operation during his 2024 campaign if voters returned him to the White House. And he set a goal of carrying out 1 million deportations a year in his second term.

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But U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb suggested the administration's expanded use of the expedited removal of migrants is trampling on individuals' due process rights.

In defending this skimpy process, the Government makes a truly startling argument: that those who entered the country illegally are entitled to no process under the Fifth Amendment, but instead must accept whatever grace Congress affords them, Cobb wrote in a 48-page opinion issued Friday night. Were that right, not only noncitizens, but everyone would be at risk.

The Department of Homeland Security announced shortly after Trump came to office in January that it was expanding the use of expedited removal, the fast-track deportation of undocumented migrants who have been in the U.S. less than two years.

The effort has triggered lawsuits by the American Civil Liberties Union and immigrant rights groups.

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DHS in a statement said Cobb's ruling ignores the Presidents clear authorities under both Article II of the Constitution and the plain language of federal law. It said Trump has a mandate to arrest and deport the worst of the worst and that we have the law, facts, and common sense on our side.

Before the administration's push to expand such speedy deportations, expedited removal was only used for migrants who were stopped within 100 miles of the border and who had been in the U.S. for less than 14 days.

Cobb, who was nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden, didn't question the constitutionality of the expedited removal statute, or its application at the border.

It merely holds that in applying the statute to a huge group of people living in the interior of the country who have not previously been subject to expedited removal, the Government must afford them due process, she wrote.

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She added that prioritizing speed over all else will inevitably lead the Government to erroneously remove people via this truncated process.

Cobb earlier this month agreed to temporarily block the administrations efforts to expand fast-track deportations of immigrants who legally entered the U.S. under a process known as humanitarian parole. The ruling could benefit hundreds of thousands of people.

In that case the judge said Homeland Security exceeded its statutory authority in its effort to expand expedited removal for many immigrants. The judge said those immigrants are facing perils that outweigh any harm from pressing pause on the administrations plans.

Since May, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have positioned themselves in hallways to arrest people after judges accept government requests to dismiss deportation cases. After the arrests, the government renews deportation proceedings but under fast-track authority.

Although fast-track deportations can be put on hold by filing an asylum claim, people may be unaware of that right and, even if they are, can be swiftly removed if they fail an initial screening.
In a win for people and the planet, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit aimed at dismantling environmental protections.

Environment America reported that Iowa landowner CTM Holdings filed a lawsuit claiming a conservation law was an illegal "seizure" of land by the government. However, the federal district judge who heard the case felt differently.

According to Environment America, the judge believed CTM Holdings was voluntarily participating in conservation requirements by accepting certain USDA benefits. The article explained that, to receive such incentives, the landowner must not destroy or alter wetlands.

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In his dismissal of the case, Environment America reported the judge stating, "[The] plaintiff can use its land any way it wants at any time. The only consequence is a potential loss of certain USDA benefits."

The law in question financially rewards farmers for participating in conservation practices. However, farm owners are free to opt out  but they won't receive those monetary incentives.

The judge's dismissal of the lawsuit is a vital win for people and the planet, much like many other positive developments from around the world.

Another case includes a lawsuit where the Estonian Supreme Court halted a project that could have damaged a nature reserve. Or this one, where a federal judge blocked the construction of a gas pipeline in Tennessee.

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The Izaak Walton League of America explained that the conservation incentives questioned are taxpayer-funded for that specific purpose. Thus, it would be a misuse of tax dollars to provide it to farmers who did not meet the incentive's requirements.

The group went on to state why these conservation laws are necessary, noting that wetlands have an "essential role in improving water quality, dispersing floodwaters and providing critical habitat for wildlife."

Wetlands play a crucial role in many industries as well as the ecosystem as a whole. They're also found all over the country, from bogs to tidal zones, marshes, and mangroves, explained the U.S. Geological Survey.

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.

Wetlands can also reduce shoreline erosion, provide recreation, support the fishing industry, and create visual beauty, according to the EPA.

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In the league's article, the group stated that the judge "ruled in favor of conservation, water quality and wildlife when he dismissed the plaintiff's claims."

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WEST PALM BEACH  A longtime judge is stepping down from South Florida's district bench, giving President Donald Trump another opportunity to shape one of the nation's busiest federal courts.

U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg, appointed by Barack Obama in 2014, stepped down in August to become director of the Federal Judicial Center in Washington, D.C. Her departure comes one month before the President George W. Bush-appointed Judge Kenneth Marra retires, leaving only Judge Donald Middlebrooks, appointed by President Bill Clinton, at the Paul G. Rogers Federal Building in downtown West Palm Beach.

Because Trump appointed Aileen Cannon to succeed Marra in 2020, only Rosenberg's departure creates a new vacancy. Legal analysts say her exit eliminates a Democratic voice from the court at a time when Trump looks to install judges aligned with his own ideology.

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Trump isnt looking for judicial conservatives in the traditional sense anymore, said Jeffrey Swartz, a former Miami-Dade County judge and current professor at the Cooley Law School in Tampa. Hes looking for political conservatives who think like he does. MAGA judges. People who will owe him for a lifetime appointment.

Erosion of institutional guardrails gives Trump power to nominate as he pleases, analyst says

According to University of Miami law professor Charlton Copeland, advancing purely partisan choices is easier now than in the past. For decades, judicial nominations were buffered by mechanisms that forced presidents to seek consensus across party lines.

The Senate filibuster meant a nominee needed 60 votes to advance, pushing administrations to pick candidates who could attract at least some bipartisan support. The blue slip tradition gave home-state senators from either party the power either to stall or block district court nominees, ensuring consultation across the aisle.

And layered over both was a set of bipartisan norms, including the expectation that nominees would be professionally seasoned and acceptable to the American Bar Association.

Charlton Copeland, a professor at the University of Miami Law School in Coral Gables.

With those guardrails weakened or gone  the filibuster eliminated for judicial nominations, ABA ratings sidelined and no Democratic senators in Florida to oppose the president's picks  Copeland said there are no meaningful constraints on Trump's choice.

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Florida is one of the places where the president can move the needle, Copeland said. In other states, Democratic senators might slow or block a nominee. Thats not going to happen here.

Trumps next pick follows break with Federalist Society that once guided his judicial strategy

Who he chooses remains to be seen. Copeland said Trumps first-term nominees looked like a more aggressive version of traditional Republican selections  pushing against the ABA and moving the court ideologically, but still within the normal structures.

Trump relied on Federalist Society recommendations during his first term, appointing conservative legal thinkers who sometimes ruled against him when constitutional principles demanded it. Some of Trump's own district-court appointees later issued scathing rulings against him, Swartz said, prompting the president to denounce longtime Federalist Society leader Leonard Leo as a sleazebag."

I am so disappointed in The Federalist Society because of the bad advice they gave me on numerous Judicial Nominations, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform after one of his own appointees torpedoed his tariffs.

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This time, Swartz said, Trump appears focused on loyalty over judicial philosophy. Swartz said the shift points to a different kind of nominee: younger, less experienced and more loyal.

Jeff Swartz, a criminal law professor at Cooley Law School and a former Miami-Dade County judge.

Judicial conservatives respect precedent and institutional balance, even when they disagree with prior rulings, the former judge said. By contrast, political conservatives are more likely to let ideology dictate outcomes.

"The real conservatives don't believe in what Mr. Trump believes in, and that is basically destroying the Constitution and what is known as the unitary executive  the president who is all powerful and can do whatever they want," Swartz said.

What to know: Who is Aileen Cannon, Trump-appointed judge overseeing Ryan Routh case?

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Swartz said he suspects the president will instead "find someone else in Palm Beach County to work with Aileen Cannon, who at this point is generally isolated and pretty much ostracized by the other judges of the Southern District."

Appointed to the bench in 2020, Cannon faced criticism for her handling of Trump's classified documents case. She was rebuked twice by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals for rulings favoring Trump and later dismissed the case against him entirely.

"She never saw a motion against Donald Trump that she liked and never saw an argument written on his behalf that she didn't think was just brilliant," Swartz said. "That's what he wants in the Southern District of Florida. Someone in the ilk of Aileen Cannon."

District court judges wield 'awesome' power, professor says

Court cases will be distributed among the remaining judges until Rosenberg is replaced, but the implications of her exit go beyond immediate case management, Swartz said. With Trump potentially appointing a judge in their 30s and 40s who could serve for decades, his selection criteria could reshape the federal bench for a generation.

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District judges in South Florida have been at the center of some of the most politically sensitive battles in the country. In January, Cannon temporarily blocked the release of Special Counsel Jack Smiths report on Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Middlebrooks, another Southern District jurist, once threw out Trumps sprawling lawsuit accusing Hillary Clinton and Democratic officials of conspiring against him in the 2016 election. Middlebrooks not only dismissed the claims but also ordered more than $900,000 in sanctions against Trump and his lawyers, finding the case was filed to seek revenge on political adversaries, rather than to raise legitimate legal arguments.

Robin Rosenberg, the former U.S. District Judge, is now serving as the director of the Federal Judicial Center in Washington, D.C.

Other judges have influenced presidential policies more directly. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ordered Florida to unwind the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention site in the Everglades, a facility backed by Trump allies and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Williams ruled that the government had bypassed environmental review requirements, endangering wetlands and tribal lands, and ordered its closure within 60 days.

Unlike appellate judges, who deliberate in panels, district judges operate with relative autonomy, functioning as what Copeland described as "king of the roost" within their courtrooms. He said this independence means individual appointments can have outsized impacts on court culture and case outcomes.

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"District Court judges possess an awesome amount of authority which I think we don't always appreciate," Copeland said. "These are crucially important positions."

Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Departure of federal judge opens door for Trump to shape South Florida bench
GREENWICH, Conn. (WTNH)  Many firearms and gun accessories were discovered at a Greenwich residence, leading federal and in-and-out-of-state officials to investigate.

Fentanyl, guns found in Waterbury home, 12 arrested

A tip led the Greenwich Police Detective Division to obtain a search warrant for 36-year-old Kristopher Chimblos residence. Initial reports said Chimblo possessed at least one assault rifle.

Weapons found at Kristopher Chimblos residence in Greenwich.

A search instead discovered four assault rifles, two shotguns, five handguns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, dozens of regular and high-capacity magazines, and hundreds of gun parts used for building and altering firearms.

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Detectives also shared that some of the assault rifles were converted into fully automatic weapons.

With a warrant of criminal possession of a firearm, Chimblo is also considered a fugitive of justice and is awaiting an extradition hearing after he was located in Westchester, NY.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and law enforcement agencies in both Connecticut and other states are investigating this arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to call Greenwichs Detective Division at 203-622-8054 or contact the Confidential Tip Line at 203-622-3333 or TIPS@greenwichct.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 WTNH.com.
In a bold step toward sustainable nuclear waste management, Finland is poised to become the first nation to bury spent nuclear fuel rods deep underground for long-term storage, the BBC reported.

Nuclear energy is a type of low-carbon energy source that's harnessed from the power held within atoms. However, managing nuclear waste is important because it remains radioactive and can pose safety and environmental risks. This waste can stay hazardous for thousands of years, so it's crucial to handle it with care to protect people and the environment.

Finland's Onkalo project represents a monumental leap toward curbing waste and safeguarding the environment. Onkalo  meaning "cave" or "hollow" in Finnish  has been built over the past two decades to be an expansive underground repository and serve as the world's first permanent storage site for nuclear waste.

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"They'll hold a total of 5,500 tonnes [more than 6,000 U.S. tons] of waste," Antti Joutsen, principal geologist of the project, told the BBC. "So Onkalo will take all the high-level nuclear waste produced by Finland's five nuclear power plants in their entire life cycles."

The significance of Onkalo extends far beyond Finland's borders, with the International Atomic Energy Agency hailing it as a game-changer in nuclear waste management, the BBC reported. Notably, Finland's progress with Onkalo has placed it a decade ahead of other nations grappling with similar challenges, said one expert quoted by the outlet.

At the heart of Onkalo lies the KBS-3 concept, developed in collaboration with the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company. This innovative approach employs a multi-barrier system, encapsulating nuclear waste within copper canisters, encased in clay, and buried deep within stable bedrock.

By safely isolating high-level nuclear waste from the environment, the project mitigates the risk of contamination and radiation exposure. Moreover, Onkalo exemplifies how technology can enhance daily living by addressing pressing environmental challenges. Other technological advancements have also led to nuclear waste management solutions.

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For example, the development of molecular crystals, nicknamed "the Octopus," and the discovery of waste-eating bacteria, are game-changers. They offer potential solutions for capturing byproducts from nuclear reactors and even breaking down the waste, making nuclear energy a more viable and safer clean energy option.

As Finland progresses toward the operational phase of Onkalo, it sets a precedent for responsible nuclear waste management on a global scale.

While nuclear energy remains a contentious topic, Onkalo demonstrates how technological advancements can address environmental challenges while improving human well-being.

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Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has said that the preparation of the 19th package of European Union sanctions against Russia should be coordinated with the United States.

Source: Valtonen speaking to journalists before an informal meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen on 30 August, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Finland believes that the EU and the United States should prepare a new package of sanctions against Russia.

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"Now we are working on the 19th sanctions package, and I think it would be so important that we could do this in coordination with our transatlantic friends, especially the United States," Valtonen said.

The Finnish foreign minister stressed that the EU and the US "need to add to the pressure we have put on Russia already".

"We need sanctions, but also Finland has been advocating a tariff scheme which would also allow for further pressure on Russia across all product groups," Valtonen said.

Background:

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, explained what exactly could be included in the 19th package of sanctions against Russia.

The EU is considering introducing secondary sanctions to prevent third countries from helping Russia circumvent existing restrictions.

This tool  adopted in 2023 but not yet used  would prohibit the export, supply, or transfer of certain goods to third countries believed to be enabling the evasion of EU sanctions.

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Degraded hurricane forecasts. Undetected HIV infections because of reduced testing. Seniors on the phone for hours waiting for Social Security to answer. Children without enough food. And dirtier planes and longer waits for bags at the airport.

Those developments  some calamitous, some merely frustrating  are coming or are already here, a range of Broward elected officials said Friday as they offered their assessments of impacts from a range of policy initiatives and budgetary moves implemented by President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

In addition, federal, state and local Democrats warned, the overall direction of the country is alarming. The terms fascist and authoritarian came up more than once at a public briefing convened by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democrat who represents southern and western Broward.

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Wasserman Schultz, as a member of Congress, focused primarily on the federal level. What the administration is doing intentionally is throwing up distractions in order to make people pay attention to shiny objects to call their attention away from the fact that they are literally eroding our institutions intentionally.

State Rep. Daryl Campbell, a Broward Democrat, also said its difficult for people to keep perspective on what is important. They try to distract us with clickbait debates over DEI and renaming the Gulf of Mexico, he said.

Floridas in a crisis. A housing crisis. A health care crisis. A crisis of affordability. And that is a result of deliberate choices by Republicans in the Legislature, he said, lamenting decisions that give away billions of dollars in corporate tax cuts while people struggle to pay rent.

They and four other Democratic elected officials heard from several panels of witnesses, most representing different constituencies who said their members, or the general public, were negatively affected by policies emanating from Washington, D.C.

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Hunger: Paco Velez, president and CEO of Feeding South Florida, said some of the money his organization has been receiving to provide food for people has been cut and more cuts are coming  meaning more people will go hungry.

State Rep. Robin Bartleman, D-Weston, a former teacher and school board member, said the state has turned down federal summer feeding program money for two years, depriving children of meals during the summer when school is not in session.

HIV testing: Robert Boo, CEO of the Pride Center, an LGBTQ+ community center in Wilton Manors, said an HIV testing grant has lapsed and he doesnt know if it will be removed. That means more people in Broward, an epicenter of new HIV, infections wont learn about their status. A majority of the people tested at the Pride Center are straight, Boo said.

Boo said hes already eliminated three of the Centers 30 jobs, with more staff reductions possible.

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Boo said people of trans experience are being particularly affected by the current political environment. One grant program the center has participated in was renamed to remove the T from its LGBT name.

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Hurricanes: Frank Marks, retired director of the Hurricane Research Division at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administrations Atlantic Oceanographic Meteorological Laboratory, said cuts at the agency will hurt future forecasting ability. He said young researchers are among those leaving.

He said the organization he used to lead has lost about 30% of its staff, including young scientists. These are the best and the brightest, he said. Their loss cannot be overcome by gadgets, technology and airplanes.

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Were eating our seed corn for probably the next 20 or 25 years, he said.

Broward Mayor Beam Furr decried the decimation of expertise Marks described. He said Broward County is cutting positions, not people in its next budget, but is retaining subject-matter experts.

Horrified about NOAA cuts, Bartleman said Marks description scares the hell out of me.

Immigration: Wendi Walsh, national general vice president of Unite Here, a union of food service and hotel workers, said dozens of food service and retail workers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Intentional Airport are losing their work authorization because the Trump administration is ending programs allowing hundreds of thousands of immigrants to legally work in the country.

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Helene OBrien, Florida director of SEIU 32BJ, which represents many service workers, said de-documenting of immigrant workers will wreak havoc on families and result in deterioration of services in jobs that many Americans wont do when the immigrant workers cant perform them.

OBrien said people will see the effects, with things like dirtier airplanes and longer waits to get their bags as people doing cleaning and baggage work lose their work authorization and people dont come forward to replace them.

Though an official gathering, it was Democratic in outlook, with U.S. Rep. Sheila-Cherfilus-McCormick and state Rep. Marie Woodson also participating. About 150 people were on hand at the beginning; after about two-and-a-half hours, some 50 remained.

Broward Republican Party Chairman Chris Marino said later via text the Democrats are ignoring something fundamental: Floridians have repeatedly voted for Trump and DeSantis.

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Boy its gotta be rough for Democrats to look themselves in the mirror, then go out and keep pushing the same narrative that the American public clearly rejects and see through, Marino said.

The Republican Party is the home for wayward Democrats that feel they are no longer represented (and we welcome them with open arms and no judgment), while those remaining as Democrats are the small percentage that either choose to accept socialism or refuse to use common sense that would allow them to be pleased with the proven results of Republican policies virtually everywhere, he said.

Bartelman said she had grave concerns if the country doesnt come together and reject extremes on the left and the right.

Just back from a trip to Israel, Bartleman said what she sees happening at home today became more vivid when she visited Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum in Jerusalem.

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When they start talking about history and what Hitler did, he was removing books, Bartleman said. And then it was vilifying one group of people enough to rally a whole country to say were gonna move Jewish people to ghettos, after the books.

I went through that museum; I saw the parallels of whats happening here, Bartleman said.

Though she had plenty of issues on which she finds fault with both Trump and DeSantis, Barleman said the extremes from both sides need to be reeled in.

Once we lose this democracy, were not gonna get it back, she said. Everyone in the middle, lets preserve the United States of America. Lets fight against the extremes, she said, adding she is scared to death about the future of our country.

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Campbell was more optimistic.

You may feel defeated, you may feel hopeless, he said. You still have a voice. You still have a mission, and everybodys mission is stopping what were seeing is going on in Tallahassee, what were seeing is going on in D.C. Theres a light at the end of the tunnel, were gonna get out.

Political writer Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon.
A Florida man wearing Batman pajamas helped Cape Coral cops catch an early morning burglar.

Officers at the Cape Coral Police Department were responding to a burglary in progress at around 2 a.m. Wednesday when they located their suspect, who was already being detained by a local man dressed as the Caped Crusader.

The neighbor, Kyle Myvett, told detectives he had gone to bed when his home security cameras alerted him to someone breaking into his vehicle, cops wrote on Facebook.

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Police said Myvett went outside, still dressed in his Batman pajamas, and saw 20-year-old Justin Schimpl rummaging through his truck. He then spotted him doing the same thing in a neighbors garage and detained him until officers arrived.

Before being taken into custody, the suspect allegedly nabbed cash, a wrist wallet, more than $500 in gift cards and two pairs of Ray-Ban sunglasses worth $300 each.

Schimpl, who police said to was known to law enforcement from prior investigations, was arrested on one count of burglary of an occupied dwelling, two counts of burglary of an unoccupied conveyance and two counts of petit theft under $750.

In announcing his arrest, cops posted a photo of Myvett wearing his superhero jammies while flanked by two cops.

_____
A former Bay Area city council member was sentenced to 18 years in prison Friday for molesting an underage family member more than two decades ago, prosecutors said.

Omar Torres, who served on the San Jose City Council from 2023 until he was charged in 2024, pleaded no contest in April to charges of forcible sodomy, forcible oral copulation and molestation of a child under 14, the Santa Clara district attorney's office said in a statement.

He assaulted the child for years beginning in the late 1990s, only stopping because he was afraid he'd get caught, according to prosecutors.

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Read more: Bay Area council member arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing an underage relative

Torres, 43, was already under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of a minor when the family member came forward.

During that initial investigation, a police affidavit alleged Torres was being extorted for tens of thousands of dollars by a 21-year-old Chicago man who threatened to share nude photos and other incriminating messages that Torres had sent if Torres didn't pay, the San Jose Spotlight reported in October.

No charges have been filed as a result of that investigation, the district attorney's office confirmed.

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Todays sentence holds Omar Torres accountable for perpetrating horrendous crimes against a child, Dist. Atty. Jeff Rosen said in a statement. This sentence sends a strong message that no one is above the law, and it is never too late for justice. We admire the victims courage to come forward to report the abuse he suffered.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A former Connecticut postal employee has pleaded guilty to fraud and mail theft after depositing $156,000 in fraudulent checks, federal officials said.

Kierra Blount, 35, formerly of Stamford and currently residing in Plymouth, North Carolina, pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Sarala Nagala in Hartford to one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of 30 years in prison, and one count of unlawful possession of stolen mail, which carries a maximum term of five years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut.

Court records show that Blount, while employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Stamford, reportedly stole mail and obtained stolen mail for the purpose of obtaining checks that were payable to other individuals. In November 2021, Blount reportedly opened a bank account using the name and social security number of an individual without their knowledge.

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According to court records, Blount and others reportedly changed the payee names on stolen checks to the name of the identity theft victim, forged the victims signature on the back of the checks and deposited them into the bank account Blount opened.

From November 2021 until the account was closed in April 2022, Blount and others reportedly deposited $156,000 in fraudulent checks into the account. Some check deposits were reversed by the bank, and Blount and others reportedly used approximately $81,000 for their own purposes, court records show.

On June 20, 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Blounts Stamford residence and seized a significant amount of stolen mail and other items related to this scheme, including debit cards in the names of other individuals, checks totaling more than $285,000 and sheets of paper containing personal information of other individuals, including names, dates of birth, addresses, email addresses and security question answers, according to court records.

Subsequent analysis of cell phones seized from Blount on that date revealed images of stolen checks, personal identifying information for more than 50 individuals, and communications using the Telegram app with unknown individuals involved in the scheme.

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Blount was indicted on March 26, 2024. She was arrested on June 17, 2024. She is currently released on a $75,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for Dec. 9.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Connecticut Organized Financial Fraud Task Force, which includes personnel from the Stamford, Milford, Westport, Fairfield, West Haven, West Hartford and Bridgeport Police Departments.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com.
Aug. 30 (UPI) -- A former secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine was shot and killed Saturday in the city of Lviv, while authorities continued the search for the killer.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the death of Andriy Parubiy in a post on X, adding that "All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation and search for the killer."

Authorities are searching for one man who reportedly fired "several shots" at Parubiy Saturday afternoon in the largest city in Western Ukraine.

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Zelensky said Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs and Prosecutor General informed him of the "horrendous murder," while also offering condolences to the 54-year-old's family.

The National Police of Ukraine is involved in the search for the suspect, with Ukraine's General Prosecutor's Office launching a special operation to find the killer.

Ukrainian resident Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the death of Andriy Parubiy in a post on X, adding that All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation and search for the killer. File Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI

Parubiy also previously served as speaker of the Ukrainian parliament where he was outspoken against Russian influence, accusing that country and then President Dmitry Medvedev of trying to interfere in Ukraine's elections.

While working as secretary of Ukraine's national security agency in 2014, Parubiy asked the United Nations to intervene after pro-Russian activists took control by force of a Ukrainian naval base in the city of Sevastopol in the Crimean region.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, pictured, gave credit to Andriry Parubiy, who was killed Saturday, for creating Ukraine's armed forces, adding he was killed by "monsters." File Photo by Ivan Vakolenko/UPI

Parubiy resigned for unknown reasons in August of that year for unknown reasons. At the time, then Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Parubiy had served in the post "in the darkest days of the existence of our country."

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Poroshenko on Saturday posted a long tribute to his friend, calling Parubiy's death "a shot in the heart of Ukraine," in a post on X.

"Unfortunately, this is true. My longtime combat comrade from the early 2000s, my brother-in-arms Andriy Parubiy, was shot dead by non-humans in Lviv," Poroshenko wrote, while crediting Parubiy for the creation of Ukraine's armed forces.

"What can be said for certain -- these monsters fear and therefore kill true patriots and strong people. Maidan, 11 years of war, a huge contribution to building Independence. Andriy was a great Man and a true friend. That's why they take revenge, that's what they fear. This crime -- it's not just shots at a person. It's shots at the Army. It's a shot at the Language. It's a shot at the Faith. It's a shot in the heart of Ukraine."
CHADBOURN, N.C. (WNCN)  Crews were still at the scene Saturday afternoon after a house fire left four children dead in Columbus County overnight, officials said.

The fire was reported just after 2:30 a.m. Saturday at a home along North Colony Road, about a mile northeast of Chadbourn, Columbus County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman told CBS 17.

THE LATEST: Fundraiser created after four girls killed in North Carolina house fire

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The first emergency workers to respond were a deputy with the Columbus County Sheriffs Office and a Chadbourn Rescue team that was returning from Columbus Regional Hospital in Whiteville, Blackman said.

The group arrived about seven minutes after the initial report and saw that the home was engulfed in flames, Blackman said.

A burned home in which four sisters died in a fire near Chadbourn early Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, according to Columbus County officials and the Columbus County News . Photo courtesy: Columbus County News

In an update Monday from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, who are now leading the charge on this fatal fire, four girls died and two slightly older girls escaped the blaze. The ages of the girls who died were 2, 4, 6 and 7.

UPDATE: Fundraiser created after four girls killed in North Carolina house fire

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Blackman told CBS 17 that no adults were at home when the initial fire call was made by the two children who escaped.

The first group at the scene was unable to enter the burning home at 259 N. Colony Road.

There was no way they could enter the structure at that point, Blackman told the Columbus County News.

Columbus County officials told CBS 17 that as of noon, emergency crews were still at the scene of the fire, about five miles west-northwest of Whiteville and a mile east of the U.S. 74 and N.C. 410 interchange.

A burned home in which four sisters died in a fire early Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, according to Columbus County officials and the Columbus County News. Photo courtesy: Columbus County News

Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers told the Columbus County News that the SBI and Fire Marshal were investigating the debris of the home on Saturday.

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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 CBS17.com.
HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Four people are being assisted after a fire damaged their home early Saturday morning in Hamden.

Bridgeport power plant fire under investigation

The fire broke out at around 2:15 a.m. on 220 Morse Street. The two-family structure had heavy flames coming from the porch with extension reaching the attic.

Four people are being assisted after a fire damaged their home early Saturday morning in Hamden. Four people are being assisted after a fire damaged their home early Saturday morning in Hamden. Four people are being assisted after a fire damaged their home early Saturday morning in Hamden. Four people are being assisted after a fire damaged their home early Saturday morning in Hamden. Four people are being assisted after a fire damaged their home early Saturday morning in Hamden. Four people are being assisted after a fire damaged their home early Saturday morning in Hamden. Four people are being assisted after a fire damaged their home early Saturday morning in Hamden.

One female occupant managed to escape from the first floor after the smoke alarm alerted her. She was evaluated at the scene and denied transportation for further treatment.

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The American Red Cross is assisting a family of three and a single occupant who are now displaced.

The Hamden Fire Department highlights the importance of working fire alarms and how they are the best chance of survival in the event of a fire.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
UPDATE on 9-2-25: The Town of Geddes Police Department has confirmed that an additional fifth person was shot in their right leg during a struggle over a firearm. That individual has been identified as 29-year-old Kelvin Rivera-Dejesus, of Syracuse. Rivera-Dejesus was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and criminal possession of a firearm.

Additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues and police work to locate the firearms involved.

The four other victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries:

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A 30-year-old female, shot in the left leg

A 49-year-old female, shot in the left leg

A 29-year-old male, shot in the lower body

A 61-year-old male, shot in the left leg

All victims have been treated and released from the hospital, except for one who remains under medical care.

The investigation remains active, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Town of Geddes Police Department at 315-468-3283.

ORIGINAL STORY:

TOWN OF GEDDES (WSYR-TV)  Four people were taken to the hospital after a shooting in the Town of Geddes late at night on Friday, August 29.

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The shooting happened around 11:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Fire Department Recreation Hall on State Fair Boulevard. This is about a five-minute drive down the road from the main gate of the New York State Fairgrounds.

The Town of Geddes Police Department, the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office, the Solvay Police Department, and the New York State Police all responded to the call.

When officers got to the scene, they found four people suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. They were all taken to local hospitals for treatment.

Following an initial investigation, police believe the incident occurred at a party where attendees had ongoing disputes with one another.

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There are no suspects in custody, but police say there is no immediate threat to the public.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Town of Geddes Police Department at 315-468-3283.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
Fox News anchor John Roberts was hospitalized after contracting an uncommon vector-borne disease, according to a People Magazine exclusive.

What's happening?

Roberts, 68, will not appear on Fox News viewers' screens for the foreseeable future.

The Canadian-born co-host of Fox's "America Reports" was away from his news desk earlier in August, visiting Indonesia on a two-week-long family trip. On Aug. 11, he tweeted a photo taken while diving, followed by a picture of his son hanging out with local kids on Aug. 12.

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Roberts returned from the trip seemingly healthy and resumed his co-hosting duties. Within days, Roberts said, he began visibly "shivering" on air.

On Monday, Aug. 25, Roberts sought treatment. He was diagnosed with malaria, a mosquito-borne illness uncommon in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control, around 2,000 cases of malaria are diagnosed annually, the lion's share being travel-related.

Roberts' account of the time between the onset of his malaria symptoms and diagnosis illustrated how the illness rapidly manifested, roughly 10 days after he returned.

"I had been hurting from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. Literally everywhere. I was also beset with uncontrolled shivering all during my show," he said. Roberts didn't specify when the on-air shivering occurred, but he said it made him suspect he'd contracted influenza.

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After a trip to the rheumatologist, Roberts was quickly sent to the emergency room as his symptoms worsened. Although he didn't know where his case fell on the severity spectrum, Roberts emphasized that the illness was the sickest he'd ever felt.

"I don't know exactly how 'severe' it was from a medical classification, but it sure felt severe. I have never felt that sick in my life," the anchor recalled.

On Aug. 26, Roberts tweeted a thank you to Fox News personality Trace Gallagher for filling in on "America Reports"  adding that his case of malaria was the first his doctor had seen.

Why is this concerning?

Malaria is a vector-borne illness that is transmitted primarily through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

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While malaria is largely linked to travel in the U.S., the illness is endemic in tropical and sub-tropical countries and climates.

Fox News is primarily filmed in Manhattan. Historically, New York City's climate has been characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

But in 2020, The New York Times reported that "rising temperatures, which are largely the result of human activity," had shifted its climate to "subtropical," per a National Climate Assessment.

In 2023, the Gates Foundation cautioned that an overheating planet lengthens transmission season and is "altering the malaria map."

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The following year, the United Nations Development Program warned that rising temperatures are "supercharging" malaria.

The UNDP referenced a 2022 extreme weather-linked outbreak in Pakistan, after "climate-driven mass flooding created large pools of stagnant water."

What's being done about it?

In August, three lawmakers filed a bipartisan bill in response to a rise in similar vector-borne illnesses spread by ticks.

In their assessment, the Gates Foundation implored governments to take climate mitigation seriously, adding that it was "more important than ever to work toward eradication with urgency."

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ST. CLAIR  Noontime on the Frackville grade of Route 61, and theres not a vehicle in sight.

State police have the southbound lanes barricaded in Frackville. Construction vehicles block the northbound lanes near Darkwater Road, north of St. Clair.

A strange silence envelops the heavily traveled highway as an all-clear signal sounds atop an outcropping above a dangerous S-turn on southbound lanes.

Following a momentary thud, a portion of the outcropping fractures and a dust cloud floats across the horizon.

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Its blasting time on the Frackville Reconstruction Project, a 4.2-mile, $115-million full-depth reconstruction of Route 61 between Frackville and St. Clair.

Begun last year, the project shifted into high gear when a demolition crew began dismantling a 110-foot-high cliff nine days ago.

An inspector makes sure a blast went as planned as part of the Frackville Grade Project on Route 61 between Frackville and St. Clair, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

Traffic is halted for 15-minute periods throughout the day as powerful explosives are detonated by experts from Rock Work Drilling & Blasting in Montgomery County.

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Brent Hentz, PennDOT construction manager, said the project is about 30% complete and is on track to meet its deadline of February 2029.

This is the largest non-interstate construction project in the history of PennDOTs District 5, Hentz said.

Based in Allentown, District 5 covers Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties. It encompasses about 3,400 road miles and more than 2,100 bridges, including portions of Interstates 78 and 81.

Moving a mountain

Formed millions of years ago when the collision of the North American and African tectonic plates formed the regions valleys and ridges, the immense cliff is composed of erosion resistant conglomerate rock.

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The imposing formation defied the builders of the Centre Turnpike, crafted between 1808 to 1814, from Reading to Sunbury.

The roadway became part of the U.S. Highway System in 1926, and was designated US 122 in 1935. It was renamed Route 61 in 1963.

Carlo Saullo, project manager for Michael Baker International of Pittsburgh, said it will take about a year to take down the outcropping.

Initially working from the top down, the demolition crew will plant explosives to fracture the rock for removal by excavators. When the top portion is removed, the crew will relocate and finish the project working up from the southbound lanes.

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At that point, the southbound traffic will be rerouted to a temporary new roadway paralleling the northbound lane. For about a year-and-a-half, traffic in both directions will travel in a single lane separated by a concrete barrier.

That will allow crews to work on the southbound lanes, smoothing out some of its curves. When thats finished, both lanes of traffic will be relocated to the southbound lanes to enable crews to complete work on the northbound lanes.

The realignment will reduce the number of dangerous curves, Saullo said, and meet higher safety standards.

Ian Carson, a Michael Baker International engineer, said the detonated material will be recycled as a 2,900-foot-long rock slope along the northbound corridor.

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A rock embankment between the north and southbound lanes of Route 61 as part of the Frackville Grade Project on Route 61 between Frackville and St. Clair, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. Much of the material is from other parts of the project. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

Recycled rock from other areas of the construction site has already been used to form part of the slope, an anti-erosion barrier.

An estimated 320,000 cubic yards of rock, or about 500,000 tons, has been used to form the portion of the slope already finished, officials said.

Darkwater demo

In recent months, J.D. Eckman highway construction crews reshaped the contour of the mountainside at the foot of the southbound lanes.

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A variety of large excavators  no explosives were used  chiseled a craggy ridge north of Darkwater Road into a slope.

An iconic outcropping that once supported abutments for the Pennsylvania Railroads Darkwater trestle was removed to make way for a realignment of the highway.

The trestle, over which anthracite coal was transported for 80 years, was taken down in 1970.

Just north of the Darkwater Road intersection, a protective screen has been installed on the mountainside to prevent falling rock. A portion of it has been covered with shotcrete, a concrete material sprayed on with high-powered hoses.

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Netting and concrete help stabilize a mountain slope as part of the Frackville Grade Project on Route 61 between Frackville and St. Clair, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

While removing the rock, construction crews uncovered a vein of coal embedded in the mountainside, Saullo said.

Its close to the site of the former Repplier Mammoth Colliery, which was a mile north of St. Clair.

Additional work at Darkwater included the installation of a 66-inch drain pipe beneath the roadway and the construction of a new bridge over Mill Creek providing access to a Schuylkill County Municipal Authority installation.

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Traffic lights have been installed at the intersection and a turnoff lane to Darkwater Road is being constructed.

Long time coming

When it began on May 1, 2024, the realignment of the Frackville grade was a long time coming.

State Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Twp. used a Pennsylvania Dutch term to express the relief that was on state and local officials attending the opening ceremony.

Endlich, Argall said, using the Dutch word for finally.

The five-year project was PennDOTs largest ever in Schuylkill County, said Chris Kufro, PennDOT District 5 executive.

Robert S. Carl Jr., Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, heralded it as a critical link between Interstates 78 and 81.

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Chair of the chambers infrastructure task force, Carl gathered 100 signatures in an effort to have Rebuilding America, or INFRA, funds released to support the project.

It resulted in a $21 million federal infrastructure grant that got the project moving, Carl said.

State Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp., praised the projects elimination of dangerous curves, large outcroppings and inadequate shoulder widths on The Grade.

U.S. Senators Bob Casey and U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser were praised for working across party lines to gain federal infrastructure funds for the project.

It took a lot to make this happen, former State Rep. Neal P. Goodman said. It shows what can be done when people put personalities and politics aside and work for the best interests of the community.
The Freedom Endeavor photographic exhibit will be on display at Spiva Center for the Arts as part of the Heartland Patriots Festival in September.

Created by local photographer Steve Snyder, the exhibit pays tribute to veterans.

It will be on display at Spiva Sept. 4-27 in the Jo Mueller Reserve Gallery.

The exhibit is sponsored by Sharon and Lance Beshore, Southwest Missouri Bank, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5293 and Marshall and Lisa Hogue.

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An opening reception will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Im very honored to be included in this veterans festival, Snyder said. With this project and everything thats going on during the festival, I think this helps merge the art world and the veteran world. Art is an important part of helping and honoring veterans.

Snyder said the project started in 2015 and has been on hold for a few years but is being brought back for the Heartland Patriots Festival.

Snyders father, Ron, served in the U.S. Air Force, and Snyder wanted to get a picture of him to remember his service. Snyder said that after his father retired he helped him out a lot on photo shoots and a photograph was a natural way to honor him. Snyders photo of his father became the first photo in The Freedom Endeavor project.

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After that, Snyder started looking around for other veterans he knew. The idea became to create a traveling exhibit to create awareness about the veterans around us.

Growing up in a small town in Missouri, youre surrounded by veterans, whether you know it or not, Snyder said. I wanted to picture these veterans as you would see them in everyday life, if you would see them in the grocery store or something.

Snyder has done photographs and interviews with over 36 veterans, from 23 to 90 years old, for the project.

In each picture, the veteran is holding a photograph of themselves from when they were in the service. Snyder said this invites the comparison between then and now.

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Another component of the project is a video interview with the veteran discussing things such as how their service affected their lives.

Some said a lot, some didnt say much at all, Snyder said. Some, due to health reasons, couldnt say much at all.

The interviews are available at freedomendeavor.org and also through QR codes at the exhibit.

Through The Freedom Endeavor, Snyder said hes learned how the experience of being part of the project, or even seeing the project, helps veterans open up about their experiences. Some get emotional viewing the project, especially older veterans.

There are some really good people in this world who have experienced a lot more trauma than most of us will ever imagine, Snyder said. The majority of them would do it again, and I think that says a lot right there.

Snyder has just put together a book of the project and hopes to have it available at Spiva during the exhibit. The book is also available on Amazon.
Small farmers in East Africa are getting a helping hand from U.K.-based Aston University and the agricultural development company RAD Global with special boxes to help keep food cold longer.

According to Aston University, the "affordable, highly efficient cold boxes" are designed to combat food waste and preserve fish even without access to electricity, thereby improving farmers' livelihoods.

The innovative solution for food storage is the brainchild of Tim Messeder, the founder of RAD Global, who noticed on a trip to Uganda that farmers were having issues keeping food fresh. Some of the fishers have to carry the fish back to their villages on journeys that can take up to nine hours, which means all their hard-caught food goes to waste. Surveys show that around 42% of traders lose fish and income due to spoilage.

Luckily, Messeder found the perfect solution with the RADiCool system, which is designed to keep fish fresh for up to two days, ensuring those long journeys will be well worth the effort. The cool box can even fit on the back of a motorbike, which is how most people in rural areas of Africa get around.

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The system is powered by what's called advanced phase change materials, which can store and release thermal energy, and cutting-edge technology that allows for real-time GPS and temperature monitoring. It's able to cool fish from 77 degrees Fahrenheit to refrigeration temperatures in just four hours and can maintain those temperatures for over 24 hours.

Since RADiCool can preserve food without electricity, it's also easy on the environment and helps low-income communities have access to food even without modern amenities. As an environmental bonus, the PCM panels are stored in solar-powered hubs so they're ready to store fish later on. The cool boxes may also come in handy to transport other temperature-sensitive materials, such as medicines.

"We are committed to empowering small-scale traders with sustainable solutions that reduce waste and improve livelihoods," Messeder said.

With climate extremes and infrastructure issues affecting much of Africa, the cool boxes help support food security and economic stability for rural farmers. The team says it's planning to scale up and commercialize the tech, and is "finalising the new special design PCM panels, partnering with manufacturers, expanding field trials, and deploying a pay-per-use business model to increase accessibility."

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"RADiCool demonstrates the power of cross-sector innovation in addressing global development challenges," Dr Ahmed Rezk, senior lecturer in mechanical, biomedical, and design engineering at Aston University, said. "We're proud to contribute scientific expertise that translates directly into practical, community-driven solutions."

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.
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: British Heart Foundation

An AI-enabled stethoscope can help doctors pick up three heart conditions in just 15 seconds, according to the results of a real-world trial presented at the European Society of Cardiology's annual congress in Madrid.

The paper is also published in the journal BMJ Open.

The stethoscope, invented in 1816, is a vital part of a doctor's toolkit, used to listen to sounds within the body. But an AI stethoscope can do much more, including analyzing tiny differences in heartbeat and blood flow which are undetectable to the human ear, and taking a rapid ECG at the same time.

Researchers at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust now have evidence that an AI stethoscope can increase detection of heart failure at the early stage when someone goes to their GP with symptoms.

A study involving more than 200 GP surgeries, with more than 1.5 million patients, looked at people with symptoms such as breathlessness or fatigue.

Those examined using an AI stethoscope were twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart failure, compared to similar patients who were not examined using the technology.

Patients examined with the AI-stethoscope were about 3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillationan abnormal heart rhythm which can increase the risk of having a stroke. They were almost twice as likely to receive a diagnosis of heart valve disease, which is where one or more heart valves do not work properly.

Early diagnosis is vital for all three conditions, allowing patients who may need potentially lifesaving medicines to be identified sooner, before they become dangerously unwell.

Dr. Patrik Bachtiger, from Imperial College London's National Heart and Lung Institute and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said, "The design of the stethoscope has been unchanged for 200 yearsuntil now.

"So it is incredible that a smart stethoscope can be used for a 15-second examination, and then AI can quickly deliver a test result indicating whether someone has heart failure, atrial fibrillation or heart valve disease."

Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist, said, "This is an elegant example of how the humble stethoscope, invented more than 200 years ago, can be upgraded for the 21st century.

"We need innovations like these, providing early detection of heart failure, because so often this condition is only diagnosed at an advanced stage when patients attend hospital as an emergency.

"Given an earlier diagnosis, people can access the treatment they need to help them live well for longer."

Heart failurewhere the heart is not pumping blood around the body properlyaffects more than a million people in the UK. In more than 70% of cases, it is only diagnosed after they are rushed to hospital.

But half of these people would previously have had symptoms or contact with a primary care health care professional, representing a potential opportunity to detect their heart failure. A smart stethoscope could help with this earlier detection.

The AI stethoscope was trialed with patients who showed any of three symptoms suggesting they were suffering from heart failurebreathlessness, fatigue or swelling of the lower legs and/or feet.

If found to be at high risk, they went on to have their diagnosis confirmed with a blood test for a hormone called BNPwhich is at a higher level when someone has heart failureand a heart scan.

The stethoscope project, which was one of the first large-scale AI research programs to be run in British GP surgeries, saw 12,725 patients examined using the technology.

These patients, within 96 surgeries in North West London, were compared to patients from another 109 surgeries in the area, where AI stethoscopes were not used.

People examined using AI stethoscopes were 2.33 times more likely to be diagnosed with heart failure in the next 12 months.

Dr. Mihir Kelshiker, another member of the research team from Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said, "Most people with heart failure are only diagnosed when they arrive in A&E seriously ill.

"This trial shows that AI-enabled stethoscopes could change thatgiving GPs a quick, simple tool to spot problems earlier, so patients can get the right treatment sooner."

The device, which is about the size of a playing card, is placed on a patient's chest to take an ECG recording of the electrical signals from their heart, while its microphone records the sound of blood flowing through the heart.

This information is sent securely to the clouda secure online data storage areato be analyzed by AI algorithms, which have been trained on health data from tens of thousands of people and can detect subtle heart problems a human would miss.

A test result, indicating whether the patient has been flagged as at-risk for heart failure or not, is sent straight back to a smartphone.

A separate algorithm can detect atrial fibrillation, which often has no symptoms and is a contributing factor to one in five strokes in the UK, but can be managed with blood-thinning medications.

People examined using AI stethoscopes were 3.45 times more likely to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, and 1.92 times more likely to be diagnosed with heart valve disease in the next 12 months.

But 70% of GP surgeries given smart stethoscopes in the study stopped using them, or used them infrequently, after 12 months. The researchers suggest that efforts to integrate the technology into

GPs' existing routines would be needed to roll the technology out more widely.

The study showed two-thirds of people identified by the AI stethoscope as having suspected heart failure did not in fact have it, when given a further blood test or heart scan.

That could lead to unnecessary anxiety and tests for some people, but researchers point out that for other patients, using the AI stethoscope could detect signs of heart failure which might otherwise have been missed. The researchers stress that the AI-stethoscope should be used for patients with symptoms of suspected heart problems, and not for routine checks in healthy people.

Professor Nicholas Peters, senior investigator from Imperial College London and consultant cardiologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said, "Our study shows that three heart conditions can now be identified in one sitting.

"Importantly, this technology is already available to some patients and being widely used in GP surgeries."

Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR Scientific Director for Innovation, said, "This tool could be a real game-changer for patients, bringing innovation directly into the hands of GPs.

"The AI stethoscope gives local clinicians the ability to spot problems earlier, diagnose patients in the community, and address some of the big killers in society."

More information Mihir A Kelshiker et al, Triple cardiovascular disease detection with an artificial intelligence-enabled stethoscope (TRICORDER): design and rationale for a decentralised, real-world cluster-randomised controlled trial and implementation study, BMJ Open (2025). DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-098030 Journal information: BMJ Open
WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WJBF)  Lous on Liberty is restaurant where you can get burgers, wings, loaded fries, and more.

For this episode of Your Hometown Road Trip, the team stopped in and spoke with General Manager, Gary Jenkins to talk about the business, his customers, and what makes people keep coming back to Lous on Liberty.

Tell us about what this place is and what its all about.

Lous on Liberty was actually a dream of mines, Ive always dreamed of being an entrepreneur, so start small. Small business, I kind of took in to cooking, I come from a family of cooks, so why not?

How long have you been here, and whats been the response from people?

Two years now. Its been great, I get a lot of local support, I get a lot of support from out of towners as well because were on social media, so they come by.

What kind of food is here?

On a daily basis we serve a regular menu, which the menu consists of burgers, and wings, and chicken sandwiches, club sandwiches, salads, things of that sort, but we specialize in southern delicacies. Every day we have a hot bar with southern foods, from fried chicken, to fried pork chops, and collard greens, cabbages and mac and cheese, you name it.

What do you think makes this place so special?

For starters, we have great food, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the workers, they are absolutely wonderful, theyre very inviting. They come out and they speak and they make you feel at home.

Whats the one thing you feel like I have to have before I leave?

The wings, the wings are unheard of.

Anyone you want to thank?

I want to say from the bottom of my heart thank you, for allowing my dream to come true of being an entrepreneur.

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Lous on Liberty is located on 609 North Liberty Street in Waynesboro. You can find them on Facebook 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 WJBF.
Send in the special investi-gator!

An alligator was discovered this month in a freshwater pond in Freeport, Long Island  part of a growing trend of exotic, non-native pets being dumped in the region.

The juvenile, roughly two-foot-long gator was found by a birdwatcher on Aug. 7 at the Cow Meadow Preserve, a 150-acre preserve located in Cow Meadow Park.

ECP officers reported to Cow Meadow Preserve to transport the animal to a rehabilitation facility. Department of Environmental Conservation

Three Environmental Conservation Police officers arrived by canoe and brought the reptile to a rehabilitation facility in the area, where it awaits relocation, officials said.

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An investigation is underway to find the individual who released the animal since its illegal to import, possess, or sell any alligator, caiman, or crocodile without proper DEC permits in the state of New York.

Frank Floridia, president of Strong Island Animal Rescue League, told The Post that hes seen a recent trend of Long Islanders getting exotic animals as pets and then dumping them  which he said poses a threat to both humans and the environment.

Freeport is located in Nassau County, Long Island, just over 30 miles away from Manhattan. Audley C Bullock/Wirestock Creators  stock.adobe.com

His group recently got a call about a tegu lizard  which are native to South America and can grow to 4.5 feet long and weigh 20 pounds  on the loose in Centereach.

Its not supposed to be here. Its very dangerous, he said. And we ended up catching that. It was pretty big, like four feet long.
California Gov. Gavin Newsomslammed President Donald Trump on Friday over the federal governments decision to take a 10% stake in tech company Intel.

I mean, this guy is completely perverted capitalism, Donald Trump, Newsom told Pivot host Kara Swisher Friday. Its crony capitalism. Its whatever you pay him off.

Newsoms attack on Trump stemmed from a conversation about New York City mayoral candidate and self-proclaimed democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, and his plans to create a network of city-owned grocery stores to keep prices down.

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The California governor said Mamdanis plan could be a national policy, drawing a comparison to Trumps Intel deal.

It sounds like Trumps been paying a lot of attention to him with his desire to socialize great American companies and continue to invest like he did with Intel and others, Newsom said.

Related: Gordon Ramsay Reveals He Underwent Surgery To Remove Skin Cancer

Its just perverse that they could be shaping the Democratic Party in the context of the socialist brand, when, in fact, this guy is the leading nationalist and socialist of our time, Donald Trump, Newsom added later.

Governor Gavin Newsom called President Donald Trump's economy "crony capitalism" (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu via Getty Images

Trumps Intel deal enraged some from his MAGA base, who called it a terrible idea and also compared it to socialism.

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Conservative radio host Erick Erickson slammed the president on his podcast, arguing you cant just be against socialism when the left does it, if youre not against socialism overall.

So if you support socialism, apparently Donald Trump is your guy, Erickson continued.

Related: Naomi Osaka Defeats Coco Gauff At The U.S. Open

Republican Sens. Thom Tillis (N.C.) and Rand Paul (Ky.) both came out against Trumps deal, with Tillis telling CBSs Major Garrett, I dont care if its a dollar or a billion-dollar stake.

That starts feeling like a semi state-owned enterprise a la CCCP, Tills said, referring to the Russian acronym for the USSR  Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

If socialism is government owning the means of production, wouldnt the government owning part of Intel be a step toward socialism?



Terrible idea.



What to know about the US getting a stake in Intel | AP News https://t.co/3UHCM39NUB  Rand Paul (@RandPaul) August 20, 2025

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
On late-August mornings in the Windom neighborhood, the soundscape is usually familiar and comforting. Cicadas buzz, sparrows dart between yards, neighbors trade easy greetings across tidy sidewalks and the Annunciation Catholic Churchs bells peal across southwest Minneapolis, calling parishioners to Mass as they have for more than a century.

For generations, the church and its adjoining school have served as Windoms anchor  the site of weddings, baptisms, bake sales, Boy Scout Christmas tree lots and the ever-popular SeptemberFest featuring pie, live music and an outdoor Mass. If you didnt attend Annunciation, someone close to you surely did.

That sense of constancy was shattered Wednesday morning when a former student opened fire during the first school Mass of the year, spraying bullets through prismatic stained glass into pews packed with children.

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In an instant, prayers gave way to panic. Children as young as pre-K ran for cover, dove beneath pews or clutched their classmates as teachers shielded them from the barrage, acting instinctively to protect them.

Our teachers were heroes, Annunciation Catholic School Principal Matt DeBoer said. Children were ducked down. Adults were protecting children. Older children were protecting younger children.

By the time the shooting ended, two children  ages 8 and 10  were killed. Eighteen others were wounded, including 15 students and three parishioners in their 80s. Police identified the now-deceased shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former Annunciation student whose mother once worked at the parish.

The violence has left the century-old Catholic institution  long considered a bedrock of faith, family and education  reeling. Generations of alumni and parishioners are now struggling to comprehend how the church that baptized them, married them and educated their children became the site of such devastation.

Flowers, candles and mementos are left near Annunciation Catholic School on Thursday. - Elizabeth Flores/The Minnesota Star Tribune/Getty Images

A wound to a communitys soul

The shooting has devastated families whose lives have been intertwined with Annunciation for generations.

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For more than a century, the churchs bells have marked the rhythm of life here. Generations of families have celebrated first communions under its vaulted ceiling. The accompanying school, opened in 1923, became a place where children grew up surrounded by teachers and classmates who often felt more like extended family.

Alumna Maureen Cunniffs parents first fell in love at the school: Her father once slipped her mother a locket in the parking lot when they were middle schoolers. They later married in the church during a blizzard. Cunniff, her twin daughters and her sister all attended Annunciation.

Since hearing about the shooting, Cunniff has been crying on and off.

It just was like a huge injury to that sanctity of the community that weve been a part of for so many years, said 48-year-old Cunniff, whose family has ties to Annunciation stretching back seven decades.

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As news spread, alumni, parents and neighbors streamed to vigils across the city. There were too many people to fit inside one church, said John Kisling, 54, a lifelong member whose daughters recently graduated from the school.

That speaks to how strong the community is and how much people are really there for each other, Kisling said.

Two peopple embrace during an interfaith service at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis on Thursday. - Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Michele Faherty, another community member who was baptized at Annunciation and whose father led the school board, said the shooting stripped away a sense of safety: Its so upsetting to think that we as parents and as human beings cant feel safe in a place where we should feel safe.

And Kailee Poling, 27, who attended Annunciation through eighth grade, broke down at a vigil Wednesday night as she clutched her infant daughter, saying you dont think its gonna happen in your community.

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Being a parent, I just cant imagine what those kids went through, the new mother said through tears. Annunciation is such a tight-knit community  I was just really impacted knowing that its so close to home.

A parent runs toward Annunciation Catholic School during the shooting on Wednesday. - Richard Tsong-Taatarii/The Minnesota Star Tribune/Getty Images

We never, ever had anything like this happen

For Kisling, the shooting touched almost every corner of his life.

On Wednesday, he walked the neighborhood with his daughters, checking in on his mother and neighbors.

He grew up near Annunciation, attended the school from kindergarten through eighth grade and later sent both his girls there.

Weve been a part of this community for 50-some years, he said. We never, ever had anything like this happen.

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Annunciation wasnt just a school  it was a lifeline of fundraisers, garage sales, potlucks and parish traditions.

Kisling still keeps in touch with friends he made there decades ago. His daughters, Audrey and Riley, are recent alumni who attended mission trips and summer camps run by the school.

Everybody looks out for everybody, Kisling said. If you need something, somebodys there to help you. And thats few and far between in the way that the world is right now.

Jen Labanowski, her daughter Lucy, right, and her daughter's friend Cece Degnan, center, light candles at a memorial for shooting victims on Thursday. - Scott Olson/Getty Images

That sense of trust was shattered Wednesday. The shooting, he said, was organized, targeted.

His younger daughter barely slept that night.

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All that I can do is give her a hug and say, Everythings going to be OK. This is a one-time thing. It just unfortunately had to be our time, he said.

But Kisling also voiced a plea: These assault weapons need to go away  Were lucky that 100 kids didnt lose their lives, and it was only two. But thats still not a number that Im OK with.

Those little kids had dreams, he said.

Even those with looser ties to Annunciation were shaken. The attack had pierced not only the windows of the church but also the foundation of a neighborhood that has long considered Annunciation its anchor.

In the hours after the attack, neighbors gathered on sidewalks and near memorials, offering hugs and prayers.

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Luke Anderson, 20, grew up biking to the church after school from nearby Anthony Middle, shooting hoops behind the church gym. On Wednesday, he pulled a red Radio Flyer wagon stacked with ice water, doughnuts and popsicles for shaken children and families.

It made me feel something to see a kid smile after all of that, he said, eyes welling.

Nearby, University of Minnesota student Hudson Grand, 22, stood outside the church with a bouquet of pink daisies in hand. He had come to the neighborhood to visit his grandfather at a nearby care home, but found himself transfixed by the grief emanating from the parish. He stared at the school through tears.

Even though I dont know anyone there, this happens too often. But to have it this close, just really hits home, Grand said.

Annunciation Church, pictured on Thursday. - Tim Evans/Reuters

The church of refuge becomes a site of fear

Annunciation Catholic Church, once designated as the safe evacuation site for students during emergencies at the school next door, became a place of loss instead.

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Annunciation had long prepared for emergencies. The school had drilled children regularly on lockdowns at the school and kept doors secured during the day  measures that officials believe prevented the carnage from escalating further.

A number of the doors had been locked once Mass began, which is part of their normal procedure, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said. We believe that this step also played a part in ensuring this tragedy did not become that much worse.

Students muscle memory from lockdown drills kicked in. Some instinctively ducked, covered their classmates or followed teachers directions.

Riley Kisling, 16, recalls lockdown drills when she was a student  though she never imagined they would be needed in church. I was never worried about anything like that, she said.

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For many, the trauma remains fresh and overwhelming.

Vincent Francoual said his 11-year-old daughter survived the attack but is so shaken she doesnt want to return to school or church.

She thought she was going to die, he said.

A note from Uvalde, Texas, where a 2022 school shooting took place, is part of a memorial near Annunciation Catholic Church on Thursday. - Elizabeth Flores/The Minnesota Star Tribute/Getty Images

Weve had too many of these

Annunciation now joins a list of schools and churches forever altered by gun violence. The massacre was the 44th school shooting in the US this year, according to a CNN analysis, and one of more than 280 mass shootings nationwide.

It comes three years after the killing of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, and more than 12 years after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut.

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Chaplain Howard Dotson, who helped counsel families in Uvalde after the 2022 school massacre, arrived to comfort parents.

Weve had too many of these, he said. Ive seen too many tears. Im tired of seeing moms lose their children.

Outside the church, mourners placed teddy bears, handwritten notes and flowers at a growing memorial for the two children killed. Some are from classmates of the slain children  tiny scrawled messages of farewell to friends they will never see again. One note read: Im so sorry, it wasnt fair. R.I.P.

The parish has not yet announced when classes will resume, and children have already lost treasured traditions like spirit day and the butterfly release. The church doors are temporarily closed for parishioners, preventing them from hearing the sounds of hymns and childrens voices that normally fill the sanctuary.

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For now, Mass will be held in the auditorium of the school.

Deacon Peter Romans prays the rosary in front of the boarded up windows at Annunciation Catholic Church on Thursday. - Elizabeth Flores/The Minnesota Star Tribune/Getty Images

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has ordered additional state patrol officers to help safeguard schools and places of worship.

But as grief ripples through the community, neighbors are clinging to one another for comfort.

I was walking around the neighborhood with my dog, and I got neighbors stopping, hugging us, Francoual said.

Though the tragedy has left scars that may never fully heal, parishioners say the bonds of their tight-knit community will not be broken.

We wont allow this evil act to take away from the value and the power of community that is what brings everyone back together to heal, Cunniff said.

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The Windom neighborhood still hums with late-August cicadas and sparrows, the sounds of summer carrying on as always. But now, the church bells ring with a different weight, marking grief alongside faith. For the families of Annunciation, the community remains strong  but it will never be the same.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misattributed a quote from Riley Kisling.

CNNs Alicia Wallace and Arit John reported from Minneapolis, and Dalia Faheid reported from Los Angeles.

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GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD)  An Atlanta man was arrested Friday after Georgetown officers found him with 196 MDMA tablets.

Georgetown officers were patrolling around 8:30 a.m. when they conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of North Congdon Street and Highmarket Street, according to the Georgetown Police Department.

Police found probable cause and searched the vehicle. During the search, a black bag containing several colored tablets was found. Those tabs were tested and determined to be MDMA.

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Bernard Cessely McIntyre, 57 years old, of Atlanta, GA, was charged with trafficking MDMA or ecstasy 100 dosage units or more, but less than 500 dosage units as a result. He was booked at the Georgetown County Detention Center.

The Georgetown Police Department continues to be proactive in our enforcement efforts to address illegal drugs in the City of Georgetown, the department 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.
Two candidates are seeking to replace former state Sen. Brandon Beach, advancing from a seven-candidate jungle election to a runoff. Amber Roldan/Georgia Recorder

The winds of change might be blowing through Georgia.

At least, thats what Democrats are hoping for as both parties gear up for a competitive runoff election for an open state Senate seat.

Georgia Democrats hopes were lifted when Democrat Debra Shigley easily secured the top spot in a seven-way race Tuesday and advanced to a runoff in a district that overwhelmingly reelected a Republican senator last year and helped send President Donald Trump back to the White House.

Debra Shigley. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Shigley, who was the only Democrat in the first round of voting, is now preparing for a tougher challenge: a head-to-head race with a Republican. Her opponent will likely be Jason Dickerson, who held a narrow 65-vote edge for second place over fellow Republican Steve West as the votes were tabulated Tuesday night. West could still ask for a recount.

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Shigley, a Milton mom, attorney and small business owner, is running on a platform of improving affordability for families, strengthening public school systems and expanding access to health care. Dickerson, a Cherokee County resident, is the president of a private investment firm and has cast himself as a political outsider who plans to prioritize property tax relief and improving access to affordable housing for seniors. They were among the seven candidates who sought to replace Alpharetta Republican Sen. Brandon Beach, who resigned from the Senate earlier this year after Trump appointed him to serve as the 46th U.S. Treasurer.

The district, which includes parts of Fulton and Cherokee counties, is predominantly Republican, with Beach receiving upwards of 70% of the vote against a Democratic challenger in 2024. But Tuesday nights turnout, in which Shigley garnered nearly 40% of the vote against Dickersons 17%, might be an early bellwether for Democratic enthusiasm in Georgia and across the country. In some precincts, Democratic support jumped by as much as 30 points.

Shigley, who said she is ramping up campaign efforts ahead of the runoff election, attributed her success to her willingness to stand up against Trumps agenda, as well as growing frustration with the presidents policies.

Five candidates for Georgia state Senate District 21 participated in a June candidate forum. From left, Lance Calvert, Stephanie Donegan, Brice Futch, Steve West and Brian Will. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder.

The fact that we were running against six very MAGA Republicans in the jungle part of this election, I think people were frustrated, Shigley said. They were frustrated with the status quo, and said as much, and were encouraged by the vision that Im offering.

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The special election is what is known as a jungle primary, where instead of holding separate primaries for Democrats and Republicans, the candidates are all running against each other at once.

Dickersons campaign did not respond to requests for comment. But in an online post Wednesday, Dickerson tried to rally Republicans behind his campaign.

There is much at stake over the next month  the woke left is mobilizing and will pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into our community to try to flip this seat, Dickerson wrote in the post. Now is the time to unite the conservative movement behind our campaign and send these liberals packing once and for all!

Democrats also saw successes in other elections nationwide. An Iowa special election held the same night resulted in Democrats flipping a seat in a historically red district, breaking the Republican supermajority in the Iowa state Senate.

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Nate Rich, the Cherokee County Democratic Party chair, said Tuesdays turnout signals a growing frustration with Republican policies at both the federal and state level.

People are looking for a way to make a meaningful impact and make a difference, and so theyre showing up to knock on doors and write postcards and phone friends, he said. Anything they can do to get Debra across the finish line is kind of an act of protest with our national politics.

He also credited the high Democratic turnout in the historically red county to Shigleys strength as a candidate.

When you spend some time with her, its hard not to have this infectious energy and optimism, Rich said. And so I think that that really puts gas in peoples tanks.

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GOP chairs in both Fulton and Cherokee counties did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Georgia Republican Party Chair Josh McKoon cautioned voters against reading too much into the outcome in comments he made on the night of the election.

This is an election taking place in the dead of summer, he said. People are returning from summer vacation. People dont know theres an election. Theyre not used to voting at this time of year.

According to University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock, Shigley will likely face an uphill battle in the runoff election, but added that the increase in turnout was a good sign for Democrats.

The fact that the Democrat made it into the runoff, thats probably significant, Bullock said. I suspect going into it, the expectation was itll be two Republicans, and it isnt.

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Most likely, Bullock said, the Republican candidate will ultimately pull through as GOP voters consolidate around one candidate in the runoff election. But he said the competitive Republican race, which included attacks from Dickersons campaign aimed at former Commissioner Steve West, and a separate attack website aimed at Dickerson, could potentially dampen GOP turnout.

What weve seen in past elections, if there has been a really bitter contest on the side of the majority party, that may make it difficult for the majority party to reunite as it moves to the next phase, Bullock added. This creates a situation in which the minority party can slip by and win a contest that, if you looked at it objectively beforehand, youd say we dont have much of a shot here.

The top two candidates will face off for a second time on Sept. 23. One week of early voting will begin on Monday, Sept. 15, according to the secretary of states website.

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German police and prosecutors are searching for the convicted right-wing extremist Marla Svenja Liebich, who remains at large, dpa learned on Saturday.

Liebich was supposed to begin a prison sentence at the correctional facility in the eastern German city of Chemnitz by Friday evening. However, after failing to report there, the public prosecutor's office in Halle issued an enforcement warrant.

The search is being conducted in coordination with the Halle police department, the public prosecutor's office said. Consequently, a notice will now be issued in police search systems, it said.

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The office is examining Liebich last residence and contacts. The authority did not provide further details on these matters.

In July 2023, Liebich, then known as Sven Liebich, was convicted by the Halle district court for incitement of the people, defamation and insult, receiving a total prison sentence of one year and six months without parole.

Liebich's appeal against the conviction failed, as did a subsequent revision. The right-wing extremist was supposed to begin the sentence in the women's prison in Chemnitz.

The Liebich case recently reignited the debate over Germany's new Self-Identification Act. The law, which replaced the previous Transsexual Act and came into effect in November 2024, significantly eased changes to gender entries and first names.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt recently accused Liebich of abusing the new regulations and called for amendments to the law. "The gender change here clearly seems to be a case of abuse," he told the news site ZDFheute.de.
German police and prosecutors are searching for the convicted right-wing extremist Marla Svenja Liebich, who remains at large, dpa learned on Saturday.

Liebich was supposed to begin a prison sentence at the correctional facility in the eatsern German city of Chemnitz by Friday evening. However, after failing to report there, the public prosecutor's office in Halle issued an enforcement warrant.

The search is being conducted in coordination with the Halle police department, the public prosecutor's office said. Consequently, a notice will now be issued in police search systems, it said.

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The office is examining Liebich last residence and contacts. The authority did not provide further details on these matters.

In July 2023, Liebich, then known as Sven Liebich, was convicted by the Halle district court for incitement of the people, defamation and insult, receiving a total prison sentence of one year and six months without parole.

Liebich's appeal against the conviction failed, as did a subsequent revision. The right-wing extremist was supposed to begin the sentence in the women's prison in Chemnitz.

A lawmaker from the state parliament in Saxony-Anhalt slammed the judiciary as Leibich remained at large.

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"Various security and law enforcement agencies have been dealing with Liebich for years and have repeatedly been led astray," said independent MP Henriette Quade, a member of the state parliament's interior committee. "It is simply incomprehensible how all these authorities failed to recognise that Liebich would evade imprisonment."

Quade called on the Justice Ministry to explain to the state parliament and the public "how a person from the neo-Nazi scene who is at the centre of a public controversy can simply evade imprisonment."

Liebich has been active in the extreme right in Saxony-Anhalt and beyond for decades and was named for the first time in a report by the Saxony-Anhalt Office for the Protection of the Constitution in 2002.

Debate reignited

The Liebich case recently reignited the debate over Germany's new Self-Idenitifcation Act. The law, which replaced the previous Transsexual Act and came into effect in November 2024, significantly eased changes to gender entries and first names.

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Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt recently accused Liebich of abusing the new regulations and called for amendments to the law. "The gender change here clearly seems to be a case of abuse," he told the news portal ZDFheute.de.

Senior Public Prosecutor Dennis Cernota explained that once found, Liebich could be arrested based on the warrant and taken to the correctional facility, but failure to begin a sentence on time usually means that the serving of the prison term will not be eased, such as through placement in an open prison.

Liebich intended to begin the sentence on Friday evening, according to a post on X. That evening, a post was made under Liebich's name, stating: "The art of a magic trick: All eyes are drawn to the stage while the object disappears in the shadows. No one knew of my decision  no lawyer, no family. What follows? An international arrest warrant."
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

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 child's 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 didn't reflect the main ingredients used.

The first thousand days of a child's 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, well-being, development and to shape eating patterns for life.

It's also a time when parents are often busyand industry knows this. Manufacturers play on convenience and use marketing to badge foods that don't 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 don't 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 colors." 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 what's best for their child and to accommodate busy family lifestyles. Parents shouldn't have to sift through all these claims to find the information they need to select a healthy option.

Of all the foods, 60% featured images of fruit and 40% displayed images of vegetables, but most didn't 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% fruit. Images of fruits and vegetables give parents and caregivers 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 don't match main ingredients

We also found product names to be misleading. In more than half of the savory 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 don't accurately reflect ingredients, it's 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 Organization nutritional recommendations. As yet, unpublished research for New Zealand products found that only about a third meet these standards. They shouldn't 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 don't mislead and enable caregivers to make informed choices.

This is a great first step. It's 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.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Germany pledged continued support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia during an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Friday to discuss the war.

"Germany, together with its allies, will support Ukraine and its right to defend itself as long as it takes," said Ricklef Beutin, Germany's new ambassador to the United Nations. He added that Moscow's latest strikes demonstrated a disregard for international law.

"My question and the question we should ask the Russian Federation is simple: If Russia is sincere about peace, why can it not agree to a ceasefire?" he said.

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Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko urged the council to increase diplomatic, economic and military pressure on Moscow, stressing that Kiev urgently needs more air defences and long-range weapons to hit Russian military facilities.

Russia's deputy UN envoy, Dmitry Polyanskiy, dismissed the meeting as absurd, accusing Western diplomats of relying on artificial intelligence to draft generic statements. He insisted Moscow was striking military targets and accused Ukraine of using civilians as human shields.

The debate came after heavy attacks earlier in the week killed 25 people in Ukraine, according to Kiev. Officials said Russia launched more than 600 drones along with over 30 missiles and cruise missiles in the assault. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes showed Moscow had no interest in peace.
Just two days after accepting the resignation of MacArthur Elementary School principal Tony Gonzalez, the Germantown School District has found his replacement.

The Germantown School Board approved Steve Behrendt to be the school's next principal. His first official day in the district will be Sept. 2, according to a Aug. 28 news release from the Germantown School District.

Behrendt was previously the principal and director of teaching and learning in the K-8 Richmond School District. He also has experience as a teacher and associate principal.

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Behrendt was one of 40 applicants who applied for the position over the last three weeks. He was one of four finalists after advancing through two phases of the screening process. Interview teams consisted of MacArthur Elementary parents, PTA officials, teachers, support staff, school board members and district-wide administration, the news release said.

The district accepted the resignation of Gonzalez Aug. 26, approving it in open session after nearly half an hour of deliberation in closed session.

After the Aug. 26 meeting, district superintendent Chris Reuter told parents in a letter sent after the meeting that Gonzalez chose to resign without an evidentiary hearing in front of the board. There was a pre-termination hearing that was scheduled before the closed session. However, that hearing was canceled after Gonzales submitted his resignation letter at about 3 p.m. Aug. 25. Reuter's letter did not say why Gonzalez resigned.

In his resignation letter Aug. 25 to the board that the Journal Sentinel obtained, Gonzalez said, in part, "This is not the path I envisioned, nor the way I hoped my service to Germantown would conclude." He did not share any reasons for his resignation in the letter.

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At the Germantown School Board's Aug. 19 meeting, parents demanded answers from the school about Gonzalez after he had been put on a leave of absence.

Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Steve Behrendt hired as next MacArthur Elementary principal
Germany will not back European Union sanctions on Israel over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip for the time being, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Saturday.

The European Commission had proposed suspending research funding for Israeli companies after an internal EU review concluded that Israel's actions in the embattled territory violate an EU-Israel agreement that obliges both sides to respect human rights.

The planned measure is unlikely to have any influence on Israel's political decision-making and military actions in the Gaza Strip, Wadephul said on the margins of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen on Saturday.

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That is why Germany is not convinced by the proposal, Wadephul said.

The minister emphasized that Germany is instead restricting arms deliveries to Israel. "I believe this is a very targeted measure that is very important and very necessary," he said.

The EU has been divided over how to react to the war in Gaza and the deteriorating situation for civilians.
Since entering parliament in 2017, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has had to pay around 1.1 million ($1.28 million) for numerous violations of the Political Parties Act, according to the Berlin-based legislature's administration.

Parties represented in the Bundestag, the lower house, have paid a total of 1.8 million since 2017 for accepting illegal donations, providing false information in financial reports, or misusing parliamentary group funds, according to a report in Sunday's edition of Die Welt newspaper seen in advance by dpa.

The list of violations was also made available to dpa.

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According to the Bundestag, the AfD was mainly affected by illegal donations from the Swiss company Goal AG for election advertising in the 2016 state polls in Baden-Wurttemberg and 2017 in North Rhine-Westphalia, and an almost 400,000 donation from Switzerland.

A further claim for just over 108,000 is not yet final. The AfD has filed a lawsuit against the decision and has since appealed to the Federal Administrative Court.

AfD cites initial lack of experience with donations

In comparison, the six other parties represented in the Bundestag had to make significantly fewer payments, the report said.

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This ranged from 200,000 paid by the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) to just 2,300 by the pro-market Free Democratic Party (FDP).

In explaining the size of its fines, the AfD pointed to its short party history.

"Especially in the early years, the AfD was unable to draw on the wealth of experience in dealing with donations that other parties had accumulated over decades," its treasurer Carsten Hutter told Die Welt.

Today, every donation is strictly reviewed, there is a "six-eyes principle" of scrutiny, and intensive training for the party's branches, he said.
BERLIN (Reuters) -German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Saturday he expected that Russia would only stop its war against Ukraine once it could no longer wage it for economic and military reasons, given that diplomatic efforts in recent weeks had failed.

"All efforts of the past weeks have been answered with an even more aggressive approach by this regime in Moscow against the population in Ukraine," Merz said at a regional event of his conservatives in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

"This will also not stop until we ensure together that Russia, at least for economic reasons, and perhaps also for military reasons  can no longer continue this war."

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Earlier on Saturday, the chief of Russia's general staff, General Valery Gerasimov, said his troops were waging a non-stop offensive along almost the entire front line in Ukraine and that they had the "strategic initiative".

Russia has also stepped up airstrikes on Ukrainian towns and cities far behind the front lines this summer.

Efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict, now in its fourth year, have so far failed, and Kyiv and its European allies including Germany are calling for tougher economic sanctions on Moscow.

(Reporting by Andreas Rinke; Writing by Sarah MarshEditing by Gareth Jones)
He told the American newspaper that he rejoined the Netanyahu government because he believes that differences in Israeli politics will be insignificant in the future.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar told the Wall Street Journal in a Tuesday interview that Israel is facing a multi-front war on the battle lines and in the political arena.

Today, the challenges are not only military. They are also political, and those who worked to impose a military siege on Israel are now working to impose a political siege, he told the WSJ.

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He told the American newspaper that he rejoined the Netanyahu government because he believes that differences in Israeli politics will be insignificant in the future.

The differences between Israels Zionist parties today will be viewed historically as insignificant and marginal in comparison to the challenges we are facing, Sa'ar said, adding that he came to this realization after October 7.

He is now aiming to try and change things from the inside and rejoined the Likud party this month.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar at a briefing with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. (credit: Ohad Kav)

Im still in the government, even when I sometimes have disputes, he said.

He went on to discuss how several European nations pending recognition of a Palestinian state affected negotiations and the IDFs Gaza City Operation.

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When Hamas praises you, as it did with [Emmanuel] Macron, it speaks for itself, he said, adding that he didnt understand why the need to recognize a Palestinian state suddenly arose.

In the beginning, it was supposed to be under certain conditions, such as recognizing Israel and making peace. Now, Sa'ar says he thinks that all conditions were forgotten.

He sees this as a victory for Hamas.

Hamas said recognition is the fruit of October 7, Saar noted.

Europe cannot understand that the Palestiniansall the factionstheir ideology is to eliminate the Jewish state, Saar said.

Talking about 'two-state solution'

Its a nice term, two-state solution. First of all, you have a solution. But when you ask, Do you want a terror state? it becomes a different conversation.

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He added that the growing Muslim communities in Europe affected the calls to recognize a Palestinian state.

Europe today has huge Muslim communities. There are already cells of radical Islam there. It has an effect.

The minister goes on to discuss the Gaza Strip, saying that "the real aid situation has improved dramatically." Describing the aid being given to Gazans as not "humanitarian," but "political."

The minister also says that Israel's global reputation in regards to its strength was restored since October 7, saying that "we changed the entire strategic equation in the Middle East.

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Also regarding Israel's global image, Sa'ar said that the country will not "risk real interests for a temporary period of quiet and better PR.

We need to survive first. After that, there comes popularity and how much we can convince others around the world.
Republicans are gearing up to fight a battle on multiple fronts in an effort to secure a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for President Donald Trump.

The latest to join the campaign is Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who told Fox News Charlie Hurt on Friday night that not only should the Nobel Peace Prize committee nominate Trump, but they should consider nominating First Lady Melania Trump, too.

If the Nobel Peace Prize committee knows whats good for them, theyd do the right thing and nominate him. But also, too, I think that Melania Trump might also have a nomination, Luna said.

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I think that shes been very instrumental in discussions with Russia. And also, too, I think that shes going to be a key reason why were able to broker peace with Ukraine.

Hurt immediately latched onto the idea, telling Luna, I love that they could be the first joint couple to earn the Nobel Peace Prize. And then even better would be if they then turned it down.

Melanias primary involvement in the failed peace talks between her husband and Russian President Vladimir Putin came in the form of a letter addressed to Putin about Ukrainian children who have been abducted during the invasion.

The letter did not use the word Ukraine or Ukrainian once, but did say, As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generations hope. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few. Undeniably, we must strive to paint a dignity-filled world for allso that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded.

Melania Trump/X

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the First Lady for the letter, writing on X, We deeply appreciate her compassion and her letter to Putin.

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I asked President Trump to pass along a letter of gratitude from Ukraines First Lady, Olena Zelenska, to Melania. Her voice matters, and her care gives strength to this cause.

I want to thank @FLOTUS Melania Trump for her attention to one of the most painful and difficult issues of this war  the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia. We deeply appreciate her compassion and her letter to Putin.



This issue lies at the heart of the wars https://t.co/DHiGcUGydO  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) August 19, 2025

While Trump has long been angling for a nomination for what is considered one of the most prestigious prizes in the world, going so far as to reportedly cold call Norwegian politicians, he could face a significant roadblock in the form of the committee.

Three of the five members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which selects Nobel Peace Prize recipients, have publicly criticized Trump for his attacks on the press, expressing concern that he is dismantling democracy.

In his interview with Luna, Hurt wondered, Do you think that the Nobel Peace Prize committee people will actually come around?

At some point, I guess maybe they need him more than he needs them, he concluded.
ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT)  Governor Josh Stein said he wants to make North Carolina the most favorable state for service members and veterans during a visit to Camp Lejeune today for the North Carolina Commander Council Forum.

The forum happens every year and is a way for military leaders across the state to tell the governor what is happening with the communities on and off their bases.

Its the forum with which were allowed to voice our concerns for our military members, their families, and veterans who live and work in your state, said Brig. Gen. Ralph Rizzo, the commanding general for MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune.

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Stein opened with the fact that a lot of the concerns he heard at the forum are the same hes hearing from people throughout the state.

These are the issues that were going to take with our digest them with our secretary, Secretary Mallette, and figure out what are the priorities were going to bring to the legislature, what are the priorities were going to work on as a state, said Governor Stein.

One of those issues is affordable and accessible childcare for military families. Onslow County is considered a childcare desert, with parents having a hard time finding affordable care.

For every five families that want a child care slot, theres one and when you can find them, there are they are incredibly expensive, Stein said. Often they cost more to care for an infant than it does to send a child to UNC Chapel Hill. We have to help address that.

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Stein says hes created a task force on childcare and early education to help address this.

Theyve already identified 11 goals of where we need to get to as a state and now, theyre working on how we get from here to our goals, Stein said. I look forward to bringing those recommendations forward, but fundamentally, it is an issue of affordability.

Other issues included making sure affordable housing, job opportunities, good schools for children, and better infrastructure are available for the military community.

North Carolina has many of the most vital military installations in the entire country, said N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette. The strength of our state and the security of our nation are dependent upon the dedication of our service members and their families and the support that we provide to them.

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CALDWELL, WV (WVNS)  Governor Patrick Morrisey announced over half a million dollars in grant awards for economic development in West Virginia.



It has been announced that $75,000 awards are being issued to multiple counties including Greenbrier, Cabell, Mingo, and others. The funds will go toward site readiness for construction and development of new facilities. Governor Morrisey said the funding will create job opportunities for regions across the state.



We are honored that Governor Morrissey chose the Greenbrier Valley to make these important announces for economic development, and we are over the moon the be one of the recipients, said Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation Director, Ruthana Beazley. Its site readiness that keeps West Virginia communities, particularly rural ones like ours, competitive.

Governor Morrisey said the efforts of members of the West Virginia Legislature has been crucial in the progress of the initiative. Delegate Cooper says the Morrisey Administrations commitment to site-readiness and local infrastructure will allow West Virginia to become economically competitive with surrounding states.



What were doing today is whats been going on in North Carolina and South Carolina for years, said Delegate Cooper. Now that were in that loop, we can start to compete for those 20 and 30-job facilities that we can get in a place like Harts Run or White Sulphur or even Union, West Virginia.



Governor Morrisey said these developments represent a commitment to support economic development, community infrastructure, and new-business investment. Along with making West Virginia more competitive, he said the Speed to Build initiative will attract new economic opportunities from out-of-state investors.

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CALDWELL, WV (WVNS)  State leaders are taking steps to secure funding to expand broadband access throughout West Virginia.

Local fire chief addresses Lewisburg sinkhole situation

Governor Patrick Morrisey said he has been working directly with the Trump administration to enhance broadband infrastructure statewide. Jobs, business, and access are just some of the areas which stand to benefit from what is being called a historic investment. Governor Morrisey said he hopes to bring broadband connection to every corner of the state.



I want to make sure were looking at every site that currently does not have broadband, Governor Morrisey told 59News. Ive had a number of meetings with the Trump administration, with Secretary Lutnick. Ive talked to the president about this, and they know the importance of broadband, and then wireless.



Governor Morrisey said advancements in areas like technological infrastructure are necessary to keep West Virginia competitive on the national level.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI)Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday that his office is forming a new task force to address homelessness in San Diego and in Californias nine other largest cities.

The group, known as the SAFE Task Force, would clear encampments on state property and connect individuals living there with shelter and services.

This is just the latest step Governor Newsom is taking to clear encampments across the state.



Encampments are such a visible sign of whats not working. I appreciate that the intent is how can I do something to get those cleaned up  we dont need to keep it always grounded in we know there are some best practices of getting to know the people, building a relationship and then getting them connected to services so as long as this effort does thatfantastic,said Paul Armstrong, San Diego Rescue Mission.

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Armstrong said the San Diego Rescue Mission has a shelter that provides housing for people in San Diego.

He said if the task force brings collaboration and coordination, it will be successful.

It should be organized around the office of emergency services. It is an emergency having people living in public spaces, so encampments of more than 50 people that are on public property, like on the Caltrans property, like on a freeway, or on an onramp, said Senator Catherine Blakespear.

State Senator Catherine Blakespear has introduced several bills to address homelessness in the state.

She said the response should be quick. The task force will include the CHP, Health and Human Services, and Caltrans.

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As of last Friday, the city tells me it has collected 100,000 pounds of trash and helped at least 16 people connect to sheltering programs.

16 sounds like an awfully low number, doesnt it? Thats just because there arent enough shelter beds so we also need to be building and expanding the number of shelter beds we have available so that when we engage those encampments, they have a place to go, said Armstrong.

Blakespear agrees that more shelter is needed, but says the task force is a step forward.



My hope is that there is close collaboration between the state, the county and the city so saying where do we have available beds in this county, where can we set up available beds in an interim way that could happen really relatively quickly and move people out of encampments and move them into a more safe and also a managed situation so that there are services provided by people, she said.

The task force is expected to roll out its work within the next 30 days.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The plans for a new First Family Residence were approved Thursday by the Capitol Preservation Commission.

This comes after years of planning for it, different groups switching leadership around it, and secrecy around who the money is coming from.

The commission doesnt approve with funding information in mind. According to the Chair Trait Thompson, they approved based on the aesthetics of the plans matching what is approved regarding the current Governors Mansion.

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The current mansion is nice, but it doesnt really fit the standard for a modern family to live in, said Thompson.

Governor Stitt and his family currently live on an estate about twenty miles or so away from the State Capitol.

The attempt was tried years ago and involved Friends of the Governors Mansion, but this time, they said they are not involved. Which could mean that much of the information wont be public.

The plans from 2019 and after involved millions of dollars in private funds to build the home.

Authorities need help identifying man in auto theft investigation

Bob Ross is Co-Chair of the First Family Residence project. He said that construction is expected to be completed by November 2026.

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Were proud to see this vision becoming a reality. Like previous first families, Governor and First Lady Stitt are leaving their mark by privately funding a modern, accessible residence for families on the grounds of the Governors Mansion, said Ross.

Governor Stitt has been relatively quiet when it comes to the plans involved with this new residence.

News 4 has been asking for years for a possible donor list of who would be funding the construction of the residence, but weve never heard back.

Thompson said that the questions surrounding funding would be better given to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES).

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News 4 put in an Open Records Request near the start of June for a possible donor list, conversations surrounding funding, and more, but the request remains open.

For the life of me, I dont know why somebody wont just be transparent, said former Representative Mark McBride.

McBride signed onto a Senate bill authored by Senator Julia Kirt (D-OKC) that ensured transparency with long-term projects surrounding the Governors Mansion.

He said he is all for a new home for future governors there, but it just needs to include the public.

Just so that theres no question. We got the money to build it and we dont have to go back to the state and say, really, we only raised $3 million and we need you all to kick in an extra two, said McBride.

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As for after the home is built, Ross said that OMES would be in charge of using state tax dollars to pay for the maintenance.

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Aug. 30GRAND FORKS  Parents and a student who attended Grand Forks high school open houses this week gave mixed reviews of a new cellphone ban implemented within Grand Forks Public Schools.

Part of the statewide "bell-to-bell"

cellphone ban that was passed by the North Dakota Legislature

in April, Grand Forks' plan was put together earlier this summer by district leaders and went into practice on Wednesday and Thursday, the district's first days of school.

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Gabriela Toviah, the parent of a student at Red River High School, said she supports the policy and hopes it will spur connections between students.

"We need more interaction," she said. "People are getting more isolated."

She acknowledged concerns about students not having their phones in emergency situations, but said that she herself attended school without phones and believes parents can contact the school directly if needed.

Dennis Demski, another parent of students at Red River, said he believes the policy will allow kids to focus better without distractions.

"It's positive overall," he said. "It eliminates distractions, especially if the kids are not trying to work around the ban."

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The statewide ban was pushed during the most recent legislative session by Gov. Kelly Armstrong, who told the Grand Forks Herald in May that he believes it "will have a tremendous impact" on North Dakota schools.

"It's probably the one issue that my former legislative experience was really beneficial on. There was a lot of undercurrent of real momentum for it  you just had to recognize it," he said. "One of the reasons is the data tells you all of this: more anxious, more mental health (issues), bullying, lack of objective reasoning, lack of concentration."

Grand Forks school leaders developed the district's plan earlier this summer.

Effective enforcement of the ban has come up throughout implementation discussions. Grand Forks

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Superintendent Terry Brenner said he expects the state policy to give teachers and staff more enforcement power

, compared to when cellphone policies were imposed only by districts.

Of three parents interviewed Wednesday at an open house at Red River High School, two were in overall support of the new policy. However, a third believes the ban's effectiveness will vary depending on grade level.

Ruby Aipperspach, a staff member at Grand Forks Public Schools and the parent of students at Red River High School, said the policy might serve younger students more than older students.

"I think it can be effective. It has its pros and cons," she said. "I am a firm believer that, especially the bigger kids ... should have access to their phone just in case something happens. But working at an elementary school, I think it is very positive, absolutely."

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While high schools, middle schools and elementary schools will have differing policies determining where students are to put their phones and in what cases exceptions will be made, the ban ensures all K-12 students will not have their phones all day.

A student isn't convinced of the new rule's supposed merits. Juju Aaker, a student at Central High School, said she does not like the new policy and thinks students should be given more autonomy.

"I feel like you should have more freedom," she said. "I feel like at least at lunch, you should have them. ... It would be nice to have them in the hallway, but I don't think that's needed. But I think having them at lunch is a good thing."
PITTSBURG, Kan.  A donation this summer will have a big impact on next summer.

Earlier this week, the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded Compass Academy Network a general funds grant.

That money will be used to support a summer enrichment program at Compass Pittsburg camp.

Specifically, the money will be used to purchase STEM kits through Pitsco, giving middle school students hands-on experience, and maybe even sparking an interest in a future career.

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Grants like this enable Compass to offer the camp for free, and will have an immediate impact on the students.

In the case of Pittsburg, for example, well go into those schools and offer a month-long program for them in the summertime to help them retain what they learned the year before, and help them avoid whats called the summer slide, where they have learning loss that they experience over the course of the summer. We know that can be as much as 30% in subjects like math, said Cody Smith, Compass Academy Senior Director of Government Affairs.

While the dates for the summer camp havent been set yet, you can learn more about programs offered by Compass throughout the year through their website, here.

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On Aug. 27 at 8:30 a.m. local time, the lives of an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old were taken by Robin Westman during a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Eighteen others were injured, including 15 children.

Westman was a 23-year-old white nationalist, a supporter of a far-right candidate running as a gun influencer and a blatant racist and antisemite; she had a long, troubling history of mental health issues. Every one of these red flags  clear indicators of potential violence  was ignored. Instead of grappling with these facts, and with the deadly reality of easy access to firearms, politicians and media figures on the far-right immediately did what they always do: Blame trans people.

Westman identified as a trans woman. And for that, she became an instant effigy for MAGAs habitual and baseless attempt to link trans identity with mass shootings. Among others, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., tweeted: Todays evil church school shooter was a trans who was likely groomed and transitioned as a teenager.

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Greenes take is not unique. Its part of a long-standing right-wing script that is used to distort the reality of gun violence and redirect attention away from the need for stricter federal firearm limitations.

On March 27, 2023, three children and three adults were murdered by Aiden Hale at a private school in Nashville. Hale was a trans man, and that fact overshadowed every other detail in conservative commentary. Greene and other conservatives shifted the narrative away from the AR-15 used in the attack, instead questioning whether hormone replacement therapy was a cause of the violence.

On May 24, 2022, 19 children and two adults were killed in Uvalde, Texas, in one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. Instead of addressing the repeated failures of law enforcement and the obvious role of firearms, Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., claimed the shooter was a transsexual leftist illegal alien. The claim was false; the shooter was not transgender.

On Feb. 11, 2022, a woman named Gennesse Moreno opened fire inside a Houston megachurch, injuring two. Almost immediately, far-right influencers began scouring her background to see if she could be linked to the trans community. The MAGA-affiliated account Libs of TikTok blamed hormone therapy and the LGBTQ+ community for the shooting. Their rhetoric was amplified by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Donald Trump Jr. Again, the shooter was not transgender.

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On April 3, 2018, three people were shot at YouTubes headquarters in San Bruno, Calif., by Nasim Najafi Aghdam. Within hours, conservative commentators speculated about her gender identity and whether she was trans, suggesting that it played a role in her motive. Once more, the shooter was not transgender.

The repetition here matters. In all of these cases, two truths hold. First, guns were the weapon that enabled the rapid, brutal loss of innocent life. Second, the political right skipped immediately over the bullets and zeroed in on the trans community. Ironically, most of these cases did not involve a single trans person. This is also the case for virtually every single mass shooting on record.

The data makes the right-wings transphobic narrative fall apart even faster. Between 2018 and 2023, among shootings with four or more victims, 2,826 of the shooters were cisgender. Just three happened to be transgender. Statistically, there is no foundation to connect trans identity with mass shootings.

If the far-right insists on making a connection between trans people and violence, it should acknowledge this reality: Trans people are far more likely to be the victims of gun violence themselves. The number of trans people murdered annually has nearly doubled in recent years. In 2023, there were at least 35 homicides of transgender or gender-expansive people, 80% of which were with a firearm. And even more generally, trans people face higher risks of intimate partner violence, property crime and sexual assault.

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The only consistent connection between trans people and violence is that trans people are disproportionately on the receiving end. They are not behind the trigger; they are the ones most often staring down the barrel.

The weaponization of trans identity does not begin or end with shootings. Most recently, MAGA leaders have turned their focus to trans athletes. The Trump administration has pledged to withdraw federal funding from universities that allow trans athletes to compete in collegiate sports. The rhetoric suggests a widespread issue, that thousands of trans athletes are flooding womens sports. The truth? Fewer than 0.002% of college athletes are trans.

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.

This obsession is not new. During the 2024 election cycle, the Trump campaign and Republican groups spent more than $222 million on anti-trans ads. Hundreds of millions of dollars were poured into vilifying a community that makes up less than 1% of the U.S. population. The formula is simple: Take a single trans person, or a handful of trans people, and inflate their existence into a supposed national crisis that threatens to silence the very existence of an entire community, even in terms of something as basic and necessary as where a person can use the bathroom.

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Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., introduced a bill to ban transgender women from using bathrooms that dont correspond with their sex assigned at birth  and she conflated fears of rape and sexual abuse as justification for this legislative pursuit. Maces distorted reality does not consider the facts about bathroom bills. They dont keep anyone safe. In fact, they actually lead to higher rates of harassment and violence against trans people.

That energy  not to mention that money  could have gone toward proven solutions to prevent violence. Instead, it continues to be funneled into fearmongering and scapegoating that does nothing for community safety. Valuable time and resources are being poured into an anti-trans war that punishes people for existing. Instead of solving real issues, elected leaders manufacture a trans crisis that they then spend countless hours and dollars trying to resolve. The real resolution is to focus on the weapons of war and the conditions present in mass shootings, rather than obsessing over a group of people who have nothing to do with the culture of violence these elected leaders continue to ignore.

In place of pushing political propaganda, conservatives should look at gun ownership itself. Mass shootings have risen steadily in the U.S. for years, and so has gun ownership. That is not a coincidence. According to data from the Small Arms Survey, the U.S. has more civilian-owned guns than people  about 120 firearms for every 100 residents. No other country comes close.

At the same time, GOP lawmakers have moved in the opposite direction of evidence-based prevention. In January and February alone, nearly 30 Republican-backed bills were introduced to weaken gun legislation at the federal level. While most developed nations have responded to mass shootings with stronger restrictions, the U.S. has only loosened access.

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Every public health expert who studies the issue agrees: More guns mean more gun violence. The American Public Health Association has repeatedly called firearm violence a public health crisis. Yet Republicans have doubled down on expanding access to weapons while spending enormous political capital vilifying marginalized groups.

There are evidence-based ways to reduce gun violence. Expanding access to mental health care. Funding local community intervention programs that interrupt cycles of violence before they escalate. Passing red flag laws that allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from people who pose a danger to themselves or others. Enforcing safe storage laws that keep children from accessing guns in their homes.

These are not radical ideas. They are policies already working in states across the country. They save lives  but they require politicians willing to confront the real cause of mass shootings. Instead, conservatives continue to distract the public with attacks on trans people. Every time leaders make and amplify these false and dangerous connections, they add fuel to the fire of harassment, discrimination and violence faced by trans communities.

The Annunciation school shooting is tragic, disgusting and heartbreaking. But the cause was not trans identity. It was a gun in the hands of a person with extremist, far-right views and a history of instability.

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As long as the national conversation remains focused on trans scapegoats rather than real solutions, gun violence will continue to be a uniquely American sickness  and the trans community will continue to bear the brunt of unwarranted hate simply for existing.

The post Gun violence is an epidemic  and GOP transphobia wont cure it appeared first on Salon.com.
ALLENDALE, Mich. (WOOD)  There are increased patrols on Grand Valley State Universitys campus after a string of break-ins and car thefts on campus.

Grand Valley State University Department of Public Safety sent two different emails to students on campus alerting them of the incidents.

In the first email, police said that they had received several reports of car thefts on both their Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses, between August 18-22. The break-ins happened in the early morning hours in residential housing parking lots, police said.

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On Tuesday morning, police said two cars were stolen from a campus lot. The cars were parked in Lot D at GVSUs Allendale campus.

They do bring a lot of high value items in as well and our lots fill up pretty quickly during those next few days of move in and thats where we saw the events pop up and then continue as well, Operations Captain with GVSU DPS Leah Heaton said.

Sometimes this can be joyriding, Heaton said. We have seen an increase in stolen vehicles in the west Michigan area in general and unfortunately, we have a tiny geographic area.

The incidents have led to students being on high alert.

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I was scared, I have a car out here I dont want my stuff getting stolen, freshman Jack Loughridge told News 8.

Freshman Danica Conley told News 8 that she received the email while moving in. Conley said she parks in that lot and that it was alarming to get before classes even started.

Definitely a little on edge, this first week has been kind of crazy, Conley said. My car is parked all the way over there and I live way over here, so I dont even have eyes on my car at all times, so I would have no idea if somebody broke into my car.

As patrols ramped up on campus, News 8 joined police as they drove through campus.

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That gives us an extra presence in some of the parking lots, that is one of the best ways we have found to deter that is when we have officers in the lot, they are less likely to come in and try to B&E the vehicles, Sgt. Drew Dusendang told News 8.

He said these types of crimes pose challenges because they happen during low traffic hours and very quickly.

The challenge with it is they are awfully quick, he said. They will come in, smash a few windows, grab things, and they are in and out within 10 minutes.

Police are urging students to always lock their car and to avoid leaving valuables or keys inside your car.

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If you see something suspicious, you can report it by calling 911 or campus police at 616.331.3255.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Fashion retailer H&M will open its newest location at BLVD Las Vegas on Sept. 10 at 11 a.m., offering the first 100 shoppers a gift card valued between $15 and $200, according to a Friday news release.

H&M joins Puma, Lululemon, Abercrombie & Fitch, Adidas, ABC Stores and other retailers at the new center, which opened in November 2024.

A feature unique to this location is the facade, which sees stainless steel framing both the storefront and a massive forty foot high LED screen looking out onto Las Vegas Boulevard, the news release said.

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H&M is also planning opening-day giveaways of Simply Modern tumblers, coffee and doughnuts.

BLVD is across from City Center at 3747 S. Las Vegas Blvd., just south of Harmon Avenue.

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Washington (DC News Now)  Washington, D.C., has reached the midway point in President Donald Trump and his administrations takeover of the city.

Casey Burgat, a professor at The George Washington University, discusses what could happen next and the legal implications.

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FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Franklin County commissioners say theyre ready to welcome the countys first college program.

Theyve signed an agreement with Haney Technical College to set up an aviation maintenance and powerplant training program at the Apalachicola Regional Airport.

Haney will be providing all of the equipment, the instructional staff, the administrative oversight, all of that is a part of Haney Technical College. So that is actually going to be Haney Technical College East Campus, Haney Technical College Director Angela Reese said.

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On Wednesday, the Triumph Gulf Coast Board unanimously approved a $250,000 grant to add a classroom and make facility improvements at the airport. The Franklin Education Foundation will pay the rent and utilities.

The program will give the 80-year-old Apalachicola Airport a whole new purpose.

Its been a place for hobbyists and local pilots to hangar their airplane and fly into the community more or less tourism, and we want to evolve out of the hobby business. Its a multi-billion dollar industry in the state of Florida aviation and we know theres great jobs and this is a blank slate and we want to bring some of those jobs to Franklin County and maintain our rural quality of life as well, Apalachicola Regional Airport Director Steven Kirschenbaum said.

Supporters hope to train aircraft technicians for local jobs with the FSU Inspire initiative and the IAG Aero Group.

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Weve had some huge aerospace industry move into the area, and theyre in need of upwards of three to 500 mechanics within the next couple of years. And its a little difficult for one school to put all of those out. So were excited to be able to branch out to Franklin County. And were starting with aviation, and we hope in the very near future to be able to add some additional programs, Reese said.

It takes 2 years to earn an airframe and powerplant license through Haney.

Theyll be able to secure real jobs. 50, $60 an hour jobs. And theres a national shortage of aircraft mechanics and a national shortage of pilots, so its not as if they graduate this program. They will find a job, Kirschenbaum said.

Haney also has the tango flight program at Franklin County High School. Students build an airplane, then graduate with 30% credit towards their A&P license.

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Every time you board a plane, you have a lot of faith and trust in these mechanics who have worked on your plane before you ever got there. Those are the people we train, Reese said.

Franklin County Commissioners are expected to approve Haneys license agreement next Wednesday, then construction can begin on the satellite campus. They hope to be open in January.

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On August 30, Kazakhstan celebrates Constitution Day, Azernews reports.

The country's Constitution was adopted on August 30, 1995, through a national referendum and has since become the foundation of state independence, democracy, and the rule of law.

Before this, the 1993 Constitution was in force, but in light of the need to strengthen the statehood, a more modern version was introduced.

Over the past three decades, the Constitution has been revised several times; citizens voted on key amendments during a referendum on June 5, 2022. The reform package was later supported by more than 77% of voters.

To mark this significant occasion, a special "30th Anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan" commemorative medal has been established by a decree from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Throughout the country, celebrations dedicated to Kazakhstan's history and culture are taking place today, including concerts and exhibitions.

Constitution Day is an official non-working holiday in Kazakhstan.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump has audaciously claimed virtually unlimited power to bypass Congress and impose sweeping taxes on foreign products.

Now a federal appeals court has thrown a roadblock in his path.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled Friday that Trump went too far when he declared national emergencies to justify imposing sweeping import taxes on almost every country on earth. The ruling largely upheld a May decision by a specialized federal trade court in New York. But the 7-4 appeals court decision tossed out a part of that ruling striking down the tariffs immediately, allowing his administration time to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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The ruling was a big setback for Trump, whose erratic trade policies have rocked financial markets, paralyzed businesses with uncertainty and raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth.

Which tariffs did the court knock down?

The courts decision centers on the tariffs Trump slapped in April on almost all U.S. trading partners and levies he imposed before that on China, Mexico and Canada.

Trump on April 2  Liberation Day, he called it  imposed so-called reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% on countries with which the United States runs a trade deficit and 10% baseline tariffs on almost everybody else.

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The president later suspended the reciprocal tariffs for 90 days to give countries time to negotiate trade agreements with the United States  and reduce their barriers to American exports. Some of them did  including the United Kingdom, Japan and the European Union  and agreed to lopsided deals with Trump to avoid even bigger tariffs.

Those that didn't knuckle under  or otherwise incurred Trump's wrath  got hit harder earlier this month. Laos got rocked with a 40% tariff, for instance, and Algeria with a 30% levy. Trump also kept the baseline tariffs in place.

Claiming extraordinary power to act without congressional approval, Trump justified the taxes under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act by declaring the United States' longstanding trade deficits a national emergency.

In February, he'd invoked the law to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, saying that the illegal flow of immigrants and drugs across the U.S. border amounted to a national emergency and that the three countries needed to do more to stop it.

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The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to set taxes, including tariffs. But lawmakers have gradually let presidents assume more power over tariffs  and Trump has made the most of it.

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.

Why did the court rule against the president?

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The administration had argued that courts had approved then-President Richard Nixons emergency use of tariffs in the economic chaos that followed his decision to end a policy that linked 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 later 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.

On Friday, the federal appeals court wrote in its 7-4 ruling that it seems unlikely that Congress intended to ... grant the President unlimited authority to impose tariffs.

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 tariffing authorities to the president.

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So where does this leave Trump's trade agenda?

The government has argued that if Trump's 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. Revenue from tariffs totaled $159 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.

It could also put Trump on shaky ground in trying to impose tariffs going forward.

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.

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The president vowed to take the fight to the Supreme Court. If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America, he wrote on his social media platform.

Trump does have alternative laws for imposing import taxes, but they would limit the speed and severity with which he could act. For instance, in its decision in May, the trade court noted that Trump retains more limited power to impose tariffs to address trade deficits under another statute, the Trade Act of 1974. But that law restricts tariffs to 15% and to just 150 days on countries with which the United States runs big trade deficits.

The administration could also invoke levies under a different legal authority  Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962  as it did with tariffs on foreign steel, aluminum and autos. But that requires a Commerce Department investigation and cannot simply be imposed at the presidents own discretion.
LAS VEGAS  The top tourism official in Las Vegas says the city hasn't priced out regular travelers, even as July visitor counts fell and casinos took in more from gamblers.

Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), said monthly figures can bounce around but argued the destination remains competitive at different price points.

"We're not happy with the downturn but the city's taking steps to address that," Hill told reporters Friday.

Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), speaks to the media. / Credit: CBS News

Las Vegas saw a 12% decline in visitors compared to a year ago, hosting about 3.1 million people, according to LVCVA data.

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Convention attendance fell about 10% in June, then rose about 10% in July. Looking over a longer stretch, Hill said the meetings business is roughly flat and the next 16 months of bookings look especially strong.

With social media griping about add-on costs, resorts are leaning into promotions.

Recent examples include: Resorts World waiving resort fees and paid parking through Sept. 10, the Sahara Las Vegas Hotel offering free parking, late check-out and upgrades on select stays, Downtown Grand Hotel bundling dining credits, free slot play, no resort fee and The Strat touting "Summer of Value" rooms with taxes and fees included.

The tourism agency is also pushing budget tips and free activities citywide.

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"The idea that generally Las Vegas is not a value, that it is overpriced, I don't think our customers are doing math when they are concerned about a specific issue," Hill said. "They're expressing concern about that specific topic, that tends to then move into a narrative around Las Vegas is expensive or Las Vegas is not a value, but if you actually do the math on that, that's not accurate."

The skyline on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, with casino operators in the area including Resorts World, Fontainebleau, Sahara and Circus Circus, as viewed from the observation deck atop The Strat. / Credit: L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

International travel remains mixed.

Traffic from Canada is down about 18%, which Hill attributed in part to friction caused by politics and tariffs. By contrast, visits from Mexico, the United Kingdom and Australia are rising, with more flights into Las Vegas.

He also criticized a $250 U.S. visa fee for travelers from non-waiver countries, costs that can top $1,000 for a family of four, and long processing times that he said suppress demand.

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Despite the downward trend in overall visitors, Nevada gaming revenue remains resilient, a sign that visitors who do come are still spending.

Nevada casinos kept $1.36 billion from gamblers in July, up 4% from a year earlier, according to data from state regulators.

The Las Vegas Strip drove the increase with $749 million, a 5.6% gain. Downtown Las Vegas rose 3.6%.

Hill expects momentum to build in the fall, citing a packed events calendar and stronger bookings into December.

"Don't believe the narrative," Hill said.

Saturday Sessions: Waylon Wyatt performs "Arkansas Diamond"

Saturday Sessions: Waylon Wyatt performs "Old Habits"

Saturday Sessions: Waylon Wyatt and Bayker Blankenship perform "Jailbreak"
Virginia has seen a surge in emergency room and urgent care visits this year due to tick bites and tick-borne injuries.

What's happening?

This is in line with a national trend, according to local radio station WAMU 88.5. The news source said that Virginia has recorded 9,100 tick-related visits to ER and urgent care so far in 2025.

"We're seeing about 27 visits per 10,000 that are tick bite-related," Dr. Eleanor Labgold, a public health entomologist and supervisor of tick surveillance programs with the Virginia Department of Health, told WAMU. "In 2024, this number was closer to 16."

Why is this surge concerning?

Lyme disease is the major tick-related health concern for Virginians, according to WAMU. According to Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease can progress into a long-term illness with symptoms such as joint stiffness and arthritis. However, Virginia health officials are also keeping an eye on babesiosis, a parasitic illness that is "somewhat similar" to malaria, according to Labgold.

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Virginia is not the only state on alert when it comes to tick-borne illnesses. Ohio is seeing a surge in Lyme disease cases, which experts are linking to changing deer migration patterns and hotter, wetter weather.

Across North America, milder winters and more humid conditions  side effects of rising global temperatures  are helping disease-carrying ticks expand their active seasons in many locations and facilitating northward and westward expansions of these parasites in North America.

For instance, Montana officials recently announced that one resident found a Lyme disease-carrying deer tick on his dog, an anomaly for the state. And one group of scientists found that Lyme disease risk doubled in the Canadian province of Quebec and tripled in Manitoba between 2000 and 2015.

What's being done about tick-borne diseases?

Scientists are developing a promising new tool in the fight against tick-borne diseases: a chewable tablet for humans that can help repel ticks.

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For now, you can reduce your risk of getting bitten by following advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which includes walking in the middle of trails, wearing long clothing, and spraying footwear, clothing, and camping gear with insecticide that contains 0.5% permethrin.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.




The eight-day, 17-event Heartland Patriots Festival has a goal of preventing veterans suicide behind its long calendar of activities that begin Saturday and run for eight days.

Three organizations are working to put together the festival  Heartland Canines for Veterans, Peterson Outdoors Ministries and OurVeteransFirst.

Ted Donaldson, development director for Heartland Canines for Veterans, said planning for the inaugural festival started a year ago.

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The organizations wanted to do something with opportunities to engage the community and create activities to draw area veterans. Donaldson said they plan for this to become an annual event for the region. All events are open to the public, and all are free of charge, except concerts.

In planning the festival, organizers held meetings with community groups and businesses to gauge interest. Donaldson said they knew there was a lot of support here for veterans and their causes.

In that, there are so many great local organizations that wanted to do their own event during the festival under the umbrella of the Heartland Patriots Festival, Donaldson said. Thats how we came out with the finished product of 17 events over 12 different venues over eight days.

Others involved include the Freedom of Flight Museum, Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity, the Sgt. Robert Wayne Crow Jr. Armory, Charlie 22 Outdoors and local VFW and American Legion posts.

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The issue of veteran suicides is a focus of the events.

Thats at the heart of everything we do, whether thats providing a trained service dog for a disabled veteran or providing an outdoor retreat or helping homeless veterans, Donaldson said. Weve witnessed and known people in the veteran community who have gotten to a point where they just cant cope. Through our organizations, were trying to address this through community events and invite the people we serve to get more involved in the community.

Get veterans involved

A major challenge among veterans is self-isolation, Donaldson said, and the festival, with its broad spectrum of activities, creates opportunities for veterans to get involved as a participant, spectator or volunteer.

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What weve recognized is that if we can get veterans involved in the community, through an activity or organization, those are all ways to help people make that mental transition to a new role or purpose, Donaldson said. Then they can possibly do outreach and help others.

The festivals presenting sponsor is EaglePicher Technologies. Donaldson said theyve had good conversations with company officials. The company, which makes many defense products, employs a lot of area veterans. EaglePicher sees this as an opportunity to help their veteran employees connect to the community, he said.

The first event of the festival is the Wings and Wheels Fly-In and Car Show from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Joplin Regional Airport General Aviation Terminal. They will have regional aviation enthusiasts fly in their planes for display, a car show, vendors and live music.

The event is a partnership with the Freedom of Flight Museum, VFW Post 5293 and OurVeteransFirst and will include a military-themed opening ceremony for the festival.

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Also at the event there will be a community mural painting with artist Sandra Dawn. She specializes in veteran-themed murals in Southwest Missouri and will give people the opportunity to paint sections of a large mural.

Sept. 11 ceremony

Another highlight of the festival is the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Sgt. Robert Wayne Crowe Jr. Armory, 2000 W. 32nd St.

Sept. 11 was the anchor point of putting on this festival, Donaldson said. We knew from the beginning we wanted to do this around September 11 because its always important to recognize the sacrifices of that day and the ongoing efforts after that.

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Donaldson said engaging with the National Guard armory was key because the armory deployed early in the global war on terror and suffered losses. After the ceremony, American Legion Post 13 will hold its annual Veterans Benefits Expo at the armory to connect veterans and their families with services, housing, jobs and more.

Heartland Canines for Veterans will hold its 10th anniversary celebration from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at A Dogs Dream, 11439 Hammer Road, Neosho.

The organization was founded in 2015 to serve fellow veterans. Donaldson said its important to mark the milestone as theyve provided 49 service dog teams, mainly in the area but also in eight different states.

The festival will end with a two-day musical event, the Patriot Salute Series Sept. 12-13 at the Route 66 Fairgrounds in Joplin. Friday will feature country music artists Craig Morgan, Chris Kagle, Kevin Upshaw and Shane Profitt. Saturday will feature rock music with Loverboy, Slaughter, Quiet Riot, Project 313 and Mad Mans Diary, an Ozzy Osbourne tribute band. Tickets for the concert are available on Stubwire.

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In addition to helping veterans, Donaldson said the festival will provide many ways to support the nonprofits working to help them.

All these different organizations have realized this adds value to what we all do in the community to help one another, Donaldson said. This festival provides a tremendous opportunity for the community to come out, be a spectator or learn about our military veterans who live and work with us every day.
John Deere has announced all of its Tier 4 diesel engines are approved for B30 fuels, a fuel blend with up to 30% biodiesel.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association called the action a major step toward renewable fuel adoption, especially for producers in Iowa who have several B30 incentive programs.

The adoption means that farmers can use the higher-blend fuel in their agricultural equipment like tractors and combines, which typically use the heavy-duty engines. Previously, John Deere rated the tier-4 engines for B20, or 20% biodiesel, fuel blends.

A John Deere tractor planting near Galt.

More: John Deere announces layoffs in Waterloo, Quad Cities in the wake of slow farm orders

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IRFA executive director Monte Shaw said in a news release that John Deere has always been a leader in promoting renewable fuels.

The tier rating is a system designed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate and reduce emissions.

Pierre Guyot, senior vice president of John Deere Power Systems, said the company is committed to growing its use of renewable fuels.

Lower-tier John Deere engines are rated for higher fuel blends, up to 100% biodiesel.

We believe strongly in the role that renewable fuels play in supporting the agriculture economy and are excited to offer our customers  including those who grow the very crops used to make renewable fuels  the opportunity to leverage higher blends of fuels like biodiesel in their own equipment, Guyot said in a press release.

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In 2024 Iowa, the nation's top maker of biodiesel, produced an estimated 350 million gallons, and the industry had an estimated economic contribution of $2.2 billion, according to IRFA. In May, Iowa gained a first-of-its-kind biodiesel pump at a station in Urbandale to fuel PepsiCo trucks with B99 fuel.

Iowa offers a 10-center-per-gallon tax credit to fuel retailers who sell B30 or higher blends. In addition to the state program, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association offers a biodiesel fuel credit to farmers who fill up with biodiesel blends. Blends above 20% can get 50 cents per gallon in credits, up to $500.

These programs make biodiesel more accessible and affordable for Iowa farmers, while supporting the states leadership in renewable energy, Lisa Coffelt, IRFAs marketing director said.

Find this story at Iowa Capital Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions:kobradovich@iowacapitaldispatch.com

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Higher biodiesel blend now can be used in some John Deere tractors
BEHIND THE LINES: Lebanon's government faces mounting challenges in its faux attempt to dismantle Hezbollah's weapons, with no signs of real progress on the horizon.

The Lebanese government is currently committed to submitting by August 31 a plan for disarming the Lebanese Hezbollah organization. The United States expects that the plan will be implemented by the end of the year.

According to a statement by US envoy Tom Barrack on Tuesday, The Lebanese army and the government are not talking about going to war. They are talking about how to convince Hezbollah to give up those arms.

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The ceasefire agreement of November 2024, which was agreed after the severe pummeling that Hezbollah received at the hands of the IDF in the preceding months, includes the provision that the government of Lebanon disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its infrastructure throughout the country.

The Lebanese cabinet approved in early August a road map presented by Barrack in June, for the implementation of the disarmament of the Shiite Islamist movement, and the withdrawal of Israel from positions held in Lebanon.

The 11 objectives listed in the US proposal state: The gradual elimination of the armed presence of all non-state actors, including Hezbollah, across all of Lebanon  both south and north of the Litani River  with adequate support to the Lebanese army and Internal Security Forces.

People carry flags as they gather during the burial of late Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine who was killed during Israeli airstrikes last year, in Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, southern Lebanon February 24, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI)

Ministers affiliated with Hezbollah and its allied Amal movement left the meeting before the vote was taken. Hezbollah, for its part, has been adamant throughout that it has no intention of giving up its weapons. More than 400 of Hezbollahs positions south of the Litani River have been taken over by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). But the organization retains its capacities further north and east.

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Sheikh Naim Qassem, the veteran ideologue and current leader of Hezbollah, has said that no life will be possible if the Lebanese state moves to disarm Hezbollah.

Elsewhere, he has made clear that his movement has no interest in discussing a joint national defense strategy with the government of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam for as long as Israeli forces remain on Lebanese soil and Israeli operations in Lebanon continue.

SO WHERE are things headed? Is a real attempt to end the existence of armed groups outside of state control in Lebanon about to finally get underway, 35 years after the end of the Lebanese civil war? The answer is, unfortunately, that all the indicators suggest that no such attempt appears imminent.

Rather, the Lebanese government appears to want to commence a negotiating process with Hezbollah and convince it to give up its arms voluntarily. Presumably, the economic benefits that will accrue to Lebanon as a result of Hezbollahs agreement will be held out as an incentive.

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This is not a completely absurd idea. Hezbollah is a political player in Lebanon, with a Shiite constituency whose interests it cannot totally ignore. There are no indications, however, that it will be willing to essentially cede its raison detre in order to provide short-term economic gains to its supporters.

There is an additional problematic element: the Salam government is likely to propose to Hezbollah that it be integrated as a unit into the Lebanese Armed Forces. Such a move, if implemented, would be likely to have the opposite effect from the one intended.

Rather than ending the holding of arms outside of the framework of the state, this would remove the possibility that the state might at some time impose its will on Hezbollah, and instead undermine the integrity of the armed forces.

Even in its current state, it is doubtful that the LAF would be able to act against Hezbollah. Probably around half of the LAFs soldiers are Shiite Lebanese. About a third of the officer corps also belongs to this sect. Any effort to use the state as an instrument of coercion against Hezbollah would likely cause a split in the LAF.

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There is also abundant evidence suggesting that significant elements of the LAF are engaged in collaboration with Hezbollah. In the latest indication of this, evidence emerged this week showing that Suheil Gharb, commander of LAF Military Intelligence in south Lebanon, provided information to Hezbollah that enabled it to disrupt an investigation into the killing of an Irish UNIFIL soldier, Private Sean Rooney, in 2022.

There are multiple similar occurrences. Many LAF members are linked to Hezbollah, or prominent individuals within it, through family and clan ties.

Therefore, even if Salams government wanted to use coercive force against Hezbollah to force its disarmament, it is doubtful that it possesses the ability to carry this out.

Deep, palpable fear of another civil war

In Lebanon, there is a deep and palpable fear of a return to civil war among all elements of the society other than those loyal to Hezbollah. This is likely to further militate against any serious effort to terminate Hezbollahs independent military capacity.

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This means that as of now, the most likely direction of events is that the Lebanese government will try to persuade Hezbollah to give up its arms, Hezbollah will decline to do so, and there the matter will rest.

It is presumably the expectation of the Lebanese government that at a certain point, the US administration and its envoy will realize that there is nothing to be gained from further effort at mediation, and will look elsewhere.

An Iranian, Hezbollah deep state has been inserted within the structures of the official Lebanese state  in its political, economic, and security iterations.

Hezbollah was defeated, hard, in combat with Israel in the last quarter of 2024. But this deep state was not destroyed in its entirety, and it remains in many ways as strong, or stronger, than the organs of the official state.

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Hezbollah may have turned out to be much weaker than its propaganda suggested, and much weaker than Israel, but it is not weaker than its potential opponents in Lebanon, who, as a consequence, do not appear to wish to take it on.

From an Israeli point of view, the likely failure of the stated effort to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon is not necessarily disastrous.

As of now, Israel has imposed a modus operandi in Lebanon by which it is acting daily to frustrate Hezbollahs efforts to rebuild. It holds five positions on Lebanese soil and a de facto buffer zone along the border. It has freedom of action and uses it across Lebanese skies.

For as long as Hezbollah remains the dominant actor within Lebanon, Israel is likely to wish to maintain this situation. Plans, road maps, and cabinet votes notwithstanding, both Hezbollahs armed capacity and Israels campaign to prevent the organizations efforts to replenish it are unlikely to change any time soon.
HAMPTON  When Elmerton Cemetery began laying people to rest in the 1850s, much of Hamptons history was yet to be written.

As the Civil War erupted in 1861, Fort Monroe became a Union stronghold as Virginia seceded to the Confederacy. Three enslaved men  Shepard Mallory, Frank Baker and James Townsend  escaped a Confederate battery installation in Norfolk to Fort Monroe, where a Union general opted not to return them and harbor them as war contraband.

Despite Confederate soldiers razing Hampton that fall in response, thousands of slaves flocked to Fort Monroe throughout the war seeking freedom, and Elmerton Cemetery became the burial site for pioneers who built what became modern-day Hampton. But an official tally of how many people are buried at the cemetery is unknown.

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With a new $30,000 grant from the Outsider Preservation Initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation, local organization Barrett-Peake Heritage Foundation is using ground-penetrating radar to find out how many people are buried in the 3.1-acre cemetery between Interstate 64 and East Pembroke Avenue.

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We knew that Elmerton was a Civil War cemetery, and in Elmerton would-be leaders in the 19th century who lived throughout the early 20th century, said Barrett-Peake President Colita Nichols Fairfax. We suspected for years that hundreds of people were buried at Elmerton. That grant funded an analysis, and what has been preliminarily determined is that there might be thousands.

The radar uses pulses to create images beneath the ground and provide mapping for the cemeterys graves without disturbing any remains, Nichols Fairfax said. Over the next few months, the organization intends to collect more thorough imaging. However, the technology is unable to identify the remains.

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The grant doesnt cover the invasive, Nichols Fairfax said. What were interested in is determining how many people are there and if anything else is detected at the burial grounds.

Barrett-Peake is a Hampton-based organization focused on cemetery preservation whose namesakes, Mary Peake and Jake Barrett, are buried in family plots in Elmerton, according to Nichols Fairfax.

Grave markers for a mother and father are seen at Elmerton Cemetery in Hampton on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot) Grave sites with some dating back to the 1800s are seen at Elmerton Cemetery in Hampton on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot) Grave sites with some dating back to the 1800s are seen at Elmerton Cemetery in Hampton on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot) An hands of an angel sits atop a headstone for a young child at Elmerton Cemetery in Hampton on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot) Grave sites with some dating back to the 1800s are seen at Elmerton Cemetery in Hampton on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot) Grave sites with some dating back to the 1800s are seen at Elmerton Cemetery in Hampton on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot) Grave sites with some dating back to the 1800s are seen at Elmerton Cemetery in Hampton on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot) Show Caption1 of 8The final resting place of Mary Peake is seen at Elmerton Cemetery in Hampton on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Peake has a historical marker located outside of the cemetery that is part of the Civil War Trails. She dedicated her life to empowering Black men, women and children with access to an education before and during the Civil War. She founded the first school for Black students in Hampton. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot)Expand

One of the ways Barrett-Peake is sifting through generations of people and thousands or remains is through cultural traditions. According to Nichols Fairfax, many families share one headstone. Additionally, it was common among Black families to bury people with their heads facing west, something Barrett-Peake aims to use to provide a more detailed accounting in their research.

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The projects goal is to connect local descendants to a lineage that often undocumented or unpreserved, as well as highlight the contraband community that shaped Hampton, Nichols Fairfax said. Part of that also includes using the grant to build signage to mark the historic site and collaborating with local partners to share genealogy and burial records to help connect people to their roots. Barrett-Peake partners with Serve the City Peninsula, another local organization, to maintain the cemetery.

We can do some of the things that the community has wanted to do right for a long time, and we just havent been able to because its not funded, Nichols Fairfax said. It will really showcase evidence that this was a freedom colony, a community that was active because people believed so much in freedom.

Devlin Epding, 757-510-4037, devlin.epding@virginiamedia.com
In New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and other parts of the U.S., more people are losing their home insurance after filing weather-related claims. Bigger storms, exacerbated by a warming planet, are partly to blame.

What's happening?

As ABC7 reported, investigators have tracked a steady rise in the number of homeowners being dropped by their insurance providers, with cases showing up both in coastal areas and inland.

An S&P Global review found that from 2018 to 2023, average insurance rates jumped 15% in New Jersey, 19% in New York, and 23% in Connecticut, according to Insurance Advocate.

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New York Assemblyman David Weprin told ABC7 that extreme weather events are part of the problem.

"We've had a number of hurricane flood-type of events in New York that we haven't had in years," said Weprin, who is chair of the New York State Assembly Insurance Committee.

For Maria Reuter of New Jersey, the changes hit close to home. She said water from Hurricane Ida damaged her ceiling. Then, just months later, sewage flooded her basement.

She filed two claims in three months, ABC7 reported. A year on, her insurance company told her they would not renew her policy because she was "too high risk."

Why is this concerning?

Home insurance is meant to help people recover after disasters. Without it, families face enormous costs on their own.

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Bigger and more frequent storms are fueled by planet-warming pollution, which humans produce by burning oil, gas, and coal. This pollution traps heat in the atmosphere, which disrupts weather patterns and makes floods, hurricanes, and wildfires more intense.

When the risks increase, insurers pass the costs to homeowners or pull coverage entirely. Reuter said losing her policy made an already stressful time worse.

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"Unfortunately, they're forgetting that people are at the heart of the problem, at the heart of who's being affected," she said.

It's not just in the Tri-State Area either. Last year, residents in the Upper Midwest were hit by a similar problem after an increase in extreme weather events.

What's being done about it?

Weprin said his committee is working on measures to keep insurers in New York and to slow premium increases, per ABC7. He also recommended homeowners compare plans from different providers, since there are still many in the state.

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But the insurance industry doesn't seem to be budging from its position that raising rates is necessary because of the added risk of extreme weather.

On a broader scale, cutting the pollution that drives extreme weather can help reduce the long-term risks to homes. This can mean switching to clean energy or improving local flood protections.

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ON JULY 1, 1971, I STOOD ON THE PLAIN at the United States Military Academy and raised my right hand for the first time. Along with hundreds of other new cadets, I swore an oath every service member takes: to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

I was nervous about what lay ahead of me as a cadet. But even in those circumstances, I listened closely to the oath I was asked to repeat, as it was a seminal moment in a young officers career. It was not an oath to a man. It was not an oath to a party. It was not an oath to a movement. It was to a document, our Constitutionthe foundation of our democracy, the bedrock of our freedoms, the values of our nation, the rules by which we govern ourselves.

The place mattered. West Point was the post that Benedict Arnold once tried to sell to the British during the Revolution, nearly surrendering its defenses and betraying the American cause. And on that day in 1971, we stood in the shadow of Battle Monument, on Trophy Point, overlooking the Hudson River and beneath the granite obelisk etched with the names of Union soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War. Their names are a reminder of service and sacrifice in defense of the Union. There are no Confederate names on that monumentfor good reason. It honors those who fought to preserve the Republic, not those who sought to tear it apart.

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The oath we took, the monument that towered over us, the history embedded in that placeall carried a single message: Service means loyalty to the Constitution and the rule of law. Violation of laws and betrayal of the oath means forfeiting honor.

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Like all soldiers, I was honored to repeat that oath many times during my careerwhen I was promoted, and when I promoted others. And I saw that oath honored in ways that still break my heart. I visited American cemeteries in foreign lands, when hundreds of thousands of our war dead lay at rest. But what has stayed with me the most are my memories from Iraq, were I knew the ones who had sacrificed. I attended more than 250 memorial services for soldiers who died living up to that oath. Some were killed by snipers while securing neighborhoods. Some were killed by roadside bombs while clearing routes so Iraqi citizensand their fellow soldierscould move safely.

I remember all of them. But one in particular remains with me. A young soldier, standing guard at a gate, protecting the entry point to a base where his comrades lived and slept. A suicide bomber drove a car packed with explosives into that checkpoint. The soldier died at his post, saving lives by giving his own.

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That is service. That is sacrifice. That is fidelity to the oathdefending others, defending principles, defending the mission, even at the cost of life itself.

Because the oath is not just about fighting the enemyit is about upholding standards, protecting civilians, and showing the world what honorable service in defense of our Constitution looks like.

And that is why I am infuriated that the Air Force plans to grant military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt. She did not die defending the Constitution. She died trying to overturn it. She was not protecting lives at a gate in Iraq; she was forcing her way through windows in the Capitol to stop the peaceful transfer of power, one of the most sacred traditions of our Republic.

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To pretend that her death deserves the same recognition as the young soldier at the gate is obscene. It is a betrayal of the oath she once swore and a desecration of the sacrifice made by so many who kept faith with theirs.

This proposal for military honors for an individual who did not live up to her oath is not about honoring service. It is about politics. It is about assuaging a politicians basea politician who never served a day in uniform, who never risked anything for his country, and who has shown no understanding of true sacrifice for others. To dress up the events of January 6th in the trappings of military honor is not patriotism. It is propaganda.

The impulse behind honoring Babbitt treats service as a partisan token, not a sacred covenant. It blurs the line between lawful sacrifice and unlawful violence. It tells those who gave their lives in defense of the Constitution that their oath was no more meaningful than the motivations of the mob that attacked the Constitution.

Anyone who has stood at Arlington, or at any military cemetery, while a widow or a bereaved mother clutches a folded flag knows the depth of that momentthe silence, the tears, the weight of a nation acknowledging sacrifice. These are not empty rituals. They are affirmations of truth and service to the values and ideals of our country.

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To equate those sacred honors with the violence of January 6th is not only wrong. It is dangerous. It risks dividing the military against itself, eroding the trust that holds our armed forces together, and convincing the public that the honor held by those who wear the cloth of our country is no longer meaningful.

Heres the truth we cannot escape: If Babbitt is honored, then few things are sacred. If loyalty to the Constitution and an attempt to overthrow it are treated as equal, we lose the very meaning of serviceand with it, we are closer to losing the Republic the oath was meant to protect.

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The forum urged Israelis to demonstrate at the Joint Square in Jerusalem at the time of the cabinet meeting to demand that it discuss the existing framework for a hostage deal.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum received evidence that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government is torpedoing a deal for an end to the war, in opposition to the peoples will, the organization said Saturday, citing a political source.

Tonight the people of Israel received further proof that the Netanyahu government is choosing endless war over the hostages, completely opposing the will of the people, even though a real option exists to bring the hostages home, the families said.

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The security cabinet is scheduled to meet on Sunday evening at the Prime Ministers Office to discuss its Gaza City incursion; however, it will not discuss the agreement on the table that would release the hostages.

The forum urged Israelis to demonstrate in Jerusalem at the time of the cabinet meeting to demand that it discuss the existing framework for a deal to bring all the hostages home and end the war.

Demonstrations on Saturday evening took place calling for an immediate hostage deal and against the imminent Gaza City incursion, which reports indicate will see approximately 60,000 soldiers called up for service.

A message to US President Trump: ''Make History!'' displayed at Hostages square, August 30, 2025. (credit: Hostages Families Forum)

'Trump, make history!'

Protesters gathered at Hostage Square to commemorate the anniversary of the murder of six hostages in Hamas captivity, a tragedy that demonstrated how military pressure endangers the hostages, the forum said.

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Gil Dickmann, cousin of Carmel Gat, said at the rally, President Trump, my name is Gil. Im an American citizen. My cousin Carmel was murdered in captivity one year ago. You werent president then. You werent there to save her. If you had been president then, maybe shed be alive here today.

Dont let Bibi [Netanyahu] fool you like he fooled president [Joe] Biden. Save these hostages, Mr. President. Like you saved so many others. Most Israelis want to end this war. Even Bibis voters want to end this war and bring all hostages home. Dont let anyone tell you otherwise. End this war now. Bring them home now. President Trump, make history.

Hostage protests

Families of hostages and protesters calling for a comprehensive deal have been gathering in mass protests across the country every several days, calling for Netanyahu to take action and agree to a hostage ceasefire deal.
The Houthis further announced that ministers who were present were seriously and moderately injured in the strike and are receiving medical treatment.

Houthi Prime Minister Ghalib al-Rahawi and several other ministers were killed in the IAF strike in Sanaa on Thursday, the news agency run by the terror group said on Saturday, citing a statement by the head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat.

The Houthis further announced that several other ministers who were present were seriously or moderately injured in the strike and are receiving medical treatment. However, the announcement did not specify who else was killed in the attack.

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According to Army Radio, citing Israeli security sources, eight others killed in the attack were the Houthis political bureau director, the prime ministers chief of staff, the groups cabinet secretary, and its justice minister, economy and trade minister, foreign minister, agriculture minister, and public relations minister.

Houthi Defense Minister Mohammad Nasser al-Athifi said that the terror group is ready to confront Israels airstrike on Sanaa shortly after their deaths were announced, according to the news agency. Mashats statement previously did not make clear whether he was among the casualties.

The IAF attacked a group of top Houthi military officials in Sanaa who were watching their leader give a nationally televised speech.

IAF pilots and crew prepare fighter jets for strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, August 24, 2025 (credit: IDF Spokespersons Unit)

Yemens Al-Jumhuriya channel reported that Rahawi was in an apartment alongside several colleagues when he was killed.

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Al-Hadath reported that the IAF targeted homes where senior Houthi officials were hiding in Yemens capital.

Rahawi became prime minister nearly a year ago, but the de facto leader of the government was his deputy, Mohamed Moftah, who was assigned on Saturday to carry out the prime ministers duties.

Rahawi was seen largely as a figurehead who was not part of the inner circle of the Houthi leadership.

Arab media reported that there were some 10 attacks in Sanaa. KAN, citing Yemeni media, reported that several Houthi government leaders were killed in an attack inside the presidential palace.

IDF strikes in Yemen

Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir monitored the attack from military headquarters, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following from a secure red phone.

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The IDF confirmed that it struck targets in Sanna related to Houthi rule and governance.

The attacks come after the military shot down two drones earlier on Thursday, launched by the Houthis against Israel.

In addition, the army struck Sanaa, including ballistic missile sites and electricity sites, on Sunday.

Katz warned after the attacks that after the strike of darkness, comes the strike on the firstborn, referring to the last two biblical plagues against Egypt. Anyone who raises a hand against Israel  their hand will be severed.

At least two Houthi missile launches in past week

The Houthis have been attacking Israel with missiles and drones since October 19, 2023, less than two weeks after Hamass October 7 massacre, with Israel only starting counter strikes in July 2024.

None of Israels attacks to date have succeeded at stopping Houthi missiles and drones, but no Houthi weapon has killed an Israeli since July 2024.

Reuters contributed to this report.
The Houthis have confirmed that their prime minister was killed during an Israeli air strike on the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.

Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed on Thursday along with several ministers, who had gathered for a meeting, the Iran-backed rebels said in a statement.

Mr Rahawi was a politician  rather than a military figure  who had served as prime minister of Yemens Houthi-led government since August last year.

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The Israeli military said it had precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target in the area of Sanaa in Yemen on Thursday, with footage showing explosions in and around the city.

Mr Rahawi was a member of the General Peoples Congress party and had previously served on the countrys Supreme Political Council. However, his role was largely symbolic as control resides mostly in the hands of Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the militia groups leader.

Soon after Hamass Oct 7 attacks and Israels subsequent war in Gaza, the Houthis began firing missiles and drones at Israeli cities and targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

A fire ball rises from the site of an Israeli air strike in Sanaa on Aug 24 - Reuters

The Iranian proxy, which has controlled large swathes of north-western Yemen since civil war broke out 10 years ago, claimed to have acted in solidarity with Hamas and Palestine.

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After confirming Mr Rahawis death, the Houthis vowed to continue their noble stance of supporting and aiding the people of Gaza.

According to an earlier report by The Times of Israel, citing security officials, Israeli intelligence learned at around 1pm that 10 Houthi ministers, including the minister of defence, had gathered outside Sanaa with senior officials to hear a speech by the groups leader.

The IDF then launched a strike targeting the meeting. It remains unclear whether Muhammad al-Ghamari, the Houthi chief of staff, was present. The statement from the rebel group did not name the other Houthi officials killed and wounded.

Israeli intelligence enabled the strike, which was carried out despite heavy air defences in the area, by providing real-time details of the gathering, the report claimed.

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Israel has cast previous strikes on the Houthis in dramatic terms but with limited obvious impact on the terrorist groups ability or willingness to target Israel.

Thursdays strike comes in the wake of a Houthi strike on Israel last week using a new missile, which carries multiple warheads and cluster bombs. The munition was shot down but its use presents a new challenge for Israel.

An Israeli air force official told The Telegraph that an initial operational review of the missile fired on Aug 22 had determined that it most likely contained several sub-munitions which were intended to be detonated upon impact.

Houthi fighters next to their missiles appear on a billboard in Sanaa - YAHYA ARHAB/EPA/Shutterstock

The new multi-headed weapon poses a serious challenge to Israels air defence systems because of the need for more interceptors to shoot it down.

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Yemen has previously served as a testing ground for Iranian weaponry, said an Israeli defence expert with detailed knowledge of the strike.

In this case, [the] warhead was composed of submunitions: three warheads ... alongside another component in the warhead consisting of dozens of cluster bombs that disperse upon impact with the target.

They added: This is a game-changing weapon in the context of the conflict with Israel, where the primary challenge is penetrating the air defence system.

Typically, intercepting a ballistic missile requires at least two interceptors. In the case of a missile with a separable warhead, Israel would need to launch approximately eight interceptors to destroy an Iranian warhead that has split.

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Under the Biden administration, a US-led multi-national coalition  including the UK  began a bombing campaign against Houthi targets in Yemen to rein in their attacks on international shipping.

In March, Donald Trump vowed to expand the attacks to annihilate the Houthis, but then announced an end to the strikes in May, claiming the rebel group dont want to fight anymore.

The last strike involving the Royal Air Force was on April 29.

Israel intercept Houthi drones

The IDF carried out Thursdays strike after two interceptions of Houthi drones earlier in the day.

Whoever raises a hand against Israel, his hand will be cut off, said Israel Katz, the defence minister, in a statement earlier on Thursday.

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The strikes came after Israeli forces conducted an overnight airborne raid on a site near the Syrian capital of Damascus after bombing it several times.

Israeli jets had struck the site near al-Kiswah on Tuesday, killing six Syrian soldiers according to the foreign ministry, and bombed it again on Wednesday night.

Israeli troops were then flown into the area where they carried out the raid, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

Israel did not confirm the raid, but Mr Katz said its forces operate in all combat zones to ensure the countrys security.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the site contained weapons belonging to the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, a former ally of ousted president Bashar al-Assad, which has largely been defeated by Israel.

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His remains were recovered along with Ilan Weiss. The IDF announced Weiss's recovery on Friday.

The remains of the second hostage who was recovered from the Gaza Strip in a special IDF and Shin Bet operation were identified as Idan Shtivi, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday night.

His remains were recovered along with Ilan Weiss's. The IDF announced Weiss's recovery on Friday.

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His death was originally announced by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in October 2024.

"Idan was a talented student of sustainability and government and a courageous man. On October 7, 2023, he attended the Nova music festival, and when the terrorist attack began, he acted to evacuate and save many of the participants, the prime minister said.

"In the course of his actions, he was murdered, and his body was kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organization into Gaza."

Israelis demonstrate against Gaza City incursion, and for an immediate hostage deal, August 30, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)

On October 7, Shtivi arrived at the Nova festival site to take photos of his friends, who were conducting workshops there. When the attacks began, Shtivi helped two people escape before he was kidnapped.

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With a passion for nature and the environment, Shtivi studied environmental sciences at Reichman Universitys School of Sustainability.

Shtivi, 28, is survived by his parents, Eli and Dalit, three siblings, and his partner, Stav.

The identification process was conducted at the National Center for Forensic Medicine. The Israel Police, the Military Rabbinate, and the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters notified his family.

"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," Netanyahu stated on Friday.

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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."

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.

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.
The Houthi-owned Al-Masirah news source claimed around the same time that there were several killed and wounded at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip as a result of the strikes.

The IDF struck terror targets in Khan Yunis and Gaza City on Friday night. Targets had been struck by Israeli forces from the air and on the ground, according to Walla.

The Houthi-owned, Beirut-based Al-Masirah news source claimed around the same time that several people were killed and wounded at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip as a result of the strikes. The source added that two were killed in the Al-Karama area, northwest of Gaza City.

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The strikes came shortly after several areas in Gaza City witnessed violent clashes on Friday between Hamas and the IDF in the Palestinian city, most notably in the Zeitoun neighborhood.

This comes as Israel is preparing for its planned takeover of Gaza City, which has been dubbed by some as "Operation Gideon's Chariots II."

Palestinians, displaced by the Israeli offensive, shelter in a tent camp as the Israeli military prepares to relocate residents to southern Gaza, in Gaza City August 17, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/DAWOUD ABU ALKAS)

The Hezbollah-affiliated source Al-Mayadeen reported that one was killed and several others were wounded from a strike that targeted the Al-Shawa Tower, located on Al-Wahda Street in Gaza City.

Friday's events in the Gaza Strip

Earlier that night, Hamass military wing spokesperson, Abu Obeida, said that Israeli hostages are being held alongside its fighters in combat zones. The terrorist organization added that it would publish the name of a hostage and their photograph if they were killed in those combat zones.

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This comes hours after the IDF confirmed on Friday afternoon that they recovered the body of hostage Ilan Weiss, while also recovering the remains of an additional hostage, of which they added that the identification process is still ongoing.

Friday also saw another significant announcement of the IDF, in which its Southern Command and the Intelligence Directorate killed Muhammad Abd al-Aziz Abu Zubaida, head of ISIS's Palestine District in the Gaza Strip.

Zubaida held the most senior position within the ISIS terrorist network in Gaza and directed the group's strategic activities across the West Bank, Gaza, and the Sinai Peninsula. This included overseeing fund transfers and the importation of combat equipment into the Strip.
Israeli officials said they are optimistic Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida was killed in the strike. However, his death has not been confirmed.

The IDF carried out a strike targeting a senior Hamas terrorist in Gaza City, the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed in a joint statement Saturday.

Hamas military wing spokesperson Abu Obeida was the target of the strike. Israeli officials told The Jerusalem Post they are optimistic he was killed in the strike. However, his death has not been confirmed.

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The strike targeted the first and second floors of a residential building.

In the strike, one was killed, and several others were wounded, Palestinian state media WAFA reported. Gaza reports said that seven were killed in the strike.

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)

Obeida threatens soldiers will be kidnapped, warns hostages held in combat zones

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 IDF said that prior to the strike, it took steps to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise ammunition, aerial surveillance, and intelligence.

Amichai Stein contributed to this report.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker told CBS News the Trump administration has not communicated with his state on a reported plan to send military forces to Chicago, calling the idea an "invasion" and arguing President Trump has "other aims" aside from cracking down on crime.

Asked about a possible military deployment to America's third-largest city, which was recently reported by The Washington Post, Pritzker told CBS News: "It's clear that, in secret, they're planning this  well, it's an invasion with U.S. troops, if they, in fact, do that."

Mr. Trump has deployed National Guard forces and federal agents to the streets of two other major cities  Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.  in recent months, part of what the president casts as a crackdown against illegal immigration, violent crime and civil unrest.

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Last week, the president said his administration could take similar steps in Chicago. Mr. Trump called the city a "mess" and lashed out against Mayor Brandon Johnson, saying, "We'll straighten that one out probably next."

Mr. Trump is planning major immigration enforcement operations in Chicago that could start as soon as next week, echoing a similar operation in Los Angeles, sources told CBS News. And The Washington Post has reported that the Pentagon is drawing up plans to potentially send thousands of National Guard members to the Midwest's largest metro area as early as September  though those plans haven't been publicly confirmed.

Pritzker told CBS News that, if Mr. Trump sends the Guard to Chicago, voters "should understand that he has other aims, other than fighting crime."

The governor argued that the president's gambit may be part of a plan to "stop the elections in 2026 or, frankly, take control of those elections."

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He also called the idea "an attack on the American people."

"Now, he may disagree with a state that didn't vote for him. But, should he be sending troops in? No," Pritzker said in an interview with CBS News in Chicago.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson rejected Pritzker's accusations and blasted the city's violent crime rate.

"It's amazing the lengths this slob will go to in order to deflect from the terrible crime crisis that has been plaguing Chicago for years," Jackson said in a statement to CBS News. "Chicago's residents would be much safer if Pritzker actually did his job and addressed his crime problem instead of trying to be a Resistance Lib hero."

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In a Truth Social post Saturday evening, Mr. Trump called Pritzker a "weak and pathetic Governor" who "just said that he doesn't need help in preventing CRIME. He is CRAZY!!! He better straighten it out, FAST, or we're coming!"

On Friday, Pritzker, asked whether he was suggesting that the president is an authoritarian, pointed to Germany's history. He noted that he built a Holocaust museum and knows "what the history was of a constitutional republic being overturned, after an election, in 53 days." Pritzker added that he's "very, very concerned."



"We could talk about lots of authoritarian regimes in the world, but that just happens to be the one that I know," Pritzker said. "And I can tell you that- that the playbook is the same: It's thwart the media, it's create mayhem that requires military interdiction. These are things that happen throughout history, and Donald Trump is just following that playbook."



The Illinois governor said that he plans to "do everything I can to stop him from taking away people's rights and from using the military to invade states," referencing Mr. Trump. He added that it's "very important for us all to stand up."

The Guard deployments in Los Angeles and D.C. have drawn stiff pushback from elected officials who argue local police are better able to handle crime, and warn the presence of federal agents and military personnel could inflame tensions.

Future military deployments could also draw legal challenges. While Mr. Trump controls the D.C. National Guard outright, the governors of the 50 states typically control their own Guard forces except in certain circumstances.

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The Trump administration deployed thousands of California National Guard members to Los Angeles over Gov. Gavin Newsom's objections in June, arguing they were necessary to protect federal immigration agents and facilities from tense protests in the city.

The state of California sued the administration, calling the deployment illegal. An appeals court found that Mr. Trump likely did have the legal authority to call up the state's National Guard, under a law that lets the president call Guard forces into federal service during a "rebellion" or if he isn't able to "execute the laws of the United States." A lower court is still reviewing whether military forces in Los Angeles were inappropriately used for law enforcement purposes.

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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.

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Stateline reporter Alex Brown can be reached at abrown@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.
Three people have been killed after protesters started a deadly fire at a government building in Indonesia.

Pictures showed people escaping the Makassar city council building on Friday through windows as it was engulfed by flames.

It followed anti-government demonstrations in cities across the country including Jakarta, the capital, after the death of a man hit by a police vehicle.

Footage spread of a motorcycle taxi driver being run over by a police tactical vehicle, during a previous rally against low wages and financial perks for lawmakers.

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Protests in Makassar, the biggest city on the eastern island of Sulawesi, descended into chaos outside the provincial and local city councils. Both buildings were set on fire as demonstrators hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails.

The fires were started by Molotov cocktails and fire crackers thrown into the building - Dimas Rachmatsyah/Shutterstock

Rahmat Mappatoba, the Makassar city council secretary, accused protesters of igniting the blaze and told AFP: Usually, during a demonstration, protesters only throw rocks or burn a tyre in front of the office. They never stormed into the building or burned it.

Two workers at the city council died at the scene and a third person, a civil servant, died in hospital. At least five people were injured in the fire and taken to hospital, Mr Rahmat added.

Hundreds of people were seen in footage posted by local media cheering and clapping as fire engulfed the building, with few security forces in sight.

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One man was heard shouting: There are people upstairs!

In footage, verified by AFP, smouldering debris was seen falling from the roof of the city council building surrounded by palm trees, as charred cars flickered with flames.

Inside, protesters lit several fires as parts of the building collapsed, while others smashed glass and chanted revolution.

Other images showed the South Sulawesi provincial council building ablaze overnight. Protesters had attempted to breach the gate and storm the building.

In Jakarta on Friday, hundreds massed outside the headquarters of the elite Mobile Brigade Corp (Brimob), the paramilitary police unit they blamed for the death of Affan Kurniawan, the motorcycle taxi driver, the day before

An injured protester is carried away during a demonstration outside the Brimob headquarters in Jakarta - Anadolu

Protesters threw firecrackers as police responded with tear gas.

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One group of demonstrators tried to tear down the gates of the unit, long accused of heavy-handed tactics, and pulled a sign from the buildings facade.

Police said they had detained seven officers for questioning in connection with Mr Affans death.

The protests were the biggest and most violent of Prabowo Subiantos presidency, a key test for the leader less than a year into his rule.

He has urged calm, ordered an investigation into the drivers death, and said the officers involved would be held accountable.

Mr Subianto cancelled his planned visit to China next week, citing the nationwide protests.

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This decision was taken with great caution while maintaining good relations with the Chinese government, said Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi in a statement.

Police try to disperse protesters with tear gas outside the Brimob headquarters - JUNI KRISWANTO/AFP

In a message posted on Instagram on Friday, Mr Prabowo said his government was committed to guaranteeing the livelihood of the drivers family, posting images with them at their home.

He has pledged fast, state-driven growth but has already faced protests for widespread government budget cuts to fund his populist policies, including a billion-dollar free meal programme.

Protests spread to other major cities this week, including Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang and Surabaya in Java, and Medan in North Sumatra province.

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WEBER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  An individual in the custody of Weber County Jail died on Friday, according to the Weber County Sheriffs Office. An investigation has been launched regarding the incident.

At around 8:45 p.m. on Aug. 29, an individual at Weber County Jail experienced a medical emergency, officials said. Deputies and medical staff began life-saving measures until EMS arrived on scene and took over.

The individual was taken to the hospital where they were later pronounced dead.

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The Weber County Attorneys Office has started an investigation into the death in accordance with the sheriffs office policy. No further details on the incident are being released at this time.

We offer our condolences to the family of the deceased, a press release from the Weber County Sheriffs Office states. These incidents are difficult for all those involved, and we will work to provide resources for staff members and others affected by this incident. We ask for patience as this case is investigated.

We would like to thank the deputies, medical staff, and EMS personnel who provided care for this individual, as well as other staff members who assisted in alternate areas of the facility to ensure the continuation of services to the other incarcerated individuals at the Weber County Jail.

No further information is currently available.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  On this weeks Inside Positively KELOLAND, well meet some persons who were honored for their bravery and prowess, including a 9 yr old who helped to save a life.

Well also introduce you to some helping hands who provided sweet corn for people in need. And some pets are receiving an abundance of kindness due to a generous donation.

Well also show you some unexpected visitors that one local retirement home had.

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Miracle treat day was also a success! Well tell you how one companys generous donation helped to meet the goal of the day. And, if you want to add some color to your space, well take you to a local flower farm.



While the Sioux Falls Little League team did not advance to the World Series, they had some fans back who were cheering them on. Well meet some of them in this weeks Inside KELOLAND.

Tune in on Saturday at 9 AM CT and Sunday at 10:30 PM CT. You can also watch the show in the video player above.

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An interview with Cynthia Farahat, author of The Secret Apparatus: The Muslim Brotherhoods Industry of Death

Last week during an event at the Hudson Institute in Washington, DC, Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to US President Donald Trump and senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council, said: We have to recognize that if Arab Muslim nations like Jordan have designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terror organization, it may be high time for us to do so as well.

Previously, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also the US national security adviser, had said that The Muslim Brotherhood is the progenitor and the grandfather of all modern global jihadism.

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Cynthia Farahat is the Egyptian-American author of the bestseller The Secret Apparatus: The Muslim Brotherhoods Industry of Death (2022) and expert on the Muslim Brotherhood. She is also a columnist, counterterrorism and counterintelligence expert, and co-founder of the Liberal Egyptian Party in Egypt (in 2003). She has studied Sunni and Shia Islamic jurisprudence and history for over 25 years and co-authored several earlier books, such as Desecration of a Heavenly Religion, officially banned by Al-Azhar University in Cairo in 2008 for its criticism of Egypts blasphemy law.

Farahats work is popular in the West and in moderate Islamic countries and has been translated into more than 28 languages. Her writing landed her on a Muslim Brotherhood and al-Qaeda affiliated group hit list. For almost a decade under former Egyptian president Hosni Mubaraks regime, she received daily death threats from Islamists and was under 24-hour surveillance.

After Farahats brother was kidnapped and tortured by Islamists, her friend murdered, and she survived an assassination attempt in October 2011, she decided to immigrate to the United States. There, she has testified before the US House of Representatives, briefed more than 300 congressional offices, and advised US intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

MOHAMED ABDI ALI (L) and an unnamed accomplice received 30-year prison sentences for aiding an attack by al Qaeda-linked terorrists that killed 21 people in 2019, at Kenyas Dusit Hotel. They are seen here at Nairobis Kahawa Law Courts in June. (credit: MONICAH MWANGI/REUTERS)

Although banned in some Arab countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, the Muslim Brotherhood remains a powerful influence there and in all Muslim countries and in most Muslim communities. In view of its security threat in America, Sen. Ted Cruz has introduced a bill to ban the Brotherhood.

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In Israel, however, all Arab parties are affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood; therefore, it is in their schools, mosques, and social and cultural organizations. Why does our judicial system protect the Muslim Brotherhood?

Farahat discussed the Muslim Brotherhood with The Jerusalem Post.

How did you get the information for your book The Secret Apparatus?

It was all from the Muslim Brotherhoods own documents, writings, and speeches. The book relies almost exclusively on their own words. I didnt utilize secondhand information.

I had a moral duty to share what I learned to try to stop these deadly ideas that flew into Americas tallest buildings from brutalizing more innocent lives around the world.

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I wrote it to try to stop horrific attacks like Oct. 7. Indeed, the last chapter of my book mentioned by name the perpetrators who would later be involved in masterminding the Oct. 7 attack from the Taliban Political Office in Qatar.

I also wanted to reveal the extent to which the Muslim Brotherhood and its sympathizers have infiltrated most Western institutions, especially those in North America, and the means to counter their war against the West.

Why is the Muslim Brotherhood important?

The Muslim Brotherhood, established in 1928, began modern Islamism through hijacking the representation of Islam and militarizing it. The Secret Apparatus (SA) was the first covert Islamic terrorist organization in modern history. The MBs raison detre is to establish an Islamic caliphate through violent, nonviolent, and covert means.

It is the worlds most sophisticated jihadist syndicate. It operates as an imperium in imperio with parallel transnational military, intelligence, diplomatic, media, and educational apparatuses.

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The Brotherhood is the incubator of Islamic terrorism, and a genocidal, fraternal cult that established and operated groups such as Islamic State (ISIS, IS), Boko Haram, the Organization of Monotheism and Jihad, Excommunication and Emigration, al-Qaeda, Hamas, Afghan Services Bureau, Taliban, al-Gamaa al-Islamiyya, Egyptian Islamic Jihad, Tanzim Shabab Muhammad, Tanzim 1965, and the SA.

Western scholars and intelligence agencies peddle the narrative that the Secret Apparatus has been dismantled, which is false. According to the Muslim Brotherhoods own words, it is not only operational but is the current governing body in every country in which it operates.

They engage in franchising terror through the Vanguards of Organization Invasion. The VOI Muslim Brotherhood cell is the core of the groups International and Intelligence Apparatuses. This division runs two simulations  cultural and militant operations  to franchise the Brotherhood terror groups under ostensibly different banners.

For example, the Muslim Brotherhood founded Hamas in the late 1980s to further its anti-Israel/anti-Jewish agenda, and then supported Hamass victory over the PLO/PA in 2006 when it took over the Gaza Strip. Presenting itself as a religious organization, it fooled Israeli authorities into thinking it would undermine the more secular PA/PLO.

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In fact, there is little or no ideological difference between these organizations. Israeli leaders not only allowed Hamas to expand, but they facilitated its expansion. Despite billions of dollars from Qatar to build tunnels, and the use of Egyptian tunnels to smuggle weapons to Hamas, Israel political, military, and security leaders ignored the threat. US administrations led by presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden furthered Irans efforts to become a nuclear power, along with its affiliates Hezbollah, the Houthis, and others.

How influential is the Muslim Brotherhood and what are the main ideas in your book that people should know?

Its most successfully operational expansion tactic is based on its duality and double-speak. In English, they engage in spouting democratic values, and in Arabic they express terrorist rhetoric. This succeeded in utilizing veiled terminology which largely contributed to the infiltration of the United States and other Western intelligence agencies and governments, leading to policies that supported the MB.

In Iran, the medieval Shia Assassins served as the biggest influence on the MBs formation according to SA co-founder Ali Ashmawi. This was made possible by the taqrib (proximity project) which spans 14 centuries, the effort to narrow theological differences between Shiite and Sunni Islam. Hasan al-Banna drew heavily on this legacy to create a death cult, which he called an industry of death.

The Muslim Brotherhood and Iranian cooperation is one of the most dangerous and complicated relationships in the world of international politics, jihadism, and transnational terrorism.

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For decades, the Wests foreign policy strategy by and large has been one of dictatorship maintenance.

What is dictatorship maintenance?'

While the US and other governments directly support tyrants across the globe, they also engage in a more destructive type of dictatorship maintenance by aiding and abetting the dictatorial social and religious practices perpetrated by Islamists.

The bigotry of low expectations toward foreign populations, combined with moral cowardice and maybe an admiration for perpetrators, are the most probable justifications for these actions. An important example of the policy of dictatorship maintenance was uttered by former US president Barack Obama during a speech in September 2014. He said that he hoped to shrink the Islamic States influence to the point where it is a manageable problem. He didnt say he would eradicate the Islamic State but instead make it a manageable problem. To manage something means to control it, not destroy it.

The tactic of allying with jihadists inherently gives the advantage to Islamists because of their long-term strategy and their theologically based mission. Jihadists are also better at being bad. They will always win in this equation. The good terrorist/bad terrorist mythology was created to justify aiding and abetting terrorists. Many employ this argument to validate their support of the lesser of two evils philosophy.

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In Israel, this perhaps might explain why the Muslim Brotherhood is protected by the High Court.

Why is the Muslim Brotherhood not banned in Israel?

It allows Arab-Israeli political parties  all of which are affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood  to participate and to promote its ideology.

Although the Knesset has passed bills banning the Brotherhood, the High Court has struck them down.

Attempts by the government to restrict schools run by the MB are declared illegal. Many in the international community, such as the UN, which support UNRWA, operate facilities that are run by the MB and other jihadist groups.

Why has the world turned against Israel?

The first reason is the due to the degenerate moral and spiritual rot of antisemitism. Israel is viciously and unfairly judged by oppressive standards that no any other nation on Earth is subjected to.

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The second reason is due to the influence of the MB, which has successfully subverted the view on Israel since 1948. The hypocritical international community falsifies history in their venomous attempt to delegitimize its mere existence. They ignore that fact that the first mention of Israel was in the Merneptah Stele, an ancient Egyptian inscription dating to around 1208 BCE.

Which borders does the international community want Israel to retreat to? The borders of 1948? The borders of 1967? The borders of October 6, 2023? The borders of 3000 BC? Because whichever borders they choose, Jews will still be in Israel, but the enemies of Israel will almost certainly not be residing where they are. 
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The post-election audit on the special election for Iowa Senate District 1 race took place on Friday afternoon at the Woodbury County Courthouse.

Woodbury County Auditor Michelle Skaff said the Iowa Secretary of States Office chose precinct 12 for the audit on August 30.

Its a random sample. So the Secretary of State tells us after the election is over which precinct were auditing. So we dont know ahead of time, you know, which precinct is going to be audited. So it could be any one of them. So, you know, by doing this, for me, the integrity of elections is strengthened, that we know that the votes that were counting are the votes that were submitted that day, said Michelle Skaff, (R) Woodbury County Auditor, Recorder, & Commissioner of Elections.

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Election officials said the purpose of the audit is to check and see if the election equipment worked properly on August 26. Skaff said the audit board hand-counted votes to make sure the total number of ballots match the total number of votes the machine read.

Technology is fantastic, but we always have to trust but verify. So, we want to make sure that those machines are reading properly. We test the machines before we use them. Every single machine, we run through every scenario for those votes. And this is just the human touch to make sure that we can validate that the machine is working properly, said Skaff.

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County Auditor Skaff said she did not expect any errors to come from the audit. Skaff said the Iowa Secretary of States Office will finalize the results of the special election.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Native naio plants in Hawaii are under attack from invasive insects. For the first time ever, Myoporum thrips have been found on Kauai, reported the State.

Catch of a lifetime: 40 pound ahi caught from beach shore

Myoporum thrips feed on Myoporum leaf tissue and cause leaf curl, scarring, deformation or abnormal growths that damage the naio and can potentially lead to its death, said Rob Hauff, forest health coordinator for the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Naio plants with this kind of damage should be checked closely for small black insects.

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These invasive insects were reported in Kauai earlier this month.

Thrips can be transported while shipping plants and equipment, as well as by hitching a ride on humans, officials said.

The DLNRs Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Kauai Invasive Species Committee and Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity are working together to manage the situation.

Adult thrips. (Courtesy: Department of Land and Natural Resources)

(Courtesy: Department of Land and Natural Resources)

(Courtesy: Department of Land and Natural Resources)

An early detection and response plan was developed for Kauai in 2013 by KISC, DOFAW, and HDAB. Having that plan in place helped the agencies respond quickly in this case, and partners are hopeful that the rapid response may lead to successful containment or even island-wide eradication, Hauff said.

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Residents will be crucial in this containment process.

Help from Kauai residents will be critical to ensuring the full infestation is discovered and treated, Hauff said.

Island-wide surveys were collected on cultivated naio plants after the initial report, leading to the discovery of two additional infestation locations.

Wild naio populations across the island are currently being surveyed by the department.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

In 2009, the insects were first discovered in the state on Hawaii Island, where they are now widespread. They have since also been discovered on Oahu in 2018 and, in 2024, on Molokai.

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Reports of damage or signs of thrips should be made immediately to 643pest.org.

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Iran has arrested eight people suspected of attempting to transmit the coordinates of sensitive sites and details about senior military figures during the countrys 12-day war with Israel and the United States to the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, according to its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The IRGC released a statement on Saturday alleging that the suspects had received specialised training from Mossad via online platforms.

It said they were apprehended in northeastern Iran before carrying out their plans, and that materials for making launchers, bombs, explosives and booby traps had been seized.

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The news comes as state media reported earlier this month that Iranian police had arrested as many as 21,000 suspects during the June conflict, though they did not say what these people had been suspected of doing.

Following an Israeli military bombardment that began on June 13, killing top military officials and scientists as well as hundreds of civilians, Iran retaliated with barrages of missiles on Israeli military sites, infrastructure and cities.

People attend the funeral procession of Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists and others killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, on June 28, 2025 [Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via Reuters]

The US also carried out extensive strikes on Israels behalf on Iranian nuclear sites during the conflict, the worst blow to the Islamic republic since its 1980s war with Iraq.

During the 12-day war, Iranian security forces began a campaign of widespread arrests accompanied by an intensified street presence based around checkpoints and public reports.

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Iranian citizens were called upon to report on any individuals they thought were acting suspiciously during the war that ended in a US and Qatar-brokered ceasefire.

Iran has executed at least eight people in recent months, including nuclear scientist Rouzbeh Vadi, hanged on August 9 for passing information to Israel about another scientist who was killed in Israeli air strikes.

Human rights groups say Iran uses espionage charges and fast-tracked executions as tools for broader political repression.

The Israel-US-Iran conflict has also led to an accelerated rate of deportations for Afghan refugees and migrants believed to be illegally in Iran, with aid agencies reporting that local authorities have also accused some Afghan nationals of spying for Israel.

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Law enforcement rounded up 2,774 illegal migrants and discovered 30 special security cases by examining their phones. [A total of] 261 suspects of espionage and 172 people accused of unauthorised filming were also arrested, police spokesperson Saeed Montazerolmahdi said earlier this month.

Montazerolmahdi did not specify how many of those arrested had since been released.

He added that Irans police handled more than 5,700 cases of cybercrimes such as online fraud and unauthorised withdrawals during the war, which he said had turned cyberspace into an important battlefront.




"America and Israel seek to divide and destroy Iran, but no Iranian wants Iran to be divided", Iran's president said in a pre-recorded TV interview.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday that Iran does not seek war, but if Israel and the United States attacked, Iran would stand against them "forcefully."

"America and Israel seek to divide and destroy Iran, but no Iranian wants Iran to be divided", he said in a pre-recorded TV interview.

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"From the first days of the revolution, enemies were seeking assassinations, coups, and the country's division," Pezeshkian continued, saying that the Islamic Republic is "standing firm" against those it perceives as enemies.

"We do not want to fight, but we are not afraid of war either," the Iranian president noted.

Pezeshkian also discussed recent moves by the E3, which consists of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, to launch a 30-day process to reimpose the snapback mechanism for sanctions on Iran in relation to its nuclear program.

A man crosses the street, past a billboard showing Iranian centrifuges and nuclear scientists killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran August 29, 2025. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

In his interview, the president is quoted by local state-affiliated media as saying that European claims over Iranian non-compliance with nuclear commitments are "legally baseless."

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According to Pezeshkian, Iran is "not seeking to activate the snapback and has made every effort to prevent it."

E3's offer to delay snapback sanctions 'unrealistic,' Iran says

The E3 urged Iran at the United Nations on Friday to meet three requirements so their threat of reimposing UN sanctions can be delayed to allow space for talks on a deal to address their concerns about Tehran's nuclear program.

The countries offered to delay reinstating sanctions for up to six months if Iran restored access for UN nuclear inspectors, addressed concerns about its stock of enriched uranium, and engaged in talks with the United States.

Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said on Friday that the three countries' plan is "full of unrealistic preconditions."

He said they should instead support "a short, unconditional technical extension of resolution 2231," which enshrined the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Reuters contributed to this report.
(Reuters) -Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday they had arrested eight people suspected of trying to transmit the coordinates of sensitive sites and details about senior military figures to Israel's Mossad, Iranian state media reported.

They are accused of having provided the information to the Mossad spy agency during Israel's air war on Iran in June, when it attacked Iranian nuclear facilities and killed top military commanders as well as civilians in the worst blow to the Islamic Republic since the 1980s war with Iraq.

Iran retaliated with barrages of missiles on Israeli military sites, infrastructure and cities. The United States entered the war on June 22 with strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

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A Guards statement alleged that the suspects had received specialized training from Mossad via online platforms. It said they were apprehended in northeastern Iran before carrying out their plans, and that materials for making launchers, bombs, explosives and booby traps had been seized.

State media reported earlier this month that Iranian police had arrested as many as 21,000 "suspects" during the 12-day war with Israel, though they did not say what these people had been suspected of doing.

Security forces conducted a campaign of widespread arrests and also stepped up their street presence during the brief war that ended in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

Iran has executed at least eight people in recent months, including nuclear scientist Rouzbeh Vadi, hanged on August 9 for passing information to Israel about another scientist killed in Israeli airstrikes.

Human rights groups say Iran uses espionage charges and fast-tracked executions as tools for broader political repression.

(Editing by Gareth Jones)
State media reported earlier this month that Iranian police had arrested as many as 21,000 "suspects" during the 12-day war with Israel.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday they had arrested eight people suspected of trying to transmit the coordinates of sensitive sites and details about senior military figures to Israel's Mossad, Iranian state media reported.

They are accused of having provided the information to the Mossad spy agency during Israel's air war on Iran in June, when it attacked Iranian nuclear facilities and killed top military commanders as well as civilians in the worst blow to the Islamic Republic since the 1980s war with Iraq.

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Iran retaliated with barrages of missiles on Israeli military sites, infrastructure, and cities. The United States entered the war on June 22 with strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

An IRGC statement alleged that the suspects had received specialized training from Mossad via online platforms. It said they were apprehended in northeastern Iran before carrying out their plans, and that materials for making launchers, bombs, explosives, and booby traps had been seized.

State media reported earlier this month that Iranian police had arrested as many as 21,000 "suspects" during the 12-day war with Israel, though they did not say what these people had been suspected of doing.

(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)

Iran executes alleged Mossad spies

Security forces conducted a campaign of widespread arrests and also stepped up their street presence during the brief war that ended in a US-brokered ceasefire.

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Iran has executed at least eight people in recent months, including nuclear scientist Rouzbeh Vadi, hanged on August 9 for passing information to Israel about another scientist killed in Israeli airstrikes.

Human rights groups say Iran uses espionage charges and fast-tracked executions as tools for broader political repression.
IRAN AFFAIRS: As Iran teeters on the brink of collapse, the country faces the looming threat of civil war and regional instability, with power struggles between rival factions.

There is a danger that the collapse of the Iranian regime could lead to a vacuum of governance and subsequent civil war, a report released on Wednesday by the Henry Jackson Society (HJS) warns.

Civil war must be avoided at all costs for the Iranian people, and every step must therefore be made to ensure that any transition is quick and painless, the report, by HJS associate research fellow Barak Seener, advises. It suggested that civil war could be prevented by supporting a viable opposition to the regime, but that waiting for the regime to implode of its own accord is extremely unlikely.

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The report comes in light of various setbacks to the Iranian regime: Israels targeted strikes in April 2024 and June 2025 resulted in the weakening of its air defense capabilities; Israels decapitation of Irans proxies Hamas and Hezbollah have detracted from its regional influence; and the overthrow of the regime of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad also resulted in a setback.

As a result, the report states, Irans Ring of Fire strategy of surrounding Israel by its proxies while affording the Iranian regime strategic depth has been totally undermined.

Nevertheless, the report predicts that Iran will seek to reconstitute its terrorist activities, as well as its nuclear program and missile programs. Despite the US and Israeli targeted strikes on its key facilities, Iran claims that it moved its fissile materials before the strikes took place, and thus remains a viable threat.

An anti-Israel billboard is displayed in Tehran in July, depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with text in Persian and Hebrew reading Netanyahu lost another war; you fell victim to Bibis political games. Where will the next failure to stay in power occur? (credit: AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)

In the event of a regime collapse, the HJS report argues, the worst-case scenario would be for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to consolidate power and establish an alternative leadership.

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HJS writes that increased authoritarianism and concentration of power in the regime has created cracks, and may drive a wedge between rival factions such as hardliners and reformists.

Additionally, the IRGC already dominates the Iranian economy, existing as an economic conglomerate, HJS continues. For example, Khatam-al Anbiya, an Iranian engineering firm controlled by the IRGC and affiliated networks, owns industries including energy, automobile manufacturing, electronic sensors, construction, and logistics. The IRGC thus has the ability and infrastructure to regroup, if needed.

Another worrying outcome could be a non-IRGC-led regime that nevertheless remains authoritarian and anti-Western. HJS argues that this is highly possible, as the current regime has survived this far by tapping into Persian nationalism and Shiite ideology. A regime change could conceivably therefore take the form of an alternative autocracy, either religious or Persian nationalist in nature.

While Persian nationalism is not entirely anti-Western, HJS points out that the Iranian Revolution in 1979 was partly a reaction against perceived Western influence and interference in Iranian affairs, especially under the Pahlavi regime and its close ties with the United States.

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Even opposition movements that reject the Islamic Republic often retain anti-Western tones, viewing foreign powers as historically complicit in Iranian repression, HJS explains, adding that this reflects a deep national memory of colonization, resource extraction, and foreign meddling, such as British oil interests and the 1953 coup.

Any future military strikes on Iran must be accompanied by influence campaigns aimed at the Iranian public, asserting that it is the Iranian regime that is an Iranian historical aberration, as opposed to the Wests military intervention, HJS advises. This is because, while Iranians may view the regime in a negative way, they still condemn foreign aggression.

Dabbagh, an Iranian, told HJS: The feeling on the ground is one of hopelessness and heartbreak. Yes, many Iranians hold their own government responsible for decades of corruption, repression, and international isolation.

But that doesnt mean they accept or excuse Israels aggression, apart from those who openly supported the strikes. When bombs fall on cities like Tehran, Isfahan or Tabriz, and when children are killed, its very hard for people to see this as anything but an unlawful and disproportionate aggression.

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The Iranian people want change, but not through this kind of violence. If anything, these attacks complicate the democratic aspirations of many Iranians. They cast opposition voices as aligned with foreign enemies, when in fact most of us are simply calling for accountability, freedom, and a future grounded in justice, not revenge, he concluded.

ADDITIONALLY, HJS says foreign military intervention may increase separatist resistance among ethnic groups. An example is with the Kurdish groups such as the Kurdish Freedom Party or the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz, which HJS says may become militarized in order to resist the IRGC in their regions.

While these secessionist groups could help to bring about regime change  especially during times of external attack where they may target the IRGC or the army  it does risk turning a future post-regime Iran into a void.

The toppling of the regime will not necessarily lead to a centralized and coherent regime that represents all of Irans different ethnic groups, HJS says, warning of the risk of decentralized power struggles.

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To mitigate this, HJS suggests that Western states help Irans opposition movements to integrate these movements into a post-regime framework, leading to a future constitution that both represents Irans multiethnic nature and prevents secessionism.

Iranian democracy would need a viable vision to succeed

According to HJS, the best-case scenario would be for a participatory democracy to take over  one that capitalizes on the educational and cultural background of the Iranian people.

However, in order for this to succeed, there would need to be a viable vision; otherwise, Iranians may not risk opposing the regime, fearing Syrian- or Iraqi-style unregulated chaos.

HJS encourages Western policy-makers to offer training for all opposition groups, but only if they are outside of Irans political structures, and only if they support regime collapse.

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Such training and coordination should address the oppositions lack of a structured and unified leadership that is accepted by all opposition groups.

Currently, the opposition is decentralized, fragmented and there is also no shared vision or strategy amongst the opposition, it argues, citing different groups such as the National Council of Resistance of Iran and the Mojahedin-e-Khalq. HJS explains that the lack of centralization, on top of mutual distrust, has historically undermined cohesive resistance to the regime.

Nevertheless, while opposition groups differ in tactics, HJS finds that they share a similar outlook. Both NCRI and MEK want Iran to be a nonnuclear state, with no weapons of mass destruction. Both also envision a liberal and secular democratic Iran.

As a result, HJS argues, there is a great opportunity for Western states to complement their military interventionism with recognizing opposition groups in exile and within Iran, and coordinating their positions to mitigate the potential negative effects of regime collapse with a transition of power and authority.

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Creating a viable opposition also depends on creating economic continuity for Iran, HJS added. The National Unity for Democracy in Iran therefore established the Iran Prosperity Project to promote liberal democratic principles such as freedom of individuals to make interest-based decisions, respect for private property, and fostering personal responsibility and innovation.

The Iran Prosperity Project advocates eliminating barriers for domestic entrepreneurs, and for women to participate in the labor market.

It would also be critical for the future government to establish regulatory frameworks before privatizing state-owned enterprises, in order to prevent corruption and avoid elite asset capture and thus safeguard essential services to ensure that water, electricity, food distribution, and healthcare would be provided uninterrupted through transitional budgets and oversight mechanisms during transition.

HJS concludes the report by saying that military intervention alone is a counterproductive response, as it serves to cause people to rally around the flag and entrench the regimes true authoritarianism.

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It instead recommends a pincer movement in terms of both external pressure and the fostering of internal pressure.

According to HJS, to create further cracks in the regime, airstrikes and sanctions are recommended, as well as a communication strategy that redefines Persian nationalism and Irans Islamic identity.

This could, for example, take the form of increased broadcasting to the Iranian people as well as covert assistance to the domestic opposition and the funding of NGOs. Coupled to this would be the continued support for exiled opposition and financial incentives for senior officials who defect.

This, HJS says, would help to mitigate the risk of a vacuum of governance which would disincentivize opposition to the Iranian regime.
Israeli spies were able to hunt Irans top leadership during the 12-day war by tracking the mobile phones their bodyguards were carrying.

The June war saw Israel decimate the upper echelons of Irans military command and nuclear scientists and destroy key military and nuclear sites in one of the most-anticipated campaigns in modern warfare history.

The careless use of smartphones by guards  which Tehran knew that Israel could hack  played a major role in allowing Israel to assassinate 30 Iranian military commanders and more than a dozen nuclear scientists, according to a report by The New York Times.

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Citing more than a dozen Iranian and Israeli officials, the publication reported that on June 16, four days into the war, Irans Supreme National Security Council had gathered at a bunker 100ft inside a mountain near Tehran.

The time and location were only known by the high-level attendees, which included Masoud Pezeshkian, the president, and a handful of other intelligence, military and judicial officials.

High-level attendees at the top secret bunker meeting included Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president - EPA

They arrived in separate cars, and none brought phones as it was well known that Israel could track them. However, Israel knew of the meeting by hacking the phones of bodyguards who accompanied them, according to the report.

The officials just managed to survive the pinpoint strike  although several guards waiting outside were killed  but the evident security lapse sent shock waves through Irans intelligence command.

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Infiltration has reached the highest echelons of our decision-making, Mostafa Hashemi Taba, a former vice-president and minister, warned in late June.

Iranian officials acknowledged that the security breakdown was just one part of a long-running effort by Israel to penetrate Tehrans most-guarded circles.

Israels efforts to eliminate Irans top military officials had been dubbed Operation Red Wedding, a reference to a bloody episode of TVs Game of Thrones, the New York Times reported.

It also detailed how the opportunity arose in part because of Irans own fears over Israeli assassinations.

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In the months before the war Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, had ordered increased security measures including large security details for top officials.

Israel discovered that those bodyguards were not only carrying mobile phones but also posting from them on social media.

Using so many bodyguards is a weakness that we imposed on them, and we were able to take advantage of that, one Israeli defence official said.

Iran had long suspected Israel was tracking mobile phones and banned officials in sensitive jobs from using them in the wake of Israels pager attacks against Hezbollah, but the ban did not apply to guards.

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On the first day of open war with Israel, guards were only supposed to carry walkie-talkies, but one or more violated that rule ahead of the June 16 meeting, leading to the strike that almost killed the president, the sources said.

Ahead of the meeting, Israel had already killed several of Irans brightest nuclear minds as part of Operation Narnia to prevent the regime rebuilding its nuclear programme after the devastating strikes on key facilities.

Its so-called decapitation team had been tracking them since 2022. The mobile phones of their bodyguards helped Israel target all of them, the report said.

The targeted assassinations sparked a campaign of mass arrests across Iran as the regime feared that society had been infiltrated by Israeli spies. Earlier this month, officials admitted as many as 21,000 suspects  including high-ranking officials  were arrested during the war.

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JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel will soon halt or slow humanitarian aid into parts of northern Gaza as it expands its military offensive against Hamas, an official said Saturday, a day after Gaza City was declared a combat zone.

The decision was likely to bring more condemnation of Israel's government as frustration grows in the country and abroad over dire conditions for both Palestinians and remaining hostages in Gaza after nearly 23 months of war.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, told The Associated Press that Israel will stop airdrops over Gaza City in the coming days and reduce the number of aid trucks arriving as it prepares to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people south.

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Israel on Friday ended daytime pauses in fighting to allow aid delivery, describing Gaza City as a Hamas stronghold and alleging that a tunnel network remains in use. The United Nations and partners have said the pauses, airdrops and other recent measures fell far short of the 600 trucks of aid needed daily in Gaza.

We left because the area became unlivable, Fadi Al-Daour, displaced from Gaza City, said as vehicles piled high with people and belongings rolled through a shattered landscape. No one is searching, and there are no journalists to film. There is nothing.

Remains of another hostage are identified

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's office announced that the remains of a hostage that Israel on Friday said had been recovered in Gaza were of Idan Shtivi. He was kidnapped from the Nova music festival in the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that sparked the war.

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Forty-eight hostages now remain in Gaza of the over 250 seized. Israel has believed 20 are still alive.

Their loved ones fear the expanding military offensive will put them in even more danger, and they rallied again Saturday to demand a ceasefire deal to bring everyone home.

Netanyahu, if another living hostage comes back in a bag, it will not only be the hostages and their families who pay the price. You will bear responsibility for premeditated murder, Zahiro Shahar Mor, nephew of hostage Avraham Munder, said in Tel Aviv.

A massive population movement coming

In recent days, Israels military has increased strikes on the outskirts of Gaza City, where famine was recently documented and declared by global food security experts.

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By Saturday there had been no airdrops for several days across Gaza, a break from almost daily ones. Israels army didnt respond to a request for comment or say how it would provide aid to Palestinians during another major shift in Gazas population of over 2 million people.

Such an evacuation would trigger a massive population movement that no area in the Gaza Strip can absorb, given the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and the extreme shortages of food, water, shelter and medical care, Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said in a statement.

Its impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City can be done in a safe and dignified way, she said.

Killed while seeking food

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AP video footage showed several large explosions across Gaza overnight. Israels military Saturday evening said it had struck a key Hamas member in the area of Gaza City, with no details.

An Israeli strike on a bakery in Gaza Citys Nasr neighborhood killed 12 people including six women and three children, the Shifa Hospital director told the AP, and a strike on the Rimal neighborhood killed seven.

Hamas in a statement called the strike on a residential building in Rimal a brutal escalation against civilians.

Israeli gunfire killed four people trying to get aid in central Gaza, according to health officials at Al-Awda Hospital, where the bodies were taken.

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Gazas Health Ministry said another 10 people died as a result of starvation and malnutrition over the past 24 hours, including three children. It said at least 332 Palestinians have died from malnutrition-related causes during the war, including 124 children.

At least 63,371 Palestinians have died in Gaza during the war, said the ministry, which does not say how many are fighters or civilians but says around half have been women and children. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The U.N. and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on war casualties. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own.

___

Shurafa reported from Deir-al-Balah, Gaza Strip.

___

Follow AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
The New York Times reported that Israeli intelligence had used Iranian security guards use of mobile phones, including posts made during meetings, to hunt Iranian officials.

Israel was able to target a top-secret meeting of Iranian officials during the war with the Islamic Republic by hacking their security guards phones, The New York Times reported on Saturday.

A group of officials on Irans Supreme National Security Council, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, met in a bunker 30 meters below a mountain west of Tehran. Though they were instructed not to bring their cell phones with them out of concern that Israel would target the meeting, the IDF later dropped six bombs targeting the entrance and exit doors.

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None of the officials were harmed, but they walked out of the bunker to find the bodies of the guards.

The NYT reported that Israeli intelligence had used Iranian security guards use of mobile phones, including posts made during meetings, to hunt Iranian officials.

This latest escalation in the spy games between Israel and Iran sent Tehran into a tailspin.

Pictures of Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists and others killed in Israeli strikes are displayed in Behesht Zahra Cemetery in southern Tehran, Iran, July 11, 2025 (credit: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/via Reuters)

Tehran in a tailspin

We know senior officials and commanders did not carry phones, but their interlocutors, security guards, and drivers had phones, they did not take precautions seriously and this is how most of them were traced, said Sasan Karimi, the former deputy vice president for strategy in the Iranian government and current lecturer at Tehran University.

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The NYT cited five senior Iranian officials, two members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and nine Israeli military and intelligence officials.

According to Iranian officials, hacking guards phones is just one element of Israels long-running, successful espionage campaign.
European Union foreign ministers have urged the United States to reconsider its decision not to allow Palestinian officials to take part in the UN General Assembly in New York.

Israel is undermining a two-state solution to the Middle East crisis through its actions in Gaza, Denmark's foreign minister said on Saturday.

"Israel is right now undermining the two-state solution," Lars Lokke Rasmussen told reporters after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen.

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A two-state solution would see the creation of an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza that would co-exist alongside Israel.

European Union foreign ministers have urged the United States to reconsider its decision not to allow Palestinian officials to take part in the UN General Assembly in New York, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Saturday.

Abbas, Palestinian officials barred from US for UN General Assembly

The US will not allow Palestinian officials and diplomats, including the leader of the Palestinian Authority (PA), President Mahmoud Abbas, to attend next months United Nations General Assembly in New York, the State Department said Friday.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the 79th United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters in New York, US, September 26, 2024 (credit: REUTERS/BRENDAN MCDERMID)

A State Department official said Abbas and about 80 other Palestinians would be affected by the decision to deny and revoke visas from members of the umbrella Palestine Liberation Organization and the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority.

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A source in the US State Department said that, in addition to Abbas, the US has denied visas to 80 other officials from the PA.

In a statement, the department reiterated longstanding US and Israeli allegations that the PA and PLO had failed to repudiate terrorism while pushing for "unilateral recognition" of a Palestinian state.

Palestinian officials reject such allegations and claim that decades of US-mediated talks have failed to end Israeli occupation and secure an independent Palestinian state.
CAIRO (AP)  An Israeli airstrike killed the prime minister of the Houthi rebel-controlled government in Yemen's capital Sanaa, the Houthis said Saturday. He was the most senior Houthi official killed in the Israeli-U.S. campaign against the Iranian-backed rebels.

Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed in Thursday's strike in Sanaa along with a number of ministers, the rebels said in a statement. Other ministers and officials were wounded, the statement added without providing details.

The premier was targeted along with other members of his Houthi-controlled government during a routine workshop held by the government to evaluate its activities and performance over the past year, the Houthi statement said.

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Thursdays strike took place as the rebel-owned television station was broadcasting a speech by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the secretive leader of the rebel group, in which he was sharing updates on the latest Gaza developments and vowing retaliation against Israel. Senior Houthi officials used to gather to watch al-Houthis prerecorded speeches.

Al-Rahawi wasnt part of the inner circle around al-Houthi that runs the military and strategic affairs of the group. His government, like the previous ones, was tasked with running the day-to-day civilian affairs in Sanaa and other Houthi-held areas.

The strike that killed the prime minister targeted a meeting for Houthi leaders in a villa in Beit Baws, an ancient village in southern Sanaa, three tribal leaders told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared repercussions.

On Thursday, the Israeli military said it precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target in the area of Sanaa in Yemen. Late on Saturday, the military in a statement confirmed killing al-Rahawi along with additional senior officials. It said senior officials among the dozens at the facility struck were responsible for terror actions against Israel.

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Yemen endures a lot for the victory of the Palestinian people, al-Rahawi had said following an Israeli strike last week that struck an facility owned by the countrys main oil company, which is controlled by the rebels in Sanaa, as well as a power plant.

The Aug. 24 strike came three days after the Houthis launched a ballistic missile toward Israel that its military described as the first cluster bomb the rebels had launched at it since 2023.

The prime minister hailed from the southern province of Abyan, and was an ally to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. He allied himself with the Houthis when the rebels overran Sanaa, and much of the north and center of the country in 2014, initiating the country's long-running civil war. He was appointed as prime minister in August 2024.

The United States and Israel began their air and naval campaign against the Houthis in response to the rebels missile and drone attacks on Israel and on ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis targeted ships in response to the war in Gaza, saying they were acting in solidarity with the Palestinians. Their attacks over the past two years have upended shipping in the Red Sea, through which about $1 trillion of goods pass each year.

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The U.S. and Israeli strikes killed dozens of people in Yemen. One U.S. strike in April hit a prison holding African migrants in northern Sadaa province, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others.

Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst with the Crisis Group International, a Brussels-based think tank, called the killing of the Houthi prime minister a serious setback for the rebels.

He said it marks an Israeli shift from striking the rebels infrastructure to targeting their leaders, including senior military figures, which poses a greater threat to their command structure.

In May, the Trump administration announced a deal with the Houthis to end the airstrikes in return for an end to attacks on shipping. The rebels, however, said the agreement did not include halting attacks on targets it believed were aligned with Israel.
Many people in Gaza City would not be able to follow evacuation orders because they are starving, sick or injured, Mirjana Spoljaric said.

The head of the Red Cross warned on Saturday that it would be impossible to keep people safe during a mass evacuation of Gaza City, as Israel prepared to invade the city.

"It is impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City could ever be done in a way that is safe and dignified under the current conditions," Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement.

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Israel is pushing ahead with its plan to invade Gaza City, with the goal of fully reoccupying the Gaza Strip and destroying Hamas after nearly 23 months of war, as global outcry intensified over claimed starvation in Gaza.

An evacuation would provoke a population displacement that no other area in the Gaza Strip is equipped to absorb, amid severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical supplies, Spoljaric said.

The IDF said on Friday that it "will continue to support humanitarian efforts alongside ongoing maneuvering and offensive operations against terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip in order to protect the state of Israel."

Israel has urged civilians to leave for the south of Gaza.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger attends a briefing in Geneva, Switzerland, December 14, 2022 (credit: REUTERS/DENIS BALIBOUSE)

Red Cross head: Starving, sick Gazans unable to leave Gaza City

Many people in Gaza City would not be able to follow evacuation orders because they are starving, sick or injured, Spoljaric said.

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International humanitarian law requires Israel to ensure that civilians have access to shelter, safety and nutrition, when evacuation orders are issued.

"These conditions cannot currently be met in Gaza. This makes any evacuation not only unfeasible but incomprehensible under the present circumstances," Spoljaric added.
A man watches the news on TV, displaying footage of Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the Houthi-controlled government, who was killed, along with others, in Thursday's Israeli strikes on the capital, in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. Credit - APOsamah Abdulrahman

An Israeli airstrike killed the prime minister of Yemen's Houthi government in the capital Sanaa, along with several other ministers, the group said on Saturday.

Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed in an airstrike on Thursday at a meeting with other senior ministers. He is the most senior Houthi official to be killed since the start of the groups conflict with Israel, which was sparked by the Gaza war.

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The Israeli military said on Thursday it had struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target in Sanaa, Yemen, but has yet to confirm the news of al-Rahawi's death.

A Houthi statement announcing the death said the ministers were gathered for a routine workshop held by the government to evaluate its activities and performance over the past year.

Read more: Who Are the Houthi Rebels?

The strike occurred at the same time as the Houthi-owned television station was broadcasting a speech by the groups secretive leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi.

Since the start of the war in Gaza, the Houthis have regularly launched missiles towards Israel in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestiniansalthough most have been intercepted. Israel has responded with heavy airstrikes against Houthi targets in Sanaa and across the groups territory.

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The Houthis, an Iran-backed group that seized the Yemeni capital in 2014, have survived intensive bombing campaigns before.

The group's capture of Sanaa in 2014 sparked a brutal civil war against the internationally recognized government and a Saudi Arabian-led bombing campaign. The group proved remarkably resilient against that air campaign, which relied on U.S. support, and which killed an estimated 9,000 civilians.

It has since faced two bombing campaigns by two successive U.S. administrations.

Joe Biden, Trumps predecessor, launched airstrikes against Yemen on January 10, 2024, in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea.

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Those strikes failed to deter the Houthis and only stopped when a ceasefire was brokered between Israel and Hamas in January.

The group resumed its attacks when Israel imposed a blockade on food and aid entering Gaza in March.

Trump launched his own bombing campaign in April to stop those attacks. They ended when the Trump Administration struck a deal with the Houthis in May to end U.S. airstrikes if the group stopped attacks on shipping. The deal did not include an agreement to stop attacks against Israel, which have continued.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
An Israeli strike on Yemen earlier this week killed the prime minister of the Houthi-controlled government and several other officials, according to the Iran-backed rebel group.

Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister and most senior Houthi official, was killed in a Thursday Israeli attack in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, the group said in a statement on Saturday. The Houthis, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S., added that colleagues of Rahawi were also killed or injured in the attack, although it is unclear how many.

The assault came as the Houthis leadership gathered for a routine workshop to analyze its performance over the past year, the presidency said in a statement that was broadcast on Houthi-run TV.

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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Thursday that a Houthi terrorist regime military target in Sanaa was struck.

The Iranian-backed Houthi regime has targeted Israel, undermining regional stability and freedom of navigation, the IDF said on social platform X.

Despite killing al-Rahawi, the majority of the power lies with Abdul Malik al-Houthi, a politician and religious leader in Yemen.

The Houthis, one of several groups backed by Iran in the region, attacked Israel shortly after Hamass Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on the nation, which sparked the ongoing war in Gaza. Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, is also backed by Iran and the Yemeni group has vowed to support them.

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The Houthis started firing missiles on behalf of Hamas shortly after the initial attack, targeting cargo ships going through the Red Sea to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end IDFs military operation in the Gaza Strip. Most of the ships had no affiliation with Israel.

The attacks have disrupted international trade as some boats were forced to reroute, taking longer paths to their destination.

The U.S. military, along with other allied nations, launched strikes on the Houthi rebels in response, seeking to prevent further attacks on the ships. President Trump ramped up the military operation in March with decisive and powerful strikes. The campaign ended in May, with the president saying the rebels just dont want to fight.

Al-Rahawi was appointed prime minister last year. Prior to the role, he served on the Supreme Political Council, which was formed in 2015.

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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 The Hill.
Three years and 80 community service hours later, Air Force Senior Airman Carson LaGrange is now reunited with his family, after being stationed in Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Super excited to see my family, excited to spend some time with them, Carson told Action News Jax with a huge smile at the reunion Saturday morning. I just got PCS orders, so further west, so its nice to see them one last time before I leave again.

Jacksonville family celebrates return of military service member through community service program

Carsons reunion was all made possible through the work of Miles for Military, an organization that pays for the flights home of military service men and women, after the completion of a certain amount of volunteer hours.

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>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Carson is the organizations 100th flight, as they continue their efforts to trade homecomings and heartfelt reunions for a commitment to community service.

Every flyer that we have, theres a hundred unique stories beyond the surface, Miles for Military COO Jacob Cool outlined Saturday morning. Its not just a hundred homecomings. We flew a kid from Poland to El Paso to be there for the birth of his kids. Weve flew another flyer to be there to accompany a friend for their naturalization interview.

Now, Carson will be spending some much-needed time with family before his next assignment in Wichita Falls, Texas.

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Im just excited because hes the only son I got and I cant get enough of him, Carsons mom, Chrastie LaGrange, said excitedly on Saturday.

Those looking for information about Miles for Military or if theyre eligible for a free flight home can find more information by clicking the link here.

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Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
LA PAZ (Reuters) -Marco Pumari, the former leader of Bolivia's Civic Committee of Potosi, has been released from prison and ordered to house arrest after nearly four years behind bars without a trial, local media reported on Friday.

Pumari holds significant political sway as the former leader of the group, which operates in the region which holds the world's largest lithium reserves.

He had been arrested and accused of "terrorism" for his alleged participation in Bolivia's 2019 political crisis, during which then-President Evo Morales resigned amid allegations of electoral fraud.

(Reporting by Monica Machicao and Daniel Ramos; Editing by Sarah Morland)
As Donald Trumps goon-squad occupation of the nations capital wends its way into its third week, the president is already eyeing the next Democratic stronghold hed like to strangle with his bruised hands in the name of fighting crime. Among the municipalities facing the mad kings wrath is Chicago, which has loomed in far-right lore as some kind of Third World hellhole. While we wait for many Democratic leaders and media elites to take Trumps authoritarian spree seriously, TNR editor Michael Tomasky this week urged Illinois officials to steel themselves for whats to come. Okay, JB Pritzker, he wrote, youre up.

It didnt take long for the reply to come. In a Monday afternoon news conference, Illinoiss Democratic governor joined a slew of state leaders speaking out about Trumps plan to deploy troops to Chicago. Pritzker has, over the past year, begun to cement his national profile ahead of what many presume to be a presidential run in 2028. He has firmly planted himself in the same fighter lane as California Governor Gavin Newsomthe better to distinguish himself from, say, whatever it is that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer thinks shes been doing lately.

Pritzker ended up being the headline figure of that Monday news conference, thanks to the simplicity and directness of his message. Mr. President, do not come to Chicago, he said. You are neither wanted here nor needed here. He offered some satisfying digs at the evident decline of Trumps mental faculties. He hit many of the right notes for someone who wants to establish himself as a leader of a dissident movement. But Pritzker saved his best for last, when he promised to take the fight against Trump a step farther than most Democrats have allowed themselves.

Finally, to the Trump administration officials who are complicit in this scheme, to the public servants who have forsaken their oath to the Constitution to serve the petty whims of an arrogant little man, to any federal official who would come to Chicago and try to incite my people into violence as a pretext for something darker and more dangerous: We are watching and we are taking names.

This is where Pritzker has leveled up over his fellow Democrats, by promising a future of accountability and retribution for the destruction Trump and his minions are doing to the constitutional order and our individual freedoms. As I wrote back in May, the Trump White House and the GOP are no longer a political party by any definition; rather, they are a sort of criminal syndicate with an extensive portfolio of white collar crimes, violent offenses against our civil rights, and an ongoing sort of imposed cultural tyranny that is killing off the well-paying jobs of the future by decimating academia, and literally sparking public health crises at home and abroad through the Lysenkoism of key administration figures like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

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As I noted at the time, There is a certain necessary logic to what has to follow corrupt misrule of this kind: tribunals, trials, punishment, prison, and the running to ground and defunding of the entire Trump syndicate. The only thing we were lacking then was an ambitious political figure who was willing to say that they were ready and willing to make accountability a key plank in their platform. Pritzker has made a timely arrival.

As Discourse Blogs Rafi Schwartz points out, this isnt the only uniquely consequential aspect of Pritzkers speech. The Illinois governorchanneling the feelings of so many whove forewarned of what was to come in a second Trump termtold those assembled, If it sounds to you like I am alarmist, that is because I am ringing an alarm, one that I hope every person listening will heed, both here in Illinois and across the country.

Pritzkers willingness to straightforwardly announce the existence of a crisis with no caveats and no conditionals, Schwartz writes, helps to [neutralize] the latent anxieties of those worried about coming off as unduly panicked or oversensitive to the political realities around us. In short, Pritzker allows those so inclined to finally grant themselves the permission to see the fascism thats on the march, and speak of it out loud.

In the same way, I think that Pritzker has kicked open a door to an alternate future: One in which the restorative work of post-Trump patriots involves accountability for criminals and reparations for the people theyve harmed. The taking of names and the doling out of punishments: This is now part of the larger political discussion; this is now part of the Democrats intraparty debate about What Is To Be Done. By including this as part of his political ambition, and broadly suggesting it may be the major goal of some future Pritzker administration, he allows us to imagine this future and have a hand in creating it.

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And it sure sounds like Pritzker wants to put his hands to the task right now. If you hurt my people, he said, nothing will stop me, not time or political circumstance, from making sure that you face justice under our constitutional rule of law. In a week where Beltway Democrats passed their time pointlessly debating whether or not they were using words like food insecurity too much, and congratulating each other for calling the D.C. occupation a stunt or a distraction, hearing a Democratic politician speak in plain English is pleasingly bracing. These are, indeed, encouraging words to hear after Democrats long implored us to look forward, not backward and allowed misrule to go unpunished, thereby paving the road for Trumps fascist second act.

This article first appeared in Power Mad, a weekly TNR newsletter authored by deputy editor Jason Linkins. Sign up here.
JD Vance is constantly begging for gratitude, and it's so weird.

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

If you recall, he had a viral argument with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine a few months ago, where he repeatedly demanded a "thank you" in the Oval Office.

Related: JD Vance's "Ridiculous" Answer About How To Curb School Shootings Is Going Viral

Now, he's after New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.

Stephanie Keith / Getty Images

In a now-viral Fox News interview clip, Vance questioned Mamdani's gratefulness for the United States and called for him to show a "sense of gratitude..."

Vance on Mamdani: 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 pic.twitter.com/T9ap3eOwfp  Acyn (@Acyn) August 28, 2025

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Fox News / Twitter: @Acyn

Instead of  in his words  "attacking" the country for "all of its problems."

Fox News / Via x.com

Related: JD Vances Old Epstein Tweets Are Coming Back To Haunt Him In A Big Way

People are wasting no time roasting Vance for his comments.

One person called him straight-up "whiny."

Another person said Vance's constant demands for gratitude are his "single most obnoxious characteristic."

Related: "WHY ARE PEOPLE SO STUPID": This MAGA Supporter Shared 10 Reasons Why They Regret Voting For Trump, And The Internet Is Not Impressed

This person defended Mamdani, commenting that he ran the "most positive possible campaign" about New York City.

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"Mamdanis whole brand is loving New York and celebrating that its an awesome place to live," this person agreed.

Related: MAGA Is (Loudly) Regretting Their Votes After Witnessing ICE Raids Across The Nation, And It's Reallyyyy Not Looking Good For Trump

And another person pointed out Trump's public and VERY negative comments about the United States...

Basically, everyone is asking the same question...

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Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Also in In the News: A Video Of Obama Exposing MAGAs Double Standards Is Going Viral, And Its A Startling Reminder Of Just How Much Things Have Changed

Also in In the News: "This Is Like Applauding A Grown Man For Being Able To Wipe Their Behind": 29 Of The Best, Most Brutal, And Funniest Political Tweets Of The Week

Also in In the News: Trump Can't Stop Talking About Pete Buttigieg, And Pete Responded With One Simple Tweet

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer are still keeping Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani at arms length as they focus on the 2026 midterm elections amid the hope Democrats can retake Congress and stop President Trumps right-wing agenda in its tracks.

As the November mayoral election edges closer, the Democratic congressional leaders appear to be in no hurry to embrace the progressive Mamdani, whose pro-Palestinian stance and plans to fund his affordability agenda by boosting taxes have made him a lightning rod for criticism from national Republicans and a number of moderate Democrats.

They are probably weighing the potential blowback from swing districts nationally from the perceptions of progressive politics, said Basil Smikle, a Columbia University professor and Democratic strategist.

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Gov. Kathy Hochul, facing a re-election campaign of her own, has likewise kept her distance from Mamdani.

A source close to Jeffries conceded that he is laser-focused on flipping the House, which could act as the firewall against Trump if Democrats win and install him as House Speaker. But they disputed the idea that any possible Jeffries endorsement of Mamdani would boost Republicans in suburban or heartland swing districts where the midterms will be won or lost.

Theyre always going to have a bogeyman. If its not Zohran its (Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez). If its not AOC its Nancy Pelosi, the source said. At the end of the day, people in Omaha, Nebraska, or Des Moines, Iowa, are worried about their own families and their hometowns, not whos going to be mayor of New York.

Most recently. Jeffries declined to appear in public after holding a second constructive meeting with Mamdani since the youthful Queens assemblymans emphatic Democratic mayoral primary win, this one behind closed doors at a Black church in Brooklyn last Tuesday.

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Rep. Yvette Clarke, an ally of Jeffries from Flatbush, also attended the meeting along with several Black clergy. She was just as tight-lipped about a potential endorsement.

Both Jeffries, the House minority leader, and Mamdanis campaign insist there is no rift between the two men and say that the meetings are designed to build common ground.

Mamdani trounced ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Jeffries own Brooklyn district on his way to an impressive primary win. His dynamic style has energized Democratic voters and won the enthusiastic backing of liberal party stalwarts like ex-Mayor Bill De Blasio and city Comptroller Brad Lander. But Mamdani underperformed citywide among older Black voters, a key Democratic constituency.

Eye on midterms

Jeffries himself has framed his involvement in the mayoral race as a process that is unfolding at the same time as he barnstorms the nation looking for an edge in the high-stakes battle with Republicans over redistricting and the midterms.

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Democrats only need to flip about a half-dozen seats to retake the House, although Trumps push to redraw districts in Texas and other red states could make that task tougher. Democrats may respond in California and other blue states.

The Brooklyn lawmaker recently suggested that he isnt considering any other candidate for mayor, like Cuomo or incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, both of whom are running as independents.

What I can say is: Hes the only one Im scheduled to meet with, Jeffries said on a recent episode of the Bulwark podcast.

Schumer has taken a similar tack with Mamdani since the primary, praising him in statements but avoiding any public appearances together or making a formal endorsement.

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A spokesman for the Senate minority leader once said the men hoped to meet in Brooklyn during the August recess. Last week, the spokesman said a face-to-face meeting could take place soon after Labor Day.

Schumer and Mamdani have spoken over the phone several times over the summer, the spokesman said, suggesting the two leaders are on good terms despite differences on some issues and the lack of an endorsement and public embrace.

A source familiar with Schumers thinking said the Senate leader has trained nearly all his energy on recruiting solid candidates for swing state races in the midterms, including North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and ex-Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio.

The thing Chuck is really judged by is who he recruits and can they win, the source said.

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Democrats would need to flip four Republican-held seats to retake the Senate and return Schumer to the majority leaders post, a very daunting task that would involve grabbing swing seats in North Carolina and Maine and scoring upsets on red turf like Iowa, Texas or Ohio.

The national Democratic leaders, who live just a few subway stops apart in Brooklyn, may be treading cautiously to avoid giving potential campaign ammunition to Republicans, political analysts say.

Trump has denounced Mamdani as a communist and worse, while other GOP lawmakers have sought to link Democratic rivals to Mamdanis leftist policy positions.

Some suburban moderate Democrats, like Long Islands Rep. Tom Suozzi and Rep. Laura Gillen, have signaled they wont back Mamdani even though hes the partys standard bearer for Gracie Mansion and leads in polls.

To Jeffries, keeping the party brand moderate enough in the suburbs to, say, defeat (Rep. Mike Lawler) or make sure Suozzi holds on, is probably taking priority, said J. Miles Coleman, a University of Virginia political analyst.
NEW YORK  Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer are still keeping Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani at arms length as they focus on the 2026 midterm elections amid the hope Democrats can retake Congress and stop President Donald Trumps right-wing agenda in its tracks.

As the November mayoral election edges closer, the Democratic congressional leaders appear to be in no hurry to embrace the progressive Mamdani, whose pro-Palestinian stance and plans to fund his affordability agenda by boosting taxes have made him a lightning rod for criticism from national Republicans and a number of moderate Democrats.

They are probably weighing the potential blowback from swing districts nationally from the perceptions of progressive politics, said Basil Smikle, a Columbia University professor and Democratic strategist.

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Gov. Kathy Hochul, facing a reelection campaign of her own, has likewise kept her distance from Mamdani.

A source close to Jeffries conceded that he is laser-focused on flipping the House, which could act as the firewall against Trump if Democrats win and install him as House Speaker. But they disputed the idea that any possible Jeffries endorsement of Mamdani would boost Republicans in suburban or heartland swing districts where the midterms will be won or lost.

Theyre always going to have a bogeyman. If its not Zohran its (Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez). If its not AOC its Nancy Pelosi, the source said. At the end of the day, people in Omaha, Nebraska, or Des Moines, Iowa, are worried about their own families and their hometowns, not whos going to be mayor of New York.

Most recently. Jeffries declined to appear in public with together after holding a second constructive meeting with Mamdani since the youthful Queens assemblymans emphatic Democratic mayoral primary win, this one behind closed doors at a Black church in Brooklyn last Tuesday.

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Rep. Yvette Clarke, an ally of Jeffries from Flatbush, also attended the meeting along with several Black clergy. She was just as tight-lipped about a potential endorsement.

Both Jeffries, the House minority leader, and Mamdanis campaign insist there is no rift between the two men and say that the meetings are designed to build common ground.

Mamdani trounced ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Jeffries own Brooklyn district on his way to an impressive primary win. His dynamic style has energized Democratic voters and won the enthusiastic backing of liberal party stalwarts like ex-Mayor Bill De Blasio and city Comptroller Brad Lander. But Mamdani underperformed citywide among older Black voters, a key Democratic constituency.

Eye on midterms

Jeffries himself has framed his involvement in the mayoral race as a process that is unfolding at the same time as he barnstorms the nation looking for an edge in the high-stakes battle with Republicans over redistricting and the midterms.

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Democrats only need to flip about a half-dozen seats to retake the House, although Trumps push to redraw districts in Texas and other red states could make that task tougher. Democrats may respond in California and other blue states.

The Brooklyn lawmaker recently suggested that he isnt considering any other candidate for mayor, like Cuomo or incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, both of whom are running as independents.

What I can say is: Hes the only one Im scheduled to meet with, Jeffries said on a recent episode of "The Bulwark Podcast."

Schumer has taken a similar tack with Mamdani since the primary, praising him in statements but avoiding any public appearances together or making a formal endorsement.

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A spokesman for the Senate minority leader once said the men hoped to meet in Brooklyn during the August recess. Last week, the spokesman said a face-to-face meeting could take place soon after Labor Day.

Schumer and Mamdani have spoken over the phone several times over the summer, the spokesman said, suggesting the two leaders are on good terms despite differences on some issues and the lack of an endorsement and public embrace.

A source familiar with Schumers thinking said the Senate leader has trained nearly all his energy on recruiting solid candidates for swing state races in the midterms, including North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and ex-Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio.

The thing Chuck is really judged by is who he recruits and can they win, the source said.

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Democrats would need to flip four Republican-held seats to retake the Senate and return Schumer to the majority leaders post, a very daunting task that would involve grabbing swing seats in North Carolina and Maine and scoring upsets on red turf like Iowa, Texas or Ohio.

The national Democratic leaders, who live just a few subway stops apart in Brooklyn, may be treading cautiously to avoid giving potential campaign ammunition to Republicans, political analysts say.

Trump has denounced Mamdani as a communist and worse, while other GOP lawmakers have sought to link Democratic rivals to Mamdanis leftist policy positions.

Some suburban moderate Democrats, like Long Islands Rep. Tom Suozzi and Rep. Laura Gillen, have signaled they wont back Mamdani even though hes the partys standard-bearer for Gracie Mansion and leads in polls.

To Jeffries, keeping the party brand moderate enough in the suburbs to, say, defeat (Rep. Mike Lawler) or make sure Suozzi holds on, is probably taking priority, said J. Miles Coleman, a University of Virginia political analyst.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  On Friday, House Speaker Mike Johnsons office provided previews from appearances on upcoming Sunday morning political shows, and in one of the clips makes a dig at local authorities for not taking a stance on crime that is tough enough to avoid federal intervention.

Johnsons appearance on CNN News Central raised eyebrows as he was asked about an upcoming crime bill that President Donald Trump said the Speaker and Senator John Thune from South Dakota would be introducing. He acknowledged that when lawmakers reconvene in September, GOP leaders will put a comprehensive crime bill up for consideration.

While citing non-specific crime waves and juvenile crime, Johnson said, Sometimes local governance does not do the job, and the oversight in D.C. is long overdue.

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California Gov. Newsom calls out Trump, Johnson over Shreveport homicide rate

The conversation turned to Shreveport, which garnered national attention after California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the citys crime ratestating that Shreveport, which is covered in a portion of the speakers district, had a higher per capita murder rate than San Francisco.

When Johnson was asked if or when National Guard troops would be sent into Shreveport, similarly to their occupation of Washington, D.C., the response was aimed at a particular local elected official.

Theres a lot of good work thats been done, theres a lot of reasons for that. But we have a Democrat DA there who has not been prosecuting crime as some more aggressive DAs have done around the country. Soros funded that individual to be elected, Johnson said.

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Spooky Soros aside, it was a slight no one saw coming.

Especially days after Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who has never been painted as a bleeding-heart crime softy, took a moment during a statewide news conference to say the following about the Democrat DA in question, Im being honest with yall, Im giving kudos out to the district attorney up in Shreveport. Hes asking for some more warrants. I think this year we will start to look at awarding those district attorneys who are getting serious about prosecuting crime and putting people behind bars, and get them the resources necessary.

Gov Landry praises Caddo DA in announcement to provide more funding to DAs offices statewide

What is more interesting is that on the heels of Johnsons dig, the Caddo Parish District Attorneys Office shared news that a teen accused of a heinous crime in 2024 was found guilty of manslaughter in juvenile court. The DA specified that the teens age, 14, at the time of the crime, prevented him from being transferred to adult court; otherwise, he would have been tried as an adult. Indictments and convictions with lengthy sentences for violent offenders, repeat offenders, and those who commit sexual crimes come from the DAs office regularly.

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This doesnt include aggressive crime-fighting measures taken by the Shreveport Police Department, such as the use of drones and the Real-Time Crime Center, which play a significant role in successful prosecutions.

Governor Jeff Landry is not handing out political lollipops to seem cool. He could have easily heaped his praise on one of the states many Republican district attorneys, J. Schuyler Marvin, who represents neighboring Bossier and Webster, two parishes with significantly lower crime rates. Instead, he commended the work of DA Stewart in a moment when it may have been more politically on-message to denigrate the City of Shreveport. But in a moment of earnest, the governor did what Speaker Johnson refused to do: acknowledge facts.

Landry ran on a tough-on-crime platform, and his first act as governor was to call a special session, which enhanced penalties, lengthened sentences, and repealed key provisions of former Governor John Bel Edwards signature crime legislation, including the lowering of the age at which juveniles could be prosecuted as adults. Landry also established a new division within the Louisiana State Police, known as Troop NOLA.

To many in the fan stands, this is just politics as usual. However, Governor Newsoms decision to adopt a less conventional approach appears to have caught the Speaker off guard, putting Speaker Johnsons rhetoric and the governors understanding of the states reality at odds.

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Teen found guilty of manslaughter for murder of Troy Ducote on Boone St. in Shreveport

Law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Shreveport Police Department and the Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office, share crime reporting data, which can be submitted via the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). That data is then aggregated by the FBI and shared for transparency, to inform policy, and for research purposes. The 2024 FBI NIBRS crime data is available to view via an interactive map on their website.

The KTAL News Digital awaits a response for an interview request with the Caddo Parish District Attorneys Office.

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JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  Rick Fetzer, a Greater Johnstown Masonic Lodge No. 538 member, said it was almost indescribable to learn that the Masonic Conference and Event Center in Johnstown has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

You feel proud, he said.

You feel that all the time and effort that was put into this was worthwhile.

Lodge members were joined by members of Cambria Lodge No. 278, which also meets at the 130 Valley Pike building, in applying for the designation in the summer of 2024.

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Roughly a year later, Aug. 13, the groups were notified their application was accepted.

The purpose of the register is to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect Americas historic and archeological resources, according to the National Park Service, which curates the list.

To say ecstatic, thats an understatement, Masonic Temple Association President and Lodge No. 538 member Shawn Stiffler said.

He and Fetzer said the recognition provides the Masons with opportunities to further preserve the building that dates to the 1930s.

The land on Valley Pike was purchased from the Conrad Suppes family in 1923 and architectural designs were provided by J.C. Fulton and Sons, but the cornerstone wasnt laid until 1931.

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Wilson Construction Co. provided general construction services at a cost of $195,000 and the first meeting was held there Dec. 6, 1934.

Since then, the three-story building has never undergone any significant reconstruction, according to members, who said they believe that worked to their advantage.

The 11,000-square-foot structures exterior prominently draws from Art Deco styling, which continues on the inside. Other interior influences include Byzantine, Egyptian, Renaissance and Romanesque designs.

For this area, Stiffler said, it is a very, extremely treasured piece.

The Masonic Temple is a local landmark that has withstood two floods and held countless lodge meetings that included thousands of influential regional men throughout its history.

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At one time, the building housed Lodges No. 538, No. 278, Conemaugh Valley No. 692 and Sunnehanna No. 742.

Throughout the years, the Greater Johnstown chapter, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2025, absorbed the Conemaugh Valley and Sunnehanna lodges.

Since then, the Masonic Temple has expanded its operations and now hosts conventions, weddings, proms and more within its halls. Those efforts and the history of the structure are what led the Masons to apply for the register, Fetzer said.

The groups worked on the application with Scott Heberling, president and senior historical archaeologist at Huntingdon County-headquartered Heberling Associates Inc., and both Stiffler and Fetzer lauded his work.

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We picked the right guy, Fetzer said.

With the national recognition secured, the Johnstown Masonic Temple joins six others in Pennsylvania on the register  the Erie Masonic Temple, the Masonic Temple in Chambersburg, the Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral in Scranton, the Allentown Masonic Temple and Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275 in Latrobe.

Additionally, there are 32 historic buildings, neighborhoods, bridges and places in Cambria County on the national register that the temple now joins.

They include the former Nathans Department Store on the 400 block of Main Street in downtown Johnstown; Grandview Cemetery in Southmont; First Cambria AME Zion Church in the Kernville section of Johnstown; the Eliza Furnace in Vintondale; the old Cambria County Jail in Ebensburg; and more.

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Stiffler said the goal of gaining the national recognition was to preserve the historic Masonic building. Earning this honor allows the group to apply for grants that previously werent available to help maintain the structure.

For example, the nearly 100-year-old building needs roof repairs, Stiffler said.
(Texas Scorecard)  Judge Melissa Andrews of Texas Business Court has remanded a high-profile lawsuit involving the alleged rigging of the Texas Lottery back to a Travis County district court. The ruling follows the plaintiffs decision to drop certain allegations that had triggered the Business Court to assert jurisdiction.

The controversy surrounding the jackpot in question led Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to describe the Texas Lottery as probably the biggest money laundering scheme in the country.

The Reed v. Rook TX lawsuit arose from Jerry Reeds $7.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot in May 2023. One month prior, Rook TXa New Jersey-based companyclaimed a $95 million jackpot after allegedly misrepresenting its date of formation in violation of Texas law.

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Not only is Reeds legal team asserting that he is entitled to the $95 million, but it is simultaneously attempting to expose a potential money laundering scheme.

On Monday, Judge Andrews ordered the case be sent back down to the 353rd District Court. In her opinion, she explained how the case ended up in her Court to begin with.

Although this is not the kind of case one might typically expect to find in the Business Court, Reed (perhaps unintentionally) pleaded his way into this Courts jurisdiction by alleging claims regarding the Rook defendants governance, governing documents, and internal affairs, Judge Andrews wrote in the opinion.

According to state law, such cases fall within the Business Courts jurisdiction.

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Rook had removed the case to the Third Business Court Division by filing a notice of removal. Reed subsequently filed a motion to remand the case back to the district court, but was denied.

Manfred SternbergReeds attorneytold Texas Scorecard that he did not want this case heard in Business Court because it is a newly created court of limited jurisdiction and its jurisdiction over the subject matter is not clear.

On August 5, Reed released his fourth amended petition, which omits his previous allegations related to Rook TXs formation date, whether the Rook defendants were created for an improper purpose, and piercing the corporate veil.

Because Reed removed the parts of the complaint that had originally allowed the Business Court to assert jurisdiction, there was no longer a justification for Judge Andrews to deny Reeds motion to remand.

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Now, although later events generally do not divest a court of jurisdiction once properly acquired, Reed has successfully pleaded his way out of this Courts jurisdiction by removing all such claims from his pleadings, wrote Judge Andrews.

This case has proved itself the exception to the rule in many instances, but it exemplifies at least one: the plaintiff is the master of the complaint, she stated.

Sternberg praised Judge Andrews for her well-reasoned written opinion and couched the ruling as a move in the right direction.

The decision is a win for those who are skeptical of the Business Courts intentions and Judge Andrews earlier ruling in the case.

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In July, Judge Andrews refused to expose hidden corporate interests behind Rook TXs alleged lottery rigging scheme.

Following Texas Scorecards reporting on the matter, Judge Andrews reversed her decision in August, ordering Rook TX members and partners to be disclosed to the Court but protected from public view.

Rook TX did not respond to Texas Scorecards request for comment in time for publication.

If you or anyone you know has information regarding judicial malfeasance, please contact our tip line: scorecardtips@protonmail.com.
(FOX40.COM)  On August 21, a Placer County Superior Court judge ordered that a Sexually Violent predator be conditionally released into Placer County, despite the District Attorneys objection.

Video Above: CA Sex Offender Registry might not tell you if someone was previously convicted of a sex offense

In 2010, Gregory Ding was convicted of a Lewd and Lascivious Act on a Child Under 14 and for an Attempted Lewd and Lascivious Act on a Child Under 14, as well as Indecent Exposure, according to the Placer County District Attorneys Office.

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SPD make multiple firearms and drug arrests in ongoing investigation

After serving six years in prison, Ding was committed to the Department of State Hospitals due to the law that requires DSH to treat and rehabilitate sexually violent offenders to re-enter the community.

After a psychologist from the DSH reported that Ding met statutory requirements for rehabilitation, a Placer County Superior Court judge reviewed the case to determine whether release is appropriate. The judge found that Ding is no longer a risk to the community if supervised, according to officials.

According to officials, the District Attorneys office opposed the judges approval of release and claims Ding should remain in DSH for treatment.

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Authorities said that a contested hearing occurred as Dings treatment team argued he could be safely treated in the community. The Court agreed and authorized conditional release for Ding.

The DHS is now tasked with finding housing for Ding, the district attorneys office said. This process is now subject to public review and feedback.

A public hearing will be held Sept. 22 at 8:30 a.m. at Placer County Superior Court for Ding, officials said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
A federal judge on Friday blocked a Trump administration effort to expand fast-track deportations throughout the U.S. under a process known as expedited removal, indicating that officials are trampling on migrants' due process through the policy's expansion.

While it will almost certainly be appealed, Friday's order is a major setback for the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts, including its campaign to arrest asylum-seekers at immigration courthouses across the U.S.  an operation that has relied on the expansion of expedited removal.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb paused a January directive that had expanded the expedited removal policy  long limited to border areas and recent arrivals  to anywhere in the country and to those who arrived in the past two years.

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Expedited removal allows federal immigration officials to quickly deport certain migrants, without allowing them to see an immigration judge, unless they claim asylum and pass an interview with a U.S. asylum officer. Before President Trump took office for a second time, the fast-track deportations only applied to unauthorized migrants apprehended within 100 miles of an international border and who had been in the U.S. for less than two weeks.

Cobb said the pro-immigrant advocates who challenged the legality of the nationwide expansion of expedited removal had made a "strong showing" that the effort "violates the due process rights of those it affects."

"In so holding, the Court does not cast doubt on the constitutionality of the expedited removal statute, nor on its longstanding application at the border," Cobb wrote in her opinion. "It merely holds that in applying the statute to a huge group of people living in the interior of the country who have not previously been subject to expedited removal, the Government must afford them due process. The procedures currently in place fall short."

Cobb indefinitely postponed the January expansion of expedited removal, and guidance issued to implement it.

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In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said Friday's ruling "ignores the President's clear authorities under both Article II of the Constitution and the plain language of federal law."

"DHS is exercising its full authority under federal law by placing illegal aliens who have been here for less than two years into expedited removal," the department added. "President Trump has a mandate to arrest and deport the worst of the worst. We have the law, facts, and common sense on our side."

Saturday Sessions: Waylon Wyatt performs "Arkansas Diamond"

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SHREVE{PORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A teen was sentenced to manslaughter for a 2024 slaying in Caddo Juvenile Court.

The Caddo Parish District Attorneys Office announced the conviction of Anthony Brown, Jr., 15, on Friday, August 29, 2025, one year after the incident.

Brown was found responsively guilty by Caddo Parish Juvenile Judge Justin Courtney for the August 16, 2024, murder of Troy Ducote, 35, in the 3000 block of Boone Street in Shreveport. Investigators with the Shreveport Police Department stated that Ducote and a group of teens were involved in a dispute. The teens taunted him and threw rocks at him.

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Teen arrested for fatal shooting at vape shop on N. Market St

An adult neighbor who witnessed the incident testified at trial that he saw Brown fire a handgun in Ducotes direction as he attempted to flee the conflict. He was shot in the back and was found by neighbors, deceased.

Brown was arrested shortly after.

Because he was 14 at the time of the slaying, the Caddo District Attorney James Stewart could not use his discretion to move Browns case to District Court for prosecution. However, the office said they attempted to use a rare provision of Louisiana law to try Brown as an adult for second-degree murder but were denied by the court at a hearing.

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The teen will return to juvenile court for sentencing on September 29, 2025, and was remanded to the juvenile detention center.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
A federal judge on Friday temporarily barred the Trump administration from expediting deportations amid President Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration.

U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruled that the administrations moves to speed up the removal of undocumented migrants without appearing before a judge stood in the way of individual due process rights.

In defending this skimpy process, the Government makes a truly startling argument: that those who entered the country illegally are entitled to no process under the Fifth Amendment, but instead must accept whatever grace Congress affords them, Cobb wrote. Were that right, not only noncitizens, but everyone would be at risk,

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She continued in the 48-page opinion, The Government could accuse you of entering unlawfully, relegate you to a bare-bones proceeding where it would prove your unlawful entry, and then immediately remove you.

By merely accusing you of entering unlawfully, the Government would deprive you

of any meaningful opportunity to disprove its allegations, she added. Fortunately, that is not the law.

Trump, who vowed on the campaign trail to conduct mass deportations, has focused much of his immigration agenda on targeting long-standing programs that provide migrants lawful pathways to citizenship. On his first day back in the Oval Office, the president signed a flurry of executive orders that restricted immigration and boosted border security.

In the months since, the administration has leaned heavily into promoting self-deportation, funding more Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across the U.S. and expediting deportation flights under a provision in the Alien Enemies Act. The moves have sparked controversy, criticism and legal battles.

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) earlier this year also expanded its use of the expedited removal process, which gives the administration the authority to fast-track deportations for undocumented migrants who have been in the U.S. under two years.

Cobb, appointed by former President Biden in 2021, said her decision was based on the lack of due process  but did not cast doubt on the constitutionality or application of the expedited removal process.

It merely holds that in applying the statute to a huge group of people living in the interior of the country who have not previously been subject to expedited removal, the Government must afford them due process, she wrote in the opinion. The procedures currently in place fall short.

The judge added later that prioritizing speed over all else will inevitably lead the Government to erroneously remove people via this truncated process.

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The latest ruling comes less than a month after Cobb agreed to temporarily block the administrations plans to fast-track the removal of undocumented migrants who entered the U.S. legally under the Biden-era process called humanitarian parole  which was started to ease pressure at the border.

DHS on Saturday denounced Cobbs decision, signaling the administrations

This activist judges ruling ignores the Presidents clear authorities under both Article II of the Constitution and the plain language of federal law, a DHS official told The Hill in a statement. The previous administration facilitated an invasion of our country at the southern border.

DHS is exercising its full authority under federal law by placing illegal aliens who have been here for less than two years into expedited removal, the official continued. President Trump has a mandate to arrest and deport the worst of the worst. We have the law, facts, and common sense on our side.

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FAIRMONT  The end is in sight for the Ryan Lane murder trial after the end of testimony and closing arguments on Friday.

Lane is on trial for allegedly forwarding a criminal conspiracy as the president of the Central Chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club to kill Henry Silver for engaging in an affair with the girlfriend of one of the club members. Five men who were members of the Pagans have been charged for Silvers death, which occurred in Carolina in 2022. Lane was charged as the sixth man to bear responsibility for the murder. Elgine McArdle, Lanes attorney, argued no criminal conspiracy took place and that Lane himself was not directly connected to the murder. According to the defense, Lane wasnt even present the night of Silvers murder.

The two week period of testimony was a war of attrition between Marion County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sean Murphy and McArdle. Murphys goal was to keep the jurys attention focused on the evidence, which he used to characterize the Central Chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club as a violent criminal organization and emphasized evidence showing Lane knew about Silvers affair. McArdle sought to knock out each of the pins Murphy set up to support his narrative.

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McArdle faced frustration the day before when last minute witness withdrawals, combined with opposition from Murphy, precluded her from questioning four of her intended witnesses. On top of that, a key witness for the defense, Austin Mullins, refused to testify or even be sworn in. However, McArdle was able to introduce Mullins testimony to the jury after Marion County Circuit Court Judge Patrick Wilson allowed transcripts from Mullins trial be read at trial.

Mullins testimony was important to the defense because during his trial, Mullins confessed to shooting Silver the night of the killing. He denied Lane had anything to do with it. The defense relied on Mullins testimony to challenge the prosecutions notion that any conspiracy had taken place, and instead recast the shooting as an outcome of poor decisions on Mullins part.

The jury also heard Mullins cross examination. In his cross, Murphy challenged Mullins version of events. Murphy teased out contradictions in Mullins testimony, zeroing in on whether or not Mullins had a history of violence and drug use. Murphy indicated Mullins had been in fights before, despite testifying he wasnt violent. Mullins replied thats just what happens in jail. Murphy also asked Mullins about a pipe found in a drawer by police. Murphy characterized the pipe as a meth pipe, while Mullins argued it was an oil burner for aromatics. Mullins urged Murphy to test the pipe if he didnt believe him. The record of the cross examination indicated Murphy looked for any opening to challenge Mullins credibility. He also asked Mullins about the murder weapon, which Mullins said he tossed into the forest somewhere.

Murphy also asked about the code the Pagans Motorcycle Club lives by, which advocates for violent retribution against anyone who crosses a club member. However, Mullins said adherence to the code is situational, and after he shot Silver, other Pagans shunned him because they didnt want to be caught up in the crime. Significantly, Mullins threatened a key theory of the prosecution. The prosecution alleged Silvers death was sanctioned at a meeting of the Pagans earlier that day. However, Mullins testified the purpose of the meeting was to discuss some property stolen by one of the Pagans support clubs. The issue of the affair was not the purpose of the meeting.

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Closing arguments began after the transcripts were read.

Murphys argument boiled down to, theyve shown you who they are, believe them. He relied on evidence shown throughout the trial, displaying photos, texts and items seized with the use of several search warrants. Murphy argued Lanes own Pagans denim vest, his cut, showed Lanes buy-in to the groups glorification of violence. Murphy pointed to several patches which glorified violence in some way, including a patch of the SS, the German paramilitary unit from WWII which was guilty of war crimes and genocide.

This man walked in with the presumption of innocence, Murphy said. That has been stripped away and this man has been laid bare.

Murphy urged the jury to not be fooled by the defenses arguments. He pointed to Mullins behavior as indicative of the disrespect the club has for society at large.

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Murphy urged jurors to see what was plainly in front of them when they went to deliberate. He argued that there was enough evidence to put Lane in the vicinity of the crime. He said a group of texts showed Lane knew about the affair and some of Lanes responses pointed to the promotion of a crime.

In her closing argument, McArdle said the state has a higher burden of proof than to simply allege a connection exists. It has to prove Lane committed the qualifying offenses hes charged with beyond a reasonable doubt. Implication alone does not meet that criteria. McArdle brought up testimony and evidence that contradicted the states case, such as Det. Matthew Pigott testifying no witness intimidation had ever taken place on any Pagans related case he had investigated. Murphy tried to connect Lane to several other crimes the Pagans were a part of throughout the years but McArdle showed Lane wasnt even president of the club when those happened.

She also pointed out Lane only became the No. 2 Pagan in the state after his high ranking brother died in an accident, and at the time the Central Chapter was in the process of adopting a new constitution that moved the club away from a culture of violence. She also pointed out the man who was aggrieved over the affair, John Wolfe, didnt reach out to Lane the night of the murder, but to Derek Clem, another Pagan. While the prosecution argued a plan was in place to kill Silver, McArdle pointed out plans require prior knowledge and no one but one person, who wasnt a Pagan, knew Silver was going to be where he was.

McArdle suggested the other five men who were accused of the murder may have acted on their own. She said it was an accident waiting to happen, not murder. She said that organizations have bad apples, but that doesnt mean the whole organization is bad. She also pointed out an individual isnt necessarily defined by the organization they belong to.

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The Pagan Nation is not Ryan Lane, she said. The prosecution keeps using they. Who is they? We dont convict they, we convict individuals.

The jury entered deliberations around 4:30 p.m., but could not reach a verdict when they broke for the weekend around 7 p.m. The jury returns Tuesday to finish deliberations.
SIU to host 2025 Star Party, other astronomical viewing events

by Kim Rendfeld

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Southern Illinois University Carbondales festive annual Star Party will appeal to all ages, from children interested in STEM to adults fascinated by celestial wonders.

In cooperation with the Adler Planetarium and the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois, the free annual Southern Illinois Star Party will be from 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. It will include guided telescope observations and astronomy and science activities at the SIU University Farms Astronomy Observation Area, 2 miles west of the main campus in a semi-dark area that offers good views of the night sky.

Bob Baer, associate scientist in the School of Physics and Applied Physics, said the Star Party and other events help fulfil SIUs community service and education missions. Several nighttime and solar telescopes operated by amateur astronomers and SIU faculty, staff and students will be available to the public.

This event is the one time each year that we bring out all of our best telescopes to share with the public and provide activities and programming throughout the evening for visitors, he said. We have all seen impressive pictures of the moon, Saturn and deep sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy, but seeing them with your own eyes through a big telescope is a totally different experience. Its something most people never forget and something that can really feed the curiosity of kids interested in space. I hope that people walk away from the evening with great memories and that we inspire some of the youth who visit to learn more about astronomy and space.

Highlights for the 2025 event include Saturn and Neptune and the crescent moon.

This year, Saturn and Neptune are at opposition, making them appear brighter and larger than any other time of the year, Baer said. This is a great time to see Saturn, its rings and its larger moons. Because of the distance Neptune is from us, it will appear as a tiny blue-grey dot. Viewing of the moon that evening will also be spectacular as shadows highlight the depth of craters on the lunar surface.

The Star Party will also include educational presentations on an inflatable screen after sunset.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets as well as photography or telescope equipment to the Star Party. Free shuttles will run from SIU Parking Lot 63 at the corner of Oakland and Chautauqua streets throughout the evening. Parking at the observation site is very limited and available by permit only.

For disability accommodations, call 618-453-5738. Disabled visitors or those bringing telescope equipment that would be difficult to transport by shuttle may contact events@siu.edu or call SIU Events and Outreach at 618-453-7424 for a free onsite parking permit.

Other partners for the event include SolarSTEAM, Straight Up Solar and Lookin Up Optics.

For more information about the Star Party, visit eclipse.siu.edu/southern-illinois-star-party. People who cant make it to the Star Party in person are welcome to attend online at solarsteam.siu.edu.

In addition to the Star Party, regular observations are held on the Astronomy Observation Deck on the roof of the A-wing at the Neckers building. Follow signs from Neckers 456 up the southwest stairs.

Here are this years regular observation times:

Saturday, Oct. 4, 8:30-10 p.m.  significant visible objects include Saturn, the moon, M57 (Ring Nebula) and M13 (Hercules Globular Cluster).

Sunday, Nov. 16, 9-10:30 p.m.  significant visible objects include Saturn, Jupiter, M42 (Great Orion Nebula) and M31 (the Andromeda Galaxy).

All observation events are weather-permitting, with space limited. For details, go to eclipse.siu.edu/public-astronomy-observations or email physics@siu.edu.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The case of a 24-year-old Burkburnett man charged with aggravated assault of a child has reached a verdict.

Evan Cantrell is facing up to life in prison after a Wichita County jury found him guilty Thursday, deliberating for hours until returning a verdict just before 6:30 pm on August 28.

The jury was back in the courtroom to determine a sentence for Cantrell.

The punishment phase began at around 9 a.m. on August 29, and the jury began deliberating on a punishment later that day before 4:30 pm.

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District court officials say the jury will continue deliberating until a sentence is imposed.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
The U.S. Forest Service today posted notice of its intention to roll back significant protections on some 45 million acres of mid-elevation forestland, and will accept public comments through Sept. 19 to gauge Americans appetite for the change.

Specifically, the Trump administration plans to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, proposed by the Clinton administration and enacted under the George Bush administration, that generally prohibits new road construction on millions of acres of U.S. Forest Service land. The rule was adopted after hundreds of public meetings and 1.6 million public comments, 95 percent of which supported the roadless protections as a tool to conserve wildlife habitat, improve watershed health, and importantly, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires on Americas public timberlands.

This last consideration has become a point of contention in the Trump administrations proposal. In announcing plans to rescind the Roadless Rule, Forest Service Chief Tom Schulz stressed that the Forest Services inability to develop new roads has contributed to wildfire risk.

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For nearly 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 in a statement. 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.

But numerous studies have linked roads with the origin point of wildfires. A National Institutes of Health study indicates that 78 percent of human-caused fires on National Forest lands start within a half-mile of a road.

Trout Unlimited, which this week published an interactive map of the 45 million acres of public forestland that could be open to road development, noted that active forest management, including reduction of hazardous fuels to reduce fire risk, has taken place on two million acres of inventoried roadless areas (visit TUs action alert page here).

This includes 14 percent of all hazardous fuels treatments on National Forest lands in 12 Western states, says TUs Public Land Policy Director Corey Fisher. In Montana alone, there have been 188,000 acres of hazardous fuels treatments conducted in Roadless Areas. This represents 20 percent of all hazardous fuels treatments during this time frame.

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But in its Federal Register filing, the Trump administration noted that between 1984 and 2024, 13 percent of designated roadless areas experienced high or moderate severity wildfire.

The occurrence of moderate- to high-severity fire in inventoried roadless areas has increased in recent decades, especially since 2000. Currently, 40 percent of lands within inventoried roadless areas have a high or very high wildfire hazard potential, ranging from 5 percent in the Eastern Region to 60 percent in California.

The 45 million acres that would be affected by the Roadless Rule rescission include some 9.3 million in Alaskas Tongass National Forest. Forest Service land in both Idaho (9.3 million acres) and Colorado (4.2 million acres) is exempt from the rescission because those states developed their own roadless rules separate from the Bush administration rules.

Roads a Political Signal

Hotshots take a break fighting fires. Wildfire prevention is an argument being made both in favor of keeping the Roadless Rule, and for revoking it. Photo by Cecilio Ricardo / USFS

If both advocates of roadless areas and those who want a return to more industrialized timberlands use the risk of fire starts to justify their positions on road development, the polarization of roads extends to broader expectations of our national forests.

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Enviornmentalists stress the ecological benefits of intact habitats not fractured by roads. The roadless designation serves their broader aim to increase, or at least maintain, the number of acres that fall between federally designated wilderness and fully multi-purpose working lands.

Meanwhile, road advocates recognize the value of roads to open forests to industrial logging, which they hope will rejuvenate rural Western communities and achieve one of the overlooked requirements of the 2026 federal budget and the Trump administration: To increase logging by some 25 percent on public lands and require the Forest Service to enter into 20-year contracts with timber harvesters.

In the middle are hunters and anglers who recognize that the mid-elevation Forest Service lands teetering in the balance are productive big-game habitats and support fishy streams. They also have just enough existing roads to provide access without carving up National Forests into timbered subdivisions.

From a hunting and angling perspective the Roadless Rule [rollback] is problematic because the mid-elevation forestlands that are targeted for the rescission are the very ones where most of us hunt and fish, says the leader of a conservation group who asked not to be named because he feared criticizing the administration could result in lack of political access to decision-makers. One of the factors that have made these lands so productive for wildlife is that there arent roads all over the place. Study after study indicates that fragmented habitat reduces security for big game like elk, mule deer, moose, and bighorn sheep.

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Trout Unlimited this week published a report linking the impacts of roads on mountain streams.

The Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership database indicates that 1 of every 4 assessed road-stream crossings on U.S. Forest Service lands in the Western states are rated as Severe, Significant, or Moderate fish passage barriers, according to the TU report. Meanwhile, the Forest Service has an $8 billion maintenance backlog on its existing infrastructure, including the estimated 386,000 miles of road in the national forest network.

Loading a USFS truck with timber. The Trump administration has mandated increased timber harvest. Photo by Cecilio Ricardo / USFS

While U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the department that oversees the Forest Service welcomes public comments on the rollback of the Roadless Rule, the proposal enjoys wide Republican support, including from members of the new Congressional Public Land Coalition that was formed this summer to fight Republican attempts to sell wide swaths of public land in order to balance the federal budget.

The rescission of the outdated Roadless Rule is a victory for Montana, public lands, and forest management everywhere, said Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke (R) in a Republican Party press release supporting the rescission. As Ive long maintained, one of the biggest obstacles to proper forest management and wildfire prevention has been unnecessary and overbearing regulations like this one. If you cant build a road, you cant fight fires, you cant cut trees, and you cant properly take care of our national heritage held in our public lands.

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But conservation leaders note that, just as lawmakers are promoting the idea of local control and decision-making, the Forest Service is consolidating its regional offices and moving nearly all personnel to regional hubs. In Montana, for instance, the Region 1 office that administered much of the Northern Rockies National Forestland, will be relocated to Salt Lake City.

Meanwhile, conservation leaders stress that the 2001 Roadless Rule didnt restrict roads  only the construction of new ones.

In its interactive map, Trout Unlimited notes that lands covered by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule are typically open to hunting, fishing, OHV riding, firewood cutting, grazing, hazardous fuels reduction, camping, and mining  just to name a few uses.

Comment Before September 19

Now that the rescission proposal has been published in the Federal Register, a 21-day clock starts for public comments.

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Public comments will be considered during the development of the draft environmental impact statement and additional opportunities to comment will occur as the rulemaking process continues, the Trump administration noted in its Federal Register publication.

Read Next: Mike Lees Public Land Sale Plan Is Dead Thanks to Comments from Hunters and Anglers

The Department of Agriculture has indicated the draft EIS is expected by March 2026. The final rule and record of decision are expected to be released in late 2026. You can find the entire draft proposal and periodic updates here.

A number of conservation groups have provided portals to both collect and distribute comments to the appropriate administration recipients.
A government watchdog is offering 24/7 work-from-home jobs despite being criticised for the practice by senior MPs.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates miscarriages of justice, is advertising posts for case review managers with remote working from anywhere in the UK.

The organisations entire staff were allowed to work from home by the previous chair and chief executive, who have respectively been sacked and resigned following the scandal over their handling of Andrew Malkinsons case.

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Official reports blamed the CCRC for a catalogue of failures that led to Mr Malkinson spending 17 years in jail for a rape that he did not commit before he was released in 2020.

MPs on the justice committee criticised the former leadership of the CCRC in May for their incompetent handling of the affair and their work-from-home policy, which they said was quite out of line even with the rest of the public sector, where hybrid working prevails.

The MPs said they were shocked to discover that the entire staff had been working remotely, including even the two most senior executives, who only came into the office two or three days every couple of months.

Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, has since appointed Dame Vera Baird, the former Labour solicitor general, police and crime commissioner and victims commissioner, to the post of interim chair, handing her the job of restoring the tarnished reputation of the watchdog.

Dame Vera Baird is carrying out a root-and-branch review of the commission - Rii Schroer for The Telegraph

Dame Vera has now discovered that full remote working is a condition of every single employment contract at the watchdog, which has a staff of more than 100, including 50 case reviewers responsible for investigating alleged miscarriages of justice. Sources said this has meant the practice has to remain for the time being.

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The latest advert for four case reviewers stated: Our team come from a range of backgrounds (law, policing, forensic science, trading standards, journalism, and fire safety to name just a few) and are based throughout the UK.

They work from home, using the latest IT to stay connected and to learn from and support each other.

However, it is understood that groups of staff are being encouraged to come into the office to get to know each other as efforts have been focused on boosting the quality of case review work.

Team spirit

On taking up the post this summer, Dame Vera pledged to ensure the watchdog was bold and mission-driven rather than negative and looking for reasons not to refer rather than refer cases to the Court of Appeal as potential miscarriages of justice.

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She also pledged to end 24/7 work from home.

It is in my mind that this policy of remote first must change, she said. Obviously, there will be people who have just had a baby who cannot do it, but I completely agree that [you need to come into the office] for esprit de corps, team spirit.

Asked about the new job offers, a CCRC spokesman said: The employment terms for CCRC staff remain unchanged.

Karen Kneller resigned as the chief executive of the CCRC in July after MPs on the justice committee demanded in May that she should quit, and Dame Vera took up her post in June.

Helen Pitcher resigned as chair in January after Ms Mahmood set up an independent panel to pave the way for her removal.

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Chicago city leaders and Illinois officials are warning residents of the nations third-largest city to keep protests from getting out of hand if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deploy the National Guard.

"When it comes to federal agents or the National Guard, these people work for the federal government and their rules of engagement are different," Chicago Police Superintendent warned at a news briefing on Aug. 27. "Keep it peaceful, try not to obstruct or become physical with federal agents or members of the National Guard."

The warning from the citys top cop comes as Chicagoans expect the White House to bring its immigration crackdown to the city sometime after Labor Day.

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker warned Chicagoans to expect military checkpoints with "unidentified officers in masks while taking their kids to school." But he asked protesters to refrain from giving federal troops reason to engage.

A soldier in the National Guard cleared leaves with a leaf-blower on Aug. 28 at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C. Members of the Louisiana National Guard patrol the perimeter of Union Station in Washington, DC, as President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and federal takeover of Metro Police Department continues on Aug. 26, 2025. Members of the National Guard stand outside Union Station on August 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy federal officers and the National Guard to the District and also placed the DC Metropolitan Police Department under federal control. District of Columbia National Guard members positioned along with United States Capitol Police at Union Station in Washington, DC on Thursday, August 14, 2025. A person yells in protest at members of the National Guard as they stand outside Union Station on August 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. A cyclist passes a National Guard vehicle near the Lincoln Memorial on August 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. District of Columbia National Guard members patrol Washington, DC, on Aug. 14, 2025. National Guard troops patrol the National Mall on Aug. 12, 2025, in Washington, DC. U.S. Army National Guard Humvees park near the Washington Monument after President Donald Trump announced a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department under the Home Rule Act to assist with crime prevention in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., August 12, 2025. Members of the Washington DC National Guard pose for photos with a tourist near the Washington Monument on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. National Guard troops are deployed to the Washington Monument as part of President Trump's mobilization of law enforcement on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. National Guard troops walk along the National Mall on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers carrying boxers of MREOs (Meals Read to Eat) at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arriving at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arriving at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. The president has increasingly criticized crime in Washington even as itOs reached a 30-year low. Trump in a social media post on Aug. 10 said that the homeless in D.C. "have to move out, IMMEDIATELY," but he did not elaborate on how that will be accomplished. Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard walk out of the D.C. Armory building on August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. The president has increasingly criticized crime in Washington even as its reached a 30-year low. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive on Aug. 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across Washington, DC. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard walk out of the D.C. Armory building on August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. The president has increasingly criticized crime in Washington even as its reached a 30-year low. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. A District of Columbia National Guard soldier arrives at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. The scene in Washington, DC, as National Guard troops deploy on the streets 1 of 22 A soldier in the National Guard cleared leaves with a leaf-blower on Aug. 28 at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C.

"I know you, Chicago," Pritzker said. "When you protest, do it peacefully, be sure to continue Chicagos long tradition of nonviolent resistance."

Protests that saw cars set ablaze over federal immigration enforcement are what prompted Trump to deploy the National Guard and active-duty Marines to Los Angeles. The White House deployed troops to Washington, D.C. after declaring a crime emergency, despite falling violent crime numbers.

Violent crime rates are also falling in Chicago, according to police department data.

What Chicagoans are doing to get ready

An annual Labor Day march quickly transformed into an anti-Trump protest as soon as the president "said he was going to bring an occupying force to our city," Stacy Davis Gates, president of the citys powerful teachers union, told USA TODAY.

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"It feels chaotic, aggressive, intimidating, unnecessary and it feels racist," said Davis Gates, who is Black. "Having an occupying force in an American city sent by an American president is wrong, its bad for the taxpayer, it shifts valuable resources from need to intimidation."

If Trump wanted to help Chicago, Davis Gates said, the millions of dollars spent deploying troops and making Immigration and Customs Enforcement the largest law enforcement agency in the world would go instead to supporting Chicagoans in need of food and healthcare and supporting the education of Chicago residents.

Davis Gates said that union members working in Chicago public schools in the citys Latino neighborhoods reported dropping attendance amid the Trump administration's early immigration enforcement efforts.

She said she fears that this time around the fear felt by Latino students will now also be felt by the systems Black students who could be subject to checkpoints or scrutiny from federal troops.

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"We are all very concerned because the pretext is undocumented people and once theyre in on pretext, we see that they descend on Black neighborhoods in all kinds of unconstitutional ways," said the teachers union president, referring to the federal crackdown in D.C. "Our educators are, needless to say, quite nervous about this."

Chicago police wont help feds, wont stop them

Superintendent Snelling made it clear at a briefing with reporters that he did not plan to expect to deploy his officers alongside federal troops. But he also warned that he was not in a position to stop them either.

"Our officers will not be in those areas assisting in any way when it comes to immigration enforcement," Snelling said. "But also we do not want to engage in a way where were obstructing federal agents, we will not interfere with the work that they're doing."

Snelling, who oversaw the citys handling of protests during the Democratic National Convention and was often on the ground himself amid thousands of people marching, said he hoped things would remain as peaceful as they were last summer.

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He also stressed that Chicago police will not begin asking people in the city about their immigration status.

"We don't care," he said. "What we care about is making sure that person is safe in getting the help that they need. Were going to continue to make sure to stand up for people in the city."

'Coming together to push back': Immigration advocates

The Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights has taken steps to prepare for Trumps immigration crackdown by staffing up its hotline where people can call for immediate assistance and making their rapid response teams ready.

Spokesperson Brandon Lee said the organization hopes efforts to teach Chicagoans what their rights are when faced with arrest will keep people safe.

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The rapid response teams, Lee said, would be called to the scene where immigration agents have been reported in order to share information on what rights people have, not to interfere with the agents.

Lee said he expects more protests will be planned after troops are deployed. But he said that advocates would ensure demonstrations remained peaceful.

"We understand that Trump is trying to turn up the temperature and in organizing were not going to take that bait," Lee said. "If we keep coming together peaceful, well be able to push back and keep our families and communities safe as best we can."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Keep it peaceful,' Chicago top cop warns ahead of Trump deployment
Aug. 30As the challenge of meeting the growth of homelessness in Mower County rises, a group of dedicated community members are coming together to try and establish a warming center in Austin.

Work is in the organizational stages of the Austin Community Warming Center, including fundraising efforts, with a goal of hopefully opening in November of this year yet.

The goal is simple: give people without a home a place to go during the coldest months when they have nowhere else to go.

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"The goal of the warming shelter is to provide 20 beds, which doesn't cover all the needs, but it's a start," said First United Methodist Church's Pastor Vickie Spyhalski, one of nearly 40 people coming together to get the project off the ground. "This is a five month test and at that point we'll re-evaluate. Do we have enough resources to continue it? Do we have enough resources to do it year round?"

The goal is to start Nov. 1 and go through March 31 using the old Knights of Columbus building just to the south of the Post Office, however, nothing is set in stone as organizers admit that the start date is going to be a difficult goal to hit.

There is needed renovation as well as zoning concerns to be met, but at the same time Spyhalski said the reception to the idea has been positive.

"What I would say is we have been really heartened by the response from people across the community from various organizations," she said. "Churches, Recovery is Happening. The Lions Club wants us to speak and Apex Austin wants us to speak. It is something a lot of people have genuine concern about and they care about it, understanding it's a really hard problem."

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According to information provided by organizers, 98 people in Mower County were certified entries, meaning these were people known to be homeless, though at the same time, it's not representative of the actual number of people who are thought to be homeless.

This year alone, 43 individuals are certified entries and that's only counting individuals. The stats alone don't reflect the true scope of the issue.

"It's families and if you want to know what an average homeless person looks like, they look just like me and you," said Shelly Hovland, SEMCAC outreach case manager. "Somebody who is homeless does not look homeless."

Those who are homeless can range across a broad expanse of definitions including street living, car living, couch hopping, temporary housing and inhabitable living areas. What's more, is that the number of homeless is rising noticeably, something Jane Wagner, along with her husband Paul have noticed when they first started entertaining the idea of the center.

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"We've experienced some homelessness right in our family and we recognize people on the street who are homeless," Wagner said. "We have just seen a need there for quite awhile."

"The other thing is, I have been in recovery for 27 years and I'm active in my program, and I see a lot of people coming in and out of the program who are homeless or have been homeless," Wagner continued. "I know it's a dark hole place to be and I don't think anybody should have to sleep in a car or be hungry."

The Wagners began reaching out in 2024 about the possibility of a warming center, starting first with Catholic Charities, but then ultimately connecting with the Rochester Community Warming Center, who began offering guidance and help in establishing an Austin center.

Wagner said they applied for a grant on behalf of the Austin Community Warming Center and that it was about that time that they came into contact with Spyhalski, who had also been thinking about the challenge over the past 18 months.

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"Everything just started to come together like it was meant to be," Wagner said. "I think right now we have 38 people that come to our meetings so I have heard very little negative from people about this."

That showed in a fundraiser dinner at First United Methodist on Thursday night, where they drew in 180 people and raised $3,800 demonstrating a real interest in the project. However, they will also need to continue working due to renovation costs to the building.

They will also need help with items like soap, shampoo, laundry soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and more, because among just getting a bed, those coming to the center will have a chance to take a shower as well.

Not to mention, there will be resources.

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"There will be phone numbers and things like that there so people could call and get access to mental health resources there," Spyhalski said. "They will also know that if they come back to this place we'll have resources there."

Volunteers will also be needed to help run the center. Wagner said that Catholic Charities will fund one hire for the center, but at least four volunteers a night will be needed, with pairs of volunteers working shifts of two and half hours.

At this time, the center would not be able to take families or children on their own. The organization of the center just wouldn't make that feasible, but the hope is that this sort of thing can continue forward and expand.

"I hope we get enough support that we can eventually keep this center open 365 days a year," Wagner said. "It would be great if we could see a larger day center in this town."

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The stakes, say those involved, are no less than life preservation.

"It keeps them alive," Hovland said. "Sleeping outside isn't fun for anybody. What if it's 20 below? Windchill of -40? You can only keep yourself so warm; or hopefully if you can keep it open in the summer  living in heat is no fun either. You can't escape it."

If you would be interested in volunteering email paulonrabbit@yahoo.com or pastorv@austinfirst.org.
Related video: 1 injured in shooting at Arlington Heights motel

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WGN)  Police in Arlington Heights say one man is behind bars in connection with a November 2024 motel shooting, the department announced Friday.

Jonathan Caston, 22, of Kenosha, is accused in the Nov. 1 shooting of a 26-year-old male at the Red Roof Inn near West Algonquin Road and Arlington Heights Road. While the victim remained in critical condition for what police deemed an extended period of time, the victim survived.

Jonathan Caston (Photo/Arlington Heights PD)

Fox Lake parents arrested; kids found in squalor, father had child porn, deputies say

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A monthslong investigation found that the shooting stemmed from an altercation between two groups renting rooms on separate floors of the suburban motel. The victim had been inside a room on the second floor with a woman when a group of people knocked on the door and confronted them.

After an initial argument between several individuals in front of the victims room, police said Caston went to a vehicle in the parking lot, retrieved a firearm, and returned, concealing his face with the hooded sweatshirt he was wearing.

The verbal altercation soon turned physical, police say, ultimately leading to Caston allegedly firing shots in the direction of the victim.

Guest services called 911 to the scene on the report that a person had come into the motel lobby bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound. Officers later learned that, in addition to the male shooting victim, the woman he was with also suffered a graze wound.

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Caston fled the scene, police said.

A review of digital and physical evidence led police to Caston, who officers took into custody on Thursday, Aug. 28, nearly 300 days after the initial encounter. Police allege he admitted to his involvement in the shooting.

Caston faces several felony charges, including attempted murder, aggravated battery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Caston is due in court on Saturday for a pre-trial detention hearing.

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The owners of three Kerr County youth camps have asked Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to reconsider some of the stricter new flood safety requirements contained in two bills before the Texas Legislature that have been filed as a result of the tragic July 4 Guadalupe River flooding that killed 27 Camp Mystic campers.

Two camp safety bills, House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1, would withhold state licensing if cabins are located in a floodplain. A week ago, both bills were passed by their respective home chambers.

Late Friday, The Texas Tribune obtained an Aug. 28 letter sent to Patrick by the owners of Camp Waldemar, Vista Camps and Camp Stewart. In it, the camp owners cite the cost of rebuilding cabins and ask Patrick to work with us by having an expert to propose a safe and professionally analyzed solution through the Texas Water Development Board for the 100-year floodplain prohibition.

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The camp owners also insisted that there must be meaningful financial support, whether through insurance, state grants, or other funding mechanisms, so that the burden does not fall solely on families, camps, and communities.

State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, who chairs the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flood and the primary author of one of the bills, told the Tribune last week there would be no state assistance for camps to comply with pending legislation if it passes.

No, camps are private enterprises, Perry told The Texas Tribune after family members of the 27 Camp Mystic flood victims testified before his committee on Aug. 20. The states not rebuilding private sector camps.

The Texas Tribune reached out to Patricks office for comment on the letter, which was also forwarded to members of the Texas Senate and Gov. Greg. Abbott, and did not get an immediate response. The Tribune left phone messages at all three camps, asking for more detail and comment on the letter, but none were returned. The Tribune reached Meg Clark, executive director of Camp Waldemar late Friday. She confirmed the contents of the letter but declined to offer additional comment.

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The two special legislative committees appointed after the July 4 disaster so far in public hearings have resisted discussing restricting development in floodplains statewide. Requiring camps to move cabins out of the floodplain was the biggest step they had taken in that direction  and is a major piece of the legislation. Flooding experts say getting kids out of risky areas as they sleep is a clear way to help protect them.

Originally, legislators had planned just to require that camps evacuate kids from campgrounds in the floodplain if the weather service issued a flash flood warning and to install ladders on cabins so campers could climb onto rooftops if the situation grew dire and for some reason they hadn't evacuated. But parents of the kids who died at Camp Mystic pushed to get more restrictive, camp-focused legislation on the table.

The combination of devastating floods and the heavy financial burden proposed under new state regulations presents an impossible challenge, the camps letter stated. Collectively, our camps would face millions of dollars in mandated rebuilding costs for cabins subjected to the prohibition that did not sustain damage by recent flooding. These additional burdens would come on top of already significant flood repairs, operational expenses, and existing loans.

A representative for the Camp Mystic families campaign for camp safety said, We believe the parents testimonies and recent media interviews speak for themselves. We have no comment about this letter, but we support lawmakers efforts to pass SB1 and HB1 to ensure common sense safety reforms are in place for the 2026 summer camp season.

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!

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They cant vote or rent a car, but local youth entrepreneurs will get several chances to sell their products next month.

The Childrens Entrepreneur Market, a nonprofit that aims to empower children through entrepreneurial experiences, announced Wednesday that it will host three Dakota County events next month.

The program, which is coming to Burnsville, Inver Grove Heights and Hastings, provides a marketplace for kids ages 5-17 to sell their homemade slime, 3D-printed figurines, gourmet cinnamon rolls and anything else they can think of while making connections and developing business skills.

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With Minnesotas vibrant small business community and strong entrepreneurial spirit, this market is the perfect opportunity for kids to become business owners for a day, gain real-world experience, and develop confidence, independence, and responsibility  all while having fun, said Lynee Fife, executive director of the markets, in a news release.

The program was first launched in Utah, where they sold out five years in a row and aided nearly 10,000 child entrepreneurs. To date, the program has visited 369 cities and hosted 830 markets, totaling nearly 35,500 booths for almost 69,000 youth entrepreneurs, according to the nonprofits website.

The Burnsville market is planned for from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 6 at Civic Center Park, 100 Civic Center Parkway.

The Inver Grove Heights market, also on Sept. 6, runs from noon to 4 p.m. at Hilltop Elementary School, 3201 E. 68th St.

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On Sept. 10, the Hastings market runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Levee Park, 20 Ramsey St.

To find additional upcoming events in White Bear Lake, Dayton and Chaska, go to http://pipr.es/xsGNSUq. To register your child for an upcoming market, go to http://pipr.es/fVY16Gu.

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A longtime Irish missionary and Haiti resident kidnapped early this month in the hills above Port-au-Prince along with seven others  including a 3-year-old  has finally been freed by her captors.

Gena Heraty, who served as director of the Saint Helene Home in Kenscoff, was along with another employee the last of the hostages to be released after most found their freedom a week ago. They were kidnapped on Aug. 3 when armed gangs attacked their orphanage in the middle of the night.

We can confirm that Gena Heraty and the seven Haitian nationals have now been released and reunited with their loved ones, Nicholas Rogers, director of communications for Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, NPH International, said in a statement to the Miami Herald.

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NPH Internationals local affiliate, Nos Petits Freres et Surs, operates the orphanage as well as two hospitals: St. Damien Pediatric Hospital, which operates Haitis only childhood cancer program, and St. Luck Hospital. Both are located not far from the U.S. embassy in Tabarre.

This has been an extremely traumatic episode for all involved. Thankfully, it has come to a safe resolution, Rogers said. The safety and wellness of the eight individuals held hostage has always been the priority. To protect the identities and personal safety of the seven Haitian nationals, we will not be publicly sharing their names.

Rogers said NPH wants to thank the families and friends of the NPH and St. Luke family, and all those who have provided support and prayers in recent days. With this resolution, St. Damien Pediatric Hospital and St. Luke Hospital will re-open their services to the community.

In response to the kidnaping, both St. Damien Pediatric Hospital and St. Luke Hospital had announced they were temporarily closing their doors.

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Heraty was released on Friday morning along with another employee who had decided to remain at her side after the others were freed, according to those familiar with the abduction.

Heraty was kidnapped by a gang whose leader goes by the name Didi and operates in the Kenscoff, Furcy area of the capital. He also calls himself Izo 2 after the leader of the 5 Segond gang in Haiti, Johnson Andre, aka Izo, who is wanted by U.S. authorities for his alleged role in a March 2023 armed hostage taking in Haiti. Unlike the original Izo, Didi is described as an unpredictable and uncontrollable gang leader who has isolated others that are part of the powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition. His armed members include both young boys and girls, many of them under the age of 18.

The kidnapping drew the attention of Pope Leo, who had issued an urgent appeal for the hostages release, and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin. In appealing for Heratys release, Martin described her as the manifestation of the very best of missionary endeavour, particularly working for children with special needs, according to the BBC.

The high-profile kidnapping is among several abductions that have continued to take place in Haiti, where armed gangs have carried out attacks against large swaths of the capital to control territory. In July, six workers with the United Nations child welfare agency, UNICEF, were kidnapped while on their way to deliver humanitarian aid. They were finally released on July 28 after being held captive for about three weeks.

Earlier this week the Haiti National Police led a large-scale operation in the area of Kenscoff, not far from where Heraty was being held hostage. Specialized anti-gang police units working alongside about a dozen police officers with the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission and foreign contractors assisting a prime minister drone task force were able to successfully regain control of a key infrastructure  a telecommunications antenna  from armed gangs. They were also able to push out gang members who had taken over a house on the orphanage grounds, and cleared the path for the orphanage to relocated about 244 children to safety.
Aug. 29CRoark @DominionPost.com After four days of testimony that narrated a brutal killing, chilling obsession and the grief of a family, jurors in Monongalia County Circuit Court delivered their final decision Friday in the case of Jonathan Ramirez.

At 10:54 a.m. on Friday, Judge Perri Jo DeChristopher read the jury's ruling, "We do not recommend mercy."

With that decision, Ramirez, 24, of Watauga, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the stabbing death of 26-year-old Jacob Patrick Lough. The courtroom exhaled in a mix of tears and sighs as the trial came to its close.

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An obsession that turned into reality The trial began Tuesday with prosecutors outlining how Ramirez, dressed as fictional horror movie killer Michael Myers, broke into Lough's Morgantown home in the early morning hours of Jan. 16, 2024, and stabbed him more than 200 times. Jurors saw DNA evidence, a bloody palm print and surveillance footage of Ramirez wearing Lough's clothing and carrying his belongings on West Virginia University's campus.

Investigators testified that Ramirez drove from Texas to West Virginia, initially seeking out a teenage girl he met online before "beginning his hunt for someone to kill."

He was arrested the next day inside WVU's Engineering Building with a 9mm handgun and extra magazines.

The state medical examiner went over Lough's injuries, describing more than 130 stab wounds to his back and abdomen and fatal blood loss from the attack. A psychiatrist later testified that Ramirez admitted to violent fantasies, stating he idolized Michael Myers because they shared the same birthday, and showed no remorse, smiling "like a child on Christmas morning " while detailing the killing.

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Jurors convicted Ramirez Thursday of first-degree murder, burglary and grand larceny, moving the proceeding into its final phase  whether he should be granted mercy. With mercy, Ramirez would have been eligible for parole after 15 years. Without it, he will remain behind bars for life.

Family and friends remember Jacob Friday's testimony focused on who Jacob Lough was and what his family lost.

Kody Knight, a close friend, described him as "one of the most, if not, most positive people I ever met, " calling him selfless and he felt like "one of the luckiest guys in the room, " that he ever got to know him.

Knight joked, "Happy hour hated to see us coming, " which briefly lifted the courtroom with laughter.

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Lough's father spoke of milestones his son will never reach. "He would've been great at all those things, " he said of Jacob not getting to be a dad, husband, brother-in-law or uncle.

Through tears, he told jurors, "We don't think we will be happy again, but we look for happy moments, " and urged the jury not to recommend mercy.

"Jacob does not have a second chance, " he added.

Lough's mother also spoke directly to the jury, remembering her son as warm, affectionate and devoted to family.

"He wanted to make you comfortable, he wanted to make you feel loved, " she said, adding "Family was everything ... family is everything."

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She asked the jury to deny Ramirez mercy, saying, "I do not ever want my kids to have to come back and fight to keep him in prison."

Closing arguments Defense attorney Andrew Cook pleaded for jurors to consider Ramirez's long history of mental illness.

"The life of Jonathan has been a life of fear and self-hate, " Cook said. "It's a living nightmare."

He described Ramirez's inner world as "terrible and scary and stomach turning, " arguing that his mental struggles warranted mercy.

Prosecuting Attorney Gabrielle Mucciola countered, pointing to Ramirez's obsession with killing.

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"(He) can't be treated, it is who he is, " she said. "A man obsessed with killing ... Nothing has changed Jonathan Ramirez."

She reminded jurors that while they had heard hours of testimony, the parole board never would.

"The parole board will not hear what you have heard, " Mucciola said, urging them not to leave Ramirez's fate to a future panel.

The decision After less than a day of deliberation, the jury rejected mercy, ensuring Ramirez will never leave prison.

For Lough's family, the verdict brought both relief and sorrow.

As his mother said earlier in the day, "This never goes away for us."
Kim Jong-un met the families of soldiers killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine and offered condolences for their unbearable pain, North Korean state media said on Saturday.

Pyongyang has not confirmed the number of its soldiers that died fighting for Russia, though Seoul estimates around 600, with thousands more wounded.

South Korean and Western intelligence agencies have said the North sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia in 2024  primarily to the Kursk region  along with artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems.

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The dictator delivered a speech to the families on Friday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, after meeting some of them last week at another public ceremony where they were given honours.

I thought a lot about other martyrs families who were not present there, Kim said in his speech, according to KCNA.

So, I had this meeting arranged as I wanted to meet and console the bereaved families of all the heroes and relieve them of their sorrow and anguish even a little.

Kim pledged to provide you with a beautiful life in the country defended at the cost of the lives of the martyrs.

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He said he would erect a monument in the capital, as well as a new street for the bereaved families, while the state would give full support to the troops children.

Army will train children as staunch fighters

My heart breaks and aches more at the sight of those little children, he said. I, our state and our army will take full responsibility for them and train them admirably as staunch and courageous fighters like their fathers, he added.

North Korea only confirmed it had deployed troops to support Russias war in Ukraine in Apri, admitting that its soldiers had been killed in combat.

Russia and North Korea have not publicly disclosed the scale of the deployment or casualties suffered by North Korean troops.

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At the ceremony last week, images released by KCNA showed an emotional Kim embracing a returned solider who appeared overwhelmed, burying his face in the leaders chest.

Kim Jong-un pledged that the state will take full responsibility of the fatherless children and train them to become soldiers - AFP via Getty/STR/KCNA

The leader was also seen kneeling before a portrait of a fallen soldier to pay his respects and placing medals and flowers beside images of the dead.

In July, state media again showed a visibly emotional Kim honouring flag-draped coffins, apparently of the deceased soldiers returning home.

Kim is due to stand with Vladimir Putin in China at a military parade next week marking the surrender of Japan in the Second World War. It will be their third meeting in two years as they dramatically elevated a military alliance.

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Kim Kardashian recently criticized President Donald Trumps ICE raids  and Homeland Security issued a direct response to the reality star.

On Thursday, August 28, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star, 44, participated in a roundtable at Diane von Furstenbergs DVF Awards in Venice. Kardashian was honored for her prison reform work at the event, where she was asked about Trumps ICE raids.

In the news you hear, Oh, its about people who have committed these crimes and theyre trying to help out our country,' Kardashian said, per Variety. 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. People I know. People my friends know.

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The SKIMS mogul and mom of four then shared that she thinks the ICE raids are doing more harm than good.

You want to believe that theres a powerful message in protection, but then you see that its not really happening like that, Kardashian continued. 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 Kardashian attends the 2024 Kering for Women dinner at The Pool on September 9, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Later that day, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin sent a blunt message to the Kardashians reality star.

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Ms. Kardashian is misinformed and detached from the very reality of the operations in Los Angeles she has decided to opine on, McLaughlin told TMZ.

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, she added. Why does Ms. Kardashian continue to do the bidding of criminals at the expense of innocent Americans and brave law enforcement?

As of writing, Kardashian has not responded to McLaughlins statement.

This week wasnt the first time she hasnt spoke out against the Trump administrations ICE raids. In June, Kardashian took to her Instagram Stories with a pointed message.

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In June, Kim spoke out against the Trump admins ICE raids on social media, arguing that Trumps immigration policy is negatively impacting innocent, hardworking immigrants.

When were told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals  great, she wrote, per Page Six. But when we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up. We have to do whats right.

Kardashian pointed out that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants, who are our neighbors, friends, classmates, coworkers, and family. She concluded, We cant turn a blind eye when fear and injustice keep people from living their lives freely and safely. There HAS to be a BETTER way.

The Kardashians, streaming on Hulu

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  After decades of keeping peoples hair looking good, a fixture in Montgomery County is closing. Walnut Hill Barber Shop in Gaithersburg has been in business for 58 years. That run ends on Saturday, August 30. The news caught barbers and customers off guard.

I dont know what to say, Kim Le, a barber at Walnut Hill Barber Shop, said, but its kind of hard because this is like my home for the past 35 years, and now its gone. Its going to be gone by tomorrow. I told you I was going to cry.

Its an emotional time for Le and Julie Nguyen. The shop theyve called home for decades will close for good.

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When we found out that this place was going to be shut down three weeks ago, Nguyen said. I couldnt sleep.

Some DC businesses prepare for slow holiday weekend amid dip in tourism

Nguyen says they were told by their landlord that a nail bar will take over their space and the space next door. Brett Nelson is a longtime customer who found out on Friday.

Major surprise, he said. Ive been coming here for 40 years.

Nelson travels more than half an hour from Northern Virginia to get his haircut.

I like the work Kim does, he said, and you get in and out fairly quickly.

Le and Nguyen are grateful for the support of customers like Nelson and the years of memories.

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We really appreciate you coming here all these years, Le said. Fifty-eight years to be exact in this barber shop.

I do thank you and appreciate all the support that youve given us and [for] keeping this business until now, Nguyen said.

Walnut Hill Barber Shop will host a farewell gathering on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Syria is marking its first International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, as the country grapples with lingering questions over the fate of the many thousands who disappeared during the countrys civil war.

In a report released on Saturday to coincide with the annual commemoration, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) said this year holds particular significance as it received a major increase in the number of cases since al-Assad was toppled in December.

Desperate families flocked to former detention centres, prisons, morgues, and mass grave sites to try to find their missing relatives after al-Assads removal, and investigators gained unprecedented access to government documents, witness accounts and human remains.

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A limited number of detainees were released alive, while the fate of tens of thousands remained unknown, rendering them forcibly disappeared, SNHR said on Saturday. This revealed a major tragedy that affected Syrian society as a whole.

The rights group said in its report that at least 177,057 people, including 4,536 children and 8,984 women, were forcibly disappeared in Syria between March 2011 and August 2025.

It estimated that the former government was responsible for more than 90 percent of those cases.

Al-Assads regime has systematically adopted a policy of enforced disappearance to terrorize and collectively punish society, targeting dissidents and civilians from various regions and affiliations, SNHR said.





This years International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances comes just months after a new Syrian government was established under the leadership of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

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Al-Sharaa has pledged to address the enforced disappearances, issuing a presidential decree in May that established a National Commission for Transitional Justice and a National Commission for Missing Persons (NCMP).

The bodies are tasked with investigating questions of accountability, reparations and national reconciliation, among other issues. Al-Sharaa has also pledged to punish those responsible for mass killings and other violations.

On Saturday, Syrias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said enforced disappearances would remain a national priority for the country. It can only be resolved by providing justice to the victims, revealing the truth, and restoring dignity to their families, the ministry said.

The head of the NCMP, Mohammad Reda Jalkhi, also said that while Syria faces a daunting task  [the] families of the missing have the right to full and effective investigations.





Independence and resources

Rights advocates have welcomed the Syrian governments early steps on enforced disappearances, including the establishment of the NCMP. But they stress that the commission must be independent and get all the resources it needs to be effective.

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Truth, justice and reparations for Syrias disappeared must be treated as an urgent state priority, Kristine Beckerle, deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, said in a statement this week.

The NCMP must have adequate resources and the highest levels of cooperation across all state institutions, Beckerle said. With each day that passes, the torment of families waiting for answers about the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones grows.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights also said the new commissions effectiveness depends on their actual independence and full access to information and documents.

The legal frameworks regulating their work must be formulated to ensure the representation of victims and civil society, and to consolidate the comprehensiveness of justice, from truth-telling to accountability, reparations, and prevention of recurrence, the group said.

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On Saturday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the disappearance of a family member was not just a personal tragedy, but one of the deepest and most prolonged human wounds of the Syrian conflict.

The families of the missing deserve unwavering support and compassion to help them search for answers about the fate of their loved ones and put an end to their suffering, Stephane Sakalian, head of the ICRC delegation in Syria, said in a statement.

Their right to know is a fundamental humanitarian principle.





Meanwhile, Syrias state-run news agency SANA reported that an interactive website titled Syrias Prison Museum was launched on Saturday to collect witness accounts of those detained in al-Assads detention centres, including the infamous Sednaya prison.

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The platform, put together by journalists and activists, aims to be both a memorial and forensic archive to facilitate the push for accountability.

The United Nations estimates that al-Assads government ran more than 100 detention facilities and an unknown number of secret sites.

Under al-Assad, Syrian state officials used several techniques to punish real and perceived opponents, including whipping, sleep deprivation and electrocution.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  The federal criminal case against former Memphis police officers charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols has taken a shocking, unusual twist: Three of them are getting a new trial because a judge made comments after their convictions that raised questions of bias.

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman ordered a new trial for Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith. They were found guilty in October 2024 of obstruction of justice through witness tampering in the January 2023 beating of Nichols after he fled a traffic stop. Two other officers involved in the beating pleaded guilty and avoided trial.

Lipman wrote that U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris, who presided over the trial, raised the risk of bias when he commented in May that at least one of the officers could be in a gang, and that gang may have been responsible for shooting his law clerk.

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Lipman's order also said an assistant U.S. attorney recalled that Norris told her shortly after the shooting that the Memphis Police Department was infiltrated to the top with gang members.

Norris recused himself from the case in June, just days before scheduled sentencings for the five officers. He has declined comment.

If the case heads to trial again, defense attorneys, prosecutors, the officers and Nichols' family will have to relive the brutal beating and the grueling legal battle that has followed. It is unclear when a new trial would take place, again putting Memphis in the spotlight for a death that sparked a federal civil rights investigation into its police.

Here is a look at the case, and what's next.

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Tyre Nichols was beaten

On Jan. 7, 2023, officers yanked Nichols from his car and then pepper-sprayed and hit the 29-year-old Black man with a Taser. Nichols fled, and when the five officers, who also are Black, caught up, they punched, kicked and hit him with a police baton. Nichols called out for his mother during the beating, which took place steps from his home.

He died in a hospital three days later.

Video of the beating captured by a police pole camera also showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled with his injuries. It prompted intense scrutiny of police in Memphis, nationwide protests and renewed calls for police reform.

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The police officers were fired

Bean, Haley and Smith, along with Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., were fired. They were charged in state court with offenses including second-degree murder and in federal court with civil rights violations and obstructing justice.

Bean, Haley and Smith were convicted in federal court of trying to cover up the beating by failing to say that they or their colleagues punched and kicked Nichols and broke police department rules when they did not include accurate statements about what type of force they used.

Bean and Smith were acquitted of more serious civil rights charges.

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Haley was found guilty of violating Nichols civil rights by causing bodily injury and showing deliberate indifference to medical needs, and also conspiracy to tamper with witnesses.

This May, Bean, Haley and Smith were acquitted of all state charges.

Mills pleaded guilty in November 2023 in federal court to violating Nichols civil rights by causing death and conspiracy to witness tamper. Martin followed suit in August 2024. They did not stand trial in federal court.

Martin and Mills also avoided a state court trial after reaching agreements to plead guilty.

Norris' statements led to him no longer presiding over the case

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In her order, Lipman cited a notice by the U.S. Attorneys Office about Norris reactions to his law clerk being shot during a car theft days after the federal trial ended. The clerk was staying at the home of another law clerk who had previously worked for Norris on the Nichols case, the notice said.

Norris met with the U.S. Attorneys Office and an FBI agent, who explained why no federal charges would be brought in the shooting.

Norris indicated that he believed at least one of the former officers was in a gang and that it was responsible for the shooting, the notice said. Norris told those present that he believed the intended target of the shooting was the former law clerk who had worked on the case and had been seen by one or more of the Defendants during the trial, the notice added.

The assistant U.S. attorney who attended the May 30 meeting recalled that Norris months earlier told her he could not meet with Memphis police to give a statement because the department was infiltrated to the top with gang members, the notice said.

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Norris recused himself on June 13.

Bean, Haley, and Smith sought a new trial, arguing that Norris was biased and violated their due process rights.

Lipman's ruling found a risk of bias

While a review showed Norris decisions throughout the trial were sound, fair, and grounded firmly in the law, a new trial is necessary because the risk of bias here is too high to be constitutionally tolerable, Lipman wrote.

Lipman has ordered lawyers to state what charges they believe need to be retried, and she set a Sept. 25 hearing.

Expert says plea bargaining is possible

Charles Geyh, a law school professor at Indiana University and expert in judicial ethics, said it is already rare to get a new trial because of doubts that a judge could hear a case fairly. But Norris broad comments make the scenario highly unusual, Geyh said.

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In a case like this, its rarer still where the judge steps back and generalizes about the police force and associates them with organized crime and gangs, Geyh said.

David Raybin, a Nashville criminal defense attorney who has represented police officers, said there could be renewed plea bargaining, potentially for lower offenses, given that the three officers had been convicted on the lesser federal charges and acquitted in state court.

They may come to the table and say, Look, we want a deal, we want a better deal, or whatever," said Raybin, who is not involved in the case. "The prosecutors might say, Look, this case is snakebit. We maybe want to settle this case in some way.' 

Geyh said theres a very real possibility Norris could publicly apologize.

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Geyh also said someone could file a disciplinary complaint. The process could lead to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals chief judge talking privately with Norris, who might agree to some corrective steps, Geyh said.

Or the chief circuit judge could commission an investigative panel, with a judicial council potentially issuing up to a public reprimand, but likely nothing more severe, Geyh added.

Norris already has been reassigned off other cases, including a $550 million lawsuit by Nichols family against the five officers and the city of Memphis.

Nichols' family deals with pain

Nichols' family members have not commented publicly on the new trial, and neither has their lawyer, Ben Crump.

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But throughout their ordeal, Nichols' relatives have expressed how difficult his death has been. During the trials, Nichols' mother, RowVaughn Wells, and other relatives left the courtroom while jurors watched video of the beating.

After the state court acquittals in May, Crump said: Tyres life was stolen, and his family was denied the justice they so deeply deserve. We are outraged, and we know we are not alone."

____

Mattise reported from Nashville, Tennessee.

___

This version corrects that Desmond Mills pleaded guilty in November 2023, not last year.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia s request for asylum in the United States is a prudent legal strategy, experts say, because it gives his lawyers better options for fighting the Trump administrations efforts to deport him.

But its also a gamble. Depending on how the courts rule, Abrego Garcia could end up back inside the notorious El Salvador prison where he claims he was beaten and psychologically tortured.

Its a strategic move, Memphis-based immigration attorney Andrew Rankin said of the asylum request. And it can certainly backfire. But its something I would do as well if I were representing him.

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Abrego Garcia, 30, became a flashpoint over President Donald Trumps immigration policies when he was wrongfully deported to his native country in March. The Republican administration is trying to deport him again.

Here are some things to know about his case:

You cant win every case

The administration deported Abrego Garcia to El Salvador because U.S. officials said he was an MS-13 gang member. Its an allegation that Abrego Garcia denies and for which he wasnt charged.

His removal to El Salvador violated a U.S. immigration judges ruling from 2019 that barred his deportation there. The judge found that Abrego Garcia faced credible threats from a local gang that had extorted and terrorized his family.

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Following a U.S. Supreme Court order, the administration returned him to the United States in June. But it was only to face human smuggling charges, which his lawyers have called preposterous and vindictive.

The administration has said it now intends to deport Abrego Garcia to the African country of Uganda. Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff and the main architect of Trumps immigration policies, told reporters Friday that Garcia has said he doesnt want to go back to El Salvador.

Miller said the administration is honoring that request by providing him with an alternate place to live.

In an effort to fight back, Abrego Garcia has notified the U.S. government that he fears being sent to Uganda, which has documented human rights abuses. He said he believes he could be persecuted, tortured or sent from there to El Salvador.

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But even if he thwarts deportation to Uganda in immigration court, he likely will face attempts to remove him to another country and then another until the administration succeeds, Rankin said.

By the law of averages, you cant win every case, the lawyer said. The government has sunk its teeth far into what theyre doing with Kilmar and immigration in general, that it wouldnt make any sense for them to just give up the fight.

Taking a risk

Asylum, however, could end the fight.

The request would place the focus solely back on his native El Salvador, where Abrego Garcia has previously shown that he has a credible fear of gang persecution.

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But hes taking a risk by reopening his 2019 immigration case, Rankin said. If he loses the bid for asylum, an immigration judge could remove his protection from being returned to his native country.

That could place him back in the infamous Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT. Its where, Abrego Garcia alleges in a lawsuit, he suffered severe beatings, severe sleep deprivation and psychological torture. El Salvadors president, Nayib Bukele, has denied those allegations.

Abrego Garcia had applied for asylum in 2019. The immigration judge denied his request because it came more than a year after Abrego Garcia had arrived in the U.S. He had fled to Maryland without documentation around 2011.

Abrego Garcias lawyers will likely argue that he has the right to request asylum now because he has been in the U.S. for less than a year after being wrongfully deported to El Salvador, Rankin said.

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If approved, asylum could provide him with a green card and a path to citizenship.

Not going to let this go

Abrego Garcias asylum petition would go through the U.S. immigration court system, which is not part of the judiciary but an arm of the Department of Justice and under the Trump administrations authority.

Thats where the risk comes in.

Abrego Garcia has a team of lawyers fighting for him, unlike many people who are facing deportation. And a federal judge is monitoring his immigration case.

Abrego Garcias attorneys filed a federal lawsuit in Maryland to ensure he can exercise his constitutional rights to fight against deportation in immigration court.

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U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis cannot rule on whether he gets asylum or is deported, but she said she will ensure his right to due process. His team says say he is entitled to immigration court proceedings and appeals, including to the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Even if he does manage to win asylum, the government is going to appeal, Rankin said. Theyre not going to let this go. Why would they after theyve invested months and months into this one guy.

Rankin noted that if Abrego Garcia remains within the jurisdiction of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, that courts laws would govern his asylum claim. He said that court has been generally positive toward asylum claims and likely would give Abrego Garcia a fair shake.



Associated Press writer Luena Rodriguez-Feo Vileira in Washington contributed to this report.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The suspect accused of arson in the Aug. 23 Kunia wildfire has been arrested again  this time for a brush fire that broke out in Haleiwa that same day.

Prosecutors intend to seek max penalty for arson suspect

According to HPD, firefighters were called to the area of Puaena Point Beach Park. Following an investigation, an arson case was initiated.

Police identified the suspect as Antonio Vierra, 70, who had already been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire in Kunia.

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Vierra posted $50,000 bail for that arrest.

HPD said on Aug. 29, police went to Vierras home to serve an arrest warrant for the Haleiwa arson case.

Police said he initially refused to leave his home but eventually complied.

He was arrested on suspicion of second-degree arson and on a warrant carrying a bail of $50,000.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

As of Aug. 30, charges remain pending as the suspect was released pending further investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  KXAN News Today Anchor Sally Hernandez has officially hit a milestone this month  shes celebrating 25 years with KXAN.

As a tribute from the KXAN News Today newscast, Hernandezs career was highlighted to showcase just how much she has accomplished.

KXAN Meteorologist Kristen Currie was not in the building to celebrate, but she recorded a video message and said, I was also thinking one of my favorite Sally moments, and I have to tell you, its probably watching you do the hard stuff so well  covering tragedies like Uvalde, and the APD Fallen Officer procession  thats hard for anyone to do. But you get up there on that desk and you deliver the news and the information people need with professionalism and compassion and poise.

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Hernandez started at KXAN as an intern in 2001 and worked her way up to the anchor desk, where she wakes up Austin every morning, Monday through Friday, on KXAN News Today. She was recognized by the Texas Associated Press for her anchoring and reporting. Additionally, she was part of the 2010 winning team for Best Morning Newscast.

Hernandez was also part of the team that won a Lone Star Emmy for their coverage of the 2023 winter storm that paralyzed the state.

Sally Hernandez Jimmy Fallon talks to Sally Hernandez Nov. 6, 2019 (KXAN Photo) Sally Hernandez talks to a visitor at KXANs mobile newsroom Sept. 5, 2019 (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey) KXANs Sally Hernandez and Frank Martinez along with H-E-Buddy help spread the word about the 2024 Summer Fan Drive benefitting Family Eldercare. (KXAN Photo)

We didnt want to let the moment pass without honoring all your hard work and all the joy that you bring to our station, KXAN News Today Anchor Tom Miller told Hernandez Friday.

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Hernandez said viewers have gotten to grow up with her, from when she was pregnant with her babies until now.

Im still here 25 years later, she said on Friday. Thank you for watching.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
L.A. Taco reporter Memo Torres has been tirelessly documenting immigration raids in Los Angeles since June. courtesy of L.A. Taco

On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security announced it had made more than 5,000 arrests in Los Angeles since June, when federal agents arrived to carry out President Donald Trumps mass deportation campaign. The agency claimed, without evidence, that it had arrested the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens, when in fact most of the people arrested had no criminal history. Even U.S. citizens and people with legal authorization to be in the country have been detained in the sweeps.

A federal judge ruled last month that ICE agents were unconstitutionally arresting people based on their race, accent or line of work, and ordered government officials to stop arresting people without reasonable suspicion. Nonetheless, the indiscriminate immigration raids have continued.

Related: Donald Trump Explodes At Stupid White House Contractors In Wild Post: I Started Yelling

Some of the most comprehensive coverage of these arrests comes from L.A. Taco, a local, independent media outlet that began as a food-centric publication. As other local media outlets in L.A. shut down, L.A. Taco continued its food coverage (including its annual TACO MADNESS competition) and expanded into city news and politics, covering everything from policebrutality to racial disparities in weed arrest data to the aftermath of Januarysdevastating wildfires. Since June, L.A. Taco reporter Memo Torres has tirelessly documented immigration raids and related news in daily roundups published on the website, as well as YouTube and Instagram.

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Torres spoke with HuffPost about the community effort behind documenting the ICE raids and how his years of covering the citys food scene make him a better immigration reporter.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed.

L.A. Taco was founded in 2006 with a focus on documenting things you love about the city, mostly tacos, weed and graffiti at the time. You relaunched in 2018 as a news-centric platform. Can you talk a bit about what prompted the decision to shift more into news?

Related: I'm A Journalist Covering The LA Protests. Here Are The Shocking Things I Witnessed Police Do.

Back in 2018, a lot of local media was shutting down. And not just small, independent media. Were talking about big places like LA Weekly. It got bought by some rich Trump supporters and they ended up gutting the whole LA Weekly, which was an institution in Los Angeles. It was our source for alternative news. When that got gutted, the co-founder at L.A. Taco, Alex Blazdale  after talking with people, they were like, L.A. Taco had already kind of built up a following, so they were like, lets relaunch it as a publication.

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And thats when he brought in Daniel Hernandez, who was the editor of VICE Latin America. And he brought him in to help him relaunch it as a publication. I knew Danny from college, so I started helping out, and yeah, one thing led to another. Eventually, Daniel left to the L.A. Times to be their food editor, and Javier [Cabral] took over, and thats when things started to really take off.

I think what catches a lot of the medias attention to us is this taco publication is now covering ICE. I think people need to understand that weve built up our chops covering regular news. Weve been covering city politics and things that arent food or tacos for a long time. So covering this isnt new to us. We were prepared for this moment already because weve been doing the work.

Can you tell me a little about yourself and your entryway into journalism?

Related: I Teach Immigrant Kids In An LA High School. Here's The Truth About What's Happening Here.

Up until March of this year, I was a landscape contractor. So I was doing L.A. Taco and running my own landscape business for five years.

Youre a third-generation landscaper, right?

Yeah, Im a third-generation landscaper. Both my grandparents, my dad and me.

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I always believed in local journalism and I saw what Daniel and the co-founder, Alex, were trying to do with L.A. Taco and I believed in it. I was like, I get around the city a lot doing landscaping. I know a lot of places to eat, because thats the one thing I look forward to in my day when Im landscaping, so I can help out with the food. And I understand what its like to build a business. So I started helping build their membership model out and getting partners to give out free tacos to our members, taking photos of tacos, and just kind of helping cover the city, being out and about. It was a really small team back then.

Related: Why Trumps Show Of Force Hits Black And Immigrant Communities Hardest

When Daniel left to L.A. Times, Javier was like, Hey fool, you went to college. You aint stupid. You know how to write. So hes like, Why dont you start writing about the food instead of just taking pictures? I started writing about the food, and that led to a career in food journalism. And then I started learning how to write more journalistically about other things  started covering different things about the city, culturally or politically or even law enforcement. But that just kind of evolved from one thing to another. I just kind of grew with L.A. Taco. And it got to the point where I just preferred what I was doing, I found a lot of success and I just decided to sell my company. I couldnt do both. So I made this career choice and Im glad I did it, because I would have been a mess right now if I was still trying to run a landscape company and cover the ICE raids.

Ive wondered, as youve been leading the ICE raids coverage, to what extent do you think knowing the taco scene so well informs your story ideas and your sourcing? Are people coming to you and letting you know whats going on because they already know you?

Yeah, 100%. I think the years of us being out there in the community and covering  I mean, when we say Covering L.A. from the street level up, we mean it. Weve been doing that for five, six years.

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For a lot of people, being a street vendor  which is one of our biggest niches, covering street food  isnt a choice. Its a survival tactic. So with that comes understanding what political or economic forces happen to send them out on the street instead of finding a job.

Related: John Fetterman Says There's No Need To 'Freak Out' Over New White House Ballroom

Weve made so many connections through local organizations that weve covered. A lot of the local organizations and local people that weve featured have become leaders in the community, in the rapid response teams. I think the reputation weve built as a reliable community source for L.A. has given a lot of people a lot of trust in us. Theyre more likely to trust us versus, you know, a bigger publication, or Telemundo or Univision. Ive seen them getting kicked out of the protest area in front of the federal detention center. Or when that family in San Bernardino got shot at, they were trying to get in there to interview people and people kicked them out. So yeah, people definitely have a lot of backlash toward larger media institutions. But when we come in, they welcome us in and theyll send us information.

Is it about their coverage or general skepticism of big, institutional media?

Theyve been guilty of airing [Homeland Security Secretary] Kristy Noems self-deportation ads, calling Latinos criminals. We have a whole story about that. Were just like, Why would a Spanish-language news station air these ads? So thats also caused a lot of distress within the community.

You mentioned how you used to be a small team, but youre still a really tiny team compared to a lot of other outlets, and youre constantly breaking news and appear better sourced in a lot of ways than some bigger outlets with more resources. How do you pick your lane and figure out what to prioritize when theres more going on than anyone can possibly cover in L.A. right now?

The million-dollar question. I mean theres so many stories. So, I cover the DAILY MEMO every evening. So every day, I see every story  well, 90% of it. Its hard to see everything. Theres always stories that slip through the cracks that didnt get documented, or you wont see til later. So I always tell the team, like, heres a potential story, heres another potential story. And its like, we dont have enough writers! We just try to figure out which is a more, I guess, severe story or impactful story. Its really hard to decide. Sometimes its just like, OK, can we find a writer to cover that story? Where can we get the sources quicker? It just depends, every situation is so different.

I wanted to ask you about the DAILY MEMO and the documentation youve been doing of the ICE raids. Can you walk me through the process of finding and documenting these incidents so quickly?

It takes all day, and I dont get home until like midnight. As soon as I wake up, I start jumping online. I started reading my DMs, seeing the videos people send me, the information people send me. I start scouring  I mean, at this point, my algorithms know what Im looking for. So I start looking at [the videos], analyzing them, matching them with other videos, verifying them. Sometimes people send videos that are old, from like a week ago and they wanna push it out as if it were today. Or sometimes people have the wrong dates, sometimes people have the wrong locations, sometimes they dont have any information. Its kind of a community effort. Ill talk to rapid responders  Im in constant chat with rapid responders and other people that are doing this work too. So were all trying to verify things together.

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Ill communicate through DMs with people and be like, Hey, does anybody have any more information on this incident? Or like, Hey, does anybody know how many people were taken here?

So its a big community effort. I may be the main leading voice at L.A. Taco, just projecting the work theyre doing, but I really gotta give credit to the whole community, all the people that are out there documenting and helping verify everything.

Yeah, seeing the network of rapid response groups and efforts that have popped up has been really incredible to watch.

As time goes on, people are finding their roles and their niches and how they can help. Theres this one person, Izzy Ramirez  hes started doing what I do and its been a big help. He posts what hes been able to verify and whats been happening in real time.

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Yesterday, I was like, Thank you for your work. And hes like, You know, thank you guys. You guys have inspired me to get into journalism.

How are you holding up with all these? Its a lot to just be mainlining these videos over and over again every day.

Its emotionally challenging. Im not gonna lie. Theres some days where theres just some horrific stuff going on. A couple days ago, I looked at some videos of children crying for their dads. Its one thing to see children cry for their parents. It hurts  but I didnt think what would hurt as much was seeing fathers cry for their kids. When youre hearing grown men scream and cry as theyre getting tackled, youre just like  that gets to me on a whole different level.

Youre watching all these traumatic videos. You have to bear witness to all of this. You have to analyze them and kind of take it all in and digest it so you can put it out in an easier-to-consume format for people. So yeah, its a lot.

Well, I also imagine that because you have so many years of experience covering the community, this is probably more personal for you, in some ways. You probably know a lot of people who are either experiencing the raids or living under the constant threat of them.

Yeah, I mean, 100%. Look, I was a landscaper. I grew up working with a lot of these people who are getting targeted. These are folks that I worked alongside with, I grew up with. I see these in my family. I see this in people I cover in the food scene when they attack the street vendors. So, yeah, its very personal to me. L.A. is home. So you attack my home, youre attacking my people. Yeah, it gets to you.

I first learned about L.A. Taco from my taco-enthusiast brother, who I think came for the taco coverage, but has followed a lot of the immigration reporting. Do you think L.A. Taco has radicalized a lot of people who were just looking for some good el pastor?

I mean, radicalize is such a silly word, at times. I mean, how do you radicalize people with the truth, right? I feel like when you say radicalize, youre construing the truth, youre building a reality that makes people feel an extreme way about something thats not exactly a correct viewpoint they have. So I dont think its radicalizing. I just think its  just telling the truth. I do my best not to spin it. I do my best not to have commentary. Just, This is what happened. This is where they were.

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If youre radicalizing people, youre telling them, The proletariat needs to get together! Were not doing any of that shit. Im just telling people, This is where they were, this is what they did, this is what theyve been doing. And thats it.

I dont think radicalize is the right word. Just bring them to the center. This is the truth. This is whats happening. If thats radicalizing people, then I guess, let the truth radicalize.

Yeah, thats kind of how I meant it. I hear what youre saying about the connotation  but I think the truth is radicalizing. People who might think Abolish ICE sounds really extreme, and then they see what ICE is doing every day in the community, I could see how that would change their perspective.

Its hard not to radicalize somebody when the people who call themselves law enforcement are disobeying the laws, mistreating people. Instead of going after real criminals, theyre going after grandmas selling tamales and people selling flowers on the street.

Last year, L.A. Taco announced that it had run out of money to make payroll and everyone was furloughed. Within 24 hours of the announcement, you got enough paying subscribers to rehire everyone. And earlier this month, L.A. Taco announced it had hit 5,000 members, making it a self-sustaining publication. Can you talk about the specific financial challenges L.A. Tacos faced over the years and how youve pulled off the seemingly impossible task of getting people to pay for news?

Last year, around April  I wasnt furloughed because I technically wasnt a staff member. I was on a small stipend. I was basically volunteering a lot of my time to L.A. Taco. But the staff did get furloughed  everybody but Javier. We ran out of money. Our publisher, Alex Blazedale, had been pumping in his own personal money to keep it afloat for years, but it got to the point where he ran out of money. I think the furlough lasted one day. It was like were gonna sit out on Friday, and we kind of teased the news Thursday night. And by Monday, everybody was back to work, because people were like, Nooo! We love L.A. Taco! And people started donating, people started signing up. We went from having like 1,500 members to 3,500 members.

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One of the things that happened that caused the furlough was that we depended on partnership deals and sponsorship deals and a lot of them fell through. Its kind of hard to be a small publication and get sponsors when youre covering real news thats happening in Los Angeles. Sponsors just dont wanna be associated with  they dont wanna be next to coverage of police shootings or police abuse or city government corruption or the houseless crisis. People want sanitized coverage. And were like, Yeah, sorry, were not gonna fold on our journalistic principles. Were gonna keep covering the city, but were also gonna cover food and celebrate it.

To what extent do you still rely on sponsorships vs. membership?

Our goal was always to get to 5,000 members to be self-sufficient. We got to 3,500 [last year] so we still depended on deals. Not as much  we got city government deals. Metro LA is one of our biggest partners. And small departments, we found a niche with them. People really responded well to us working together. Like the Department of Recreational Cannabis and promoting recreational cannabis facilities instead of going to illegal ones. The Department of Consumer Business Affairs  letting people know that they have tax help or that they can help get them refunds. Or the Department of Immigration Affairs. So stuff like that has really resonated well.

Thats cool you found partnerships where youre not just holding your nose. I lived in DC for seven years and it was so wild, youd open Politico and itd be like Brought to you by Raytheon. So youre at 5,000 members, youre self-sustaining. Whats next?

Double it. Get to 10,000. I know internally we would always argue about putting things out there  like how much do we put behind the paywall? Try to test the methods. Do we put more things behind the paywall? Will that increase subscribers? Didnt really work. Do we share more things? Didnt really work. And then, when the ICE raids started, we were like, Screw it. Were just gonna put it out there first on social media and get to the website later. And that really resonated well. People responded, we raised so much money. Weve gotten so many new members.

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Its not until theres a point of crisis that people understand the importance of having local journalists and local media for answers. I hope people remember this and support us in times of peace, when all we have to talk about is tacos.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) The end of summer is upon us, and where is the prime destination this Labor Day weekend? None other than the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, with another rush of visitors to the beach.

Probably more crowds, more people, which is nice, said tourist Kelly Hayes. Its really great to meet new people, see where everybody came from and just hang out.

Whether youre a tourist or resident, its no surprise its a popular holiday destination along the coast. Thats why families like the Hearns say they make the drive down from New Jersey.

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Its cleaner than Jersey, said tourist Valerie Hearns. I would rather come here than go to the Jersey Shore. Although I grew up in Jersey, I prefer the speed and semi-warmness of Virginia Beach.

10 On Your Side spoke to another family that usually goes to the visit the Jersey Shore themselves, but this year, they too opted to come to the Oceanfront for Labor Day weekend.

We normally go north to Jersey, but we figured wed give Virginia Beach a try, tourist Michael Hayes said.

And with perfect weather on the horizon this weekend, they say they made the right choice. They hope everyone makes some time to check out the beach, but they said to be prepared for a rush.

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Theres so many like fun little things, Hayes said. Theyve got the playground up there, theres Neptune down there, and the weather this weekend is good. This is the best weather weve had all year.

No matter how youre celebrating this holiday weekend, do so in a safe way.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The man accused of killing 22-year-old Lesly Palacio in 2020, who was on the run in Mexico for four years and returned to Las Vegas on Thursday, was on probation for a gun charge involving his undocumented status.

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.

In a 2018 arrest report the 8 News Now Investigators obtained, Metro police described Rangel-Ibarra as an illegal alien. Rangel-Ibarra is an undocumented immigrant brought to the U.S. illegally as a baby and is classified as a Dreamer with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, sources said.

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The U.S. Marshals Service took Rangel-Ibarra into custody in Mexico on Thursday following a year of extradition proceedings. Officers at the jail booked Rangel-Ibarra into their custody just before 4 p.m. that same day.

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. (LVMPD)

Authorities in Mexico arrested Rangel-Ibarra in July 2024, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. Over the years, detectives have said they believed Rangel-Ibarra was in Mexico within 48 hours of Palacios death, adding he and his family have ties there.

In 2021, a Clark County grand jury indicted Rangel-Ibarra on charges of murder and destroying evidence. The grand jury also indicted Rangel-Ibarras father, Jose Rangel, for helping his son move Palacios body from their home.

Video evidence presented to a grand jury showed Rangel-Ibarra and Rangel carrying Palacios body from the home and into a truck. A judge later 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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Rangel initially told police he thought Palacio 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. Police have never said how they believe Palacio died, and the Clark County coroners office ruled her cause of death as unsubstantiated.

In 2018, a Metro police officer stopped Rangel-Ibarra after observing him driving at a high rate of speed and driving into oncoming traffic unsafely, documents said. The officer noticed Rangel-Ibarra reaching near the side panel door and suspected he was concealing a firearm.

The officer then found a nine-millimeter handgun on Rangel-Ibarras waistband, documents said. Rangel-Ibarra told police he bought the gun from a private seller for $500 for his safety.

In the report, the officer noted Rangel-Ibarra did not have a permit to carry a concealed weapon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was aware of Rangel-Ibarras arrest in 2018, a spokesperson said. Following his arrest, a judge released him on bond.

He later pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon and was ordered to serve three years probation, records said. At sentencing, the judge ordered Rangel-Ibarra to cooperate and comply with all orders and directives of ICE, among nearly two dozen other conditions, including obtaining from drugs and alcohol and keeping a steady job. Documents connected to Palacios murder indicate she and Rangel-Ibarra were drinking in the hours before her death.

Rangel-Ibarra faced a similar federal charge, which, after two years, prosecutors later dropped in June 2020, just two months before Palacios death, records said.

Federal code allows the government to terminate a DACA recipients status at any time, particularly if a crime is committed.

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Rangel-Ibarra was scheduled to make his first appearance in district court on the charges connected to Palacios murder on Sept. 3. He declined an interview request from jail.

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. (LVMPD)

When the 8 News Now Investigators first asked ICE about Rangel-Ibarras custody status following his arrest in Mexico in 2024, a spokesperson said the department was focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that protects the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported 525,000 DACA recipients as of March 31, many who know no other home than the United States. Records indicate Rangel-Ibarra illegally entered the country when he was eight months 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 KLAS.
Argentina's Tierra del Fuego was the world's first region to ban salmon farming in the open sea. Despite the ban being in effect since 2021, lawmakers recently advanced a proposal to roll back the groundbreaking law, reported Noticias Ambientales.

What's happening?

In early August, four deputies from the Fuegian Legislature's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Committee approved a report to overturn the salmon farming ban. By reimplementing salmon farming, lawmakers hope to boost economic activity and attract investment in the area.

However, critics believe it could be at the expense of public health, indigenous rights, and the local environment.

Why is salmon farming a problem?

Salmon farming was banned in Tierra del Fuego for a few reasons. The method required cages to raise salmon in the open sea, a practice with many consequences.

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Fish raised in these cages are often treated with antibiotics to reduce the spread of parasites and infections, according to Mongabay. This practice can pollute waters and contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is a growing public health concern.

The industry also threatens the cultural and ancestral ties to the sea for indigenous people. Local communities have long relied on healthy marine ecosystems for their food, livelihoods, and identities. The harm salmon farming creates in the area with little oversight directly affects these communities.

"I find it a serious lack of respect for the multiple indigenous communities," said Leticia Caro, a member of the Kawesqar Community Nomadic Sea Family Groups, per Noticias Ambientales.

Another problem is that salmon have escaped the cages  sometimes hundreds of thousands at a time. When they aren't native to the area, they compete with native species for food and habitat space. This can lead to native species dying off.

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Case in point: Salmon farming contributed to a 47% population decrease for Tasmania's Maugean skate between 2014 and 2021.

What's being done to protect Argentina's marine ecosystems?

Pablo Villegas, who authored the original law banning salmon farming in Tierra del Fuego, stated that he will file an objection to the overturn.

Advocates are also hard at work. Environmental activist Martina Sasso is one of many, dedicating her time to protecting Argentine marine life through research, raising awareness for laws, and lobbying work. Her current projects include regrowing kelp forests and protecting sharks from hunters and hobbyists.

Argentine scientists, like Adrian Schiavini, are also speaking out against environmentally unfriendly practices like salmon farming. "This proposal to modify the law seems like a new attempt to advance with a polluting production model that has already left dead zones in Chile," he said, per Noticias Ambientales.

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But what drives many decisions affecting marine ecosystems is lawmakers. Vote for pro-climate candidates who work to solve climate issues affecting environments across the world.

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.














MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  The Colorado Attorney Generals lawsuit filed against the Mesa County deputy accused of giving identifying information to ICE has been dropped.

The lawsuit was deemed moot after deputy Alexander Zwinck announced his resignation from the Mesa County Sheriffs Office, according to court documents. It was dismissed because the Colorado law only applies to state agency and political subdivision employees.

The parties stipulate to a dismissal without prejudice of the complaint, the document read.

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On June 3, Zwinck allegedly, over a Signal group chat, gave ICE information about University of Utah student Caroline Dias-Goncalves, who is originally from Brazil.

Attorney General Phil Weisers lawsuit originally stated the deputy should not have shared or probed Goncalves personal identifying information to help with federal immigration enforcement.

Weiser said in a statement to WesternSlopeNow, Alexander Zwinck filed a declaration with the court that he is resigning from the Mesa County Sheriffs Office effective September 2, and he will no longer be employed in any state or local law enforcement position. Because the laws he is accused of violating apply only to state and local employees, we are dismissing the lawsuit against Mr. Zwinck but retaining the right to re-file the case if Mr. Zwinck becomes a state or local employee in the future. The states pattern and practice investigation into law enforcement that participated in the Signal chat remains ongoing.

Colorado law  Senate Bill 25-276  prohibits police departments and sheriffs offices from sharing personal identifying information for investigating for, participating in, cooperating with, or assisting federal immigration enforcement.

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After an administrative review of the incident, Zwinck was placed on three weeks of unpaid administrative leave and was removed from his current assignment on the Western Colorado Task Force and reassigned to patrol.

Zwinck gave his resignation to the sheriffs office on Aug. 22. It will take effect on Sept. 2.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
In the fall of 2024, I predicted that America might be on the brink of having its "raw milk moment" given now Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s political elevation. Since then, hardly a week has passed without unpasteurized milk making headlines across the country. A recent bacterial outbreak in Florida has now heightened the controversy and further solidified raw milk's central role in America's broiling culture wars.

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) issued a press release in early August detailing a campylobacter and E. coli outbreak in the Sunshine State. Officials alerted that "there have been 21 cases since January 24, 2025, including six children under the age of 10, and seven hospitalizations linked to consumption of raw milk." The DOH explicitly identified Keely Farms Dairy, a small family farm, as the source of the outbreak.

Weeks later, a Florida woman, represented by a self-described "national food poisoning law firm," filed suit against Keely Farms, alleging that its raw milk caused her two-year-old son to contract a bacterial infection and fall ill. The woman further alleges that she fell ill herself and developed sepsis, which eventually led to the loss of her pregnancy.

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The details from the lawsuit are heartbreaking, but the more we learn about the situation surrounding Keely Farms, the more bizarre the story becomes. Despite DOH's definitive declaration that Keely Farms was the source of the bacterial outbreak, it was later found that the agency had reached this conclusion despite not conducting a single test at the farm, nor alerting the farm that it was under investigation. In a Facebook post, Keely Farms said that the department's press release "blindsided" them. (The DOH's press release stated that it would "continue working with Keely Farms Dairy," insinuating that the relevant parties had been working together throughout.)

Confusing things further, Keely Farms was recently inspected by the Florida Department of Agriculture. "We passed, as always," Keely Farms posted.

Selling raw milk for human consumption is illegal in Florida. As a result, milk that has not been pasteurizedthe process of heating the liquid to a specific temperature for five to 30 seconds to kill harmful bacteriacan only be sold for livestock feed. Keely Farms' raw milk was appropriately labeled as "not for human consumption," meaning that the 21 Floridians who allegedly drank the farm's milk (and those who also gave it to their children) chose to do so despite this warning.

It's unclear how the current litigation involving Keely Farms will ultimately play out, although it's likely that more follow-on suits will be filed, using the DOH's press release as evidentiary fodder.

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Politico recently noted that raw milk has gone from "the darling of the organic liberals, deserving of sympathetic coverageto the conservative culture war signal that is a sweetheart of deep-red state legislatures." This is on display in Florida. Despite the DOH targeting Keely Farms for its raw milk, Florida's Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapoan appointee of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and the head of the DOHrecently expressed support for human consumption of raw milk in a social media post.

On the other hand, Florida's agriculture commissioner, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, has encouraged Floridians to only drink pasteurized milk, citing the dangers of raw milk. This means that the head of the Florida agency that targeted Keely Farms' raw milk products is unexpectedly pro-raw milk, while the head of the state agency that inspected and greenlighted Keely Farms' operations is against raw milk.

This confusion highlights how raw milk has become a political flashpoint. The state health agency blamed Keely Farms while skipping basic investigative steps, the agriculture department cleared the farm, and their leaders publicly contradicted their own agencies.

When policy decisions are filtered through the lens of culture wars, the result is not clarity or safety but a muddle of mixed signals. Floridians are left unsure whether raw milk is a health risk, a personal freedom, or just another pawn in America's endless red vs. blue standoff.

The post Raw Milk Debates Are Turning Sour in Florida appeared first on Reason.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  A lawsuit filed against a Mesa County Sheriffs Office deputy who may have shared information with federal agents that led to a 19-year-old Utah students arrest has been dropped.

The case was filed by the Colorado Attorney Generals Office after Mesa County Deputy Andrew Zwinck allegedly shared details of a traffic stop in a group message that included members of Homeland Security Investigations, leading to the detention of Caroline Dias-Goncalves on June 5.

Previous reporting: Mesa County Sheriffs Office investigation finds disturbing messages in drug chat

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Dias-Goncalves, 19, has no criminal record and was attending the University of Utah on a merit scholarship. In Colorado, local and state law enforcement and peace officers are prevented from aiding federal law enforcement officers with civil immigration efforts, which is what Dias-Goncalves arrest would fall under.

Based on our findings, the Mesa County Sheriffs Office should not have had any role in the chain of events leading to Miss Dias-Goncalvess detention, and I regret that this occurred, Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell shared in July. I apologize to Miss Dias-Goncalves.

Court records show that on Thursday, Aug. 28, a joint stipulation of dismissal without prejudice was filed in the case. The court record says that on Aug. 22, Zwinck filed a declaration that said he is resigning from the Mesa County Sheriffs Office as of Tuesday, Sept. 2.

The court record says that as of that date, he will no longer be employed in any Colorado state or political subdivision law enforcement position. The record also says that the state statute the lawsuit was filed regarding will no longer apply to Zwinck at that point, since he would no longer be a state agency or political subdivision employee.

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On Aug. 5, the Mesa County Board of County Commissioners filed a lawsuit against Gov. Jared Polis and Weiser about the ongoing litigation against Zwinck. According to court records accessed Friday evening, that case is still active and a scheduling conference is set for Oct. 7 in Colorado District Court.

Cut fiber line leads to Gilpin County phone, internet service outages

The filing of this complaint is intended to seek legal clarity regarding the role and responsibilities of local law enforcement under current state law, Senate Bill 25-276, and to protect Mesa Countys legal and financial interests, the board said in a statement.

The board also said that they believe the matter could have and should have been resolved through cooperation, rather than being turned into political theater.

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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 FOX31 Denver.
Retired Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz lost his bid on Friday to overturn a ruling that dismissed his defamation lawsuit against CNN over the news channels coverage of remarks he made during President Donald Trumps 2020 impeachment trial.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Dershowitz presented no evidence that CNNs reporters and commentators operated with actual malice in covering Dershowitzs defense of Trumps push for Ukraine to investigate his rival in the 2020 race, Democrat Joe Biden.

Dershowitz made a spontaneous series of remarks before Congress that, he says, were misinterpreted by pundits. But even if those commentators did report incorrectly on Dershowitzs statements, he has offered no evidence that they did so intentionally, Judge Britt Grant wrote in the majority opinion.

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Dershowitz in an interview said he would appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that the 11th Circuit decision relied on a landmark 1964 ruling by the high court, New York Times v. Sullivan, that he said has been expanded unrealistically to make lying journalists immune.

He cited a concurring opinion in Fridays decision by Judge Barbara Lagoa, who said she only voted to uphold the dismissal of Dershowitzs lawsuit because she was bound by Sullivan.

Lagoa said there was little dispute that CNN defamed Alan Dershowitz under any common understanding of that term, and that the only thing standing between Dershowitz and justice is Sullivan.

The third judge on the panel, Charles Wilson, in a concurring opinion defended Sullivan and the press protections it provides.

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A CNN spokesperson declined to comment on the decision.

Dershowitz was one of several high-profile attorneys Trump tapped during his first presidential term after the Democratic-led House of Representatives impeached him in December 2019 on two charges arising from his dealings with Ukraine.

Trump had requested that Ukraine investigate Biden and his son Hunter, who had joined the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma while his father was U.S. vice president, for corruption. Biden later defeated Trump in the 2020 election.

Dershowitz during the impeachment trial offered an expansive defense of presidential power that provoked astonishment among Democrats.

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If a president does something which he believes will help him get elected in the public interest, that cannot be the kind of quid pro quo that results in an impeachment, Dershowitz said, referring to the charge that Trump abused his power by using congressionally approved security aid as leverage to get a foreign power to smear Biden.

Dershowitz sued CNN following the outlets coverage of its remarks, including in its broadcasts. A federal judge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ruled for CNN in April 2023.

Dershowitz had argued that internal communications showed CNN and its commentators collaborated to damage his reputation. But Grant in Fridays majority opinion said those internal messages tend to support CNNs position that the relevant speakers believed in the truth of their reporting.

The case is Alan Dershowitz v. Cable News Network, Inc., 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, 23-11270.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  The Limestone County Sheriffs Office says an Indonesian man was arrested and charged with electronic solicitation of a child.

LCSO said investigators began an investigation in Aug. 2025 after a person made contact with a decoy juvenile male social media account.

Authorities said during the investigation, a person, identified as I Made Gitayana, 31, of Bali, Indonesia, made contact with the decoy account.

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LCSO said Gitayana arranged to meet the child for sexual purposes and agreed to pay for transportation. Authorities said on August 28, LCSO, along with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Calhoun County Sheriffs Office, and Special Agents from the Homeland Security Investigations Office in Birmingham (HSI) conducted a joint operation.

Upon arriving at the designated meeting location and paying for the childs transportation, Gitayana was taken into custody without incident, LCSO said on social media. During questioning, he stated that he had previously worked as a cruise ship employee and had illegally entered the United States in July 2025, after leaving a vessel in Miami, Florida. He then traveled to Alabama, where, within four weeks, he attempted to arrange a meeting with a child for sex.

Authorities said Gityana was taken to the Limestone County Detention Facility and booked for electronic solicitation of a child. LCSO said the bond had not been set on Friday night.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  On the Las Vegas Strip, tourism fuels Nevadas economy and hospitality leaders said keeping it safe is non-negotiable.

Thats why leaders are pushing to revive the Resort Corridor Court, even as new numbers show crime has fallen on the Strip.

The whole idea is to have a real court system that focuses on the Strip and safety on the Strip. It should also provide due process for those who may be appearing before the court, Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, said.

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The court was dissolved in November, and it was designed to handle only cases from the Strip, with judges able to issue order outs, bans that kept people from setting foot in the district for months at a time.

The court operated for less than two years before it was disbanded in late 2024. However, Metro police reports show violent and sexual crimes are down 17% in the last year.

Pappageorge argues perception matters just as much as the numbers.

We cant be relaxed about this; it is critical that the Las Vegas Strip is viewed as a safe place, Pappageorge said.

8 News Now spoke with Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Melisa De La Garza and asked her if, in the future, the court would return. She said it is highly unlikely.

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The court was included in Governor Joe Lombardos crime bill that did not pass during the legislative session, and it was opposed by the Clark County Public Defenders Office.

There have been talks about revisiting the crime bill if the governor decides to hold a special session later this year.

If revived, the Resort Corridor Court would once again become one of the only courts in the nation focused solely on a single tourist district.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) -At least 13 people died and more than 20 were missing in northwestern Nigeria's Zamfara State after the boat they crowded aboard to escape an attack by armed men sank in a river, local residents and officials said on Saturday.

Zamfara is an epicentre of attacks by armed men, known locally as bandits, amid a surge across Africa's most populous country in recent months of factional bloodshed that often involves Islamist militias or criminal gangs.

The assailants stormed two communities in Birnin Magaji ward on Friday afternoon, sending locals fleeing toward a nearby riverbank that had a single boat, residents told Reuters.

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"My eldest son and two other nieces were among the 13 people who died when the boat was heavily overloaded with people," Shehu Mohammed, a health worker in Birnin Magaji, told Reuters.

Maidamma Dankilo, the district head of Birnin Magaji, said 13 people from the boat had been confirmed dead, 22 had been rescued and 22 others were still missing.

Gunmen killed at least two people and abducted more than 100 last weekend in an attack some 150 km (95 miles) west of Birnin Magaji.

Zamfara recorded 50 mass abductions between July 2024 and June 2025, involving 1,064 victims, according to a report this week by Lagos-based research firm SBM Intelligence.

(Reporting by Ahmed Kingimi; Editing by Aaron Ross and Alex Richardson)
According to the report the Lebanese Army received a batch of light and medium weapons, B7 rockets, and medium-range surface-to-surface missiles from the camps of Tyre.

The Lebanese Army has completed the disarmament of six Palestinian camps in Lebanon, according to reports at Arab News network in Saudi Arabia.

These are refugee camps established after the 1948 War of Independence and most of them are today dense urban areas home to tens of thousands of Palestinians. The Lebanese government is seeking to disarm all armed groups in Lebanon. It has begun with the Palestinians after a deal with Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority.

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If this disarmament goes well, it may pave the way for disarming Hezbollah. It could also be a model for disarming Hamas.

According to the report the Lebanese Army received a batch of light and medium weapons, B7 rockets, and medium-range surface-to-surface missiles from the camps of Tyre. The camps include Rashidieh, Burj Al-Shemali and Al-Bass, which are all near the city of Tyre. In addition the amry was able to disarm the Shatila camp and Mar Elias camp in Beirut, as well as the Burj Al-Barajneh camp in Beiruts southern suburb.

The Lebanese army on Friday received a new batch of heavy weapons from Palestinian Liberation Organization factions in refugee camps in Lebanon, the report said.

People carry flags as they gather during the burial of late Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine who was killed during Israeli airstrikes last year, in Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, southern Lebanon February 24, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI)

The handover has happened in phases, with the army first seeking out the weapons in the camps near Tyre in southern Lebanon, and then proceeding to Beirut. While Lebanese army vehicles did not enter the Burj Al-Barajneh camp, the handover took place in the courtyard where the first batch was delivered last week, the report said.

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This handover was among the first, and then the army received the weapons from three camps near Tyre and then returned to receive weapons from the Beirut camps. According to the report, a total of eight trucks of weapons were filled near Tyre. Most of the weapons in the south came from the Rashidieh camp.

Weapons handover did not include Hamas, Islamic Jihad

However, the report has a worrying postscript. The weapons handover did not include Hamas and Islamic Jihad weapons, as these two organizations are not subject to the authority of the PLO, the report said.

The Palestinian Authority has sought to help Lebanon disarm the camps, concentrating on its own supporters in groups such as Fatah. Meanwhile the US has banned members of the Palestinian Authority from attending the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting. This comes amid an increased push for recognition of a Palestinian State among some European countries.

There are a total of 12 Palestinian camps in Lebanon. Arab News says that Ain Al-Hilweh, the most densely populated, with the largest number of armed Palestinian factions. The Cairo Agreement with the PLO at the end of the 1960s legalized the weapons of factions affiliated with the PLO in Lebanon. The agreement fell apart after the civil war in Lebanon, when President Amin Gemayel signed a law revoking it in 1987. The law abolishing the agreement was approved by the Lebanese Parliament.

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The report notes that the weapons in the hands of Hamas and PIJ in Lebanon are illegal, however it remains to be seen if the army will clash with these groups. Ramez Dimashkieh, head of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, told Arab News that negotiations over the weapons of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other affiliated Palestinian forces are underway, the report said.

He noted that we are talking about the weapons of the PLO factions, with whom we negotiated and reached an agreement. As for the weapons of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Palestinian forces orbiting around them, the matter requires negotiations with them. Hezbollah has not handed over its weapons and Hezbollah is closely allied to Hamas and PIJ. The groups are backed by Iran.

According to the reports, the third stage of the handover will now continue in camps in northern Lebanon and the Bekaa valley.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the official spokesman for the Palestinian presidency, said that the relevant Palestinian authorities in Lebanon have handed over the third batch of weapons belonging to the PLO that were present in the Palestinian camps in Beirut, to be placed in the custody of the Lebanese army. He noted that this came after the Abbas agreement with Lebanons President in May.
There is a belief today that Hezbollah is weaker than it has been in decades and this gives an opportunity to those like Salam and Aoun to change Lebanons trajectory.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that "what the government is doing is to consolidate the concept of a strong and just state and serves the interests of Lebanon and the Lebanese." He was quoted in the pro-Iranian Al-Akhbar paper in Lebanon. The pro-Iranian voices are watching Salams moves closely.

Iran has sought to hollow out and weaken Lebanon over the last decades, using Hezbollah as a proxy within the country. Any attempt by the government to create a stronger state will challenge Irans regional agenda and weaken Hezbollah.

Hezbollah: Weaker today than it has been in decades?

There is a belief today that Hezbollah is weaker than it has been in decades and this gives an opportunity to those like Salam and the President Joseph Aoun, to change Lebanons trajectory. Salam made his latest comments during a meeting with the countrys Grand Mufti. Salam spoke about "rebuilding the state must remain a hallmark of the difficult and delicate phase Lebanon is going through, no matter how intense the storms and how many obstacles grow."

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The Lebanese leader stressed that we will continue our efforts to achieve the required reform and extend the state's authority over all its territories using its own resources to advance the state and its institutions. Despite the difficulties and challenges, our most powerful weapon will remain national unity, will, determination, and optimism to reach safe shores for our homeland, which has been wounded by the ongoing Israeli aggression."

Salam is currently facing a complex series of challenges. He and Aoun came to power with the promise of reforming Lebanon and returning parts of the country to state control. This came after Israel defeated Hezbollah in the fall of 2024. Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in November 2024. This paved the way for the fall of the Assad regime in December. Hezbollah has now been relatively quiet in Lebanon, waiting to see what happens. It follows closely the promises of the new government to disarm various groups, including Hezbollah.

People carry flags as they gather during the burial of late Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine who was killed during Israeli airstrikes last year, in Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, southern Lebanon February 24, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI)

In order to build capacity and legitimacy for disarming Hezbollah, the government first is seeking to disarm Palestinian groups in the countries' dozen refugee camps. So far, this has proceeded well in southern Lebanons Tyre. It will now proceed to Beirut.

Hezbollah has warned that an attempt to take its arms could lead to clashes and civil conflict. Salam stressed that "the Council of Ministers will spare no effort to preserve every inch of the homeland." The Grand Mufti has praised Salams "wisdom, patience, and efforts in local, Arab, and international communications to overcome the obstacles facing the government and the rule of law." The Mufti expressed his commitment to supporting the government in its national work despite the challenges it faces.

Lebanon's new leaders shore up religious support

It is clear that both Salam and Aoun are trying to shore up religious support for their next moves. Aoun recently gave a speech on the anniversary of the disappearance of Sayyed Musa al-Sadr, a Lebanese-Iranian Shia Muslim cleric, politician and key player in the foundation of the Amal Movement. Aoun said, "He was not just a religious man, but a symbol of national unity and social justice, and a beacon of interfaith and inter-sectarian dialogue."

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He affirmed his commitment to "following up on the issue of his disappearance at all levels and not compromising Lebanon's right to know the full truth."

Sadr disappeared in 1978 on a trip to Libya. He was travelling with two men, Mohamad Yaacoub and Abbas Bader el-Dine. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri will deliver a televised address at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, to mark the 47th anniversary of the disappearance of Sayyed Musa al-Sadr and his two companions.

Aoun is trying to use this anniversary to show his support for the Shiites. Some Shiites back Hezbollah in Lebanon, but to get the arms from Hezbollah, the government will need more Shiites to refrain from seeing disarming as a threat to their role in the country.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  Lake Erie is no doubt a welcoming place for boating, fishing and swimming.

But how about this for a change of pace!

Dotted along the shoreline are dozens of beautiful and historic lighthouses, many of which you can find right here in Northeast Ohio.

They come in all different sizes, shapes and designs, each with its own storied history of guiding ships through the waters of Lake Erie.

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The years final 8 p.m. sunset  coming soon!

While not all are open to the public, one thing is for sure  you cant deny their unique beauty and picture-worthy landscapes.

Check out this list of some of the areas most popular lighthouses:

MARBLEHEAD LIGHTHOUSE

Marblehead, Ohio

Built in 1822, Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead, Ohio, United States, is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes.Ohio.

Its the oldest oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes. Its also one of Lake Eries most-photographed landmarks.

Located within Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, the native limestone tower was 50 feet-tall upon its completion in 1821.

Between 1897 and 1903, the towers height was increased 15ft by the addition of a watchroom and new lantern room, according to the Village of Marbleheads website, featuring its famed lighthouse.

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Modern technology is used in the lighthouse today, including a LED light projecting a green signal that flashes every six seconds and is visible for 11 nautical miles.

Marbleheads beloved beacon continues to shine and protect boaters from peril in Lake Eries unpredictable waters along her rocky shores, the website states.

Click HERE for more on the lighthouse history, upcoming events and tours.

PORT CLINTON LIGHTHOUSE

Port Clinton, Ohio

(Credit: Port Clinton Lighthouse Conservancy)

The fully restored Port Clinton Lighthouse was originally built in 1896 and now sits on the southern shore of Lake Erie at the mouth of Lake Portage.

The Port Clinton Lighthouse has a Pepperpot design, resembling a salt or pepper shaker.

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Built in 1896, the Port Clinton Lighthouse is the last remaining free-standing wooden pier light on Lake Erie, and one of only four left on the entire American side of the Great Lakes, Port Clinton Lighthouse Conservancy President Rich Norgard told Fox 8 News. Once prevalent on piers and breakwaters because of the prevalence of timber and ease of construction, these timber-frame lights, being susceptible to fire and the elements, were replaced over time by stone, masonry, and steel structures.

The Lighthouse is open to the public for tours on Saturdays from noon until 5 p.m., Memorial Day through Sept. 2, so you still have a little time left to check out the lighthouse this year and learn about its history. Tours are $3 per person.

Click HERE for more.

Best-reviewed beaches in Northeast Ohio

LORAIN LIGHTHOUSE

Lorain, Ohio

(Credit: Getty Images)

The Jewel of the Port.

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Completed in 1919, the Lorain Lighthouse is hard to miss. Its house-like size and features rising from Lorain Harbor catch your attention almost immediately. The lighthouse stands three-stories tall with a lantern room on top and a basement down below.

When it was in service, the lighthouse was known for its identifying signals including the length of its fog horn blast and the rotation and duration of its light, according to the Lorain Lighthouse website.

Standing at the north end of the West Harbor Breakwater in Lorain Harbor, its light is no longer lit, its fog horn no longer sounds, but it remains a silent reminder of Lorains historic relationship with Lake Erie shipping, the website states.

Frank Sipkovsky with the Lorain Lighthouse Foundation told Fox 8 News the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1965 and scheduled to be torn down but saved by the community. It then became the property of the Lorain Lighthouse Foundation and all restoration work is done by volunteers.

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You can tour the interior or for a unique experience you can have dinner at the lighthouse with a four course dinner with wine pairing with each course, Sipkovsky shared.

The lighthouse plays host to a number of tours and special events you can learn about HERE.

CLEVELAND HARBOR WEST PIERHEAD LIGHTHOUSE

Cleveland, Ohio

(FOX 8 photo)

The Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse has stood at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River since 1911.

The cone-shaped, cast-iron lighthouse, only accessible by boat, included a keepers quarters upon its completion and the addition of a fog signal station years later.

The lighthouse was automated in 1965 and is on the National Register of Historic places.

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A symbol of safety and resilience, this lighthouse is part of our shared maritime history and a reminder of Clevelands legacy as a Great Lakes port, Cuyahoga County wrote in a recent post on Facebook celebrating its historic lighthouse.

Its also well known by Clevelanders as it often freezes over in the wintertime creating the look of an ice castle floating on the water.

Its summer festival season! Heres a list of 2025 events in NE Ohio

ASHTABULA LIGHTHOUSE

Ashtabula, Ohio

A drone shot of the Ashtabula Harbor Light building under a cloudy sky in Ohio, USA

The Ashtabula lighthouse sits at the entrance to Ashtabula Harbor.

The current lighthouse, which stands three-stories tall, was built in 1905 after the mouth of the Ashtabula River was widened, and relocated in 1916 to its current spot at the end of the north breakwater.

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The Ashtabula lighthouse was the last lighthouse on Lake Erie to be manned by lighthouse keepers until 1973 when it was finally automated, according to the Ashtabula Lighthouse & Restoration Society.

The lighthouse is not open to the public, however you can view the structure from Walnut Beach or Point Park.

You can also visit the nearby Ashtabula Maritime & Surface Transportation Museum which is located inside the original Ashtabula Lighthouse Keepers House. There, you can view the lighthouses original lens installed in 1915 and removed in 1995.

CONNEAUT BREAKWATER WEST LIGHTHOUSE

Conneaut, Ohio

The Conneaut West Breakwater Lighthouse, Historical landmark in Ohio (Credit: Getty Images)

If you find yourself virtually anywhere in the Port of Conneaut, youll have a great view of this towering lighthouse.

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The Conneaut Lighthouse, a 60-foot tall square, steel tower was first activated in 1936, replacing the former Conneaut Harbor Lighthouse, according to the United States Coast Guard.

The tower was originally all white before the black, horizontal band you see today was added as a daymark, which helps identify the lighthouse during the daylight hours.

The lighthouse is not open for public tours, but dont skip it! Youll be sure to snap a beautiful picture from the shoreline.

THE FAIRPORT HARBOR MARINE MUSEUM AND LIGHTHOUSE

Fairport Harbor, Ohio

(Credit: Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse)

The Fairport Harbor Lighthouse is one of two lighthouses in Fairport Harbor.

The original 30 foot-tall lighthouse was completed in 1825 along with a two-story keepers house, according to The Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse website. However, both the tower and keepers house had to be replaced due to deterioration.

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The current 60-foot tall sandstone tower, rebuilt in 1871, features a spiral staircase leading to an observation deck where visitors can take in breathtaking views.

The lighthouse remained in service until 1925 when it was decommissioned after the West Breakwater Lighthouse went into service.

The lighthouse currently serves as the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum.

Visitors can tour the museum with its amazing maritime artifacts. Those include the original Fresnel lens and the pilot house from a lake Erie freighter. No visit is complete without a climb up the 69 step spiral staircase to the top of our tower which once housed the light that shone for a hundred years . Watch out for Sentinel, the ghost cat. Learn the ghost cats story and many other tales of Fairport Harbor and the Great Lakes, museum president Marty OGara told Fox 8 News.

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You can visit the museum and lighthouse Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 6 p.m. It will be closed from Sept. 28 until Memorial Day 2026.

Click HERE to learn more about the museum and lighthouse.

Northeast Ohio 2025 County Fair Guide

FAIRPORT HARBOR WEST BREAKWATER LIGHTHOUSE

Fairport Harbor, Ohio

Built in 1925, Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse is located on the Lake Erie shore. Fairport Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse is now automated, and its Fresnel lens has been replaced with a modern optic light.

The Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse was first lit in 1925 and sits in Fairport Harbor at the mouth of the Grand River.

It was built to replace the original Fairport Harbor Lighthouse, which now serves as the aforementioned Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse.

The century old Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse, located in Headlands Beach State Park, offers unprecedented views of Lake County and Northeast Ohio from the top, current owner Sheila Consaul told Fox 8 News.

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Consual purchased the 3,000 square-foot lighthouse from the federal government in 2011 and renovated the building into her summer home.

Still in use as an active-aide-to-navigation, the lighthouse guides commercial ships and recreational boaters as it has for 100 years and can be toured by appointment throughout the summer, Consaul said.

You can email keeper@fairportharborwestlighthouse.com to book a private tour.

Additionally, an annual open house is held each June to celebrate the lighthouses birthday. The 2026 celebration is slated for June 6. Details will be posted on the lighthouses Facebook page.



VERMILION LIGHTHOUSE

Vermilion, Ohio

Vermillion Lighthouse  built in 1877.

While only a replica, the Vermilion Lighthouse does not fall short in the beauty department.

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Standing along the Lake Erie shoreline in the Town of Sea Captains, the 34 foot-tall lighthouse is a replica of the original lighthouse that was removed in 1929.

The red and white lighthouse located right next to Main Street Beach was installed and dedicated in 1992.

Newly designated as a stop on the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail to celebrate America 250, the Vermilion Lighthouse stands as both a navigational landmark and a symbol of our citys connection to Lake Erie. It represents Vermilions maritime heritage and offers visitors a chance to experience a piece of history while enjoying one of the most picturesque views on the shoreline. Stopping by the lighthouse isnt just about seeing a structure, its about connecting with the story of the lake and the community that has grown alongside it, according to Kate Repola with Main Street Vermilion.

The public is not allowed inside the lighthouse, but a picture of the structure will serve you well!

You can read a detailed history of Vermilions lighthouses HERE.

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There are a number of legal mechanisms that could allow frozen Russian assets to be confiscated for the benefit of Ukraine, including transferring the assets into a dedicated special-purpose mechanism.

Source: Kestutis Budrys, Lithuanian Foreign Minister, ahead of an informal meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen on 30 August, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Frozen Russian assets could be placed in a special-purpose company for subsequent use in support of Ukraine.

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"Lithuania proposes to move forward and quickly with the seizure of the frozen assets. That's the thing we were stuck on for too long," Budrys said.

He noted that the EU has "at least a couple of legal decisions on how to organise it", while acknowledging "there are certain risks related to it".

Budrys explained the process: "And we have to take the money, assets and central bank assets (of Russia  ed.) from Euroclear (the Belgian depository holding over 200 billion of frozen Russian assets  ed.), put it into one of the options, into a special purpose vehicle, and implement it through the legal process."

"And it can be provided as guarantees in the form of loans to Ukraine, with some conditionality of reparations being paid by Russia," he added.

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Budrys expressed confidence that "this is how we will share the responsibility and the costs of the risks".

Background:

As reported by European Pravda, Estonia has also insisted on the confiscation of frozen Russian assets and the transfer of funds to Ukraine.

"We are advancing work on Russian frozen assets to support Ukraines defence and reconstruction," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the day before.

Earlier reports indicated that the EU could create a fund to facilitate the transfer of nearly 200 billion in Russian assets for Ukraines reconstruction.

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The Lithuanian military has installed obstacles to strengthen security at unused roads at border checkpoints with Russia and Belarus, LRT broadcaster reported on Aug. 30.

The so-called "dragon teeth"  pyramid-shaped concrete anti-tank obstacles  were set up as part of the Baltic Defense Line, a planned string of defenses along the Baltic countries' borders with Russia and Belarus.

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, three NATO members sharing borders with Russia and its ally Belarus, have increasingly raised alarm over the Russian threat since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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"The installed barriers are only part of a large, integrated picture," Lithuanian military chief Raimundas Vaiksnoras said.

"We are starting from the tactical level  specific obstacles on the border  and later we will combine the entire engineering plan into one conceptual system."

New obstacles have already been installed at the unused Sumskas, Lavoriskes, Raigardas, and Latezeris border crossings with Belarus, as well as at the Romaniskes border checkpoint with Russia's heavily fortified Kaliningrad exclave and other areas.

The Lithuanian military aims to limit the usage of unused roads as part of long-term plans to reduce the threat of ground-based invasion.

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Past years saw Lithuania ramp up security measures amid fears of a possible conflict between NATO and Russia. These steps included blocking and fortifying a bridge over the Nieman River linking the country with Kaliningrad.

Vilnius also recently held the Fierce Wolf 2025 military drills in response to the upcoming Zapad 2025 exercises in Belarus, expected to involve 30,000 Russian and Belarusian military personnel.

Read also: Ukraines ex-parliament speaker shot dead in Lviv

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PITTSBURG, Kan.  A rare, never-before-displayed antique has made the journey back to the Four States, just in time for Little Balkans Days.

Every year, the Little Balkans Days Quilt Show has about 150 to 200 entries, but this year, there was a rare find. A hand-made quilt from the 1800s, which was originally from Arcadia, Kansas, found its way home.

Deborah Walker with Little Balkans Days says the owner wanted to share this hand-made quilt because the names on the seams are those of local families. Walker says about seven hundred people every year attend the quilt show.

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The ones we have in here are showing had to be made in the last three years. This one was made in 1893, so it is quite valuable, said Deborah Hurt Walker, Little Balkans Quilt Guild Media Coordinator.

The Quilt Show ends tomorrow, and some lucky resident will get to take home this historic artifact.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

more news from Western Massachusetts

Read the original article on MassLive.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The Livingston Parish Library is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month this September with the theme One Card, Endless Possibilities.

LPL said a library card gives you more than books; it provides access to free workshops, online resources, homework help, movies, music and community events.

To mark the occasion, the library is offering visitors a chance to spin the LPL Prize Wheel. Anyone who signs up for a new card, renews their card, or snaps a photo with the giant library card can spin the wheel for a prize.

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The library encourages everyone, from students and parents to lifelong learners, to discover what a library card can unlock this September.

Livingston Parish Library Book Club Picks for September

The Livingston Parish Library also announced its September book club picks. Each branch hosts a monthly club for adults, with discussions centered on a different book.

Joyful Reads Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the South Branch. The selection is The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger.

Sunny Side Up Inspirational Book Club will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Watson Branch. The selection is The Preachers Daughter by Beverly Lewis.

Spine Tinglers Book Club will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Watson Branch. The selection is Those Empty Eyes by Charlie Donlea.

Box of Chocolates Book Club will meet at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Denham Springs-Walker Branch. The selection is The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.

ASB Book Club will meet at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, at the Albany-Springfield Branch. The selection is I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue.

Main Branch Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the Main Branch in Livingston. The selection is The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott.

South Branch Bookies will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at the South Branch. The selection is The Second Mrs. Aster by Shana Abe.

For more information on a specific club, contact the branch directly.

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South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has officially declared Gangneung, located in Gangwon Province, a national disaster zone due to the intensifying drought, the presidential office announced on Saturday, Azernews reports.

Following the declaration, President Lee directed the relevant government agencies to take immediate action and implement disaster response measures.

In a meeting held in the drought-stricken city, where residents are currently experiencing water shortages, Lee emphasized the urgency of the situation. He ordered the mobilization of 50 fire trucks, which will deliver an additional 2,000 tons of water daily to the affected areas in an effort to alleviate the crisis.
A judge handed down the sentence to an Indiana man who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking.

Todd Stumpf, 59, was ordered to serve a minimum of four years and a maximum of ten years in prison, according to the Indiana County District Attorney Robert Manzi. The prison time will be followed by consecutive probation supervision upon release.

Stumpf had pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.

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This investigation by the Blairsville Borough Police Department, in partnership with the Indiana County Drug Task Force, not only stopped this shipment of drugs from hitting the street, Manzi said. This investigation also stopped a drug mule from continuing to bring poison to our county week after week.

Prosecutors say Blairsville police conducted a traffic stop on Stumpfs vehicle for several violations, and they found 908 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle.

Stumpf reportedly admitted to being paid to drive from Blairsville to Maryland every two weeks, bringing the drugs back to Indiana County.

We know that someone else out there may want to take this defendants spot to make a quick buck. We will do everything within the confines of the law to send that person to state prison as well, Manzi said.

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When we talk about literacy, most people think about reading and writing. However, there is another kind of literacy that plays an important role in our everyday lives: water literacy. Water literacy is the knowledge and understanding we have about water, including where it comes from, how we use it, and how we protect it for future generations.

For the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District, increasing water literacy means helping our communities in Bastrop and Lee counties make informed decisions about one of our most valuable and limited resources: groundwater. Water literacy is about understanding the science, systems, challenges and opportunities that shape our local groundwater future.

Why water literacy matters

Groundwater is at the heart of everything in the Lost Pines region: our homes, our farms, our businesses, our natural resources and our environment. Yet many people do not realize the journey water takes before it reaches the tap or the work it requires to keep our water systems healthy. Without a shared understanding of how water works in our region, it is difficult for communities to work together toward conservation and sustainability. Water literacy empowers individuals to make choices that save water and reduce waste, participate in local water policy discussions, recognize the connection between daily actions and long-term water availability, and support projects that protect water quality and quantity.

How we are building water literacy

The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District's mission goes beyond regulating and monitoring groundwater. This month we have lots of opportunities for residents to learn, ask questions, and take part in protecting our groundwater.

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From noon to 3 p.m. on Sept. 17, Austin Water staff will be at our office to answer questions and share information about their Aquifer Storage and Recovery project, which is set to take place in our district. This is a chance for residents to hear directly from project experts, learn how ASR works and understand what it could mean for our groundwater.

Claire Marks (Handout)





Directly following, we will have our regular board meeting at 3:30 p.m. at our office, 317 E Hempstead St., in Giddings. Meetings are open to the public. To make a public comment, please register as a speaker by Monday, Sept. 15 by contacting (512) 360-5088 or lpgcd@lostpineswater.org.

Then on Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. until noon, we are collaborating with Aqua Water Supply Corporation to host a Rainwater Harvesting 101 session at the Aqua WSC Annex Building, 401 Old Austin Highway in Bastrop. This free workshop will cover the basics of rainwater collection, from system design and installation to maintenance and practical uses. Participants from Bastrop or Lee county can also learn about our Rainwater Harvesting Rebate program, where we give you $1 for every 1 gallon of rainwater storage capacity up to $5,000. Please RSVP by calling (512) 360-5088 no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15.

Water literacy in action

At LPGCD, we believe education is the first step toward conservation. We bring water literacy into our community through school programs, curriculum support for science teachers, public workshops, guides for well owners and collaboration with local, regional and state partners. When residents understand how water moves through our region, how it is managed, and how it can be protected, they are better equipped to take action. That action may be fixing a leak, supporting conservation projects or engaging in policy discussions. If you would like us to give a presentation to your students or organization, please call (512) 360-5088 or email cmarks@lostpineswater.org.

Our shared responsibility

Every drop of water we use today is connected to the decisions we make as individuals and as a community. By learning more about our local water systems, we can each help keep Bastrop and Lee counties water future secure. Join us at one of our upcoming events, explore lostpineswater.org, or call (512) 360-5088.

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Let's make September a month for building water literacy. The more we know, the better prepared we are to protect our groundwater for ourselves, our neighbors and generations to come.

Claire Marks is the education and outreach coordinator for the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District.
ST. BERNARD PARISH (Louisiana First)  Governor Jeff Landry attended a memorial service to mark the states resilience in the face of Katrina.

Landry, along with Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, Phillip Devillier, attended a memorial mass in St. Bernard Parish near New Orleans at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church.

We come together to thank God for the rebuilding after Katrina, and in a very special way, to remember those whose lives have been taken, and also for their families, friends, and all those who suffered the great cross of Katrina, said Archbishop Gregory Aymond of the City of New Orleans.

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Landry said hes remembering the more than 1,800 lives lost, the hundreds of thousands of Louisiana residents displaced, and widespread destruction to homes, businesses, infrastructure, and cultural landmarks.



He said, August 29, 2005, a day that forever changed the state of Louisiana, and a date we vow to never forget. Twenty years later, we remember, and we continue to build back our state to be better than ever before. The people of Louisiana endured unimaginable hardship, yet displayed unmatched courage, compassion, and unbreakable resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. The response and support shown by people across Louisiana and the United States should never be forgotten, Landry said in a statement.

Dauda Sesay with the Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants said hes planning an event to mark the twenty years since Katrina as well.



Part of it is just bringing communities together, and hearing from the experience of individuals who were impacted by Katrina  to just remember the day, Sesay said.



Community leaders said theyll also observe the day by going over disaster preparedness and training.

The flooding caused by Katrina, and the breaking of the levee between New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain, put at least 80% of New Orleans underwater at one point.

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LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR)- Agents with the Virginia State Police have arrested a Lynchburg man in connection with the death of a woman whose remains were discovered in the Prospect area of High Bridge Trail State Park.

The remains of Samantha Okinyi, 23, of Prospect, were discovered by two cyclists on Saturday, August 23.

Woman charged with arson, assault on officer in Campbell County mobile home fire

Demetrius M. Brown, 28, of Lynchburg, has been charged with second-degree murder. Police said Brown was taken into custody without incident.

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The Department of Conservation and Recreation Law Enforcement Rangers and the Prince Edward County Sheriffs Office assisted the VSP in the investigation.

No other details are known.

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French President Emmanuel Macron issued a reminder Friday of President Trumps deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

If that doesnt happen by Monday, the deadline set by President Trump, it means that once again President Putin played President Trump, Macron said Friday during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Macron said he hopes the meeting between Zelensky and Putin, one that Russian officials so far have rejected, takes place, but added if it doesnt, European leaders would push for primary and secondary sanctions to pressure the Kremlin to negotiate a peace deal.

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Merz, who, along with Macron, was one of the seven European leaders at the White House meeting with Trump and Zelensky last week, warned that the conflict in eastern Europe could continue for many more months. The German leader added that European countries will not abandon Kyiv but said Putin is not showing proof he is ready to meet with Zelensky, despite Trumps demands for the bilateral talks.

Last Friday, while speaking with reporters at the White House, Trump said he expects to make a move in two weeks if a direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin is not set.

Were going to see whether or not they have a meeting, Itll be interesting to see. If they dont, why didnt they have a meeting, because I told them to have a meeting, the president said. But Ill know what I am going to do in two weeks.

Zelensky on Friday also noted a previous statement by Trump that he would give Putin a week or two to agree on a meeting before possibly imposing penalties on Russia.

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Two weeks will be on Monday. And we will remind everybody, Zelensky said.

So far, Russia has slow-walked Washingtons effort to broker a peace deal to end the 3 1/2 year war in eastern Europe. Ukraine has balked at making territorial concessions but says its ready for Zelensky to meet with Putin as it also negotiates postwar security guarantees with the U.S. and Europe.

Russian officials have questioned Zelenskys legitimacy, and Moscows military has continued to pound Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with drones and missile assaults.

When asked Friday about Macrons comments, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller called the question absurd and added that the president has achieved seven peace deals in seven months.

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Literally no president, not just in our lifetimes, but then I can think of an American history and no world leader anywhere today, anywhere on Earth has done more to advance world peace than President Trump, Miller told reporters.

Miller echoed Trumps claim that the Russia-Ukraine war is Bidens war and emphasized that Trump is working steadfastly to end the killing, and thats something that everybody in the world should celebrate.

Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Zelenskys chief of staff Andriy Yermak and Ukraines Deputy Foreign Minister Serhii Kyslytsia in New York City on Friday, where they discussed Russias continued bombardment of Ukraine.

Yermak said he invited Witkoff, who has met with Putin five times this year, to visit Ukraine in the near future.

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Ukraine supports President Trumps firm resolve, as well as that of all partners, to achieve a lasting peace as soon as possible. Ukraine welcomes all peace initiatives put forward by the United States. But unfortunately, each of them is being stalled by Russia, Yermak said on social platform X after the meeting.

Yermak called for global pressure to ensure Russia is genuinely ready to move toward peace and, in particular, to hold critically important leaders meetings for that purpose.

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Emmanuel Macron has rejected calls to resign as he faces a confidence vote that could cause the collapse of his government next month.

The French leader looks likely to lose the sixth prime minister of his presidency on Sept 8, in a clash over plans to slash public spending.

But a defiant Mr Macron, whose second term as president runs until 2027, insisted: The mandate entrusted to me by the French people  will be exercised until its term expires.

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Francois Bayrou, the prime minister, has staked his political survival on a vote intended to finally break the political deadlock over budget cuts that has persisted for more than a year.

France risks prolonged instability

The unexpected gamble risks creating a period of prolonged political and financial instability for France, and has led to renewed calls from both sides of the political divide for Mr Macron himself to go.

But Mr Macron said Mr Bayrou was not facing an insurmountable challenge and called on Frances bitterly divided political parties to find ways to agree on his proposed budget.

In July, Mr Bayrou proposed 44bn (38bn) in spending cuts and tax increases, which he says are essential to bring down the ballooning budget deficit. But his proposals to scrap two public holidays and freeze spending increases have angered many.

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The main opposition parties have already said they plan to vote against the plans, meaning Mr Bayrous premiership, which began in December, already appears doomed.

Earlier this week, Mr Bayrou came under fire for accusing baby boomers of the post-war generation of being partially responsible for the countrys 3.3tn (2.9tn) debt pile.

Frances young will have to pay off the debt for the rest of their lives all for the comfort of certain political parties and for the comfort of the boomers, as they say, who consider that, well, everything is fine, he told Tf1, the news channel.

Despite the criticism, Mr Bayrou, himself a member of the boomer generation, doubled down on his finger-pointing on Friday, calling debt slavery for the young, and telling his contemporaries their indifference towards younger generations was immoral.

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His ousting would return Mr Macron to an impasse he has been stuck in since the snap elections last year  there is no suitable candidate capable of getting legislation through a National Assembly split between three antagonistic blocs.

The far Right has urged Mr Macron to call new parliamentary elections, while the far Left said the president must resign.

Last-ditch talks appear destined to fail

If Mr Macrons government falls after the upcoming vote, he could appoint a new prime minister, dissolve parliament again and face another general election, or resign.

Mr Bayrou, however, said he would fight to remain in power and planned to host party leaders for talks from Monday. But the chances of success for his last-ditch efforts to reach a deal appear slim.

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Too late. Mr Prime Minister, you have missed many opportunities to construct a budget that benefits the French people, Sebastien Chenu, the far-Right National Rallys (RN) deputy leader, told TF1. The page has been turned. Dialogue is in the past.

Jordan Bardella, the RN leader, said that such dialogue would be futile and extremely late and on Wednesday evening reiterated his partys demands for Mr Macron to dissolve parliament or resign, calling it the only solution.

The Left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) said it would skip next weeks talks, while the Greens are also expected to boycott negotiations.

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The prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case will be released from prison in a matter of weeks, according to the lead prosecutor investigating her disappearance.

Christian Bruckner, who is serving a sentence for a rape conviction in northern Germany, is due to be released by Sept 17.

Hans Christian Wolters told the BBC although he believed the 48-year-old was dangerous, he had to leave prison due to the current legal situation.

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Bruckner has denied being involved in the case and has not been charged in relation to it although German prosecutors have said there is evidence he may have been in the area at the time.

Madeleine McCann went missing in Portugal in 2007 - Met Police/AFP via Getty

Mr Wolters said Bruckner is not just our number one suspect, hes 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, he said.

We havent found anything in the last five years that exonerates [him]. We found evidence that strengthens our case. But in our view, its not strong enough to make a guilty verdict likely, and thats why so far we couldnt charge him or apply for an arrest warrant.

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He pledged to persevere with the case, although there was not enough evidence.

Madeleine was three-years-old when she disappeared from an apartment complex in Praia da Luz in the Algarve on May 3 2007.

Her parents, Kate and Gerry, from Rothley, Leics, had been out at a restaurant with friends close to the ground-floor apartment where Madeleine and her younger twin siblings were asleep.

They realised their daughter was missing at around 10pm local time after carrying out checks on their children.

In June, detectives investigating the disappearance left empty-handed after a three-day search near where she went missing 18 years ago.

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Officers from Portugals Policia Judiciaria, under the direction of German authorities, scoured 120 acres of gorse scrubland east of Praia da Luz for any trace of the three-year-olds remains, but nothing was found.

Portuguese authorities named Bruckner as a formal suspect in their initial investigation but German prosecutors said he was their prime suspect in 2020 after leading one of the highest-profile missing persons cases.

Mr Wolters said an expert who had assessed Bruckner described him as a danger to society.

You have to expect [Bruckner] to commit further crimes, he said.

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Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) has joined a burgeoning Republican chorus in calling for President Donald Trump to win a Nobel Peace Prize, arguing during an appearance Friday on Fox News that his wife, first lady Melania Trump, should naturally get one too.

Luna, who earlier this month discussed interdimensional beings and purported evidence of energy things creating technology that defies our understanding of physics, regaled Fox News host Charlie Hurt with the presidents recent peacemaking efforts.

If the Nobel Peace Prize committee knows whats good for them, theyd do the right thing and nominate him, Luna said Friday. But also, too, I think that Melania Trump might also have a nomination. I think that shes been very instrumental in discussions with Russia. I think that shes going to be a key reason why were able to broker peace with Ukraine.

Related: Trump Breaks Silence On Health Rumors After Days Of Limited Appearances

Melania Trumps instrumental efforts include a letter she sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month about protecting the innocence of children amid his war on Ukraine  which Donald Trump vowed in 2023 would be settled within a day of his reelection.

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Hurt seized on Lunas idea and envisioned the first joint couple earning the award. He then argued that it would be even better if they turned it down, which would align with the presidents vindictive approach to institutions he feels have wronged him.

Luna: If the Nobel Peace Prize committee knows whats good for them, theyll nominate him.



I think that Melania Trump might also have a nomination.



I think she will be a key reason why we are able to broker peace with Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/1osVwjCR5g  Acyn (@Acyn) August 30, 2025

Trump has voiced frustration about his lack of a Nobel Peace Prize for quite some time now, reportedly complaining last year that if he were named Obama, he would have received one in 10 seconds. Former President Barack Obama landed the prize in 2009.

Trump has been openly campaigning for the prize this year, and even declared in June  when he was weighing further U.S. strikes on Iran  that he shouldve gotten five of them already.

Related: Chuck Schumer Confronts Trump For Selling Out Ukraine In Fiery Post

Luna also argued Friday that Trump secured a win with some of the largest tax cuts in history, presumably referring to the GOPs big, beautiful bill  which an analysis from the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center found will disproportionately favor the rich.

Related...

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A Texas congressman found himself on the receiving end of MAGAs fury over the Epstein files during a chaotic town hall.

Online footage from the Thursday meet at a community center in Houston shows irate constituents bellowing at Texas Rep. Crenshaw to release the files and answer our questions about the late financiers crimes.

We dont want to hear your propaganda! shouted one attendee.

President Donald Trump has faced increasing public blowback over his administrations handling of the Epstein files following the Justice Departments determination in July thatcontrary to conspiracy theories long-cherished by the far right and promoted by the president himselfthe convicted sex traffickers 2019 death in police custody was a suicide and that he kept no client list of uber-wealthy co-conspirators.

Rep. Dan Crenshaw suffered a bruising town hall this week as audience members repeatedly heckled him over the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files. / Tom Williams/Getty

A longtime Epstein associate in his own rightthe convicted pedophile once called Trump his closest friend, according to Trump biographer Michael WolffTrump has similarly faced scrutiny over his relationship with the late pedophile, and how aware he had been of the financiers crimes against underage girls at the time they were taking place.

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Boos during a rowdy town hall for [Crenshaw] in Texas this evening, former CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta wrote on X, accompanied by a video from the town hall. People were yelling Epstein Files at Crenshaw who appears to be flustered in the video (toward the end of the clip).

Boos during a rowdy town hall for @RepDanCrenshaw in Texas this evening. People on hand were yelling Epstein files at Crenshaw who appears to be flustered in the video (toward the end of the clip). Video sent to me by somebody who was at the event. pic.twitter.com/QK6t50V9jm  Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 29, 2025

Some of the backlash continued online. Rep. Dan Crenshaw began his town hall late, talked for 30 minutes on things you could read online, and only left 15 minutes for community questions, one person wrote. His constituents were not thrilled.

Rep. Dan Crenshaw began his town hall late, talked for 30 minutes on things you could read online, and only left 15 minutes for community questions. His constituents were not thrilled. pic.twitter.com/GV3yMIMgTj  Piyush Mittal  (@piyushmittal) August 29, 2025

In a post following the incident, Crenshaw wrote that the meeting of 400 people had been disrupted by about fifty leftists [who] would not stop interrupting with shouting and incoherent chanting.

They demanded that we raise everyones taxes, give free paychecks to able-bodied adults, and sneered at the success of the flood mitigation projects weve done that have saved lives and property, he added. If the left keeps this up, 2026 is going to be a really good year for Republicans.

WOW youre gonna want to watch this town hall. Though honestly the video doesnt do it justice because its hard to hear how loud the protestors were.



I love the Kingwood community and townhalls here have ALWAYS been productive and educational, even when we might disagree.



I pic.twitter.com/fUjZepTKSY  Rep. Dan Crenshaw (@RepDanCrenshaw) August 29, 2025

Thatd make it a marked improvement on 2025, with a late July poll showing that 46 percent of Americans believe Trump was involved in crimes committed by Epstein, and 82 percent thought the government should release all documents it has about the case.
(WHTM)  Two major pharmacy chains are adding a hurdle to getting the COVID vaccine, including here in the Keystone State.

In 16 states, including Pennsylvania, CVS Pharmacy will only administer the COVID vaccine with a doctors prescription.

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Without a prescription, even if patients meet new, stricter FDA requirements, they will be turned away.

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The New York Times reports that the change is due to revised federal regulations.

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Walgreens is also suspending COVID shots without a prescription in Pennsylvania.

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As California prepares for its upcoming ban on single-use plastic bags, several retailers are taking part in a campaign to help shoppers get ahead of the curve.

As The Mirror US reported in mid-August, stores such as Target and CVS are participating in "Break Up With Single-Use Bags," a campaign aimed at helping Southern California shoppers to transition away from using disposable bags. The campaign is the brainchild of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners.

"This campaign reflects a growing movement of retailers and communities working together, guided by data and a shared vision, to shift the retail experience toward one that eliminates waste altogether by reducing our reliance on disposable bags," Kate Daly, head of the Center for the Circular Economy, said in a statement, per The Mirror.

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As part of the campaign, participating retailers across Orange County, San Diego County, and the Riverside-San Bernardino metropolitan area will display signs encouraging shoppers to either bring their own bags or refrain from using bags altogether. Social media messaging is also planned as a part of the campaign.

If a customer doesn't have a reusable bag, they can purchase paper bags for $0.10 each. The fee will be waived for shoppers using SNAP benefits, however.

The campaign comes months before California's ban is set to take effect at the start of 2026. Under that law, most grocery, convenience, and other such stores will no longer be able to offer customers plastic bags of any kind, even those considered reusable or recyclable.

Studies have shown that such bans are effective, eliminating nearly 300 single-use bags annually per person. In New Jersey alone, more than 5 billion bags are eliminated annually.

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Reducing the use of single-use bags could drastically decrease the amount of plastic in landfills and oceans. Some researchers have estimated that up to 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are used globally each year.

"The health of our environment is directly connected to the well-being of the people and communities we serve," Jenny McColloch, vice president of sustainability and community impact at CVS Health, said in a statement. "This latest initiative aims to collaboratively address waste in our neighborhoods, stores, and everyday decisions, creating a positive impact for individuals and the planet."

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While Prohibition affected many cities throughout the nation in the 1920s, Erie was primarily a wet city.

Despite Eries congressional and senate representatives supporting the Prohibition Act, many rumrunners used the fact that Erie was a border town as an effective way to transport liquor across Lake Erie from Canada.

Before the Prohibition law took effect, large liquor orders were placed and packed into cellars, bookcases, and closets.

Photo by Buyenlarge/Getty Images

Fishing was a popular means of making a living, but the population of fish was quickly plummeting due to overfishing. With nets coming up empty, fishermen in Lake Erie saw an opportunity to make the money they were missing out on from the lack of fish.

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Crates of alcohol were taken from trains in Canada and packed onto boats with the paperwork stating Mexico as their destination. The trips ended up being much shorter as boats made daily runs between Canada and Erie.

George Gamble, a boat builder in Ontario, built fast boats to ensure quick deliveries across the lake. Liberty airplane engines were added, allowing the rumrunners to sail up to 70 mph.

Getty images

Speakeasies boomed, opening across the city. The Pickwick Club was located on State Street, in a building which now houses The Plymouth. Other popular speakeasies included the Killarney Club, Lauras, and 1008.

Taking advantage of his connections with gangsters and skills in boat repair, Joe Semple became a successful smuggler in Erie in the mid-1920s. He enlisted the help of his brothers in the bootlegging business. The family lived in the W 3rd and Cascade area, where there was a direct line down to the waterfront. This location was advantageous for the family, allowing them to receive and distribute alcohol.

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Tommy Cowell, who was knowledgeable about boats and owned a boat factory, assisted Semple. Cowells home, located on Six Mile Creek, was the perfect spot to unload the crates before they were moved to a Cherry Street garage. Semple also owned properties, including the Owls Club at 116 W 8th St, as well as cottages near Waldameer. Utilizing several associates, Semple was able to hide crates of alcohol away from the police.

Crime families in Pittsburgh and Cleveland moved in on Erie rumrunners who were bringing in noticeable amounts of money on a single run. Turf wars ensued.

It was after Semples youngest brother was shot and injured while on a run to Port Dover that he decided to get out of the business for good.

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The 1920s roared to an end, bringing with it high crime rates and financial struggles.

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The Great Depression put a strain on the population, and with the rise in organized crime in the years before, people demanded that the 18th Amendment be repealed.

Prohibition ended in December 1933 when President Roosevelt repealed the 18th Amendment, having campaigned on that promise to assist the people in the struggling country.

The Prohibition Era lasted 13 years.

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MELROSE PARK, Ill.  A man accused of a sex crime against a minor in North Dakota is in custody after he was tracked down by authorities in Cook County earlier this month.

According to the Cook County Sheriffs Office, 49-year-old Hugo Osbaldo Gomez was wanted on a warrant out of Cass County, North Dakota, on charges of gross sexual imposition and corruption of a minor.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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Amid an investigation, authorities eventually learned that Gomez was allegedly living with a family friend in Melrose Park.

Photo provided by the Cook County Sheriffs Office shows 49-year-old Hugo Osbaldo Gomez, who was wanted on a warrant out of Cass County, North Dakota, on charges of gross sexual imposition and corruption of a minor, at the time of his arrest in Cook County. Photo provided by the Cook County Sheriffs Office shows 49-year-old Hugo Osbaldo Gomez, who was wanted on a warrant out of Cass County, North Dakota, on charges of gross sexual imposition and corruption of a minor, at the time of his arrest in Cook County.

Authorities began surveillance on the home and were eventually able to catch Gomez after they spotted him and a woman leaving the home before getting into a car parked outside.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Police followed the car into Hillside, where they then conducted a traffic stop on the car. Officers were then able to determine that Gomez was the man sitting in the passenger seat of the car.

Following the stop, Gomez was taken into custody and transferred to the Cook County jail, where he was held until his extradition to North Dakota on Aug. 10.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A man was airlifted after falling off his mountain bike on Saturday morning, Aug. 30, in the Franklin Mountain State Park, according to the El Paso Fire Department.

The call came in shortly after 11 a.m. on Aug. 30 along Mammoths Trunk Trail. The Fire Department said it got calls for help from the bicyclist and another person who is reportedly is his friend.

El Paso Fires Combined Search and Rescue was dispatched to assist the man, who suffered injuries on his leg and arm, according to El Paso Fire.

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ComSAR helped load the man onto a helicopter, who was then transported to a local hospital for treatment.

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NEED TO KNOW

An Ohio man has been charged in connection with the death of his pregnant ex-girlfriend

Kayvon Warren, 30, requested bereavement leave from his job before the alleged murder

The victim, India Kinamore, 26, was due to give birth to Warrens child the day of her death

An Ohio man allegedly requested bereavement leave before killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend  the day she was scheduled to give birth to his baby.

Kayvon Warren, 30, was charged with two counts of murder, in addition to several other charges, in relation to the 2023 death of India Kinamore, 26, and her unborn child, according to a press release issued by the Colerain Police Department (CPD) on Aug. 21.

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Robert Ervin, 20, and Lamar Morris Suggs, 22, were also arrested in connection with the incident, per the statement.

Authorities responded to reports of a person shot around 4:39 a.m. local time on the morning of March 4, 2023, the CPD release said.

The victim  who was later identified as Kinamore  was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said Kinamore was in the late stages of pregnancy at the time of her death, which they stated also resulted in the death of her unborn child.

PEOPLE reached out to the CPD for comment on Saturday, Aug. 30, but did not receive an immediate response.

In a press release issued by the Hamilton County Prosecutors Office on Aug. 28, prosecutor Connie Pillich said an investigation revealed that Warren was seeing another woman at the time of Kinamores death. She added that Warren plotted to kill Kinamore because he was in financial distress and did not want her to have the baby.

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Pillich further stated that Kinamore was killed on the very day she was scheduled to give birth.

According to Pillich, Warren  with the help of Ervin and Suggs  allegedly broke into Kinamores home with the intent to stage a burglary. Warren even requested bereavement leave from his job prior to the death, a detail that underscores the premeditated nature of the crime," Pillich said.

JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Police vehicle (stock image) Police vehicle (stock image)

This should have been one of the happiest days of Indias life, the prosecutor said in the release. Instead, the father of the child conspired with two others to kill her. It is heartbreaking. My office will see that justice is done for both India and her baby.

Warren's attorney, Clyde Bennett, refuted the claim that Warren wanted to terminate the pregnancy and said his client wanted the child, per WLWT 5.

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Ervin's attorney, Robert Jones, said his client "has no ties to this case, per The Cincinnati Enquirer.

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PEOPLE reached out to attorneys for Warren and Ervin on Saturday, Aug. 30, but did not receive an immediate response. It is currently unclear if Suggs has legal representation to comment on his behalf.

Warren and Ervin are in custody at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $600,000 bond, while Suggs is currently serving a sentence in Ohio for unrelated charges, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.



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Man arrested, charged with murder in connection with body found outside South Shore Hospital

A man has been arrested and is facing murder charges in connection with a body being found outside South Shore Hospital last weekend.

Christopher Caron, 42, turned himself in to the Scituate Police Department on Saturday afternoon.

On Saturday, August 23rd, around 2:07 p.m., Weymouth Police were contacted by South Shore Hospital reporting a possibly deceased body that was located within the rear seat of a 2019 black Honda Civic with a Maine license plate.

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The car was parked in front of the emergency room entrance.

A hospital unit coordinator exited the hospital and walked to the Honda Civic, where he located an unresponsive male wrapped in multiple blankets secured with duct tape.

At approximately 2:15 p.m., the victim was pronounced deceased. He has been identified as Declan Perry, 27, of Portland, Maine.

According to the Plymouth County DAs office, a male, later identified as Caron, drove the Honda Civic, which belonged to Perry, to the hospital and alerted medical staff of a body within the vehicle.

Caron then fled the area in an unknown direction before Weymouth Police could arrive.

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Neighbors who live in the Driftway condo complex saw news coverage of the incident at South Shore Hospital and contacted Scituate Police to report that they had assisted a man loading a large, heavy blanket into the black Honda Civic outside a residence where Caron was staying.

Investigators determined that the incident occurred at 40 Driftway, Unit 13. They secured a search warrant for the premises where several items of evidence were seized.

An arrest warrant was issued for Caron, which was issued on Friday, and Caron turned himself in before officers found him.

Caron will be arraigned in Hingham District Court on Tuesday.

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A man has been arrested in connection with a string of burglaries in Boston.

According to Boston police, Thomas Patak, 55, of Boston, was arrested after several burglaries in the Back Bay and South End.

At the time of the arrest, he was wanted on four warrants issued out of Boston Municipal Court for the following charges:

Four Counts of Breaking and Entering a Building, Nighttime for Felony

Two Counts of Larceny from a Building

Two Counts of Destruction of Property over $1,200

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An investigation into the burglaries remains ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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RUSK COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  The Rusk County Sheriffs Office said that a man was arrested on Friday after allegedly shooting another mans truck near a Bunnys convenience store.

8 people arrested for organized criminal activity after Lufkin shooting threat

According to the sheriffs office, they received a call on Friday morning from a man who was sitting in his truck when a white man in another vehicle started shooting at him. The two drivers had reportedly got into a verbal argument a few minutes before when they were inside the Bunnys convenience store at the intersection of Highway 64 and Highway 42.

Mugshot of William Taylor George, courtesy of Rusk County Jail.

The driver waited for the victim to leave the parking lot of Bunnys and shot at the victims truck several times while it was stopped at a stop sign, according to a post from the sheriffs office.

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Officials said the shooter fled the scene in a black Cadillac CTS four door car. Rusk County deputies, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and the Rusk County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigation Division responded to the scene of the shooting and identified the fleeing Cadillac.

The Cadillac was then spotted heading south by a license plate camera in Nacogdoches County. The Angelina County Sheriffs Office was notified, they located the Cadillac and the driver was arrested after a short vehicle pursuit in Diboll, according to the Rusk County Sheriffs Office.

Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez identified the man arrested on Friday as William Taylor George. George was charged with aggravated assault and has been booked into the Rusk County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Valdez said he expects more charges to be filed against George.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

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A shocking case of alleged sexual assault in Khuzdar has triggered widespread outrage, after a young woman accused a member of a state-backed militia of abducting and torturing her. According to The Balochistan Post, the survivor, identified as Sughra Bibi from Koshk, appeared at a press conference in the Khuzdar Press Club and accused Osama Khidrani, son of Haji Umar, of subjecting her to six hours of abuse. Holding back tears, she said, "I am an orphan girl. This is not only my pain but the honour of the Baloch nation. If I do not get justice, I will accept death." Her mother, holding a copy of the Holy Quran, also pleaded for justice, saying the family had no support and was relying solely on God. Relatives told The Balochistan Post that Sughra had been abducted while on her way to a tailor with her younger sister, and was later released in critical condition. They alleged that Khidrani''s political influence might allow him to escape justice. Local police confirmed that a formal complaint had been lodged and an investigation opened, but no arrests have been made so far, The Balochistan post stated. The case has drawn condemnation from activists and political voices. Sabiha Baloch, leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), strongly denounced the crime, calling the death squads "not only criminal gangs but beasts in the hands of bigger savages." She alleged that such groups are responsible for kidnappings, extortion, drug trafficking, and the sexual exploitation of women and children. Sabiha urged society to stand up against such abuses: "Every person whose voice is heard must raise it against these atrocities. God has sent your children as human beings -- do not let them become beasts." As reported by The Balochistan Post, there has been a series of events like these in Khuzdar. In an earlier incident, members of a militia allegedly linked to former Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri were accused of abducting a woman, which sparked protests but ended without accountability. Human rights groups told The Balochistan Post that these state-backed death squads continue to operate with impunity. Without serious action, they warned, such crimes will only continue. (ANI)
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A man was arrested Friday in connection with the deadly December shooting of a D.C. teen, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Police say 24-year-old Jordan Battle was indicted by a DC Superior Court grand jury on first-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Terrell Oliver.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man found shot inside Southeast DC home identified

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According to police, on Dec. 18, 2024, officers responded to reports of a shooting around 6:45 p.m. in a residential building in the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.

There, Oliver was found suffering from gunshot wounds, unconscious and not breathing, and was pronounced dead by DC Fire and EMS.

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An Ecuadorian national deported from the United States in 2008 remains in federal custody after his arrest in Rhode Island on state child molestation charges.

Manuel Yochuzga-Yopangue, a/k/a Manuel Yupangui, 34, pleaded guilty in federal court in Rhode Island to a charge of illegal re-entry, acting U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom said in a statement on Friday.

Yochuzga-Yopangue most recently came to the attention of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through an automated biometric fingerprint match of fingerprints entered into the National Crime Information Center, Miron Bloom said.

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He was arrested in Rhode Island in May on state child molestation charges.

Immigration records show that Yochuzga-Yopangue was removed from the U.S. in August 2008.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 28.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A 53-year-old man has died after suffering a medical emergency on Disneylands Frozen Ever After ride at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The tourist reportedly lost consciousness during the attraction on Friday, August 29, and despite CPR and being rushed to North Lantau Hospital, he was later pronounced dead. Officials confirmed the incident was unrelated to ride safety and said the Disney guest had pre-existing health conditions.

Disneyland Guest Dies On Frozen Ever After Ride

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

According to a Disneyland spokesperson who spoke to PEOPLE, the man, described as a foreign guest, suddenly lost consciousness at around 10 a.m. local time on Friday, August 29, as the boat ride was preparing to dock. Cast members immediately rushed to help, performing CPR before the man was transported by ambulance to North Lantau Hospital. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at around 11:30 a.m.

The guests wife later told police that he had a history of heart disease and high blood pressure, conditions that required regular treatment and check-ups. Park officials confirmed that the mans death was unrelated to ride safety.

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The resort deeply regrets the passing of the guest and will do its utmost to provide necessary assistance to his family, Hong Kong Disneyland said in a statement, adding that an initial investigation determined the incident was tied to health issues, not the attraction itself.

Medical Emergencies At Disney Parks Are Rare, But Not Unheard Of

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Though tragic, medical incidents at Disney parks worldwide are rare. In 2024, a family trip to Disneyland Paris turned into a nightmare when 53-year-old grandfather Rob Fishpool, from New Marske, North Yorkshire, suffered a cardiac arrest while celebrating his granddaughters third birthday, per The Mirror.

Fishpool, a father of six, collapsed during the family vacation and was rushed to intensive care, where he has remained on a ventilator. His situation was made even more complicated by the fact that he was unable to secure travel insurance before the trip due to a pre-existing medical condition. As a result, his loved ones have been left facing staggering costs to bring him home to the UK for further treatment.

The cost of a medical transfer overseas was estimated at 18,000 ($23,000 USD), prompting family and friends to launch a GoFundMe campaign to cover expenses. Fishpools wife, Michelle, and their children have remained by his side in France, while family friend Chloe Jones-Lunn organized the fundraiser to help.

Disneyland Anaheim Guest Criticizes Post-Emergency Support

MEGA

Medical scares have also surfaced stateside. At Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, a familys Christmas Day trip in December 2024 turned frightening when a father suffered a heart attack while waiting in line for the Storybook Land Canal Boats attraction.

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His wife, posting on TikTok under the handle @realktalktiktok73, shared that her husband suddenly began feeling unwell before collapsing in the queue. Cast members quickly called in paramedics, who arrived within minutes and transported him to UCI Medical Center. That was a great place for him to be, she praised, noting how efficient Disneys on-site first responders were.

Former Employee Claims 'No One Ever Dies' Inside The Parks

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

While Disney parks worldwide have dealt with tragic medical emergencies, a viral TikTok from a former Disney World employee claims the company has a shocking protocol when it comes to death on property.

Tom Cruz, who worked at Magic Kingdom in Orlando, said he was once on duty during a sweltering summer day when an elderly guest collapsed in line for a go-kart attraction. A doctor in the crowd rushed forward to perform CPR, but despite continued efforts, it became clear the man wasnt responding.

Ex Disney Worker Reveals Alleged Death Policy

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

What struck Cruz was how long paramedics continued trying to resuscitate the guest. This entire time, my man was not breathing. They were doing CPR on him, trying to revive him, no luck, he recalled. I was like, Man, this guy is dead, why are they still trying to bring him back?

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When he asked his manager, he says he learned about an unspoken policy. No one has ever or will ever die inside of a Disney park, or property," they allegedly said. "It is the happiest place on Earth and you cant have your guests dying there.

According to Cruz, Disney ensures that no guest is officially declared dead on its property. Instead, paramedics must continue life-saving measures until the individual is transported off park grounds. Only then can they be formally pronounced dead. It is unclear if this is actually true or just an alleged rumor.
A resident of Townsville in Queensland, Australia, has been punished for clearing a path of more than a mile through a protected national park.

Seventy-four-year-old Frank Reginald Clark wanted an accessible route to his property through Bowling Green Bay National Park. Despite being told his plans would need to be discussed and approved before any work could take place, Clark ignored this guidance and cleared away around 19,000 square meters of land with a front-loader.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife officials were stunned by Clark's actions, which are said to have destroyed bushland and protected marine plants, including mangroves.

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"It was just astounding to us at the time that someone could think that this kind of activity was OK," the organization's senior conservation officer, Craig Dunk, told ABC News.

In addition to destroying valuable natural plant species, Clark's work also left behind a lot of waste, including concrete pavers, tiles, and even an abandoned truck that was burned.

After pleading guilty in Townsville Magistrates Court, Clark was issued a fine of 145,000 Australian dollars. Now, work is commencing to restore the area to its previous state.

Bowling Green Bay National Park covers over 370 square miles and is home to eight endangered fauna species and 14 vulnerable ones. It also provides a home for wallabies, possums, turtles, and a wide variety of birds.

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Such destruction of the ecosystem could have devastating consequences for rare plants and the lives of animals, which are already under threat from a warming climate. The overheating of our planet also increases the risk and intensity of extreme weather conditions. The park has to conduct planned burns to reduce the risk of wildfires and to encourage forest regeneration.

But despite Clark's unauthorized forest clearing, which will take years to fully recover, Dunk is hopeful the charges issued and the outrage it has created will provide a lesson to those who live in the area.

"Hopefully people living near any national park in Queensland can appreciate what a great opportunity that is," he said. "They can look after them and protect them for now and for future generations."

Respect for local wildlife is essential for the health of our planet. Visiting sites like Bowling Green Bay National is a privilege. Irresponsible destruction will not only put the survival of these areas at risk, but also ruin the experience of those who genuinely care about nature.

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Whether it's cleaning up after yourself while on a visit, staying on designated paths and trails, or keeping a safe distance from animals, abiding by local rules and being mindful of your surroundings will ensure the health of natural areas and encourage similar actions from others.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
A homicide investigation is underway after a man was found dead in Lancaster.

On Aug. 20, Los Angeles County deputies responded to reports of a man down on the 600 block of West Jackman Street at 10:18 p.m.

Deputies found the victim, Deonsay McGee Holston, with fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said Holston, who went by the nickname Takeoff, was a transient who was known to frequent American Heroes Park and the surrounding areas.

Deonsay McGee Holston was found murdered in Lancaster on Aug. 20, 2025. (Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department)

No suspect was found nearby. Detectives are searching for witnesses who may have seen the events leading up to Holstons death.

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Anyone with information is urged to call LASD Sergeant Mezzano or Sergeant Franco at 323-890-5500.

Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A Kern County jury on Thursday found a man guilty of murder in connection with the shooting death of an alleged former East Side Bakers gang member.

Rodrigo Lara, 32, faces up to 55 years to life in prison at his sentencing hearing next month.

Defense attorney Tony Lidgett said the jury found Lara guilty of first-degree murder under the theory of aiding and abetting despite the prosecutions assertion he was the actual shooter. Jurors also returned a guilty verdict for conspiracy despite no one else being charged.

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There were no eyewitnesses to the shooting, Lidgett said. Three DNA profiles were lifted from shell casings  none belonged to Lara.

Lidgett said an appeal will be filed.

Prosecutors said in a release the verdict shows jurors were unable to agree on whether Lara was the shooter, but the verdict is a clear finding that Lara was, at minimum, part of a gang-related conspiracy to commit the murder.

Deputy District Attorney Jordan Houle prosecuted the case.

Lara hid in a dark portion of the driveway where the shooting occurred, prosecutors said. He ran after shots were fired, and during the investigation an empty 9mm magazine, two live rounds and a shirt splashed with Sanchezs blood were located in storm sewers along his path of travel.

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This was a calculated and heinous crime that showed complete disregard for a human life, District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said in the release.

Early on Aug. 25 of last year, police went to the 400 block of Lloyd Street  north of Brundage Lane and east of Union Avenue  after a ShotSpotter activation registered eight gunshots, according to court documents.

A party in the neighborhood had just ended and Javier Sanchez was shot while walking to his vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers searched his cellphone and discovered six calls and four text messages had been exchanged with a gang member (the name was redacted from the reports) who police said appeared to lure him to the gathering.

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That person  who isnt charged  was contacted and their phone showed a call was made at 2:24 a.m.  37 minutes before the shooting. A records check linked that call to Lara, according to police.

Investigators werent able to search Laras phone  surveillance footage showed him breaking it over his knee shortly after the shooting.

On Aug. 29, officers obtained clearer footage of the suspected shooter. Police said he had physical characteristics matching Lara  especially his long, thick hair. He was arrested the next day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
The decision to rubber-stamp a sweetheart plea deal for Jeffrey Epstein in 2008 indelibly altered the course of Alex Acostas career.

The extraordinary agreement signed by Mr Acosta, who was then US attorney for the Southern District of Florida, allowed Epstein to serve 13-months in a low-security prison for child prostitution.

While in Palm Beach County Jail, Epstein was permitted to leave for work release for as long as 12-hours a day, during which time he allegedly had improper sexual contact at his office.

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Nine years after signing off on that deal, Mr Acosta would be forced to resign from Donald Trumps first cabinet when Epstein was indicted again on child sex trafficking charges and his plea of the century was thrust under renewed scrutiny.

Epstein plead guilty to two child prostitution charges in a state court in 2008 - Rick Friedman

The former US Labour Secretary, 56, will be grilled by lawmakers on Sept 19 over the paltry punishment he signed off on for one of the worlds most notorious paedophiles after he was subpoenaed to appear before the House Oversight Committee.

Despite his office drawing up a 60 count indictment which ran to dozens of pages, Mr Acosta approved an agreement which led to Epstein pleading guilty to only two child prostitution charges in a state court in 2008.

In a sign of the paedophiles contempt for the law, while serving time he used an email with the handle jeevacation, court documents later revealed.

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Epstein was armed with a dream team of highly paid lawyers, including Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard law professor, and Ken Starr, who brought the impeachment case against former president Bill Clinton, and managed to dodge charges which could have put him away for life.

During the negotiations Mr Acosta had an unusual one-on-one breakfast meeting at a hotel with one of Epsteins defence lawyers, Jay Lefkowitz, a partner at Kirkland and Ellis, the law firm where Mr Acosta was previously a partner.

Even more irregular was that the non prosecution agreement gave immunity to four co-conspirators who have been accused of playing central roles in Epsteins sex trafficking operation.

The deal did not mention Ghislaine Maxwell by name but her lawyers have repeatedly argued that it should cover her: a court in New York and an appeal court disagreed.

Ghislaine Maxwells legal team have long argued that the agreement gave her exemption from prosecution

Years after the deal was inked, Mr Trump appointed Mr Acosta to his administration.

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The son of Cuban immigrants, Mr Acosta was the first Hispanic person chosen by Mr Trump for a cabinet position.

That appointment was the impetus for Julie Brown, a Miami Herald journalist, to begin investigating Epstein in 2018.

Aggrieved that Mr Acostas new role in the Trump administration gave him oversight of human trafficking, Ms Brown published a series of investigative reports on the Epstein plea deal.

Her reporting, which characterised the Epstein agreement as a deal of a lifetime, led to the paedophiles re-arrest and indictment the following year  and Mr Acostas resignation.

While a Department of Justice review later found that Mr Acostas conduct was not corrupt, it noted that he had exercised poor judgement.

Acosta was appointed to Donald Trumps first administration years after the Epstein deal was signed - Mark Wilson

The departments office of professional responsibility said that the deal was signed before significant investigative steps were completed and said that the terms were unusual and problematic.

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The most damning criticism regarded the failure by Mr Acostas office to inform Epsteins victims, as required under US law about the terms of the deal.

That left them uninformed and created the misimpression that the department intentionally sought to silence the victims, the review found.

Shortly before leaving the cabinet in 2019, Mr Acosta defended his actions in a press conference, claiming he was trying to do the right thing for these victims.

He insisted that the priority was getting Epstein to serve some time in jail and to register as a sex offender.

Mr Acosta claimed that facts are being overlooked and that he had proceeded appropriately.

The disgraced financier died while awaiting trial on federal charges in 2019 - John Minchillo

But it wasnt enough to save him from being ousted by Mr Trump, who said Mr Acosta had made a deal that people were happy with, until twelve years later theyre not happy with it.

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Maxwell, who is serving 20 years in prison for recruiting girls for Epstein, has asked the US Supreme Court to reconsider her case claiming the 2008 deal granted her immunity.

Since he left office, Mr Acosta has largely stayed out of the public eye and served on a number of investment and pension company boards.

But he returned to the headlines in June when it emerged he had been appointed to the board of Newsmax, the right wing, pro-Trump TV network.

The following month, Greg Kelly, a Newsmax host, defended Mr Acosta on his show and said the arrangement with Epstein wasnt a sweetheart deal.

When he appears before Congress, next month Mr Acosta will be trying to make the very same argument.

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A man died after jumping from the Fire Island Lighthouse Friday afternoon, as visitors in the popular vacation destination prepared to celebrate the final days of summer.

The man, who has not been publicly identified, was seen by a witness jumping from the landmarks observation deck around 1:45 p.m., a Suffolk County police spokesperson told the Daily News on Saturday.

Marine Bureau officers responded to the area at the southern end of the Robert Moses Causeway, just east of Robert Moses State Park, after the witness called 911.

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Detectives with the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad, in conjunction with the National Park Service, are investigating the incident.

Suffolk Police Homicide Det. Lt. Kevin Beyrer told reporters at a press conference that authorities obtained video footage showing the man walking up to the lighthouse and paying for a ticket to climb its 182 steps. He was then seen on top of the tower by himself before jumping over the observation decks four-foot fence, Beyrer said.

The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, the nonprofit that operates the landmark, said the building would remain closed on Saturday out of respect for everyone impacted, but would reopen on Sunday.

The incident undermined the positive and uplifting experience that all of us bring to the Fire Island Lighthouse, the organization said in a statement shared Saturday morning. Our hearts go out to the still unknown individual and family. Thank you to our BRAVE volunteers, staff, and visitors on site and the quick response of law enforcement individuals.

Standing at 168 feet, the Fire Island Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on Long Island, beating the Montauk Point Lighthouse by more than 50 feet. Its observation deck offers 360-degree views of the surrounding beaches. On a clear day, visitors can see the New York City skyline in the distance.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man has died following a shooting Friday night in South Nashville, according to authorities.

Officers were called just before 8:30 p.m. Friday to Union On Thompson Apartments on Thompson Place after receiving reports of shots fired, but did not locate any victims or witnesses.

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The Metro Nashville Police Department said during the investigation, detectives learned that 25-year-old Ever Domingo Mazariegos was shot at the complex in the front parking lot of building F.

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Officials said he was driven to Nashville General Hospital in a personal vehicle, where he arrived with multiple gunshot wounds. He was determined to have critical injuries and transported Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he died.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

MNPD Homicide Unit detectives are investigating the crime scene. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward.

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 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.

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India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade and investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and technology. In an X post, Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on Friday, informed that two countries have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the partnerships. "Honoured to welcome Dr @ThaniAlZeyoudi , the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, and congratulated him on assuming his new role.Our discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade and investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy and technology. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to deepening the India-UAE partnership and unlocking new avenues of growth together," the Union Minister wrote in the X post. The Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries completed three years of signing in February, marking a significant development. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, since the signing of CEPA, bilateral merchandise trade has nearly doubled from USD 43.3 billion in FY 2020-21 to USD 83.7 billion in 2023-24. During the current FY till January'25, it reached USD 80.5 billion. CEPA has been successful in realising its potential for diversification of trade basket as non-oil trade touched USD 57.8 billion in FY 2023-24, accounting for more than half of the total trade. This is attuned to the target of taking bilateral non-oil trade to the USD 100 billion level by 2030. In terms of utilisation of CEPA preferential duties, since coming into force, nearly 2,40,000 Certificates of Origin have been issued, against which total export of USD 19.87 billion have been made to the UAE. In terms of India's exports, non-oil exports reached USD 27.4 billion in FY 2023-24, recording an average growth of 25.6 per cent since the entry into force of CEPA. At the sectoral level, besides refined crude oil products and gems & jewellery products, electrical machinery and equipment, light & medium high technology goods like boilers, generators and reactors, and organic & inorganic chemicals have been major achievers. Besides, at the product level, smartphones have emerged as a major item of export with shipments valued at USD 2.57 billion bound for the UAE during FY 2023-24. The India-UAE CEPA has resulted in a new era of economic partnership and diplomacy for both nations by empowering MSMEs, generating employment, and creating new business opportunities. India and the UAE are committed to enhancing their economic partnership to foster robust trade and opportunities and reach new heights, leveraging CEPA. In July, India and the UAE reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation during the 13th India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting, held at the Secretary level for the first time. (ANI)
CHICAGO  Authorities are asking for help from the public in the search for a man who family members say disappeared shortly after his release from the hospital last week.

According to Chicago police, 47-year-old Trell Grier has been missing since Friday, Aug. 22.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Officers said Grier went missing shortly after he was released from Loretto Hospital, located in the 600 block of South Central Avenue in Austin on the citys West Side. Grier had been hospitalized due to mental health issues.

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Family members of the missing man told police that they have not heard from him for over a week, adding that it is unlike him not to call his family members. Additionally, officers said it is believed that Grier lost his cell phone.

Photo provided by Chicago police shows 47-year-old Trell Grier, who officers say has been missing since Friday, Aug. 22, 2025.

Grier, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs about 250 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair. Officers say the missing man is also known to have facial hair, including a beard and mustache.

Authorities provided details on the search on Friday afternoon, but did not say what he may have been wearing at the time of his disappearance.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

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Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 47-year-old Trell Grier is asked to contact the CPD Area Two SVU at 312-747-8274 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
DILLON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  One of two men behind the 2019 murder of a beloved Dillon store owner and former fire chief says his life sentence should be revoked due to ineffective counsel and prosecutorial misconduct.

Joshua Derek Manning, 25, filed a post-conviction relief petition on Thursday, asking the state Court of Common Pleas to reconsider his incarceration. Manning was part of a violent December 2019 armed robbery at J.W. Baileys Grocery.

Its namesake owner John Walter Bailey was 77. He owned the store for 47 years and was a former Dillon fire chief.

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Manning PCRDownload

Manning claims that prosecutors sought a life sentence despite giving him proper notice, and that his own attorneys made harmful and predjudice statements alleging his guilt during closing arguments.

Had the defendant received proper notice of the states intentions to seek a life sentence without parole the outcome of his legal proceedings in regards to the armed robbery and murder charges in which he received a life sentence for would have a high probability of a different outcome, Manning wrote. All options for ways of defense including testifying on his own behalf or even considering taking a 20-year plea offered by state through no contest plea.

Mannings co-conspirator William Mason got a 35-year sentence in December 2022.

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Bailey was remembered for his devotion to community and its people during his funeral.

I remember standing on the fire grounds and watching J.W. Bailey pick up a 2 1/2-inch hose and give it everything he had at 75 years old, Rev. Michael Sapp with the citys fire department said at the time. Thats commitment.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man who was involved in a two-hour standoff involving deputies and a SWAT team last month was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday.

Rian Keith Pittman, 35, pleaded guilty to several criminal charges after the incident in unincorporated Clackamas County back on July 8, the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office said.

St. Helens Schools release sex abuse report

The standoff happened in Pittmans home near Milwaukie in the 6200 block of Southeast Monroe Street in the evening.

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Clackamas County Sheriffs Deputies responded at 9 p.m. on reports of a man firing a gun inside the home, with deputies later finding the other home resident outside the structure. They told deputies that Pittman threatened them with a semi-automatic handgun and was shooting the weapon in the home.

The Clackamas County Special Weapons and Tactics Team and a Crisis Negotiation Team responded to the scene. Negotiators spoke by phone with Pittman and he surrendered just after 11 p.m. Deputies searched the house and recovered a handgun, the Clackamas County DA Office said in a press release.

Faulty welding setup sparks Bend explosion

Pittman pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, menacing and felon in possession of a firearm after other charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

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Man shot and killed after reported home invasion in Salisbury: Police

SALISBURY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A man is dead after a reported home invasion and shooting in Salisbury, according to the Salisbury Police Department.

Around 2:15 a.m. on Saturday, officers responded to a residence at 333 Klumac Road. When they arrived, they found 24-year-old Jabreel Kzarion Russell dead inside.

Officials said they responded to the call as a reported home invasion and shooting. This is still an active investigation, and there has been no word of any arrests.

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Anyone with information is urged to contact L. Casper at 704-638-3211 or Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Deputies took a man into custody after a lengthy search in a local neighborhood.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Around 7:00 p.m., Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office responded to a domestic violence situation on Oneida Avenue.

TRENDING STORIES:

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When deputies arrived, they saw the suspect run away from the home, cross I-75 on foot, and run into a neighborhood.

A drone and a K-9 were used to search the area.

The suspect was found hiding inside a trash can, located at the back of a home.

Around 9:50 p.m., our News Center 7 crew saw deputies take the man into custody.

He was booked into jail for domestic violence and an unrelated warrant.

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FAIRMONT  As the Trump Administration unravels the successes of the labor movement, union organizers hope Sundays annual Labor Day Picnic in Mannington reminds people of the sacrifices their ancestors made in the name of creating good working conditions.

The Mine Wars of the early 1900s, which formed here, these battles were fought right here in West Virginia, and gave a tremendous amount to working folks all across this country, former State Sen. Mike Caputo said. They used to make us live in company houses and shop at company stores, and we had to go to the company doctor. And if it wasnt for the unions fighting all that, wed still be living like slaves. Thats what they treated coal miners like back in those days.

The Labor Day Picnic takes place yearly in Mannington, and is nominally about celebrating unions and the victories workers won against exploitation from business interests. Since the inauguration, President Trump stripped hundreds of thousands of federal workers of their collective bargaining rights, fired the general counsel for the National Labor Relations Board, land left the body unable to hear labor disputes, and has left two important spots on the board vacant. The NLRB exists to ensure companies follow the laws that protect workers in the 1935 Labor Relations Act.

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Last week, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the NLRBs current structure was unconstitutional. The current structure prevents the boards five members and administrative judges from being removed at will by the president. A law currently shields those members from at will removal. The majority of the courts judges were picked by Republican presidents, with Trump appointing three justices in 2018.

As the landscape with regards to labor rights changes, Caputo said, people need to realize how important unions are, because without anyone to fight the political power of large business interests, things will go backward.

Thats evident if you look back in labor history, it wasnt about safety, it was all about profits and production, Caputo said. They even let little kids go into a coal mine. And the union, fortunately, throughout the years, was able to put a stop to all that. Sometimes you dont know what you have to till you lose it.

Erin Bates, communications director for the United Mine Workers of America, said the federal government needs to take into more consideration how its treating the everyday American worker. Billionaires do nothing to help take care of the average American and people need to be able to lean on each other, Bates said.

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Events like the Labor Day Picnic take the focus off of billionaires and place it back onto workers.

Strength comes from masses, and so being able to get together for an event like Labor Day, and showing theres strength in numbers and recognizing that theres a lot more middle class, lower middle class American workers than there are billionaires, Bates said. I think being able to have a day where labor comes together and celebrates what we as normal Americans are doing for this country is a huge deal. And they need to recognize, theres power in numbers.

Bates added the notion of representation and having a voice at the workplace be unconstitutional is ridiculous.

Mark Dorsey, president of AFL-CIO in Marion County and one of the organizers of the picnic, said workers built the country. He said a lot of gains workers fought for a hundred years ago were called unrealistic by large businesses, such as the eight hour work day, health care and safety measures. Dorsey said jobs shouldnt kill the people who work them.

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They said the bosses would never give in, but our collective power made it happen, our solidarity giving us the strength to fight for the better life workers deserve, he said.

The picnic begins at 1 p.m. at Hough Park in Mannington.
A Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia on the night of 29-30 August has injured 28 people.

Source: Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration; State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: Emergency workers said that eight people had been hospitalised, including three children: a 9-year-old and a 10-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl. State Emergency Service crews rescued six people, including one child.

State Emergency Service psychologists provided assistance to 26 citizens, including three children.

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Firefighters put out fires in apartments on the second floors of two five-storey residential buildings covering an area of 230 sq m. They also extinguished fires in five residential buildings, a car service station and a cafe covering a total area of 550 sq m.

Background: Russian forces launched a large-scale attack on Zaporizhzhia on the night of 29-30 August, using attack drones and missiles.

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A Massachusetts man accused of having 10,000 counterfeit Percocet pills has been charged in connection with a drug manufacturing ring.

Joshua Morales, 31, of Lawrence, was charged with one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement on Friday.

Morales was arrested Thursday on related state charges and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the charging documents, law enforcement officers witnessed Morales entering a Methuen home and leaving with a large orange bag.

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According to court documents, investigators suspected the home to be an alleged drug distribution and manufacturing site.

While under surveillance, Morales then allegedly drove to a location in Lawrence, where he was apprehended, Foley said.

During a search of Morales vehicle, investigators seized 10,000 counterfeit Percocet pills believed to contain fentanyl.

During a search of the home in Methuen, investigators found an automated pill press, along with multiple kilograms of counterfeit Adderall and Percocet pills believed to contain fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Investigators also found numerous items used in the pill manufacturing process, including cutting agents, blenders, scales, bowls and bags full of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine powders and binding agents, Foley said.

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If convicted of possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute, Morales faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A Wrentham man previously convicted on child pornography offenses has been arrested again on a similar charge.

Wael Isreb, 66, was arrested and charged with one count of possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement on Friday.

Isreb made his initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Thursday. He is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Sept. 4.

According to the charging documents, after receiving information regarding files on the Kik messaging application, a search was conducted at Isrebs home.

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Forensic analysis of electronic devices seized during the search revealed that Isreb allegedly possessed approximately 26 images and 115 videos of child sexual abuse material, Foley said.

The files included a video depicting the rape of a child who appeared to be approximately three to four years old, Foley said.

According to court documents, in 2021, Isreb was previously convicted in a Massachusetts state court of possessing child pornography.

If convicted of the charge of possessing child pornography while previously convicted of a similar offense, Isreb faces a sentence of at least 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

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The continued expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), coupled with strong domestic demand, is driving a steady decline in office market vacancy rates, signalling renewed momentum in India's commercial real estate sector, according to the latest report by CREDAI-CRE Matrix. The 'Office Market Report for Q2 CY'25' highlighted that vacancy rates declined by 210 basis points (BPS) between calendar Year (CY) 2024 and CY'25, underpinned by robust demand of 34.5 million square feet in H1 CY'25 and consistent absorption across major business hubs. The report added that the ongoing shift towards flexible work models and strong domestic demand are also driving robust absorption rates across Bengaluru, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Delhi-NCR, and Hyderabad. The office market absorbed 17.3 million square feet of fresh space during Q2 CY'25. The office market continued to show resilience in Q2 2025, driven by diversified occupier demand. IT/ITeS led with a 24 per cent share, followed by BFSI (20 per cent) and co-working spaces (19 per cent). Hyderabad emerged as the top co-working destination, accounting for 29 per cent of the segment's demand and is poised to surpass the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in total office stock by the next quarter. On the supply front, Pune and Hyderabad contributed 54 per cent of total new office supply, while Pune and Bengaluru together made up 40 per cent of total demand. In H1 CY'25, 28.8 million sq ft of new office space was added, with Pune alone accounting for nearly 30 per cent, reflecting a shift towards emerging markets and Tier-2 cities. Delhi-NCR remained strong, with 4.9 million sq ft demand in H1 and 23 per cent QoQ growth, driven by BFSI, professional services, and healthcare. Despite a high vacancy rate of 20.8 per cent, leasing remained steady in Gurgaon and Noida. Ahmedabad recorded 0.5 million sq ft demand in H1, with activity moderating slightly. However, the city continues to show long-term promise, backed by a 9.7 million sq ft Grade A pipeline and the rising influence of GIFT City as a BFSI and IT hub, the report added. (ANI)
There was another school shooting on Aug. 27 in what has become a darkly familiar pattern. Two young children in Minneapolis were killed, and another 18 people were injured.

By later that night, coverage had begun to dwindle in a way that indicates our attention span  or patience  for enduring these far-too-frequent tragedies appears to be shrinking. The horror persists, but the novelty is fading, fueled by a sense of numbness, or perhaps a desire, faced with an inability to change or adequately address the situation, to simply tune it out.

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Within days, Minneapolis became another city synonymous with horror, and already appeared to be slipping into the hazy realm of memory.

If the duration of media interest is shrinking in terms of the coverage window after yet another horrific event, thats attributable to a variety of factors. One stems from the frenzied Trump news cycle, which quickly sandwiched cable-news coverage of the shootings between the purge at the CDC, the presidents efforts to oust Federal Reserve Board governor Lisa Cook and more fresh outrages.

The idea of devoting less time to mass shootings remains a much-debated topic, raising complicated questions about the medias conflicted history of covering such killers. Specifically, at least some research has fueled the pretty persuasive argument that giving manifesto-spouting killers attention only risks leading to another Minneapolis in the future.

Chatter about what happened last week did persist over the next several days, but much of it shifted to political point scoring, from MAGA voices turning the event into an anti-trans screed to liberals reiterating its time for action on guns, provoking additional ire by suggesting that just sending thoughts and prayers to victims isnt enough.

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MSNBC anchors Jen Psaki and Michael Steele weighed in on that score, stating that they were tired of empty rhetoric offering solace to victims without doing anything to prevent future killings.

Prayer does not bring these kids back, Psaki tweeted, later struggling to hold back tears on her show while discussing the story. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.

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.  Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) August 27, 2025

Predictably, that provoked a rebuke from the White House  Republicans seldom miss an opportunity to brand Democrats as godless  and when a voice from an unexpected quadrant, Fox News commentator and former GOP congressman Trey Gowdy, raised a similar point about disturbed people having access to guns, he was quickly shouted down by those who would otherwise be ideological allies.

While its hard to quantify the precise level of coverage, a 2018 study by Media Matters for America reviewed New York Times front pages immediately after 10 mass shootings following Columbine in 1999, and concluded, Most of the shootings carried the front page for six days, including the Sunday edition. Cable-news coverage  which tends to cycle through news even faster  charts a similar course.

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The issue of covering mass shootings in general  and school shootings in particular  has long represented a problematic and ethically thorny area for media. Part of that has to do with the fact irrational killers crave attention, spurring debate over the extent to which their names and manifestos should be amplified.

School buses with children arrive at Woodmont Baptist Church to be reunited with their families after a 2023 mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Seth Herald/Getty Images)



That line of thinking prompted the creation of an advocacy group, No Notoriety, challenging the media not to name or show the likeness of killers to deprive violent like-minded individuals the media celebrity and media spotlight they so crave, as its website states.

Such attention has also raised concerns about copycats, and whats known as the contagion effect. A decade ago, one study indicated that a mass shooting and the coverage it elicits increases the likelihood another will occur within the next two weeks. Those findings, however, were by no means conclusive, and reflect the clash between what the public has the right to know  indeed, needs to know  and potential harm associated with turning mass killers into celebrities, however fleeting.

Still, the debate did spark soul-searching by the media. As NPR reported in 2019, worried about encouraging copycats, many outlets have chosen to devote less coverage to perpetrators and more to victims and to the laws and policies that have not prevented these tragedies.

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Then theres the sheer volume to contend with. After the devastating Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in 2022, a Washington Post headline captured the exhaustion and fatigue associated with such stories, stating, There are too many mass shootings for the U.S. media to cover. Some, such as former Obama administration official Jeh Johnson, advocated showing graphic images of the dead bodies, hoping to shock America out of its lethargy.

Politically speaking, the default positions in response to mass shootings have become all too clear, as has the absence of anything that might tackle the issue from a policy perspective.

Democrats might cite the need for gun control, but they lack the political leverage to force Republicans to deviate from their strategy of wrapping themselves in the Second Amendment.

The Vice President trying to turn a mass school shooting into a culture war because he knows he cant defend his stance on guns.



Its not the prayers, its the refusal to act. https://t.co/Nt1ClWXrAe pic.twitter.com/ZD1LWc8Nek  Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) August 28, 2025

At the same time, the MAGA movement has proven adept at shifting the conversation by aligning the shooters with Democrats, despite the long history of pathetic loners  as the Washington Post reported, overwhelmingly men  often animated by confused political orientations and some form of mental illness.

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Although she used the occasion to bash Democrats, podcaster Megyn Kelly addressed the fruitlessness of waiting for a policy solution plainly enough on her show, saying, We had 20 dead first graders at Sandy Hook, nothing changed. If you dont change after 20 dead first graders, you dont change.

Whatever its flaws and excesses, cable news has its finger on the pulse of its viewers. In the case of conservative outlets, that means playing up shootings primarily when they can be used to gain some advantage against liberals. As for mainstream or liberal networks, when it comes to discussing policy-based remedies, years of political impotence have taken their toll.

Focusing on the shooter is ethically dicey. Talking about victims is appropriate, but terribly depressing. And turning to next steps, at this point, feels like a waste of time.

Given all that, it only makes sense that media would cover these stories less once the initial situation is resolved. And if the past is any guide, the tragic history of the 21st century is networks that might have mishandled the latest mass shooting will have another chance, soon, to correct those errors.

The post Mass Shootings and Media: Shrinking Coverage Betrays Fatigue and Resignation appeared first on TheWrap.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Massachusetts State Police are reminding drivers to follow the Move Over Law during whats expected to be a busy Labor Day weekend.

According to State Police, this effort is to protect the lives of first responders and highway workers, especially in light of recent tragedies on local roadways.

I almost lost my life, simply because a driver didnt move over, said Massachusetts State Police trooper Sean Clark.

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Community calls for action after drug items found near Springfield school

On June 10, Massachusetts State Police Trooper Sean Clark was seriously injured after being hit by a car while conducting a traffic stop on the westbound side of the Mass Pike in Chicopee. Clark vividly recalls his time recovering after his near-death experience through a Facebook Post from Massachusetts State Police.

In the hospital during those early, painful days of recovery, all I could think about was how close I came to never seeing my wife and children again, Clark said.

Clark isnt alone in this. Hampshire Towing in South Hadley has also faced numerous incidents with drivers failing to move over or slow down for their trucks stopped on the side of the road.

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Ive had a couple of drivers hit by mirrors on trucks because vehicles werent paying attention, said Hampshire Towing Founder Bill Johnson.

As people hit the roads for Labor Day weekend, state police are reminding drivers to follow the Move Over Law. It requires drivers to reduce their speed and change lanes, if safe to do so, when approaching an emergency or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights.

Theres just people working out there, Johnson said. Theres fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, they all want to go home. Theres one tower killed every week in this country on the side of the road from careless, distracted, drugged, drowsy drivers.

State Police told 22News troopers in both marked and unmarked cruisers will be on patrol throughout the weekend, active at five sobriety checkpoints across the state, as well as staffing additional patrols funded by public safety grants.

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Failing to follow the Move Over law can result in not only risking your life or someone elses, but also fines of up to $100.

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Israelis will demonstrate in the evening against the IDFs upcoming incursion into Gaza City, calling for an immediate ceasefire deal.

Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, said, at Begin Gate in Tel Aviv on Saturday, in a message to the prime minister, that if her son returns in a body bag, she will ensure that he is charged with premeditated murder.

According to a senior security official, my Matan could have been home already last week, Zangauker said. The government of Israel and its leader put a partial outline for a deal on the table and decided to torpedo it at the last minute a month ago. Every time we face a new false spin from Netanyahu.

Israelis will demonstrate in the evening against the IDFs upcoming incursion into Gaza City, calling for an immediate ceasefire deal. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum argues that military pressure kills hostages. History is repeating itself! Forty-two of our brothers and sisters were kidnapped alive and murdered in captivity - we must not reach hostage number 43, the forum said.

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At the end of July, Hamas had informed mediators that it would not enter negotiations with Israel until the humanitarian situation in Gaza improved. Hamas cut off contact, an Israeli source told The Jerusalem Post at the time. A day earlier, the Post reported that Israel has issued a formal response to a position paper sent by Hamas several days ago, where Israeli officials made it clear they reject Hamass demand to release live terrorists in exchange for the bodies of hostages.

Hamas misled Israel in hostage talks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed in mid-August during a press conference with Israeli media. Hamas demanded the release of Nukhba terrorists, demanded binding international guarantees not to return to fighting, and demanded Israel's withdrawal from the Strip, including from the Philadelphi Corridor. The prime minister argued that no government would accept such a deal.

An illustrative photo of Hamas terrorists with hostage demonstrations in the background. (credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90, Reuters/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa)

Hamas has since expressed interest in a partial deal; however, Israel has insisted that it will only agree to a comprehensive deal in which all 49 remaining hostages are released from captivity.

Netanyahu, ministers to blame, Hamas interested in a deal

"Hamas is interested in a deal. More than a week ago, it gave its consent to Witkoff's terms, and only Netanyahu refuses to send a negotiating team and sign a deal, Yehuda Cohen, hostage Nimrod Cohens father, said at Begin Gate. Why hasn't Israel discussed the proposal yet since Hamas' response? There is one person who stands against the will and interest of the people - his name is Benjamin Netanyahu, and he is afraid of two things: the extremists in his government and public pressure.

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While my son is fighting for his life in captivity and an entire nation is struggling to bring him out of there, the government intends to conquer the Strip and gamble on his life and on the lives of the living hostages, to erase the fallen forever, and to gamble as well on our heroic soldiers, Itzik Horn, father of hostage Eitan Horn said at Begin Gate.

Sitting in the government and the cabinet is a group of deranged people, and every citizen in Israel must ask whether these people are worthy of making decisions about their fate.

Amichai Stein contributed to this report.
Prosecutors in Florida on Friday rested the states case against a woman charged with orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot to kill her former son-in-law who was tied up in a messy custody dispute with her daughter in 2014.

The trial of Donna Adelson comes more than a decade after two hit men stalked and killed a law professor in Florida, Dan Markel, fatally shooting him in his Tallahassee garage.

Adelson, 75, faces life in prison if convicted of a first-degree murder charge. Shes also charged with conspiracy and solicitation to commit first-degree murder for Markels death.

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Markel, 41, a Harvard law grad, was a prominent Florida State University law professor who shared custody of his two toddlers with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, in an ongoing custody dispute after their messy 2013 divorce.

The televised trial has featured evidence from an FBI sting operation and wiretapped phone calls and testimony from the defendants adult children, jailhouse informants and alleged co-conspirators  elements prosecutors say show Adelson was the mastermind of the murder-for-hire plot that she helped fund and conspired with her son for years to cover up.

Four other co-conspirators, including her son Charles Adelson, have already been convicted in the scheme that prosecutors allege the domineering matriarch put in motion.

Charles Adelson talks with his defense attorney Daniel Rashbaum at his trial on November 2, 2023. - Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat/USA Today Network/Imagn Images

Attorneys for Donna Adelson have said at trial that theres no direct evidence proving that she actually planned the contract kill or helped fund it. They also said her son paid the hit men himself.

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The judge didnt push Adelsons attorneys Friday to detail her defense case after prosecutors rested but her attorney indicated in a recent pretrial hearing that she would take the stand. Charles Adelson was not among the two dozen witnesses called by the state. Its unclear if his mothers attorneys will call him in her defense case.

The two hit men who carried out the killing were arrested in 2016, but it took years and the sting operation encircling the Adelson family before Charles Adelson was arrested in 2022.

Donna Adelson wasnt charged until after Charles conviction in November 2023, arrested at the Miami Airport as she attempted to leave the country with a one-way ticket to Vietnam.

Katherine Magbanua, who the son was dating in 2014, ultimately was convicted in 2022 for her role in facilitating the murder plot. Her childrens father, Sigfredo Garcia, was convicted of killing Markel. He had help from his longtime friend Luis Rivera, a known Latin Kings gang member, who took a plea deal in 2016 and ultimately helped law enforcement tie Garcia, Magbanua and Charles Adelson to the crime.

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Rivera testified at Donna Adelsons trial about his cooperation with investigators which got him a more lenient sentence. Rivera said he knew Markels death was arranged to help Wendi get custody of her kids, but said he didnt know who Donna was.

Luis Rivera, one of the convicted hit men who killed Dan Markel, right, takes the stand to testify in the trial of Donna Adelson on August 22 in Tallahassee, Florida. - Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat/USA Today Network/Imagn Images

The jury saw records suggesting that Adelson, who lived with her husband in a luxury Miami condo, had the means to fund the murder plot that cost over $100,000 with their son, who worked with them at the familys thriving dentistry practice.

Prosecutors showed extensive communications between mother and son illustrating their close relationship and how Donna kept track of things for Charles, who in turn solved all kinds of problems for her.

The jury saw how they spoke at length about Wendis divorce before Markels death.

Daughter, eldest son testify for prosecution

In 2013, after the divorce was finalized, Wendi Adelson, an attorney herself, hoped to relocate her sons to South Florida to be near her brother and parents. But a judge barred her from moving the kids away from Markel, who was based in Tallahassee, according to divorce records reviewed at trial.

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Emails between Donna and Wendi showed how she pushed Wendi to pursue relocation to South Florida at any cost, including taunting her ex-husband with the possibility of converting their kids from Judaism to Catholicism, according to records put in evidence at Charles trial.

In emails around the time of the divorce, Donna Adelson suggested that Wendi offer her ex-husband $1 million to let the kids relocate. Donna said shed split the cost with Wendi and Charles, who was also willing to chip in, according to the records.

Wendi testified at her mothers trial that she never offered Markel the money, nor did her family, as far as she knew.

At her mothers trial last week, Wendi Adelson testified that she hasnt spoken to her mother since November 2023, around the time Donna Adelson was arrested. She testified that in October of that year her mother had encouraged her to testify in a way that would help her brother at his trial. Donna was upset with how her daughter testified, feeling like Wendis testimony wasnt helpful to her brother, Wendi testified.

Wendi Adelson testifies in her mother's trial on August 25. - Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat/USA Today Network/Imagn Images

Prosecutor Georgia Cappleman questioned Wendi about things she said in her first interview with law enforcement hours after Markel was shot.

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Wendi confirmed that she initially told investigators that she was concerned shed be a suspect and also named her brother as someone who might be angry enough to harm Markel. Wendi also named her parents on that list but told investigators at the time she didnt think they were capable of something like that.

Wendi several times denied having any involvement in or knowledge about a plot to kill her ex-husband.

When the prosecutors asked Wendi what information she had about her mothers involvement in a plot to kill Markel, Wendi testified, I dont have any information.

Wendi and her father have not been charged in connection with Markels murder.

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In her final question on cross-examination, Donna Adelsons attorney asked Wendi to confirm that anyone who was involved in Markels killing should be held responsible  including her.

You testified on direct that anybody in your family that had anything to do with it should be held responsible, isnt that correct?

Yes, Wendi Adelson said.

And that includes you, doesnt it?

Anyone, anyone whos responsible, Wendi responded.

Donna Adelsons eldest son, Rob Adelson, testified that hes been estranged from his mother since 2016, around the time law enforcement arrested the gunmen who killed Markel.

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Rob described the moment his mother told him Markel had been killed, calling it one of those moments youll just remember forever.

Robert Adelson testifies on August 25 in the trial of his mother, Donna Adelson. - Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat/USA Today Network/Imagn Images

On that phone call Donna Adelson said Markel had been shot and later died of his injuries. She also said shed been told, Someone went to the front door and said, Are you Dan Markel? and then shot him.

He responded to his mother at the time, Well, how could you know that?

She said, Well, thats just what theyre telling us.

On the stand, Rob Adelson testified, That story bothered me a lot because theres only one way you could hear that story.

Rob also said his mother warned him not to cooperate with law enforcement, and when he said hed been interviewed by the FBI, Donna said, Well, you dont know anything anyway.

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He testified that Markels death was not a topic for discussion with his family in the following years and Donna once said, I dont know and I dont care. It doesnt concern me.

The last straw for Rob was in May 2016. He recalled feeling it was odd that he didnt hear from his parents about the arrest of Garcia, one of the hit men.

When his mother called him for his wedding anniversary that happened to be two days after the arrest, Rob testified that he had to bring it up.

And when he did, Rob said he repeated it three times, They made an arrest. They got the guy who killed Danny.

Donna didnt acknowledge the news and abruptly said she had to go and hung up, Rob testified. Rob said he hasnt spoken to his mother since.

Sting operations and wiretaps

Katherine Magbanua, sitting on the witness stand in chains and an orange jumpsuit, told the jury that she believed Charles ferried information to his mother about the murder plot though he never explicitly said as much to her. She said that many times before the murder when Charles would discuss the arrangement with her, he would step away to call his mom.

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Magbanua went to Charles Adelsons house the night of the murder to get the money for herself and the two hit men, she testified. Charles told her at the time that his parents had just left his house. He also told her that the money was damp and moldy because his mother physically washed the money, Magbanua testified.

Katherine Magbanua, who has been convicted for the murder of Dan Markel and is serving a life sentence, testifies in the trial of Donna Adelson on August 26. - Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat/USA Today Network/Imagn Images

The night of the murder in July 2014, text message records show Donna Adelson texted her son, outside your house. Cell tower data submitted as evidence also suggested Adelson couldve been driving in the area.

About three months after Markels murder, Magbanua testified that she began receiving paychecks from the Adelson Institute for Aesthetics & Implant Dentistry and that Charles would hand deliver them to her, usually several at one time, and Donna had always signed them.

Magbanua never actually worked for the family dental practice, she said, but received 44 checks until April 2016, around the time the FBI conducted an undercover operation to gather evidence against the Adelson family.

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The jury also heard from an undercover FBI agent who described approaching Donna Adelson on the street in April 2016 purporting to threaten her with information about the murder-for-hire plot on behalf of Rivera, who was already in prison for another crime.

On a wiretapped phone line, Donna immediately called her son upset about the confrontation, telling him discreetly that they needed to meet in person to discuss the details, but said someone approached her with paperwork that probably involved both of them.

Magbanua testified that after the undercover agent approached Donna, Charles called her frantically about the situation even though theyd been long broken up. They spoke on the phone in code about the situation and met up several times as the agent followed up with Donna in a mailed letter and by phone and text message, text message records, recorded phone calls and surveilled meetings showed.

The jury also heard Magbanua on recorded calls enlist Garcia to look into the purported threat seemingly linked to the other hit man.

A display depicts photos and arrows of how people are connected to the death of Dan Markel during opening statements in the trial of Donna Adelson on August 22. - Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat/AP

Eventually Donna personally called the undercover agent back, repeatedly insisting that she didnt know anything about Markels murder.

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I know I lost my ex son-in-law. I did not have anything to do with this, she said.

The agent, keeping up the ruse, continued to push her on the phone for several minutes.

She continued to deny any involvement. Thats the problem. Its not me. I have had a year of aggravation, a year and a half of aggravation over this. My daughter, my grandchildren. It is not me.

Jailhouse informants take stand

Two women who were incarcerated with both Adelson and Magbanua testified Friday that Donna admitted to them she committed the crimes shes accused of and promised to compensate them if they testified about Magbanua to help Adelsons case.

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Both women testified they instead opted to tell prosecutors about their interactions with Adelson and acknowledged they could get a break in their own prosecutions for their cooperation.

Patricia Byrd testified that when she slept near Adelson for several months in jail, she asked Donna if she did it.

She said she did; it was to keep her grandkids but it wasnt supposed to go that far, Byrd said.

Patricia Byrd, a Leon County Jail inmate, testifies in the trial of Donna Adelson on August 29. - Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat/USA Today Network/Imagn Images

Adelson also promised her fellow inmate a tract of land and a trailer and to have her husband fix my teeth if she testified that Magbanua was extorting the Adelson family.

She wanted me to say that Magbanua told me, When we killed him, I knew my boyfriends parents had money.

Drina Bernhardt, another inmate confined with Adelson, testified that Donna called her her jail daughter and spoke often about the case, promising her $10,000 if shed testify about Magbanuas alleged extortion plot.

Bernhardt gave law enforcement her notebook containing a lengthy script Adelson penned for Bernhardt to study. The script wove a detailed narrative of Magbanuas scheme to extort the Adelson family that she divulged to Bernhardt while they were incarcerated together.

An investigator later testified that the story Donna wanted Bernhardt to tell was consistent with claims Charles Adelson made when he testified in his own trial that Magbanua and the hit men were extorting him for years, threatening to hurt him and his parents if they didnt pay them over $300,000.

A crime lab analyst testified that a forensic document examination confirmed that Adelson wrote the script. Donna Adelsons attorney said the defense never contested that Donna wrote it.

The defense team poked holes in the womens stories, pointing out inconsistencies in their prior statements, attacked their credibility and highlighted the leniency they stand to gain from cooperating against Adelson.

The defense is scheduled to start its case Tuesday.

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MAUMELLE, Ark.  Maumelle police are investigating after a hospital reported a gunshot victim on Saturday morning.

According to investigators, officers determined a person was shot at an apartment in the 200 block of Pine Forest Drive.

Investigators said that the victim of the shooting had non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said a suspect has been taken into custody on unrelated charges and is being interviewed.

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This is a developing story; check back for updates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Aug. 30Twelve-year-old Derrick Villarreal chose his fishing spot with care. Stomping over the high brush with his fly-fishing rod held high, he settled on the bank with a watchful, if impatient, eye on the rainbow trout darting below the pond's glassy surface.

"What a lotta people don't understand is that it's high-risk, high-reward," Villarreal said, never taking his eyes off the water.

Though the tangle of grass was hard to traverse and frequently got caught in his fishing line, he said, the fish felt safe here among the weeds and let their guards down.

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Villarreal is one of nine foster kids learning how to fly fish this year with mentors from The Mayfly Project. By the end of the five-day program, Villarreal will not only know how to fly fish, his mentors hope, but how to respect nature and cope with life's stresses.

"With foster kids, they struggle more," Heather Philpot, Villarreal's adoptive mother, said.

Foster kids are more likely to struggle with mental illness, social relationships and school performance than their peers, with those who age out of the system experiencing the most acute effects, according to a 2013 scientific study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Since The Mayfly Project began in 2015, the Arkansas-based group has mentored 2,300 foster kids across the nation.

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With a hand on her hip, Philpot watched her son and his mentor, Daniel Garrison, tromping through the grass downhill.

Villarreal doesn't have a paternal figure at home, Philpot said, and she was happy to see the two bond. The group doesn't assign mentors and mentees, instead letting them choose each other organically, said Kaileigh Cera, lead mentor and co-founder of Santa Fe's Mayfly Project.

Villarreal was the first kid to arrive on the project's first day, Garrison said, and the pair had stuck together ever since. Garrison helped Villareal aim his casts on the group's first outing in the Pecos.

"I'm sorry  I suck at this," Villarreal said after a misplaced cast wound his fishing line firmly around a thistle uphill.

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"You don't suck, you're just in a difficult situation," Garrison said while untangling the line.

An hour into the day, Villarreal had already caught several fish, but his confidence was easy to shake. Each time, Garrison reassured him and reminded him to be patient.

Garrison was an aerial gunner in the U.S. Air Force and found his love of fly-fishing while stationed in South Dakota.

"I would fish wherever I could, wherever I was stationed," he said.

Teaching comes easily to Garrison, it's what he spent the latter half of his career in the military doing.

When he retired, that habit stuck. With his own kids grown up, Garrison jumped at the opportunity to combine two things he loved: fly-fishing and mentorship.

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Developing relationships with mentors is just as important as developing a relationship with nature, Cera said. While Villarreal waited for a bite, Cera quizzed him on the basics of fly-fishing and catch and release.

Villarreal passed with flying colors, earnestly explaining how to handle a fish out of water.

Much like Boy or Girl Scouts, the kids receive buttons for what they do well. Many of the buttons focus on responsible outdoor recreation like picking up trash or safely catching and releasing a fish.

By the end of the program, Cera said, several kids, some of whom had little or no outdoor experience, told her that they want to go further into the wilderness and stay for longer.

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A plethora of scientific studies have linked exposure to nature with better academic outcomes and less disruptive behavior. Moreover, a scientific review of nearly 100 prior studies suggests that outdoor education "boosts positive coping and buffer(s) children from the impacts of stressful life events."

The review explains that outdoor education seems to work better for disadvantaged students, and improves their academic outcomes.

"It's so peaceful out here," Cera said. "It gives them a brain rest."

Forty minutes down a dirt road, and miles into the Pecos, the kids had the rare  and typically expensive  opportunity to fish on pristine, private waters. Dappled sunlight shone on the pond's emerald surface as rainbow trout flitted under floating algae, disappearing into the depth.

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Philpot hopes this experience will give her son, already an avid fisherman, a healthy outlet for life's frustrations.

Down at the pond, Villareal whooped with excitement. He leaned back to reel in his catch, the fish reluctantly flipping in the calm water.

Garrison dashed down the hill with his net in hand as the fish approached the bank of reeds. He scooped up the foot-long trout, dipping his net into the water. Villareal wet his hand, removed the hook and lifted the fish up for a quick picture.

The rainbow trout, with its signature shimmering red stripe, struggled as Villareal stooped to place it back in the water. Seconds later, it swam back among the weeds and disappeared into the still water.

"Should we take a water break?" Garrison asked.

"Nope!" Villareal said, throwing his arms back for another cast.
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed a wide-ranging, but largely symbolic, executive order Saturday that directs law enforcement against wearing masks in Chicago, in his latest effort to counter President Donald Trumps ongoing threats of sweeping immigration raids and even a potential occupation of the city by federal forces.

While extensive, the Protecting Chicago initiative was also a tacit acknowledgment that the mayor and city cannot stop any White House efforts to follow through on Trumps threats regarding the nations third-largest city. Still, it served as another arena for Johnson and his progressive allies to declare their staunch opposition to the presidents ongoing crusade against big cities over immigration and crime.

And at a City Hall news conference, Johnson maintained the order allows his Law Department to pursue any and every legal mechanism to hold this administration accountable.

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I do not take this executive action lightly, Johnson said. But unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of time. We have received credible reports that we have days, not weeks, before our city sees some type of militarized activity by the federal government.

Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker have both repeatedly said that they have not received any formal notification from the Trump administration regarding the details of the alleged incursion. When asked later what credible reports the Johnson administration has received, mayoral spokesperson Cassio Mendoza said the city has sources inside the administration, but we dont want to say more than that. Mendoza also stated that the sources confirm reports about an imminent federal surge in the national and local media.

The mayor said his team thinks an extensive immigration sweep could occur as early as Friday. He dodged a question on whether he has attempted to communicate with the White House by saying hes made his position clear.

Besides the directives on law enforcement, Johnsons executive order directs city departments to coordinate their responses to federal agents or the presence of military personnel in Chicago and to submit regular public records requests to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to obtain information on immigration enforcement. And the mayors office will also launch a Family Preparedness campaign to inform Chicagoans of their rights when interacting with federal agents, including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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The mayors executive order urges all federal law enforcement to follow Chicago police directives that ban them from wearing masks on duty and require them to activate their body cameras at all times when interacting with the public. Officers or armed forces should also display their federal agency, last name and badge number or rank in a clearly visible fashion, per the order.

In Chicago and across the nation, ICE agents and those with other federal agencies have routinely worn masks and not thoroughly identified themselves as they have detained and arrested people federal authorities say are in the country illegally. Federal officials have defended the officers practice of wearing masks and not identifying themselves as a way to ensure their safety and prevent the public release of their personal information and that of their family members.

The effectiveness of the executive order, however, remains to be seen. And Johnson was unclear about what recourse the city would have in real time if federal agents, troops, or law enforcement flouted his instructions, beyond suggesting a lawsuit.

We will use every single tool that is at our disposal, and that includes the courts, he said. Its an area which at least theres some semblance of check and balance in this country.

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Its unclear how such a legal challenge would play out, given that the mayor does not have jurisdiction over federal agencies. A reverse turf war played out when the Trump administration sued Chicago and Illinois over their sanctuary policy for immigrants earlier this year, but the lawsuit was tossed after a judge deemed that local police were not compelled to assist with federal immigration enforcement.

Johnsons executive action comes after a week of threats from the White House that Chicago is Trumps next target for a federal crackdown after about 2,000 National Guard members were deployed in Washington, D.C. The presidents hostile, but at times confusing, remarks over the last several days have put the city on edge as leaders condemned the plan as unnecessary and dangerous.

Johnson has highlighted that so far this year, homicides are down 32%, and charged that Trump is hurting anti-violence efforts by cutting the citys federal grants for street outreach programs. But with the presidents sights apparently set on making an example out of Chicago next, local leaders options to fight back are limited.

Trumps border czar Tom Homan told reporters in Washington, D.C., on Thursday that preparations were underway for an immigration crackdown in Chicago, amid reports stating it could commence as soon as next week, with agents and other personnel being headquartered at the Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, about 37 miles north of Chicagos downtown.

Asked about how effective his order is going to be, given that federal agents dont take orders from him, Johnson shot back: Yeah, and I dont take orders from the federal government. Thank you all very much.
CHICAGO  Mayor Brandon Johnson signed a wide-ranging, but largely symbolic, executive order Saturday that directs law enforcement against wearing masks in Chicago, in his latest effort to counter President Donald Trumps ongoing threats of sweeping immigration raids and even a potential occupation of the city by federal forces.

While extensive, the Protecting Chicago initiative was also a tacit acknowledgment that the mayor and city cannot stop any White House efforts to follow through on Trumps threats regarding the nations third-largest city. Still, it served as another arena for Johnson and his progressive allies to declare their staunch opposition to the presidents ongoing crusade against big cities over immigration and crime.

And at a City Hall news conference, Johnson maintained the order allows his Law Department to pursue any and every legal mechanism to hold this administration accountable.

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I do not take this executive action lightly, Johnson said. But unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of time. We have received credible reports that we have days, not weeks, before our city sees some type of militarized activity by the federal government.

Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker have repeatedly said that they have not received any formal notification from the Trump administration regarding the details of the alleged incursion. When asked later what credible reports the Johnson administration has received, mayoral spokesperson Cassio Mendoza said the city has sources inside the administration, but we dont want to say more than that. Mendoza also stated that the sources confirm reports about an imminent federal surge in the national and local media.

The mayor said his team thinks an extensive immigration sweep could occur as early as Friday. He dodged a question on whether he has attempted to communicate with the White House by saying hes made his position clear.

Besides the directives on law enforcement, Johnsons executive order directs city departments to coordinate their responses to federal agents or the presence of military personnel in Chicago and to submit regular public records requests to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to obtain information on immigration enforcement. And the mayors office will also launch a Family Preparedness campaign to inform Chicagoans of their rights when interacting with federal agents, including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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The mayors executive order urges all federal law enforcement to follow Chicago police directives that ban them from wearing masks on duty and require them to activate their body cameras at all times when interacting with the public. Officers or armed forces should also display their federal agency, last name and badge number or rank in a clearly visible fashion, per the order.

In Chicago and across the nation, ICE agents and those with other federal agencies have routinely worn masks and not thoroughly identified themselves as they have detained and arrested people federal authorities say are in the country illegally. Federal officials have defended the officers practice of wearing masks and not identifying themselves as a way to ensure their safety and prevent the public release of their personal information and that of their family members.

The effectiveness of the executive order, however, remains to be seen. And Johnson was unclear about what recourse the city would have in real time if federal agents, troops, or law enforcement flouted his instructions, beyond suggesting a lawsuit.

We will use every single tool that is at our disposal, and that includes the courts, he said. Its an area which at least theres some semblance of check and balance in this country.

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Its unclear how such a legal challenge would play out, given that the mayor does not have jurisdiction over federal agencies. A reverse turf war played out when the Trump administration sued Chicago and Illinois over their sanctuary policy for immigrants earlier this year, but the lawsuit was tossed after a judge deemed that local police were not compelled to assist with federal immigration enforcement.

Johnsons executive action comes after a week of threats from the White House that Chicago is Trumps next target for a federal crackdown after about 2,000 National Guard members were deployed in Washington, D.C. The presidents hostile, but at times confusing, remarks over the last several days have put the city on edge as leaders condemned the plan as unnecessary and dangerous.

Johnson has highlighted that so far this year, homicides are down 32%, and charged that Trump is hurting anti-violence efforts by cutting the citys federal grants for street outreach programs. But with the presidents sights apparently set on making an example out of Chicago next, local leaders options to fight back are limited.

Trumps border czar Tom Homan told reporters in Washington, D.C., on Thursday that preparations were underway for an immigration crackdown in Chicago, amid reports stating it could commence as soon as next week, with agents and other personnel being headquartered at the Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, about 37 miles north of Chicagos downtown.

Asked about how effective his order is going to be, given that federal agents dont take orders from him, Johnson shot back: Yeah, and I dont take orders from the federal government. Thank you all very much.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  On Friday, Aug. 29, the City of Colorado Springs announced that two people, Martin Wood and Carlos Jimenez, received the Spirit of Colorado Springs Awards from Mayor Yemi Mobolade, highlighting their contributions in the community.

Mayor honors two in Spirit of Colorado Springs Awards

Wood, the Senior Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Emeritus at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), is a transformative leader in higher education with decades of service to both UCCS and the broader educational landscape of Colorado Springs.

Woods unwavering commitment to UCCS and the Colorado Springs community has transformed our local educational landscape and set a standard for what true community dedication looks like, said Mayor Mobolade. He has inspired countless individuals through his visionary leadership and profound belief in the power of collaboration and has dedicated his life to creating opportunities with future generations.

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According to the City, under Woods leadership, UCCS has secured over $320 million in funding, grown its endowment to nearly $100 million, and established significant public-private partnerships to advance the universitys mission. Some of Woods accomplishments include the establishment of UCCS Downtown, the creation of the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, and positioning the university as a statewide leader in cybersecurity.

Mayor honors two in Spirit of Colorado Springs Awards

Jimenez has been a champion for student success with 15 years of experience in college admissions and leadership positions at both Colorado State University, Fort Collins, and Colorado College.

He served as President of the Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling and chaired several committees for the National Association for College Admission Counseling. He is currently chair of the Atlas Prep Board and the Teach for America Colorado Regional Board of Directors, alongside involvement in multiple community boards.

In his role with Peak Education, Carlos embodies the very spirit of our city with his exceptional contributions through service, mentorship, and leadership, said Mayor Mobolade. Through his commitment and work in education, including our local school districts, he uplifts lives and opens doors for countless students, ensuring a brighter future for our community.

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The Spirit of Colorado Springs Awards allow the Mayors Office to recognize exceptional individuals within the City of Colorado Springs whose leadership inspires others.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Saturday, seeking to protect residents from the potential mobilization of National Guard troops in Chicago and demanding that President Donald Trump stand down on his threats to send in troops to help crack down on crime and immigration.

Johnson signed the executive order at noon Saturday, establishing the Protecting Chicago initiative, a cross-departmental directive that his office says will work to protect the constitutional rights of Chicagoans amid the potential deployment of troops to the Windy City by directing federal officers to abide by City of Chicago policies on policing.

The mayor said City Hall has learned that Friday, Sept. 5, is the expected arrival date for federal forces in Chicago.

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We have received credible reports that we have days, not weeks, before our city sees some type of militarized activity by the federal government, Johnson said. (Trump) could change his mind. He could reverse course. In fact, I encourage him to do that.

Still, we take these threats seriously, and we find ourselves in the position where we must take immediate, drastic action to protect our people from federal overreach.

The order, however, is largely symbolic, Johnson acknowledging that the city cannot stop the White House from following through on President Trumps threats to send federal troops to the city.

In a statement to the Chicago Sun-Times, the White House called Johnsons order a publicity stunt.

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According to the mayors office, the order demands that President Trump stand down from threats to deploy troops in Chicago and affirms that the Chicago Police Department will remain a locally controlled agency.

The initiative, which will also establish campaigns to inform residents in the city about their rights, will utilize legal action in an effort to prevent any attempts to systematically violate the rights of Chicagoans.

Guard not needed in Chicago, Pritzker tells AP during tour of city to counter Trumps crime claims

The City of Chicago will do everything in our power to defend our democracy and protect our communities, the mayor said. With this executive order, we send a resounding message to the federal government: We do not need, nor want, an unconstitutional and illegal military occupation of our city. We do not want military checkpoints or armored vehicles on our streets, and we do not want to see families ripped apart.

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We will take any action necessary to protect the rights of all Chicagoans. Protecting Chicago is the next step in the work we have been doing to defend our city from federal overreach and illegal action.

The order also reminds Chicagoans that CPD officers must have on their issued uniforms and cannot wear masks, in order to help distinguish CPD officers from federal agents.

Latest efforts to counter Trump

The order represents the latest effort by Johnson to halt any attempts by the president to mobilize troops in the city, something Trump signaled could be a possibility in recent weeks.

Report: Over 200 Homeland Security officers could arrive in Chicago next week

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City and state leaders have stood together in denouncing any potential plans to bring troops to Chicago, describing the effort as a military operation of fear and division. They say 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.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Concerns regarding the next steps grew this week after it was confirmed that federal immigration agents would be present at Naval Station Great Lakes, which is a major U.S. Navy training installation in North Chicago.

The Trump administration has not released specific details about its plans for Chicago and the surrounding areas. On Friday, however, the Associated Press reported that an operation that could start as early as Sept. 5 would last about 30 days, confirmed a Department of Homeland Security official.

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Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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. Both officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss plans that had not been made public.

The mayor and Gov. JB Pritzker both say they have not received any notifications from the White House about troops coming to Chicago.

Johnson spoke to reporters after signing the executive order Saturday. His comments can be viewed in the video below.

City Council members at odds

With the citys future uncertain, several alders stood with the mayor as he announced the executive order Saturday.

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This incursion, this distraction by President Trump, is just that. Its not productive, its not going to lead to enhanced safety, Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22nd Ward) said.

What we know works for a crime reduction in Chicago is investing in services, housing people, feeding people, connecting people with employment, Ald. Maria Hadden (49th Ward) said.

However, the issue has some City Council members at odds.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward) said hes open to the idea of having federal agents help out local law enforcement.

We saw that in Washington D.C., Mayor Bowser acknowledged a decrease in crime, in a city that was supposedly already seeing a decrease, Lopez said. If we can decrease beyond the published decrease that the mayor keeps touting, whats wrong with that?

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The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), a trade-focused think tank, has suggested a 10-point plan to the central government, which it believes, if implemented, can shield India from the impact of US tariffs. GTRI recommends that the government revive schemes and incentives focused on export promotion, customs reforms, dedicated e-commerce hubs, and stronger trade missions, along with the necessary skills. These recommendations, if implemented, GTRI believes, will shield jobs and sustain India's export competitiveness. The sudden escalation of US tariffs on Indian goods, from barely 3% a year ago to 50% today, has exposed a "critical vulnerability" in India's export ecosystem, GTRI opined. The 50 per cent US tariffs on Indian goods came into effect on August 27. GTRI cited the example of Brazil, which faced the same 50% tariffs from August 1, 2025, asserting that it has responded quickly with a series of strong support actions. Brazil responded "within weeks with credit support, tax breaks, government procurement, and WTO action, India has yet to announce relief for its exporters," the Indian think tank said. According to GTRI, Brazil has invoked its Reciprocity Law to consider retaliatory tariffs while also filing a WTO complaint against Washington. Against this backdrop, GTRI suggested a set of recommendations that will not only help to cushion the tariff shock but also rebuild India's export competitiveness for a protectionist world. Coming to the specifics of its recommendations, it sought the activation of the Market Access Initiative (MAI) and the Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES), in addition to implementing the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), Bharat Trade Net, and E-commerce Export Hubs to boost digital and MSME-led exports. According to GTRI, the Market Access Initiative, which helped exporters participate in overseas exhibitions, has not received any funds in 2024-25, the first such lapse in decades. "Speed up Customs clearance, make RoDTEP benefits predictable, and simplify the Advance Authorisation Scheme. Also, restructure overseas trade missions with skilled trade professionals," it suggested. India's overseas trade missions remain underfunded and are staffed mostly by generalist diplomats with limited trade expertise, it asserted. GTRI suggested that India needs to revamp this system by deploying trade professionals with sectoral knowledge and substantially increasing the budget. "A stronger and professionalised network can generate buyer linkages, market intelligence, and support exporters in tackling non-tariff barriers." It has agreed that diversifying exports to new markets will not happen overnight. Yet, GTRI believes that by cutting costs by 5-10% through revived schemes, streamlined procedures, and expanded funding, India can buy time and space for exporters to gradually expand beyond the US market. "The reforms proposed here are not stopgap fixes but strategic investments in India's export future. If implemented with urgency, they can restore confidence, safeguard jobs, and make Indian products globally competitive, even in the face of mounting tariff wars," the GTRI note concluded. (ANI)
MCCLAIN COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR)  A McClain County deputy and his family are speaking out after their home was intentionally set on fire.

The deputy and his family are left with nothing after someone intentionally set their home on fire.

RELATED: Federal charges, including arson, filed for man accused of setting deputys home on fire

McClain Co. Sheriff Deputys home set on fire. (KFOR)

Well, its kind of devastating that it did actually happened to one of our deputies in the county, said Undersheriff James Goins, McClain County.

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The deputys home was destroyed. A person caught on a neighbors Ring camera can be seen starting a fire outside the home.

There was a suspect that covered some vehicles with gas and then set the gas on fire, of my deputies, and then that got to the house, said Sheriff Landy Offolter, McClain County.

McClain Co. Sheriffs Deputys home set on fire, Image McClain County Sheriffs Office.

The suspect, Austin Garrett Reeves, was supposed to be in custody after he was turned over to Lighthorse Police for burglarizing the same deputys home the night before.

The prosecutor for the Lighthorse declined to file charges only on the burglary, said Sheriff Offolter.

For the first time, we are hearing from Lighthorse Police after we asked why Reeves was let go.

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RELATED: Neighbors camera captures moment someone lights deputys vehicles on fire

In a statement to News 4 Lighthorse Police says:

We are thankful that the McClain County deputy and his family are safe. The Chickasaw Nation Office of Tribal Justice Administration is committed to holding those who commit crimes accountable while upholding the principles of due process and fairness. We are grateful for our partners in these efforts, including the McClain County Sheriffs Office. As in any incident such as this, we are reviewing the matter and will follow up with our law enforcement partners. In the meantime, we are proceeding with charges against the offender in this matter. Chickasaw Nation Chief Counsel Debra Gee

The deputy and his family shared a statement with the sheriffs office thanking everyone for the continued support.

Even in the ashes, weve seen that light is stronger than darkness and good always outweighs evil.

Our family has experienced heartbreak we never imagined possible. Losing our home and vehicles in the fire has shaken us to the core. As we continue to try to process what has happened, we have been extremely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we have received.

To all law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency crews and our own Sheriff, words will never be enough. We know firsthand the risks you take, the sacrifices you make and the weight you carry when you run towards danger. But this time, it was our family in the flames. Watching you fight the flames, protect our family and stop the threat gave us a whole new perspective on the depth of your courage. From one of your own, and on behalf of my family, please know how deeply we respect and appreciate what you did for us. Your dedication and bravery will never be forgotten.

To our family, friends, neighbors and this incredible community, you have wrapped us in love when we felt broken. Through your prayers, meals, clothing, shelter, donations, kindness and encouragement, you have given us hope when we could barely stand. Every single act has carried us when we didnt think we could take another step. We will never be able to properly thank you.

Though this evil act sought to destroy us, our faith assures us that good will always prevail. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. The Hamilton Family

Lighthorse Police say they are proceeding with charges against Reeves in this matter.

Reeves is still in custody at the Grady County Detention Center.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Aug. 30Albuquerque voters will have four City Council contests to decide in the city's Nov. 4 election, with three incumbents expected to face challengers and as many as four candidates vying for an open seat in District 1.

The council's odd-numbered districts  1, 3, 5, 7 and 9  all will be on the ballot. But first-term Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn will run unopposed in District 7, located in the Near Northeast Heights.

District 1 Councilor Louie Sanchez is vacating his post to run for mayor, leaving his West Side seat open.

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Though City Council races are non-partisan, many councilors have political leanings that push or pull against the liberal mayor's office. Mayor Tim Keller has described the standing council as conservative and said in a meeting Aug. 21 that he hopes this election will bring a change in tide.

"I would like a much more moderate council," Keller said. "That would fit Albuquerque much better."

The candidates listed below have announced their intentions to run, though the Bernalillo County Clerk's Office will finalize the ballot on Tuesday.

District 1

Up to four candidates will face off in District 1, a sprawling West Side district north of Central Avenue. Two of the four candidates have qualified for public funding.

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Ahren Griego

Griego, a former firefighter, described himself as "tough on crime" but "smart on prevention" candidate on his campaign website. Griego also hopes to address homelessness, foster small businesses and improve roads and other public infrastructure.

Griego described himself as a lifelong West Side resident who retired after 23 years of service as a captain and station commander with Albuquerque Fire Rescue. He has qualified for public campaign funding. Griego said he was educated at John Adams Middle School and West Mesa High School.

Daniel Leiva

If elected, Leiva hopes to address public safety, help small businesses and improve public infrastructure, according to his campaign website.

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Leiva graduated in May from the University of New Mexico School of Law and received his bachelor's degree from UNM in 2017. An Albuquerque native, Leiva has lived on the West Side for 25 years. Leiva has qualified for public campaign funding. He said on his website that he has worked in roofing with his grandfather and uncle, and operates a small business.

Joshua Taylor Neal

Albuquerque has "serious issues" with crime, homelessness and economic development, said Taylor Neal in a social media post, all of which would be his focus, if elected.

Taylor Neal describes himself on his Facebook page as a Christian, hydrologic engineer and land developer, humanitarian relief worker and outdoorsman. His campaign is privately funded. Neal ran as a Republican in 2024 for the New Mexico House of Representatives in District 17, but lost in the general election to Rep. Cynthia Borrego. He ran for the same seat two years earlier, losing the Republican primary.

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Stephanie Telles

Telles hopes to improve community safety through civilian intervention programs such as Albuquerque Community Safety, create more affordable housing, support programs for youwng people and seniors, boost economic development and upgrade roads, according to her website.

Telles describes herself as a caregiver, educator and small business owner. She founded a consulting business that works with nonprofits, businesses and government agencies. Her campaign is privately funded.

District 3

Three candidates are running to represent Southwest Albuquerque's District 3. This includes incumbent Klarissa Pena, who has held the seat since 2013.

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Klarissa Pena

If re-elected, Pena will focus on neighborhood infrastructure projects, like parks, outdoor spaces and community centers, she said in a social media post announcing her campaign.

Pena was the City Council president in 2019 and now serves as the vice president. Prior to her election, Pena served as the executive director for the West Central Community Development Group and was a city of Albuquerque planning commissioner. Pena has qualified for public funding.

Teresa Garcia

Newcomer Garcia is running on the platform of protecting immigrant rights, updating infrastructure and promoting economic development, according to a campaign statement.

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Garcia is the chair of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission, and former chair of the Southwest Community Policing Council. She is a first-generation college graduate of UNM and longtime resident of Albuquerque's Southwest Mesa. Garcia's campaign is privately financed.

Christopher Sedillo

Challenger Sedillo hopes to promote equality, community engagement and veteran support if elected, according to a campaign statement.

Sedillo served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, and since retirement has worked in advocacy for LGBTQ+ service members and other veterans' groups. His bid for election is privately financed. Sedillo grew up in the South Valley and graduated from Rio Rancho High School.

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District 5

Incumbent Councilor Dan Lewis has drawn a single challenger in his bid for reelection in District 5, in the northwest corner of the city, west of the river.

Dan Lewis

Ahead of a potential fourth term, Lewis has four key priorities: community safety, road improvements, community infrastructure and economic growth, according to his campaign website.

In 2021, Lewis regained the seat he held from 2009-2017. Lewis, currently executive director of a trade association, held the seat for eight years before running for mayor instead of seeking a third term. Lewis received the second-most votes in the crowded 2017 mayoral race but lost a runoff against Keller. He has qualified for public campaign funding.

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Athenea Allen

As a leader, Allen hopes to address public safety, improve roads, and help working families, according to her campaign website.

Allen, the wife of Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen, describes herself as a national security professional who has conducted background investigations for agencies including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. Her campaign is privately financed.

District 9

One candidate is challenging incumbent Renee Grout for the District 9 seat, which represents southeast Albuquerque.

Renee Grout

For Grout, who has held the District 9 since 2021, tackling crime, homelessness and economic development are the city's biggest priorities, according to her bio.

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Grout has held the District 9 seat since 2021. According to the council website, Grout has lived in District 9 for more than four decades. Grout has qualified for public campaign funding.

Colton Newman

As Newman sees it, Albuquerque's biggest issues are the rising cost of living, community safety and building climate resilience, all of which he plans to address if elected, according to an August statement.

Newman is a business manager for UNM's Center on Alcohol, Substance Use and Addiction, which oversees research to treat substance use disorder. He graduated from UNM with a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's degree in project management. Newman's campaign is privately financed.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A father from Meriden claimed his wife and son have been detained in Israel and are not being allowed to fly out of the West Bank, even though they are American citizens.

Mahar Abdeighani said Israeli police detained his wife, Intifada, and 14-year-old son Musa despite having U.S. passports because they are Palestinian. They were in the West Bank visiting family.

Community discusses future of New Haven student detained by ICE pending release on bond

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Abdeighani said his son was at the airport when police took his passport, and he has video of the incident. He said his wife and son were interrogated for 13 hours.

To be searched over eight times, after that he told her, even though we have searched you, we need to undress you and go into a room, and we need to do a full search, Abdeighani said. She walks in, and there are male authorities in there. She says, I cant do this, Im not going to undress in front of males.'



On Friday, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D) talked with the family in Meriden over the phone and said he would use the power of his office to try to bring them home.

Meanwhile, the Connecticut Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIRCT) is also trying to help out.

They cant go through Ben Gurion (Airport), Farhan Memon, the chairman of CAIRCT, said. They cant go to Jordan to leave through Amman (Queen Alia International Airport), theyre basically stuck inside the West Bank. And what theyve told me is that the location is right near settlements.

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Do I fear for my family? Yes, I fear because all it takes is one rogue settler, Abdeighani said.

The family has tried to reach out to the U.S. Embassy in Israel, as well as the Israeli Embassy, but they have reported silence. Calls made by News 8 were not returned.

We want to know what is going on, Memon said. Why American passport holders who go into Israel in the West Bank to visit their family cant get out of the country again?

The family also reached out to U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D) and U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT-5) as they try to sort through the details.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Attorney Merrick Bobb at his downtown Los Angeles office in 1998. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

For the record:

12:55 p.m. Aug. 30, 2025: An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of Merrick Bobbs caretaker, Jeffrey Yamson, as Yanson.



Merrick Bobb, one of the godfathers of the modern police oversight movement in Los Angeles and beyond, has died. He was 79.

Bobb, whose health had deteriorated in recent years, died Thursday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A., his two children, Matthew and Jonathan, confirmed Friday.

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A Los Feliz resident for more than 40 years, Bobb had four grandchildren, was fluent in several languages and was respected as one of the earliest champions of civilian oversight of law enforcement.

He had a long career, shining a light on problems within major law enforcement agencies from L.A. to Seattle. And he accomplished his most significant work without the use of his hands or legs, which became effectively paralyzed after he contracted a rare and debilitating autoimmune condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome in 2003.

Read more: Keeping the Thin Blue Line on Straight and Narrow

He was always a person who was really engaged in the world, Jonathan said in an interview with him and his brother. I think that growing up in the 1950s and 1960s with the civil rights movement and other associated movements was very seminal for him in terms of instilling belief in justice [and] understanding the voices of traditionally underrepresented groups.

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For two decades beginning in 1993, Bobb served as special counsel to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. In that position, he delivered semiannual reports that detailed pervasive issues within the department, from widespread violence in the countys jails to excessive force, driving a number of reforms in the department.

In 2014, the board created the Office of Inspector General and dismissed Bobb from his role with the county. That decision came in the wake of criticism that he and Michael Gennaco, the then-head of the Office of Independent Review, had not done enough to stop the problems in the jails, which had become a major scandal.

Two years earlier, a federal judge had appointed Bobb to serve as independent monitor of the Seattle Police Departments consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice. He held that position until 2020, when he resigned in protest of the departments use of force and powerful and injurious crowd control weapons against protesters in the months following George Floyds killing by a white Minneapolis police officer.

Read more: Baca, Tanaka sharply criticized in final sheriff watchdog's report

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In 2001, he founded the Police Assessment Resource Center, a nonprofit that provides independent, evidence-based counsel on effective, respectful, and publicly accountable policing, the centers then-vice president Matthew Barge wrote in 2015 .

Before that, Bobb served as deputy general counsel for the Christopher Commission, which examined use of force within the Los Angeles Police Department in the wake of the 1991 beating of Rodney King. The commission published a sweeping report that year that called on then-LAPD Chief Daryl Gates to step down and found the department had a persistent and pervasive problem with excessive use of force.

Bobb graduated from Dartmouth College in 1968, then received his law degree three years later from UC Berkeley, according to his curriculum vitae . He worked for private law firms between 1973 and 1996. Bobb was named one of the top 50 lawyers in L.A. by the Los Angeles Business Journal that year, when he left a major law firm to focus on his law enforcement oversight work.

But for many people he met, according to his sons, it was Bobbs kindness that made the strongest impression.

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No matter who it was in his life he was engaging with at that point, he focused in on them and developed a personal connection, Matthew said. You never knew if he was going to be having lunch with the former chief of police or his former handyman who came by once a week, and everyone in between.

Bobb is survived by his children and grandchildren, his ex-wife Aviva Koenigsberg Bobb  a former judge with whom he remained close  his sister Gloria Kern and his longtime assistant and caretaker, Jeffrey Yamson.

Bobb's funeral will take place at 10 a.m. Sept. 5 at Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.

In lieu of flowers, Bobbs family encourages people to donate to Doctors Without Borders.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
After protracted negotiations, a federal regulation for the debt relief of particularly affected German municipalities is set to come into force at the beginning of 2026, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Saturday.

In Germany's most populous federal state, there are particularly many highly indebted municipalities that have been demanding help for years. Local elections are due to take place in North Rhine-Westphalia in two weeks.

"This will be a small contribution from the federal government to alleviate the burden left over from the past," Merz said regarding the old debt relief, which is also anchored in the coalition agreement of the federal government. "It does not reduce the pressure to act, nor does it reduce the necessity to save."

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However he also said, "It cannot be that the federal and state governments - especially the federal government - constantly assign more tasks to the municipalities and then leave them financially alone with them."

Now it is about restoring the self-administration and financial capacity to act of the cities and municipalities, he said.

Speaking at a state party conference of his Christian Democrats (CDU) in the western city of Bonn, he assured that he was not saying this because of the local election campaign, but out of a deep fundamental conviction. The municipal level, he said, is where politics can be experienced directly.

If the municipalities are no longer able to act and make decisions, and basic public services can no longer be guaranteed, "then democracy will be the first to suffer, because people will lose trust in the institutions," warned Merz.

North Rhine-Westphalia's Premier Hendrik Wust praised the announcement of the old debt relief as a "historic step towards restoring municipal capacity to act."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Saturday called for further steps to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while warning against harbouring illusions.

"We are making every effort to bring about the end of this terrible war," Merz told a regional conference of his conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) in Bonn.

"But all the efforts of the last few weeks have been met with an even more aggressive approach by the Moscow regime against the people of Ukraine," he added.

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This will not stop until Russia is prevented from continuing this war, at least for economic reasons, according to the chancellor.

"That is why we are working so hard with America to find a way to achieve this together," he said.

"We are now pursuing a coherent foreign policy," Merz said about the work of the German cabinet.

The Foreign Office now led by Johann Wadephul and the Chancellery are working hand in hand, said Merz.

Wadephul, a former soldier, trained lawyer and conservative politician, has long been a strong supporter of military backing for Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion.

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Merz also delivered a slight to Annalena Baerbock, Berlin's former foreign policy chief under former chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Agonizing discussions of recent years "about whatever kind of foreign policy this lady might pursue" are over, Merz said.

Baerbock, a member of the Green Party, has since been elected president of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Aug. 29SANTA FE  New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez said Friday he had directed prosecutors in his office to take over two criminal cases that had been dropped by the McKinley County district attorney.

Both the cases in question, a 2023 rape case and a 2022 murder case, were dismissed by Gallup-based District Attorney Bernadine Martin, who cited conflicts of interest but did not refer them to an outside prosecutor.

"Our top priority is ensuring that victims of violent crime are never denied their day in court," Torrez said in a statement. "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."

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Martin, who was reelected last year, has come under criticism from local judges and law enforcement officials for high case dismissal rates and the handling of her office.

After being asked to investigate by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the attorney general filed a petition with the Supreme Court last week seeking to remove Martin from office under a rarely used state statute. No hearings have been scheduled in the case yet.

That came after lawmakers essentially defunded Martin's office during this year's 60-day legislative session, shifting funding for prosecuting cases in McKinley County to the district attorney of neighboring San Juan County.

Martin, who is the state's first female Navajo district attorney, has defended herself against allegations of mismanagement and accused leading legislators of holding her office hostage.

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She has also insisted she will not hand over operations of her office to San Juan County District Attorney Jack Fortner, though the two prosecutors earlier this month agreed on a temporary arrangement for handling cases.

However, her handling of past criminal cases has come under renewed scrutiny after she told KRQE-TV she dismissed the 2023 rape case because the defendant went to school with her children.

In that case, McKinley County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Valentino Roderick Johnson after a woman told responding officers she was thrown into the driver's seat and raped after a car crash.

The defendant was initially charged with criminal sexual penetration, aggravated battery, aggravated drunken driving and additional charges, but all charges were dismissed just a week or so after being filed.

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McKinley County Sheriff James Maiorano expressed concern about the way the case was handled by Martin, saying both the victim and law enforcement officers deserve better.

"Whether it was negligent or intentional, I find it unacceptable that DA Martin dismissed this case due to a personal connection to the suspect and it was never refiled," Maiorano said in a statement.

In addition to directing his office to revive the case, Torrez also filed a motion with the Supreme Court on Friday requesting that Martin's office provide information on all other cases dismissed since she took office in January 2021.

Data provided by the state Administrative Office of the Courts shows a total of 2,750 charges were dismissed last year by the McKinley County District Attorney's Office, though some criminal cases can feature multiple charges. The number of charges dismissed amounted to about 69% of all charges disposed of in the county.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado have now settled their decades-long dispute on sharing Rio Grande water. The New Mexico Department of Justice and the state Engineers Office said the three states, along with the federal government, have reached agreements on the Rio Grande Compact. The compact is a 1938 deal on allocating river water between the states for irrigation.

Public comment period open for ending Roadless Rule

Under the settlement, New Mexico will adopt a management plan for the lower Rio Grande within two years. A Special Master for the U.S. Supreme Court will now consider the agreements. That hearing is set for September 29. The New Mexico Department of Justice called the agreement a fair resolution for all states.

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Aug. 29New Mexico and Texas are close to resolving a 12-year lawsuit about Rio Grande water use in the Lower Rio Grande region.

"This settlement brings an end to more than a decade of costly and contentious litigation and provides a clear path forward for New Mexico," New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez said in a statement.

Along with Colorado, New Mexico and Texas filed a package of settlement agreements Friday that set new limits on groundwater pumping in southern New Mexico, but may give New Mexico water users south of Elephant Butte more surface water.

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Long-term, the agreement probably means less farmland in southern New Mexico, but the Office of the State Engineer does not expect it to constrain the growth of southern cities, like Las Cruces.

"Climate change is going to mean less surface water decade in, decade out, going forward," said Nat Chakeres, general counsel for the Office of the State Engineer. "We've tried, as part of the settlement, to also keep that in mind ... and make sure that everything we are committing to doing, we can actually do."

Texas sued New Mexico in 2013 for excessive groundwater pumping, and the states reached a deal in 2022. But the federal government objected to the deal, and in 2024 the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 the agreement needed the federal government's support.

The new settlement has that federal support, as well as support from affected irrigation districts, Chakeres said.

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Signed in 1938, the Rio Grande Compact is an agreement about how to share the river's water between Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. Under the original compact, New Mexico was obligated to deliver a certain amount of water to Elephant Butte Reservoir, but the compact did not specify how much water the Lower Rio Grande region south of the reservoir could use before the river reached the state border. Instead, the Bureau of Reclamation managed that water distribution through agreements with irrigation districts.

The settlement agreement does not change Rio Grande Compact requirements north of Elephant Butte. It does set out specific amounts of surface water that need to make it from Elephant Butte to Texas, giving a clear water allocation for New Mexico users south of Elephant Butte. It also sets specific limits on how much groundwater pumping New Mexico is allowed to do south of Elephant Butte.

New Mexico's overall water usage south of Elephant Butte is estimated at 300,000 to 350,000 acre-feet per year, Chakeres said. That includes surface and groundwater. New Mexico has committed to reducing groundwater pumping by 18,200 feet annually.

A significant majority of those reductions will likely come from purchasing water rights connected to farmland, Chakeres said. The Office of the State Engineer is going to work on a plan to meet those goals with water users and managers in the Lower Rio Grande region, said Deputy State Engineer Tanya Trujillo.

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The Office of the State Engineer has already enrolled a number of water rights holders in a temporary water conservation program.

"In that program, we think we have already got about two thirds of the reductions we need to meet the settlement, but we need to make those permanent, and we need to retire the rest," Chakeres said. "So, we have 10 years to do this depletion reduction. We're hoping we can do it faster."

The second-largest city in the state, Las Cruces, is in the Lower Rio Grande region south of Elephant Butte. But Chakeres does not expect the new groundwater and surface water requirements to constrain the city's growth.

The State Engineer's Office plans to work with municipalities and commercial water providers to ensure water supply is available to "keep their economies thriving," he said.

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"The city of Las Cruces has been pretty active in implementing conservation measures," Chakeres said. "It's grown a lot in the past 30 years, and its water use has actually not grown since the mid-90s."

When it comes to surface water, New Mexico could come out ahead under the settlement.

In 2008, the federal government made an agreement with two irrigation districts, one in New Mexico and one in Texas, about how surface water south of Elephant Butte would be distributed. The state of New Mexico disagreed with some of the surface water calculations and changes have been made to those calculations as part of the settlement.

"We believe that under most situations, the new way that the districts are agreeing to operate the project will result in more surface water for New Mexico," Chakeres said.

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The settlement also includes remedies for delivering too much or not enough water to Texas, which could avert the need for future lawsuits.

The U.S. Supreme Court's Special Master, a judge based in Pennsylvania, still has to consider the settlement agreement and provide a recommendation to the U.S. Supreme Court, something he's scheduled to do in a hearing on Sept. 29. Assuming there are no objections, the Supreme Court will likely decide whether to accept the settlement in early 2026.

This is not the first time New Mexico and Texas have reached a settlement setting limits on groundwater pumping. In 2003, the states got a Supreme Court decree after a lawsuit from Texas alleged New Mexico's groundwater pumping was undermining Pecos River water deliveries.

"It's a similar concept that we needed to collectively limit our groundwater use so that we can make a delivery under the compact and that was called the 2003 Pecos settlement agreement, and it's been working for over 20 years," Chakeres said. "We now meet our compact deliveries quite reliably on the Pecos River when before we were not."

Cathy Cook covers the federal government for the Albuquerque Journal. Reach her via email at ccook@abqjournal.com.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD)  In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, then Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm deployed more than 500 Michigan National Guard members to the Gulf Coast along with police and Department of National Resources personnel.

Many other military reservists were rushed to devastated communities from different branches. For some veterans, the sights and sounds are still clear, 20 years later.

You pretty much drop everything and go, you know? said Mike Corfman. The now-retired Kalamazoo County emergency manager was the chief of the Texas Township Fire Department in 2005. He lived another life as a chief petty officer in the Coast Guard Reserves attached to Port Security Unit 309.

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Unlike most other Coast Guard units, Port Security units prepare for foreign deployments and contingency operations in support of the Department of Defense.

Corfman, along with other operational leaders in the unit, was aware of Coast Guard officials staging and moving around service members and equipment as the storm approached. In the days after the storm surge, he switched uniforms as his unit was called to drive from Port Clinton Ohio to Gulfport, Mississippi.

He said the convoy of buses and trucks towing boats drove through the night, hitting rain showers that were the remnants of Hurricane Katrina. The destruction he found was indescribable.

You figure everything that can float, will float and it will move inland, Corfman said. So as we get closer and closer to Gulfport, we started seeing, you know, boats and shipping containers and just everything that can float. Trash and vehicles up in the tree. Everywhere, it was everywhere.

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Photos show only part of the reality on the ground. The Port of Gulfport was ravaged.

Damage to a pier in Gulfport, Mississippi, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. (Courtesy Mike Corfman)

Warehouses were leveled and only the steel frame of the Coast Guard station was left standing in the background of some of Corfmans photos.

Wood frame buildings were pretty much flattened and just cleaned off their foundations, and there was trash everywhere. And of course the sewage comes up out of the sewer system and it stinks, he told News 8.

20 years later: Inside an aid helicopter after Katrina

The odor would mix with the smell of seawater and rotting fruit from the shipping containers scattered around the city. For three weeks, the unit was tasked with protecting the shipping port, providing security and humanitarian aid. Corfman remembers checking in on a group of immigrant fishermen and their families, left stranded in a bay in nearby Biloxi.

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Were bringing them food and medical attention, anything they needed back there because they were trapped back there, couldnt even get the fishing boats out, he said. It was so bad back there.

The threat of another hurricane, Rita, prompted the command staff to move the unit to Nashville. Corfman said the rows of tents where the Coast Guardsmen stayed and worked from would not have survived the storm. While in Tennessee, he said the unit was sent back home.

A destroyed church in Gulfport, Mississippi, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. (Courtesy Mike Corfman)

Later in 2018, he was appointed as director of Kalamazoo Countys Office of Emergency Management. He says the experience taught him how valuable building connections with the community and other agencies ahead of time can be.

Its so much easier to work with somebody that you already know than it is to just walk in cold turkey and that was a challenge down there, he said.

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Corfman said the storm also impacted how emergency management are handled by federal officials.

I think it opened the eyes of a lot of people at FEMA and the federal government like, Hey, you know what? We can do better. So things started to get better and now it kind of seems like its getting a little off track now. Were not really sure where its going to go with a lot of the cuts and that kind of thing. But I just hope, you know, we dont lose sight of the fact that we could have a disaster like Katrina at any time and we dont want to learn that lesson twice, right?

The response back home

As service members and volunteers made their way to the Gulf Shore, many survivors were relocated around the country.

Robert DeCoster was a major in the Michigan Air National Guard in 2005. He said in the days after the storm, officials began to realize that they needed more space for relocating survivors.

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Granholm said the state could take on up to 10,000 people, including women and children affected by the hurricane.

Federal emergency management officials accepted the offer. DeCoster believes the base was set up in the matter of a day. Granholm toured Fort Custer Training Area, where the survivors would stay while state officials worked with mayors around the state to find more permanent homes.

Once the flights began, DeCoster said everything seemed to be fluid and fast-moving.

From what we understood, they were plucking people off of roofs, taking them to evacuation sites and bringing them here, he told News 8 over the phone.

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Once on the ground, people were screened by security personnel and any items not allowed on a military base could be disposed of with no questions asked.

Survivors were then checked for any medical needs and provided donated clothes and supplies. DeCoster remembers how much it meant to those who had just lost everything.

One guy saw that we had closed and stuff for him, and, you know, he kicked his shoes off, he says I couldnt wait to get these off because they were too small. He just grabbed whatever he could find, so he was grateful to get a pair of shoes that fit, he said.

DeCoster said it was rewarding to help in the recovery and emphasized that it was a true team effort.

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Its what the guard trains to do.

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VMPL New Delhi [India], August 30: Since its inception in 1999 by Faisal Hamid, Sound of Music has evolved into a powerhouse in India's premium audio solutions sector, positioning itself as a brand that blends technological innovation, design sophistication, and client-centric strategies. Over the last 25+ years, the company has not only elevated the standards of luxury audio but has also strategically aligned itself at the intersection of technology and lifestyle innovations--a move that continues to yield long-term business advantages. What began as Hamid's entrepreneurial vision has matured into a robust business model anchored in three core pillars: innovation, partnerships, and trust. By consistently introducing advanced solutions--from invisible sound systems that align with minimalist design trends to porcelain-crafted speakers that cater to ultra-premium consumers--the company has successfully differentiated itself in a highly competitive luxury market. Such innovations have enabled Sound of Music to capture a unique segment, appealing to both design-conscious homeowners and technology enthusiasts. Under the leadership of Laila Faisal and Sultan Faisal, the company has expanded its value proposition by venturing into home automation ecosystems. This strategic pivot enhances its market relevance in an era increasingly shaped by smart living solutions. By integrating audio, lighting, and ambience into curated, interconnected environments, Sound of Music is tapping into the fast-growing demand for integrated lifestyle technologies, creating opportunities for recurring client engagements and sustaining premium positioning. Equally critical to its growth trajectory are global strategic partnerships. By collaborating with leading international audio and automation brands, Sound of Music not only maintains world-class technical standards but also strengthens its competitive moat in the Indian luxury segment. These alliances enhance brand equity while reinforcing its promise of uncompromised quality and durability. Beyond technological differentiation, Sound of Music's business strength lies in its client-relationship model. By prioritizing trust and long-term partnerships over transactional sales, the company has embedded customer loyalty into its growth strategy. This relational approach drives repeat business and referrals, which remain critical in luxury markets where reputation and exclusivity fuel sustained success. Today, Sound of Music exemplifies how founder-driven vision, adaptive leadership, and strategic foresight can transform a niche idea into a market-defining enterprise. What began as Faisal Hamid's entrepreneurial dream has matured into a legacy brand--well-positioned to shape India's premium audio and smart living landscape for decades ahead. (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)
Mike Johnson got a bit awkward when asked about the crime rate in his home state of Louisiana.

While appearing on Fox News Friday, host Dana Perino brought up Gavin Newsoms latest comments that Trump should deploy troops to states like Johnsons Louisiana because their crime rates are worse than those in California. Johnson tried to explain the work theyve done in his hometown but ended up walking it back a bit.

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Gavin Newsom will do anything for attention, Johnson said. 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. Look, we have crime in cities all across America, and were against that everywhere, and we need to bring policies to bear. My hometown of Shreveport has done a great job of reducing crime  gradually.

He continued: But weve got to address it everywhere that it rears its ugly head. And I think every major city in the countrythe residents of those citiesare open to that and anxious to have it, and were the party thats going to bring that forward. I look forward to that in the days ahead.

Earlier on Friday, Newsom went after Trump for deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles, and more recently, Washington D.C.  with mentions of wanting to bring them to New York City, Chicago and more predominantly blue states. Newsom said if the president wanted to suppress more crime, he should send the guard to Johnsons Louisiana because crime is significantly worse there.

If he is to invest in crime suppression, I hope the President of the United States would look at the facts, Newsom said. Just consider Speaker Johnsons state and district. Just look at murder ratethats nearly four times higher than Californiansin Louisiana.

The post Mike Johnson Has Awkward Response When Newsom Points Out Louisiana Murder Rate Is Worse Than California appeared first on TheWrap.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  It appears U.S. Senator Mike Rounds will run for reelection next year.

Rounds, who is now 70, isnt making a formal announcement yet, but he told KELOLAND news he has no plans to stop representing the state of South Dakota in Washington.

Senator Mike Rounds current term expires in 16 months, and all indications are he will seek a 3rd term.

A Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce wedding in Sioux Falls?

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I havent tried to hide from anybody the fact that you know that Im putting everything together, said Rounds.



Rounds political career began as a state lawmaker in Pierre, followed by 8 years as Governor and since 2015 hes been one of South Dakotas two U.S. Senators.

Rounds has a powerful position on the Senate Committee on Appropriations which has jurisdiction over legislation related to discretionary spending and funding government agencies.

Rounds told us he is enjoying his work and feels there is more he can get accomplished.



Ive always prided myself on actually just doing my work and if i do my work then it makes asking people to re-elect you a bit easier, said Rounds.

And if you are paying attention to detail. You know it doesnt matter whether they are

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Republicans or Democrats or Independents, there are certain things that everyone wants you to do, part of it is the day-to-day routine work that a member of the senate, if they are doing their job, should pay attention to, said Rounds.

Making a formal announcement that he is running would set a campaign in motion, something Rounds says can wait.

Ive just decided that most of these campaigns are just too long to begin with. People dont start paying attention until you get closer, said Rounds.

Rounds would not be specific about the timing of a formal announcement other than to say it will come sometime in the 4th quarter of 2025, which begins on October first.

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Two others have officially declared their candidacy.

Democrat Julian Boudion is a businessman and former state trooper.

And Independent Brian Bengs is an Air Force veteran and former Northern State University political science professor.

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Millions of dollars worth of political TV ads are expected to start airing Tuesday in an effort to sway Californians on a November ballot measure seeking to send more Democrats to Congress and counter President Trump and the GOP agenda, according to television airtime purchases.

The special-election ballot measure  Prop. 50  will likely shape control of the U.S. House of Representatives and determine the fate of many of Trump's far-right policies.

The opposition to the rare California mid-decade redistricting has booked more than $10 million of airtime for ads between Tuesday and Sept. 23 in media markets across the state, according to media buyers who are not affiliated with either campaign. Supporters of the effort have bought at least $2 million in ads starting on Tuesday, a number expected to grow exponentially as they are aggressively trying to secure time in coming weeks on broadcast and cable television.

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"This early start is a bit stealthy on the part of the no side, but has been used as a ploy in past campaigns to try to show strength early and gain advantage by forcing the opposing side to play catch up," said Sheri Sadler, a veteran Democratic political media operative who is not working for either campaign. "This promises to be an expensive campaign for a special election, especially starting so early."

Millions of dollars have already flowed into the nascent campaigns sparring over the Nov. 4 special-election ballot measure that asks voters to set aside the congressional boundaries drawn in 2021 by California's independent redistricting commission. The panel was created by the state's voters in 2010 to stop gerrymandering and incumbent protection by both major political parties.

Read more: Millions of dollars flow into redistricting battle on the November ballot

The campaign will be a sprint  glossy multi-page mailers arrived in Californians' mailboxes before the state Legislature voted in late August to call the special election. Voters will begin receiving mail ballots in early October.

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Redistricting, typically an esoteric process that takes place once a decade following the U.S. Census, is receiving an unusual level of attention because of partisan efforts to tilt control of Congress in next year's midterm election. Republicans have a narrow edge in the U.S. House of Representatives, but the party that wins control of the White House often loses congressional seats in the following election.

Earlier this summer, Trump asked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to redraw his state's congressional districts to add five GOP members to the House, setting off a redistricting arms race across the nation. California Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a campaign to redraw the state's congressional districts in an effort to boost the number of Democrats in Congress, negating the Texas gains for Republicans, but it must be approved by voters.

Opponents of the effort are an intriguing mix. Among them are former Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, wealthy Republican donor Charles Munger Jr., former GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield and Assemblyman Alex Lee (D-San Jose), the chair of the Legislative Progressive Caucus.

Many partisans  in both political parties  opposed independent redistricting when it was championed by Schwarzenegger and Munger in 2010.

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Jessica Millan Patterson, the former state GOP chairwoman who is leading McCarthy's effort to oppose new congressional boundaries, demurred when asked about the dissonance. Voters, she said, made their choice clear at the ballot box about their preference to have an independent commission draw congressional districts rather than Sacramento politicians.

"The people of California have spoken," she said.

The "Stop Sacramentos Power Grab" committee that Patterson leads plans to focus on conservative and right-of-center voters, and will be well-funded, she said.

McCarthy was a prodigious fundraiser while in Congress and his long-time friend, major GOP fundraiser Jeff Miller, is raising money to oppose the ballot measure.

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Schwarzenegger is not part of the McCarthy effort, instead backing the good-government message of the Munger team. Patterson argues that anything the former governor does only brings more attention to their shared goal, even if he isn't part of their effort.

"Gov. Schwarzenegger is Gov. Schwarzenegger," Patterson said, pointing to an X post of the global celebrity wearing a T-shirt that said "Terminate Gerrymandering" while working out on Aug. 15. "He is a celebrity, a box-office guy. He's going to make sure reasonable people know that we don't want to put this power back in Sacramento. He will bring the glitz and glamour, like he always does."

Schwarzenegger has long championed political reform. During his final year as governor, he prioritized the ballot measure that created independent congressional redistricting. Since leaving office, he made good governance a priority at his institute at USC and campaigned for independent redistricting across the nation.

"Here are some of the things that are more popular than Congress: hemorrhoids, Nickelback, traffic jams, cockroaches, root canals, colonoscopies, herpes," Schwarzenegger said in a 2017 Facebook video. "Even herpes, they couldnt beat herpes in the polls."

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The former governor is reportedly backing the effort by Munger, the son of a billionaire, who bankrolled the ballot measure that created independent congressional redistricting in 2010. Munger has donated more than $10 million to an effort opposing the November ballot measure; the organization he funded has booked more than $10 million in television spots through Sept. 23.

"These ads are the start of our campaigns effort to communicate directly with voters about the dangers of allowing politicians to choose their voters and abandoning our gold standard citizen-led redistricting process," said Amy Thoma, a spokesperson for the Munger-backed Voters First Coalition.

Supporters of the effort to redraw the districts argued that Republicans are trying to cement GOP control of the nation's policies.

"Trump cronies ... are spending big to defeat [Prop.] 50 and help Trump rig the 2026 election before a single person [has] voted," said Hannah Milgrom, a spokesperson for the campaign. "They are spending big  and early  to trick California voters into allowing Trump to keep total control over the federal government for two more years.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater has seen its funding from Milwaukee Countys Cultural, Artistic, and Musical Programming Advisory Council decline by 83% over the past several years. On Sept. 2, the Milwaukee County Parks Department will consider an additional 31% reduction in our already diminished allocation, which would bring our total county funding to just $6,413  less than 0.04% of our $17 million operating budget.

This proposed cut comes at a particularly difficult time. Milwaukee Rep has sustained over $7 million in damages due to unprecedented flooding this summer. In light of these challenges, the prospect of a further reduction in public support is not only disheartening  it is deeply troubling.

Opinion: A lasting living legacy can help philanthropists make even greater impact

Milwaukee Rep provides services to thousands of students

Despite minimal government investment, Milwaukee Rep continues to deliver extraordinary value to our community. We provide critical arts education programs in over 30 Milwaukee Public Schools, serving thousands of students each year. We welcome more than 300,000 patrons annually, the vast majority of whom reside in Milwaukee County. And through an $80 million capital campaign funded 99% by private philanthropy, we are building the Associated Bank Theater Center, a transformative cultural asset for Milwaukee County.

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Letters: The arts community in Wisconsin needs support. Time to increase public funding.

However, private philanthropy cannot shoulder the burden of sustaining the arts alone. Public investment is vital to ensure that cultural institutions like Milwaukee Rep remain accessible and vibrant. Unfortunately, Milwaukee continues to rank among the lowest in the nation in public arts funding at the city, county, and state levels.

We urge Milwaukee County leaders and the community at large to reconsider the direction of arts funding. If you believe in the importance of a thriving cultural landscape for our county, we encourage you to contact your County Supervisor and make your voice heard.

Chad Bauman is the Ellen & Joe Checota Executive Director of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Rep delivers value. Please keep funding in place. | Opinion
An art teacher who had the Annunciation Catholic Church shooter in her class in 2017 said she saw signs of self-harm on her then-student.

The teacher, Sarah Reely, said Robin Westman was in her class for a year at an all-boys prep school in Minnesota, where she noticed evidence of self-harm on the students arm and reported it.

Self harm is either a cry for help, an indication of self hate, or both. But its always sign something is wrong, Reely wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday.

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Westman, 23, opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis during morning Mass on Wednesday, killing two children and injuring 18 other worshippers.

Reely said in her post that she saw a photo of Westman, a transgender woman, and immediately recognized her. The teacher said she knew at the time Westman was a kid who needed help.

She was definitely odd, was really into furries and odd artwork and said some odd things, but wasnt violent towards others to my knowledge, Reely wrote. Being odd isnt a red flag  I was an odd kid myself and have always had a heart for the odd kids.

Reely said Westman did not fit in at the school, as one might imagine would happen to a queer kid in a conservative environment, and that she intentionally made a point to build a relationship, with her.

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Westman eventually transferred schools, Reely said, but she always hoped that her former student was OK.

I am NOT posting this to build sympathy for a murderer or place blame on any one person or entity for failing to stop this, Reely wrote. I am posting this to remind people that its a snowball effect of multiple system failures at a national level, that every murderer was once a kid in someones classroom who needed help, and that this issue is so much deeper and more complicated than we want to admit.

Reely declined to speak to NBC News about Westman.

On Wednesday, Westman fired a rifle through the side windows of Annunciation Catholic Schools church, aiming at children sitting in the pews, just before 8:30 a.m.

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Westman was a student at Annunciation, and her mother, Mary Grace Westman, had once worked at the school.

The shooter was found dead at the rear of the church with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to search warrants. She was found dressed in black tactical gear with at least two firearms nearby, police said.

Officials found approximately 120 shell casings from three different guns the shooter used, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara. OHara said Westman had a fascination with mass shootings, and acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Joseph Thompson said she wanted to watch children suffer.

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. But a heavily redacted police report from 2018 shows that police were called to a townhouse where Westman lived with her mother. Mental health was noted as the reason for the call.

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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. But it does not appear any alarms were sounded as Westman amassed an arsenal that included a rifle, a pistol and a shotgun used in the attack on the church.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A Henry County minor is recovering in the hospital after being shot by a police officer on Friday night.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says that Henry County police were called to a domestic incident involving a mother and her minor son.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Officers learned that the mother had locked herself in her room while her son, who was armed with a knife, was trying to break in.

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They found the son in an upstairs bedroom with a knife.

One officer shot at the minor and hit him. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

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Its unclear if the minor approached officers with the knife.

The minors current condition and identity has not been released.

The GBI is still investigating.

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ELMHURST, Ill. (WGN)  Authorities in Elmhurst say a missing 82-year-old man believed to be in danger has been found safe.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

The missing man was located in Joliet as of 8:45 p.m. Friday. Police have since canceled their Silver Alert.

Police did not share any further details.

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BIG HORN COUNTY, Wyoming (ABC4)  Grant Gardner, from Minnesota, was reported as missing on August 1st, 2025, in the Wyoming Cloud Peak Wilderness. After almost a full month of search efforts, he has been found deceased.

According to the Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriffs Office, they received a report that Grant Gardner was overdue from his hike. Gardner had planned a three-day hike and contacted his wife on July 29, 2025, to tell her he had summited Cloud Peak at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Reportedly, he also told his wife that the climb had been more difficult than expected and that he was tired. This was the last time anyone had contact with Grant Gardner.

Grant Gardner. Courtesy: Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriffs Office

Additionally, the Sheriffs Office said, the late summit of 7:00pm at 13,000 feet was and is concerning due to the lack of visible trails through cliffs, timber line, boulder fields, and other hazards that had to be navigated after dark before reaching clear trails and safe terrain.

Search Efforts

On August 1, 2025, the Sheriffs Office was informed that Gardner had not yet returned from his hike. They located his vehicle at the West Ten Sleep trailhead, where he had started the hike days earlier.

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Between August 2 and August 26, 2025, multiple agencies across Wyoming and Minnesota and private individuals conducted search operations across the Cloud Peak Wilderness for Gardner. Reportedly, search efforts included drone searches, military grade detection equipment, horse and foot teams and several county search and rescue teams.

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Courtesy: Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriffs Office

Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, U.S. Forest Service, and private pilots and individuals all contributed equipment, time, and efforts to the search, according to the Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriffs Office.

Teams conducted extensive searches in the wilderness, based on where Gardner could be. Unfortunately, on August 27, 2025, Gardner was found deceased.

Finding Gardner

According to Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriffs Office, professional climbers summitted Cloud Peak and were descending on the northern route on August 26, 2025. They set up camp at a high altitude and, while doing so, spotted a reflective backpack several hundred feet above them, underneath a ledge.

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The climbers notified the Sheriffs Office and said they were confident it was a backpack. They also agreed to stay in the area to help search and rescue teams, rather than continue with their plans to summit Woolsey Peak the next day.

On August 27, 2025, search and rescue teams deployed to the area. They were able to locate the backpack and positively identify Grant Gardners remains near the backpack. The Sheriffs Office also said they located Gardner in one of two primary search areas, which matched supposed scenarios.

Search and Rescue teams were able to recover Gardners body, and the case has been transferred to the Big Horn County Coroners Office. The Sheriffs Office has said they believe Gardners death was an accident.

Reportedly, Gardner was wearing clothing that matched the mountain terrain. That, in addition to the harsh terrain and snow cover above 10,000 feet made it difficult to locate him, officials say.

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The Sheriffs Office also thanked all of the agencies that contributed to the search, in addition to the climbing team that aborted their personal plans to help teams bring Gardner home. Sheriff Blackburn said, While its not the outcome we hoped for, we are hopeful this will provide much needed peace and closure to the family.

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As an appeals court in the US dealt a major blow to Donald Trump's tariff strategy, ruling in a 7-4 decision that the president exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), all now hinges on the US Supreme Court ruling. The US Supreme Court is expected to take up the case in the second half of October. An appeal is expected to be made by the Donald Trump administration, and the Supreme Court will subsequently decide whether the invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for the imposition of tariffs is upheld. The Friday judgment by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upholds an earlier ruling by the US Court of International Trade, dated May 28, that initially struck down the tariffs. However, the tariffs, covering imports from countries including India, will remain in force until October 14, giving the Trump administration time to seek a Supreme Court review, the Indian think tank GTRI said in a note, explaining the potential consequences of the Friday order. "The US court battle will shape the future of world trade. The US supreme court will decide whether tariffs will remain a matter of Congressional lawmaking, or an instrument of presidential geopolitics," GTRI opined. Trump had invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law crafted for sanctions and financial controls in times of foreign emergencies, to impose reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries. "The statute grants presidents broad powers to regulate transactions and block property, but it does not mention tariffs or taxation. Trump invoked it in 2019 and again in 2025, declaring the U.S. trade deficit and alleged fentanyl inflows from China, Canada, and Mexico as national emergencies to justify sweeping duties," GTRI noted. The appeals court rejected this, stressing that it is Congress, not the President, that holds tariff authority. Multiple lawsuits were filed in various states across the US by businesses, challenging the Trump administration's tariffs. The Friday court ruling also reasserted the principle that executive emergency powers cannot override Congress's core trade and taxation authority. "The Supreme Court, expected to take up the case in the second half of October, will now decide whether Trump's expansive reading of IEEPA survives--or whether Congress's limits on presidential trade powers are restored," GTRI noted. Pam Bondi, the 87th Attorney General serving under Trump, wrote on X, supporting the US administration's tariff strategy, stating that President Trump found a national emergency and took action under the law by imposing tariffs. "The judges of the Federal Circuit are interfering with the President's vital and constitutionally central role in foreign policy. This decision is wrong and undermines the United States on the world stage. The Justice Dept will appeal this decision and continue to fight to restore the president's lawful authority," the X post of Pam Bondi added. US President Donald Trump has imposed reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries with which the US has a trade deficit. Since assuming office for his second term, President Trump has reiterated his stance on tariff reciprocity, emphasising that his administration will match tariffs imposed by other countries, including India, to "ensure fair trade". (ANI)
Attached video: Missouri State Symbols

MISSOURI  Its official, Show Me State lawmakers are headed back to the Capitol to work on redrawing congressional lines.

In a special announcement this afternoon, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe called the legislature back into session, beginning at noon next Wednesday.

Among the items on the agenda, what hes called the Missouri First Map. Its a proposed redrawing of Missouri congressional districts.

Missouri First Map

Governor Kehoe says it is a more compact and contiguous proposal, splitting fewer counties and municipalities than the current map.

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Missouri currently has eight congressional seats, with Republicans holding six of those.

Current Missouri Congressional Districts

Despite controversy and allegations of gerrymandering, Governor Kehoe says the Missouri First Map is about clarity for the voters.

It retains each member of Missouris current congressional delegation in their current districts. Again, no existing member will be displaced. They will all still live in their current district, said Governor Mike Kehoe (R)-Missouri.

Thats not the only item on the agenda for the legislature.

Governor Kehoe has also instructed the House and Senate to work on initiative petition, or IP reform, as its commonly referred to.

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Among the governors directives, asking the legislature to change current state law to require a ballot measure only be passed if a majority of voters statewide and in each congressional district approve it by a majority.

MORE ON THIS STORY: Kehoe calls special session to redistrict Missouri congressional maps

Again, that special session gets underway next Wednesday at noon.

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Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Kehow ordered a special legislative session to redraw the congressional map for its eight U.S. House seats, mirroring efforts by other governors to gain seats for their parties in the 2026 midterms.

Redistricting may face a legal challenge because the state constitution requires new borders to be determined after new census numbers come out at the beginning of each decade, with the next scheduled for 2030.

On Friday, Kehow said the state General Assembly will return to the capital in Jefferson City on Wednesday to look at changing the maps. There are now six Republicans and two Democrats representing Missouri.

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Both chambers hold super-majorities. The Missouri Senate will consider the map during its annual veto session on Sept. 10.

"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.

Kehow unveiled the Missouri First Map, which he said is "a more compact, contiguous proposed map that was drawn and created by his team in Missouri to be considered by the General Assembly."

The new map, he said, splits fewer counties and municipalities than the current map. It preserves two congressional districts as currently drawn, and retains every current member in their proposed districts.

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"Missourians are more alike than we are different, and our Missouri values, across both sides of the aisle, are closer to each other than those of the extreme Left representation of New York, California and Illinois," Kehoe said. "Missouri's conservative, common-sense values should be truly represented at all levels of government, and the Missouri First Map delivers just that."

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Friday that "passage of a new, much fairer, and much improved, Congressional Map, that will give the incredible people of Missouri the tremendous opportunity to elect an additional MAGA Republican in the2026 Midterm Elections - A HUGE VICTORY for our America First Agenda, not just in the 'Show-Me State,' but across our Nation."

Trump, who noted he decisively won three primaries and three presidential elections, added "I call on all of my Republican friends in the Missouri Legislature to work as fast as they can to get this new Congressional Map, AS IS, to Governor Mike Kehoe's desk, ASAP."

In his Friday video, Kehoe said: "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."

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. pic.twitter.com/O3ZDArSDQV Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) August 29, 2025

The proposed map significantly redraws the 5th congressional district, which is represented by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat, who was first elected to the U.S. House in 2004. It includes a much larger portion of the state, meaning from the western portion of the state to the eastern edge.

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The district currently covers Kansas City and its surrounding areas, as well as a portion of Independence. The district is home to Harry S. Truman, a Democrat who was U.S. president from 1945-1953.

"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," Cleaver, the first Black mayor of Kansas City, said in a statement. "This attempt to gerrymander Missouri will not simply change district lines, it will silence voices."

He added Democrats wouldn't "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."

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He noted roughly 40% of Missourians cast their ballots for Democratic candidates last year but hold only 25% of the House seats.

The other House Democrat serving the state is Wesley Bell, elected for his first term in November, and serving in the 1st Congressional District covering St. Louis. He was the first Black prosecutor in St. Louis County.

The Missouri Constitution calls for the legislature to draw new congressional districts every 10 years after new U.S. census numbers are reported. Missouri officials weighed the map's legality last week, according to emails obtained by the Kansas City Star.

"The plain language of the Missouri Constitution and the Missouri Supreme Court's precedent make clear that mid-cycle congressional redistricting is prohibited," attorneys Chuck Hatfield and Alix Cossette, two longtime Democratic attorneys, wrote in a memo obtained by the Missouri Independent. "Any attempt to do so will draw a substantial legal challenge, which will likely succeed and invalidate any map adopted by the General Assembly."

Other states

In the U.S. House, Republicans currently hold a 219-212 advantage, which includes vacancies from the deaths of three Democrats and one GOP member who resigned.

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On Friday, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation for a new congressional map in an attempt to add five GOP seats in the U.S. House, which now includes 25 of 38 controlled by GOP.

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.

Republican-dominant legislatures in Ohio, Indiana and Florida may redraw congressional borders before the 2026 midterm elections.

Earlier this week, some Indiana legislators visited the White House to discuss redistricting.

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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.

Other states with a Democratic majority, including Illinois, New York, Maryland and Oregon, are also considering changing the borders.

Republican legislatures control 28 of the 50 states with 18 by Democrats and four chambers divided politically.
BELINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  West Virginia Health Right drove its mobile kitchen up from Charleston on Friday to the Barbour County Fair as part of the organizations efforts to encourage healthy eating.

Fairgoers had a chance to come and try a chili lime chicken wrap, which the chefs today said are economical, healthy, and delicious. If people liked what they tasted, they could take a recipe card and try it for themselves at home.

West Virginia author says her Italian cookbook is about way more than food

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I actually got some little kids to try avocado, which I thought was a success. But I would say most people definitely enjoy it. There may be elements that people dont like. Like maybe somebody doesnt like corn or they dont like beans. And thats okay. We want them to try it and then if they like part of it, then they can just go home and re-create that part, West Virginia Health Right Community Engagement Manager Shayla Leftridge said.

Leftridge told 12 News that Health Right is the states largest and oldest free, charitable health clinic, and that it has a holistic view of health. While the organization provides clinical services, it also believes in people living a healthy lifestyle. The mobile kitchen and the healthy cooking classes Health Right provides in Charleston are a part of this effort.

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When more than two dozen officers from the Somali National Armed Forces were awarded Chinese training scholarships this month, Beijing's ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu assured them and the rest of the country that "China will not be absent" in helping the East African country achieve peace.

Since the 1991 overthrow of president Siad Barre, Somalia has been plagued by civil war and conflict with extremist groups such as al-Shabab.

The training aims to help Somalia build a self-reliant defence force to fight al-Shabab, filling the security gaps as the African Union mission prepares for a phased withdrawal.

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The military scholarship programme is the latest example of Beijing's cooperation with Mogadishu under China's Global Security Initiative (GSI).

Just a month earlier, another group of Somali security officials completed law enforcement, internal and border security training in China. The Chinese embassy in Somalia said the training had taken place under the security initiative, adding that "China will continue to strengthen cooperation with Somalia to implement the GSI".

In July, the embassy discussed anti-piracy cooperation with the Somali Police Force Coast Guard, an issue that aligns with China's fishing interests in the region and naval anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden.

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For China, Africa is a key testing ground for the GSI, an initiative launched by President Xi Jinping in 2022. The framework, which Beijing says promotes a vision for global security based on mutual respect and non-interference, is becoming a model for China-Africa security cooperation and is presented as an alternative to Western-led alliances.

According to Paul Nantulya, a China-Africa specialist at the US National Defence University's Africa Centre for Strategic Studies in Washington, it is part of China's effort to socialise, promote, routinise and ultimately flesh out the GSI.

By branding training and capacity building programmes under the GSI, "China can breathe life into it and give it substance over form", and move the initiative beyond its conceptual stage, Nantulya said. He added that these programmes were often oriented towards domestic security, which was a key part of the GSI concept.

The training in Somalia aligns with Xi's promise to train 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 police and law enforcement officers from Africa, and invite 500 young African military officers to visit China by the next Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in September 2027.

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The promise also included a pledge of 1 billion yuan (US$140 million) in military assistance, as well as joint military exercises, training and patrols.

Somalia is among an increasing number of African countries, including Ethiopia and Nigeria, with deals to train their military and police officers in China as part of the GSI. Observers note that while the GSI was initially described in general and ambiguous terms, it is now slowly taking on concrete features through such programmes.

In a new study published this month, Nantulya noted the GSI's growing role, saying that between September and June, there had been eight high-level military exchanges, including an event for 90 early-career officers from 40 African countries hosted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Command College in Nanjing.

"Given how the GSI is being gradually mainstreamed into China-Africa relations, this has direct implications for China's security cooperation efforts in Africa," Nantulya wrote.

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China now has public security and law enforcement engagements with no fewer than 40 African countries, according to Nantulya.

In 2022, for instance, Ethiopia signed an agreement to protect major Belt and Road Initiative projects, such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), while in neighbouring Kenya, the government and its Chinese partners collaborated to set up an elite Railway Police Force to protect the Chinese-funded Mombasa-Nairobi SGR.

Sun Yun, director of the China programme at the Stimson Centre think tank in Washington, noted that the GSI had a distinct category for African peace and security, and that Beijing saw the initiative as its alternative approach to global security and how it could be achieved.

"Africa, inevitably, will be a priority, given the political instability, civil wars and conflicts in Africa," she said.

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Nantulya's study also highlights how the GSI is being made mainstream through new law enforcement programmes, such as the Ethiopia China Law Enforcement Centre that was established last year and the proposed Ghana China Police and Law Enforcement Academy.

Last year, the Chinese Ministry of Public Security launched the China East Africa Ministerial Conference on Law Enforcement and signed a joint law enforcement agreement with the 14 member states of the East African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation.

Ilaria Carrozza, a senior researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo said China's training programmes for Somali military and security forces were intended to illustrate how the GSI could be translated from broad rhetorical principles - such as cooperative, comprehensive and sovereign-respecting security - to concrete security diplomacy.

"The programmes are part of a broader and long-standing pattern of China leveraging security force assistance and training as instruments to strengthen long-term bilateral ties and safeguard its economic interest in Africa," Carrozza said, adding that this was not necessarily to replace Western actors, but to deepen its own footprint.

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However, not all African governments are sanguine about the GSI. While some see it as an additional source of security assistance, others warn of the policy risks, according to the study.

These concerns often focus on China's security model, which Nantulya said in his study could entrench the opposite of an apolitical military, particularly where its emphasis on regime security appealed to ruling parties.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his support on Saturday for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Modi's office said.

Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address, said Modi supported Ukraine's call for a ceasefire in the war with Russia and hoped that notion would be heard at the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China.

Modi's office, in a statement, said Zelenskiy shared the Indian prime minister's perspective on recent developments related to Ukraine, while Modi stressed India's support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace.

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"The leaders also reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in all areas of mutual interest," it said.

Modi is due to attend the SCO summit, which opens on Sunday in the Chinese city of Tianjin.

"I have just spoken with Indian Prime Minister Modi about precisely what is going on. Russia is continuing the war, continuing to kill," Zelenskiy said.

"It is important that the prime minister of India supports the idea that a ceasefire is needed and would be a clear signal that Russia is ready for diplomacy. We are counting on this being heard at the meeting in China."

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The statement from Modi's office made no mention of a call for a ceasefire.

Ukraine, backed by European countries, has long called for a ceasefire in hostilities as an important initial step to resolving the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump initially urged Russia to agree to a ceasefire, but since his talks this month with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska has said that a ceasefire is not a vital element in moving towards a solution.

Speaking earlier on Saturday after overnight attacks on southeastern Ukraine, Zelenskiy said Moscow had used preparation time for a meeting of leaders of both countries to launch new attacks on his country.

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On Friday, Zelenskiy brought up Trump's deadline for deciding on new measures against Russia if Putin fails to commit to a one-on-one meeting with the Ukrainian leader.

(Reporting by Surbhi Misra in Bengaluru and Ron PopeskiEditing by Gareth Jones and Nick Zieminski)
Thousands of workers and union organizers from across California will gather for picnics and marches this weekend to honor the contributions of the nation's working people.

But the Labor Day celebrations will be tempered by a sobering reality: Unions face mounting pressure to protect their members from the Trump administration's immigration raids, cuts in Medicaid services and a weakened National Labor Relations Board.

Read more: More L.A. car washes targeted in immigration raids, some closed amid fears of further sweeps

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From farm fields to car washes, labor groups have scrambled to support families of the hundreds detained and deported in numerous chaotic and violent raids that have resulted in the deaths of two people  a day laborer and a farmworker  killed while fleeing federal agents.

The raids reverberated across the state's local labor community in June when David Huerta of SEIU California was injured and detained by law enforcement while documenting the first major immigration enforcement raids in Los Angeles.

"Farmworkers are afraid. They don't know what's going to happen from one day to the next with these raids, but they understand the only way were going to have power is if we come together," said Teresa Romero, president of United Farm Workers.

Romero and other union leaders said their focus remains on organizing more workplaces, while also working to educate people on their rights and staging legal and nonviolent protests against government policies.

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Read more: Farms, hotels and restaurants press Trump to exempt their businesses from immigration raids

In early August, the Trump administration moved forward with a plan to end collective bargaining with federal unions across a swath of government agencies. The government said the changes were necessary to protect national security, but unions viewed it as retaliation for their participation in lawsuits opposing the presidents policies.

The Trump administration has also proposed sweeping cuts to the staff of the National Labor Relations Board  which is tasked with safeguarding the right of private employees to unionize or organize in other ways to improve their working conditions  and canceled leases for regional offices in many states.

Union officials contend that the changes could hobble the board and prevent it from investigating unfair labor practice charges filed by workers and carrying out its other responsibilities, such as overseeing elections.

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"Important rules and regulations that were put in place during the Biden administration that were helpful to workers  those are systematically being rolled back," said Enrique Lopezlira, director of the Low-Wage Work Program at the UC Berkeley Labor Center.

Read more: Employers and workers alike are wary of what the second Trump term will mean for labor

Unions are bracing for further challenges that could arise when Trump finally makes appointments to the federal labor board, which is currently nonoperational, because it doesn't have enough board members to rule on cases.

"We are all under attack by the federal government right now," said Jeremy Goldberg, executive director of the Central Coast Labor Council. "The need is tremendous."

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But even as many labor leaders have openly opposed the Trump administration, others have taken a more muted approach. Major national unions, such as United Auto Workers and the Teamsters, have supported aspects of the Trump agenda on tariffs abroad and a push for manufacturing jobs at home.

Read more: David Huerta, president of SEIU California, detained during L.A. ICE raids

The changes portend tough times ahead for California unions.

John Logan, a professor of U.S. labor history at San Francisco State, said that Trump's hostility toward California and withholding of federal funds from universities, healthcare facilities and other institutions will squeeze the state budget, with major effects on public sector workers in the form of layoffs and other cost-cutting. And the administration's relentless immigrant raids are consuming the time, attention and resources of unions, he said.

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Although California has a larger share of its workforce represented by unions compared with many other states, that density is overly reliant on public sector workers, and membership of those unions is likely to shrink in the coming years, Logan said.

Unions are "ill-equipped to deal with this moment of crisis," Logan said. "The labor movement is fighting for its survival over the next four years."

Read more: 'We are going to take back MacArthur Park': Hundreds protest against federal immigration raids in Los Angeles

Challenges are especially acute in the healthcare industry.

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Unions representing in-home care providers, nurses and other healthcare workers said their members are already feeling the squeeze wrought by the lead up to and approval of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," which includes tax spending cuts that will affect millions of Medicaid recipients while growing Immigration and Customs Enforcement by thousands of workers.

SEIU Local 2015 President Arnulfo De La Cruz said many in-home care providers who have cared for people for decades are now faced with the prospect that the people they care for are going to lose their healthcare, and that they themselves may lose their healthcare and their jobs.

"To have our healthcare under attack, to have our families under attack  that's a huge reversal in how we are recognizing essential workers," De La Cruz said.

Major medical facilities, including Sharp HealthCare, UC San Diego Health and UCSF Health, have in recent months announced plans to cut public health services and conduct hundreds of layoffs, citing significant financial headwinds and the uncertainty of federal funding.

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"Its a nasty bill. There's nothing beautiful about that bill," said Cynthia Williams, an Orange County resident and member of AFSCME Local 3930. Williams is a full-time caregiver for both her daughter, who is blind and has cerebral palsy, and her sister, who is a veteran living with severe post-traumatic stress disorder.

Williams said the In-Home Supportive Services program  funded primarily by Medicaid  has preemptively cut funding for transportation to her sister's weekly appointments. The hours Williams is paid for to care for her daughter have been reduced.

"The last few months have been very stressful and very unpredictable," Williams said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  A class of 12 students graduated from the Monongalia EMS program on Friday in Cheat Lake with a pass rate of 100%, nearly double the states average.

All 12 students from the Foxtrot Cohort graduated from the Monongalia EMS program on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 (WBOY image)

How cutting down trees is actually helping West Virginias unofficial state bird

The graduation ceremony was held at the Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department, and was attended by students families, parents and EMT instructors. The program itself lasted 12 weeks, with an average pass rate of 55% in West Virginia and a national pass rate of 74%, according to Monongalia EMS.

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Fridays graduating class, the Foxtrot Cohort, had a pass rate of 100% and a class overall grade average of 89.9%. According to Mon EMS lead instructor Rayanna Wolfe, students typically come in with no prior medical experience, but study and learn full-time for 40 hours a week throughout the program.

They were a very curious class; they wanted to learn. I didnt have to push anybody hardly at all, it was one of the easiest classes Ive taught because they just excelled at everything they did, Wolfe said.

While the Foxtrot Cohort passed the program with flying colors, Wolfe described the program as rigorous, but anyone interested in working with Monongalia EMS can see current job postings on the Monongalia EMS website.

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A man suspected of killing four people at a Montana bar and evading capture for a week while hundreds of law enforcement officers searched for him in the nearby mountains faces four counts of murder, according to court records.

Defendant Michael Paul Brown lived next door to The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, where a bartender and three patrons were shot and killed Aug. 1.

Authorities have not commented on a potential motive for the 45-year-old former soldier. His niece has said Brown long struggled with mental illness. Several local residents told CBS News they were aware of his troubles.

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The charges Brown faces were posted on a court website Saturday after the case previously had been under seal by a state judge. Charging documents were not immediately available.

Following the shooting, authorities said Brown stole a truck and then ditched it a few miles outside of town, close to where he was eventually apprehended.

He hid in nearby forests, moving locations while helicopters and drones circled overhead and officers and dogs searched on the ground, officials said. But he was eventually flushed into a sparsely populated area near a state highway by the pressure of so many officers searching for him, according to officials.

Brown was captured on Aug. 8 inside an unoccupied structure near a state highway.

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Investigators also are examining whether he had any contact with individuals or property owners who might have helped him while he was on the run.

State Department of Justice spokesperson Chase Scheuer said Friday that the probe is ongoing.

Brown is scheduled to make an initial district court appearance on Sept. 3. He is being held on $2 million bail and represented by attorney Walter Hennessey, who did not immediately respond to telephone messages on Friday or Saturday. Brown is accused of killing Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74.

Anaconda, about 25 miles northwest of Butte, is home to roughly 9,000 people. Hemmed in by mountains, it was founded by a copper magnate in the late 1800s. A smelter stack that is no longer operational looms over the valley.

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The owner of The Owl Bar has said Brown patronized it over the past several decades, but he was not aware of any conflicts between the suspect and victims. Montana's attorney general said the suspect lived next door to the bar and appeared to be a regular.

A conviction for murder, known in Montana as deliberate homicide, is punishable by death in the state. Executions have been on hold since 2015 under a court ruling regarding a drug used in lethal injections.

Saturday Sessions: Waylon Wyatt performs "Arkansas Diamond"

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Saturday Sessions: Waylon Wyatt and Bayker Blankenship perform "Jailbreak"
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  The Moon Dancer Winery announced on Facebook that it will reopen following its long legal battle for survival.

The winery announced that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court had vacated the recent York County ruling that ordered the winery to close while fighting its legal zoning dispute over its farm property on Klines Run Road.

The post states that the winery is now open this weekend, offering wine, craft beverages, wood-fired pizza, and live music.

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The winery will be open August 30-31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature live performances from Stan Hoke on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and The Nobles from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Moving forward, the winery will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12-5 p.m., Fridays from 12-10 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11-6 p.m., per the post.

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India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], August 30: Fydo has launched as India's most innovative smart loyalty platform, aiming to transform the way customers interact with retail. It promises to improve customer retention rates by up to 10 times, generating excitement among businesses nationwide. Backed by major companies like Microsoft and NASSCOM, this Made in India platform helps retailers, from small shops in Tier 2 cities to large urban firms. It turns one-time buyers into loyal customers and boosts revenue in a competitive market. Founded in October 2020 by Satyajeet Patnayak and Dharam Chand Patnaik, Fydo initially started as a deals and discovery platform but later pivoted to loyalty services after receiving feedback from retailers nationwide. The market for loyalty programs in India is projected to grow at a rate of 18.3% annually, reaching approximately US$3.58 billion by the end of the year. This platform uses artificial intelligence to understand customer behaviors, offering personalized rewards, cashback deals, and exclusive offers that go beyond standard discounts. As Satyajeet Patnayak, co-founder and CEO of Fydo, says, "We are not just creating loyalty programs; we're building emotional connections that lead to real results." "After the pandemic, customers want value and personalization; Fydo helps businesses keep customers at levels up to 10 times higher than traditional methods. It increases repeat purchases by over 30% and reduces churn to less than 5%." What makes Fydo stand out in the crowded loyalty market? Its easy-to-use, technology-driven features fit well with India's diverse retail environment. Merchants can integrate the platform easily through user-friendly mobile apps available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. It enables real-time analytics, customizable campaigns, and instant reward redemptions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in underserved areas like Odisha, where Fydo is based. The platform levels the playing field against large e-commerce companies by fostering genuine, data-driven relationships. Businesses are excited for good reason. As loyalty trends in 2025 shift toward AI personalization and sustainability, Fydo is at the forefront, meeting the changing needs of consumers for ethical and rewarding experiences. An update in April 2025 introduced a new Partner app for merchants, with better tools for customizing programs and gaining predictive insights. This strengthens its position as a necessity for progressive merchants. According to a representative of a major clothing chain, "Fydo has changed how we connect with our customers." "The AI insights alone have doubled our repeat business in just a few months; it feels like a loyalty superpower." By participating in significant events like Slush (Finland) and GITEX Dubai. Fydo is changing India's retail market trajectory. The platform aims to expand into new markets and incorporate blockchain for secure rewards. For businesses looking to grow, Fydo welcomes merchants to download the Fydo Partner App. One thing is evident as India's revolutionary loyalty platform gains traction: customer retention is more than just a statistic; it is the key to retail success in the future. As Fydo continues to offer new ways to reward loyalty, stay tuned for more updates. For more details, log on to: Fydo - India's Trusted Customer Loyalty & Rewards Platform (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Aug. 29River visitors south of Elephant Butte have cause for caution next week, while farmers near Albuquerque may have a reason to celebrate. The reason is more water in the Rio Grande.

But the short-term influx comes as reservoir levels across the state are below historic averages.

Elephant Butte Dam is expected to drop 3 feet next week after the Bureau of Reclamation releases approximately 10,000 acre-feet, so water levels south of Elephant Butte will be much higher.

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Visitors in the area between Elephant Butte Dam and Caballo Reservoir should use extreme caution, as river flows may change quickly, the Bureau of Reclamation has warned.

Reservoir levels across the state are already lower than historic averages because of a dry winter.

Southern Colorado had a below-average snowpack and the Sangre de Cristos had poor snowfall, according to Andrew Mangham, senior service hydrologist for Albuquerque's National Weather Service office.

"A big driver for these reservoirs is the winter snowpack, and the fact of the matter is that our winters are trending drier," Mangham said.

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But rainfall is bringing some short-term moisture to New Mexico. Albuquerque residents finally saw water flowing through the Rio Grande this week after more than a month of drying, and a wet weekend could bring flooding to communities along the Pecos River.

Elephant Butte

The Bureau of Reclamation was limiting releases from Elephant Butte Dam during July, because of debris buildup in Caballo Reservoir. The releases next week, beginning Wednesday, will bring Caballo back up to normal levels.

"Because we haven't released water from Elephant Butte since late July, it is important that members of the public accessing these areas are aware that water will be flowing again next week," Elephant Butte Field Division Manager Benjamin Kalminson said in a statement. "Once releases begin, the rate of water flow can change rapidly. Please remain cautious and safe when in the area and do not attempt to cross the channel, even if it looks dry, during this time."

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The flows will be swift, with the potential to overcome even the strongest swimmers, he said.

Heavy rainstorms in July brought debris into Caballo from burn scars in the mountains to the west of the reservoir, Kalminson said. Debris built up in Caballo was affecting the reservoir's intake and the agency limited water releases so workers could clear out the debris.

They removed 17 tons of debris from Caballo Reservoir in July, and another 14,000 cubic feet were removed in August with heavy machinery.

The Elephant Butte releases will last five to six days. Reclamation plans to remove a temporary dam at Rotary Park, then rebuild it after the water releases are done. This is the last big water release from Elephant Butte planned until next year's irrigation season.

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Even with limited releases, Elephant Butte is already sitting at 3.8% full, which means the water level is around 4,291 feet. That's lower than the average elevation for August over the decades, which was 4,347 feet.

The vast majority of New Mexico reservoirs are running low, Mangham said. The reservoirs tend to be a little lower than average water levels from the last 25 to 30 years, but significantly lower than averages for the three preceding decades.

"Once the sort of mega-drought started setting in, we saw most of the reservoirs drop quite significantly and never really recover," Mangham said.

Rio Grande drying

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The Rio Grande is wet again in the Albuquerque area, ending one of the longest dry periods it's had in decades, according to Anne Marken, water operations manager for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. Areas of the Albuquerque reach have been dry over 43 days, with a maximum of close to 12 miles drying.

"I think people downstream of us are really accustomed to seeing river channel drying, and it's new to Albuquerque," Marken said. "But I think it's something that could potentially happen more frequently, until we get to a place where the (Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District) can store water again."

The Rio Grande dries regularly in areas south of Albuquerque, and historically the river dried routinely in the 1950s in the Albuquerque area. But it hadn't dried for 40 years in the Albuquerque metro until 2022 when it dried for five days along 10 miles, she said.

The water in the river in the Albuquerque metro came from rainfall, Marken said. Some of that monsoon rain was upstream of Cochiti Dam and is moving through the reservoir headed toward Albuquerque. Without more rain, the river will likely be dry again in Albuquerque sometime next week.

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The drying is in part because of a poor snowpack in Colorado and New Mexico, meaning there's less water in the river system.

"The hydrology this year has been very, very poor," Marken said. "The snowpack conditions were like bottom 10% of what we've seen. It's not the lowest we've seen, but it's very near the bottom of what we've seen."

A lackluster monsoon season in the Middle Rio Grande Valley has also contributed, according to Marken. But some of the drying is connected to the way the river is managed and legal agreements about sharing Rio Grande water.

"In 2018, we had even less snow in the basin than we saw this year, but we had so much (water) storage that I don't even think people were aware that it was a dry year," Marken said. "The (Middle Rio Grande Conservancy) District was able to keep water flowing through the river all season."

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The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District has very little stored water it is allowed to release at the moment, because of a legal agreement between states about how the water is divided called the Rio Grande Compact.

That means farmers have been dependent on rainfall for irrigation, and much of the rainwater running through Albuquerque is destined for farms. The MRGCD is targeting areas where farmers have not received many irrigation deliveries recently. There is not enough water in the river to do irrigation deliveries in the Corrales area.

Aside from Pueblo irrigators, who have different water rights, there have been limited irrigation deliveries for the past two months upstream and downstream of Isleta Pueblo.

"When the system's struggling, the farmers struggle along with it," Marken said.

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Drying south of Albuquerque was also more extensive than typical. Over 40 miles dried in the San Acacia reach, a level of drying that hasn't been seen in that area since the early 2000s, Marken said.

Flood risk

There is a heightened risk of river and stream flooding over the holiday weekend for rivers along the southern fringe and eastern side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Those rivers are especially vulnerable to repeated rounds of monsoon rain causing river flooding, Mangham said.

Heavy rainfall has saturated soils in the area and the National Weather Service has reports of streams near the Mora, Sapello, Pecos and Vermejo rivers rising out of their banks.

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Mora County commissioners already declared a disaster Wednesday after N.M. 434 and several county roads were damaged by flooding.

While the Pecos River is outside the burn scar area, some of its tributaries do reach into burn scars from the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire, causing higher than normal flows over the last few years in those tributaries, Mangham said.

A surge of monsoon moisture is expected over the weekend, which could mean a lot of rain around the state by Monday, Mangham said.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Morningside University announced that the incoming class of full-time undergraduates is the largest it has ever seen in the institutions modern history.

University officials said they welcomed more than 400 freshmen on August 20, marking a record-breaking milestone for the higher institution, showing continued growth and success.

Were welcoming the largest first-year class in Morningsides modern history, and that speaks volumes about the students and families who see themselves as part of our community, said Steph Peters, Vice President for Enrollment Management.

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With initiatives like Siouxland Proud, Mside Bound, were showing our commitment to the region by offering tuition aid packages to deserving students across Siouxland. Its one of the ways were making a Morningside education possible for more local students, said Peters.

University officials said that this falls freshmen come from 18 states and 21 countries, with 43% of them from Iowa.

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Its an exciting time to be at Morningside University. Our student body, growing enrollment, and strong partnerships are key to our continued success. We look forward to building on this foundation in the years ahead, said Chad Benson, Morningside University Interim President.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man accused of stealing from a boat, and his wife who was wanted for forgery, were both busted by the Memphis Police Department Harbor patrol last week.

On Aug. 22, John Waldrop, 39, was taken into custody and charged with burglary after allegedly stealing copper from a boat in the 1300 block of Second Avenue.

Amber & John Waldrop (MPD)

MPD said shortly after that, the harbor patrol and North Main Station located his wife, Amber Waldrop, 41.

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Amber was wanted in Arkansas on a Forgery Warrant.

Courtesy: MPD Courtesy: MPD

MPD stated that its harbor patrol unit is on the water every day, ensuring the safety of the Mississippi River and its surrounding areas.

So far this year, the harbor patrol has made two felony arrests, issued 48 citations, made four rescues, provided five boat assists, and conducted 28 searches.

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GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  A motorcyclist was killed in a Friday night crash on US Highway 17 near Pawleys Island.

Master Trooper Brandon Bolt with the South Carolina Highway Patrol said the multi-vehicle accident happened around 7:42 p.m.

A 2020 Ford SUV collided with a 2024 Honda motorcycle on Highway 17; the Ford then hit a 2024 Kia hatchback that was sitting at a red light on Petigru Drive.

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The motorcyclist was injured and taken to a nearby hospital where they later died. Neither the driver of the Ford or Kia were injured.

Trooper Bolt said the crash is under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
NEED TO KNOW

Multiple students were hospitalized after they ate a candy-like substance at a North Carolina middle school

The children were given the food item by a fellow classmate earlier this month

"I feel like it wouldnt be something that you would have thought would happen," one student said



Multiple students at a North Carolina middle school were hospitalized after they ate an unknown substance resembling candy.

Around 10 children fell ill when they ate the food item, shared by a fellow classmate, on Wednesday, Aug. 27, Broad Creek Middle School officials said, according to local outlets WITN, WCTI and the Carteret County News-Times.

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The Carteret County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) told the outlets that eight of the students were transported to Carteret Health Care for evaluation and treatment, and all appeared to be okay after the incident.

Speaking with the Carteret County News-Times, the CCSO's Derek Moore said authorities "are waiting [for] test results to determine the presence of any substance which may have caused the adverse reactions affecting the involved students."

He added that the police investigation into the incident was ongoing, and authorities will later determine whether any charges could be brought forward under the law, as well as under the schools Code of Conduct.

Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan/The News & Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty A North Carolina public school bus (stock image). A North Carolina public school bus (stock image).

A spokesperson for the Carteret County Public School system  which Broad Creek Middle School is a part  told the Carteret County News-Times that school officials were notified of the incident and responded immediately, providing care for the students until paramedics arrived.

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The CCSO and the Carteret County Public School system did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Saturday, Aug. 30.

Broad Creek Middle School principal Jenny Bell told the local outlets that the safety and health of our students remain our highest priority.

We deeply appreciate the quick actions of our staff and the tremendous support of the emergency response teams who worked together to care for our students, she 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.

Getty An ambulance (stock image). An ambulance (stock image).

One student, Charlotte Race, told WITN that the incident wasnt something she expected on the third day of school.

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"I mean, it was kind of scary," she added. "I feel like it wouldnt be something that you would have thought would happen.

Jennifer Perryman, a spokesperson for the Carteret County Public School, told the Carteret County News-Times that parents should remind their children about the importance of only consuming food from known and trusted sources, such as from home or a school cafeteria.

While students often like to share, it is not always clear what an item contains, and consuming something unknown can result in serious health risks, she added.

Read the original article on People
Elon Musk appeared to compare the U.K. police to Nazi war criminals in a post on X as he ratcheted up his anti-immigration crusade across the pond.

Since being ousted from the U.S. government following a very public fallout with President Donald Trump, Musk has turned his attention back to stoking the flames in the U.K., which is currently engulfed in an immigration row.

Anti-immigration protesters and anti-racism demonstrators have clashed in heated rallies across the country in recent weeks, after the U.K. government won a court challenge allowing asylum seekers to continue to be housed at a hotel in Epping, Essex, in Southeast England.

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Musk shared a post on his social media platform from a user that referenced the post-WWII Nuremberg trials, where the defense of just following orders was used by Nazi officials who committed crimes against humanity in the Holocaust.

After the trials, one of the seven Nuremberg Principles makes clear that a person who acted pursuant to order of his Government or of a superior does not relieve him from responsibility under international law.

Elon Musk has been fanning the flames of protests in the U.K. (AFP/Getty)

Im only following orders, the user on X said, imagining a future defense from a police officer involved in arresting suspects at protests. The UK police force need to think deeply about how the Nuremberg trials after WW2 established the principle that individuals have a responsibility to disobey illegal or immoral orders.

Musk shared the post to his 225 million followers and added: Just following orders is not an acceptable defense.

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It wasn't immediately clear which incident the user and Musk were specifically referring to, but both individuals have been prolific in posting about the immigration protests in the U.K. lately.

Anti-immigration protesters and anti-racism demonstrators have clashed in heated rallies across the country in recent weeks (PA Wire)

The tech mogul posted the message the same day police arrested five people in relation to an incident outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in London, and two men outside the hotel in Epping.

The group of masked men attempted to enter a hotel in west London and were arrested Saturday in relation to disorder after two anti-asylum groups marched to the Crowne Plaza hotel in West Drayton.

Musks latest comments follow a police warning about the spread of misinformation online after the SpaceX CEO and Tommy Robinson, a prominent far-right activist in the U.K., wrongly claimed a 12-year-old girl in Scotland was at risk of being assaulted by migrants.

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Footage filmed last week in Dundee shows a young girl confronting a couple, who police say are Bulgarian. In the video, the girl can be seen holding an axe and a knife, shouting get the f*** away from us.

Musk was accused of making what appeared to be a Nazi-style salute during a Trump inaugural event in January, which the billionaire denied (Getty Images)

She has since been charged with possession of an offensive weapon. The Tesla boss shared a post on his social media platform that claimed the teen had been recorded on camera by a migrant and that she and other youngsters in the video were at risk of sexual assault.

Hate speech has surged on X since Musk acquired it and hard-right commentators, politicians and activists in Europe have discovered that engaging with Musk on X has boosted their influence, the Associated Press reports.

Since endorsing Trump for president last summer, Musk has leaned into far-right sentiment. He came out in support of Germanys far-right AfD party. Only the AfD can save Germany, Musk said in December 2024.

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On January 20, Musk appeared to do two Nazi-style salutes at one of Trump's inauguration events, although he later denied they were intended as such.

Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The everyone is Hitler attack is so tired, he later posted.
A Muskogee woman was charged Friday with six counts of child neglect.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect in connection with a sexual abuse case involving a female juvenile, under the age of 12, who authorities say was pregnant and gave birth earlier this month.

According to a court affidavit, the suspect lived near the victim and was a caregiver for multiple children. Authorities allege in the documents that the suspect saw the juvenile victim almost daily and never reporting the pregnancy to authorities.

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Last week a male and a female suspect were separately charged with child neglect in Muskogee County District Court.

Charges against the male suspect were upgraded Monday to sexual abuse of a child under 12 when authorities said DNA testing came back with positive results indicating the suspect was the father of the infant. Charges against the female suspect charged last week were upgraded to permitting child sexual abuse.
PNN New Delhi [India], August 30: Maya Devi University (MDU), Dehradun, is redefining higher education in Uttarakhand by going beyond traditional learning models. As an innovation-focused and holistic growth-oriented institution, MDU is fast becoming a source of inspiration for youth across India. Here, learning doesn't end with textbooks. Students are empowered with technology, creativity, and social impact tools, shaping them into leaders for the 21st century. With state-of-the-art labs, an industry-focused curriculum, and immersive learning experiences, MDU is now recognized as one of Dehradun's fastest-rising global education centers. Where Ideas Turn Into Innovation A recent example of MDU's forward-thinking approach is the #DigitalCatalystProgramme 2025 -- a unique initiative launched in collaboration with the Kalpavriksha Sustainable Development Society. This fully residential, 100% free program was designed for 100 high-achieving students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds (Uttarakhand Board), providing hands-on training in: - Python Programming - Mobile App Development - Data Analysis - AI Tools - Leadership & Social Impact Skills Participants also had an experiential learning visit to Dehradun's Regional Science Centre, where they engaged in interactive science-based discovery. One of the highlights was the "Dummy Shark Tank" session, where students confidently pitched tech-for-change ideas and received constructive feedback from mentors and experts. The most exciting part of the program? A high-impact workshop on "AI and Future Tools" led by Dr. Sachin Chaudhary (PhD - IIT Ropar, Scholar - NTU Singapore). Students explored tools like ChatGPT, Canva, Suno AI, and Vo.dev, gaining real-world experience in AI-driven content creation, communication with machines, and digital creativity. Up to 43.6 LPA Package | 550+ Company Network MDU is not just an academic institution -- it's a launchpad for global careers. Admissions are now open for the 2025 session, offering an opportunity for ambitious students to aim high. - Highest Package: 43.6 LPA - Average Package: 5.6 LPA - Top Recruiters: Cognizant, IMH, Running Warehouse, and more A Platform for 360-Degree Growth Maya Devi University offers more than a degree -- it provides an ecosystem that promotes skills development, global exposure, and real-time industry learning. Recognized by UGC, NCTE, PCI, and the Government of Uttarakhand, MDU offers 150+ degree, postgraduate, and research programs, helping students align education with passion and career goals. Key features include: - Industry-focused academic model - Modern labs and smart classrooms - Innovative teaching methods - Programs designed to meet future workforce demands Scholarships up to 100% via MDUCET 2025 Students can apply for merit-based scholarships up to 100% through MDUCET 2025 - the university's entrance exam. This is not just a test of merit--it's a gateway to a transformative educational experience. If you're looking for a university that nurtures both academic excellence and career success, Maya Devi University, Dehradun, is your ideal choice.Apply Now - Admissions Open for 2025 SessionAdmission Helplines: 7060211144 | 08071296476 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
While September marks the start of autumn and the return to school, it also holds a grim significance for a Cumberland County community and a family haunted by mystery.

It was Sept. 16, 2019, when 5-year-old Dulce Maria Alavez was reported missing from Bridgeton City Park during a family outing.

She had recently started kindergarten and was excited to play at the park after first stopping for frozen treats at a store along the way, her family said.

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Her mother, Noema Alavez Perez, said she parked the car and allowed Dulce and her 3-year-old brother, Manuel, to run to the playground while she remained behind with her younger sister in the vehicle.

When Alavez Perez walked over to the playground a short time later, she said Dulce was gone. After the family searched the park, her mother called 911 to report her daughter missing.

Investigators believe someone took Dulce from the park, but her whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities hold out hope that shes still alive, noting they have found no evidence of her death.

Dulce Alavez sketch

To mark the sixth anniversary of her disappearance, family and supporters will return to the park on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. to remind the community that Dulce hasnt come home.

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As in previous years, attendees will gather at Dulces Tree, which was dedicated in the little girls honor near the playground where she was last seen.

More information about the vigil is available on Facebook via the Justice for Dulce Maria Alavez group.

Soon after Dulces disappearance, police released witness descriptions and a sketch of a person of interest. An unclaimed reward for information about the case stands at $75,000.

In 2020, an FBI agent on the case told NJ Advance Media the child was likely abducted by someone in a crime of opportunity.

The Florida-based Anti-Predator Project, a non-profit private investigation firm, began investigating Dulces case in 2023.

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No recent updates have been announced in the case.

We still have an open and active case, and investigate every lead we get in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, an FBI spokeswoman said Friday. We continue to ask anyone who may have information to reach out to us at 973-792-3000.

Anyone with information about Dulces disappearance may also contact authorities via one of these options:

Bridgeton Police: 856-451-0033

Cumberland County Prosecutors Office: 856-453-0486

New Jersey State Police: 609-882-2000, ext. 2554

Anonymous tips may be sent to Bridgeton Police at bpdops.com/tips or to the prosecutors office at njccpo.gov/tips.

Information may also be submitted to the Anti-Predator Project by calling 305-796-4859 or emailing info@antipredatorproject.org.

5th anniversary of the disappearance of Dulce Maria Alavez

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
Nashville police arrested the third and final suspect in connection with a November 2024 robbery-turned-fatal shooting at a South Nashville Park.

The suspect, an 18-year-old male, was 17 at the time of the shooting that killed Mohamed Keita, 23, of Riverdale, Georgia, according to Metro Nashville Police Department in an Aug. 30 news release and previous news reports. Police found Keita dead in the drivers seat of his car, backed into a parking space in the lot at Williams Pitts Park on Dec. 1, 2024, The Tennessean previously reported.

Detectives found a jar of marijuana and a holstered pistol inside Keitas car, police said in a statement shortly after the shooting.

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The Tennessean is not naming the 18-year-old male as he is charged in juvenile court. The two other suspects whom police arrested as part of the investigation, another 18-year-old male and an 18-year-old female, are also charged in juvenile court. The teen girl admitted to setting up and participating in the robbery that turned fatal, according to MNPD in an Aug. 30 news release and previous news reports.

This third suspect, whom police arrested Aug. 29, was also facing criminal charges after an aggravated burglary on Aug. 14, MNPD said in a news release.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville police arrest third suspect in 2024 slaying
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Nashville readers are still waiting for the downtown branch of the library to reopen after a massive fire in the adjacent parking garage damaged the building.

Initially Nashville Public Library officials told News 2 they planned to reopen in July; now, September is just days away, and the library remains closed.

Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More

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However, library officials gave News 2 an update on the recovery process, saying theyre just as ready to reopen as the community is.

Right now, theres still no date set for an official reopening for the book, media and internet access hub.

Franklin gathers community feedback for long-term preservation plan

But the library said restoration experts are working on the building right now, and even though not all of the library was damaged, engineers advised library officials to keep the branch closed until they could make it safe to return.

Library employees who usually work in the downtown branch have been temporarily reassigned to branches across Nashville. Theyre encouraging customers to check out other branches while the restoration work continues.

Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.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 WKRN News 2.
With Labor Day weekend upon us and glorious weather predicted for the beach this weekend, no one is thinking about Old Man Winter looming around the corner.

After fall foliage drops, it will be time to dust off the snow shovels and grab the arctic parkas for the frigid days of winter.

The question, though, is whether those things will be needed. It wasn't that long ago that Delaware was in the hold of a snow drought. Of course, last winter Delaware had eight snow events.

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So what's the forecast for this winter? It all depends on who you ask.

What's the National Weather Service forecast for winter?

National Weather Service winter weather outlook.

The National Weather Service's seasonal outlook predicts temperatures are more likely to be above normal this winter. There's a 33% to 40% chance temperatures will be higher than normal.

The precipitation forecast is calling for an equal chance of it being above or below normal for New Castle and Kent counties. In Sussex County, there's a 33% to 40% chance for below-normal precipitation amounts.

What is Farmers' Almanac winter forecast for Delaware?

Delaware, which the Almanac placed in the Northeastern, is expected to have a cold and snow-filled winter.

"Areas up and down the Atlantic Coast will see significant rain, mixing with snow from time to time," the Farmers' Almanac winter forecast said. "The Mid-Atlantic region is forecast to see some decent snow, especially for areas in the mountains."

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NOAA vs. Old Farmer's Almanac: What will Delaware's fall weather look like?

Was Farmers' Almanac or National Weather Service correct last winter?

The Farmers' Almanac struggled last winter.

The Farmers' Almanac called for "stormy with above-normal amounts of winter precipitation and near-to above-normal temperatures. Snow will be most prevalent over the interior and mountainous terrains, while sleet and rain will be more common near the coast, especially near and along the I-95 corridor, which includes Wilmington.

The Almanac was not correct about the above-normal amounts of precipitation. January was the fourth driest in history, according to the Delaware Climate Office, and February was just near normal.

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It was also incorrect about the type of precipitation Delaware would receive. Delaware got a lot of snow last winter  there were eight snow events in Delaware. Wilmington Airport received about 10 inches of snow last winter. Southern Delaware was hit the worst with two major snowstorms. According to information from the DEOS Snow Monitoring Network, Bridgeville had 20.5 inches of snow last winter, closely followed by Ellendale with 19.9 inches. Stockley had 17.7 inches, and Nassau had 17.1.

The National Weather Service was on the fence as to whether there would be more precipitation, saying there was an equal chance for above- or below-average precipitation. You can't say they were right, but you can't say they were wrong either.

The National Weather Service also predicated a higher chance for above-normal temperatures in Delaware. According to the Delaware Climate Office, both January and February were colder than normal.

Overall, both forecasts show the difficulty of predicting weather long term as neither was correct.

When is the first day of winter?

The first day of winter, or the winter solstice, is Dec. 21.

Meteorological winter begins on Dec. 1.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: National Weather Service or Farmers' Almanac: Which forecast is better?
The guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie is en route to the southern Caribbean near Venezuela, a Navy official confirmed to Task & Purpose on Saturday. It is the latest in several Navy ships deployed to the region this month in a buildup of American forces.

The USS Lake Erie, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, was spotted passing through the Panama Canal by reporters from Agence France-Presse on Friday night, heading to the Caribbean. It is set to join three Aegis-class guided-missile destroyers and the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group already in the waters near Venezuela. Those ships and the Marine Expeditionary Unit onboard the ARG were deployed as part of an anti-drug trafficking operation. P-8 surveillance planes are also operating in the Caribbean.

CBS also reported that the nuclear powered fast-attack submarine the USS Newport News is en route to join the other vessels operating in the region.

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The United States has made no outward threat of invasion against Venezuela, but the Trump administration repeatedly accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of heading the drug trafficking group Cartel de los Soles. In July the Department of the Treasury listed the group, whose name translates to Cartel of the Suns, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, the latest cartel to be designated as such. Earlier in August Trump directed the Pentagon to draw up military options to potentially use against drug cartels, per multiple reports. The plans met with criticism by leaders, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who warned against deploying U.S. troops into Mexico.

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Earlier this week Maduro ordered thousands of troops to the border with Colombia for anti drug trafficking operations. Colombia also deployed thousands of its own forces to the border. Maduro also ordered the deployment of ships and drones to the coast. On Thursday, he denounced the potential of an American invasion, saying there was no way U.S. forces could do so.

Beyond the missiles aboard the destroyers and cruisers, the amassing U.S. Navy ships include a large aerial and ground force. The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group departed for the southern Caribbean earlier this month but was forced to return to port in Norfolk to avoid Hurricane Erin, which hit the western Atlantic. The ARG comprises the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship the USS Iwo Jima and two San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships the USS Fort Lauderdale and USS San Antonio, plus the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. The roughly 4,500 strong force of sailors and Marines also come with several aircraft operated by Marines, including AH-1Z Cobras and AV-8B Harriers.
The Nebraska Republican Party headquarters in Lincoln on Aug 17, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  The Nebraska Republican Party reversed course this month on its endorsement policy for primary races involving multiple GOP candidates.

The partys decision to step out of its recent habit of endorsing in contested primaries could close an era of party politics when many internal fights between old-guard conservatives and the populist right were on public display.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts addresses the Nebraska Republican Party convention in Kearney, Neb., in July 2022. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

It comes after the state party in 2024 endorsed Republican challengers to Nebraskas five GOP incumbents in Congress. The party eventually endorsed the federal delegation for the general election, but only after the incumbents had handily won contested primaries.

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The GOPs new endorsement policy prohibits the state party, party officers and staff from endorsing one Republican over another in contested elections. Party leaders and the state GOP can only endorse in races with one Republican.

The Nebraska Republican Party is united and focused on growth, voter contact, and electing Republicans at every level, Nebraska Republican Party Chair Mary Jane Truemper said in a statement.

The policy was approved in a GOP State Central Committee meeting held in Lincoln, but closed to reporters. Attendees said the GOP discussed party funding woes, a proposed code of conduct and approved a resolution that would allow the state GOP to collaborate with or boost specific ballot initiatives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, including one that would ban abortion outright.

Truemper said in a statement that by returning to the pre-1990 practice of not endorsing in contested primaries, the Nebraska Republican Party is reaffirming that our role is to support every Republican who steps forward to run.

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon speaks about his decision to retire from Congress and not run again in 2026 at Omahas Eppley Airfield. June 30, 2025. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

Retiring Nebraska Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon told the Examiner the partys policy changes are because the state GOP shot themselves in both feet in 2024 by endorsing against the federal delegation in the primary. He said it was about trying to correct a decision that drove away many party donors. Bacon was one of the incumbents the Nebraska GOP endorsed against during the 2024 primary.

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This is a belated attempt to fix, as well as an improvement from the last 2 years, Bacon said. Most state GOP organizations support their incumbents. Having the state and county parties help with reelection makes campaigning easier, but we learned we needed to win with our own separate organizations.

The party is still trying to repair its relationship with some of the delegation. It recently held a community roundtable in Scottsbluff, which had Nebraskas 3rd Congressional District U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith as a panelist.

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People attending the NEGOP State Central Committee meeting on Aug 16 told the Examiner the rule change initially proposed that county parties also couldnt endorse during primaries, but that part was removed after public pushback. Party leadership disagreed with that characterization, saying that the original provisions already allowed county parties to endorse candidates or withhold endorsements. The GOP says wording clarification at the meeting ensured that these mechanisms remained intact.

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People in attendance said the room became somber during the partys financial report, as Dave Plond, the state partys treasurer, stated, Weve got to turn this around. The incomes just arent coming in.

Portrait of Mary Jane Truemper. (Courtesy of Nebraska Republican Party)

Earlier this year, an Examiner analysis of state and federal fundraising data showed that the Nebraska Democrats had out-raised the Nebraska GOP since 2022.

Party officials said the GOP is actively exploring strategies to strengthen our financial position, including increased fundraising efforts and collaboration with county parties and supporters to ensure sustainable funding for our initiatives.

State Central Committee members also approved the resolution allowing the party to work with or help some citizen-initiated petition drives and petition sponsors at the discretion of the State Party Chairman.

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Among those allowed: a measure that would ban abortion outright, with no exceptions and EPIC Option 2.0, which seeks to eliminate Nebraska taxes on property, income and inheritances. Rather than proposing a broad consumption tax as replacement revenue, it would leave the funding fix to the Legislature.

Also mentioned were a ballot initiative supporting shifting Nebraska to awarding presidential Electoral College votes based on the statewide winner of the presidential elections popular vote, often called winner-take-all, and one requiring the hand-counting of ballots in elections.

The GOP did not adopt a code of conduct proposal, participants said, because of a provision that prohibited secretly recording conversations among party members. The partys executive committee passed the language as a standing rule, but it remains non-binding, attendees said.

Why remove key protections like the anti-recording provision without broader consultation? an email to State Central Committee Members obtained by The Examiner said. The answer seems clear: these amendments prioritize executive control over collaborative governance.

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Party leadership said the code of conduct was not voted down at the State Central Committee meeting, but that it was approved during an Executive Committee meeting last month. GOP leaders said the committee did vote to table a Constitutional Amendment that outlined how the Code of Conduct would be enforced  unrelated to any specific provision about secret recordings.

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Ohio Fortress Trust customers advised to transfer funds

COLUMBUS  The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions is encouraging hundreds of Ohioans who currently have money held by Fortress Trust to transfer those funds to a third-party financial institution by Sept. 7, 2025. This comes after the money transmitter announced recently that they intend to cease operations in the state next month.

As of July 2025, the platform had nearly 450 accounts held by Ohioans, with funds totaling over $700,000. Fortress Trust is also notifying customers of this change and deadline.

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The Division emphasizes that any funds that are not transferred to a new account will not be lost. Instead, any funds that remain in Fortress Trust accounts after Sept. 7 will be automatically transferred to the state of Ohio where customers will be able to claim them by submitting a claim through Commerces Division of Unclaimed Funds.

Any customers of Fortress Trust who have questions about their accounts should contact the company at support@fortresstrust.com. Customers may also contact the Division of Financial Institutions by calling (614) 728-8400 or visiting the Ohio Department of Commerce website.

Ohio Education Association stands with Minneapolis

COLUMBUS  Ohio Education Association President Jeff Wensing made the following statement after two students were killed and 17 other people were injured in a shooting Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota:

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Our hearts are with the victims, families, and wider community whose worlds were upended by this senseless tragedy on the third day of the new school year for Annunciation Catholic School students.

All children  regardless of race, religion, background, zip code, or ability  deserve to learn in safe, welcoming schools. All parents deserve to feel comfortable in the knowledge that when they send their children to school in the morning, their children will return to them safely at the end of the day.

Anything less is unacceptable.

Ohios public school educators stand in solidarity and grief with the Annunciation Catholic School educators, students, and families in this terrible time.

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Kentucky trooper involved in Lawrence County crash

LOUISA, Ky.  A Kentucky State Police Trooper from Post 14 in Ashland was conducting a traffic stop in Lawrence County, Kentucky, on Friday morning when his marked patrol vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle.

Kentucky State Police said in a news release that the impact of the crash, at about 11 a.m., caused the officers vehicle to collide with a third vehicle that was involved in the traffic stop. Four people were taken to the hospital for evaluation and all were later released. The trooper sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries due to the collision, according to KSP.

An accident reconstructionist has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

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DOE awards BOA for Piketon waste treatment company

CINCINNATI  The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management announced today it awarded five basic ordering agreements to conduct nationwide low-level and mixed low-level commercial waste treatment services at commercial waste treatment facilities of DOE contractors throughout the United States. Authorized users of these BOAs include all DOE offices, such as EM, the National Nuclear Security Administration, DOE laboratories and project offices. Authorized users will also continue to include any DOE prime contractor and subcontractor to a DOE prime contractor performing environmental cleanup services for DOE.

The BOAs have a five-year ordering period, and the value will be decided at the task-order level.

The awardees are:

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* EnergySolutions LLC of Salt Lake City, Utah

* NAC Philotechnics Ltd. of Oak Ridge, Tenn.

* Perma-Fix Environmental Services Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia

* Veolia Nuclear Solutions Federal Se

* rvices LLC of Piketon, Ohio

* Waste Control Specialists of Dallas, Texas
Gov. Gavin Newsom commuted the sentences of five inmates serving life without parole for murder, saying Friday that they deserve a chance at freedom after transforming their lives.

In all, the governor pardoned 23 people and commuted the sentences of 10 others. Newsom's office said that many of those offered clemency had experienced childhood trauma and mental health struggles that impacted the choices they made.

Since he took office in 2019, Newsom has granted 247 pardons, which restore some rights to former felons, such as the ability to serve on a jury or obtain a professional license. He has also approved 160 commutations, which reduce sentences so that an inmate can appear before a parole board and potentially be released.

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In this round, Newsom pardoned people convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, attempted murder and drug crimes. His office highlighted that pardons were prompted by what individuals did in the years after those convictions and were at the recommendation of elected officials, law enforcement officers and community leaders.

Among those whose sentences were commuted was Randolph Hoag, who was 28 years old in 1990 when he was convicted in Los Angeles County of murdering his girlfriend's ex-husband. The Times reported that Hoag, a truck driver, shot Charles Sweed six times in the back before running away.

Newsom said Hoag, now 63, has "demonstrated a commitment to his rehabilitation and self-improvement" and is considered "a high medical risk based on his chronic, serious medical conditions." Hoag will now be eligible to appear before the Board of Parole hearings, which decides whether a person is a risk to the community after considering input from victims, their families and prosecutors.

"This act of clemency for Mr. Hoag does not minimize or forgive his conduct or the harm it caused," Newsom wrote in his order. "It does recognize the work he has done since to transform himself."

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Sweed's sister, Cremae Sweed, became emotional Friday after learning from The Times that Hoag's sentence was reduced. She said a prosecutor assured her that Hoag would never be released. Her brother, who had a 5-year-old daughter, served in the Marines and owned a tow truck company. Her family was never the same after his death, she said.

"My brother has been dead longer than he was alive, and [Hoag] is still alive," she said. "He deliberately killed another man, so no, I don't want him out, and he shouldn't come out."

Many of those granted clemency Friday were young adults when they committed their crimes, including Christian Rodriguez, who was 19 when he killed one victim and injured another in 1996. Rodriguez, 47, will now be eligible to appear before the parole board.

"Mr. Rodriguez has worked as both a youth offender and peer literacy mentor, and correctional officers have commended him for his leadership and rehabilitative gains," Newsom wrote.

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Others whose lengthy sentences were reduced included:



David Fitts, who was 23 when he shot and injured one victim, while his accomplice shot and killed a second victim in 1992. Fitts was sentenced to life without parole in Los Angeles County. Newsom said Fitts, 56, has "dedicated himself to his rehabilitation" and has received commendations from correctional officers for his work ethic and good conduct.

Karina Poncio, who was 21 when her accomplice fatally shot one person and injured another during a gang-related confrontation in 2000. She was sentenced in Orange County to life without parole. Poncio, 47, earned three associate degrees while in prison and is training to become a certified alcohol and drug specialist.

Cleveland Lindley, who was 25 when he was convicted of a 1995 armed robbery. He was sentenced in San Bernardino County to 75 years to life for three counts of robbery and another 30 years of sentence enhancements, Newsom's office said. In prison, Lindley, 55, participated in a service dog training program and was commended by correctional staff for his compassion, maturity and work ethic.

Citing evidence of childhood trauma, Newsom reduced the sentence of Arthur Battle, who was 18 when he and an accomplice murdered a person in a contract killing in 2006. He was sentenced in Sacramento County to life without parole plus a 25-years-to-life sentence enhancement.

Newsom's office said Battle had adverse childhood experiences, a term used to describe a range of traumatic events that can impact a person's physical, mental and social health.

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While in prison, Battle earned his GED, took college courses and works as an aide to inmates with disabilities. Battle, 37, had his sentence commuted to 21 years to life so he can appear before the Board of Parole hearings.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across California. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Other notable stories this week include:

A theft in Santa Rosa led to a police chase through downtown Healdsburg, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol said the crash happened in an open area just off the freeway between Highways 165 and 152 near Los Banos.

Mathew Bowyer, now 50, pleaded guilty a year ago to running an illegal gambling business, money laundering and filing a false tax return.

From bull riding to live country music, Bannings signature event promises three days of rodeo thrills, music, food and family fun.

Guillermo del Toro partnered with Heritage Auctions for an auction to sell a fraction of a collection that is bursting at the seams.

Children's Fairyland at Lake Merritt is holding a "birthday party" to mark its longevity.

The food festival and night market is celebrating its five year anniversary this year.

California's coronavirus wave is hitting later than last year and climbing to worrisome levels. What to know.

A California sea lion exhibiting wounds and severe malnourishment was rescued in Orange County this morning.

Howl-O-Scream returns with reimagined haunted houses, new scare zones, hidden speakeasies and more at the San Diego theme park.

The road-rage incident left a pedestrian severely injured and multiple vehicles damaged, authorities said.

The family-friendly event will feature enchanting mermaids, whimsical pirates, spooky surprises and trick-or-treating throughout the park.

All departing flights from three Southern California airports have been ordered a ground stop due to thunderstorm activity in the region.

Police said they found racks of clothes and bags inside two suspect vehicles.

CA Attorney General Rob Bonta said the agreement would allow the department to "better protect the safety of the community it serves."

"I hope that all audiences will see themselves and their families in this story," Playwright Wendy Graf said.

A dramatic video published on Friday morning by the sheriff's department shows deputies clearing apartment units in heavy smoke conditions.

The County claims the state is withholding funds that are threatening core local services.

The victim had been transported to the hospital where he later died from his injuries, police said.

Witnesses said the suspect fled the scene before police arrived.

NFLer Saves 1 From Fiery Wreck | Man Flees Crash Yelling 'RIP' | Major Airline Change: Patch PM originally appeared on the San Francisco Patch
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB)  Niagara Falls city leaders say the former Juniors Truck Stop on Niagara Falls Boulevard will be turned into a trades training facility.

The Niagara Falls City Council sold the former truck stop to the Buffalo and Niagara County Building Construction and Trades Council for just $1.

Weve had a difficult time marketing that property, said Mayor Robert Restaino. This became an opportunity that presented itself really from the perspective of, are you going to try to maximize value on the sale, or are you going to look to try to improve the lives of some of the people in the community.

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The sale comes with forgiveness of $1.4 million in unpaid taxes. Mayor Restaino said this made the transaction easier to conduct with the trades council.

Once the property is transferred  I know that they have some different ideas of what they want to do with the property. They might even want to remove both buildings on the property and build, said Restaino.

Restaino said the property will be a training facility for those interested in pursuing trades, saying some training has already begun, including carpentry, masonry, and plastering work.

Youd come out of there as a pre-apprentice, and then if youre interested in that trade theyd obtain an OSHA card for you and then start moving into the trade of your choice, said Restaino. Theres a smaller building to the east of it  theyve been in that building since we started these conversations. We had a discussion  it led to an occupancy arrangement and theyve been training since then.

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Though hazardous materials like gas and oil were found on site, theyre waiting on final confirmation from the Department of Environmental Conservation that it has been properly taken care of.

City leaders say this will be great for the community, but not everyone is convinced this project is enough.

Our city looks terrible  and it shouldnt be that way, said Niagara Falls resident Darlene Moore. And when youre selling something for a dollar but as far as the people go, we live here, we work here, we own our homes, we dont get that kind of break  well never get that kind of break.

Mayor Restaino said they hope to soon receive official approval from the Department of Environmental Conservation so they can negotiate and execute final agreements.

Latest Local News

Angelica Gallagher is a Lancaster native who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of her work here.

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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 News 4 Buffalo.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will convene in a closed-door session on Friday to address the ongoing European efforts to restore sanctions on Irans nuclear program, according to diplomatic sources cited by AFP on Thursday, Azernews reports.

The meeting, requested by France and the United Kingdom, is scheduled to take place at 10:00 am ET.

Israel's Ambassador to the UN welcomed the European initiative, stating it would increase pressure on Tehran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed support for the move, noting that Washington would collaborate with its allies and other Council members in the coming weeks to ensure the re-imposition of international sanctions.

In a strong rebuttal, Iran categorically rejected the European stance, condemning it in the strongest terms.
PNN New Delhi [India], August 30: Ranked among the top private universities in Uttar Pradesh, Invertis University, Bareilly is making its mark in the world of education and innovation. Backed by cutting-edge research, international collaborations, and industry-ready programs, the university prepares students not just for degrees, but for powerful, future-ready global careers. Learning with Industry Inside Invertis: Centre for Skill and Entrepreneurship Development (CSED)Invertis University is more than just a place of learning--it's a dynamic ecosystem of skills, innovation, and global exposure. Through its Centre for Skill and Entrepreneurship Development (CSED), students gain direct access to industry-relevant training. Technologies like Industrial IoT, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Smart Manufacturing are taught through certified training programs worth up to 1.5 lakhs--absolutely free. Students participate in 10-12 internships, with a practical-to-theory ratio of 70:30, enabling real-world, project-based learning in an actual industrial environment. This hands-on model ensures graduates are truly industry-ready. From Idea to Startup--Invertis Innovation & Incubation Centre Equipped with VMC labs, live workspaces, ergonomic cabins, and modern automation tools, the Innovation & Incubation Centre helps students transform their ideas into real products or services. They receive mentorship on business planning, market analysis, and growth strategy from domain experts. International Collaborations--Tapping into Global Opportunities Invertis University has partnered with several prestigious international institutions to offer its students exposure to global education, research, and internships. These global tie-ups ensure that students are not just locally relevant but globally competitive. These include: -Livingstone College, USA -University of South Carolina Upstate, USA -Howard University, Washington DC -Western University, Canada -Tribhuvan University, Nepal -Cracow University of Technology, Poland -Regenesys Institute of Management, South Africa Strong Industry Partnerships & 6,000+ Placements - A Direct Path from Campus to CareerInvertis University's strategic collaboration with NASSCOM empowers students with the latest IT and digital skills.Certification programs with Microsoft and Adobe, industry tie-ups with Business Standard, and experiential learning at the Ultratech Centre offer exceptional hands-on training, especially for engineering students. To date, the university has facilitated 6,000+ successful placements, with students also receiving paid internships in global locations like Dubai, France, and Sweden. LinkedIn Learning & Industry Immersion - Preparing Students for the 21st CenturyAll students at Invertis get free access to 16,000+ globally certified courses on LinkedIn Learning. These enhance student profiles and improve their employability in global markets. Through the Industry Immersion Program, students go on real-time industry visits and receive domain-specific training in Marketing, Operations, Innovation, HR, and more, directly from professionals in the field. Invertis: Not Just a Degree, But a Direction for Life Invertis University aims to offer more than just academic degrees. It provides a platform where students can explore, create, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the world. Recognized among North India's top universities, Invertis is where true careers begin. It builds global thinking, practical skills, and research capabilities, transforming students into future-ready leaders. At every step, students receive industry exposure, international opportunities, and a learning environment that gives wings to new ideas. If you're looking for more than just a degree--if you're aiming for a global career and a transformative learning experience--Invertis University is ready to welcome you.-Admission Helpline: 08071296491- Admissions Open for 2025 Session- Apply Now (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A stolen Ford F-250 spotted in Greece sparked a police chase through Gates and Rochester Friday, ending on Utica Street with three people in custody, including a nine-time convicted felon.

Police received an alert for the stolen vehicle that had been detected by a plate reader camera in Greece. The vehicle was said to be driving down Long Pond Road towards Gates.

Officers with Gates Police responded and quickly found the stolen car driving west on Trolley Boulevard. When police tried to stop the car, officers said the driver would not pull over.

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This led to a chase, which spanned into Rochester, as well downtown, and ending on Utica Street.

New York State Police and Rochester Police assisted in the chase, which ended when the stolen car parked in a driveway on Utica Street. The driver got out of the car and attempted to run from police.

Officers caught the driver, 46-year-old Paul Brown, and also took two other people into custody.

Brown was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing the police, operating with a suspended license, and multiple traffic violations.

Gates Police noted Brown had an active warrant from an arrest by the Monroe County Sheriffs Office. He was taken to Monroe County Jail.

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39-year-old David Streber was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Police said Streber was on parole for criminal possession of stolen property and is a nine-time convicted felon.

The third person taken into custody, 29-year-old Marissa Gallia, was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. According to police, Gallia had multiple active warrants with MCSO, Rochester Police, and Waterloo Police.

All three charged were taken to the Monroe County Jail.

Our community is tired of lawlessness, Gates Police Department Chief Robert Long said in a statement. Our officers are committed to upholding the law, and we will continue to do everything in our power to pursue criminals and bring them to justice.

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Three New Jersey sheriffs officers have been accused of stealing several pairs of high-end sneakers while executing a search warrant at a drug suspects home.

The alleged theft happened in January 2023 when Kirk Mansook, of East Orange, was arrested on minor narcotics charges, Essex County prosecutors said Friday. After he was released and returned to his apartment, Mansook discovered multiple boxes of high-end sneakers and a designer belt were missing.

Surveillance video later revealed that Essex County sheriffs officers Jimmy Rodriguez, 39, and Fabian Caicedo, 45, removed the belt and Nike shoes while executing the warrant, placed them in plastic bags, and loaded them in their work vehicle.

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Rodriguez and a third officer, 44-year-old Erik Udvarhely, later transferred the items to their personal vehicles, authorities said.

All three officers were charged on Thursday and suspended without pay per attorney general guidelines, the prosecutors office told the Daily News.

Rodriguez has been charged with third-degree theft and fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records. Caicedo has been charged with third-degree theft for helping remove the items from the home, while Udvarhely is charged with third-degree receiving stolen property.

Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said the investigation highlights his offices commitment to transparency.

No one is above the law and when law enforcement officers betray the public trust, they will be held responsible, Stephens said in a statement.
A 20-year-old Norfolk man died early Saturday morning after the motorcycle he was driving crashed during a high-speed police pursuit, according to a news release from state police.

The driver was identified as Christian Robert Markus Snyder, 20, of Norfolk.

Around 1:24 a.m., a trooper near the Laskin Road overpass on Interstate 264 reported detecting a motorcycle speeding westward over 100 mph in a 55 mph zone. After the trooper attempted to pull over the motorcycle, it did not stop and accelerated to over 140 mph, police said.

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According to the news release, the motorcyclist took the Ballentine Boulevard exit, running a red light, and reentered I-264 West. The motorcycle then exited the interstate again at Brambleton Avenue, continuing at high speeds and running another red light at Park Avenue.

The pursuit ended when the motorcycle veered onto the Brambleton Avenue service road near the railroad overpass. The motorcycle crashed head-on into the concrete wall at the railroad overpass at the end of the roadway, according to state police.

Snyder was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation into the crash, according to the release.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Norfolk Public Schools announced its schools lost their protection from immigration enforcement activities.

In a letter to the community, Interim Superintendent Dr. James Pol confirmed a federal memo in January revoked a Department of Homeland Security memo directive that made schools protected areas.

The letter reminded families that parental permission is needed to access a students records or request an interview with them. The community is encouraged to reach out to their local schools or the NPS International Welcome Center. The following resources were also listed:

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This announcement is another sign of ICEs growing presence in Hampton Roads. The memos effect on the areas other public school districts remains to be seen.

For more information, you can visit Norfolk Public Schools website.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Aug. 30CROOKSTON, Minn.  There's a family-driven effort in northwest Minnesota to research and develop a technology to use ethanol to create energy, but there's more than corn being considered to make it. Two other types of crop, which show promise in improving the area's soil and providing another source of income for growers, are being explored.

Brian LaPlante sees both ventures as a way to improve soil with plants that don't need as much herbicide and traditional fertilizer from farmers.

"(They) demonstrate what can be achieved outside of what we've become accustomed to in the Red River Valley for traditional cropping," he said.

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LaPlante and his brother Craig, founders of the company 4H2 Incorporated, have spent the past four years seeking to develop ethanol fuel cells as sources of electricity, similar to hydrogen fuel cells. Though corn is what people usually think of when it comes to making ethanol, LaPlante is exploring the use of sweet sorghum.

The Crookston-based business recently showed off a 10-acre test plot of the plant, last counted to be about 84 inches tall, to community members and interested parties on Monday, Aug. 25. He and his brother also showed a similarly sized plot of hybrid hemp his brother is growing in partnership with a Canadian company to test how the plant grows in northwest Minnesota. The hemp is being grown for its seeds (hearts), which LaPlante said are sold as a wellness snack.

Sweet sorghum was chosen to test for its endurance. LaPlante said it can handle drought and use less nitrogen and water than corn, as well as be grown on what he called marginal lands. He wanted to demonstrate that it can be raised in harsh environments like northwest Minnesota and show a path forward in utilizing it in the state and beyond.

Both plants also show promise in improving soil quality, something LaPlante's brother is exploring in a regenerative approach to cropping. LaPlante said sweet sorghum's roots can grow down five to six feet in a year, which is important for stabilizing highly erodible soil and rebuilding its microbiome. In one season he could see the difference between crops like sweet sorghum and conventional tillage. His brother also used little herbicide on both the sorghum and hemp, which allowed more life like earthworms to come back. The brothers also noted proper infiltration of rainwater, percolating in the soil instead of running off.

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"Both of them just do an outstanding job of really rebuilding the soil just because of the characteristics of the plant, the characteristics of the root structure and they are very drought tolerant," LaPlante said. "That's getting to be more important in our region."

Resilient crops aren't the only method of making ethanol 4H2 is looking at. LaPlante said the company is researching how to capture the high purity carbon dioxide ethanol plants spit out and turn it back into ethanol through an electrochemical process. It would be a huge path forward, he said, making ethanol a renewable fuel that would be entirely carbon neutral. It could work in tandem with wind and solar energy as Minnesota's Clean Energy Standard deadline of 2040 draws closer over the years, seeking to make electric utilities 100% carbon-free by 2040, he said.

"It's cutting-edge technology," LaPlante said. "There's two or three places, two in the U.S., maybe one or two else in the world, working on that technology."

4H2 has been working with three universities through the project  a breeder of forage crops and sweet sorghum at the University of Nebraska, a fuel cell research partner at the University of Central Florida and the University of Minnesota Duluth for the conversion of carbon dioxide into ethanol.

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The company has also received some external funding for the project through a competitive grant from the North Dakota Industrial Commission's renewable energy program. LaPlante said North Dakota has been an important partner in 4H2's research and that the company's story is a Minnesota and North Dakota story. Minnesota is an ethanol producer and North Dakota's drier climate will be good for sorghum, he said. 4H2 also aims to manufacture the ethanol fuel cells in Crookston and Grand Forks.

"The fuel cell technology is going to be a Grand Forks, Crookston story," LaPlante said. "It's really changing the story for ethanol."
ADAMSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Nearly 60 years since her death, investigators released new information Friday on the fate of Pauline Mullins Pusser, the wife of famed Tennessee Sheriff Buford Pusser.

Generations of families grew up hearing the legendary tales of the lawman, who inspired decades of pop culture  but the history books will be read differently after Friday.

McNairy County has now been faced with a new reality: their local hero, a man who has his own museum and whose name is plastered everywhere, didnt lose his wife in an ambush shooting, as had been previously reported.

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RELATED | TBI: New evidence implicates Sheriff Buford Pusser in wifes 1967 murder

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.

Every May, the town where Buford spent most of his life  Adamsville, Tennessee  holds a festival in his honor, just blocks away from where he lived. Its not far-fetched to say that most everyone in McNairy County, even more than 50 years since his death, either knows or has an opinion about the former sheriff.

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News 2 was in McNairy County following Fridays ruling to hear locals reactions. Many people who spoke with WKRN knew Buford, or his kids, personally. Some had theories about what happened that day. One theory was that the couple shot each other; Pauline first, then Buford in retaliation. Others said Buford killed Pauline, plain and simple, and that theyve always thought that.

In light of the newly-released investigative findings, one man who knew Pusser most of his life said he still believes what has always been reported.

I dont believe that. I dont think he would have done that. Thats not the Buford I knew, said David Dickey, who grew up with Buford and was a pallbearer at his funeral. We were friends. I loved Buford and his family, so whatever the facts are  theyll pan out on their own  but I dont believe it.

Dickey believes some people will change their perception of Buford, but he wont be one of them. He said Buford never spoke much about the day Pauline died, nor did he ever outwardly change his personality in his final years.

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PREVIOUS | TBI: New evidence implicates Sheriff Buford Pusser in wifes 1967 murder

I suspected it all along, Denise, another McNairy County native, said. Thats what I thought. He wasnt what they portrayed him as in the movies. He was a mean guy from what I understand. My parents had a lot of different stories about him. Grandparents, you know. He wasnt the legend of Walking Tall like they said he was.

News 2 presented the question: if you polled everyone in McNairy County and asked them if they thought Buford Pusser killed his wife, what do you think they would say?

Yes, Denise answered.

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One candidate is fighting for kibble and canned tuna for all. Another promises crunchies in every dish.

What began with a few jokey lawn signs on the Somerville Community Path supporting local cat candidates for the made-up post of bike path mayor has grown into something much greater.

A row of dozens of signs now flanks the side of the paved path just outside of Davis Square. Most candidates are still cats, but several dogs, a bird, some guinea pigs, and a cactus houseplant have all thrown their hats in the ring.

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I am nonpartisan in the cat race, said Matthew Griisser, a Somerville resident who regularly walked by the signs this summer as they proliferated. I dont have a preferred candidate. Its hard with the, like, 50 of them we have now.

In fact, there are now closer to 90 signs. A QR code on one small placard directs voters to an online ballot that, as of Thursday, listed more than 70 of the candidates.

Voting is set to close Sept. 5  which also happens to be the last day voters can register for Somervilles preliminary municipal elections, which include a race for the actual human mayor.

But on the bike path, the favorite may be Berry, the incumbent, a steely-eyed black and white cat who pledges to Make Cats Outside Again. To neighbors and Somervilles active Redditors, shes Mayor Berry, a frequent presence along this stretch of the bike path.

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Her owner and campaign manager, Mallory Bissett, told the Boston Globe that Berry, an outdoor cat who refuses to wear a collar, had often been mistaken for a stray or missing housecat.

The campaign was a way to elevate her persona, so people recognized that the cat belonged outside, happily meandering the area around the bike path.

But no mayoral candidate is complete without a rival. Enter the aptly named Orange Cat.

His owner, Janet McNamara, a friend and neighbor of Bissetts, told the Globe, Mallory determined her cat was the Bike Path Mayor. Just announced it one day.

From the original pair of competing yard signs, a grassroots campaign flourished as other locals added candidates to the mix.

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Berry and Orange Cat were the original two, Griisser said Thursday morning during a stroll down the bike path. Now, just every day I walk by and theres one or two new signs.

I think it is pretty impressive, he added, before he was cut off by a man walking by who called out, Vote for Berry!

I voted for Berry, the incumbent, said AC Kemp as she stopped by the path Thursday to check for new entrants to the race. Shes around a lot. You know, she comes down here to meet the constituents, let them pet her and so on. I have a strong feeling about her.

Kemp had also considered casting a vote for Large Snake  a pet snake, to be clear, not a cat named Large Snake. But his sign had been removed from the bike path, and he isnt on the ballot, she said.

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The candidates come from across the ideological spectrum.

Ernie, a wide-eyed black cat with a blue collar, urges supporters to Feel the Ern on a sign mimicking Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders presidential campaigns. A more ominous sign, for a dark, long-haired cat named Minerva, simply reads, CRIME in block white letters on a black background.

A sign for one candidate, a black cat named DJ, said his campaign is supported by The Committee for Pawsitive Change. Another candidates messaging is paid for by the Com-meow-nist Party, and a third has the support of the Tabbycrat Party.

Charlotte Chungus McBungus is up front about how she would conduct herself in office: Will exchange political favors for treats, her sign reads.

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On another sign, a pair of French bulldogs, Duke and Ella, ask voters: You got anyone betta??

Timber, a tropical-looking bird from the FEATHERalist Party, informs the public, Dont believe the CATalog of propaganda.

Pawlitics as usual? another candidate asked. Not meow.

And Kevin the Cactus breaks the mold entirely and seemingly has a hold on the houseplant lane of the race.

Advocating on his pink sign for Anti-Vegetarianism, he urges voters to Save a planet; Eat a cow.

More boston

Read the original article on MassLive.
Next month, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, governments around the world intend to recognise a Palestinian state in the hope of ending the war in Gaza and alleviating the suffering of its people.

The idea of a two-state solution is not new. In November 1947, the General Assembly voted to partition the British Mandate of Palestine into two states: one Arab, one Jewish. The Jews agreed. The Arabs did not.

More recently, in 2005, the complete Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip was seen by many, including Ariel Sharon, the then Israeli prime minister, not generally considered a peacenik, as the start of a two-state solution.

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What is new about the current push for recognition of a Palestinian state is the backdrop against which it is due to happen.

Governments, including our own, have decided to recognise a Palestinian state, seemingly without tying that commitment to any reciprocal commitment on the part of Hamas to release the hostages it took at gunpoint on October 7 2023 and have held, away from the eyes of the world, in inhumane conditions ever since.

In other words, governments have been clear on the what  that Hamas must release all the hostages immediately, agree to disarm, and play no future role in the government of Gaza  but not the how.

And that lack of reciprocity matters because of how Hamas will interpret it. The political wing of Hamas, like every other branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, sets great store on the ability to deliver for their people. That belief is the core of their legitimacy.

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Social services, free health care, education, to name a few: over the decades, across the Arab world, the Muslim Brotherhood has built up vast networks of support for people, particularly in poor, urban areas.

That sense of delivering from the ground up is one of the reasons why, on the very rare occasions there are free and fair elections in the Arab world, the Muslim Brotherhood is so often the winners: Algeria in the early 1990s, the Palestinian Authority in 2006, and Egypt in 2012. All elections, it should be noted, whose outcomes were either overturned by the existing ruling order or not recognised internationally.

Right now, with Gaza in ruins, with the death toll of Palestinians continuing to rise, the decision by Hamas to launch an unprovoked invasion of Israel does not look like a decision that has delivered anything but disaster for the Palestinian people.

Internally displaced Palestinians move to another location during a military operation in the east of Al Sheikh Redwan neighbourhood in Gaza City, Aug 30 - MOHAMMED SABER/EPA/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Editorial

But recognition of a Palestinian state at this time, in this way, gives Hamas an out. It offers the terror group the opportunity to justify the horrors of October 7 because it will say its actions delivered.

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It will say Yasser Arafat went to the White House, famously shook hands with Clinton and Rabin on the lawn, and won a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts but even he couldnt gain recognition for a Palestinian State.

It will say Mahmoud Abbas likewise pursued the path of peace and did what he was told by the West but he, too, couldnt gain recognition for a Palestinian State. It will say that when everything else failed, Hamas, and Hamas alone, delivered international recognition of a Palestinian State.

The British Government might be hoping that recognising a Palestinian state will help break the horrific cycle of mutually assured destruction we are witnessing in the Middle East. But hope rarely withstands contact with the harsh realities of power in the region.

And to recognise a Palestinian state while there are still hostages alive in the tunnels of Gaza and to expect nothing concrete of Hamas in return might very well achieve the opposite of what the Government hopes for.

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If Hamas can achieve an outcome no other Palestinian group or leader could, not even a Nobel Laureate, and it can do it while committing to nothing, while giving nothing away, why would it release the hostages?

As if this werent enough of a complication, there is another issue with the Governments decision to recognise a Palestinian state in this way, at this time. If it truly believe in this, shouldnt it believe in it in and of itself?

And not as a punitive measure against Israel? To recognise a Palestinian state in the way the Government proposes to do keeps us locked in the dead-end cycle of taking sides, of for-or-against, of all-or-nothing, that has led nowhere.

Couldnt we shift our thinking from either/or and start seeing the way out of this nightmare as and/and? Couldnt we change direction, deny Hamas its claim of delivery, convert the what into the how and link recognition of a Palestinian State at this time to an immediate release of all hostages?

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Admittedly, it wont solve the long-term issues or address the root causes of this complex, complicated conflict. But it would be a start. And it would bring relief to the hostages, their families, and the people of Gaza.

Hana Cohen, centre right, holds a sign with a photo of her niece, Inbar Haiman, who is held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Israel-Gaza border fence, Aug 28 - Maya Levin/AP

Enough time has been wasted on outdated thinking that leads nowhere and helps no one. And anyone who saw the recent images of Evyatar David knows time is a luxury the hostages dont have.

To end this war, we have to remember how it started: with the massacres of Oct 7 and the taking of hostages. The immediate release of all hostages, those alive and those no longer alive, is the key to unlocking the current impasse and beginning the process of ending this war. It should be everyones priority.

M.E McMillan is the author of From the First World War to the Arab Spring: Whats Really Going On in the Middle East?

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Three well-qualified NYPD pilots, including one who trained military Blackhawk fliers, claim they were benched by the allegedly corrupt and unqualified boss of the Aviation Unit  who put his black cronies ahead of them.

Pilots Joseph Medina, Vlad Ravich and David Ebrigt are suing former unit boss Winston Faison, along with the city, in Manhattan Supreme Court for unspecified damages, alleging they were retaliated against for reporting safety issues and lost promotions and benefits because of the discrimination.

Army National Guardsman Medina, 39, returned from deployment in the Middle East from 2021-2023 to find that Faison had removed him from a promotions list and replaced him with a less experienced black pilot, according to court documents.

Winston Faison was the commanding officer of the NYPDs elite Aviation Unit until he was removed in July and has since retired. Winston Faison/ Facebook

Ravich, 40, who called Faison out for safety issues, was barred from flying, he claims in the suit.

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Ebright, 44, accused Faison of hiding the damage to a chopper he caused while training another cop how to hover near the ground.

If the damage was not caught before the next flight, a pilot could have crashed and died, according to the litigation filed Friday by lawyer John Scola.

Faison was booted from the Aviation Unit in July after allegedly attempting to thwart the Federal Aviation Administrations attempts to investigate complaints, including one that he caused $40,000 damage to the helicopter during the training exercise, The Post exclusively reported. He has retired from the department.

Medina, who is Hispanic, transferred into the unit with multiple advanced pilot licenses in 2015 and was on the list to be promoted to detective when he was deployed to the Middle East in 2021.

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When he returned from training soldiers to fly Blackhawk helicopters two years later, Faison was in charge.

NYPD Pilot Vlad Ravich alleges he was retaliated against for calling Faison out for safety issues. Obtained by the New York Post

Retired NYPD officer Joseph Medina was an experienced pilot who trained on Blackhawk helicopters in the military. Obtained by the New York Post

One of the first things he did was take me out of an instructing role because he said I hadnt instructed in awhile, Medina told The Post with a laugh.

Faison also took him off the promotions list, according to the suit.

Pilot Brian Worthington was promoted instead of Medina  despite having crashed a $20 million chopper, causing $4 million in damages in 2022, according to the lawsuit.

Medina alleges he was removed from a promotions list by Faison while he was serving in the Middle East. Obtained by the New York Post

Medina left the NYPD last year for another law enforcement agency.

Ebright joined the unit in March 2024 after more than 20 years of flying private airplanes, and was assigned to fly the NYPDs spy plane, which can detect radioactivity and is located at Islip Airport on Long Island.

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A week later, he was told to return to unit headquarters at Floyd Bennett Field because a black pilot was replacing him, he alleges in the suit.

Medina was trained to fly every helicopter at the NYPD and had advanced licenses, according to his lawsuit. Obtained by the New York Post

Ebrite decided to leave the unit after the July 4 incident in which Faison allegedly damaged the units Bell 407 training helicopter. The mishap destroyed the $1.5 million helicopters tail rotor and Faison did not report it, according to his lawsuit.

That kind of spooked me and made me come to the decision that enough is enough, said the married dad of three girls,11, 7 and 10 months.

The problem was the fact that he walked away from it, he said. If the next guy didnt happen to see that, it could cause a catastrophic failure.

Retired NYPD Officer Dave Ebright left after Faison damaged the training helicopter and didnt tell anyone, the suit alleges. Obtained by the New York Post

Ravich, whos Jewish and from Russia, transferred into the unit in 2022 with his pilots license.

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The unit is lit with aviation red lights at night so its pilots eyes will adjust before flying, per FAA standards.

Faison insisted that regular lights be on because if a NYPD executive arrives  they will believe no one is working, according to the lawsuit. Ravich complained and was moved to desk duty.

Medina, who is Hispanic, claims racial and military discrimination in his lawsuit. Obtained by the New York Post

Since [Faison] left, training for the needs of the Aviation Unit have resumed, Ravich told The Post. Now, the utilization of personnel is based on qualifications.

By lowering aviation standards and promoting pilots based on race instead of merit, the NYPD recklessly endangered the safety of its own officers, Scola told The Post.

The NYPD didnt respond to a request for comment. Faison refused to comment when reached by phone.
According to a statement from the Indian lender, the funds mobilised through this partnership will be utilised in Climate Mitigation Actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down global warming and climate adaptation measures designed to adjust systems, practices, and infrastructure to minimize the damage caused by current or anticipated impacts of climate change.

The partnership is a strategic step towards SBI's goal of achieving a green portfolio constituting 7.5-10 per cent of its domestic gross advances by 2030.

Additionally, it will also enable the bank to provide competitive financing solutions that would further strengthen India's green transition drive, it said.

The collaboration allows SBI to leverage AFD's expertise in climate finance and align with global sustainability frameworks. This includes support for innovative green technologies, project structuring, and ESG integration to ensure measurable environmental and social impact.

One of the SBI Senior Officials stated, "The Bank has been raising LoCs from MDBs and DFIs and deploying the funds to support specific green/sustainable activities."

"Through this collaboration with AFD, we are not only advancing our green finance roadmap but also enabling impactful climate solutions across India. This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047," the senior SBI official was quoted in the statement. (ANI)
An OFallon Police officer fatally shot a knife-wielding man after two stabbing victims were spotted running from him Friday night, Illinois State Police said.

OFallon officers responded to the 600 block of West Madison Street at about 7:43 p.m. Friday in response to a call about a man armed with a knife. They saw two people covered with blood running from a man armed with a knife outside the residence, according to a news release from Illinois State Police.

Officers engaged with the man, who refused to drop the knife, the release stated. An officer discharged their service weapon, striking the man fatally, it said.

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The man, whose name has not been released, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The two victims were transported to a hospital with non-life threatening cuts and stab wounds. The officer, whose name was not released, was not injured.

The OFallon Police Department said in a statement that, per state law and departmental policy, it asked Illinois State Police to investigate the shooting.

Illinois State Police said it will turn over all reports to the St. Clair County States Attorneys Office, which would decide whether charges would be filed.

No other information about the shooting was released.
Sharks have been on this planet for more than 400 million years. They're older than the first trees, the North Star, and even the rings of Saturn. They've seen and been through it all  but the mounting effects of human driven climate change could be what finally proves too much for these ancient beings.

As we continue to pump astronomical amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, nearly a third of it gets absorbed by the ocean, gradually making its water more acidic.

For sharks, the consequences could be horrifying. New research suggests that this acidifying could dissolve and weaken shark teeth, severely damaging the ability of these apex predators to feed and defend themselves. Not even their famed ability to regrow their rows of deadly chompers could be enough to offset the phenomenon.

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"Shark teeth, despite being composed of highly mineralized phosphates, are still vulnerable to corrosion under future ocean acidification scenarios," Maximilian Baum, a biologist at Heinrich Heine University in Germany, and lead author of a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, said in a statement about the work. "They are highly developed weapons built for cutting flesh, not resisting ocean acid. Our results show just how vulnerable even nature's sharpest weapons can be."

Currently, the average pH level of the ocean is 8.1. In the some 200 years since the industrial revolution began, it's dropped by about 0.1 pH units, according to NOAA, representing a 30 percent increase in acidity. One study projects that the ocean could plunge to a pH level of 7.3 by 2300, if current rates of emissions hold. Meanwhile, some research has found that current pH levels are already damaging denticles, the tiny serrated scales that form the top layer of a shark's skin.

"Since ocean acidification is known to damage calcified structures like corals and shells, we wanted to investigate whether shark teeth, especially in species... that swim with their mouths open to ventilate their gills and have constant seawater exposure, might also be vulnerable," Baum told CNN.

In an experiment, the researchers collected shark teeth that were shed by blacktip reef sharks  a vital predator in tropical coral reefs  housed in a local aquarium. For eight weeks, they submerged one batch in a tank containing water with the ocean's current pH of 8.1, and another batch in a tank with the projected pH of 7.3.

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It was immediately clear which set of teeth were worse off, after examining them with electron microscopy.

"We observed visible surface damage such as cracks and holes, increased root corrosion, and structural degradation," said coauthor Sebastian Fraune, head of the Institute of Zoology and Organismic Interactions at HHU, in the statement.

Bizarrely, the acid-bathed teeth had a higher circumference  not because they actually grew, but because their surfaces were more irregular. Bigger teeth may sound like an advantage, but not if they're weakened.

"Many shark species use several rows of teeth at once, and individual teeth can remain in use for weeks or even month," Baum told CNN, "so cumulative damage can reduce feeding efficiency and increase energy demands, especially in species with slower replacement cycles and many rows of teeth that are used at the same time."

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It's not a study that perfectly simulates real-world conditions, professor of marine ecology at the University of Adelaide in Australia Ivan Nagelkerken cautioned CNN. The teeth were already shed and came from aquarium sharks. And while sharks generally do keep their mouths open all the time to help them breathe, it's unclear if simply soaking teeth in acidified water for months on end is a good simulation of that reality. Moreover, the study also relied on a pretty extreme projection of ocean acidification.

Baum agrees, but argues this is an important first foray into an understudied area.

"Our study focused on naturally shed teeth because there's currently very little data on this topic," he told CNN. "By isolating the chemical effects of acidified seawater on the mineralized structure itself, we want to provide a baseline for understanding vulnerability of shark teeth."

More on climate change: The Sounds of a Dying Glacier Might Make You Cry
OFALLON, Ill.  An officer fatally shot a knife-wielding man Friday evening in OFallon, Illinois, after two others were found stabbed.

On Saturday, the St. Clair County Coroners Office identified the man killed as Matthew Blanke, 53, of OFallon, Illinois.

The shooting occurred around 8 p.m. Friday in the 600 block of West Madison Street on Friday evening.

According to Illinois State Police, officers with the OFallon (Illinois) Police Department initially responded to a disturbance call over a man armed with a knife. When officers arrived, they found two people with blood running away from a man armed with a knife outside the home.

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Protesters rally in Clayton over Mo.s redistricting plan

Officers confronted the knife-wielding man, later identified as Blanke, who reportedly refused to drop the knife. Some time later, an officer fired at least one gunshot at the man and struck him. Blanke was then pronounced dead at the scene.

Police later learned the two people running away from the suspect were stabbed. They suffered non-life-threatening wounds and cuts.

No officers were injured during the police response.

After a thorough investigation, Illinois State Police will turn all reports over to the St. Clair County States Attorneys Office. The investigation is considered active and ongoing.

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The city of Aurora, Colorado, approved an ordinance to ban gray-market products, a step set to take effect to protect health and safety in the city. The Denver Post reported the recent crackdown on unregulated products and paraphernalia sold in vape shops and corner stores.

These include flavored nitrous oxide canisters, poppers, "mad honey," synthetic cannabinoids, and mushroom gummies, plus paraphernalia disguised as everyday items.

When misused, these substances can lead to neurological issues, cardiovascular risks, and emergency room visits.

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Statewide data from Michigan's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report analysis, for instance, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, showed that nitrous oxide involvement was documented among poison center cases. Cannabis was also involved in 9% of these cases.

The Aurora City Council voted to pass an ordinance banning the sale of certain psychoactive products and drug paraphernalia.

Aurora Councilwoman Alison Coombs, who co-sponsored the ordinance, said via the Denver Post, "The concern in relation to the substances is [that] they are unregulated, and people don't know what they're putting in their bodies. It's a health and safety issue."

City inspectors have already confiscated some of the products, many of which are mislabeled or look harmless at first glance  like glass tubes filled with silk roses that appear decorative but are linked to illicit drug use.

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This move echoes other policies designed to curb harmful products and create healthier spaces. Some states are attempting to ban the use of medical devices with DEHP, period products with PFAS, and consumer goods with added microplastics.

While city officials emphasize the public health benefits of the ordinance, some members of the business community may be impacted by it. Some small retailers, for example, may not be aware of the complex regulations.

Perhaps by pairing enforcement with education, business owners can better understand consumer safety standards related to the new ordinance.

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These efforts show growing government support for making consumer environments and local communities safer. Individuals can also play a role in creating safer and cleaner environments.

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They can support brands with plastic-free packaging and choose plastic-free options for everyday products. These simple steps can reduce harmful wastes and build cleaner communities.

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One of the rarest fish in the country is slowly swimming back from the brink of extinction after being spotted in a California river for the first time in 10 years.

The Southern California steelhead trout, known for its long, spotted body with a splash of pink along its side, has been recognized as an endangered species on the national and state levels.

As of May 2024, only 177 adults of the rare fish had been documented in creeks, streams, and rivers between Santa Maria, California, and the border of Mexico in the last 25 years, according to the Independent.

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Luckily, that number appears to be growing. Brian Trautwein, a senior analyst and watershed program director for the Environmental Defense Center, told KEYT-TV that a large group of the trout has now been discovered in Santa Barbara County.

"If you look right down by the wall, you can see the babies," Trautwein told the local outlet. "The Southern California steelhead is one of the rarest fish in America."

He explained that seeing one of the endangered fish is a rare sight, so it was "highly unusual" to discover several of them. "And to see them actually spawn and have hundreds of juvenile steelhead is almost unheard of," Trautwein said.

The discovery of the fish is a huge encouragement for those dedicated to preserving the endangered species. Protecting and encouraging the growth of the fish's population helps maintain the biodiversity of California's rivers and streams.

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Local conservation efforts remain vital to protecting the fish's habitats, securing a place for them to return to as they continue to grow in population.

Trautwein explained to KEYT-TV that the steelhead trout is a unique fish, as it can live as "either a trout in the freshwater or a salmon in the ocean." The region hadn't seen such a large group of steelhead in at least 10 years.

As word of the discovery has spread in Santa Barbara, officials are worried that local fishermen will flock to the area to fish for the endangered fish. "This is a nearly extinct species, but it's making a comeback," Trautwein said. "It's trying. It has the will to survive. All we need to do is give it a little bit of help."

To further protect the fish, state officials collected and relocated the thriving fish and fingerlings to a safer area in July.

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PESHTIGO, Wis. (WFRV)  Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) are investigating a Friday morning police-involved death in Peshtigo.

According to the release, officers in Marinette County were searching for a vehicle related to a suspicious death investigation in Dane County. A Marinette Police Officer found the vehicle around 9:12 a.m. and attempted to stop the suspect vehicle.

Outagamie County Judge Mark McGinnis announces resignation amid reported controversy

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The vehicle fled and led officers on a high-speed pursuit along U.S. Highway 41s southbound lanes, before crashing and stopping near the intersection of US-41 northbound and Schacht Road.

Marinette County Sheriffs Deputies, Marinette Police and Peshtigo Police responded to the scene, as the driver reportedly exited the vehicle and approached officials.

A Marinette County deputy used a taser; however, it was ineffective, and two Marinette police officers fired their weapons, hitting the driver. A sharp weapon was reportedly found at the scene.

The individual was taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead despite life-saving measures from local emergency medical services.

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Skeletal remains found in Wautoma identified as 66-year-old man, no foul play suspected

No officers were injured; however, per standard policy, Marinette Police Officers are on administrative leave. One officer was wearing a body camera, and both of the squad cars cameras were activated.

Local 5 will provide updates as needed. The intersection of US-41 and Schacht Road has been closed as officials continue to work the scene.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
An invasive turtle species has been spotted on an island in eastern Greece, sparking concern for the local ecosystem.

What's happening?

Three Chinese stripe-necked turtles have been found in a pond in Lesvos, the third-largest island in Greece. This is the first time they have been documented in the country. The species is native to China, Taiwan, Laos, and Vietnam.

Invasive Chinese Stripe-Necked Turtles Found on Lesvos Island, Greece https://t.co/nFCARd8Nao pic.twitter.com/TwL2pMRK5h  Greek Reporter (@GreekReporter) August 16, 2025

Researchers at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki published their observations in the journal Herpetozoa. The scientists explained that they are an invasive species because they can outcompete native turtles for resources and spread disease.

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Chinese stripe-necked turtles are highly adaptable to different environments. They are also able to mate with other species in the Mauremys genus, improving their survivability.

Scientists suggested that the animals were likely brought to Greece by a human and either released or escaped. This particular species has become a popular pet in recent years.

"Overall, the presence of Mauremys sinensis individuals in a pond on the island of Lesvos is worrisome," researchers wrote. "Both native turtle species could be potentially impacted by the added effect of the presence and possible population expansion of these."

Why is this invasive species spotting important?

Invasive species can wreck a local ecosystem by throwing off the food chain, outcompeting for resources, and hybridizing with native species.

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When an invasive species shows up, it can have an impact on crops, property, and even human health. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that Chinese stripe-necked turtles can carry salmonella, which is a potential "threat to humans."

What's being done about this invasive species spotting?

Researchers highlighted the importance of tracking the local population of Chinese stripe-necked turtles. This is to prevent them from overtaking the local turtle species.

Various communities have come up with creative ways to address invasive species in their areas. For non-native animals that are often taken as pets, people can contact animal shelters to help re-home them.

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Anapolis city council in Brazil is cracking down on e-cigarettes to improve the health of its residents. According to 2Firsts, a new law was passed in the legislature that will ban the use of e-cigarettes and hookahs in public spaces. It's awaiting Mayor Marcio Correa's signature.

While e-cigarettes are popular in Brazil, they have yet to be regulated by the National Health Surveillance Agency. This has resulted in illegitimate sales practices. Hookahs are regulated and are packaged with warning labels similar to cigarettes.

The proposal was in response to a viral video of a teenager holding an e-cigarette up to a baby, and the baby coughed. The person is now facing legal charges.

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2Firsts noted, "If this bill is signed by the mayor, it will be a major advancement in the public health policy of Anapolis, symbolizing further strengthening of health protection for citizens, especially minors."

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, while e-cigarettes don't expose you to as many chemicals as cigarettes, "in February 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 2,807 cases of e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) and 68 deaths attributed to that condition."

E-cigarettes are chock full of chemicals that are harmful or carcinogenic. According to a 2024 study of 180 different flavors, there are over 100 chemicals deemed "acutely toxic," 153 deemed to be "health hazards," and another 225 deemed to be irritants. Research also suggests that vaping is bad for your heart.

Vaping has become very popular, with one in 20 Americans and even one in 10 middle school students using them. Unfortunately, many are made with single-use plastics, which are bad for the environment.

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Many people on Reddit complain of seeing discarded vapes littered everywhere, but even when you do dispose of them in the trash, it isn't a good way to get rid of them, either.

When e-cigarettes end up in landfills, it takes hundreds of years for them to decompose. Additionally, lithium batteries in them pose a fire hazard.

The U.K. also has an issue with e-cigarette waste, with five million thrown away every week.

If you're fed up with the vaping waste in your city, you can use your voice to speak with your representatives to get similar bans passed near you.

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Officials in a New England state are reporting that a measure to reduce waste has proved to be more successful than anticipated.

Eco Rhode Island News reports that legislation to enact a statewide ban on single-use Styrofoam containers and plastic stirrers is working much better than previous measures passed by the General Assembly.

The Rhode Island Department of Health's public information officer, Joseph Wendelken, said: "We're seeing high rates of compliance."

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According to the department, since the ban came into effect, just over 5% of the businesses inspected were still using the containers, and only 1.7% were handing out plastic stirrers. The guidelines state that violators could be fined up to $100 for non-compliance, but no fines have been handed out yet. Instead, the department is prioritizing raising awareness to ease the transition.

As the name suggests, Styrofoam containers are made using styrene, which the National Toxicology Program listed as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." In addition to the health risks, the containers take five centuries to degrade fully, and before it does that, it breaks down into increasingly smaller particles. It's one of the reasons why microplastic particles have contaminated every corner of the globe.

Rhode Island isn't the only state stamping out Styrofoam.

Oregon passed a similar law that also went into effect this year. California has enacted its own ban and is empowering residents to report violations of the law. Illinois is also considering a sweeping ban on polystyrene foam for food packaging.

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Of course, there's no need to wait for every state to take action against single-use plastics, as there are several practical steps individuals can take to reduce plastic pollution. For example, those flimsy plastic grocery bags are best replaced with sturdier reusable bags.

Supporting the companies that take responsibility for their packaging is another way, as is repurposing old containers.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  With more people traveling and boating this Labor Day weekend, officials urge everyone to stay safe and avoid preventable tragedies.

Hot weather. You got warm water. Holiday. Those are the mixtures that just mean more people coming out and enjoying the water. Its the best time of the year in San Diego right now, said Rick Romero, Lifeguard Lieutenant with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Romer shared one key piece of advice for anyone planning a boat day.

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Dont drink and drive a boat. Its the same as driving a car. You know .08 is the limit, he said.

Lifeguards will be beefing up patrols out on the water and on the beach to make sure people have fun responsibly.

According to California State Parks, holiday weekends, including Labor Day, account for around 15% of boating accidents each year. However, officials stress they are preventable.

Look around. Pay attention to other boaters. Make sure all the kids 12 years and younger have a PFD. Make sure all your PFDs are available, Romero said.

California Highway Patrol will be out in full force this weekend through the end of Monday stopping impaired drivers with its maximum enforcement campaign.

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The San Diego County Sheriffs Office will also be stepping up patrols. SDSO said so far this year, 4,849 people have been arrested across the county for impaired driving, which is up from the same time last year.

Last year we saw over 70 fatalities here in San Diego. Numbers are not decreasing and thats very worrisome, said Paola Conrique, Program Manager with Mothers Against Drunk Driving San Diego.

Drunk-driving deaths in California are up 40% since 2019, according to the nonprofit.

If youre going to go enjoy our beautiful city just do it responsibly. Take an Uber. Take a Lyft. Use the trolley, phone a friend, Conrique said.

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CHP is urging the public to report any suspected impaired drivers and to stay vigilant.

California State Parks has additional safety tips for boaters here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Members of India's diamond industry have said that the US decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods poses a challenge, but expressed confidence in the sector's resilience and the strength of the domestic market. Amit Pratihari, Managing Director of De Beers India, underlined the importance of the US as a destination. "The US is the largest market for polished diamonds. They consume almost 50 per cent of the global production. There will be an impact for sure, but I think it's more short-term," he said. He praised government engagement with the US administration and noted that domestic opportunities remain strong. "India is the second-largest diamond jewellery market. There are lots of domestic opportunities," Pratihari told ANI, on the sidelines of Diamond Conclave 2.0, organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), called the tariff move a surprise. "The tariffs, if they remain persistent for long, may impact our business... 50% tariffs came as a shocker for us," he said. According to him, exporters front-loaded shipments ahead of the new tariffs that took effect on August 27. He added, "There will be no job losses, because the employers have the capacity to sustain them for 3-6 months." Ray also pointed to strong GDP growth and rising disposable incomes as supportive factors for jewellery demand. Speaking on the government's position, R. Arulanandan, Director in the Department of Commerce, said, "Regarding tariffs, dialogues are going on. India is a large market and the domestic demand for diamonds is growing... Irrespective of tariffs, the exporters should not put all eggs in one basket." Suvankar Sen, Managing Director of Senco Gold and Diamonds, said festive season demand in India could help offset losses, even as exports may dip for 1-2 months. "In the short run, till an understanding is reached between the countries, there would be an impact," he said. Referring to the workforce, he noted, "About 40 lakh artisans are part of this industry... They may face some uncertainty on the employment front." (ANI)
An Ohio man is facing charges after he allegedly took photos of two customers at a Chipotle restaurant, including a 12-year-old girl.

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According to court records obtained by our news partners WBNS-10 TV, 53-year-old Dustin Bishop of Grove City is charged with Voyeurism, a misdemeanor, and pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, a felony.

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The charges stem from an incident on Aug. 19 at the Chipotle in Grove City.

Bishop was allegedly seen taking a photo down a young girls shirt while standing behind her in line, according to an affidavit filed in Franklin County Municipal Court.

Hes also accused of taking a photo up another womans shorts, WBNS-10 TV reported.

The girls mother confronted Bishop inside the restaurant with help from a Chipotle employee.

Both the mother and the employee saw the images on Bishops phone and made him delete them before he left, according to the affidavit. Another witness wrote down his license plate and called the police.

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The next day, detectives served a search warrant at Bishops home. They said he had just returned from another Chipotle and was wearing the same clothes caught on Chipotles surveillance from the day before, WBNS-10 TV reported.

A search of his phone allegedly revealed images of womens feet, and Bishop reportedly told the detectives he had a foot fetish.

The affidavit also says, a quick view of the images showed he was again taking photographs of females at the Chipotle he was just at.

Investigators also discovered 26 images of girls who were unclothed or engaged in sexual activity, WBNS-10 TV reported.

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Bishop eventually admitted to taking inappropriate photos on Aug. 19 at Chipotle, stating he didnt touch anyone or make any advances.

Bishops phone was taken to the police department, where authorities found an image of the woman from Aug. 19 still on his phone, WBNS-10 TV reported.

Bishop was arrested on Monday, Aug. 25.

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After a state representative admitted in court to injuring his wife and assaulting his teenage daughter, Republican leaders are not saying whether they will sanction the lawmaker.

Oklahoma Republican House Speaker Kyle Hilbert has been silent about potential disciplinary actions against Rep. Ty Burns, a four-term Republican representative from Pawnee. At least two fellow Republicans, including Gov. Kevin Stitt, have called on Burns to resign.

The case against Burns was kept secret until Thursday, Aug. 28, after he had pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of domestic abuse and two misdemeanor counts of assault.

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Oklahoma law does not require state lawmakers to step down from office if found guilty of a misdemeanor offense. If elected state officials are found guilty of a felony, they are suspended from office under state law.

More: Lawmaker's daughter feared he would kill her as he tried to run van off road, filing says

The events that sparked the investigation into Burns occurred in April, four months before the public was made aware that he was under police investigation. Police said Burns ran a van with his 16-year-old daughter inside off the road. As they were investigating that incident, officers learned that he also had tried to gouge out his wifes eye in November 2024.

Three House Republicans told The Oklahoman on Friday, Aug. 29, they did not know about the case until it was brought to light through a news release from the Oklahoma attorney generals office.

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Burns was active at the state Capitol six days after police wrote in a court filing that he ran a van carrying his daughter and the girls grandmother off the road. According to that affidavit, the teen called her mother and said, He is going to hurt us. Mama make him stop. Please he is going to kill us.

Its unusual that the public was unaware of the case against Burns until after the case was decided, said former Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson, a Democrat.

One lawmaker who spoke with The Oklahoman, Rep. Jim Shaw, joined Stitt on Friday in calling on Burns to resign.

Rep. Ty Burns is pictured May 28 at the afternoon session of the House of Representatives during the last week of the Oklahoma Legislature at the Capitol.

These are not allegations, said the Republican from Chandler. These are admissions of guilt, of violent crimes that should not be tolerated at all.

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Stitt said being an elected official is a commitment to the public, and Burns should demand full-time attention to rehabilitation and reconciliation.

Burns has stepped down from his role as chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee. Hilbert, a Republican from Bristow, has not said whether he will pursue further action.

Jennifer Monies, a spokesperson for Hilbert, said that she would not have answers to The Oklahomans questions about any potential sanctions by Friday afternoon.

More: Oklahoma state troopers cannot abandon metro areas, AG Drummond says

On Thursday, Hilbert said, There is no place in society for domestic violence of any kind. I appreciate Rep. Burns taking ownership for his actions and seeking treatment.

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Burns received a one-year suspended sentence and was ordered to complete a year-long batterer's intervention program. The sentence was recommended by prosecutors in the Oklahoma attorney generals office, which took over the case after Pawnee County District Attorney Mike Fisher recused himself.

Leslie Berger, a spokesperson for Attorney General Gentner Drummond, said the sentence is common for this type of first offense. She said prosecutors believed misdemeanor domestic abuse was the criminal act most supported by the available evidence, but she did not add further specifics.

Drummond later wrote in a post on social media Friday that his office had no "legitimate justification" to pursue felony charges against Burns. He said Burns had received "the strongest punishment possible for a first-time offender with a clean record."

Under Oklahoma law, assault can be punished by a sentence by imprisonment in a county jail for up to 30 days, a fine of up to $500, or both. Someone guilty of domestic abuse can be imprisoned for up to a year, charged with a fine of no more than $5,000, or both. For any subsequent offenses, the person faces being sent to state prison for up to four years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Several lawmakers say they were unaware of situation

Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, said he expected Burns to continue being involved in the House Republican caucus moving forward. He added that he was not aware of the investigation into Burns and could not think of a similar situation involving another lawmaker during his 10 years at the Capitol.

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Hes well-regarded up in this area, Luttrell said of Burns.

Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle, said she also hadnt heard about the situation and questioned whether Burns should remain in office. She called on Hilbert to consider whether further action was necessary.

Its not enough for the speaker to say, Were just so happy that hes admitted he's at fault, Jenkins said. No. This goes beyond that. Hes a public servant, and he didn't perform like one. I can't imagine what would have happened to me if I were in that situation, because I'm not in leadership.

Like Jenkins, House Democrats were unaware of the situation until Aug. 28, said House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. She and her caucus joined Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, in calling for Burns resignation.

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We were all shocked and horrified when news of the investigation broke yesterday, Munson said. It is deeply upsetting for everyone who understands the severity and danger of domestic violence situations.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma House speaker quiet amid calls for Rep. Ty Burns to resign
A state legislator who pleaded guilty to domestic violence and assault said he plans to resign.

Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, sent a letter dated Aug. 30 to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt stating his intention to resign from his legislative post, effective Oct. 1.

Stitt, who had called for Burns to resign, released a statement on Aug. 30 responding to Burns' resignation letter.

"Domestic violence leaves lasting scars on families and it cant be minimized or overlooked," Stitt said. "Rep. Burns decision to step down is the right one for his family, constituents, and the Legislature."

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Burns pleaded guilty to domestic abuse and assault after police investigated reports that he tried to gouge out his wifes eye and ran a van with his 16-year-old daughter inside off the road. His daughter said she thought he was going to kill her during the vehicle chase, according to a court filing.

Rep. Ty Burns at the afternoon session of the House of Representatives during the last week of the Oklahoma Legislature at the Capitol, Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

"It is in the best interest of the people I serve in House District 35 and, most importantly, my family, to step down from my position," Burns wrote in his letter to Stitt.

"I take full responsibility for my actions, and I am getting counseling with my family. Although not an excuse for my actions, I am receiving intensive treatment for issues from my military service that I have long ignored as a problem. I am confident this will make me a better husband and father."

The four-term lawmaker said he would work over the next month to handle the remainder of his constituents' issues. He also told the governor that he would ensure that his interim study on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder proceeds as planned, and that he is "personally participating" in a brain mapping study of veterans with a traumatic brain injury.

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The case against Burns was based on incidents that occurred months ago; however, it did not become public until after he had pleaded guilty on Aug. 28 to one misdemeanor count of domestic abuse and two misdemeanor counts of assault.

A Pawnee County District Court judge signed off on a one-year suspended sentence and ordered Burns to complete a year-long batterer's intervention program.

Oklahoma legislators call for resignation

Along with Stitt, Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler, had also called for Burns to resign. House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, and her caucus joined Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, in calling for Burns resignation, shortly after learning of Aug. 28 Burns' guilty plea.

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, released Burns' resignation letter and a statement on Aug. 30: "I share his belief that it is best for him and his family to focus on his treatment and rehabilitation at this time. Domestic violence of any kind cannot and will not be tolerated by the House of Representatives. Alexis and I will be praying for Ty and his family as they navigate this challenging time."

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Besides Stitt and Hilbert, other elected leaders, including Attorney General Gentner Drummond, also weighed in on Burns' decision to resign.

"In resigning his seat in the Legislature, I believe Rep. Burns is doing the right thing for his constituents, for his family, and for the people of Oklahoma," Drummond said in a statement.

"He has taken responsibility for his actions and remains bound by the terms of his sentence, which include intensive counseling and completion of a batterers intervention program. Domestic violence is a serious offense that affects countless families throughout Oklahoma, and I will always insist on the strongest form of accountability that the law allows."

Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, posted comments on Facebook.

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"Rep. Burns has indeed resigned, as he definitely should," Rosecrants wrote. "Domestic violence is NEVER OK. Im lifting him & his family up in my prayers."

Oklahoma law does not require state lawmakers to step down from office if found guilty of a misdemeanor offense. If elected state officials are found guilty of a felony, they are suspended from office under state law.

Burns' resignation letter

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Rep. Ty Burns to resign after domestic abuse sentencing
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (WBOY)  Old School Brewing is bringing new life to craft beer in White Sulphur Springs after opening its doors this past week.

Located at 697 Main St. East, Old School has moved into the previous location of Big Draft Brewing, a favorite brewery among locals that closed in 2023. However, according to Old School co-owner and general manager Austin Ramsey, much of the original staff from Big Draft have returned to work at Old School Brewing.

So far, Ramsey said the community reception to the brewerys opening has been very positive over the past week.

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We learned that people really f****** miss this place, Ramsey said. We knew people wanted it back, we didnt realize how much.

Currently, Old School Brewing is serving beer from other breweries in the region until it can fully ramp up production of its own beer. Once that happens, Head Brewer at Old School, Dave Barron, said it plans to carry a little bit of everything. Barrons favorite styles to brew are lagers and ales, so craft beer fans can look forward to a variety of easy-drinking beers across the brewerys 16 taps.

100 funny and punny beer names from West Virginia

Im not into 10.5% double IPAs and things like that, Barron said. We will be lager heavy in here, but well also have your IPAs, your pale ales, your sour beers, were going to have a little bit of everything. And out of those 16 taps, I want to take two or three of them and shift them seasonally too.

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On top of beer and food, Barron and Ramsey are also aiming for Old School Brewing to become the premier live music venue for the area, with the goal of offering large acts in an intimate and family-friendly environment. Currently, Ramsey says their location can fit around 250 guests indoors and around 700 people outdoors. However, the brewery is eyeing up plans to increase its outdoor capacity even further.

As much as we want to be a brewery, we want to be the premier music destination of Southern West Virginia. Thats our ultimate goal, Ramsey said. We want that music, we want amazing food at affordable prices so that everybody can come here and enjoy it, and also a place where you can get world-class beer from a brewery this small. Were going to pride ourselves on those styles and doing it the right way, but really, really focus on the music.

Old School is still ironing out its regular hours as of the publishing of this article; for the most up-to-date hours, you can visit the Old School Brewing Facebook page.

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The chain restaurant business can be an unforgiving one. Companies must battle tight margins, changing consumer tastes, and other challenges, all while trying to grow and expand. Even successful chains can find themselves quickly out of business. However, York Steak House experienced an unusual twist on this story. Instead of closing its doors altogether, the once-widespread chain now consists of a single restaurant in Columbus, Ohio.

Diners were still chowing down and leaving glowing reviews through summer 2025, with many praising the combination of quality food and nostalgia evoked by the spot. It's the very last of nearly 200 locations spread across 27 states. Once owned by General Mills, the York chain peaked in the early 1980s, a little over a decade after it was first launched in Columbus in 1969. With a blend of steakhouse-inspired cuisine and cafeteria-style dining, it was an early pioneer in the casual chain restaurant business.

Most York Steak Houses were located in or near shopping malls, another mid-20th-century institution that fell on hard times in recent decades. Many of them closed by 1989 due to slowing sales. That was the same year the remaining Columbus location's longtime owner purchased the spot from its corporate owners.

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Read more: 11 Mail-Order Steaks Ranked From Worst To Best

The Last Legacy Of A Beloved Chain

york steak house - York Steak House / Facebook

As tenuous as York Steak House's existence is now, it's faced some even more serious threats in recent years. The restaurant's then-owner put it up for sale in 2024 when he decided to retire. Luckily, it was purchased by another local restaurateur just two months later. Nervous fans can breathe easy, as he's vowed to continue operating York just as it had been for decades.

To be sure, the steakhouse game is a tough one. Similar chains struggling to stay in business include Sizzler and McCormick & Schmick's, both of which were once familiar names for many diners. Meanwhile, rising beef prices continue to cause significant issues for steak-focused eateries like York and others.

Although some may consider York among the popular steakhouses you'll sadly never eat at again, it's important to remember that there's still hope for those craving a taste of this iconic 1970s and '80s chain  they just need to head to Columbus, Ohio, where York Steak House continues to delight and satisfy local diners.

Read the original article on Mashed.
One person has died and another was seriously injured after a two-vehicle crash on Route 66 in Middlefield on Friday night, officials said.

Middlefield firefighters responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash on Route 66, just east of the intersection of Baileyville Road, around 11:56 p.m. on Friday, according to the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company.

The first arriving units on the scene found two vehicles with serious damage. One vehicle had rolled over onto its roof and had a fire in its engine compartment, fire officials said.

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Multiple bystanders helped to rescue the driver of the first vehicle, pulling them to safety, according to fire officials.

Emergency personnel treated the driver suffering from serious injuries. A Life Star helicopter was requested but later canceled. Fire officials said the person was transported to Hartford Hospital by ambulance for further treatment.

The driver of the second vehicle sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to fire officials. Fire officials said the identity of the person was not being released at this time.

Route 66 in Middlefield was closed between Baileyville Road and Jackson Hill Road for several hours and reopened around 7 a.m.

Connecticut State Police are investigating the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Troop F at 860-399-2100.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com.
Earlier this summer, on a Saturday morning at 2 a.m., Elon Musks xAI issued an apology for the horrific behavior that many experienced. During a 16-hour window days earlier, a glitch resulted in the companys flagship chatbot Grok widely praising Hitler for his decisiveness and problem-solving acumen, dubbing itself MechaHitler and embarking on white supremacist tirades.

Oops!

The following Monday, the U.S. Department of Defense announced it was awarding xAI a contract to accelerate  adoption of advanced AI capabilities to address critical national security challenges. Google, Anthropic and OpenAI were also beneficiaries, as the department prepares to introduce AI into our warfighting domain as well as intelligence, business and enterprise information systems. The contracts for each are capped at $200 million.

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This is only one of many recent integrations of AI within the Pentagon and federal agencies, the pace of which has picked up remarkably in the second Trump administration. It reveals what has become the new common sense: AI is the future, so we must rapidly deploy it across the government to maintain U.S. geopolitical dominance.

In recent years, other federal unionists and I at the Army Corps of Engineers have successfully campaigned to ensure congressional oversight of any automation of lock operations on our nations inland waterways.

We did this through our union locals and our national Army Corps of Engineers Council by highlighting the safety risks facing the workforce and the public, along with potential national security liabilities, stemming from automation of critical public infrastructure. These successes can be a model of the solidarity necessary to oppose powerful industry lobbyists and the politicians who take up their causes.

With the prospect of wide government application of more novel automation schemes, we beg the public to heed our warning: the implementation of privately developed artificial intelligence within government represents a modern-day digital Trojan horse. The effect of deploying such technology is to replace the thinking and quality control checks traditionally performed by oath-sworn, human workers with the pre-programmed, axiomatic assumptions of Silicon Valley, sworn to uphold nothing but shareholder returns.

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Its one thing to hear AI companies talk up the inevitability of their products integration into every aspect of human life. This is the giddy language of marketing, and we all learn from a young age not to confuse advertising copy with the truth. But when the largest department in the government of the worlds reigning superpower adopts this kind of language without caveat, it should ring alarm bells. Especially since that particular department represents the single most lethal entity in human history, with an arsenal that could put an end to that history several times over.

The administrations anti-regulatory approach, taken together with the Department of Defense announcement, matches extreme risk with limited oversight  a volatile mixture.

Even if current and future AI products prove to be useful for the enhancement of U.S. national security and the operations of the Department of Defense, their integration represents a troubling transfer of control from the public sphere to the private. These are enormous private entities in a high-stakes race for market supremacy, ravenous for new sources of data and freighted with colossal investor expectations. One of them, Google, has recently been judged by the Department of Justice to be operating two concurrent monopolies. Is there any question that these companies are trying to corner the monopolies of the future?

The MechaHitler episode is no joke. It exposes how slight tweaks to AI products can trigger sudden, unpredictable downstream effects. These are precisely the sort of vulnerabilities the Department of Defense, and all our government systems, have to constantly protect against. But beyond the technical are issues arising from the interests and ideologies of the people who run these companies.

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By way of example, it was recently revealed that Elon Musk gave an order in 2022 to shut down Ukrainian access to his Starlink internet service at a crucial juncture in the war there, causing chaos on the battlefield for a strategic U.S. ally. If anything, we should be moving away from privatization and deregulation, trends that have gathered pace over decades and brought us to this point. Maybe start by re-nationalizing satellite infrastructure?

Can the potential downsides of unleashing MechaHitler into the Pentagons control systems be counterbalanced by a clear and irrefutable case for AIs upsides? Though I worked for eight years at the Defense Department, Im no military analyst. However, it has been reported that both Google and OpenAI have provided AI support to Israels operation in Gaza. After nearly two years, that AI-enhanced campaign has wreaked world-historic civilian death and suffering, but roundly failed to achieve the strategic military objective of defeating an adversary equipped with rudimentary conventional weaponry.

Yet, the Pentagon has already struck these deals. Where does all this leave those of us who would urge greater care?

The work we have done at the Army Corps of Engineers Council to oppose automation closer to home can perhaps be a guide. Now more than ever, federal employees face limitations compared with private-sector union members in how we can assert our collective voice. We need to be creative, and we need to win the support of the public we serve. As current and former government employees, we have expertise and experience to lend to the movement for democracy in the face of the new oligarchy, but we are only a small part of the coalition needed to disrupt the current order.

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The attacks of the second Trump administration on the federal workforce have infused our demands with new urgency. In the immediate aftermath of the first DOGE layoffs, those of us who have been doing this work began coordinating government-wide through the Federal Unionists Network.

Along with the communities we serve, many thousands of current and former federal workers stand opposed to the practice of dismantling our government and handing its operation over to the administrations corporate friends. We understand the stakes and are building the solidarity necessary to turn back this tide, building a movement in person and on the ground that even MechaHitler cannot stop.

Christopher Dols, a former federal employee for the Army Corps of Engineers, is currently an organizer of the Federal Unionists Network, a grassroots movement of government employees.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Starting Sept. 1, Texas joins six other states in banning the sale of cell-cultivated meat. Its a move that feels more symbolic than substantive  after all, cell-cultivated meat is still in its infancy, produced in limited quantities and approved for sale among only a few companies. Yet the symbolism matters. Instead of embracing a tool with enormous potential to address pressing global challenges, some lawmakers are slamming the door before weve even had a chance to explore whats possible.

For Texas lawmakers to ban this technology now is, frankly, shortsighted  and un-American.

Cell-cultivated meat  sometimes called lab-grown meat  is real animal meat produced by taking a small sample of animal cells and growing them in a controlled brewery-like environment. No slaughter is required. The goal is to create a more humane option that could reduce the environmental and health downsides of conventional meat production.

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Consider the environmental context. Traditional meat production is responsible for a staggering share of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water use. And it drives habitat loss on a scale that endangers biodiversity worldwide. Cell-cultivated meat is not yet a perfect solution  current production methods remain energy intensive  but early studies suggest that with continued innovation, it could dramatically reduce land use, pollution and carbon emissions compared with industrial animal agriculture.

If were serious about tackling climate change, we need more options on the table, not fewer.

Theres also a public health dimension. Industrial animal farming is a breeding ground for zoonotic diseases and a major driver of antibiotic overuse, which accelerates the rise of resistant bacteria called superbugs. Cell-cultivated meat sidesteps many of these risks. Grown in sterile facilities, it doesnt require anywhere near as many antibiotics, nor does it involve the dense confinement of animals that facilitates viral outbreaks. In a world where pandemics have reshaped our collective memory, ignoring safer food technologies is a gamble we cannot afford.

And then theres the ethical dimension. Every year, tens of billions of land animals (and trillions of sea animals) are raised and slaughtered in conditions most people would rather not think about. Cell-cultivated meat offers an alternative that allows consumers to enjoy the taste of meat without the moral trade-offs. Even for those who do not personally object to torturing and/or killing animals, the simple fact that a more humane option exists should be cause for curiosity, not prohibition.

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But heres where the argument against bans becomes even clearer.

First, these laws are bad for the states themselves. Banning cell-cultivated meat doesnt just block consumers from trying a new food. It also disincentivizes universities, startups and investors from putting down roots in states like Texas.

The cell-cultivated meat industry is still young, but it is already attracting billions of dollars in research funding, venture capital and private partnerships. By saying not here, Texas is essentially exporting those dollars, jobs and opportunities to more welcoming regions. At a time when states are competing fiercely to attract high-tech industries, this decision ensures Texas will lose out.

Second, these bans are bad for the nation. When American states reject innovation, they send a clear signal to companies: build elsewhere. And elsewhere increasingly means China, Singapore or Europe  regions that have been more open to experimentation. The U.S. risks repeating the mistake we made with solar panels, where hesitation at home allowed foreign competitors to dominate the market.

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Do we really want the future of meat production  a technology that could reshape agriculture, trade and climate policy  controlled by other countries simply because we were too quick to shut the door?

Third, these bans are un-American. At their core, they run counter to the very values Texas and other states often claim to champion: entrepreneurship, free markets and consumer choice. To limit what scientists can research, what entrepreneurs can build and what consumers can buy is government overreach, plain and simple.

If cell-cultivated meat is truly unappealing, then consumers will reject it, and the companies making it will fail. Thats how markets work. But to pre-emptively prohibit a technology before it has even had the chance to compete? Thats not protecting freedom  its stifling it.

So why are states like Texas, Florida and Alabama banning cultivated meat? The justifications offered are often thin. Some politicians argue its about protecting ranchers, who fear economic displacement. Others appeal to naturalness, casting cell-cultivated meat as strange or unsafe. But history shows that dismissing new food technologies out of fear rarely holds up. Pasteurization, refrigeration and even artificial ice all faced initial skepticism before becoming mainstream. The idea that protecting ranchers requires banning potential competitors is particularly puzzling in states that otherwise champion free markets and innovation.

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Of course, cell-cultivated meat is not a silver bullet. Critics are right to note that the technology is still expensive, scaling is difficult and its environmental advantages depend on how production evolves. But those are reasons to support research, not to prohibit it outright. If cell-cultivated meat succeeds, it could reduce our dependence on industrial animal farming. If it fails, it wont be because Texas banned it in its early days  it will be because consumers didnt want it, or the economics didnt work out. Thats how innovation should rise or fall: on its merits, not on premature political bans.

At its heart, this debate is not about whether Texans  or anyone  should eat cell-cultivated meat tomorrow. Its about whether we will allow innovation to flourish so that people can decide for themselves. Banning a technology before it has even had a chance to prove itself is not conservative. It is not pragmatic. It is not wise. It is anti-American.

Texas prides itself on independence, grit and innovation. Banning cell-cultivated meat betrays those values. Rather than fearing the future of food, the Lone Star State  and the rest of the nation for that matter  should be shaping it.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
This week, Israel struck Nasser Hospital in Gaza, one of the largest and last functioning hospitals in the besieged Gaza Strip. The strikes killed 22 people, including health care workers and five journalists (working for Reuters, the AP and Al Jazeera), and injured more than 50 others.

Early reports said the Israeli military hit the hospital twice in rapid succession in whats known as a double-tap, a type of sadistic warfare tactic where one first strikes a target and then follows up with another strike to hit the people who rush to help rescue victims from the initial attack. NBC News later obtained video that showed Israel in fact struck the hospital in four successive strikes.

Israel initially didnt offer an explanation for why it carried out this strike. But in the face of global outrage, it called the attacks a mishap and attempted to justify them by saying it was targeting a Hamas camera  a ludicrous statement by any measure, but especially so given the ruthlessness of a quadruple strike.

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These killings are not random tragedies of war. They are the predictable outcome of a worldview promoted by the Israeli government, peddled by American officials and propagated by American and Western media that systematically dehumanizes Palestinians.

That dehumanization is not subtle. In an interview with The New Yorkers Isaac Chotiner, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jacob Lew rationalized the staggering number of child deaths in Gaza by suggesting that Israel views them as the children of Hamas. Think about that: a justification for stripping children of their innocence, reducing them to political extensions of militants, erasing their humanity simply because of who their father was. If every child can be seen as Hamas, then no child is truly innocent in the eyes of Israel. And as Lew and so many others have made clear, the Biden administration readily accepted that depraved rationale.

Under President Donald Trump, weve seen no deviation from that logic, from callously discussing the real estate value of Palestinian land to overseeing $12 billion in arms sales and expedited military assistance to Israel to carry on with its annihilation of the population, all while reducing Palestinians to Hamas members who arent interested in peace.

And that same logic was at play in the Nasser Hospital attack when Israel claimed it was targeting a Hamas camera at the facility. Not a commander. Not a weapons cache. Not a rocket factory. A camera.

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When Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif was assassinated along with five other journalists while inside a media tent near a different hospital in a different deadly attack on Aug. 10, Israel claimed without any evidence that he was a Hamas rocket-launching commander. When Israel bombed schools, they were Hamas shelters. Mosques? Hamas weapons depots. Refugee camps? Hamas hideouts. And just this week, the killing of more journalists? Blamed on targeting a Hamas camera.

In this Israeli narrative, Palestinians are not people. They are not journalists. They are not doctors or teachers. They are not fathers, mothers or children. They are simply Hamas.

This is not new, nor should it be shocking. It is exactly what Israeli officials have been saying since they launched their genocidal war on Gaza following Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack in which 1,100 Israelis were killed and more than 250 hostages were taken, including soldiers and civilians, when President Isaac Herzog declared there are no innocent civilians in Gaza.

Equally insidious is the narrative that Israel claims when it faces global outrage. In April 2024, when Israel struck a World Central Kitchen aid convoy, killing seven humanitarian workers, the Israeli military called it a grave mistake. But it took no measures to mitigate such killings in the months and months that have followed.

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These are not aberrations. They are patterns excused by the language of error while the system of impunity rolls on.

But these tactics only work in part because Western media, and specifically American media, so often takes these statements at face value. The Wall Street Journal published an op-ed titled Who is a journalist in Gaza? that all but accused Palestinian reporters of being Hamas propagandists based on unsubstantiated and unverified claims.

Even more depraved was an article in Bari Weiss The Free Press that suggested that Palestinians suffering and dying from starvation in Gaza were suffering from pre-existing medical conditions. That distortion was so appealing to the Israeli government that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an indicted war criminal, shared it on his official X account. Think about that: an indicted war criminal amplifying an American media outlet that trivialized starvation in Gaza due to the bad health of Palestinians.

Together, these strategies  Israel labeling everything as a Hamas target or dismissing attacks that draw condemnation as tragic mistakes  gain strength largely because Western media echoes them rather than challenges them.

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Dehumanization drives the narrative. Mistakes go unpunished and the media launders them repeatedly.

History has taught us that atrocities are only made possible by campaigns of industrial dehumanization. For Palestinians, Israel has been leading that campaign for decades, and it has intensified it since Oct. 7.

To justify its genocide in Gaza, whether bombing a hospital or attacking journalists and aid workers, Israel does not need to provide any credible evidence. It simply needs the world, with the help of American media, to believe that Palestinian lives do not matter.

The world must reject this perverted logic. The deaths at Nasser Hospital should not just shock us. They lay bare how the language of dehumanization  children of Hamas, pre-existing conditions, Hamas camera  becomes a license to kill Palestinians. And they remind us that defending Palestinian dignity is not simply a political stance, it is a moral imperative.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
NEW ORLEANS, La. (KLFY)  Today marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast.

New Orleans took a big hit, with almost $200 billion in damage, and about 1,400 lives lost. Despite tragedy, the Crescent City was able to rebuild. President and CEO of New Orleans and Company, Walt Leger, says the citys resilience played a part in its comeback, but not without support from the rest of the nation.

This took time, it took persistence, it took effort, it took determination. And ultimately a lot of partnerships from people all over the country. Leger said.

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Leger said surrounding states contributed not just with the physical rebuilding of city structures, but also economically. Organizations held events in New Orleans in the months following the storm, bringing visitors and jobs to the hurting city.

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You know, I think a lot about the organizations like the American Library Association or the American Academy of Cardiology that really doubled down on New Orleans in the months after Katrina and held their conferences and conventions in our city, even though it was a challenging time to do it. Leger said. That meant economic impact for the community. It meant jobs restored. It meant musicians and artists having an opportunity to earn a living as well. We knew that we werent in it alone, and that um, that support meant a great deal then and it continues to mean a lot to us.

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Leger also mentions the role of the Superdome. The building served as a shelter for thousands in 2005, but now its hosting events like the Super Bowl LIX and a Taylor Swift concert. Locally, the Cajundome served the same purpose. When New Orleans couldnt hold anymore, people were transported to Lafayette and other major cities for shelter.

Twenty years ago it was a shelter for people who needed it at some of the darkest moments of their lives. Leger said. It made it through that event, and though it was challenging, it did provide that shelter for them. Its emerged though in the years after as much more than just a building. We just recently hosted Taylor Swift last year. We had out eighth Super Bowl at the Superdome just a few months ago. Thats more than any stadium in America. And it has emerged as not just a building, not just a stadium, but as a symbol of strength and resilience for our whole community, its something were really proud of.

Twenty years later, the comeback story of New Orleans is one of the biggest in American History.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
The nominated contestants who face the risk of elimination from the house this week include Abhishek, Gaurav Khanna, Natalia Janoszek, Neelam Giri, Pranit More, Tanya Mittal, and Zeishan Quadri.

The 'Weekend Ka Vaar' episode includes schooling of the housemates by Salman Khan based on their actions inside the house.

Bigg Boss 19, which follows the theme of 'Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar' this year, was filled with intense fights, drama, and tasks this week.

It includes the return of actress Farhana Bhat, who was evicted on the first day by the housemates after they were asked to name one contestant they felt was undeserving of continuing in the show.

However, instead of being eliminated, she was sent to the secret room with special powers, turning the tables completely.

Food ration was another steaming topic of BB19 this week. Housemates were seen fighting over the unequal distribution of food in the house.

To avoid the reduction of food rations in the house, Gaurav Khanna, who had been granted special entry into the secret room where Farhana resided, decided to allow her to re-enter the house without consulting the other housemates, leading to intense fights between him and the other contestants.

The first week also included a captaincy task, which was won by Kunickaa Sadanand. Baseer Ali couldn't particpate in the captaincy task after he was disqualified by Farhana.

After the intense first week of BB 19, fans have been eagerly waiting for Salman Khan's perspective on the ongoing activities inside the house.

Bigg Boss kicked off its 19th season on August 24.

Celebrities and social media sensations like Gaurav Khanna, Kunickaa Sadanand, Awez Darbar, Nagma Mirajkar, Amaal Mallik, Ashnoor Kaur, Zeishan Quadri, Abhishek Bajaj, Natalia Janoszek, Farhana Bhatt, Mridul Tiwari, Neelam Giri, Pranit More, Baseer Ali, Tanya Mittal, and Nehal have entered the Bigg Boss house.

Viewers can watch 'Bigg Boss 19' on Colors and JioHotstar. (ANI)
The Ormond Beach Police Department has provided its officers with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to improve emergency response capabilities.

Funded by the Volusia County Opioid Abatement Grant, the department has issued 75 AEDs to officers for cardiac emergencies and enabling quick life-saving actions.

Im thrilled that our officers were able to secure AEDs for each patrol car through this grant, said Ormond Beach Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland. As a nurse myself, I know AEDs can dramatically increase the chances of survival when someone is experiencing cardiac arrest.

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AEDs are designed for use during sudden cardiac arrest, a critical emergency where quick action can determine life or death. Placing these devices in patrol cars ensures officers are better equipped to respond promptly to such situations.

To ensure effective AED use, officers undergo annual training on their operation as part of emergency response preparation. This training is crucial for officers to confidently and correctly use the devices when needed.

Police Chief Jesse Godfrey thanked those involved in securing the AEDs, including Lieutenant John Borzner and Grants Coordinator Loretta Moisio, for their work on the grant. He also expressed appreciation to Commissioner Tolland for her advocacy in public safety.

Adding AEDs to patrol cars is a valuable public safety step for Ormond Beach, giving first responders the crucial tools they need to save lives during emergencies.

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ORWELL  Village officials announced Friday an Aug. 4 roadway incident involving a fire truck responding to a call on Route 322 and their response to it.

On August 5, village management was formally notified by the Ohio State [Highway] Patrol and Ashtabula County Sheriffs Department that a collision had occurred on Route 322 involving an Orwell Fire Department vehicle responding to the emergency call, a press release from the village states.

The vehicle was traveling through a construction zone and struck multiple construction barrels, according to the release. Two senior department officials were placed on administrative suspension.

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The Villages policy clearly states any employee involved in a workplace accident is required to immediately report the incident and undergo standard post-incident testing, the release states.

The release said first responders on the scene failed to report the incident to village management, resulting in administrative suspensions pending investigation.

Following a review of dispatch logs, video footage, and witness testimony from the construction site, it was confirmed that the fire truck was traveling at a high rate of speed and caused damage upon impact with construction safety equipment, the release states.

The village places the highest priority on the safety of our residents, our emergency responders, and the broader community they serve, Village Council President Christopher Ruks said in the release. Massive fire trucks traveling at unsafe speeds, particularly through active construction areas, present a significant hazard.

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We regret that this incident placed construction workers at risk, and we are grateful no lives were lost. The Village is taking immediate steps to reinforce training, review operational procedures, and implement stronger accountability measures to prevent a recurrence.

Because of staffing issues caused by the suspensions, the village received assistance from the Windsor the Wayne fire departments and recruited new firefighters, the release states.

Shane Gregory stepped forward as Interim Fire Chief and worked in close coordination with Village Manager Sean Ratican to stabilize staffing levels, Ruks said in the release.

The new staff have fire fighter II certifications and are certified EMTs, he said.

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This represents a significant upgrade for our department and positions us to deliver a stronger, more reliable level of service to the residents of Orwell moving forward. he said.

During the course of the investigation, Assistant Fire Chief Scott Merlino tendered his resignation, according to the release.

Merlino did not return a message seeking comment.
DAVIESS COUNTY, Ind. (WEHT)  An Owensboro non-profit focused on helping survivors of sexual assault is speaking out after a woman was arrested for making a false report.

In my lifetime at New Beginnings, and it is going on 3 decades, there have been less than a handful of false reports, says Julie Campbell, the CFO of New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services.

Campbell says the outcome of the case was unexpected. The incident happened on August 13th in Whitesville. Kylen Edge told police she was attacked and sexually assaulted by someone she did not know.

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After a thorough investigation, the Daviess County Sheriffs Office determined the evidence did not support Edges claims.

She did admit that the attack did not occur and that she caused her own injuries and staged the crime scene prior to the report being made, says Sheriff Brad Youngman.

Edge was eventually arrested and charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident to Law Enforcement.

The entire community came behind this situation because it was powerful, and it was a scary scenario. There were so many people concerned about the safety and well-being of their community. And rightfully so, Campbell says.

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Campbell says cases like this do not happen often. She says research consistently shows that only 28% of sexual assault reports are false.

When cases like this do happen, Campbell says it is deeply harmful, especially to the survivors.

Please do not let this become an obstacle to you pursuing your own healing. We want people to know first and foremost that if something is happening to them or has happened to them, reaching out for help is okay, Campbell says.

Campbell says 80% of sexual assaults go unreported.

According to the Kentucky Association of Sexual Programs website, Kentuckians experience sexual violence at a younger age than victims in other states. Almost half of female survivors in Kentucky were raped for the first time before the age of 18. The website also says 33% of Kentucky women will experience sexual violence in their lifetime, and 18% of men will experience it.

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Sexual assault does not discriminate. We stand with those who are overcoming the issues that they are facing because of sexual violence. We start by believing. We are here to help you. Law enforcement is here to help you. Our officials and medical professionals are here to help you, Campbell says.

Those needing help are encouraged to call New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services at

(270) 926-7273. The 24 Hour Crisis Line number is 1-800-226-7273. More information can be found at the New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Two lottery tickets each worth $100,000 were won on Friday, according to the Massachusetts State Lottery.

Both prizes came from the $1 game, Mass Cash. The winning numbers for Fridays game were 5,6,8,21,29.

Mass Cash drawings occur daily at 9 p.m. A player must choose five numbers between 1 and 35. There are three available prizes to win.

If all five numbers match the numbers drawn, the Mass Cash player wins $100,000. If they match four numbers, the prize is $250, and if they match three, the prize is $10.

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One of the Mass Cash tickets was bought at Dubs Discount Liquors in Mansfield. The other was purchased at T Square Food Shop in Holbrook.

Overall, at least 649 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Friday, including 23 in Springfield, 24 in Worcester and 41 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.
A Pakistani man living in Middletown has been accused of defrauding the Medicare program and trying to leave the country after learning of the investigation.

Habroon Habib, 29, was recently arrested on multiple federal charges, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut.

He appeared in New Haven federal court on Monday and was released on $50,000 bond with electronic monitoring, federal officials said. He faces charges of money laundering, making unlawful monetary transactions, operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and conspiracy. The charges carry a combined maximum of 40 years in prison.

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According to federal authorities, Habib formed Around the World Solutions LLC., in January. He and others allegedly used the company to defraud the Medicare Advantage program by submitting fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment, specifically orthotics, that were never provided to patients.

Between February and June, Around the World Solutions, which had a business address at a shared office space location in Middletown, allegedly billed various Medicare Advantage plan sponsors for orthotics purportedly provided to more than 400 Medicare beneficiaries around the country, none of whom resided in Connecticut, officials said. Authorities allege the beneficiaries did not ask for or receive the orthotics.

Officials also allege Habib engaged in unlawful financial transactions involving proceeds from the scheme.

In February 2025, Habib allegedly opened a checking account in the name of Around the World Solutions, officials said. Between March and May, about $680,000 in checks from Medicare Advantage plan sponsors were allegedly deposited into the account, according to authorities. In that same timeframe, $425,000 was transferred out of the account via wire transfers to financial institutions in Pakistan, officials allege.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, investigators interviewed Habib on July 29 and informed him of the investigation. On Aug. 21, authorities learned that he was scheduled to fly from JFK Airport to Pakistan four days later using a one-way ticket.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbass office has urged the United States to reverse a decision to revoke the Palestinian leaders visa, just weeks before he was set to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

The Palestinian presidency expressed astonishment at Washingtons decision on Friday to rescind the visas for Abbas and 80 other Palestinian officials before next months high-level meetings at UN headquarters.

Abbas has addressed the General Assembly for many years and generally leads the Palestinian delegation.

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We call upon the American administration to reverse its decision, Abbass spokesperson spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh told The Associated Press on Saturday, warning that the move will only increase tension and escalation.

We have been in contact since yesterday with Arab and foreign countries, especially those directly concerned with this issue. This effort will continue around the clock, Abu Rudeineh said.

The spokesperson also urged other countries to put pressure on US President Donald Trumps administration to reverse its decision, including most notably those that have organised a high-level conference about reviving the two-state solution.

Set for September 22, the conference is being co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.





Ideologically driven

The Trump administrations visa curbs come amid growing condemnation of Israels devastating war on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and a wave of Israeli settler and military violence in the occupied West Bank.

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The deadly attacks have prompted a growing number of countries to announce plans to recognise an independent Palestinian state at the UN in September.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified the revocations on Friday by accusing the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) of not complying with their commitments and undermining the prospects for peace.

Rubio also accused the PA of taking part in lawfare campaigns, including appeals to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to hold Israeli accountable for abuses in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

But Matt Duss, executive vice president at the Center for International Policy, a US-based think tank, accused the Trump administration is clearly violating diplomatic protocol in its decision to revoke the visas.

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As a host state, the US is meant to grant visas to UN member-state representatives and officials to visit the international bodys headquarters in New York City.

Whats going on here is clearly ideologically driven, Duss told Al Jazeera.

There are people inside the Trump administration who are working closely with the right-wing Israeli government and their goal is to simply remove the Palestinian liberation movement from the international agenda, he said.

They do not recognise the Palestinian peoples right to state, and theyre both trying to prevent that on the ground in Palestine and now theyre trying to remove them from the international agenda in New York.





European criticism

Meanwhile, the European Unions foreign policy chief said the bloc is calling on Washington to reconsider its visa denials.

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In the light of the existing agreements between the UN and its host state, we all urge for this decision to be reconsidered, Kaja Kallas said on Saturday following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also said the General Assembly cannot suffer any restrictions on access.

The United Nations headquarters is a place of neutrality, a sanctuary dedicated to peace, where conflicts are resolved, Barrot said.

Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he spoke with Abbas on Saturday to express his firm support after the unjust visa revocations.

Palestine has the right to make its voice heard at the United Nations and in all international forums, Sanchez wrote in a post on social media.
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP)  The Palestinian president's office on Saturday urged the U.S. government to reverse its unusual decision to revoke his visa, weeks before he was meant to appear at the U.N.s main annual meeting and an international conference about creating a Palestinian state.

The 27-nation European Union asked the Trump administration to reconsider the move, which drew broad criticism.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio rescinded 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, the State Department disclosed Friday, citing national security interests. Abbas has addressed the General Assembly for many years, and generally leads the Palestinian delegation.

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We call upon the American administration to reverse its decision. This decision will only increase tension and escalation," Palestinian presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh told The Associated Press in Ramallah on Saturday.

We have been in contact since yesterday with Arab and foreign countries, especially those directly concerned with this issue. This effort will continue around the clock," he said.

He urged countries to put pressure on the Trump administration to reverse the decision, notably those nations that organized a high-level conference on Sept. 22 about reviving efforts for a two-state solution in Israel and the Palestinian territories. It is co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he deplores the U.S. decision.

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"The U.N. headquarters is a sanctuary in the service of peace. It should not be subject to any access restrictions,'' he posted on X Saturday after meeting with his counterparts from around the EU.

The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas issued a statement about the revoked visas saying: In light of the existing headquarters agreements between the U.N. and its host state, we urge for this decision to be reconsidered.''

Abu Rudeineh also called for an end to Israels offensive in Gaza and "escalation in the West Bank, because none of this will lead to any solution.

The move came as the Israeli military declared Gazas largest city a combat zone. Israel says Gaza City remains a stronghold of Hamas.

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The Trump administration has taken several steps to target Palestinians with visa restrictions.

It is in our national security interests to hold the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) and PA (Palestinian Authority) accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace, the State Department said in a statement.

The Palestinian Authority denounced the visa withdrawals as a violation of U.S. commitments as the host country of the United Nations. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the world body would be seeking clarification from the State Department. ___

Associated Press writer Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.
The office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the U.S. government on Saturday to reverse its decision to revoke his visa, weeks before he is meant to appear at the United Nations' annual meeting and an international conference about creating a Palestinian state.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio rescinded the visas of Abbas and 80 other officials ahead of next month's high-level meeting of the U.N. General Assembly, the State Department disclosed on Friday. Palestinian representatives assigned to the U.N. mission were granted exceptions.

The move is the latest in a series of steps the Trump administration has taken to target Palestinians with visa restrictions.

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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, to 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.

Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, speaks during the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 26, 2024, in New York City. / Credit: Stephanie Keith / Getty Images

The Palestinian Authority denounced the visa withdrawals as a violation of U.S. commitments as the host country of the United Nations.

Abbas has addressed the General Assembly for many years and generally leads the Palestinian delegation.

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"We call upon the American administration to reverse its decision. This decision will only increase tension and escalation," Palestinian presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh told The Associated Press in Ramallah on Saturday.

"We have been in contact since yesterday with Arab and foreign countries, especially those directly concerned with this issue. This effort will continue around the clock," he said.

He urged other countries to put pressure on the Trump administration to reverse the decision.

EU countries back Palestinian leader

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot protested restrictions on access to the U.N. General Assembly, and said he would discuss the issue with EU counterparts.

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"The United Nations headquarters is a place of neutrality, a sanctuary dedicated to peace, where conflicts are resolved," he said Saturday. "The UN General Assembly  cannot suffer any restrictions on access."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he spoke with Abbas on Saturday to tell him that Madrid supports him and called the visa denial "unjust."

"Palestine has the right to make its voice heard at the United Nations and in all international forums," he said on X.

The move by the U.S. came as the Israeli military declared Gaza's largest city a combat zone. Israel says Gaza City remains a stronghold of Hamas.

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Filmmakers Vetri Maaran, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Raj B. Shetty and Nag Ashwin unveiled the trailer of Manoj Bajpayee starrer 'Jugnuma (The Fable)' on Saturday. It will be presented by Academy Award winner Guneet Monga Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap. 'Jugnuma' has been directed by Raam Reddy, who shot to global glory with his National Award-winning Kannada debut 'Thithi'. Set in the late 80s, 'Jugnuma' follows Dev (Bajpayee), who discovers mysteriously burnt trees in his sprawling estate of fruit orchards nestled in the Indian Himalayas. Despite all efforts, more fires break out, leading him to see himself and his family for who they truly are, according to the press note shared by the makers. Taking to the Instagram handle, Anurag Kashyap shared the trailer of the film on Saturday. "Jugnuma is @raamreddy.creates's labour of love and a film that has genuinely impacted me as a filmmaker and an audience, and that's why all of us are supporting the film. So happy that Vetri, Lijo, Raj & Nag have come onboard to support the film, and here we present the trailer to you," wrote Anurag Kashyap. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN9-5RSDJ9j/? The film had a stellar run at global film festivals, including its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, winning Best Film at the Leeds International Film Festival, and a Special Jury Prize at the Mumbai Film Festival. Apart from Bajpayee, the film also stars Tillotama Shome, Deepak Dobariyal, Priyanka Bose, Awan Pookot and Hiral Sidhu in the lead roles. With dialogue penned by Varun Grover, the film features a powerhouse ensemble cast, including Deepak Dobriyal, Priyanka Bose, and Tillotama Shome. For Reddy, it was a surreal moment to have the trailer of his second feature directorial be launched by mavericks like Vetri Maaran ('Visaranai', 'Asuran'), Lijo Jose Pellissery ('Angamaly Diaries', 'Jallikattu'), Raj B. Shetty, who recently produced the Kannada blockbuster 'So From So' and Nag Ashwin ('Kalki 2898 AD', 'Mahanati), as per the press note. "For a filmmaker, moments like these feel almost unreal. To have some of the most visionary storytellers of our generation come together in support of 'Jugnuma' is both in humbling and deeply affirming. This film was born out of an intimate journey into magical realism - created from the heart and in a vacuum - and to see it embraced by such giants of Indian cinema makes me believe that cinema really is a dream worth fighting for," said Raam Reddy as per the press note. 'Jugnuma' will receive a nationwide release in cinemas on September 12, 2025. (ANI)
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach began with a small red barn with a few ducks, chickens, and a goat named Pepita.

Since its beginning, it has evolved into a 23-acre tropical habitat with dedicated areas such as Florida Wetlands where appropriate species reside. The hundreds of animals and birds include endangered species such as a Bairds tapir, as well as tigers, bald eagles and many other species.

During holidays, such as Labor Day weekend, many families come to the zoo to enjoy the wildlife and the amenities.

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But which animals do people enjoy the most? It's, of course, a personal choice.

So we thought, on this Labor Day weekend, we'd let you decide.

So, please let us know your choice.

Famous people, celebrities, GOATS: They live or lived in Palm Beach County

Zoos have evolved; now it's about having experiences with the animals

Today, the zoo is much more than just a place to observe wildlife. A key part of its mission is conservation, said CEO and President Margo McKnight, who has been at the helm for six years. She leads a staff of 100.

Zoos have evolved so much. In the past, it was kind of like Noahs Ark. Now its about having experiences with the animals you have, McKnight said. People are loving the zoo.

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It is not about the numbers as much as it is about these inspiring animals you can get close to that are comfortable and entertained and enriched by people coming into the zoo.

Now a major attraction, the zoo at 1301 Summit Blvd. draws close to 390,00 visitors a year. For an extra fee on top of admission, the zoo offers animal experiences where visitors can get closer and learn more about eight species including the Aldabra tortoise, the African crested porcupine, koalas and panthers. Except for the tortoise experience, all the sessions are noncontact, for the animals safety and well-being.

The zoos mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world.

Our goal is to get them to connect to the animals, fall in love with the animals and begin thinking more deeply. We are a wildlife and conservation organization, McKnight said.

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The hope for the zoo is that many visitors will realize they are sharing the planet with animals, and that some will decide to get involved in conservation, McKnight said.

Themed sections and the zoo's conservation efforts

The zoo's themed sections include Tropics of the Americas, Florida Wetlands, Asia and The Islands. Each area features different animals and birds representing a specific habitat or ecosystem. The Tropics of the Americas, opened in 2004, displays jaguars, giant anteaters, New World monkeys, tropical birds and other species.

The Islands showcases animals from islands all over the world, including the koala and the rainbow lorikeet, both native to Australia.

The Zoos Everglades Center, within the Florida Wetlands section, takes guests on a journey to the Everglades and beyond through videos that share the zoos wildlife-saving stories in the field. They can watch endangered Florida panthers in a habitat designed to suit the animals natural behaviors.

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Everything changes over time. When wildlife was not threatened, zoos were like, Look at this cool animal. Now we have a huge commitment to conservation, McKnight said. We are trying to get our guests to wear coral-safe sunscreen and plant native plants.

Tiger Forest exhibit grand opening at The Palm Beach Zoo

The zoos conservation efforts include hands-on off-site research, uncommon among zoos, and collaboration with other entities.

The zoo is involved in research on the snail kite, a federally protected bird of prey. The Avian Research and Conservation Institute is the permit holder for the project. Palm Beach Countys Environmental Resource Management, or ERM, also works to protect important habitats, McKnight said.

It is a great partnership that also spans other species, including swallow-tailed kites, McKnight said.

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The zoos avian team participates in monitoring the breeding population by tagging adult snail kites with solar telemetry and conducting roost counts. Florida Power & Light funds the solar packs that transmit data back to the team. ERM assists with finding nests and providing access. Birders from all zoo departments, volunteers and the community participate in the summer roost counts.

Palm Beach County is a paradise for humans. It is a really important part of Florida, McKnight said. We still have some of the best, pristine Everglades habitats here, and the coral reefs are thriving here. We have the opportunity to really make a difference.

The snail kite feeds almost entirely on freshwater apple snails and non-native snails recently introduced to Florida, which require a water depth of about 18 inches. In Palm Beach County the birds are found in Grassy Waters Preserve, the Loxahatchee Slough and the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.

We can tell the story of these kites and make sure the lands are fully protected, McKnight said.

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Grassy Waters, a 23-square-mile wetlands ecosystem, provides water for the City of West Palm Beach and the towns of Palm Beach and South Palm Beach. It is a remnant of the once-great Everglades system.

What the kites are depending on is the same water resource. Its so symbolic of the real world. We need ecosystems to function for humans, McKnight said.

The zoo helps to preserve and protect Florida's Coral Reef

Another important conservation effort is the zoos Coral Reef Conservation Initiative. The zoos science dive team gathers data essential to help preserve and protect Floridas Coral Reef.

Coral reefs are also crucial to sea life, and to the areas economy, especially to fishing and diving.

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Reefs cover just 1% of the oceans bottom, but 25 percent of the oceans biodiversity is connected to reefs, such as sea turtles and the fish we eat.

Coral reefs are like a rainforest. You cant see them because they are underwater, McKnight said.

Making people aware that the reefs off Palm Beach Countys coast are still healthy lets them know its worthwhile to get involved. An August zoo dive team inspection of a reef named Playpen found no discouraging issues such as widespread bleaching or disease.

If you live within 30 miles of the ocean, you are connected to it, McKnight said. We are giving that story and that power back to individuals. Everyone can do something.

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There is always something to be done. That is a huge part of our message. Come and have fun. See our Florida panther. Use your voice to write to the governor and tell him we care about our parks. That is part of our job too, getting our membership and the community to feel connected, McKnight said.

The zoo helps to protect the Florida panther and jaguars

Another of the zoos conservation initiatives is Florida Wildlife Corridor: Protecting Florida Panther. The zoo has been collaborating with Carlton Ward Jr., Path of the Panther and the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation since 2014. One accomplishment is landmark legislation in 2019 that recognized the need for wildlife corridors in Florida.

The zoo also supports wildlife conservation efforts with the Somali Giraffe Project in Africa and in Central America that are protecting the jaguar and other species.

Special events have drawn people to the zoo over the years. The zoo once held numerous food truck and live band events but decided to take a new direction that would attract a wider audience.

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There were not a lot of holiday light things going on compared to other communities. We decided to create a zoo lights event where people can come at night over the holidays and experience the zoo in different ways, McKnight said.

Zoo Lights began six years ago and has been a success. This year it runs from Nov. 23 through Jan. 5. LED lights are used. The animals are closely monitored to detect any changes in their behavior due to the light and sound. If any changes are noted, the animals are moved out of that area.

The zoos focus has shifted from teaching students facts about animals to giving them the opportunity to be around and near nature and animals.

We know it is important to unplug and spend time in nature. That is clear from a health perspective. We call it Vitamin Z, McKnight said.

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The goal is to provide as much of an awe experience as possible.

We are getting way more sophisticated, McKnight said. It is about feelings and experience and visiting the zoo. We are a not-for-profit with a mission to save wildlife and wild places.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach Zoo poll, asking readers which animal is their favorite
Attorney General Pam Bondi has fired a Department of Justice paralegal whom she says bragged about flicking off a National Guard member on her way to work earlier this month.

The fired employee, Elizabeth Baxter, is accused of telling a DOJ buildings security guard that she made the gesture to the soldierwho was patrolling a Washington, D.C. train station on the orders of President Donald Trump, who declared a crime emergency for the nations capital on a whimand said, F--k the National Guard.

Today, I took action to terminate a DOJ employee for inappropriate conduct towards National Guard service members in DC, Bondi posted to X on Friday. If you oppose our mission and disrespect law enforcementyou will NO LONGER work at DOJ.

Today, I took action to terminate a DOJ employee for inappropriate conduct towards National Guard service members in DC. @TheJusticeDept remains committed to defending President Trumps agenda and fighting to make America safe again.



If you oppose our mission and disrespect https://t.co/E1NYMtALWu  Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) August 30, 2025

A photo captured by a security camera and obtained by the New York Post showed Baxter re-enacting the obscene gesture to the security guard. She worked in the same office as Sean Charles Dunn, another ex-DOJ paralegal who was firedand briefly faced felony chargesfor chucking a Subway sandwich at federal officers.

Baxters termination letter said she worked in the Environmental Defense Section of the DOJs Environment and Natural Resources Division.

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Bondi, 59, has faced harsh criticism from within MAGA this year after she promised to deliver answers about the suicide of Jeffrey Epstein and the federal investigation into his laundry list of alleged sex crimes.

Donald Trump joked about not talking about Pam Bondi's looks. / Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

The Florida native said in February that a client list was sitting on her desk. However, she backtracked this summer, asserting that the notorious sex traffickerwho was friends with Trumpdid not keep a list of his clients. At the same time, the FBI, now filled with officials appointed by Trump, said that all evidence points to Epsteins death being a suicide, dispelling a long-held MAGA conspiracy that he was murdered.

MAGA was split in two by the announcement. Trump has urged his supporters to end their fixation on Epstein and his crimes, attempting to draw attention away from the fact that the two men were once friends who were frequently photographed together.

A billboard in New York City's Times Square calls for the release of the Epstein files on July 23. / Adam Gray / Getty Images

In the fallout, Trump and Bondi were frequently accused of devising ways to distract from the fact that they had not provided answers on Epstein.

Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel are reportedly scheduled to testify before Congress this fall regarding the sex offender.
US Army paratroopers are adapting to the service's push to develop drone warfare skills.

They're looking at specific capabilities, testing, and learning lessons in real time.

Feedback and communication across the entire Army have been critical for individual soldiers to be successful.

US Army soldiers are tearing apart drones, printing out new parts, and flying their own creations into live-fire drills  a crash-course in the messy, fast-paced world of drone warfare.

The Army has launched a sweeping push to weave drones into combat across the force. For now, that work can look improvised and experimental, with soldiers moving quickly and sharing feedback as they go.

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In line with the Army's significant transformation initiative, over the past nine months, the Bayonet Innovation Team of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, part of the Army's Southern European Task Force, Africa, has been building, flying, and reconfiguring drones. In exercises in Lithuania, Tunisia, and Germany, the brigade used first-person view drones to strike static and moving targets, 3D-printed parts to test new designs, and artificial intelligence-enabled software to refine tactics.

All of this hard work culminated in the 173rd successfully achieving the Army's first drone-on-drone kill earlier this month during a summit at Fort Rucker, Alabama. The data gathered from that milestone  and at every step leading up to it  has been considered and shared.

TK US Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brittany Conley

The 173rd's 1st. Lt. Francesco La Torre, who was the officer in charge during the Army's first air-to-air kill with a first-person-view drone, told Business Insider that "there's an incredibly open and approachable atmosphere to innovation when it comes to small UAS and then also all forms of unmanned systems."

La Torre described the feedback from testing drones as "incredibly actionable," noting that it spreads quickly between units and doctrines across the Army. Lessons learned from one system or tactical environment are quickly communicated and implemented, and it's open across program offices, adjacent units, and commanders.

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"Now more than ever before, information is being shared between so many organizations and so many stakeholders in lethality and readiness that it's improving other programs and systems," La Torre said.

Over the past year or so, the integration of those systems has been quick and extensive.

Trainings and exercises have adapted and ultimately been made more realistic. The Army's AI tools, like Palantir's Gotham and Maven Smart System, the latter being the Pentagon's main AI platform, as well as Foundry, have made data sharing and integration easier.

In one instance, the 173rd Airborne was able to use AI on a long-range reconnaissance drone that could recognize targets to speed up decision-making. In another, terminal guidance systems helped ensure FPV drones reached their targets, especially in the last meters when a pilot closes in.

TK US Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brittany Conley

For paratroopers like those in the 173rd specifically, how drones fit into the mission set is a bit different from the rest of the Army. Paratroopers have a more expeditionary mission than some other units, needing to be able to survive behind enemy lines for extended periods of time. That reality could mean fighting and surviving in highly contested environments for several days at a time.

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Thus, the requirements for the drones used by paratroopers might look a bit different, La Torre said. "I'm looking for one, something that can jump with me out of an aircraft, and then two, I'm looking for a system that I can fight with for days at a time."

Lower-cost systems, and ones that can carry munitions and other payloads, can conduct a variety of operations for paratroopers. And if a drone works within the constraints of a paratrooper's requirements, then it will likely work for the rest of the Army and broader American force, he added.

TK US Army photo by Sgt. Jose Lora

The Army considers drones, UAS capabilities, and counter-drone technologies critical for preparing for potential future conflict. Leadership is flooding units across the service with these weapons, and in turn, individual soldiers are working out the kinks in real time.

Some US soldiers are learning how to fly drones in the humid, rainy climates of the Indo-Pacific, adjusting as a system loses battery power or can't take off as expected. Others in Europe have found that the way they carry drones on their rucksacks  or whether they brought enough spare parts  can be make-or-break decisions in a fight. They are also finding problems with the video feed connections and flight ranges and giving feedback on what else they need.

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La Torre told Business Insider that the link between tactical units and technicians is what's enabling troops to problem solve, whether that's with wanting a specific piece of technology to do a task, having a certain capability, or requesting something new altogether.

At the summit earlier this month, the 173rd took those efforts a step further, hopping off the range to "troubleshoot, redesign the system on the fly, and then put it back out on the range almost immediately," he said. "That relationship is incredibly important."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ten Utah teenagers received citations for vandalizing a lava tube at Snow Canyon State Park with spray paint.

The graffiti included an orange smiley face, and it happened a moderately difficult 45-minute hike from one entrance, St. George News reported.

Witnesses alerted park rangers, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office issued the tickets. The 10 culprits were all underage, and their parents were notified.

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"It's sad to see," visitor Steven Thatcher told the News, noting that the vandalism also left behind a distinct odor. "It's kind of frustrating that someone would go in there and kind of ruin that for other people going in there."

Adults convicted of defacing by graffiti on public lands face 100 hours of community service and a fine to cover the cost of restoration, as the outlet reported. Voluntarily removing the graffiti with permission can reduce the fine.

The outlet previously reported that park manager Kristen Comella said spray paint was difficult to remove without causing further damage.

"It was just kids being kids and doing things they shouldn't be doing, and now they're paying the consequences," Deputy Stephen Iverson told the News.

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The episode offers a reminder that natural areas have been around for millennia. In this instance, two hiking trails converge on a pair of lava tubes formed by a lava flow 27,000 years ago. In the area, visitors can learn about geology and cave wildlife as well as the tubes.

Such educational information helps promote the conservation of these stunning features so they can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Destroying and defacing public parks, on the other hand, affects parkgoers as well as wildlife, plant life, and the rangers who have to repair rock faces and other features. Spray paint is particularly problematic because it leaches toxic chemicals into the environment. Using it also discharges dangerous volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.

To help prevent vandalism, educate others by engaging them in respectful conversation. You can even try to politely correct outdoor misbehavior such as littering with this method. If all else fails, of course, you can contact law enforcement.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
SALT LAKE CITY  Utah leaders are scrambling to figure out how to get an approved map ready in time to be used in the 2026 congressional elections after a judge ordered them to redraw the states current map.

The ruling, issued Monday by 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson, states that the current districting map cant be used in any future elections. It also proposed a timeline giving the Utah Legislature 30 days to enact new political boundaries that comply with Proposition 4, which created an independent redistricting commission.

On Friday, attorneys representing the Utah Legislature, as well as those representing the League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government, spent nearly two hours discussing what happens next.

Uncharted territory

Gibson said her ruling places them in uncharted territory. While she proposed a timeline to enact new political boundaries complying with Proposition 4, she said, ultimately, she wants the attorneys to agree on a timeline.

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In Fridays hearing, attorneys discussed how to make time for anticipated challenges while meeting the Nov. 1 deadline that the Legislature requested for having the new map approved by the court.

This court is not drawing a map. It is the Legislatures responsibility to ensure that there is a lawful congressional plan in place for the 2026 election, Gibson said at the beginning of the hearing.

Attorney Mark Gaber, who represents the organizations that filed the lawsuit, said in some states it has fallen to the court to draw a map, and they have hired experts to assist. He said the courts authority to create a map does not come from Proposition 4, but from the U.S. Constitution.

If the Legislature doesnt comply with the law, Garber said, having the court draw the map could be the only option to create a valid congressional map.

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However, he said it would be his preference that Gibson, instead, pick from other submitted maps, including one from his clients, if she determines the Legislatures map does not meet the required criteria. He said that with the courts current ruling, the operative congressional district map is the 2011 map, which is unacceptable because it is based on outdated census numbers.

Gibson said before the courts draw a map, she would need arguments and a briefing to convince her that it is within her responsibility to do so, and not a breach of the separation of powers. She said drawing a map is a legislative role.

Judge: Commission not necessary

Tyler Green, an attorney representing the state of Utah, asked for clarification on what aspects of Proposition 4 the Legislature would need to comply with, specifically inquiring about the requirement for a seven-member commission to draw and propose maps, as well as a 10-day public comment period.

I think we can either have new maps for the 2026 election or we can have maps that fully comply with all of Proposition 4, but I dont know that we can have both, he said.

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Gaber said the text of Proposition 4 requires a commission only when there is a new census or if additional congressional districts are allocated, which is not the case here.

He did not concede the requirement for public comment, but he did say he might be willing to agree to having fewer than 10 days available if needed to get a legitimate map. He said that because a new census has not been conducted, there is already public comment available for the Legislature to review. Ten days to review the new map would give much more time for public comment than was available in 2021, he added.

The judge ruled that the commission is not necessary, but she said the public comment time is required under Proposition 4. She said if both attorneys agreed to it, she would approve shortening the 10-day period.

Proposed timelines

Gaber pointed out that the Nov. 1 deadline was not followed in 2021, when the governor signed off on the new districting map on Nov. 12, after it was released on Nov. 5. However, the attorneys ultimately aimed for that date with each schedule they proposed.

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Green said multiple times that the Legislature would like as much time as possible to create new maps. He said if they are required to have a 10-day period for public comment, he would also want adequate time to consider those comments. He said the Legislature will need to call a special session  possibly multiple special sessions  in order to meet the requirements, which will impact the timing of the case.

The Legislature needs time to do its job, he said.

The attorneys discussed a few specific dates in mid-October, including a Sept. 24 deadline for submitting a map and hearings about whether the map meets the requirements of Proposition 4. Gaber said he preferred earlier in October, while Green preferred later.

Green and Gaber also disagreed on the timeline for the organizations to submit proposed maps. Gaber suggested his clients submit maps along with the Legislature, and then responses to those maps would be due at the same time. Green said the Legislatures map should be considered first before examining other proposed maps; he said it sounds like the map in Gabers proposal would play the role of a commission map, when it should not.

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Gibson asked the attorneys to talk and come up with a plan to submit to the court  either together or separately  and she would decide on a final schedule.

Request for a stay

The Legislatures attorney asked the court, in a brief filed shortly before Fridays hearing, to put its ruling from earlier this week on hold until any appeals to the Utah Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court are final, allowing them to use the 2021 map during that time.

Greene requested that the motion be considered promptly, explaining that if his client wants to ask the Utah Supreme Court for a stay, it first needs to get a ruling on the motion from Gibson.

Gaber argued that it would be tremendously unjust to have the 2021 map govern another election cycle due to a stay. He said the people of Utah passed Proposition 4 in 2018 and noted that if the ruling is put on hold, it would be a decade between that vote and when a map that followed the vote could be used for an election.

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This has to be the point at which it stops. This has to be the point at which there is a lawful map that complies with Proposition 4s substantive requirements, he said.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Gibson said she wants time to look at the motion more thoroughly before issuing a ruling. She invited the attorneys to submit additional written responses for her to consider within the next few days.
CAIRO (AP)  A passenger train derailed Saturday in western Egypt, killing at least three people and injuring 94 others, authorities said. It was the latest in a series of rail accidents in the country in recent years.

The train derailed as it traveled to Cairo from the western Mediterranean province of Matrouh, on the countrys north coast, railway authorities said in a statement. Seven of its wagons went off the tracks, with two of them overturning.

The Health Ministry released a separate statement detailing the casualty count, adding that 30 ambulances were dispatched to transfer the injured to hospitals.

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The railway authorities statement said an investigation was opened to determine the cause of the derailment.

Train derailments and crashes are common in Egypt, where an aging railway system has also been plagued by mismanagement. Last October, a locomotive crashed into the tail of a Cairo-bound passenger train in southern Egypt, killing at least one person and injuring multiple others.

In recent years, the government announced initiatives to improve its railways. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi said in 2018 some 250 billion Egyptian pounds, or $8.13 billion, would be needed to properly overhaul the country's neglected rail network.
Patients Not Prisoners (PNP) will host its annual Evening of Compassion Dinner & Gala on October 17, 2025, at Marywood Retreat & Conference Center to support mental health initiatives.

The event aims to raise $100,000, with 75% of the funds benefiting Northeast Florida State Hospital (NEFSH), which has been affected by severe budget cuts.

The gala, held in honor of World Mental Health Day, will bring together community leaders, advocates, and citizens to celebrate partnerships that emphasize healing and dignity over punishment and stigma.

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Attendees will enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by a master chef and a faith-based rap concert by renowned artist John Levi, aimed at youth and the young at heart.

Funds raised will support the renovation of NEFSHs Visitor Center and the construction of a Peace Park, providing patients with spaces for dignity, family connection, and reflection.

NEFSH currently houses over 600 vulnerable individuals.

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The United States Department of State approved military sales to Ukraine worth $329.1 million on Aug. 29, for components related to the upkeep of Patriot air defense systems as well as Starlink terminals, the agency announced.

In separate announcements, the State Department said that approximately $179.1 million would be directed towards "Patriot Air Defense System Sustainment" and will include spare parts, maintenance support, software updates, and contractor training, among other items associated with the Patriot systems' upkeep.

In another package, the State Department said that, at Ukraine's request, an estimate $150 million had been appropriated to "buy an extension of satellite communications services for (Ukraine's) Starlink terminals." The sales package includes U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support, among other assistance, the agency said.

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In June, the United States and NATO reached an agreement for alliance members to purchase American weapons for Ukraine through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. Since the beginning of August, NATO allies such as Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden have committed to funding PURL packages for Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for Western allies to supply Kyiv with U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems to protect Ukraine's skies from Russian missile attacks.

Likewise, Ukraine heavily relies on satellite Starlink internet terminals, developed by billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX corporation, to restore internet access and power to hospitals, schools and emergency services during widespread blackouts. Along with the humanitarian purposes, Ukraine has used Starlink terminals to pilot drones, target artillery strikes, and coordinate battlefield communications.

The announcement of additional military sales comes just one day after the State Department approved 825 million worth of Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles and related equipment in sale to Kyiv.

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"Up to 3,350 ERAM missiles and 3,350 navigation modules to counter spoofing will be procured," Presidential Office Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak wrote on social media, confirming the deal.

Ahead of finalizing the sale, the U.S. congress must sign off its approval to the sale of the equipment. It was not immediately clear as to when Ukraine can expect to receive the equipment stemming from the sale.

Read also: US approves $825 million military sale to Ukraine for ERAM missiles





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(Photo/Pawnee Nation College Facebook)

Pawnee Nation College (PNC) and Tulsa Community College (TCC) have established a partnership aimed at supporting PNCs path to full accreditation and expanding educational opportunities for students in the Pawnee Nation and other rural areas.

Leaders from both colleges met Friday at TCCs West Campus to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that formally launches the collaboration. Under the agreement, PNC will operate within TCCs academic and administrative framework as it seeks accreditation from the Higher Learning Commissionan essential requirement for institutions granting fully recognized degrees.

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As part of the partnership, TCC will offer academic support, faculty collaboration, and student services designed to build PNCs institutional strength. Meanwhile, PNC will continue its commitment to providing education that reflects the culture and traditions of the Pawnee Nation and surrounding communities.

Founded in 2004, PNC is a tribally controlled institution based in Pawnee, Oklahoma, serving both traditional and non-traditional students. In collaboration with TCC, it will offer degree programs in Business Administration, Child Development, and Environmental Science and Natural Resources.

The agreement also grants students immediate access to key TCC resources, including academic advising, library services, and institutional policies, while creating a long-term foundation for growth and development at PNC.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward for higher education in Oklahoma, particularly for students in rural and tribal areas who have long encountered obstacles to earning a college degree.

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About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
Bollywood diva Tara Sutaria appears to have made it Instagram official with her rumoured boyfriend, Veer Pahariya. The actress took to her social media handle and shared Ganesh Chaturthi greetings on Saturday; however, it was one special picture that got all the attention. Tara shared a string of pictures of herself dressed in a traditional ensemble, pairing them with one that featured the 'Sky Force' actor. https://www.instagram.com/p/DN-X6I0CZ_q/ In the picture, the two could be seen posing together for the camera, exuding an adorable charm and chemistry. "Devotion, faith and celebration..Ganpati Bappa Morya," Tara wrote in the caption. The actress looked regal and stunning in the heavily embroidered white saree, which she paired with traditional jewellery and flowers in her hair. On the other hand, Veer was seen twinning with Tara, both dressed in white outfits. Fans couldn't help but heap praise on the actors' stunning looks, while others teased their rumoured romance. One wrote, "5th picture is everything," while another added, "These two." Reports have been circulating on the internet about her dating Veer Pahariya for some time now. Tara and Veer made a joint appearance at the India Couture Week 2025, where the 'Marjaavan' star surprised everyone by sending a flying kiss to Veer Pahariya, who was seen sitting in the audience. "That's very, very sweet, and it's so nice to see and read about it online. I'm sorry, I won't be able to talk about that at the moment," Tara told ANI at the time. Prior to that, the duo added more fuel to the rumours with their PDA-filled comments for each other. From sweet comments to twinning at the airport and reportedly going on vacations, the rumoured couple has constantly captured attention online. On the work front, Veer Pahariya recently made his Bollywood debut in 'Sky Force' earlier this year, where he shared screen space with Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan, and Nimrat Kaur. Tara, on the other hand, has been focusing on music videos. She recently appeared in 'Thodi Si Daaru' with AP Dhillon and earlier in 'Pyaar Aata Hai' with Ishaan Khatter. She was last seen in the film Apurva (2023) and has not yet announced her next movie project. (ANI)
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Police are searching for the person who left the scene of a deadly pedestrian accident in Whitehaven Friday night.

Just before 9:00 p.m., officers responded to a pedestrian struck in the 1000 block of E. Brooks Road.

Officers located a male who was transported to the hospital in critical condition, where he was pronounced deceased.

MPD said the driver responsible fled the scene.

Police have not released a description of the drivers vehicle. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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LUZERNE, SUSQUEHANNA, AND WAYNE COUNTIES (WBRE/WYOU)  PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll made a stop in Sweet Valley today, highlighting the reopening of three bridges ahead of schedule.

Secretary Carrolls visit focused on improvements made in Luzerne, Susquehanna and Wayne counties after extensive rainfall and flooding in northeastern Pennsylvania in mid-July.

PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll held a news conference on the side of the road in Ross Township, Luzerne County.

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The conference highlighted the repairs made in PennDOT District four, including where the conference was held.

Tractor trailer fire closes portion of I-81

During the rain event, the existing stone masonry arch was severely damaged. Due to the extensive damage of the structure, a full replacement was required. They removed the existing stone masonry arch and installed two temporary five-foot diameter pipes, said Lonell Tomaine, assistant district executive maintenance at PennDOT.

PennDOT assistant district executive for maintenance Lonell Tomaine says the district, which includes those three counties and three more, experienced upwards of six and a half inches of rain.

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PennDOT staff immediately assessed the damage and determined where repairs were needed.

A bridge on Route 1037 over a tributary to Dubois Creek in Great Bend, Susquehanna County, and Route 191 over Butternut Creek in Sterling Township, Wayne County.

Photos from PennDOT show the before and after of the replacement of Route 4028 over Huntington Creek in Ross Township, Luzerne County.

The repairs to Route 4028 werent terribly extensive, but the closure forced drivers to take a seven-mile detour.

Whenever theres a severing of a roadway, whether its a state road or a township road, it results in inconvenience. You have to consider the possibility of school bus routes that are in play, emergency responders. The totality of what happens in a community is directly impacted from the loss of a bridge like this one, explained Carroll.

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The Route 1037 bridge was reopened on July 24, 10 days ahead of schedule.

Route 4028 over Huntington Creek was reopened on August 7, a week ahead of schedule.

And Route 191 over Butternut Creek reopened on August 29, a week ahead of schedule.

According to PennDOT, Pennsylvania has more than 25,000 state-owned bridges. The three bridges discussed today carry more than 2,500 vehicles a day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (WHTM)  A Pennsylvania county commissioner is facing charges as part of what the district attorneys office called a massive drug investigation this week.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan announced the arrest of Lehigh County Commissioner Zachary Cole-Borghi during a press conference Friday.

Holihan said Cole-Borghi was arrested at Bethlehem City Hall and has posted bail.

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Moon Dancer Winery reopens after State Supreme Court battle

His arrest, the district attorney said, was one of many made this week in a multi-year investigation.

There have been 22 individuals who have been arrested as part of this investigation and we anticipate more arrests as the investigation proceeds, Holihan said. The multi-jurisdictional effort was led by the Lehigh County Drug Task Force, he said.

Arrests, he said, were made in Lehigh County, Northampton County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, as well as New York City, Chicago, and the State of Wisconsin.

Indictments were made by a grand jury, Holihan said.

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Cash, firearms, cocaine, marijuana, and more were seized, he said.

The DA did not release a list of all arrested in the investigation.

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Defense Secretary Hegseth announced on Thursday the creation of a new joint task force to counter the growing threat of hostile drones.

The Pentagon will establish Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to develop affordable counter-drone capabilities for U.S. forces. The move comes as small unmanned aerial systems increasingly threaten American military personnel and facilities both domestically and overseas. The task force signals the Defense Departments urgency in addressing vulnerabilities exposed by recent drone incidents.

Hegseth directed the Secretary of the Army to formally establish JIATF 401 as a unified team drawing talent from multiple agencies. The task force will report directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense to streamline decision-making and resource allocation.

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Were moving fast  cutting through bureaucracy, consolidating resources, and empowering this task force with the utmost authority to outpace our adversaries, said Secretary Hegseth. Make no mistake  under this administration and President Trumps leadership, we will innovate, we will lead, and we will win.

The Pentagon emphasized its commitment to protecting personnel, equipment, and facilities through enhanced counter-UAS capabilities. The formal establishment memo provides additional details on the task forces structure and authorities.

JIATF 401s mission extends beyond military installations to promoting sovereignty over national airspace. The interagency approach aims to leverage expertise across government to develop comprehensive drone defense solutions.
The Pentagon is considering speeding up the process to bring back ex-service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.

Less than two dozen service members have been reinstated, though hundreds have applied.

Sources say Defense Department officials are weighing whether to grant honorable discharges to some people forced out of the U.S. military for not getting vaccinated.

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The change would apply only to those whose departures stemmed exclusively from their refusal to take the vaccine. Troops who refused the shots but also had additional disciplinary infractions would not be eligible to have their discharges upgraded.

Veterans forced out under the mandate have been frustrated by what they described as a slow, arduous process to return to service. Some have also called for accountability for military leaders who enforced the Biden-era vaccine policy and would like to see them terminated from their positions.

A listening session regarding snags in the reinstatement process is scheduled for Sept. 3. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is likely to speak, two of the sources said.

Then Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in 2021 mandated the coronavirus vaccine for all service members, citing the need for a "healthy and ready force."

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It was a polarizing issue among the rank and file and in the highest corridors of the Pentagon.

Congress limited the type of discharges defense officials could issue for refusing the coronavirus vaccine. The lawmakers required service members receive either an honorable discharge, or what's known as a "general discharge under honorable conditions"  a status that signals a service member fell short of meeting every standard of conduct, but generally served in good faith.

Republicans lawmakers successfully sought an end to the coronavirus vaccine mandate and Austin rescinded it in 2023.

By then, roughly 8,700 active duty and reserve service members had either voluntarily or involuntarily left the military for refusing to take the vaccine.

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A week after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order reinstating those who requested it, and called the vaccine mandate "an unfair, overbroad, and completely unnecessary burden on our service members."

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell told CBS News on Friday that the Defense Department is prioritizing reinstatement cases and will continue to seek feedback from those men and women.

Officials recently enabled military branches to offer service members additional incentives to fulfill their four-year service obligation entirely in an active reserve status, with eligibility for back pay, Parnell said. Or, service members can choose to serve two years on active duty and two years in an active reserve status.

"The military services can also offer other incentives, such as duty station preferences, appropriate reclassification, and geographic stability during initial assignments," Parnell said.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Years after a Portland monument of the enslaved Black man who contributed to the Lewis and Clark Expedition was vandalized, the city is nearing its return.

Portlands Office of Arts and Culture spokesperson Kelly Knickerbocker confirmed to KOIN 6 that Todd McGrain completed a fabrication of the York bust earlier this August. Originally anonymous, McGrain is the same artist who sculpted the bust that was previously installed on a pedestal at Mt. Tabor Parks summit in February 2021.

Chef Gregory Gourdet reveals his favorite Portland restaurants to Conde Nast Traveler

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The artwork was removed due to vandalism just months later, and following several instances of what former Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long referred to as racist responses.

The York statue in Portlands Mt. Tabor Park was toppled and damaged overnight. July 28, 2021. (PP&R) The York statue in Portlands Mt. Tabor Park was toppled and damaged overnight. July 28, 2021. (PP&R) The York statue in Portlands Mt. Tabor Park was toppled and damaged overnight. July 28, 2021. (PP&R) The York statue in Portlands Mt. Tabor Park was toppled and damaged overnight. July 28, 2021. (PP&R)

York, who was enslaved by William Clark, was a part of the explorers expedition from St. Louis, Mo., to what is now Astoria, Ore. with Meriwether Lewis. York is believed to be the first African American person to cross into North America. He was denied payment and his freedom at the end of Lewis and Clarks journey, according to the National Park Service.

His Portland bust replaced a sculpture of late pioneer and newspaper editor Harvey Scott, which was toppled amid a series of racial justice protests. The city received the sculpture as a gift from Scotts wife in 1933, while the York sculpture was installed guerilla style more than a century later.

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But with an overwhelmingly positive response to the newer piece when it first appeared, officials decided to commission a permanent bust in 2023. The Office of Arts and Cultures Knickerbocker noted that public engagement on the permanent piece began last year, and will continue through 2026 as the city determines where it will go.

Oregon faces $888 million revenue loss. Heres why

The finalized York monument is slated to be installed in October 2026. However, the Oregon Black Pioneers has organized a York Fest for this fall from Oct. 17 through Oct. 25.

Two-hundred-and-twenty years after York reached present-day Portland as part of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Portlanders will gather to celebrate his legacy at York Fest, which will include six events across nine days  from film screenings and storytelling sessions to the world premiere of York the Explorer, a groundbreaking new folk opera, Knickerbocker said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORT ROYAL, S.C. (WSAV)  Dog Days of Summer Pet Supply Drive is an initiative organized by Sparklight to benefit local rescues and the rising costs of housing and pet care.

Donations will directly help the Palmetto Animal League, Raskels Rescue and Jasper Animal Rescue Mission.

You can donate at the following locations on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on any other weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

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925 Fording Island Rd., Bluffton

1425 Ribaut Rd., Port Royal

856 William Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head

Donations will be collected until Friday, Sept. 19.

Items needed include dog and cat food, pet treats, leashes of all sizes, cleaning supplies and new or gently used bedding and towels. Delivered items will be delivered on the last day of summer, on Sept. 22.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CVS and Walgreens pharmacies are withholding Covid-19 vaccines in more than a dozen states in response to the ongoing uncertainty about federal vaccine policy.

Amy Thibault, a spokesperson for CVS, said on Thursday that the vaccine is not available in 16 states due to the "current regulatory environment" in the federal government and unclear messaging from the Food and Drug Administration.

On Friday, the company issued an update to her comment, saying that it could administer the vaccines in 13 of the 16 states and the District of Columbia, so long as those seeking the shots had a prescription from a doctor or other medical provider, according to theNew York Times.

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In Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico, CVS pharmacies cannot offer the shots to anyone under any circumstances, Thibault said.

Walgreens offered a statement as well, noting that its pharmacists were "prepared to offer the vaccine in states where we are able to do so" so long as recipients meet the newly narrowed FDA criteria determining who qualifies for the shot.

CVS and Walgreens pharmacies are reportedly restricting who can receive Covid-19 vaccines amid ongoing uncertainty over federal vaccine policy (Getty)

A reporter at the NYT attempted to schedule appointments to get shots in all 50 states and the Walgreens website reportedly said that customers need a prescription in 16 of the states.

While there is some overlap, the NYT reports that there are differences between the states CVS restricts and the states Walgreens restricts.

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The uncertainty at the pharmacies is fallout from Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr's recent insistence on changing vaccine policy. President Donald Trump fired former CDC head Susan Monarez earlier this week after she refused to go along with RFK's policy agenda.

The states where CVS will requiring a prescription for those seeking vaccines are: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia, along with the District of Columbia, according to Thibault.

Walgreens is reportedly requiring prescriptions in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington State, West Virginia and Wisconsin, based on the NYT experiment.

Covid vaccine use saw a sharp decline after the pandemic. Only 23 percent of adults and 13 percent of children reported getting an updated Covid vaccine last flu season, according to the CDC.

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Cold and flu season is around the corner and with it will come another spike in Covid cases. Dr Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, told the NYT it was "really unconscionable" that pharmacies would limit vaccine availability this close to cold and flu season.

He noted that the increasing difficulty of actually acquiring a vaccine is likely going to drive down the number of Americans who take the shots.

Its just raising more and more barriers, the doctor said. Its like an obstacle course.
Actor Jacob Elordi has made his first public appearance since his split from Olivia Jade Giannulli, as reported by People. The 28-year-old actor walked the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival during the world premiere of his newest film, Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein. Elordi was photographed leaving the hotel and heading to the annual event by boat, where he flashed a peace sign at onlookers. He then posed on the red carpet, wearing an all-white ensemble that he complemented with black shoes, as per the outlet. A source said earlier this month that Elordi and Giannulli had broken up, after dating on and off since 2021. The pair first sparked dating rumours late that year, when they were seen having coffee together in L.A. one month after Elordi's split from Kaia Gerber. The duo reportedly called it quits in August 2022, but later reconciled and were seen vacationing together in Italy in June 2023. They were also spotted spending time the following month on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, with Giannulli's parents, Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli. In July 2023, it was confirmed that Elordi and Giannulli were officially back together, with a source stating at the time that they were "getting serious," reported People. News of the Euphoria actor's recent split from influencer Giannulli emerged amid months of speculation about the now-former couple's relationship status, and a year and a half after multiple sources informed in January 2024 that they were still going strong. Elordi's latest project sees him as the monster of mad scientist Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac). The cast also includes Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Charles Dance and Christoph Waltz. The Venice International Film Festival runs through September 6, while Frankenstein is in theatres on October 17 and on Netflix on November 7, according to People. (ANI)
A volunteer photographer in southwest Florida checked his trail camera and saw an endangered Florida panther walking with her two kittens, which is rare, according to The News Tribune. There are only around 200 adults left in the wild, and less than half of their kittens survive their first year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says.

The footage came from the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, a 60,000-acre stretch of protected land in Lee and Collier counties. Tom Mortenson had been tracking the female panther, tagged as FP266, after she was collared in January 2024 by the FWC. He first spotted her alone in May 2024, with up-close footage, then with one kitten in June.

In July 2025, his camera finally caught her with both kittens in the same frame, albeit with footage that makes them harder to see, which The News Tribune's article gained permission to share.

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"Seeing those photos come into my iPhone was a very special delight," Mortenson said in an email, quoted in The News Tribune.

This is a good example of why trail camera images are so useful; they give conservation teams time-stamped evidence of endangered species and their survival. The Natural Resources Conservation Service says panthers help keep prey populations in check, which supports balanced ecosystems like healthy wetlands. Wetlands filter drinking water and reduce flooding for nearby communities, so keeping panthers on the landscape helps to sustain the people who live around it.

"Florida panthers help balance our ecosystems. The health of this species helps ensure we have stable wildlife populations and functioning natural areas," said senior conservation projects manager with The Nature Conservancy in Florida, Wendy Mathews.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported Florida panthers have grown from a low of about 10 animals in 1967 to more than 200 today. In the 1990s, wildlife managers brought in eight female Texas pumas to breed with the remaining panthers, which helped boost their numbers. Other experts warn that their population needs to reach about 240 to avoid extinction. Female panthers usually have one to three kittens once they're old enough to breed.

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The sighting is proof that trail cameras can pay off, as it isn't common to get a Florida panther mother and her two kittens all together in one shot.

The RWC Research Facebook page reminds people to report sightings if they spot a panther in the wild, make sure to drive safely to avoid any accidents with the animals, and spread awareness to "educate others on the importance of preserving their habitats."

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP)  The disappearance of U.S. aid in Nigerias northeast has threatened a school that supports children who are victims of Boko Haram extremists.

Boko Haram, which since 2009 has sought to establish Islamic law in the conflict-battered region, forbids Western education and first rose to global prominence in 2014 after its mass abduction of students in the Chibok village.

The Associated Press visited the region to document how U.S. funding cuts has resulted in up to 700 students and 20 teachers being let go by an essential school that benefitted from such support.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Hanoi, Vietnam (AP)  Vietnam is getting ready to celebrate its 80th National Day on September 2, marking the Southeast Asian country's independence from French colonial rule in 1945.

In the capital, Hanoi, national flags lined the streets as residents gathered to watch rehearsals for the upcoming military parade. Some wore designs of the red flag with its distinct yellow star, while others painted their faces with the same colors.



This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
(KRON)  The Pickett Fire burning in Napa County continues to hold at 6,803 acres and the fire is now 51% contained, according to firefighters.

Grass fire shuts down all lanes of EB I-580 in Livermore

As of Thursday night, five destroyed buildings have been found inside the fires perimeter. Incident Commander Richard Tovar announced during a livestream on the Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit Facebook page Friday evening that four outbuildings and one single-family home were destroyed in the fire.

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The destroyed single-family residence was found within the fire perimeter, Tovar said. The property is believed to have been abandoned due to its remote location and lack of access routes.

Brush smoldering within the perimeter of the Pickett Fire. (Cal Fire) (Cal Fire)

Oiled-up man who repeatedly exposed himself to middle schoolers at San Francisco boba shop convicted

Roughly 187 structures remain threatened by the fire. Firefighters are patrolling the perimeter of the fire and cooling hot spots that continue to smolder. More than 2,440 firefighters are currently assigned to the fire.

Evacuation orders are active for the following zones:

NPA-E107-B

NPA-E114

NPA-E115

NPA-E122-B

POP-E002-C

Evacuation warnings are active for the following zones:

POP-E002-D

POP-E001-B

Road Closures:

Aetna Springs Road is open only to residents.

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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 KRON4.
NEED TO KNOW

Mark Finkelstein was rescued after the plane he was flying crashed into the ocean near Oak Island, North Carolina, on Aug. 2

The terrifying incident occurred after the aircraft experienced engine failure mid-flight

"Expressing my deepest gratitude to all those who participated in rescuing and caring for me after my water landing," the pilot said



A pilot in North Carolina almost lost his life when the plane he was flying suddenly crashed into the ocean.

At around 7:30 p.m. local time on Aug. 2, Mark Finkelstein was flying a single-engine aircraft when he experienced engine failure. He was forced to make an emergency landing in the ocean near the Oak Island Pier as he was unable to return to the Cape Fear Regional Jetport and saw that the beach area was too crowded, the Oak Island Fire Department (OIFD) stated in a news release.

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After crashing in the ocean, fire department members swam to the sunken plane and promptly rescued Finkelstein from the aircraft.

Members of the Oak Island Beach Safety Unit, Southport Fire Department and Oak Island Water Rescue were already in the area  Within minutes of his landing in the water, units from multiple agencies were at the plane, and able to swiftly recover Mr. Finkelstein, said OIFD, per the news release.

Footage of the incident shared on YouTube shows the plane crashing into the sea and flipping over on impact. Two rescue team members are then seen pulling Finkelstein out from the submerged plane feet first from the cockpit window.

Finkelstein, who appears awake and alert, is then put onto a stretcher attached to the back of a rescue boat and transported to shore.

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Finkelstein crashed his plane just 13 minutes into his flight after taking off from Cape Fear Regional Jetport in Oak Island, WECT News 6 reported.

It was literally going to be about a 20-minute flight just down the length of Oak Island, turn around and come back in, he told the outlet. I was so fortunate that the impact didnt injure me and doubly fortunate that the Oak Island Water Rescue got to me so quickly.

Finkelstein only received a cut on his leg in the crash. He was sent to the hospital after his rescue before swiftly returning home, per WECT News 6.

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.

Town of Oak Island/YouTube Pilot Finkelstein being rescued after a plane crash into the ocean in North Carolina on Aug. 2 Pilot Finkelstein being rescued after a plane crash into the ocean in North Carolina on Aug. 2

Expressing my deepest gratitude to all those who participated in rescuing and caring for me after my water landing in Air Finky this past Saturday evening. You were literally life savers, Finkelstein wrote in a Facebook post on Aug. 6.

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He went on to thank the Oak Island Fire Departments Chris Dunham, Southport Fire Departments Austin Lancaster and Chad Butchello for their heroic rescue, along with multiple other agencies involved in the operation, while sharing a photo of the moment he was helped to shore by a group of people after his rescue.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will remember forever with deepest thanks your courage and devotion, concluded Finkelstein.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Federal Aviation Administration for comment.



Read the original article on People
Jennifer Welch, co-host of the Ive Had It podcast, didnt hold back on Friday as she put MAGA supermajorities across the country on blast.

Welch  who lives in Oklahoma, where the GOP has supermajorities in the state House and Senate  appeared on CNNs NewsNight and broke down what elected leaders get their residents in red states like hers.

Were 50th in education. We are 50th  the worst in the whole country for women to live. Were poorer. Worst health care. If you look at the bottom ten states in the United States of America, they are all MAGA supermajorities, she explained.

Related: Trump Breaks Silence On Health Rumors After Days Of Limited Appearances

These policies hurt people. They use peoples faith to lure them in and say, Oh, were family values. But then they dont vote to help women have children, they dont vote for health care, they dont vote for child care. They demean the poor.

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She went on to stress, These policies have horrifically impacted people in rural America that vote for this very party because they weaponize their faith and lure them in.

Welchs comments arrived moments after host Abby Phillip aired a clip of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) boasting about his state being more red than the United States Congress after he signed Texas gerrymandered congressional map into law.

Earlier this month, a clip from Welchs podcast went viral after she launched a profanity-filled takedown of white people who voted for President Donald Trump three straight times, calling on them to be banned and boycotted from enjoying the best thing that America has to offer, which is multiculturalism.

Welch: As someone who lives in a red state, let me just tell you what MAGA supermajorities get you. We're 50th in education. The worst in the whole country for women to live. We're poorer, worst health care. And if you look at the bottom ten states, they are all MAGA pic.twitter.com/85CjSJzX78  Acyn (@Acyn) August 30, 2025

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Polish authorities have expelled 15 Ukrainian citizens after they were detained for offenses like drug possession, drunk driving, theft, and illegal border crossings, RMF24 reported on Aug. 30.

The Polish news outlet did not specify the legal status of the Ukrainians' residence in Poland, though one was described as "undesirable."

Authorities have further banned the expelled Ukrainian citizens' re-entry into Poland for a period of 5-10 years.

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Poland was one of Ukraine's most vocal allies in Europe at the outset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. More recently, relations between the countries have soured considerably.

New President Karol Nawrocki has set a decisively different tone on Ukraine than his predecessor, Andrzej Duda. Just days ago, Nawrocki vetoed a law that would have extended funds for Ukrainians in Poland.

Historical grievances between the two nations have become new points of contention amid recent political disputes, with Poland threatening to stonewall Ukrainian entry into the European Union.

Almost a million Ukrainians remain in Poland today, according to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees, the second-highest number after Germany. This is despite Poland having a history of hostility to taking in foreign refugees.

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Poland similarly expelled 57 Ukrainians and six Belarusians after a concert by Belarusian musician Max Korzh turned violent earlier in August.

Read also: Operation Vistula  how Ukrainians were forced from Poland after WW2

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) and his team have recently ramped up their social media attacks on President Donald Trump, his administration and the presidents most dedicated MAGA supporters. And their approach is simple: Mock Trump by using his own style of writing and combativeness against him.

Last week, the official social media account for Newsoms press office mimicked the president in a notably all-caps, Trump-esque tweet on X amid a controversial GOP redistricting ploy in Texas to send five more Republicans to the U.S. House. (Newsom has since launched a ballot initiative in California to ask voters in the state to approve early congressional redistricting to neutralize the Republican gains in Washington.)

Related: The Funniest Posts From Women This Week (Aug. 23-29)

CALIFORNIA WILL NOW DRAW NEW, MORE BEAUTIFUL MAPS, THEY WILL BE HISTORIC AS THEY WILL END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY (DEMS TAKE BACK THE HOUSE!) Newsoms press office wrote.

DONALD TACO TRUMP, AS MANY CALL HIM, MISSED THE DEADLINE!!! CALIFORNIA WILL NOW DRAW NEW, MORE BEAUTIFUL MAPS, THEY WILL BE HISTORIC AS THEY WILL END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY (DEMS TAKE BACK THE HOUSE!). BIG PRESS CONFERENCE THIS WEEK WITH POWERFUL DEMS AND GAVIN NEWSOM  YOUR  Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 12, 2025

And in a a later tweet, the governors office ridiculed a photo of Trump jabbing a finger at Russian President Vladimir Putin by sharing a photo of Newsom doing the same thing to Trump on the tarmac of Los Angeles International Airport in January.

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TINY HANDS IS OUT HERE COPYING ME  BUT WITHOUT THE STAMINA (SAD), AND CERTAINLY WITHOUT THE LOOKS. TOTAL BETA!  GCN the tweet read.

TINY HANDS IS OUT HERE COPYING ME  BUT WITHOUT THE STAMINA (SAD), AND CERTAINLY WITHOUT THE LOOKS. TOTAL BETA!  GCN https://t.co/AwjuS3div2pic.twitter.com/OW8yXxmLYl  Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 16, 2025

Other posts from Newsom and his office have either imitated Trumps long-winded rants on his Truth Social platform or mocked some of the heavily edited and artificial intelligence-generated images that Trump and his MAGA supporters have been known to promote.

But Newsom and his office have not stopped at Trump. The X account for the governors press team has been quick to hit back at other critics online, and Newsom and his team have had some brutal jokes for Vice President JD Vance.

Over the weekend, the California Democrat referenced Vances past contentious exchange with Volodymyr Zelenskyy prior to the Ukrainian presidents return to the Oval Office on Monday by sharing a viral video of Vance running awkwardly at the Disneyland theme park in California this summer.

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Go get em JD! Newsom tweeted.

While some socialmedia users who oppose Trumphave celebrated Newsom and his team for viciously trolling the Trump administration, several prominent conservatives and MAGAsupportersonX have, unsurprisingly, taken issue with the brutal tit-for-tat approach.

Fox News anchor Trace Gallagher called Newsoms attacks childish, Fox News host Dana Perino questioned whether the governors wife would step in to stop him from tweeting, and right-wing commentator Tomi Lahren derided Newsom and his team as beta males in a post on X.

Newsom told reporters last week that he hoped his trolling was a wake-up call and that the deeper question is, how have we allowed the normalization of his tweets, Truth Social posts without similar scrutiny and notice.

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But is this an effective approach to fight against the Trump administration? Will Newsoms trolling help energize the left? Read on to hear what experts in political science think.

Related: Poli Sci Experts Predict How Gavin Newsom's Brutal Mockery Of Trump And MAGA Will Resonate

Why Newsom is using mockery to fight against Trump.

In the age of Trump, my sense is that both Democrats and Republicans are casting about for approaches that are effective in countering Trumps unique style, said Steven J. Balla, associate professor of political science, public policy and public administration, and international affairs at The George Washington University.

Balla said that these responses tend to range from more high road approaches to strategies that seek in some way to mirror Trump.

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For now (at least) and on this issue (at least) Newsom has opted for the mirroring approach, he said. Why is that? I would think that such an approach is seen as a pathway to the Democratic nomination. That is, it is popular among Democratic primary voters, who tend to track to the left of the median Democrat. The target audience, in other words, is progressive Democrats.

Tabitha Bonilla, an associate professor of political science and human development and social policy at Northwestern University, told HuffPost that she believes, Democrats are starting to realize that politics as usual is not working as an approach.

They lost the election, Democrat favorability is low and there have been a lot of calls to reinvent themselves (and not a lot of agreement on what that means), she said. I think its clear that Governor Newsom is trying to establish a leadership role within the party and along with that, a style that pokes fun at the president.

I think all of this is a way to draw attention to the difference in how President Trump has used social media, but also as a point to demonstrate that Governor Newsom can play on the presidents level, she added.

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Jacob Neiheisel, associate professor of political science at the University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences, told HuffPost that he thinks Newsom is responding to elements of the Democratic rank-and-file who want party leaders to take the gloves off and fight harder against Trump.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom photographed on Aug. 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. Mario Tama via Getty Images

Why people on the left are celebrating Newsom trolling Trump.

While people on the left have differing views about how to fight against the Trump administration  and different opinions about Newsom himself  there are many Democrats online who are celebrating the governors approach to opposing Trump.

Neiheisel thinks this is because there is a desire among some on the left to take the fight to Trump and to adopt Trump-like methods.

This move is hardly surprising to me given that the parties tend to emulate each other in many ways, particularly after a loss, he said.

Related: Trump Finally Melts Down After Days Of Gavin Newsoms Relentless Trolling

Balla thinks the celebration is likely the loudest among progressive Democrats, much in the same way that Trumps communications play well with MAGA voters.

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In both parties, I think, there are plenty of voters who are disenchanted with mocking attacks, he said. But these voters are increasingly seen as relics, and they are most likely more moderate and therefore less crucial during primary contests.

Bonilla said that while she has not yet seen evidence in polls to suggest whether this style of attacking the president pushes opinion very far, she thinks that for some Democrats, it is exciting to see their leaders fight against Trump.

In this moment, where the Trump administration has disrupted a lot of how the government functions, has increased the powers of ICE and taken over municipal governments, people are incredibly eager for a way to express worry, frustration, and dissatisfaction with the way things are going, she said.

Is Newsoms approach an effective strategy?

Newsom is widely speculated to be running for president in 2028. Should his potential political ambitions matter as people evaluate the effectiveness of his current attacks on Trump?

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Bonilla said that she supposes it does not hurt to engage with why a politician is acting in a particular way, but thinks that most voters are pretty savvy in trying to discern if what an elected official is doing is trustworthy or represents them first and foremost.

But she suspects that any questions surrounding Newsoms political ambitions wont interfere with how people are currently responding to his attacks on Trump.

However, I do think it would be a mistake to think that what Newsom is doing is a viable strategy for the Democratic Party as a whole, she said. First, this type of response will probably lose meaning the more people do it. Second, other than poking fun at the president, Id be surprised if this fully helped people (re)gain trust in the Democratic Party.

Balla said that he thinks Newsoms attacks on Trump are indistinguishable from his political ambitions. In the end, is this an effective approach? To win a Democratic primary, perhaps, he said.

Related: Trump Once Again Inserts Black Women Into A Dizzying Rant About Chicago  Experts Know Why

Overall, Balla finds it interesting that the Democratic Party is still so Trump-focused, since,he said, Trump will not be on the ticket in 2028.

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So will a Trump-like approach be effective in the next presidential election cycle? That in part depends on who the Republican nominee is and what that candidates strengths and weaknesses are, he said. Newsom (and others running against Trump) run the risk of winning the Democratic nomination but being ill-equipped to pivot to the general election.

But regardless of how Newsoms style of attack may play out in the future, are his recent posts likely getting under the presidents skin?

Neiheisel absolutely believes so.

Trump was triggered by a painting that was mildly unflattering, he said. I think it is just in his nature to take exception to these types of attacks. And it is in the nature of his supporters to react on his behalf.

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Police said officers from the Tel Aviv-Jaffa district police arrested one suspect, a Jaffa local, shortly upon arriving to the scene of the explosion.

Israel Police said they arrested a suspect after four people were injured in what is suspected to be a targeted vehicle explosion in the central Israeli city of Jaffa on Saturday afternoon.

Two men in their 30s were moderately injured with wounds sustained to their legs and torso, respectively.

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Two more individuals, both men, were lightly wounded in the blast, MDA said.

Firefighters work to extinguish a blaze that erupted after a vehicle exploded in Jaffa, central Israel, August 30, 2025 (credit: MAGEN DAVID ADOM)

Jaffa resident arrested by police

Police said officers from the Tel Aviv-Jaffa district police arrested one suspect, a Jaffa local, shortly upon arriving to the scene of the explosion.

Officers continued patrolling the nearby streets and scanning for suspects, police added.

The incident was of a criminal nature, police noted.

This is a developing story.
Raleigh Police arrested a man Friday in the Aug. 10 shooting outside the Patio Nightclub that killed one man and injured another.

Jonathan David Bonilla-Ramos, 19, of Durham, is charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, police said in a news release.

He is being held without bond in the Wake County jail.

Police responded to the nightclub on New Bern Avenue around 3:34 a.m. Aug. 10 and found two men with gunshot wounds, they said. Both men were taken to the hospital, and one later died from his injuries.

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The second mans injuries were not life-threatening, police said.

Police have not released any other details about the victims or the shooting, which happened in the Beacon Plaza shopping center, in the 3900 block of New Bern Avenue near Corporation Parkway.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about the shooting can call the Raleigh Police Department at 919-996-3335 or leave a tip with Crimestoppers at raleighcrimestoppers.org.
Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein', starring Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, follows a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a monstrous creature to life, only for the experiment to lead to the destruction of them both. The Oscar-winning director emphasised that his new movie is not a warning about the proliferation of AI, reported Variety. "It's not intended as a metaphor for that," del Toro said at the film's official press conference, adding, "We live in a time of terror and intimidation, certainly. And there's no more urgent task than to remain in a time where everything is pushing towards a bipolar understanding of our humanity. The movie tries to show imperfect characters and the right we have to remain imperfect, and the right we have to understand each other under the most oppressive circumstances." He continued, "I'm not afraid of artificial intelligence. I'm afraid of natural stupidity." Mary Shelley's work has been adapted for the screen many times, most notably in 1931's "Frankenstein," directed by James Whale and starring Boris Karloff. In del Toro's version, Elordi plays the creature locked in a deadly feud with his creator (Isaac). But instead of a standard horror film, the director imagines the story as a layered family drama. For del Toro, putting his own cinematic spin on "Frankenstein" is the culmination of a lifelong dream. "I've been following the creature since I was a kid. I waited for the movie to be done in the right conditions, both creatively in terms of achieving the scope to make it different, and to make it at a scale that you could reconstruct the whole world," he said. And now that he's completed the film, he joked, "I'm in postpartum depression," reported Variety. Based on the theme of the film, when Elordi was asked who in society represents a monster to him -- the actor was quick to reply: "Men in suits." Del Toro said, "Very well-tailored ones." Meanwhile, Isaac recalled the early conversations with del Toro that led to his casting as the monster's maker, Victor Frankenstein. "I can't believe that I'm here right now. I can't believe we got to this place from two years ago, sitting at [del Toro's] table eating Cuban pork and talking about our fathers and our lives, to him saying, 'I want you to be Victor,' then not really being sure if it was true or if I was just dreaming," Isaac said. "It just seemed like such a pinnacle," reported Variety. Since Netflix is releasing "Frankenstein," the film will have a limited three-week theatrical release before being made available on the streaming service. But del Toro isn't concerned about a shorter theatrical window, "Look at my set, I always want more of everything," he said. "...So you never know what is affordable. What I do know is that to reach over 300 million viewers [on Netflix], you take the opportunity and challenge to make a movie that evokes that cinema, and then you provide theatres in the beginning. That makes, for me, a very creative experience," reported Variety. (ANI)
Baltimore County Police on Saturday released the names of three people killed in what investigators believe was a murder-suicide Thursday afternoon in Catonsville.

Officers were called around 3:30 p.m. to the 700 block of Wilton Farm Drive to check on a person, police said. Inside the home, they found 42-year-old Chantel Sharieff suffering from apparent trauma and her 6-year-old daughter, Kimana Sharieff, with a gunshot wound. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police also found 43-year-old Mustafa Sharieff, the childs father, with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators said he is believed to be responsible for the deaths of his wife and daughter.

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According to Maryland court records, Chantel Sharieff filed for divorce from Mustafa Sharieff on Aug. 18. Aysia Stockton, Chantel Sharieffs attorney, listed in court records, could not be reached for comment Saturday.

An address on Wilton Farm Drive listed in Chantel Sharieffs name matches the address listed in the divorce court filing, according to the Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation.

Detectives are treating the case as a double murder-suicide. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.

It is the second suspected murder-suicide in the county within four months. In April, Karen Franklin, 59, and Gary Franklin, 63, were found with fatal gunshot wounds in the 3500 block of Avery Hill Drive in Owings Mills. Police investigated that case as a murder-suicide.

There have been 21 homicides in Baltimore County so far this year, according to a police spokesperson.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.
Melbourne Police are investigating a shooting on August 29, 2025, at a residence on Poplar Lane in Melbourne. The incident resulted in the death of a 2-year-old child and critically injured two adults.

Officers arrived at the scene around 10:51 p.m. and found three individuals shot inside the home. The victims, who are related, include two adults transported to the hospital in critical condition and a 2-year-old child who died at the scene.

The Melbourne Police Department is currently investigating the shooting, and additional details will be provided as they become available.

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Authorities are encouraging anyone with details about the incident to reach the Melbourne Police Department at (321) 608-6450 or submit tips anonymously via Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
The identity of the killer of Ukrainian MP and former Parliament speaker Andrii Parubii has not yet been established. The murderer fired about eight shots at the victim from a short-barrelled firearm on Yefremova Street in Lviv on 30 August. No connection with the murder of linguistics professor and former MP Iryna Farion has so far been found.

Source: a briefing by representatives of the police, the Prosecutors Office and the Security Service of Ukraine regarding Parubiis murder

Quote from Oleksandr Shliakhovskyi, head of Lviv Oblast police: "A report was received on the 102 [police] hotline at 11:37 today that shots had been fired on Yefremova Street in the city of Lviv. Police patrols immediately went to the address, where they established that an unidentified individual had fired about eight shots from a firearm. The type of firearm has not yet been established."

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Details: Shliakhovskyi noted that "the crime was very carefully planned, the perpetrator had prepared for it very thoroughly".

Many lines of inquiry are being considered, including a possible link to Russia.

Asked whether the police could confirm that the killer resembled a Glovo courier, Shliakhovskyi said: "We are currently establishing the identity of a person who was wearing outwardly similar clothing [to the perpetrator] and a helmet and who may have been involved in the crime."

Mykola Meret, Head of Lviv Oblast Prosecutors Office, said there would be a separate investigation into the unauthorised release of a video of the murder.

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Quote from Meret: "We, like you, saw this video on a Telegram channel. Materials have already been prepared for entry into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations regarding the unauthorised leak of this information to Telegram. Within this separate case, the actions of the person who may have leaked it will be assessed."

Details: Asked whether the murder might be connected to the killing of linguist Iryna Farion, which also happened in Lviv, Meret said: "At present we have no information that would connect these two crimes."

Background:

On 30 August, Andrii Parubii, a sitting MP and former speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, was murdered in Lviv.

The Prosecutor General's Office reported that an unknown man fired several shots at the politician, killing him instantly. The attacker fled the scene. A special police operation codenamed Siren has been launched in the city to locate and apprehend the murderer.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Parubiis murder had been carefully planned.

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CULPEPER, Va. (DC News Now)  Three people are behind bars after they were allegedly involved in abducting a woman at gunpoint outside a Culpeper Walmart on Wednesday.

Authorities arrested Claudia Teresa Aldana Restrepo of Colombia, Luis Felipe Garcia Baez of Mexico and Elisa Andrea Espitia Campos of Colombia in connection with the incident. The trio was charged with felony robbery with a firearm, felony abduction by force, felony use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and felony conspiracy to commit robbery.

It all started on the morning of Aug. 27 when two of the suspects approached the woman as she was leaving the Walmart Supercenter at 801 James Highway and asked if they could sit in her car for a few minutes to cool off from the heat, according to the Culpeper Police Department.

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However, once inside the car, the pair allegedly pulled out a gun, forcing the woman to drive them to an ATM and to her home in Orange County, Va., where they reportedly stole her cash and other personal property.

Identical twin convicted in rape cold case after slight difference in DNA identified in Prince Georges County

Following the robbery, police said the suspects instructed the woman to drive them to the Town of Orange, where they fled.

Culpeper detectives opened an investigation and were able to identify a vehicle connected to the suspects, entering the vehicles information into the Automated License Plate Reader (Flock ALPR) system. The next day, law enforcement in Stafford and King Georges counties received Flock alerts that the suspect car had been spotted within their counties, leading to the trios arrest in King Georges County.

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The actions of these criminals have significant impacted our communitys sense of safety, said Culpeper Police Department Chief Chris Settle. Utilizing the combination of technology and old fashion police work, our detectives and crime analyst worked alongside our partner law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend these criminals.

Settle credited the license plate system as well as the assistance of law enforcement in Stafford, Orange and King Georges counties with the arrests.

The woman was uninjured during the incident and is receiving support services, officials noted.

Police urge anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact investigator Votaw at 540-672-1234. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may submit information through the P3 Tips 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A wanted Portland man who led authorities on a high-speed chase in a stolen Homeland Security car was sentenced to prison on Thursday.

The case goes back to April of 2024, when the Department of Homeland Security received information that then 43-year-old Travis Grygla was storing and sharing child pornography at his home in Portland, according to an affidavit filed by a Homeland Security agent.

The affidavit goes on to say that investigators learned Grygla is a registered sex offender with multiple convictions for sexually abusing children and possessing and distributing child pornography  leading an Oregon judge to authorize a search of his home and car.

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That search would then lead to a high-speed chase across state lines.

Portland father sentenced after punching toddler so hard the child nearly died

On April 24, authorities detained Grygla around 7:30 a.m. as he was driving near his home, according to court documents. While Grygla was detained in the Homeland Security vehicle, authorities searched his home. However, about an hour into the search, Grgyla fled the scene.

Grygla had been left seated in the passenger seat of the police car with the window rolled down and an officer standing outside the vehicle, court documents state.

Grygla then said This is not going to go good for me, locked the door, put up the window, and slid over into the drivers seat, and fled the scene, the affidavit says.

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Oregon firefighter detained by ICE is missing, lawyer says

Court documents noted that evidence seized from Gryglas home was inside the vehicle at the time he fled, along with two guns and other police gear, which were locked in a safe in the back of the car.

Around 9 a.m., deputies with the Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office learned that a DHS vehicle was stolen and tried to stop Grygla, who was making erratic lane changes, authorities said.

Authorities chased Grygla along I-205 and I-5 into Washington state  claiming he was driving between 115-120 mph.

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Deputies used spike strips at multiple locations, eventually deflating one of the tires; however, Grgyla continued driving, taking an exit near Castle Rock, Washington. A deputy then used a precision immobilization technique to stop Grygla, leading the suspect to roll the Homeland Security car on its top.

After entering a guilty plea in June, Grygla was charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of theft of government property.

On Thursday, a federal judge sentenced Grygla to 21 years in prison and ordered him to pay more than $27,000 in restitution.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Last week Manuel Trindade, 22, died after being fatally struck by a bull at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon. He was treated in the infirmary and then transported to Sao Jose hospital, where he died less than 24 hours later.

The tragedy shook the entire country and the bullfighting community.

Manuel died while trying to catch a bull head-on. The young man was part of the Grupo de Forcados Amadores de Sao Mancos, one of Portugal's oldest troupes. He advanced, one foot in front of the other, towards an animal weighing around 700 kg, already marked by splinters. Exclusive to Portuguese bullfighting, the forcados perform, standing at the same level as the animal, without weapons or protection, after the bullfighting riders have finished.

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It was the young man's first attempt to catch a bull and his first time performing in the emblematic Campo Pequeno bullring, which has a seating capacity of around 9,000. Trindade was following a family tradition, walking in the footsteps of his father who was also part of the Sao Mancos group.

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The case has reignited a heated debate about bullfighting in Portugal, and the arguments, for and against, have hit new depths on social media. Easy and immediate, Trindade's death generated an avalanche of comments, including those lamenting the tragedy and sending messages of condolence to the families, those lamenting the death but also recalling the alleged consequences of an activity they believe no longer has a place in Portugal and, finally, hateful comments about the boy and the activity he represented, including "celebrations" of the young man's death.

"If you have the courage, celebrate": A grieving mother hits back

"I've come to thank you for all your applause, all the laughter and rejoicing at my son's death. Did you know him to be happy about his death? Do you know if he loved animals?" This is how Alzira Beringel, Manuel Trindade's mother, began what she called an "outburst".

This reaction came just a few days after her son's death and is a response to the comments that have appeared on social media. In the note, she also says that the young man donated his organs and "will live on in seven people to bother you".

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"I had promised myself I wouldn't read your clever comments, but there were some 'so nice' that I couldn't take it and I had to thank you for your support and affection. We still live in a democratic country, where everyone is free to like what they like and it's nobody else's business," Alzira wrote on Facebook, in an "outburst" also directed at the People Animals Nature (PAN) political party.

PAN speaks of "abnormality that must end"

PAN has as one of its main banners the abolition of bullfighting in Portugal. The party's spokesperson and member of parliament (MP) reacted immediately to what had happened. On social media, Ines Sousa Real spoke of an "abnormality that must stop".

"Adults die, young teenagers die, there are always serious injuries, and the animals tortured in the arena suffer atrociously," reads the MP's Instagram post, which also addresses the death of the young bullfighter.

"Regardless of the circumstances - because I am unconditionally against bullfighting - the death of a young man of just 22 is always to be regretted and we must respect the bereaved family," she wrote.

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Ines Sousa Real's party sent a letter to the government this week calling for the suspension of bullfighting shows in Lisbon's Campo Pequeno and submitted a proposal to Parliament to prevent minors from entering bullfights.

A few days later, the party itself had to write a note denouncing "false and defamatory information about PAN regarding the tragic death of Manuel Maria Trindade, a 22-year-old who lost his life in a bullfight," according to the party, published on pages linked to bullfighting.

"PAN did not rejoice, nor would it ever rejoice, at the death of a young man under any circumstances," they explain in the publication. "At no time, in our interventions or public comments, was the suffering of his family or those who witnessed this tragedy disrespected."

Also reacting to the controversy was the IRA, a non-governmental organisation providing assistance to civil protection and animal rescue. It took too to social media to deliver a a direct response to the statements made by Trindade's mother.

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The IRA said it "deeply regrets the pain she is going through, a pain that no mother should have to endure" and that it is "natural for her to feel anger at the criticism, because at that moment the wound is open and the heart speaks louder".

In the publication, the group also said that it is "inevitable to recognise that the real culprit is not the critical voices, but the event itself - a spectacle that continues to put at risk not only the animals, but also the humans that take part in it".

A "tradition" dating back to the 13th century

Barbarism for some, tradition for others. Bullfighting is deeply rooted in Portugal, especially in specific regions linked to the countryside and farming. It is one of the oldest traditions in the country, with deep roots in Ribatejo, Alentejo and the Azores.

The activity is considered by many to be part of Portugal's cultural heritage and was legally recognised as a cultural activity in 2014, including it in the specific legislation on shows of an artistic nature.

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According to bullfighting tourism and information site Touradas, the first references to bullfighting in Portugal date back to 1258, during the reign of King Afonso III. The same site indicates that forcados gradually appeared in this bullfighting art, with the first written mention dating back to 1661.

Unlike Spain and France, bullfighting is not allowed in the square. The first effective ban on killing bulls in Portugal dates back to 1928, at the beginning of the Estado Novo (New State). The 1928 law was repealed in 2002, and bullfighting was once again allowed in Portugal in places where there had been an uninterrupted tradition of this practice for 50 years. At the moment, the places where it is permitted to kill animals in the arena are Barrancos and Monsaraz.

The heated debate has shown no sign of cooling down, week on with the Campo Pequeno hosting a bullfight on 5 September headed by Peru's Andres Roca Rey, one of the world's leading bullfighters.
(NewsNation)  Winning numbers for a Powerball jackpot of rare proportions were selected late Saturday: 3, 18, 22, 27, 33 and Powerball 17.

It was only the sixth time in the history of Powerball that a jackpot reached $1 billion ahead of its drawing. The Power Play multiplier for non-jackpot prizes was 3.

Powerball jackpot after-tax amount

If you take the one-time cash option, its worth around $453.1 million before taxes. Once Uncle Sam gets involved, that drops to $330.8 million. But thats still not the take-home pay. The state where the winning ticket is bought will also tax it.

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Only nine states dont have additional lottery tax: California, Delaware, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

What can you buy with the $1B Powerball jackpot?

The best, worst states to win the $950M Powerball jackpot in

With nearly $331 million in cash, you can buy a small fleet of 737 planes, more than 30 private islands currently listed for sale in the Bahamas, 945 brand new Lamborghini Huracan supercars, or a new Play Station 5 for every resident of Wyoming.

What are the odds of winning the $1B Powerball jackpot?

What are the odds of hitting it big? One in 292 million.

You are more likely to have a higher IQ than Albert Einstein, give birth to identical quadruplets or be struck by lightning twice.

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Since Powerball was introduced in 1992, Indiana and Missouri have produced the most jackpot winners. Of the nine states that have had at least 15 jackpot winners, six have at least some of their residents in the Central Time Zone.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
When Los Angeles first saw photos of P-22, a wild tagged puma living in the city's Griffith Park, they were immediately captivated by the big cat, reported BBC. But as details of his solitary existence emerged, it became clear that P-22 was representative of a far bigger problem  animals who had been effectively trapped by urban development.

Somehow, P-22 had made the perilous journey across two highways to end up living in the middle of LA. But his position meant he would likely be mateless and solitary for life.

That's when several people stepped in to advocate in favor of assisting P-22 and others like him  including other mountain lions as well as bobcats, birds, and other roaming species. One of those advocates was Beth Pratt, California's regional executive director at the National Wildlife Federation.

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"These roads were just literally dooming this population to extinction because they were trapped and isolated and were inbreeding themselves out of existence, which science was starting to show," Pratt told BBC.

Her proposed plan  a wildlife crossing  would allow individuals like P-22 to migrate safely between connected regions, passing over the dangerous highways that normally spell death for them. What Pratt didn't expect, however, was a battle for the crossing that would span decades.

Fortunately, she joined forces with Paul Edelman, the deputy director of natural resources and planning at the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Edelman had begun researching the potential need for wildlife crossings back in 1989  and he'd been fighting for one in the Santa Monica Mountain range ever since.

For many years, he wheedled and fought to buy up parcels of land in the chosen area using public funds. Then, when it came to fundraising for the bridge, Pratt stepped in to help. She launched an innovative fundraising campaign using P-22's popularity  including selling sweaters with his face on them  to raise over $100 million in donations from public and private funds.

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"I think building relationships with animals is actually what we need to be doing, and what humanity has done for a long time," she said, per BBC.

Now, after decades of collective effort, the crossing is nearing completion and is set to open in 2026.

"We never thought it would take that long," Edelman shared with BBC. "But the complexity of it, I guess I never gave up on it."

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.

It's going to be the largest wildlife crossing in the world, spanning 165 feet long and nearly as wide. Architects and conservationists have carefully assessed every detail, from its vegetation, coloring, sun glare, noise level, slope, and more, to maximize its impact.

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The crossing will serve not only pumas, but coyotes, bobcats, deer, birds, and more as they seek new territories and mates. Not only will this help give these animals an expanded territorial range, but it will also help prevent costly traffic accidents, keep roads safer, and serve as an emergency evacuation route in the event of wildfires.

And even before its opening, the LA crossing has inspired similar proposals in California and beyond, from a salamander crossing in Mississippi to a bighorn sheep crossing in a tribal park in North Dakota.

Pratt believes strongly in the work they're doing. She told BBC, "I think building relationships with animals is actually what we need to be doing, and what humanity has done for a long time."



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.
President Donald Trumps approval ratings remain under pressure this week as his administration moves forward with contentious immigration changes, clashes with Congress over foreign aid and reversal of protections for high-profile critics.

On Aug. 27, the Department of Homeland Security proposed a rule to limit the length of stay for foreign students, professors and other visa holders to four years, with the option to extend only after additional vetting.

Later in the week, Trump canceled Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, which had been extended for one year under the Biden administration.

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Trump also notified Congress on Aug. 28 that he plans to rescind $4.9 billion in previously approved foreign aid funding, setting up a confrontation with lawmakers over his authority to redirect federal spending.

Meanwhile, in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of additional highway patrol crime suppression teams in several cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. The move comes as Trump has threatened to send the National Guard into major cities across the country, including in California, to address crime. Newsom said the new deployments were part of an ongoing public safety strategy, not a direct response to Trumps threats.

Heres what to know about Trumps approval ratings this week, how they are measured, and how they compare with past presidents.

What is Donald Trump's approval rating?

Here are the latest approval ratings released about Trump's administration:

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According to the most recent Gallup poll, Trump's job approval rating was at 40%, while 56% disapproved of his performance.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll from reported that 40% of those surveyed gave him a favorable approval rating of his performance in office and 54% gave an unfavorable rating.

A Quinnipiac University Poll showed 37% approve and 55% disapprove of Trump.

A poll from the Associated Press and NORC showed 45% approve and 53% disapprove of Trump.

The Economist shows that 41% of people are favorable of Trump and 56% are unfavorable of him, according to the latest update from Aug. 29.

Rasmussen Reports poll from Aug. 29 showed 48% approval and 51% disapproval of Trump.

A Morning Consult poll updated Aug. 25 showed 47% approve.

The American Research Group poll from Aug. 21 showed 38% approve and 59% disapprove.

How does Trump's approval rating compare with his 1st term?

Trump had a final approval rating of 34% when he left office in 2021. His approval average during his first term was 41%.

How does Trump's approval rating compare with past presidents?

Joe Biden - 40%

Donald Trump (first term) - 34%

Barack Obama - 59%

George W. Bush - 34%

Bill Clinton - 66%

George H.W. Bush - 56%

Ronald Reagan - 63%

Jimmy Carter - 34%

Gerald Ford - 53%

Richard Nixon - 24%

Are presidential approval ratings accurate?

Data agency Gallup notes that these approval ratings are a "simple measure, yet a very powerful one that has played a key role in politics for over 70 years."

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A presidents approval rating reflects the percentage of Americans polled who approve of the presidents performance. Anything can impact a president's rating, such as legislation passed, actions and elections.

According to ABC News, an approval rating doesn't just represent how well the administration is doing for the general public, but could determine the outcome of an upcoming election for a politician or how much they get done during their time in office.

While these ratings are easy to understand, Quorum says some analysts believe they are not as useful as they once were due to extreme partisanship and the polarized political climate.

Presidential approval ratings have always been partisan, with members of the presidents party offering more positive assessments than those in the opposing party, according to the Pew Research Center. But the differences between Republicans and Democrats on views of the president have grown substantially in recent decades.

USA TODAY Network reporter Maria Francis contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Donald Trump's approval rating: See the latest polls
The NMACC India Weekend has been postponed due to "unforeseen circumstances," announced Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) India on Saturday. The grand cultural celebrations were set to take place in New York City on September 12, 2025. A statement issued on the official Instagram handle of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) India stated, "Over the past many months, we have poured our hearts into this celebration - working with some of India's most extraordinary talents to bring a slice of our country's rich culture and creativity to New York. Every detail was crafted with love, and many of you have been part of this journey with us. We were eagerly looking forward to experiencing the magic together, which makes this decision all the most difficult." https://www.instagram.com/p/DN-9E8XDHG7/ Further in the statement, Reliance Foundation Founder-Chairperson Nita Ambani shared her assurance that NMACC India Weekend will return to its stage in New York. Calling it a "dream close to her heart" which aims to celebrate Indian culture on the global stage, she continued, "This is not a cancellation, only a pause, and we remain fully committed to bringing the NMACC experience to New York at a later date. I am deeply grateful to every artist, guest, sponsor, partner, well-wisher, and all the friends of NMACC for their trust and continued support. NMACC remains dedicated to our vision of bringing the best of the world to India and showcasing the best of India to the world. We will return with renewed joy, pride, and purpose." The NMACC India weekend was previously scheduled to commence on September 12, at the David H Koch Theatre, Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts, with the highly anticipated US premiere of India's largest theatrical production, 'The Great Indian Musical: Civilisation to Nation'. Blending dance, art, fashion, and music, this production is a spectacular tribute to India's past, present and future that travels the country's history from 5000 BC until its independence in 1947, a release said earlier. The NMACC India Weekend was also also set to take over Damrosch Park from September 12-14. (ANI)
NAZARETH, Israel (AP)  In the streets of Nazareth, Israeli and Palestinian activists wore stickers replicating the Press insignia emblazoned on flak jackets and other clothing worn by journalists as they rallied for peace in Gaza. Their message: Journalism is not a crime.

A throng of people wearing blue-and-white Press stickers  used to identify journalists in dangerous areas  gathered in the Israeli town on Friday to call for an end to the war in Gaza, which has killed nearly 200 journalists among tens of thousands of others. Some held photos of Palestinian journalists killed.

Dont assassinate the truth," read a banner the protesters held. Some banged on empty pots to symbolize hunger in the Gaza Strip and protest the killing of journalists.

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Mariam Dagga, a 33-year-old who freelanced for The Associated Press, was among the war's victims. She and four other reporters were killed earlier this week when Israeli forces struck Nasser Hospital in the Gaza town of Khan Younis, along with 17 other people.

Dagga was among a group of journalists who regularly based themselves at the hospital during the war, which began on Oct. 7, 2023, when an attack by Hamas militants inside Israel claimed the lives of 1,200 people and resulted in 251 people being held hostage. Israel's retaliatory military operation in Gaza has so far killed more than 63,000 people, according to the territorys health ministry.

Mariam sought to bring to the world the travails of ordinary Palestinians displaced by the war, as well as the work of doctors and nurses treating the wounded or caring for malnourished children.

The Israeli military said it targeted what it believed was a Hamas surveillance camera in the hospital attack, without providing evidence, and that the journalists weren't the targets. The prime minister called the attack a mishap.''

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All that doesnt mean much for Mariams father, Riyad, sitting in his tent in Khan Younis, nearly 180kilometers (111 miles) away from Nazareth. Poring over the last photos taken by his daughter, he recalled the utter shock he felt when he heard what happened.

I couldnt walk. And I didnt know what was around me when I heard the news, he told the AP. The person who told me the news said that Mariam was martyred, and I collapsed, he said, his eyes welling with tears as he watched a video of his daughter and him.

Mariams sister, Nada, was with her at the hospital when she was killed. Nada recalled vividly the last look the two sisters exchanged when the second of two rounds of strikes hit the hospitals stairwell, where Mariam was killed.

Mariam, my sister, was on the stairs filming. I watched her and looked at her, Nada said. The last look between me and her. She looked at me and smiled.

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It was Mariams brother, Mohamed, who rushed into the stairwell in search of his sister, finding her among the bodies of her colleagues.

I pulled her out and took her from the fourth floor to the operations (room), Mohamed said. They told me to go downstairs at the reception until you receive (the body).

Mariams last photos showed the damaged stairwell outside Nasser Hospital, where she would be killed moments later. The photos show people walking up the staircase after it was damaged in the first strike, while others look out the hospitals windows.
Ask just about any chef or restaurant owner around Miami, and theyll tell you that the summer of 2025 is one of the toughest theyve seen in terms of luring diners.

Not all of them, of course. There are restaurants that are still drawing crowds, like the hot-spot-of-the-moment Sunnys Steakhouse in Little River or the new Daniels steakhouse in the former home of Fiola in Coral Gables. But overall, those in the industry say theres been a downturn in business.

So why arent locals  and lets face it, in August, its locals were talking about  going out to eat? We asked Miami Herald readers to weigh in on whether theyre eating out less this summer, and to absolutely no ones surprise, most of the responses were something along the lines of: Were cutting back.

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The main reasons cited by diners who responded to our query, which was in no way scientific, is the fact that prices are too high  and that too many new restaurants arent paying attention to the needs of local diners.

Kendall resident Patty Migenis said she and her boyfriend recently went to Wynwoods Double Knot, an Asian restaurant from Philadelphia, and had what she thought was a terrific meal  for $300.

The restaurants dont cater to people who are local, she says. We dont make that much money here in a regular suburban household. The average person cant spend $300 on dinner every night. Not even every weekend. The prices are just too high.

Roberto Vizcon of West Hialeah agrees.

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Two people cant spend less than $150 dollars on dinner, at a not-so-fancy restaurant, he writes. With limited income after retirement, its just impossible to dine out. . . . Im sure [the restaurants] will bounce back when the rich and famous hit the area for fall and winter for all the festivals and art shows. Miami is not an affordable city for the natives any more.

Eddie Garcia put it even more succinctly: This luxury dining trend needs to go away fast!

The cost of living in Miami

Vizcon isnt the only person feeling the sting of higher prices. Katie Chafin, who operates Go Bananas nursery in the Redland with her husband, says they are cutting out dining out altogether. She has an anniversary coming up, and when her husband asked what restaurant she wanted to go to for a celebration, she said shed rather eat at home  even if she had to do the cooking.

The price of everything has gone up, she said. Food prices are outrageous. I was walking through the produce section of the store, and everything starts at $4.99. So its $5 for everything you put in your basket. And if my prices have gone up, the restaurants prices have gone up, too.

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The food prices restaurants pay have ballooned over the last half decade, 30 percent since 2020, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And that trickles down to diners.

Other expenses in Miami  housing and transportation, for example  have shot up, too.

Over the same period, the rental cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Miami-Dade has grown by almost 48 percent, market estimates from the Department of Housing and Urban Development show. Six in 10 metro Miami residents now spend at least 30 percent of their income on housing, while three in 10 spend at least half, making Miamians the most cost-burdened urbanites in the country.

And prices have risen faster for those intent on buying. The median sale price of a condo in Miami-Dade grew by 68 percent over the last five years to $440,000, while median single-family home prices exploded by almost 80 percent, reaching $675,000, according to data from the Miami Association of Realtors.

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Add to the bill a 25 percent spike in grocery prices and a 66 percent jump in transportation costs, according to USDA and Bureau of Labor Statistics data, and you can understand why half of locals now live paycheck to paycheck, with little left over for non-necessities.

Those pressures also hit restaurants. Beyond soaring food prices, Floridas minimum wage has grown from $8.56 to $13 an hour, pushing up labor costs. And the square foot price for retail establishments climbed almost 54 percent between 2020 and 2024, according to the Miami Association of Realtors.

In short, everyone is hurting. And many diners are responding accordingly.

My husband and I are definitely dining out less and cooking more, writes Tracey Umansky of Coral Gables. When we do eat out, we choose a medium-priced restaurant whereas last year we would not have thought twice about going to an upscale restaurant for dinner. Or we go for lunch or we entertain at home. We feel that the economy is sliding as we see warning signs and definitely are experiencing a slow down in our own businesses. Therefore we want to be judicious in our spending.

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The economy has only gotten worse, writes Peter Ramis of Kendall. As prices are up, my income is down, and it looks like it is only going to get worse, so were cutting back on everything. When my wife and I do go out to eat, we order one plate and share. I feel terrible for the service staff as they work on tips, but also tipping has gotten out of control. Even for takeout via a drive thru at Starbucks, they expect tips.

Traffic, parking and tipping

Ramis comments about tipping were echoed by other respondents, too, with more than a few irate over the mandatory 20 or 25 percent service charges added to checks. Hidden charges, particularly from restaurants on Miami Beach, are received with particular venom.

Restaurants adding 20-25 percent to our bills and then notifying us that its not considered the staff tip is a huge fail for businesses, writes David Marchisotto. I want everyone to have health care and time off, but when you start charging us so we cover it instead of the business owner, youve lost me. Ill eat somewhere else or eat at home.

Others complained about Miamis soul-crushing traffic, especially when theyre driving to Miami Beach, which requires passing through some of the worst ongoing construction in the county. The cost and lack of parking can be a problem, too.

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Between the heat and traffic, we dont want to drive far especially on a weekday so we are sticking mostly to nearby dining, writes Michael Matluck.

Liliana Agron of Pinecrest writes that the noise level is also a factor in her decision to abandon fine dining.

My husband and I used to enjoy dining out and were willing to spend a lot of money for the experience. Now, it seems as though there is no more fine dining. You spend fine-dining prices on trendy but mediocre food served in an unpleasant room that is so noisy that it is impossible to carry on a conversation with your dining companions. And restaurants are made noisy on purpose  tiled walls and floors, metal ceilings, no tablecloths  they actually go out of their way to make the ambience as intolerable as possible. I cant believe that anyone enjoys this.

Holly Bedotto agrees: Restaurants are too loud, she writes. They cannot decide if they are a club or a restaurant.

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Darren Page has perhaps the most unique reason for avoiding restaurants: We are eating out less due to how much salt chefs are using these days, he writes. Everywhere we go, so much salt is being placed on food its like a salt bomb.

Still dining out

Despite complaints, some respondents cant be deterred from sampling Miamis cuisine. They still go out to eat; theyre just being careful about where they go.

Jodi Del Campo and Cherise Stevens both write that theyre actually dining out more for the next month in order to take advantage of the annual Miami Spice promotion, which offers fixed price lunch and brunch deals for $35 and dinner deals for $45 or $60. Others, like Rafael Cervantes, write that theyre taking advantage of happy hour pricing at restaurants around town, when the prices of food and drinks are lower. Nobody, it seems, is a fan of the $20 cocktail.

Manuel Perez, who lives in downtown Miami, said that he and his wife approach dining out strategically. There are parts of town they avoid  we rarely go to the Beach, its too expensive  and theyre dining out less overall. But theyre exploring more affordable options.

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One thing were starting to do is look for food trucks, he says. There are a lot of creative food trucks around. Its fun, and you get to try street food. They also hit more affordable favorites like Mimmo in North Miami and Atchanas in Coconut Grove.

University of Miami graduate student John Pisano, whos renting an apartment in Little Havana, said that he and his friends, all of whom live on stipends, try to stick to a rule when going out: Spend money on food or drinks, but not both.

We are young so we do like to spend money at clubs and bars, and I love that about Miami culture, he says. We have these communal grills at our apartment, and well buy two or three ribeyes and split them at the start of the night, then go out for drinks afterward. If were going out for dinner, we have drinks at home first. If were going out to eat, theres no going out after that.

Vance Timmon and his wife Sandy of Coconut Grove still dine out because they love Miamis cultural diversity (Timmon is in particular a fan of Peruvian restaurants). He says they have the resources to go out to dinner, but even they have experienced a sharp sticker shock at Los Felix, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Grove, paying around $450 for dinner for two, two cocktails and a glass of wine.

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Still, they will continue to explore Miamis restaurant scene.

I think the scene has changed for the better, he says. This is a worldwide phenomenon of creativity in the kitchens in the last five years. Were lucky to be living in a time where chefs are so creative.
Imagine this: After years of toiling in the Southern California rat race, you buy a parcel of land in the high desert. It is here, on a sunny lot thick with Joshua trees, that you plan to build your retirement home.

But before you can get a shovel into the ground, everything changes. Joshua trees become candidates for the states threatened and endangered species list and are then protected by an unprecedented conservation law. You must now apply for permits and pay fees  not just for removing the plants, but in some cases for disturbing the land around them. You must even get permits to pick up fallen branches.

You have two options: You can pay tens of thousands of dollars and navigate a morass of policies. If you want to someday add a pool or an accessory dwelling unit or even replace a sewage pipe, youll have to do the same thing again, potentially paying for work performed near the same trees.

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Or you can walk away.

Thats the dilemma facing some property owners in desert regions outside of Los Angeles, according to Alec Mackie, who bought land in Yucca Valley in 2022. He had planned to build a home that required the removal of eight Joshua trees. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said his project could affect 63 trees and billed him $32,961.75.

Were very, very close to both the beauty as well as the difficulty of how do we meaningfully interact with this tree on individual private property parcels?

Curtis Yakimow, Yucca Valley town manager

Alec Mackie walks through his Yucca Valley property, where he wants to build a retirement home, but faces $32,000 in mitigation fees to deal with the Joshua trees on his land.

Is it worth owning this land, or should we just let it go and go buy some other desert land with no Joshua trees? Mackie said. Were seriously leaning toward just giving up because the state will never leave us alone. They will always be there to regulate every square inch of everything we do on our property.

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Two years after California enacted the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, the protections conferred by both the law and the plants candidacy for the states threatened and endangered species list remain hugely controversial in many high desert communities, where Joshua trees are plentiful.

Environmentalists say these protections are needed because the iconic succulent is rapidly losing habitat. Large-scale renewable energy projects and human sprawl have eaten away at Joshua tree forests. And warming temperatures mean there wont be many remaining places where the trees can survive by the end of the century, studies project.

A bird jumps on a Joshua tree in Yucca Valley.

But some residents and local politicians say the conservation measures were imposed on them by Sacramento outsiders who think of Joshua trees as existing only in isolated wilderness areas, and don't understand that the plants can also thrive in developed communities. Implementation has been onerous and confusing, delaying critical housing and infrastructure projects and driving away needed jobs and investment, they say.

Read more: California approves an unprecedented plan to protect Joshua trees from climate change threats

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Residents should not be forced to bear the economic burden of a policy that fails to balance environmental protection with the right to build and prosper, San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe, whose district includes communities around Joshua Tree National Park, said in a statement.

The western Joshua tree is one of two genetically distinct species that occur in California. It has been protected by the state since 2020, after the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned it be listed as threatened. Candidates for listing receive the same legal protections as species that are officially listed. (The other species, the eastern Joshua tree, also faces an uncertain future but is protected only by the California Desert Native Plants Act and local ordinances.)

In 2022, the California Fish and Game Commission deadlocked on whether to adopt the listing after hours of tense debate. State biologists had recommended against the move, describing concerns about the effects of climate change as premature. But many residents spoke in favor of the protections, saying that local governments werent doing enough to stop developers from bulldozing vast swaths of Joshua trees, said Brendan Cummings, conservation director of the Center for Biological Diversity.

Live and fallen Joshua trees in a Yucca Valley residential area.

Legislators then stepped in with the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act. The law was touted as a compromise that enshrined the interim protections while streamlining the permitting process to allow for affordable housing and clean energy projects. It enabled developers to pay fees in lieu of mitigating impacts on Joshua trees, with the monies earmarked for the state to purchase and conserve habitat.

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Since the law was a supplementary measure amending the main budget bill, it sidestepped substantive public hearings. Critics have since pointed to that as evidence that its drafters did not adequately solicit feedback from locals.

Joshua Tree homeowner Susan Trost said she only learned of the regulations when she heard residents complaining about them at a civic meeting on something unrelated. The 80-year-old is on a fixed income and wants to build an ADU to rent out to a long-term tenant, but shes worried she wont be able to afford the up-front costs of surveys, permits and fees.

The Commission must recognize that this is not simply about protecting a species, Trost wrote in a letter to the Fish and Game Commission commenting on the regulations. It is about setting a precedent for how California will balance conservation, housing, infrastructure, wildfire safety, and community needs in the future.

All I know is my future looks really terrible if I can't get another unit and more money coming in, Trost added in an interview.

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Read more: A Vegas company wants to build a glamping resort near Joshua Tree National Park. Locals sued

The conservation act requires property owners to obtain a permit before they take any part or product of Joshua trees, which includes things such as seeds, roots, leaves  even fallen branches, said Isabel Baer, acting branch manager of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife habitat conservation planning branch. Exactly what that means has been the subject of much debate.

The department had to make decisions about, for the purposes of the act, what is a 'lethal take' of a tree  at what point are you at risk of killing the tree? she said.

The department has interpreted the law to require property owners to get take permits for ground-disturbing work thats performed within a certain distance of a Joshua tree. CDFW gives its staff guidelines to determine the necessary distance based on scientific research, Baer said. But staffers decide the exact buffer requirements on a project-by-project basis, taking into account factors such as the location and size of the trees, she said.

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Some homeowners said that has injected more uncertainty and unevenness into a process thats already opaque.

Kerrie Aley owns a home on a 7.5-acre lot at the end of a dirt road in Pioneertown, a small community that was built to act as a film studio for western movie shoots. Shes renovating the property to bring it up to seismic and ADA standards, harden it against wildfires and install a septic tank for a guest house. An arborist determined the project would not result in the take of any Joshua trees, so Aley did not seek CDFW permission and forged ahead with construction.

Live and fallen Joshua trees dot the landscape in Yucca Valley.

Then she heard Mackie's story and realized that CDFW staff had used different methods to calculate how his project would affect Joshua trees. If Aley had applied those standards to her project, rather than relying on the arborist's recommendation, she would have owed the state about $22,109, she said.

On top of that, the retired engineer has embarked on a years-long effort to hand-prune plants within 100 feet of her home. Her goal is to create a buffer of "defensible space," which experts say is crucial to help a structure survive a wildfire, and which Aley hopes will make her home more insurable  her fire insurance was canceled two years ago. The most affordable replacement she could find was about $12,000 a year, forcing her to enroll in the last-resort California FAIR plan.

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Aley is not sure if the government could potentially interpret the work as illegal. In fact, given the abundance and density of Joshua trees on her property, she isn't sure whether she can legally dig anywhere in her yard without the state's permission.

Frankly, how do they expect to enforce this? she said. They make it so hard for your regular person to comply with these regulations that people just ignore them.

With its shopping centers and cul-de-sacs carved into Joshua tree woodlands, Yucca Valley is probably the developed community most profoundly affected by the conservation law, said town manager Curtis Yakimow. The town has at times felt buffeted by competing state interests of providing affordable housing and protecting a beloved species, he said.

Alec Mackie walks through his 1.2-acre property, where he wants to build a retirement home, in Yucca Valley.

Were very, very close to both the beauty as well as the difficulty of how do we meaningfully interact with this tree on individual private property parcels? he said.

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There, the conservation law swiftly came into conflict with a massive project to decommission thousands of septic tanks and replace them with a sewer system. The move was required by state water quality regulators because of groundwater pollution.

Homeowners initially faced steep Joshua tree mitigation fees for performing the work needed to connect to the new sewer lines. Per the law, the fees more than double in areas within two miles of Joshua Tree National Park, which sits on Yucca Valleys doorstep. A consultant hired by the town performed case studies on three different single-family homes and estimated that connecting to the sewer would cost their owners between $46,700 and $62,900 in mitigation fees alone.

This month, the CDFW announced a compromise. It would issue a take permit to the Hi-Desert Water District that covers the individual homeowners within the project footprint, said Alisa Ellsworth, project manager for CDFW Region 6. The water district has conducted a Joshua tree census and paid a security, Ellsworth said. If any of the trees surveyed die within four years of the project, the district will pay fees from that security, she said.

Baer pointed to the agreement as evidence that the department is listening to the public and accommodating their concerns. We really are doing our best to hear folks and be flexible within the constraints of the law, she said.

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Other towns could work out similar deals to shift most of the burden of permitting and mitigation fees from individual homeowners onto local governments, Cummings said. These jurisdictions could create community protection plans that identify areas where Joshua trees should be conserved and simplify the process for people seeking to build on or maintain their lots, he said.

How to manage an imperiled species within a community can be difficult, he said, but ultimately, Ive never met a community that regrets protecting trees and open spaces.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Office of the Prosecutor General has published a crime scene photo from the murder of Andrii Parubii, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament who was shot dead in Lviv on 30 August.

Source: Office of the Prosecutor General

Details: Early reports indicate that an unidentified man shot the politician several times in Lviv on 30 August, killing him instantly.

The attacker fled the scene. A special police operation codenamed Siren has been launched in the city to locate and apprehend the murderer.

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Senior officials from the oblast prosecutors office and the National Police are working at the scene, and forensic experts have been brought in.

The identity of the attacker and the circumstances of the crime are still being established.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  The man accused of intentionally setting a brush fire in Kunia could face up to 10 years in prison.

Man suspected of setting Kunia fire charged with arson

The Honolulu Prosecutors Office said 70-year-old Antonio Vierra is charged with second-degree arson, which is a class B felony, and they said they intend to seek the maximum penalty.

On Friday, the Honolulu Fire Department said there were nine fires in Kunia over a 12-day period between Aug. 11 and Aug. 23.

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We cant assume theyre all related even though they are in the same area, and in the same period of time, explained HFD Captain Jaime Kinard Song.

She said investigations revealed two of the fires were intentionally started. One of the fires was on Aug. 19, which led to the evacuation of Kunia Camp, and the fire on Saturday, Aug. 23, which came within 900 feet of homes.

Vierra is only accused and has only been charged with starting Saturdays fire.

Multiple agencies were involved in battling the fires and also the investigation, including the ATF, National Guard, and the Department of Forestry and Wildlife.

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We dispatched our accelerant detection canine, Eve, and she was instrumental in being able to alert and search an area where there was ignitable liquids present, explained Capt. Song. Then of course Dori Booth, our Fire Marshal, played a pivotal role in getting us surveillance footage, which we turned over to HPD as far as the arson investigation.

Booth said it was a GIS specialist with the Army who first noticed suspicious activity on wildfire cameras.

We were able to identify this vehicle that has been at several other incidents over the last two weeks, Booth explained.

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When we start seeing trends in a tight geographical area it really starts setting off flags, she continued. With wildland fires, its incredibly hard to identify suspects and cause and origin simply because theyre remote and away from everything, and thats where these ALERTwest cameras and fire monitoring really help with pinpointing some locations, which turns into the investigation.

Prosecutors say they viewed Vierra as dangerous and wanted to get him off the streets.

Starting fires over in such a dry area can be extremely dangerous and put a lot of people at risk, explained Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mark Yuen. So, were very serious about taking these cases seriously, this one in particular, based on proximity to homes.

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Vierra was released after posting bail. Hes expected in court next week.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  The Fayette community is rallying behind survivors and their families after a judge orders Timothy Vess Benton on house arrest.

Nearly hundreds of people gathered outside the Fayette County Courthouse to be a voice for the children and protest Judge Samuel Junkins court order, which allows Vess Benton to be at the following places under GPS monitoring:

His fathers shop at their home on County Road 102

Any doctors appointments including mental health appointments

His familys home in Gulf Shores. All visits to Gulf Shores must be pre-approved by the court through Jesse Christian, Director of Community Corrections. While in Gulf Shores, the defendant shall be confined to the house.

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If youre released from prison for messing with kids, you shouldnt be allowed to go to the beach, Fayette resident and the protests organizer Chris Johnson said.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to host signup for Global Entry enrollment

Benton was 19-years-old when he was charged with more than 40 counts of various charges, ranging from sodomy to human trafficking, according to court documents. Benton agreed to a guilty plea of two counts of sodomy in 2019.

Vess Benton was sentenced to 17 years in prison. But, his time behind bars was cut short in June of this year.

We didnt know he was getting out, Christopher Keys said.

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Keys son was 14-years-old when he was molested by Benton. The family has spent the last eight years trying to find peace, all of which was taken away when they found out through Facebook their sons predator was going home.

I want him locked back up, Keys said. If I cant get that to happen, at least maybe we can get something changed but this cant happen to somebody else.

CBS 42 reached out to Judge Junkin for comment about his decision, but have not heard back. The district attorney, Andy Hamlin, is not providing any comment at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
One fire official was injured while trying to extinguish a major fire on the third floor of a building in Indore, officials said. Four fire tenders immediately reached the spot late Friday night after receiving information about the blaze on MG Road. "We received information that a fire had broken out somewhere on the third to fourth floor. Our four vehicles are engaged in extinguishing the fire. One of our personnel got injured on the head while trying to extinguish the fire. I have brought him to the hospital," ASI Fire Brigade Sushil Kumar Dubey said. Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Aug. 29dbeard @dominionpost.com MORGANTOWN  Last week, the Preston County Commission sent a letter  just over two pages  to the state Public Service Commission listing its objects to the proposed NextEra Energy Transmission Mid Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) project.

On Thursday, the PSC wrote back to the commission, saying: "The concerns you raise in your letter are the type of issues that must be considered as part of the Commission review of the certificate application."

The answer is a nuts-and-bolts outline of how the PSC reviews cases.

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NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic told the state Public Service Commission on Wednesday that it intends to apply for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for its MARL project. The application should arrive somewhere between 30-90 days.

The commission sent its letter on Aug. 20, and the PSC waited until after the filing, when the case became official, to respond.

The commission made several points. It said, "The proposed route would significantly disrupt local landowners, farms, forests, and rural communities, including long-standing family properties and environmentally sensitive areas."

The commission said it recognizes the value of private property rights and the importance of protecting the livelihoods and quality of life of its residents.

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"This project has been met with strong opposition from Preston County citizens who are deeply concerned about its potential negative impact on property values, agriculture, tourism, and the scenic integrity of our county."

Also, while marketed as a regional reliability project, the commission said, the MARL line is designed primarily to move power across West Virginia to serve out-of-state markets. And the construction costs could be passed on to West Virginia ratepayers in the form of higher utility bills.

"While the Preston County Commission supports renewable energy development and grid reliability, we believe these goals must be pursued in ways that respect local communities, safeguard rural heritage, and avoid unnecessary harm. The MARL project, as proposed, fails to meet those standards, " it said.

The commission concluded, "For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Public Service Commission of West Virginia to deny approval of the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link Project. The people of Preston County have spoken clearly in their opposition, and as their elected representatives, we are united in protecting their interests."

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In response, the PSC explained how its review process works. It says that within 60 days of the filing of the certificate application, or within 90 days of final submission of oral argument or brief if a hearing is held, the PSC may approve the application.

Approval is based on conditions, the PSC said:

 Will the project economically, adequately and reliably meet customer needs or prove necessary and desirable for service reliability ?

 Will the project be in the best interest of West Virginia customers and residents ?

 Will it result in an acceptable balance between reasonable power needs and reasonable environmental factors ?

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The PSC says it may order conditions for approval or modify the proposed project to meet the power needs-environmental factors balance.

The PSC also spelled out to the commission how to subscribe to and follow case filings.

NextEra describes its project timeline: state regulatory application filings this fall ; anticipated regulatory approvals by spring 2027 ; start of construction in fall 2029 ; and completed construction and line in-service by fall-winter 2031.
Health officials are advising the public to avoid swimming, surfing or playing in the ocean at several Los Angeles County beaches due to elevated bacteria levels that exceed state health standards.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued warnings for the following locations:

100 yards up and down the coast from the Topanga Canyon Lagoon at Topanga County Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the 40th Street extension in Manhattan Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the Hermosa Beach Pier in Hermosa Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the Redondo Beach Pier in Redondo Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the Sapphire Street storm drain at Redondo Beach

The entire swim area at Mothers Beach in Marina del Rey

100 yards up and down the coast from the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area at Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

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Still, its not all bad news. The department lifted a previous warning for 100 yards up and down the coast from the Avenue I storm drain at Redondo Beach.

For the latest updates on beach conditions, residents can call the 24-hour beach advisory hotline at (800) 525-5662 or visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/beach.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A law enforcement pursuit resulted in a crash Friday on Interstate 15 southbound at State Route 163. San Diego police also confirmed an officer-involved shooting involving Escondido police occurred after the chase.

Around 4:52 p.m., SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky was over the location where several California Highway Patrol vehicles surrounded two crashed vehicles.

All lanes on I-15 south at SR-163 will be closed for an unknown duration of time due to the law enforcement activity, California Highway Patrol posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, at 5:28 p.m.

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Authorities advise to use alternate routes.

CHP will be leading the investigation.

No other information has been released about the incident.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are convening for a summit in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin starting on Sunday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to deliver several speeches and make announcements at the 25th meeting.

A joint declaration is also planned, while Xi is inviting attendees to a banquet.

The first day is expected to consist of individual meetings among the representatives of the members.

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Participants include Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who are likely to speak with Xi on the sidelines of the summit.

Beijing, as the current chair, expects representatives from 20 countries and 10 organizations, in what the Chinese Foreign Ministry says is set to be the largest summit since the SCO's inception.

The SCO was founded 24 years ago as an organization for combating terrorism and economic cooperation.

It now includes 10 countries, including Russia, China, India, Pakistan and Iran.
On Thursday, the British Council building in Kyiv was damaged in a massive and escalatory Russian attack. More than 600 drones and missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital, killing 23 civilians, four of them children. It was the second most intense bombardment in three-and-a-half years of war, and a clear sign that Vladimir Putin believes he can get away with murder.

Ponder, for a moment, his choice of targets. Putin does not see himself as fighting only Ukrainian nationalists. His ultimate enemy is Nato, especially Britain. He deliberately hit a building frequented by British government officials and situated in a residential part of Kyiv. He also struck the EUs embassy, a violation of the oldest precept in international relations, namely the inviolability of diplomatic missions.

Why? Because he can. Since the election of Donald Trump, and especially since the Alaska summit, he has concluded that, whatever he does, the US will not check, hinder or sanction him.

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What a turnaround for the Kremlin kleptocrat. Two years ago, he was on the ropes. His soldiers were losing ground in Ukraine and his regime had come close to being toppled by Wagner mercenaries. Then in came the Donald and everything changed.

How are we to explain Trumps fondness for the Russian autocrat? Why does he simper and wheedle with Putin, but snarl and threaten with Volodymyr Zelensky? Is it lingering resentment of the Hunter Biden episode, which made Zelensky an unintentional prop in his impeachment? Does Putin, as conspiracists have long maintained, truly have kompromat on the US President? Or is it the star-struck stance that Trump habitually assumes in the presence of autocrats?

Who can say? All we can say for sure that Trump literally rolled out the red carpet for Putin in Alaska while isolating and slandering Zelensky. We can say for sure that he has never criticised Putins domestic despotism nor called his conquests illegitimate. If he really were a Russian asset, it is hard to see what he would be doing differently.

US troops sweep the red carpet before Vladimir Putin met Donald Trump, Aug 15 - ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP

Trump occasionally goes through the motions of trying to sound balanced, but it is perfunctory and unconvincing. On the way to Alaska, he threatened Putin with very severe consequences if he would not agree to a ceasefire. After the summit, Putin not only rejected the ceasefire, he intensified the conflict, sending two Kalibr cruise missiles (which cost over a million pounds each) to destroy a US-owned factory in the far-western Ukrainian town of Mukachevo, closer to Bratislava than to Kyiv. Sure enough, the president who claims to be a super-patriot, and who threatens the terrors of the earth against countries that run trade surpluses with the US, sat there and said nothing.

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When an American journalist asked him what had happened to his threat of very severe consequences if Putin escalated the fighting, Trump replied Zelenskys not exactly innocent either. OK, but so what? Zelensky is flawed, and his behaviour has become increasingly dictatorial, but that is hardly an answer to the question.

Even if we set aside the big picture, namely that Russia is annexing territory from a neighbour which offered it no threat, and look narrowly at Trumps plan for a ceasefire close to the present lines of control, Putin is still the one rebuffing the US president. Trump, extolled by his supporters as a nationalist strong-man, is being slapped about by a dictator whose national economy is about the size of New York States, and his fans dont care.

The line trotted out by the MAGA faithful is that all this is about avoiding forever wars. Now genuine isolationism is an honourable enough stance, though not one I happen to share. I could respect, Putin is a bastard, but wake me up when he gets to Seattle. But what we are seeing is not neutrality; it is switching sides. An American leader who menaces Canada and Denmark is at the same time seeking to dismember Ukraine (the wronged party) while bringing Russia (the aggressor) back into the comity of nations. No wonder Putin is smiling behind his high Tatar cheekbones.

Now that he has the US where he wants it, Putin can concentrate on the country that he truly detests: Britain. His resentment goes back a long way, possibly to the days when MI6 was running rings around him as a KGB agent. He loathed the way the SAS took out some of the more monstrous of his allies in Syria, sparing only Russian citizens. He has raged against what he calls our colonial attitudes  quite something coming from a man who is literally helping himself to a slice of a neighbouring state.

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MAGA has its British imitators, and you sometimes hear useful idiots in this country parroting the Russian line, namely that Boris Johnson pushed Ukraine into a needless war. How anyone can claim that with a straight face after watching Putins annexation of four Ukrainian oblasts beats me. But the idea that Russia was minding its business before Britain provoked it is almost too absurd for words.

Russia had for two decades buzzed our airspace, sent submarines into our waters and launched cyberattacks against our infrastructure, all against a background of anti-British propaganda films, mainly dating from the Soviet era, on state TV. In 2006 and again in 2018, Putin carried out technical acts of war against us when he ordered agents of the Russian state to use lethal force on British soil against, respectively, Alexander Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal.

As Putin sees it, London is the headquarters of the exiled Russian opposition, the place where dissident oligarchs go to shelter behind a strong rule of law and incorruptible police chiefs and judges. His foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, blames Britains hysterical Russophobia for pushing Europe into an anti-Moscow stance.

As usual, the former president, Dmitry Medvedev, acts as Russias id, speaking aloud the thoughts that diplomatic niceties prevent Putin or Lavrov from articulating in public. We need to solve the problem at its root and immediately sink the damned island of Anglo-Saxon dogs, he says

Dmitry Medvedev, Russias former president, attends a meeting at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, June 13 - Alexei Maishev/REUTERS

When Medvedev talks of Britain as Moscows eternal enemy, he is articulating the view of most of the strongmen, the siloviki, around Putin. The two world wars happened to throw our two countries together. But we were rivals for almost a century before 1914, the era of the Great Game; and we became rivals again after 1944.

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Our rivalry was not geographical. AJP Taylor and Enoch Powell argued, from very different starting points, that Britain and Russia, as semi-European powers, had no reason to quarrel. But, although geography might have suggested an accommodation, ideology pulled hard in the other direction. Britain has long been the chief exponent and exporter of an open, individualist and free society. Russia, whether Tsarist, Soviet or Putinite, is a textbook model of authoritarianism.

Ideology, ultimately, is what is at stake here. Putin aims to destroy, not just the freedom of Ukraine, but the liberal world order that the Western allies have upheld since 1941. He attacked it directly when he broke a treaty to invade a sovereign state. And he attacked it symbolically by shelling a diplomatic legation, the clearest imaginable assault on the Vienna Convention.

The US, the chief beneficiary and guarantor of the post-war order, has very suddenly switched sides. Britain, like Europe, is too poor and indebted to act alone.

And so a bankrupt and exhausted Russia, reliant on Iranian drones and North Korean soldiers, with an economy about the size of Spains before the war and now closer to Portugals, is on the point of defeating Nato and, with it, the entire international order it defends. By heaven, were going to miss it when it has gone.

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Heres a look back at the top stories of the week, if youre looking for a quick recap  as well as our best photo galleries and some stories away from the headlines.

Minneapolis shooting

A shooter opened fire at the church of a Catholic school, killing two children and injuring 18 others, most of them children, in Minneapolis on .Wednesday. Police said the shooter, who died by suicide after the attack, had a fascination with mass killers.

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Look at our photos from the aftermath of the shooting, then read our story about the victims. Here is what we know about the shooter, the situation around gun safety legislation in Minnesota, and the mood of Minneapolis following a tough summer.

Trump replaces CDC director

The White House said Thursday it terminated the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and several of its top officials resigned, as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. works to remold the nation's vaccine policy.

Read our story about what's happening at the country's top health agency. Then read about how some groups are stepping up to take over part of the CDC's work.

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Big Russian attack in Ukraine

At least 23 people were killed in a major Russian attack on Kyiv Wednesday night, one of the biggest since the war began. The strikes happened as U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end the war seemed to falter.

Look at our photos of the attack, and watch this video showing the moment the missiles hit.

...and away from the headlines

As AI becomes more prominent, some of the language around it sounds increasingly religious. Florida is deploying robot bunnies to catch pythons in the Everglades. Here is all you need know about zero beer and other non-alcoholic drinks. Duty-free time is over for parcels posted to the U.S. And why the Finnish Air Force is still using the swastika on some unit flags.

If you want to see our best photos, here is the selection of the week. Twenty years after Katrina, then-and-now photos show the power of the place. Two years of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, now engaged. Highlights from the Venice Film Festival. And the final work of AP freelancer Mariam Dagga, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Monday.
It may only be the end of August, but the race for the Niagara County Legislatures Sixth District seat is showing signs of heating up.

Earlier this week, endorsed Republican Dante Richardson publicly challenged endorsed Democrat and Niagara Falls firefighter Sam Farruggia to join him for a debate about the issues facing the county and the district, which includes the City of Niagara Falls.

Farruggia, who is running with the endorsement of the Niagara County Democratic Party, declined the offer in a statement he posted on Facebook that questioned Richardsons educational background and his violent criminal history, which he said raises serious concerns about his opponents credibility.

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I appreciate the invitation to participate in a debate, Farrugia said in the statement posted to his election campaigns Facebook page. Debates are valuable when they allow voters to compare candidates who are serious, credible and committed to representing our community with honesty and integrity.

The criminal history part of the statement refers to Richardsons 2014 conviction on charges of first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The Erie County District Attorneys office said at the time that Richardson and another accomplice threatened a 48-year-old female in her home in Buffalo with a loaded .32-caliber pistol while wearing masks and plastic gloves. According to a press release issued by the Erie County DA following their conviction, the pair fled the scene when Buffalo police arrived, making off with $10 and a box of condoms. Richardson served years in prison before being paroled.

Sharing a stage under these circumstances would lend legitimacy to a candidacy that does not meet the standards of transparency and accountability that the people of the district deserve, Farruggia said in his statement.

Richardson noted that he was 20 at the time of the incident.

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Now 32, he insists hes worked hard to change his life around, noting that he has been involved in numerous private- and public-sector projects in the years since and was a student with Stanfords Accelerator for Learning, a program housed at the universitys Graduate School of Education that serves as an interdisciplinary hub for researchers, educators, entrepreneurs and others to collaborate on learning solutions.

More recently, Richardson has partnered with the Niagara Falls School District to develop a local Pipedreamers program that allows high school students to talk Stanford University-level introduction to computer science courses. He said he has also worked with the University at Buffalo to develop a workforce training program to help formerly incarcerated individuals find employment.

Hes just throwing stuff out there, just to make me look less credible, Richardson said.

From his perspective, Richardson said Farruggias comments are insulting to individuals who have criminal backgrounds, including those that live in the Sixth District in the Falls. Richardson said such comments suggest people who make mistakes in the past arent worthy of seeking public office or sharing a debate stage with other candidates.

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Hes kind of saying a lot of the voter base doesnt deserve to be part of the leadership base if they got in trouble with the law, Richardson said.

Richardson said his primary motivation for calling for a debate involves his interest in sharing his vision for revitalizing the Falls section of the Sixth District, which he noted includes struggling parts of the city like Niagara Street and Buffalo Avenue. While he said he has ideas for how to attract more private investment locally, he views Farruggia more as a party mouthpiece than a true leader or representative of the needs of the people in the district.

Honestly, I believe he doesnt want to debate me because he has no idea what to do regarding economic development in the city. He doesnt want to debate on those terms, Richardson added.

In a telephone interview on Thursday, Farruggia said hes not interested in sharing a debate stage with a candidate like Richardson, who, based on what hes seen and heard about him, dwells in a realm of negativity and division and does not seem to have much capacity for the truth.

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Id rather spend my time continuing to walk around, knock on doors, talk to people and hear their concerns, Farruggia said. I think thats a better use of my time. I discuss my plan with each individual resident, depending on what concerns they present to me.

Farrugia said his thoughts were reinforced on Wednesday when Richardson suggested in a Facebook post that he had a previous arrest on a drug charge, a claim Farrugia said is absolutely false.

I know that thats never happened. You would think the background check I had to undergo for my employment would have caught that, said Farruggia, who has been employed as a Niagara Falls firefighter for the past four years.

My initial thought was that he was trying to use me to legitimize himself, he added. After the way that hes acting after I initially declined (to debate), it just validated my original gut feeling.

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Richardson said he still wants to discuss issues facing the Sixth District, the city and the county in a public forum.

I still want to debate him, Richardson said. We should definitely have a debate just so people can actually hear whose plan is better and let the people judge.

Richardson and Farruggia are squaring off in the Sixth District race to replace outgoing Legislator, Republican Chris Voccio, who decided he would not seek reelection. This years general election is on Nov. 4.
Las Vegas(KLAS)-Debbie Roxarzade, the founder of Rachels Kitchen visits Las Vegas Now in honor of the restaurants 19th anniversary. Rachels Kitchen is known for its fresh salads, juices and breakfast. Rachels Kitchen will be celebrating its anniversary August 30th through September 1st.

There are also catering options available at Rachels Kitchen

Rachels Kitchen has eight locations across the valley, for more information visit: rachelskitchen.com.

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Aug. 30MITCHELL  This summer, a new kind of men's group took root in Mitchell. You won't find it in a church basement or at a coffee shop. Instead, look for sweat, campfires and callused hands.

It's called Men's Alliance and it's not your average faith group.

Founded nationally in 2017, Men's Alliance arrived in South Dakota in early 2024 when Micah Heeren and Jim Feistner launched the Kairos Tribe in Mitchell. The two attended a Men's Alliance "Start the Fire" training event in Richmond, Virginia, and returned inspired to start their own chapter. As Kairos quickly grew, Feistner launched a second tribe  Plainsmen  later that year. Plainsmen originally began in Woonsocket but relocated to Mitchell during the summer of 2025 to meet growing demand.

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Heeren chose the name Kairos based on a Greek word used in the Bible.

"Kairos is a Greek word that means the opportune time  a moment when God moves," Heeren said. "That's what we believe this is. Every time a man shows up, it's a chance for God to move in his life."

As the group quickly grew beyond the ideal size of a dozen men, Feistner started a second tribe  Plainsmen  later that year. Both groups relocated to Mitchell this summer to reach more men and accommodate the rising demand.

Meeting outdoors  rain or shine, 0 degrees or 100  the formula is simple: 30 minutes of rugged exercise followed by 30 minutes of real-world devotionals around a fire.

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According to Feistner, the need is obvious.

"Men are starving for real connection," he said. "They're living in isolation, thinking they have to figure everything out alone. We're here to remind them that's a lie. You were never meant to do life alone."

The idea of doing something hard together is what Men's Alliance believes builds lasting connections. The workouts are designed to push every man  whether he's an elite athlete or hasn't exercised in years. Think tire flipping, burpees, sledgehammer swings. But the workouts are scalable to allow each man to go at his own pace. One Kairos member even participates from a wheelchair.

"Everyone does what they can," Feistner said. "The only rule is don't die."

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The physical challenge may be what first grabs attention, but for most men, the lasting impact comes during the second half of the night  in the fire-lit conversations that follow. Each week, a different member leads a real-world devotion  not a lecture or a sermon, but a personal reflection. It's often a story from the man's life, a struggle he's facing or a scripture that's helped him through something real.

"It's a man sharing what he's going through and what God is teaching him," Feistner said.

The impact is already visible. Chadd Thimesch, a CrossFitter who joined earlier this year after being invited by RiverTree Pastor Ben Aleshire, said he didn't know a single person. But he came anyway  and kept coming.

"Honestly? It's the accountability," he said. "There are guys here who will check in if you don't show up. You don't get that in a lot of places."

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Another newcomer, Charles Sullivan, found the group by what he considers divine timing. On a cross-country trip from Iowa to Washington, Sullivan's car broke down near Alexandria. Stranded in Mitchell for repairs, he visited RiverTree Church, where someone invited him to a Plainsmen workout.

"I didn't die," Sullivan said with a grin after finishing his first session. "I'll definitely be back."

Sullivan has since decided to stay in Mitchell. He's found work, housing, and what he calls a new sense of direction.

"I feel like this is where God wants me," Sullivan said. "I think things worked out the way they did for a reason."

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While many members attend RiverTree Church, the group itself is not tied to any specific congregation or denomination. Men of all backgrounds are welcome. The only requirement, Feistner says, is to show up ready to work and ready to grow.

The groups have a unique way of marking that growth. After attending at least three sessions, a man becomes eligible to receive a call sign  a nickname given by the tribe after he shares who he is and what he stands for. Once a man has a call sign, he can lead a workout or devotion. If he continues to lead and memorize the Men's Alliance creed, he can earn a challenge coin.

The final step is earning a Men's Alliance patch, awarded only after completing Carry the Fire  a multi-day leadership and discipleship experience. Feistner is the only patched member in South Dakota, but a group is planning to travel to Texas this fall to complete the training.

But the real reward, members say, is the change they see in their lives.

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"This isn't just about fitness," Feistner said. "It's about becoming better men. Better dads. Better husbands. Better leaders. That's the mission."

Both Kairos and Plainmen now meet weekly in Mitchell. Kairos gathers at 7:30 p.m. Monday, and Plainsmen meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at 1701 W. 7th Ave. No experience is necessary  just water, weather-appropriate clothing and the courage to show up.

"There's no coffee cake," Feistner said. "This isn't a Bible study, and it's not a workout group. But there is a fire. We are a tribe. A brotherhood. And for many men, that's exactly what they've been missing."
The recent scrutiny surrounding Angela Rayners tax affairs, particularly the purchase of a new home 250 miles from her constituency, is now inviting broader questions about her political aspirations.

As an MP you dont need to own your main residence but it will strike many as odd that a recently-divorced woman is still sharing her main home with her ex-husband, while at the same time sharing a flat with her new partner. It should be restated that Rayner has done nothing legally wrong in divesting herself of her former family home before buying a new property in Hove, even if such a move meant paying a 30,000 stamp duty bill rather than a 70,000 one, which is what she would have been faced with if she were still part owner of her Ashton-under-Lyne home.

But could there be electoral, as well as taxation, considerations in Rayners actions?

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Towards the end of last year, an MRP poll from More in Common predicted that Rayner faced losing her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency to Reform. She is not the only Labour incumbent in the region considering new employment opportunities after the next general election: she is merely the most high-profile of the eight or so Labour MPs who could be defeated by Nigel Farages party, a prediction based on a detailed seat-by-seat analysis by the polling organisation.

More recent, though less detailed polls have suggested Reform could be on the verge of an even bigger victory, with a Find Out Now poll giving the party a 16-point lead over Labour. Even if such leads cannot be maintained for the length of the current parliament, senior Labour figures admit that the definition of a safe seat is more fluid than ever.

And if Rayners chief motivation in buying a new home on Englands south coast were to allow her to seek an alternative, safer, political berth, she would not be the first to do so. Recent history is littered with chicken run MPs who abandoned their House of Commons seats in the hope of preserving their parliamentary careers in the event of their former constituents switching party allegiance.

The most recent and controversial example was Richard Holden, elected as the Conservative MP for North West Durham in 2019 and subsequently appointed as Tory Party chair, who parachuted himself into the candidacy in Basildon and Billericay, a move that upset more than a few local Conservatives in both seats. It was an audacious gamble that very nearly didnt pay off: in July 2024 Holden was elected in his new seat with a wafer-thin majority of just 20 votes.

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What options would Rayner have in Sussex if she wanted to jump ship from the North West? The only safe Labour seat would be the one in which she now resides: Hove and Portslade, where the incumbent MP (and cabinet colleague of Rayners) is Peter Kyle, who enjoys a healthy majority of nearly 20,000 and who won more than half of the vote last year.

However entertaining a selection battle between the deputy prime minister and the science secretary would undoubtedly be, such a development must be filed somewhere between fantasy and things that will never happen. Aside from the implausibility of Rayner completely abandoning her informal title of Queen in the North and reinventing herself as a champion of middle-class metropolitans, she would also be abandoning her much-valued reputation as a working-class woman who tells it like it is, even to the extent of having to apologise afterwards for her forthrightness.

But if Rayner did harbour an ambition to usurp Kyle in Britains most socially liberal and progressive city, it would confirm the evolution of Labour from a party with working-class roots to one that thrived on fashionable luxury beliefs that are largely irrelevant to Rayners current electorate.

What would it say about Keir Starmers political legacy if the once impregnable Red Wall of Labour constituencies could no longer be relied upon to support the partys candidates?

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Rumours continue to circulate that Rayner, buoyed by a series of surveys of Labour members who view her as the most popular minister in the government, has her eyes on Keir Starmers job. That being the case, she is hardly likely to wish to damage her personal reputation with a distracting chicken run with no definite outcome. Far better to stay put in Ashton-under-Lyne and hope that the increased prestige that comes with the keys to Number 10 would be enough to see off any Reform challenge.

All she needs now is for Starmer to resign. And for people to stop asking awkward questions about her tax and living affairs.

Tom Harris is a former Labour MP

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Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati has appointed her nephew, Akash Anand, as the party's national convenor, four months after reinducting him into the organisation. Expressing gratitude to former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Friday for giving him the post, Akasha Anand said that he will take forward the movement which was started by BR Ambedkar. "I express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to respected sister (Mayawait) for appointing me as the National Coordinator of the Bahujan Samaj Party. At the same time, I will work with full dedication and hard work to advance the movement of the most revered Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram forward, in accordance with the guidance and directions of respected sister, with all my heart and soul," Anand posted on X in Hindi. "I also extend my heartfelt best wishes to all my fellow party members and the newly appointed office-bearers. Jai Bhim, Jai Bharat," he added. Earlier on Friday, BSP UP state president Vishwanath Pal also congratulated Anand for being appointed as the national convenor of the party. "Our heartfelt thanks to the esteemed sister Kumari Mayawati, the National President of the Bahujan Samaj Party, for appointing Akash Anand as the National Coordinator (National Convener) of the BSP, and our warm congratulations and best wishes to the honourable National Convener Akash Anand," the BSP state president wrote on X in Hindi. Mayawati's nephew, Akash Anand, was reinducted into the party on April 13 after he issued a public apology and pledged loyalty to the party and its principles. Anand, along with his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, was expelled from the party following a controversial tweet and internal disagreements. On May 19, during the national-level meeting of the party held at Delhi's Lodhi Road, Akash Anand was reappointed as the party's national coordinator. Senior party leaders, state representatives, and coordinators from across the country remained present during the meeting. It was decided that Akash would take charge of campaigning in the upcoming elections. (ANI)
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  Roanoke City Public Schools celebrated the grand opening of its Community Empowerment Center on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the facility.

The center is designed as a one-stop shop for family resources, including student enrollment, health services, employment services, and adult workshops, among others.

According to RCPS superintendent Dr. Verletta White, the goal is to enrich the student experience by building up families.

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Its built with the community, for the community, and by the community because we know that when families succeed, students succeed, said White.

School is often one of the only guaranteed touchpoints for our students and their families, said RCPS School Board Chair Franny Apel. The more ways we can help families become whole, the stronger our community will be.

Its grand opening marks the completion of the RCPS Equity Action Plan, which was started by White in 2021.

Families told us that they needed support beyond the classroom, not just for students, but for caregivers, too, said White. Thats when the Community Empowerment Center was born.

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SOL scores show significant achievement gap between white students and Black, Hispanic students in Virginia

The other two projects were the construction of the Charles Day Technical Education Center and the William Robertson Administration building, which recently opened in downtown Roanoke.

The building that now houses the Community Empowerment Center served as the RCPS Administration Building since 1971.

Before that, it housed the segregated Lucy Addison High School from 1928 until 1952 and the Booker T. Washington Junior High School from 1952 until 1971.

The Community Empowerment Center honors that rich legacy in several ways, including a mural, a legacy wall showcasing the history of RCPS, and its distinction as a registered Virginia landmark.

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Today, nearly 100 years later, we celebrate a new chapter, said RCPS Director of Community Engagement Corey Allder. One that honors this legacy, while opening new doors of opportunity for students, for our families, and for our entire city.

The Community Empowerment Center officially opened on July 1 and has already served more than 300 families according to White.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Aug. 30Dear Answer Man: It seems the "beltline"  that stretch of U.S. Highway 14 that is also 12th Street South  is nearing completion. However, now that I ventured a drive over there again, I can't help but wonder why in the world it's blacktop? Seems to me that concrete holds up much better and longer? Is this a tax dollars decision at work to go for a cheaper option? Please explain the reasoning.  Mad Motoring Mary.

Dear Mary,

Maybe you might want to slow your roll as you travel down the road of accusations.

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I talked with Answer Man's good friend MnDOT District 6 Spokesman Mike Dougherty, and he said there's a wrong turn in your premise.

"The most recent surface was blacktop as well," Dougherty said.

It seems the road was originally constructed with concrete, but the last time it was resurfaced in 2011, that job was a layer of blacktop. This time around, Dougherty added, the Minnesota Department of Transportation removed that old blacktop and just added a fresh layer.

"With this project we just removed the aged asphalt surface down to the old concrete and put a new 3-inch layer of asphalt or blacktop surface back," he added. "The placement of new concrete along the roadway would not likely be done without redoing all of the existing city sewer and water utilities and connections to abutting buildings and completely rebuilding the road base."

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Dougherty added that MnDOT considers a range of factors before deciding what material to use when it comes to resurfacing a road. The agency considers truck traffic, average daily traffic and roadway type, then MnDOT considers such factors as when the next project might occur, and when it might be worth doing a complete job to replace the concrete.

"Timing-wise and budget for the project did not match, but that could be a future project that would be done in consultation with the city of Rochester," Dougherty said.

As for any cost differences or differences in durability between the two surface types, Dougherty added, that, yes, concrete costs more and last longer. A lot has to do with the condition of the road bed. If that needs to be redone, you might as well go all the way with concrete.

"The asphalt and concrete industries are consistently looking at ways to improve the durability and function of their products. So each can suit a certain type of road project, traffic volume and type, and overall goals," Dougherty said. "Both are good products for roads and MnDOT uses both across its range of road projects each summer."

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Asphalt, he added, is less expensive, and can be paved more quickly for a project that has a timeline. Concrete, meanwhile, takes longer and has a longer time to strengthen before vehicles can drive on it and it's more expensive, but it lasts longer.

Send questions to Answer Man at answerman@postbulletin.com .
Our state of affairs should alarm all Americans

Jefferson City, Tenn.: Am I the only person who sees where this country is headed under President Trump and his MAGA disciples? Hes not happy with telling institutions of higher learning what they can and cant teach or corporations on how they run their companies or who they can employ. Now hes trying to limit what history we can learn! From the Smithsonian to other museums, hes trying to rewrite history or remove it from public display.

He said he wanted to deport violent criminals, yet what we see is families and individuals who may have entered the country illegally or overstayed a visa but are otherwise law-abiding and contributing to our economy. Granted, Im sure there are some criminals among them. Some of these people have spent their entire or the majority of their lives in this country. Trumps deploying federal troops and law enforcement to Washington, and threatening to do it to other blue cities under the guise of addressing out-of-control crime while the opposite is actually true. Crime was down in D.C. This is a ploy for him to see how much he can get away with. He wants to turn this country into MAGA-land, and the Supreme Court is letting him.

Republican politicians are afraid of him because if they dont do what he wants, theyll lose their position because hell endorse someone who will blindly follow him without question. Hes encouraging red states to redraw their congressional districts to favor Republicans. Hes doing this because he knows that the people are not happy with him and he may lose the House to Democratic control. Sean Talty

Him first

Manhattan: As your editorial of Thursday (Trumps awful assault on the Fed, Aug. 28) correctly noted, Trump wants New York Attorney General Tish James and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to resign because theyve been accused of mortgage fraud. But wait a minute, if just being accused is enough to cost you your public service job, what about Trump, who was not only accused but convicted in civil court of misstating the worth of his properties and convicted again in criminal court of falsifying business records? By his own standard, Trump should resign instantly. Just sayin. Robert Laird

With impunity

Brooklyn: Regarding the militarization of cities with the National Guard, Trump proclaims he can do whatever he wants because hes the president. As I recall, he said the same exact thing regarding his fondling of women in the Access Hollywood tape: When youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. This is who he is folks, right to the core of his being. Irwin Cantos

Declining health?

Manhattan: My wife, a career-long health care expert, believes the cankles and discolored hands on Trump are signs that he is undergoing dialysis for failed or failing kidneys. While only speculation based on 40-plus years of elderly care nursing, her diagnosis is worth noting. Something is seriously wrong, as our president is speculating about his chances of entering Heaven, a long shot of insurmountable odds. Enrico Rizzo

Federal help

Greenburgh, N.Y.: The announcement by the Trump administration that it will be willing to take over the Penn Station renovation is good news. Its exciting that construction on the $7 billion project will begin by the end of 2027. This is the perfect time to revive a suggestion made by George Latimer when he was Westchester county executive. He suggested direct Metro-North commuter rail service from the Hudson River train stations (Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown) to Penn Station. Wouldnt it be great if Democrats and Republicans would work together to make our train service great again? Paul Feiner

Regrettable rechristening

Bergenfield, N.J.: When I heard on the radio that they should rename Penn Station for Trump, I yelled out, in the words of Mr. Bill from Saturday Night Live, Ooh noooo! Jim Kerner

Ideological convenience

Congers, N.Y.: To Voicer Richie Nagan: Lets not forget that Trump was a lifelong Democrat until he decided to run for office. Beth Friscino

Dumb jab

Bronx: Trump, Mayor Adams and others have called Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani a communist. How odd that The Donald  long rumored to be in communist dictator Vladimir Putins pocket  would claim such an absurdity. And has Adams forgotten that David Dinkins was not only the citys first Black mayor but also a member of the Democratic Socialists of America? Would he also refer to Dinkins as a communist? Apparently, some of our citizens flunked their history and civics classes. Mike Dangelo

What would it take?

Scarsdale, N.Y.: The terrible gun laws of the United States are felt with great pain once again. Children praying in school have been targeted and murdered by a madman firing a high-caliber automatic weapon. If you are a congressperson who was persuaded by the NRAs powerful gun lobby to vote against taking such weapons of war out of circulation, shame belongs on you. I wonder, would it take having your child or loved one targeted in one of these insane tragedies to change your mind and vote to get these killing weapons off the streets and out of the hands of folks who should never have them? Susan Wielstein

Government for sale

Western Springs, Ill.: Another mass shooting. Would gun laws be stronger if gunmakers did not make large political contributions? Would pharmaceuticals cost less if their producers did not make large political contributions? Would the transition to clean, renewable energy get blocked if oil companies did not make large political contributions? Imagine a system without the influence of large political contributions, where elections were publicly funded so that government decisions were based on merit, expertise and the public interest. Richard Barsanti

Disputed descriptions

Manhattan: To Voicer Steven Davies: I suggest you read Voicer Richard Shermans letter for a more detailed explanation of the war Hamas started. As to your letter, Ill simply say that its a brutal war started and continued by terrorists. Heres some corrections: kidnapped people  only to be starved and murdered months later; 90% of Gaza destroyed  what percentage were rocket sites/tunnels built to house Hamas war chest? (Norway has pledged $10 billion to rebuild Gaza. How many yards of new tunnels does that buy?); 60,000 killed  hard to determine who is who when the enemy avoids uniforms but only wears pretty green headscarves when carrying coffins of hostages; disease and starvation  explain obese moms next to kids with congenital illness. Stop buying Hamas PR releases as facts. Robert J. Katz

Cut short

White Plains, N.Y.: On Aug. 27, Nolan McLean pitched eight scoreless innings, and then was removed for a relief pitcher. McLean was deprived of pitching a complete scoreless game. When did take me out to the ballgame become take me out from the ballgame? Randi Bernstein Feigenbaum

Agency awry

Canton, N.Y.: Are you aware that more people died from COVID in the U.S. than in any other country in the world? Yet, youre treating the current CDC staff like heroes. By any sane metric, the CDC is a huge failure and is completely run by the drug cartel for its own benefit, not that of the American people. And yet you say nothing about this. Its why victims of COVID vaccines are reduced to shooting out windows of the CDC. Do you know how many people died from complications related to the COVID vaccines? Of course not, because the CDC refuses to tell us. The American people want the truth about vaccines, not more industry propaganda. Greg Todd

Said too much

Manhattan: Is there no one visiting or residing within the five boroughs who is capable of conversing without compromising their delivery with what may very well be the most annoying adjective ever conceived and uttered: amazing? That single word has been overused, inappropriately, for so long that it has lost its original meaning so as to become gratuitous window dressing lacking any substantive meaning whatsoever, in my not-so-humble opinion. Aydin Torun
A portrait painted by a legendary Italian master which was looted by the Nazis during World War II has been located thanks to a real estate listing, The Guardian reported.

A property listing in Buenos Aires, Argentina, showed pictures of the long-lost painting Portrait of a Lady (Countess Colleoni) hanging in the homes living room above a worn green sofa. It was created by Italian portraitist Giuseppe Ghislandi, also known as Fra Galgario, who lived from 1655 until 1743. The painting was once owned by Jacques Goudstikker, a prominent Dutch art dealer who in May 1940 fled the Netherlands as the Nazi invasion commenced. Goudstikker died after he broke his neck in a fall in the cargo hold of the ship taking him to safety. Several weeks after his death, Goudstikkers collection of over 1,100 pieces of art was auctioned at a fraction of its worth by Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring.

Despite some of Goudstikkers collection being found after the war, Portrait of a Lady has been missing since 1945. Dutch newspaperADinvestigated the artwork and found that Ghislandis painting is listed in a database of lost art and marked unreturned after WWII. The outlet reportedly uncovered documents which suggest the artwork may have belonged to Friedrich Kadgien, who was a Nazi official, SS officer, and senior aide to Goring.

Journalists Tried to Track Down Surviving Relatives

After fleeing Switzerland in 1945, Kadgien moved to Brazil and then Argentina, where he started a family and remained until his death at 71 in 1978. AD tried to contact Kadgiens daughters several times during its investigation, but received no response. At one point, a reporter went to their home but still could not find the surviving relatives.

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There was certainly someone at home, we saw a shadow moving in the corridor, but no one opened, journalist Peter Schouten reported. By the way, the house is for sale, he said, attaching a link to the listing.

AD reporter Cyril Rosman added: As I opened the link the next morning, I started scrolling through the interior photos of the property. Was there anything that said more about Kadgiens past? Then I saw it. That painting, above the sofaphoto five.

Art historians who have evaluated the work say the painting bears all the hallmarks of being Ghislandis missing work. Once the painting is verified, it will go on display at one of several Italian museums which showcase Ghislandis work.

This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Aug 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Perhaps fair-minded people should hope that the Deputy Prime Minister is enjoying the English summer at her new residence in Hove.

It must be a bit of a struggle having your home more than 50 miles from your office and more than 200 miles from the constituency you represent. But Angela Rayner is a resourceful woman.

The fact that she has saved herself about 40,000 in stamp duty will surely be a source of comfort as she spends all those long hours travelling to and from her property on the south coast to be with her constituents in Greater Manchester.

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Before one criticises Rayners handling of her property affairs, its worth saying two things in her defence.

First, no one should begrudge successful people getting rich and spending their money as they see fit. Though we now understand that the Deputy Prime Minister removed her name from the deeds of her house in Greater Manchester, rendering the suggestion she was building some property empire spurious, she would have been well within her rights to purchase multiple homes. This ought to be something British people aspire to, rather than resent.

Second, there is no doubt a tiny minority of people who think that Rayner just isnt the sort of person who should be rich. She is working class, from a humble background, speaks human and appears to love a party. Not the type who should be able to fork out the best part of a million pounds to acquire property in a pleasant area of coastal Sussex.

I have no time for such class prejudice. The real problem is that her behaviour is spectacularly at odds with the philosophy of her own Government. She isnt merely bound by this approach though collective responsibility as a Cabinet minister but has been a consistent public enthusiast for it.

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Labour thinks the affluent and successful pay too little revenue to the Exchequer. Those with the broadest shoulders, we are endlessly told, need to carry more of the burden. The wealthier among us must pay more.

No one ever suggests a point at which the burden on the well-heeled might be considered excessive  either morally or practically. The top 1 per cent of earners now pay about a third of all income tax receipts  is that really an insufficient contribution to our public services?

We can see what the wealthy are making of the ever-higher contributions being asked of them. Britain now has the highest outflow of millionaires of any country in the Western world. Id argue that we need to dramatically reduce tax rates to attract them back. But Angela Rayner and her government firmly disagree with me.

The issue facing our Deputy Prime Minister is that she is failing to practise what she preaches. So, this is an ethical issue rather than a legal one. She may now face an inquiry at the hands of Sir Laurie Magnus, the Governments adviser on ministerial interests. However, the ethical judgment that really matters is that of the electorate.

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All of us in our day-to-day lives try to save money in a wide range of ways. We dont typically strive to hand over in taxes any more than we absolutely need to. Nor do we strive to pay more in car insurance or energy bills. Avoiding taxes we dont have to pay is a sensible, rational part of managing our finances. But thats not how the Left see the world. In their mind, if you avoid tax, youre starving our wonderful public services of much-needed investment.

Rayner is in the top 2 or 3 per cent of earners. This is exactly the cohort that Labour thinks need to be contributing more to our public services through tax. But the Deputy Prime Minister has unilaterally decided to try and absolve herself of such a financial obligation.

If Rayner were seeking to avoid paying what the Left might consider her fair share, who does she think should be writing the cheques to fill Rachel Reevess black hole?

Your doctor can advise you, entirely legally, to quit smoking and stop drinking while he sips a treble whisky and puffs away on a cigarette. Similarly, there is no law against someone launching an anti-obesity campaign while tucking into a trayful of doughnuts. A priest can extol the benefits of marital monogamy. He wont face criminal proceedings if he is having a string of affairs.

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But any reasonable person would surely look askance at such behaviour. To be credible, acting within the technical confines of the law is not enough. If you expect to be taken seriously as someone advising  or, even more so, demanding  how others should behave, you need to walk the talk.

The 40,000 Rayner was able to save in stamp duty would not make any material difference to the state of our public finances. Our national debt is now 2.9 trillion; the Exchequer raised around 1.1 trillion in 2024. But the fact that she seems unwilling to put her money where her mouth is erodes the Governments already diminishing fiscal and political credibility.

There is no plan to balance the books, something no British government has done since 2001. Or at least there is no plan that any minister can seriously believe in. Labour is now embracing the myth that everyone can live at everyone elses expense. To no ones surprise, we are learning the hard way that we cant.

Mark Littlewood is director of Popular Conservatism and former director-general at the Institute of Economic Affairs

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In early February 2017, Politico reported that President Donald Trump complained to a reporter about Europe, saying "They don't take our farm products, they take almost nothing and we take everything from them." This trade imbalance has remained a thorny issue that the current administration has put front and center in its negotiations with the EU to get it to buy more American products, particularly beef and poultry. It sounds like such a simple request on the surface, but there's a reason why Europe isn't using any of our ground beef for their meatballs: American beef is illegal to be sold in the EU.

The ban first started in 1989 when the EU and the U.K. jointly decided to stop importing American beef. The reason has to do with the hormones beef producers stateside were injecting into their cattle. These hormones, such as estradiol, could make the cattle bigger and yield more meat, but European scientific panels found these hormones to be potentially carcinogenic. As the EU takes biosecurity extremely seriously, it has led to a comprehensive ban on meat derived from hormone-treated cattle from everywhere. It just so happens that one of the biggest sources of this is from America -- it's nothing personal!

Read more: The Most Popular Cuts Of Steak Ranked Worst To Best

EU Has More Than One Reason To Reject American Beef

Plastic containers ground beef export -  /Getty Images

Hormones, as it turns out, weren't the only reason that American beef isn't welcomed in the European market. The widespread use of antibiotics among U.S. cattle farmers adds yet another barrier. Monensin, a common antibiotic that's mixed into the feed for cattle and other farm animals, was banned in the EU in response to the rise of antimicrobial-resistant microbes (or "superbugs") that developed resistance to these drugs. And, you guessed it -- this drug is still being used in the U.S. today.

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Since the EU market is lucrative, hormones and antibiotics are convenient for the producers and hugely improve yields, few American beef producers so far have bothered to adjust their rearing methods to align with EU standards, especially when regulators don't have a problem with growth hormones. Why do that when they could just export the beef to countries that don't have an issue with hormone-treated beef, like South Korea or Japan? That's why we've got the stalemate that's been ongoing for decades: despite the EU being a huge market, very little American beef is qualified to be sold in the EU, and beef producers see little reason to change their practices.

But these issues aside, the biggest hurdle has to be consumer preference. According to NPR, Europeans have consistently held a low opinion of American hormone-treated beef, considering it "low-quality" compared to EU-produced beef, which is subject to much more stringent regulations and quality standards. So even if there's a breakthrough tomorrow and American beef floods into the market, it would likely struggle with finding takers in a populace used to eating grass-fed beef.

Will US Beef Be Coming To The EU In The Future?

Person holding beef package US - Chung Sung-jun/Getty Images

Recent trade negotiations between the U.S. and the EU have opened several agricultural sectors, including grains, nuts, and soybean oil. However, there's currently no sign that the U.S. will be able to get the EU to budge from its "no hormone-treated beef" stance anytime soon. In a press release by the European Commission, the EU clarified that the U.S. must still respect the "regulatory sovereignty" of the EU, including what they call the "sensitive areas of EU agriculture" -- beef being chief among them.

The administration did manage to secure some wins for the U.S. meat industry: increased pork and bison exports, plus a promise that American beef won't face any additional "regulatory obstacles."

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So where does this leave America's $108.4 billion beef industry? Still completely shut out of Europe, that's where. From the European perspective, the equation hasn't changed: Growth hormones and certain antibiotics equal closed European doors, period. That stance isn't going to change anytime soon.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
LOGAN, Utah (ABC4)  The two Tremonton Garland Police Officers who were killed while responding to a domestic violence call were honored with funeral services yesterday and today, and Rep. Moore spoke to ABC4.com about the importance of supporting law enforcement.

Congressman Blake Moore (R-1) attended Sgt. Lee Sorensens funeral today, telling ABC4 that it was exceptional, and sad, painful, and very emotional. Officer Eric Estrada was laid to rest yesterday.

Funeral services honor Tremonton fallen officer, Sgt. Lee Sorensen

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Tremonton is in Moores district; these are the people he represents, but its not just Box Elder County being affected by this. Moore urged the people of Utah to show their support for local law enforcement in the wake of this tragedy.

You know an officer, you know somebody you can go and just share your appreciation and support for, he said.

Moore discussed how rare this kind of tragedy is in Utah, that its been over 100 years since two officers were killed in a single incident, and how the Tremonton Garland Police Department lost 10% of their workforce in a single night.

He was one of a kind: Fallen officer Eric Estradas brother and daughter speak at funeral service

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He also commented on the incredible community support. Its special when its a law enforcement office thats killed, that respect is second to none he said. These folks gave the ultimate sacrifice. You wouldnt see this with a politician, you wouldnt see it with other types of things, but you see this with our law enforcement, and it should be that way.

Many law enforcement agencies in Utah have been struggling with recruitment, and Moore said that is an issue hes been discussing with law enforcement and other lawmakers, including Utah State Representative Matt Gwynn (R-6). Gwynn is also the chief of police for Roy, Utah.

Moore said that Gwynn simply asked for more vocal support from the public for what they do and their sacrifices. Thats such an easy thing, right? Moore said. That was a surprise to me, that that was their ask.

Of course, vocal support needs to be combined with policy that ensures law enforcement have good retirement benefits and fair compensation, and Moore said that he is focused on that, but added that the average person can easily show their support on a daily basis.

Latest headlines:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Aug. 30 (UPI) -- The California Highway Patrol reportedly will provide security protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris after she lost her Secret Service protection on Thursday.

California officials on Friday bestowed dignitary status on Harris, who has been a private citizen since leaving office on Jan. 19, and will provide her with security protection instead of the Secret Service, The Los Angeles Times reported.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom must sign off on CHP-provided security protection for Harris, but his office declined to comment on the matter.

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"Our office does not comment on security arrangements," Newsom spokesperson Izzy Gordon told The Los Angeles Times.

Harris lives in Los Angeles and has a pending 15-city book tour that starts in New York City on Sept. 24, according to USA Today.

The book tour is scheduled to last for 107 days, which would have required advance Secret Service work if Harris' protection were to continue.

Outgoing vice presidents receive Secret Service protection for six months after leaving office, but President Joe Biden extended Harris'protection beyond six months upon a request from her aides.

Harris continued benefiting from the protection until President Donald Trump ended it as of Monday via a signed memorandum on Thursday.

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The president also had ended Secret Service protection for his adult children, Hunter and Ashley Biden, after their father extended the protection to them through July.

Hunter Biden recently traveled to South Africa with his Secret Service team, The Washington Post reported.

Only former presidents and first ladies receive lifetime Secret Service protection in accordance with federal law.

Ending Harris' extended protection also ends all extended protections provided by the former president just before Biden left office in January.
For millions of Americans, home ownership is becoming harder to afford due in part to skyrocketing insurance premiums.

A report has found that one group in particular is driving this crisis: the very dirty energy companies most responsible for the pollution that's overheating the planet, fueling stronger storms, wildfires, and flooding.

What's happening?

A report from the Center for Climate Integrity detailed how oil and gas companies knowingly fueled the conditions that are now pushing insurance markets to the brink.

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Average annual home insurance premiums rose 24% over the last three years. In disaster-prone states like Florida, Louisiana, and California, some homeowners are unable to secure home insurance coverage, even at exorbitant rates.

Insurance companies are either pulling out of high-risk regions entirely or charging staggering rates to offset losses from extreme weather.

The result is an insurance crisis that threatens to displace families, lower property values, and destabilize local economies.

Why is Big Oil's behavior concerning?

The link between reliance on dirty fuels like oil and gas and extreme weather is well established by scientific consensus.

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Burning oil, coal, and gas releases carbon pollution that traps heat in our atmosphere, ushering in hotter summers, drier droughts, stronger hurricanes, and more destructive wildfires.

These increasingly prevalent, worsening disasters cause billions in damages, which insurers then pass on to homeowners through skyrocketing premiums.

The Center for Climate Integrity argues that the crisis is deeply unjust. Average families of modest means are footing the bill, while energy giants that created the risk continue to rake in record profits.

Do you think the government should ban gas-powered lawn tools? No way Definitely Only certain tools I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"Despite knowing the harms of their products, the oil and gas industry engaged in a decades-long campaign to deliberately sow doubt about the role of fossil fuels in causing climate change," the report explained.

What's being done to hold these companies accountable?

Communities and policymakers are pushing back as the home insurance crisis deepens.

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Cities and states have filed lawsuits against major oil companies, seeking compensation for the damage and pollution they have caused.

At a personal level, individuals work toward making their properties more resilient through upgrades like storm-proofing, fire-resistant landscaping, and energy-efficient retrofits.

Many of these upgrades qualify for state or federal incentives, and some offer thousands of dollars in savings.

More broadly, reducing our reliance on dirty energy sources is the surest way to slow the escalating cycle of extreme weather and unaffordable insurance.

Understanding critical climate issues and supporting policies that transition power grids to clean energy will reduce dependence on dirty fuels  protecting both the planet and people's wallets.

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.




All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has claimed that the Sambhal city in Uttar Pradesh is a "target" for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for implementing their Hindutva agenda, just a day after a panel in its report stated that "demographic changes" have happened in the area. "Sambhal is on the BJP-RSS target. The fight for justice is being fought. We have hopes with the Court. We have no hopes for justice from the BJP, Yogi and Narendra Modi because whatever is happening in Sambhal, with many people being killed during police firing, it is clear and known what kind of report will come out," Owaisi told ANI. Earlier, on August 28, 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 violence, which took place, and 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. "What is there in the report? You are just looking to implement the agenda of Hindutva in Sambhal. I have full faith that the people will not let this happen," Owaisi added. According to the report, during independence, 55 per cent of the population was Muslim and 45 per cent Hindu in the Sambhal Nagar Palika area; however, at the present time, the Hindu population has decreased to 15 per cent, whereas the Muslim community has increased to 85 per cent. 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%. (ANI)
A new report has cast a harsh light on the Wagner Group's three years in Mali, showing how the Russian mercenary group was a source of instability rather than a solution to the countrys security woes.

The Russian paramilitary group Wagner has left behind a troubled record in Mali, according to a report published by the United States-based war crimes watchdog The Sentry.

The organisation assessed Wagners impact in the Sahel country between January 2022 and June 2025  when its mercenaries were replaced by the Africa Corps, a new force directly under Moscows command.

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When the Wagner Group announced its departure earlier this year, it claimed its "mission was accomplished".

However, the report's findings detail three and a half years of insecurity and strategic failure.

How Moscow is reinventing its influence machine across Africa

'A triple failure'

The report outlines what it calls Wagners triple failure.

The first is a military one: the Russian fighters proved unable to secure northern and central Mali, despite high expectations from Bamakos transitional authorities.

Secondly, their arrival coincided with a significant increase in attacks against civilians.

And third, far from strengthening ties between the army and local populations, their actions gravely undermined confidence, creating fertile ground for jihadist groups to boost recruitment.

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Wagners presence, the Sentry argues, also destabilised the Malian security apparatus.

The fighters of Wagner sowed chaos and fear within the military hierarchy, the report notes, describing a chain of command now plagued by mistrust and poor communication.

Malian army and Wagner Group abduct and execute Fulani civilians, NGO claims

Fragile partnership

Speaking to RFI, Justyna Gudzowska, executive director of the Sentry, said Malian authorities turned to Wagner believing the Russian mercenaries would take greater risks and truly commit to fighting terrorists".

Instead, she explained, Wagner fighters refused to act without payment, refused to help without financial compensation, and in some cases flatly refused to take risks".

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What was intended to be a partnership with the Malian armed forces quickly soured, she said. Wagner treated Malian soldiers as subordinates, perpetrated grave abuses, and instilled such fear that even Malian troops were afraid to speak out.

These issues culminated in a decisive defeat in July 2024, when rebels from the Azawad region of northern Mali and jihadists from the al Qaeda-linked JNIM group ambushed Malian and Wagner forces at Tinzaouatene, killing more than 80 Russian mercenaries and around 50 Malian soldiers.

This blow, according to Gudzowska, tarnished Wagners reputation well beyond Malis borders: More than a year later, it has still not recovered.

Five years after the 2020 coup, where is Mali today?

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While Wagner has departed and Russia's Africa Corps has stepped into its shoes, Malis security crisis shows little sign of abating.

Jihadist groups remain active across wide swathes of the country. Earlier this week, they reportedly seized the strategic town of Farabougou in central Mali, days after forcing the army to abandon one of its largest camps in the region.

JNIM fighters now control the town, imposing their rule on returning residents, including bans on secular music, alcohol and cigarettes.
Glaciers across Europe are reeling from the effects of yet another record-breaking heatwave sweeping across the continent.

What's happening?

As an article by Planet Ski reports, the freezing level in some parts of the Alps has risen to above 4,000 meters (over 13,000 feet), significantly higher than its normal freezing point of around 3,000 meters (over 9,800 feet). The planet-heating pollution caused by human activity are resulting in Europe's glaciers melting at the fastest rate in the world. Warmer global temperatures are making extreme weather events like heatwaves more frequent and devastating.

This is having profound effects on the area's economy, as ski resorts have no snow cover, and is threatening the very existence of the mountainside villages.

Why are melting glaciers such a concern?

The heatwaves are putting yet more pressure on an already threatened biosphere. Research suggests ice loss in the Alps may top 34% by the mid-century. Globally, NASA projects that even in the best-case scenario, half of the glaciers will likely be lost by 2100.

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The Swiss village of Blatten, which stood for 800 years, offers a stark warning of the consequences of glacier melt. In just one terrible day, the town was wiped off the face of the Earth by a landslide caused by the loss of permafrost around the Birch glacier. Another village, Brienz, was evacuated due to the risk of another landslide.

Another phenomenon caused by glacier melt is flash flooding that occurs when glacial lakes overflow. EOS estimates that around 2 million people in the Himalayas are at risk of glacial lake outburst flood. Permafrost loss is also releasing harmful gases that had been trapped under the ice for centuries.

What's being done to stop glacier loss?

In some locales, the melt is being slowed with the use of geotextiles, essentially covering the stricken area with organic fabrics. While this has worked to some extent, research indicates that it is not a practical solution at scale due to the difficulty and expense of deploying them.

More realistically, the issue requires more long-term planning, and that begins with raising awareness of the problems. It's also essential for officials to upgrade existing infrastructure to forewarn residents while backing initiatives to accelerate the adoption of clean energy.

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.












HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH)  A restaurant serving smashburgers and other American fare recently opened in Hilliard.

Wilsons Bar and Grill began welcoming customers at 5242 Cemetery Road on Aug. 15 in the building that previously housed Yabos Tacos. The opening marked the brands first standalone brick-and-mortar location.

The concept began when Xavier Wilson started making hot sauces while he was a student at Hilliard Davidson High School, according to its website. He launched a hot sauce business in 2021 alongside his father, Jeremiah Wilson. In 2023, it evolved into a restaurant inside the Hilliard Moose Lodge, a fraternal and service organization located at 5370 Grace St.

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Wilsons menu features American and Tex-Mex cuisine, including smashburgers, hoagies, hot dogs, salads, quesadillas, burritos and potato skins. The restaurant also offers wings tossed in its signature sauces, including garlic buffalo and mango habanero.

Appetizers such as garlic feta fries, mac and cheese bites and fried pickles are also available, along with cookies for dessert. The eatery additionally serves cocktails, beers and seltzers. It is located within a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), allowing customers to order alcohol to go and enjoy it within the district.

Wilsons Bar and Grills hours include Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Thursdays through Saturdays, its hours extend until 10 p.m.

Yabos Tacos closed in late July after seven years in business. The owner of Yabos Tacos, Scott Boles, decided not to renew the restaurants lease as he begins to take steps toward retirement, according to a sign posted on the door.

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Yabos Tacos has two other restaurants that remain open: its original location at 7097 State Route 3 in Westerville, which debuted in 2011, and another at 5915 Evans Farm Blvd. in Lewis Center, which launched in 2022.

The local chain previously operated additional locations, including restaurants in Powell and Upper Arlington, which have since closed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
The installation of a Revolution Wind turbine is shown. The Trump administration has ordered construction stopped on Rhode Islands 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.

DOT yanks funding for doomed wind projects

Offshore wind projects already struggling against a Trump administration onslaught got more bad news Friday when the U.S. Department of Transportation said it was pulling $679 million in infrastructure grants tied to 12 doomed offshore wind projects across the country.

Among the casualties: $47.3 million for the Sparrows Point Steel Marshalling Port Project, which was backed by US Wind, the developer behind a proposed wind farm off of Ocean City. That facility was expected to provide the massive steel towers that support the wind turbines, along with other steel components, for the US Wind project and to eventually serve the entire U.S. offshore wind market on the East Coast.

Supporters said the facility was expected to provide 530 direct jobs when fully functional on the site of the former Bethlehem Steel, a once-massive steel factory.

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The feds also pulled 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, his statement said.

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee was not as forgiving, saying in a statement late Friday that the decision undermines progress on critical infrastructure and threatens Rhode Islands economic and energy future.

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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, McKee said. 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 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 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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, his statement said. We cannot allow this Administration to stop this project, and we will continue to explore additional legal avenues to prevent them from doing so.

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.

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 millwrights stranded at sea

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.

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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.

The judge is unlikely to make a decision on the dueling motions at the Sept. 4 hearing, but. will likely issue a ruling at a later, unscheduled date.

 A Maryland Matters editor added to this report in Maryland. This story first appeared in Rhode Island Current, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Rhode Island Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janine L. Weisman for questions: info@rhodeislandcurrent.com.

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President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have pledged that the department would release a report explaining the rise in diagnoses for autism spectrum disorder in September  but the scientists research the cause and treatment say Trumps policies are hampering their efforts.

Kennedy and Trump have long espoused the idea that an artificial external factor, such as vaccines or the environment, has played a role in the increase in autism diagnoses since the 1990s. The two repeated the idea during the most recent cabinet meeting.

But autism researchers at many of the nation's top universities have noted that the Trump administration's efforts to shrink the federal budget while pushing vaccine skepticism have led to the freezing of federal grants that researchers hoped to use to better understand the developmental disability, a condition that still carries stigma.

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"To see decades of high quality, excellent research, just being ignored is as concerning to say the least," said Molly Losh, a professor at the Northwestern University School of Communication. "And and the people who are the the individuals with the strongest voices are, seem to be the those who are the least informed of the science."

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pushed vaccine skepticism and blamed them autism rate increases. Now, college researchers are warning about his efforts and the Trump administrations cuts to funding (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump has targeted groups that fund college research for cuts as he works to shrink the federal government. He has also targeted colleges for their actions at the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict (Getty Images)

Massive cuts, largely initiated by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, saw the elimination of federal grants, including research focused on autism. Kennedy has sought to characterize the increase in cases of autism as signs of an epidemic, even though the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, which also falls under his jurisdiction, has found that much of the increase in diagnoses stems from improved detection.

The Trump administration has also targeted numerous universities, including Harvard University, Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University and Northwestern, for funding cuts for its actions during the pro-Palestine movement on many campuses at the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The president has also targeted universities for enrolling foreign or migrant students.

Losh said the Trump administrations agenda has made it harder to conduct research on many conditions, including autism.

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In May, the National Institutes of Health, which falls under the Department of Health and Human Services jurisdiction, announced that it would not issue awards to domestic or foreign entities that include a subaward to a foreign entity. For Losh, it was a death blow for a project that would have studied social language abilities as well as neural and behavioral markers in autism across English and Cantonese speakers.

This would have been the first of its kind in the world to study critical questions about environmental and biological or genetic influences on the traits of autism in really, really fascinating, fascinating scientific and clinical questions, but in unique populations and In such a unique collaboration that it just is now disallowed, Losh told The Independent.

We have students who are still working on papers with existing data, but our ability to test new subjects, to recruit new participants, we can't hire anyone new, she said.

Columbia University was one of the colleges targeted by Trump and lost $400 million in funding. The university later reached a deal with the White House (Getty Images)

Losh and other researchers emphasized that approval for NIH grants is often a lengthy and arduous process.

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"Typically, researchers will apply once and expect that they won't get that grant, but they'll get maybe some comments to then resubmit the grant in order to get a better chance of funding next time," Rebecca Muhle, an assistant professor at Columbia University, told The Independent.

One grant where Muhle was not the principal investigator was terminated when the Trump administration first canceled $400 million worth of federal grants at the Ivy League university before Columbia reached an agreement with the White House.

Another project, where Muhle served as the principal investigator and was not impacted by the freeze, focuses on the loss of a particular gene that is known to better understand the underpinnings of autism, which would help shape future studies. But the situation of her research is still uncertain.

"I don't know if the university is asking for reimbursement of funds, is actually getting reimbursement," Muhle told The Independent. "But in the meantime, that was March until August. It's like half a year. I couldn't hire anybody because they didn't know if the funding was going to come through."

Researchers say that funding cuts have the potential to impact decades of projects (AFP via Getty Images)

But it's not just funding cuts that create roadblocks for researching autism and other subjects. RFK Jr.s vaccine skepticism has put research under the microscope.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , a member of the vaunted U.S. Camelot clan that produced one president and his namesake father, first began his campaign for president in 2023 as a Democrat primary challenger running against Joe Biden before he ran as an independent.

In August of last year, he dropped out and endorsed Trump. Every Democratic senator opposed his confirmation while all but one Republican senator supported his confirmation.

Researchers fear that Kennedys time as HHS Secretary will cause a regression in years of progress. During his cabinet meeting with Trump, the president called autism a horror show.

Losh said that she fears the administrations position will undo years of work and compared it to the initial study by Andrew Wakefield, the disgraced British physician who put out the first study tying autism to the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. The study was later retracted and Wakefield lost his medical license. That still hasnt stopped vaccine critics from citing it when making their case that vaccines are dangerous.

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Kennedy and Trumps crusade against autism might create another domino effect: it could lead to parents of autistic children not seeking out a diagnosis.

Muhle cited how Kennedy and NIH director Jay Bhattacharya have floated the idea of collecting data for a potential registry of autistic people. HHS denied that such a registry would be created, but Kennedy later announced a plan in May to build a data system to research autism from information compiled by Medicare and Medicaid.

It's very concerning to me that people are choosing to hide that, and I totally understand their reasons for it, Muhle told The Independent. Parents have expressed concern to other researchers, well, if I participate in your study, where's my data going to go? And we can't say for certainty right now, with the people that are running NIH, exactly what will happen.
Pity poor Coca-Cola, the beverage empire founded on a century-plus-old, teeth-rotting drink and, today, the manufacturer of hundreds of brands, from Fanta and Sprite to Thumbs Up and Mello Yello. It has revealed it made a poor punt on Costa Coffee.

In August 2018 the company bought Costa from multinational hospitality company Whitbread for $3.9bn, a coup for Whitbread which paid 19m for 39 coffee stores in 1995 (although by 2018 it encompassed 2,400 UK stores, 1,400 overseas and 8,000 Costa Express self-service machines).

There seemed no end to Britains love of branded coffee, dished out in cardboard cups, and Coca-Cola decided to take on Nestle, which earlier that year had struck a deal with Starbucks to peddle coffee from Paris to Ulaanbaatar.

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But now, seven years on, as The Telegraph reported this week, it appears the US soft drinks giant bet on the wrong horse. Coca-Colas latest financial results show a global 3 per cent decrease in coffee sales, primarily due to the performance of Costa Coffee in the United Kingdom. You wretched Brits, being the internal Coke mutter, feigning interest then leaving us high and dry.

Our investment in Costa is not where we wanted it to be from an investment hypothesis point of view, said James Quincey, boss of Coca-Cola, and hes put it up for sale with experts suggesting it might fetch 2bn, an eye-watering almost 2bn loss.

Costa was founded in 1971 by the Italian Costa brothers supplying coffee to restaurants and caterers and by 1995 it was that 39-shop-strong chain. Today its a dowdy brand, its business susceptible to fluctuations in raw materials, energy and labour prices, and its been hammered by this Governments increase in National Insurance employment costs.

While it began as a firm dedicated to actual coffee, it has become, like that other caffeine-delivering monster Starbucks, a proliferator of unnecessary volumes of milky liquid, obesity-inducing horrors  think Tropical Mango Bubble Frappe, Tiramisu Iced Whipped Latte  and foods to welcome you to an early grave, such as their Chocolate and Pistachio Cookie Sandwich.

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And all the while becoming a hostile menace to any aspirant independent coffee house by showing up as vending machines in service stations and even as products in supermarkets, as the brand inveigled its way into your home in the guise of ready-to-drink cans, pods and sachets.

As we ushered this in so we all helped to destroy the high street. As we glugged that 500ml of latte liquescent, a drizzle of hazelnut syrup, a marshmallow sinking into the froth, and a cinnamon bun to go (why not?) in out-of-centre retail parks, so the high streets became nothing but empty vessels, save a few vape stores, phone accessory shops and nail bars.

But now, as we come to our senses, shunning that large latte with a price to stir you even more than the caffeine hit  4.35 for the drink and vessel soon to find a new home in landfill  can we not also swerve the Starbucks beast? For too long weve been hypnotised into wasting our money on these Emperors New Clothes of drinks, grabbed by their tentacles as they offer more and more unnecessary versions.

For, if you want to taste coffee, do just that and order it black, unadulterated by dairy (except for a nifty mid-morning cortado, an espresso with equal amounts of steamed milk). If youre thirsty, drink water. And if youre hungry, remember humans are supposed to get hungry; dont snack but wait for the next meal (thats breakfast, lunch or dinner) and relish the hunger and related salivating which enables the natural process of digestion. Then invest in all this at an independent outlet.

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And if there is such a place on your local high street, please make a detour and use it, bore everyone silly at how marvellous it is, take your own re-usable cup (thus qualifying for a chunky discount in lieu of your handsome garbage footprint) and fight for the life of the high street.

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Content warning: This article contains information about alleged child sexual abuse material. Reader discretion is advised. Report CSAM to law enforcement by contacting the ICAC Tip Line at (801) 281-1211 or your local law enforcement agency.

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (ABC4)  A Riverton man has been charged for allegedly using AI to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Matthew Randall Kundis, 32, was charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony.

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According to court documents, a woman contacted the South Jordan Police Department and reported that she had been being stalked by Kundis for the last several years. In connection with the South Jordan Police Departments investigation into Kundis, they executed a search warrant on his phone.

READ NEXT: Utah man arrested after allegedly creating CSAM with AI, possibly storing up to 280 million images

During a search of Kundis phone, a detective found AI-generated nude photos, as well as photos that appeared to have been taken surreptitiously (secretly or while trying to avoid notice) of adults and juveniles. Documents say that over 140 files of CSAM were located on the cell phone.

The photos that Kundis had allegedly secretly taken were captured from underneath a desk at an office building and while in the grocery store. Officers who reviewed the pictures stated that they focused on the chest and buttocks of both adult and juvenile females.

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The AI-generated photos that police say were found on Kundis phone were created in a variety of ways. Documents say that for some of the files, he saved photos of fully-clothed women and used an application to remove their clothing. Kundis also allegedly used AI to turn sexual photos of women into children or generate brand new CSAM.

Kundis was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail, but posted his $25,000 bail prior to charges being filed. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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.
Aug. 29ROCHESTER  Rochester Public Schools and the district's teachers union have come to a tentative agreement over the contract that will govern their relationship for the next two years.

The agreement will now have to move forward for approval from both the Rochester School Board and the membership of the union, known as the Rochester Education Association. Both parties are expected to take action on the agreement by Sept. 23.

"I think the package as a whole looks really good for all of our members, and addresses a lot of issues that we have seen come up," said Chris Reed, a teacher at Gibbs Elementary who was on the union's negotiating team. "I'm excited to present this to our members."

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By the time negotiations wrapped up Friday morning, the district and the union had agreed to spend an additional $22.1 million toward teachers' pay and benefits over the two years of the contract, which include the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. That means that during the 2026-27 year, the district will be spend $165.8 million on teachers' pay and benefits.

Among other details, the contract also will create a labor management committee to work on class sizes, and provide stipends for Setting 3- and Setting 4-level special education teachers, as well as for licensed school nurses. The stipend is a pilot program to address the shortage of hard-to-fill positions.

"It's going to be important for us to track this," Superintendent Kent Pekel said about the pilot program's impact on hiring and retention. "We tried (the last two) contracts to do something about the shortage areas, and I'm glad we didn't give up."

Even though the agreement has yet to receive official approval from both sides, the negotiation process itself wrapped up far more quickly than the last cycle, which began in 2023.

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This time, both sides reached a tentative agreement the first week of school after only seven meetings that mostly took place during the summer, in addition to the work of various sub-committees that worked outside of the overall group.

By contrast, the last negotiation process dragged on into March of 2024, which was more than half a year into the two-year agreement they had been negotiating on.

A major difference between the two different rounds was their methodology. In the previous round of negotiations, the district and the union had a more traditional process in which they would make offers, separate to caucus and discuss the numbers separately, and then return with counter officers.

This year, however, they used a process known as "interest-based collective bargaining." As part of that, both parties remained at the negotiating table without retreating behind closed doors to discuss the situation as individual sides. This round also had a mediator from the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation to act as a third-party facilitator.

"It's hard to solve problems when you don't talk," REA President Vince Wagner said at the end of Friday's meeting while discussing the process as a whole. "And I think that was reflected in our last round of negotiations. I think we overcame that (this year)."
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Lets get a check on the latest in news and weather with KELOLAND On The Go.

A Sturgis man is going to prison for 35 years for shooting at a police officer at the Meade County Law Enforcement Center last summer.

Sturgis man sentenced for attempted murder of officer

Its looking more and more like U-S Senator Mike Rounds will run for re-election next year.

Mike Rounds says he has no plans to leave Washington

Rounds Republican colleague in Iowa, Joni Enst is expected to announce next month that she will not seek another term in the senate.

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Ernst not expected to seek re-election in 2026

Its the unofficial end to summer this weekend and people will try to squeeze in some last minute summer activities over the Labor Day holiday. And for good reason, as much cooler air will arrive after the holiday.

How cold will Labor Day weekend be?

Our annual pet food drive is bringing in donations for three local organizations.

Sioux Falls pet food drive ongoing: How you can help

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Russian forces attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on 30 August, resulting in one person killed and several injured.

Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: In the Mezhova hromada, a Russian strike killed a man. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Two more people were injured in the Novopavlivka and Malomykhailivka hromadas. All of them have received medical assistance.

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The attack also caused several fires, which were promptly extinguished by firefighters.

In Nikopol, an FPV drone hit a garage where a car was parked. The explosion caused a fire, but there were no casualties.

Background: On Saturday 30 August, a Russian drone hit a local market in the Pokrovske hromada, injuring four people.

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Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma held a courtesy meeting with Kenneth Felix Haczynski Da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, at the Chief Minister's Office. "Had a courtesy meeting with Kenneth Felix Haczynski Da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, at the Chief Minister's Office. We held detailed discussions on strengthening mutual cooperation, enhancing investment opportunities, and exploring partnerships across diverse sectors," CM Sharma said in a post on X. https://x.com/BhajanlalBjp/status/1961436040155336918 The meeting with the Brazilian envoy comes amid growing challenges for Indian exporters, following the 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods imposed by the Donald Trump administration, which came into force on Wednesday under a notice by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Friday also chaired a meeting with representatives of industry and trade associations at the Chief Minister's Office. On the occasion, Sharma discussed in detail with representatives from the jewellery, textile, leather, and handicraft sectors the situation arising from the additional US tariffs and explored possible measures to address the issue. https://x.com/BhajanlalBjp/status/1961456285188329896 US President Trump, who has repeatedly referred to India as a "tariff king," cited the trade deficit with India and New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment as reasons for the move. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that his government would shield small entrepreneurs, farmers, and livestock rearers from the impact of these tariffs. During the recent Monsoon session of Parliament, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also affirmed that the government is examining the impact of tariffs and will take all necessary steps to safeguard the national interest. Over the past few months, India and the US have been negotiating for an interim trade deal. However, there are reservations from the Indian side regarding the US demand for opening up the agricultural and dairy sectors, which are crucial for providing livelihood opportunities to a large section of people. India and the US initiated talks for a just, balanced, and mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in March this year, aiming to complete the first stage of the agreement by October-November 2025. The recent US tariffs align with President Trump's broader policy of imposing reciprocal tariffs on countries with which the US has a trade deficit, reinforcing his administration's stance on tariff reciprocity to "ensure fair trade". (ANI)
Russia launched 582 attack drones and air-, ground- and sea-launched missiles against Ukraine on the night of 29-30 August. A total of 548 Russian aerial targets were downed by air defence or suppressed by electronic warfare (EW), though there were confirmed strikes and falling debris.

Source: Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on social media

Details: From 19:00 on Friday, the Russians launched:

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537 Shahed-type attack drones and various decoy drones from Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Oryol, Shatalovo and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia;

8 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles from Rostov Oblast and Krasnodar Krai, Russia;

37 air-launched, ground-launched and sea-launched cruise missiles: Kh-101, Kalibr, Iskander-K and Kh-59 launched from Saratov Oblast in Russia, the Black Sea and the temporarily occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Early reports indicate that as of 09:00, Ukrainian air defence had shot down or suppressed 548 aerial assets, including:

510 Shahed-type drones and decoy drones;

6 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles;

32 Kh-101, Kalibr, Iskander-K and Kh-59 cruise/air-launched missiles.

There were confirmed strikes by five missiles and 24 attack drones in seven locations, as well as falling debris in 21 locations.

Photo: Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration

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The Air Force stressed that the attack is still ongoing, with several Russian drones remaining in Ukrainian airspace. Civilians are urged to follow safety protocols and stay in shelters.

Previously: As a result of a large-scale Russian attack on the night of 29-30 August, civilian infrastructure was damaged and casualties were reported in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro.

Background: The highest number of aerial assets launched by Russia since the full-scale invasion occurred on the night of 8-9 July 2025  741. Air defence systems shot down 718 of them, while the Air Forces recorded strikes in four locations, as well as the fall of debris in 14 locations.

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Russia conducted a combined attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the night of 29-30 August, using both missiles and drones. Infrastructure facilities, businesses and residential buildings have been damaged in the attacks.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "Infrastructure facilities in Dnipro and Pavlohrad have been damaged. Fires broke out at the sites. In addition, a house and an outbuilding caught fire in the city of Dnipro. A summer kitchen was also destroyed," Lysak reported.

:  

Aftermath of the attack

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Photo: Serhii Lysak

:  

Aftermath of the attack

Photo: Serhii Lysak

Details: Lysak reported that the Nikopol district came under fire from Grad multiple-launch rocket systems and FPV drones. Explosions were reported in the city of Nikopol and the Marhanets, Pokrovske and Myrove hromadas. As a result of the attack, a business and a petrol station had been damaged. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

In addition, a Russian drone strike was recorded in the Mezhova hromada of the Synelnykove district. Information about the consequences is being clarified.

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Russia intends to continue offensive actions against Ukraine, Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of Russias General Staff, has stated.

Source: Gerasimov, as quoted by the Russian Ministry of Defence

Quote: "The fulfilment of the tasks of the special military operation [as Russia calls its war against Ukraine  ed.] by the Joint Grouping of Forces will continue through offensive actions. Today we will define the tasks for our troops in the autumn period."

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Details: Gerasimov claimed that "targeted large-scale fire strikes continue", allegedly "exclusively against military facilities and Ukraines defence industrial base".

According to Gerasimov, priority is given to striking companies that produce missile systems and long-range UAVs.

He also stated that "the strategic initiative is fully in the hands of Russian forces".

Why this matters:

On 15 August, US President Donald Trump met Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss possible ways of ending the war. Russia has declared that it would like the war to end through diplomatic means.

On 29 August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pointed out that after the Alaska meeting with Putin, Trump said he was willing to wait "a couple of weeks" for agreement to be reached on a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy  and that period is soon to expire.

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Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Russia launched a missile and drone attack targeting various Ukrainian regions overnight on Aug. 30, killing at least one person and injuring 34 others, officials reported.

Officials and local media outlets reported explosions in multiple cities across the country, including in Zaporizhzhia, Pavlohrad, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Lutsk, and Cherkasy amid the attack.

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Ukraine's Air Force reported that multiple Russian cruise and ballistic missiles had been launched at Ukraine's front-line regions. A Kyiv Independent journalist on the ground reported hearing multiple explosions in Dnipro around 4:15 a.m. local time amid news of the missile attack.

Russia launched 537 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys against Ukraine overnight, as well as eight Iskander-M or North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles and 37 cruise missiles, the Air Force reported.

Ukrainian forces intercepted 510 drones, six ballistic missiles, and 32 cruise missiles, while five missiles and 24 drones struck at seven different locations. Fallen debris was also reported at 21 places.

In Zaporizhzhia, Russian missile and drone strikes damaged 40 homes, 14 apartment buildings, and an unspecified number of industrial facilities, regional Governor Ivan Fedorov said. Preliminary reports indicated that at least one person was killed and another 30 others, including three children, were injured in the attack.

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At least eight people have been hospitalized, including a 10-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, Fedorov added.

Dozens of Russian attack drones have also been reported across multiple regions, including the country's far west.

Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine's state railway operator, reported that the overnight attack damaged railway infrastructure in Kyiv Oblast, causing several hours-long delays in train departures.

A second group of Russian ballistic missiles was launched at Ukraine's eastern cities around 5 a.m.

Air raid warnings had been blaring in nearly all regions of Ukraine throughout most of the night amid the incoming aerial targets.

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In response to the attack, Poland scrambled fighter jets to protect the country's own airspace around 5 a.m., the country's Air Force said on social media.

In Zaporizhzhia, all emergency services are engaged at the site of a Russian strike on a five-story residential building. Tragically, as of now, one person is confirmed dead, and dozens are wounded, including children. Once again, it was a regular apartment building. Overnight, pic.twitter.com/mYZ2C8WqZ7  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) August 30, 2025

"In line with established procedures, the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces has activated all available forces and assets at his disposal," the country's Air Force wrote.

The renewed attack comes just two days after Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack on multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. The Aug. 28 attack on Ukraine's capital killed 25 civilians and injured 63 people.

As Russia continues to launch attacks at civilian targets in Ukraine, progress on peace talks has increasingly stalled in recent weeks. Despite efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to broker peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, hopes for a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin continue to fade.

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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.

Zelensky said on Aug. 28 that security guarantees will be "set out on paper next week," and indicated that Kyiv's hopes for guarantees revolve around three pillars  maintaining the strength of Ukraine's military, assurances from NATO allies in case of renewed attacks by Moscow, and the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraines post-war reconstruction.

Despite talks on security guarantees among Coalition of the Willing members, the Kremlin rejected the idea of European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, saying Moscow has a "negative attitude" to any such deployment.

"It is absolutely clear that Moscow used the time meant for preparing a leaders-level meeting to organize new massive attacks," Zelensky commented on the latest attack.

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"The only way to reopen a window of opportunity for diplomacy is through tough measures against all those bankrolling the Russian army and effective sanctions against Moscow itself  banking and energy sanctions."

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(Reuters) -Russian forces are waging a non-stop offensive along almost the entire front line in Ukraine and have the "strategic initiative", the chief of Russia's general staff said on Saturday.

"The combined group of troops continues a non-stop offensive along almost the entire front line," General Valery Gerasimov told his deputies in an address published by the Defence Ministry. "At present, the strategic initiative lies entirely with Russian forces."

But Ukrainian military spokesperson Viktor Trehubov said Kyiv's forces had scored front-line successes, keeping Russian troops from seizing targets in Donetsk region and halting further advances into Dnipropetrovsk region. In one area, he said, Kyiv's troops had surrounded Russian units.

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Reuters was unable to independently verify battlefield accounts from either side.

Russia has stepped up airstrikes on Ukrainian towns and cities far behind the front lines this summer and has continued a grinding offensive across much of the east, trying to gain more territory in its 3-1/2-year-old war in Ukraine.

Russian attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, on Thursday killed 25 people, Ukrainian officials said.

The strikes took place less than two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Alaska, a meeting that Washington had hoped would advance his efforts to end the conflict.

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Trehubov, spokesperson for Ukraine's Dnipro group of forces, said Russia had committed big troop contingents in Donetsk region, but had failed in recent months to capture key targets, including the cities of Pokrovsk, Toretsk and Chasiv Yar.

"Despite its aggressive actions, despite success at some points in pressuring Ukrainian positions, Russia has scored no quick victories," he told national television.

Russian troops, he said, had been surrounded near Dobropillya, north of Pokrovsk. And Ukrainian forces had recaptured the village of Myrne, near Kupiansk further north -- another area of recent heavy Russian activity.

RUSSIAN MILITARY SAYS NEW VILLAGE CAPTURED

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Russia's Defence Ministry on Saturday announced the capture of the village of Komyshuvakha in the centre of Donetsk region. But Ukraine's military made no acknowledgement that the village had changed hands, saying that it was one of several localities where Kyiv's forces had countered Russian attacks.

Moscow denies targeting civilians. Ukrainian officials say scores of civilians have been killed in Russian strikes on densely populated areas in recent months, and thousands since the start of the war.

Gerasimov said Russia had carried out 76 targeted strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities this spring and summer, with a focus on destroying sites where long-range missile systems and drones are produced.

Gerasimov said Moscow was now in control of 99.7% of Ukraine's eastern Luhansk region, 79% of the eastern Donetsk region, 74% of the Zaporizhzhia region and 76% of the Kherson region.

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Since March, Russia has captured more than 3,500 square km (1,351 square miles) of Ukrainian territory and taken control of 149 villages, he said.

Russian forces this month have begun pressing into Ukraine's southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, open-source maps show. Gerasimov said seven villages in the region were now under Russian control. Ukraine's military says its forces had constrained Russian movements in the area.

(Reporting by Lucy Papachristou; Additional reporting by Anastasiia Malenko, Editing by Gareth Jones, Timothy Heritage and Alistair Bell)
Editor's note: The article was updated with the latest casualty figures in Zaporizhzhia.

Russian attacks killed at least three civilians and injured at least 47 in Ukraine over the past day, regional authorities reported on Aug. 30.

Russia launched a mass wave of drones and missiles against Ukraine overnight, with strikes and explosions reported in Zaporizhzhia, Pavlohrad, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Lutsk, Cherkasy, and elsewhere.

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Moscow's forces deployed 537 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys against Ukraine overnight, as well as eight Iskander-M or North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles and 37 cruise missiles of the Kh-101, Kalibr, Iskander-K, and Kh-59 models, the Air Force reported.

Ukrainian forces intercepted 510 drones, six ballistic missiles, and 32 cruise missiles, while five missiles and 24 drones struck at seven different locations. Fallen debris was also reported at 21 places.

Zaporizhzhia bore the brunt of the attack, with one person killed and 30 injured in the city and surrounding areas. Forty houses, 14 apartment buildings, and an unspecified number of industrial facilities were damaged, Governor Ivan Fedorov said.

Around 25,000 consumers were left without electricity due to the attack, according to the governor.

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In Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks killed one person and injured three in Kostiantynivka over the past day, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. Three others were injured elsewhere in the region.

In Kherson Oblast, one person was killed and seven were injured in Russian attacks, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. Two high-rise buildings, three houses, a cell tower, a water tower, a gas pipeline, and cars were damaged.

A 66-year-old woman was injured and hospitalized after Russian drone strikes against the village of Lupareve in Mykolaiv Oblast on Aug. 29, Governor Vitalii Kim reported. The victim is in a stable condition, he said.

In Sumy Oblast, two women born in 1995 and 1967 and a man born in 1963 were injured in Russian air strikes and drone attacks, the regional military administration said.

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The attacks come despite months-long push by U.S. President Donald Trump to negotiate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. The Kremlin has repeatedly rejected calls from Kyiv and its allies for an unconditional ceasefire and ramped up attacks against Ukrainian cities.

Read also: The elephant in the room  Russia wont agree to Ukraine security guarantees, Europe cant enforce them

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
ELKHART  Residents have been invited to visit the Havilah Beardsley House between Sept. 3 and Sept. 28 to see a special exhibit from the Indiana Historical Society: Be Heard: Latino Experiences in Indiana.

Be Heard: Latino Experiences in Indiana offers a glimpse into the stories of individuals of varying cultural backgrounds who recall what it has been like to be Latino in the Hoosier State throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The stories reflect on the Latinos cultures as well as on their contributions to local communities or to the State of Indiana.

Tours of the Havilah Beardsley House are Tuesday through Saturday on the hour at 10 a.m. 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., or Sunday at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Call 574-264-0330 to make a reservation.

Guests can also see the exhibit on Free Family Sunday at the Havilah Beardsley House from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 7.

This exhibit is sponsored by Steve and Julie Bachman.
Air travel is giving passengers plenty of reasons for anxiety this year  with planes catching fire, sliding off runways, bumping each other on the ground or making sudden maneuvers to avoid other aircraft, amid fresh memories of Januarys deadly collision in the skies above Washington.

But the biggest dangers facing American air travel are far less obvious, regulators and industry veterans say, including outdated or missing safety technology and staffing shortages that have left air traffic controllers stressed and overworked.

And the main question on many travelers minds  is flying really as risky as the barrage of bad news suggests?  is surprisingly hard to answer conclusively because of gaps in publicly available data. That question is taking on new importance as the Federal Aviation Administration embarks on an air traffic control upgrade that the Trump administration estimates could cost as much as $31.5 billion, while seeking to reestablish the United States longstanding reputation as the gold standard for air safety.

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A POLITICO analysis of data stretching back two decades shows that air travel remains broadly safe  but marked by symptoms of trouble.

It is still safe to fly. It is still the safest mode of transportation by a large measure, said former FAA Deputy Administrator Katie Thomson, who left the agency early this year. She called the January disaster an extremely rare event  but said it is a sign of the stresses on the system.



Before that crash between a passenger jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, such fatalities in the United States had become almost non-existent, with a total of only three people dying in airline accidents in the U.S. from 2015 through 2024. Thats down from 125 during the preceding decade, according to POLITICOs analysis of more than 20 years of data from the National Transportation Safety Board.

A more recent improvement has been a sharp drop in near-collisions on runways, which had spiked in 2023 amid a post-pandemic surge in air traffic before plunging last year.

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But the number of serious injuries in airline accidents has proven to be a persistent issue, with one flight attendants union warning of a recent jump in crew injury rates due to a host of factors including more delays, fatigue and bad weather tied to climate change. And the FAAs teeming collections of aviation data make it difficult for the public to tell whether some of the incidents that rattle passengers nerves are becoming more common or rarer, including tire blowouts and fires.

Looming over all the stats, the 67-person death toll in Januarys crash has already made 2025 the deadliest year for airlines in the U.S. in more than two decades.



Regardless of whether that turns out to be an outlier or a harbinger of more dangers to come, a three-day NTSB inquest in July into Januarys fatal accident produced plenty of evidence that mounting stresses, subpar safety equipment and a slow federal response to warnings of problems has pushed the U.S. aviation system toward a breaking point.

Now we have a perfect storm of shortages, of air traffic controllers, technology and infrastructure, Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the nonprofit Flight Safety Foundation, said in an interview earlier this summer.

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Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committees aviation panel, said at an airport executives conference in July that she worries that safety regulators were caught off-guard by what until this year had been more than a decade without a mass-casualty airline crash in the U.S.

I think because we do have the safest aircraft control system in the world  were the global leader in it  there was just this complacency that set in, said Duckworth, whos also a former Army helicopter pilot. If youre outside the aviation industry, you dont understand how incredibly complex it is.

The FAA said in a statement that it has intensified its focus on preventing potential collisions at the nations busiest airports, including by using machine learning  a form of artificial intelligence  to identify any risks posed by helicopter traffic in parts of the country. It said it has also increased the installation of equipment designed to warn air traffic controllers if a pilot is approaching the wrong runway or if one is already occupied, among other hazards, while examining traffic flows at two closely spaced airports in California.

We collect and analyze enormous amounts of data on a daily basis to identify and mitigate trends before they become serious problems, the agency said.



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In May, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outlined a plan to build a brand new air traffic control system that he wants to be up and running before President Donald Trump leaves office. The FAA has also stepped up its hiring of air traffic controllers  though it has also been obeying the White Houses mandate to downsize the rest of the aviation agencys 46,000-person staff, which is due to shrink 4.5 percent when deferred resignations take effect in September.

The U.S. airline industrys trade group, Airlines for America, said its members are in regular touch with federal officials and others to tackle safety issues, and will continue to follow the FAAs guidance to ensure that aviation remains the safest mode of transportation in the United States and around the world.

What the numbers say

Mass-fatality air disasters were an all-too-frequent occurrence for U.S. aviation in the decades leading up to the 21st century, whose first year brought the Sept. 11 terror attacks and a 265-death November airline crash in New York City.

Then came a long period of relative quiet punctuated by a handful of serious crashes, including one apiece in 2006 and 2009. But this stretch ended with Januarys collision in the skies near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

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That crash makes this year the first since 2013 in which more than a single person died in an accident involving at least one airline operating in the U.S., according to POLITICOs analysis of data on accidents investigated by the NTSB. The last time more than three people died from such accidents in a single year was 2009, when a crash of a regional airlines turboprop plane near Buffalo, New York, killed 50 people and pushed Congress to toughen safety requirements including for pilot training and fatigue.

During the past two decades, 13 of those years  including last year  saw zero airline accident deaths.

These figures exclude any crashes that only involved aircraft such as small private planes or helicopters.

The respite from mass deaths was no fluke: The FAA and the aviation industry worked hard for their safety record, the safety foundations Shahidi said. A major turning point came in the 1990s when regulators and industry created the Commercial Aviation Safety Team  a collaborative group made up of the government, airlines and others  which helped lower fatality rates over the next two decades by systematically investigating accidents and identifying root causes.

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By 2008, the fatality rate in U.S. aviation had fallen 83 percent compared with a decade earlier, the FAA has said.

In addition, the 2000s saw a concerted push toward non-punitive data sharing among airlines, aircraft manufacturers, unions and government agencies, which has also helped identify emerging risks.

That is the power of data sharing, Shahidi said. That enabled [the FAA and industry] to really pinpoint those kinds of potential issues and then actually put in place training, technologies to address them.

On the other hand, the number of airline accidents in the U.S. has shown no similarly significant decline over the past two decades, according to POLITICOs analysis of NTSB data.

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Neither has the number of serious injuries in such accidents, with both 2023 and 2024 having above-average occurrences for this time period. The NTSB defines these injuries as ones involving severe fractures, damage to internal organs, bad burns, hemorrhages or hospitalizations lasting more than 48 hours, among other impacts.

These kinds of injuries can happen during turbulence, or during rough landings. Fifty-six of them occurred in 2013, almost all of which stemmed from a crash landing that July by an Asiana Airlines jet in San Francisco that also left three people dead. Investigators blamed that crash largely on the South Korean airlines pilots, saying they had mismanaged the landing approach and misunderstood some of the settings on the Boeing 777s flight computer.

Going around

The months since Januarys crash in Washington have also drawn new attention to so-called go-arounds, in which a plane on course to land instead pulls away and circles back to try again.

The practice isnt uncommon, with typical reasons including unfavorable winds, inaccurate air speed calculations or an obstruction on the runway that the pilot needs to avoid.



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But after the disaster over the Potomac River, go-arounds have travelers on edge and frequently generate media attention. Recent attention-grabbing incidents include one Feb. 25 at Reagan National, when an air traffic controller told an American Airlines jet to go around to avoid a plane taking off from the same runway. In May, three planes approaching the same airport had to circle back around because of a U.S. Park Police helicopter flying nearby.

These types of incidents rose last year across most of the 30 U.S. airports in major metropolitan areas with the highest volume of traffic, the FAA said in a report earlier this year.

Reagan National, with a cramped airspace in between restricted flight zones over the Pentagon and downtown Washington, ranked by far the worst on that list: Out of every 1,000 arriving flights last year, around nine needed to go around, the FAA reported. That was nearly three times the rate at Washington Dulles International Airport just 25 miles away.

Another worrisome trend appears to have abated, at least for now: near-collisions on runways, including incidents in which a plane crosses in front of another aircraft preparing to land or take off.

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The FAA recorded 11 serious and near-catastrophic runway incidents involving at least one commercial aircraft in 2023, more than double the previous year, as both air traffic controllers and airlines faced a surge in travel demand after the end of Covid-19 restrictions. These included an episode in which a FedEx cargo plane came within 100 feet of landing on top of a Southwest Airlines jet taxiing at the Austin, Texas, airport.



The aviation agency convened an urgent safety summit that March and asked pilots and flight crews to reduce distractions and to focus afresh on safety basics. The number of these runway incidents fell to two last year. At least two have occurred so far this year, both of which were serious but not near-catastrophic, according to FAA data.

A strained workforce

Glaring weak links remain, however  including shortages of the air traffic controllers who serve on the front lines of aviation safety.

That workforce remains significantly understaffed despite years of efforts to bolster its ranks. The issue has been building since 1981, when then-President Ronald Reagans decision to fire 11,000 striking controllers prompted a mass effort to hire replacements  and decades later, created a retirement bubble that the FAA is still dealing with. Many controllers also retired or left the job during the Covid pandemic, worsening the problem.

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Last year, the FAA was 3,903 short of hitting its goal of 14,633 top-level controller staff, meaning those who are fully trained and capable of performing the highest level of tasks. Though better than the previous years shortfall of 4,040 controllers, progress in filling the gap has been slow. Attrition at the FAAs controller training academy in Oklahoma City is steep, with a washout rate of 35 percent, Duffy has said. And those who graduate face another two or three years of training before they are fully certified.



Meanwhile, the controllers who are on the job have shouldered the feverish pace of flights. At Reagan National, controllers had warned for years before Januarys crash that chronic understaffing and a mounting workload were creating a dangerous situation.

Gaps in public knowledge

The FAA collects huge troves of data from airlines and other entities on many aspects of flights across the country, information that has then fed into efforts by the agency and the NTSB to reduce threats to safety. But the data thats readily available to the public is sometimes spotty, inconsistently reported or cumbersome to navigate  all of which complicates figuring out whether dangers are multiplying or diminishing.

That includes information on midair near-collisions, which is contained in a public database that the FAA told POLITICO was last updated in April 2021 due to technical difficulties. The agency said it is working to fix the issue but offered no specifics about how or whats wrong with the database.

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The data from before that cutoff showed that military aircraft had been involved in nearly a quarter of the more than 8,000 midair near-collisions reported in the U.S. from 1987 to 2021, CBS News reported in March. The incidents have continued to occur since  though without publicly accessible data, its hard to tell how frequently.

In 2024, two planes made headlines when a dashcam video appeared to capture them narrowly missing one another as they flew over Syracuse, New York. Similar incidents this year include one last month in which a regional airliner over North Dakota veered suddenly to avoid a B-52 bomber, and one week later in which a Southwest Airlines plane was forced to drop more than 400 feet to avoid a 1950s-era historic fighter jet near Burbank Airport in California.

For several other kinds of incidents  such engine fires, runway overruns, failing tires and serious turbulence  much of the information is contained in two sprawling FAA databases, including one where airlines, aircraft operators and maintenance depots are required to report incidents and major malfunctions. In the second database, those same parties can report incidents to an FAA office that focuses on accidents.



POLITICO found that some events may be mentioned in one of these two databases but not necessarily in both.

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The FAA separately publishes data on lithium battery fires and also has a web page of public statements about higher-profile incidents. But not every incident makes that page.

Having enough data available to the public to make a reasoned judgment about safety trends is kind of the search for the Holy Grail, said Ed Pierson, executive director of the nonprofit Foundation for Aviation Safety, which collects and publicizes FAA data for public awareness.

Pierson, also a former Boeing senior manager who later became a whistleblower on problems with the companys 737 MAX, called the FAAs many databases very hidden and frustrating to try and unearth for public consumption.

That frustration is shared even within the agencys own ranks.

Thomson, the former FAA deputy administrator, said the agency has pieced together data in a fragmented way for years. Oftentimes the data across stakeholders  and even within the FAA  isnt fully integrated, so you get snapshots of risk, she said.

The aviation industry has long been a leader in using data to sort of proactively identify and mitigate risk, Thomson added. Together with the FAA, it needs to continue that journey to do it faster and better, she said.
As part of the annual Onam celebrations, the Kerala State Road Transport Budget tourism organized a one-day trip from Kannur to the flower fields of Karnataka's Gundlupet, in an effort to give people a budget friendly option to visit the 'Flower Pot of India' and experience the vast beautiful fields. The trip was led by Tourism Cell Kannur District Coordinator Tanseer K R. Kannur District Coordinator Tanseer K R, Unit in-charge Rajeesh K, and guide Swapna P P Regular travelers' group of the Kannur unit participated in the first trip. Angha Rajan, one of the tourists in the bus told ANI about her pleasant experience with the trip, even after getting up early in the morning to start the trip. "As we all know, traveling in KSRTC means traveling in bus only. Gundlupet, where we are going is full of scenes, full of nature. They also had south Indian food. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner was nice, including the staff were also so friendly, making us feel welcome," Rajan told ANI. Another tourist, Ayisha Beevi, said that she was apprehensive about coming on the trip because of the stereotypes with the state transport buses, but after she came for the journey, she had a pleasant experience. "At first I was not interested at all, because I heard that KSRTC journey was very uncomfortable. I was not ready to come at all, because I heard that the bus was not very careful. This journey was my first one, it was an amazing experience, the staff was so friendly, the whole journey was amazing, punctuality, organising," the tourist told ANI. "The food was very good. The timing was great too, as we didn't have to wait as we came in the KSRTC bus, we did not wait in queue at all. It was an amazing experience which should be experienced by others too," she added. The package, arranged under special instructions from District Transport Officer V Manoj Kumar, started at 5 AM from Kannur and returned by midnight. This year, Onam is being celebrated from August 26 to September 5, over a period of 10 days . Onam is celebrated in Chingam month, which marks the beginning of the Malayalam calendar, and is a harvest celebration. During the Onam festival, people usually wear kasavu saris and mundu (dhoti). It is a time when family members and friends come together and exchange gifts. The festival also marks the Malayalam New Year and celebrates the homecoming of 'Mahabali'. Kerala welcomed the Malayalam New Year on August 17, with people flocking to temples to offer prayers and celebrating the beginning of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar. (ANI)
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Businesses in North San Angelo now have access to financial help as they recover from Julys flooding.

The San Angelo City Council approved a resolution on Aug.19, authorizing up to $1 million for the North Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) to assist commercial property owners impacted by the July 4 flooding event.

According to city officials, 72 properties within the North TIRZ sustained damage ranging from minimal to significant during the storm. The program establishes a pool of funding to help those businesses make repairs.

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Under the plan, according to the citys website, eligible properties can apply for up to $55,000 each to cover costs such as:

Building and site renovations



Environmental remediation



Safety improvements



Drainage work related to flood damage



The citys website states that funding will be distributed over a 90-day application window, during which properties zoned RM-1, RM-2, and Commercial are eligible.

According to the citys site, 10% of the funding will be payable upfront, provided proper invoices or receipts are submitted, as determined by the Planning and Development Services director. The remainder will be allocated as work is completed.

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Any money not distributed by Nov. 17 will return to the North TIRZ fund for reallocation, according to SanAngelo.gov.

Hannah Murrell, The City of San Angelos Development coordinator, says that business owners may email hannah.murrell@sanangelo.gov with any additional questions they may have on whether they qualify, and or how to apply.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Senator Bernie Sanders published an op-ed in The New York Times on August 30, 2025, urging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to step down, citing what he calls a crisis of confidence in Americas public health institutions.

Sanders critique comes in the wake of a string of controversial actions by Kennedy, including the abrupt dismissal of CDC Director Susan Monarez, the disbanding of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the halting of nearly $500 million in federal funding for mRNA vaccine development.

According to Sanders, these actions undermine scientific integrity, disrupt vaccine development, and threaten Americans access to life-saving healthcare. He highlights the resignation of top CDC officials in protest as a stark signal that Kennedys leadership is incompatible with the responsibilities of HHS.

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The op-ed frames the resignation as both a moral and practical imperative, stressing that political ideology must not override science in safeguarding public health and ensuring pandemic preparedness. Sanders warns that dismantling vaccine advisory structures and defunding research could leave the U.S. vulnerable to future outbreaks.

He also calls on Congress to hold HHS accountable for the upheaval, noting that the Trump-era appointees actions threaten the publics trust in health institutions that Americans rely on for safety and scientific guidance. Sanders intervention signals rare but urgent congressional scrutiny of executive health policy, highlighting deep divisions over vaccine strategy, public trust, and governance.

The post Sanders calls for RFK Jr. resignation amid public health upheaval appeared first on Salon.com.
GARRARD COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Kentucky State Police are getting reports of attempted fraudulent land sales in Garrard County.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

KSP said scammers are creating fake listings and posing as realtors.

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Tips to protect yourself:

Verify the sellers identity and confirm property ownership through the county clerks office.

Work only with licensed, reputable realtors.

Be cautious of listings or prices that seem unusually low or too good to be true.

Never exchange money or personal information until all details have been properly verified.

If you believe you have been targeted by this type of scam, please contact KSP Post 7 at 859-623-2404 or report it online at.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
On Friday, the Seminole County School Board tentatively negotiated a contract agreement with SECA and NIPSCO regarding terms and pay.

Employees returning for the 2025-2026 school year will get a $0.39 hourly raise, whereas new hires on or after July 1 will keep their current pay rates.

The agreement was publicly announced through a joint statement issued by Serita D. Beamon, Superintendent; Regina Washington, President of SECA; and Bruce Washington, President of NIPSCO.

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This tentative agreement is a great step forward in keeping the positive relationship between the School Board and its dedicated team of employees, helping Seminole County Public Schools continue to excel.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
(NewsNation)  A scientist believes he may have solved the infamous mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, which has been the site of supernatural speculation, plane crashes and shipwrecks for decades.

An oceanographer from the University of Southampton, Dr Simon Boxall, discovered that the region in the Atlantic Ocean has rogue waves, which are a natural ocean phenomenon where waves can form around 100 feet high, coming from all angles, and are powerful enough to break a ship in half.

Rogue waves occur around the globe, but there are certain areas of the globe where rogue waves are more common.  The Bermuda Triangle was only created as a concept by someone called George X Sand in 1952; prior to that, there was no real mystery, Boxall told NewsNation.

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He explained rogue waves come to exist when two storm systems coming together. Another factor, he says, relates to weight of numbers.

Husband of missing woman Nikki Saelee-McCain arrested

Boxall said 33% of all privately owned boats within the United Sates reside within the Bermuda Triangle, and a 2019 U.S. Coast Guard report showed 82% of all incidents at sea occurred because people had no training or safety equipment.

If you take a third of the population and you put them into that triangle area, its not surprising that boats sometimes go  missing.

To test the theory, Boxall and his team ran a simulation to recreate the USS Cyclops, an American carrier ship that sank in the region in 1918 and took 309 lives.

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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 NewsNation.
No mountain or ocean can distance people who have shared aspirations, Chinas President Xi Jinping said in July 2024, addressing leaders from fellow Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states and a few other nations, in Astana, Kazakhstan.

At the time, the ancient Chinese saying in Xis speech seemed over the top and divorced from reality: Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, one of the SCOs major members, was not even attending the groupings summit, citing a parliament session  an apparent snub to the bloc long driven by Beijing and Moscow.

Yet a year later, the geopolitical landscape looks very different: As China prepares to host the annual SCO summit, starting on Sunday, it is expecting a fuller house than ever of leaders from the region and beyond. Modi will visit China for the first time since 2018, amid a rapprochement that began late last year but has been propelled further by United States President Donald Trumps 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, which have forced New Delhi to seek stronger partnerships with Beijing and other players in Eurasia.

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At a time when much of the world is grappling with the chaos unleashed by Trumps tariffs and threats, analysts expect the SCO conclave to serve as a platform for Xi to project his country as a stabilising force, capable of uniting the Global South to counterbalance the West, particularly the US.

Chinas Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin told a news conference in Beijing last week that the summit would be one of Chinas most important head-of-state and home-court diplomatic events this year.

Where is it and whos attending?

This years summit is set to take place from August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin, a northern Chinese city on the Bohai Sea.

Liu told reporters that the summit will gather more than 20 foreign leaders and the heads of 10 international organisations.

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They include leaders of SCO member states: Indias Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Krygyz President Sadyr Japarov and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

(Al Jazeera)

Turkiyes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Myanmars military chief Min Aung Hlaing, Nepals Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Indonesias President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysias Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu are among other leaders expected to attend.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn will also attend the Summit.

Is the SCO significant?

The SCO began in 1996 as a security bloc, dubbed the Shanghai Five. It was formed by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to settle their border disputes following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

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But in June 2001, the group evolved into the SCO, including Uzbekistan, with headquarters in Beijing. In 2017, the group expanded to include India and Pakistan. Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024 were also added as full members.

In addition, the organisation has 14 key dialogue partners, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkiye, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Cambodia.

SCO member states account for 43 percent of the worlds population, and 23 percent  or almost a quarter  of the global economy.

But Alejandro Reyes, adjunct professor at the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Hong Kong, told Al Jazeera that the vision and identity of the group remain unclear.

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The US led most post-World War II multilateral organisations  including the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund. But the end of the Cold War and the emergence of economies such as China, India, Brazil and South Africa have led to diversification, if you will, of multilateralism, resulting in the formation of organisations like the BRICS seeking to give a voice to the Global South, Reyes said. So the SCO is also one of those new multilateral organisations.

BRICS, the acronym derived from the initials of the founding member countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, sees itself as a forum for the Global South. It discusses geopolitics, global security and trade, among other world issues.

But while the SCO emerged with a focus on regional security, the expansion of its mandate to also discuss trade and other Global South concerns means it is difficult to understand what sets the grouping apart from organisations like the BRICS, Reyes said.

Manoj Kewalramani, chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Studies Programme at the Takshashila Institution in Bangalore, India, agreed with Reyes, saying that the SCO is still an organisation that is looking for an identity.

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At this point of time, the identity that they seem to be working out is something around the concept of indivisible security, which means the security for one cannot come at the cost of the other, he told Al Jazeera.

Kewalramani pointed out that the SCOs articulation of indivisible security is the complete opposite of NATOs vision.

The NATO vision is bloc-based collective security. The SCO vision is that everyones interests should be taken into account whilst addressing global issues, he said.

The SCO vision is also an argument to the United States, saying, Look, you are a major power. We are a major global power. You must respect our interests within at least our peripheries. So this is an argument of spheres of influence.





What makes this summit especially relevant?

This years summit comes amid Russias ongoing war in Ukraine, Israels genocide in Gaza and continued occupation of the West Bank, security tensions in South Asia and the Asia Pacific region, and Trumps global trade war.

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With the world clearly in deep flux, Kewalramani said, youre likely to see China or Russia in particular, make the case that the world is entering an era of multipolarity, and articulate indivisible security as the way forward.

The summit is also significant because I think that there is a belief amongst many that multilateralism is facing existential threats because of the United Statess policies, and that SCO countries still stand for multilateralism and not for unilateralism, Kewalramani added.

Reyes said the significance also lies in the optics and symbolism of the summit with China as the host.

This is a time when the US is burning bridges with almost every country. So, in President Xis mind, it is a good time for China to position itself as a world power by showcasing it has productive relations with many countries, he said. China always tries to make friends where it can.

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Two days after the SCO summit ends, Beijing will, on September 3, host a major military parade to commemorate the end of World War II in Asia. Many of the leaders arriving for the SCO summit  such as Putin, Lukashenko and Subianto  are expected to stay on for the parade. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is also expected to travel to Beijing for the event, which will also be a big part of this optic of Xi hosting world leaders, Reyes said.

What are the SCOs positions on key issues?

The grouping is often unable to agree on key geopolitical issues.

For instance, Russia has been able to get most SCO members to align with its interests when it comes to its war in Ukraine, but India has attempted to play a more balanced role  seeking peace and stronger ties with Ukraine, while also buying record levels of oil from Russia.

On Thursday, Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on SCO members to express their clear position and show that they respect the principles of international law, do not tolerate Russias war of aggression against Ukraine and the killing of Ukrainian children, at this years summit.





Israels war in Gaza and military offensives in the occupied West Bank, Lebanon and Iran have also divided the SCO.

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When the group condemned Israels attack on Iran this year, India, which also has strong ties with Israel, refused to endorse a joint statement.

Friction also persists between India and fellow SCO member Pakistan, with New Delhi calling on the organisation to condemn cross-border terrorism, for which it blames Islamabad. In July, India demanded that the grouping condemn the April attack by gunmen in Indian-administered Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. New Delhi has accused Islamabad of being behind the attack, a charge that Pakistan has rejected.

When the SCO  whose decisions work by consensus  did not agree to that demand, India refused to sign a joint statement after a meeting of the groupings defence ministers.





Why are there divisions among SCO members?

According to Kewalramani, different countries on the platform are there for different reasons.

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For example, the Central Asian countries joined because they had security concerns and were also keen to boost economic engagement with China. For India, addressing terrorism in the region was key, he said.

While Beijing seeks to display a united approach at this years summit, Reyes reiterated that symbolism is likely to trump any really meaningful deliverables at the meeting.

I doubt that this organisation is able to get much deeper than just the symbolism of gathering as a platform for the Global South, as a platform for Russia and China to convene to present themselves as senior partners in this Eurasian landmass, he said.

I think what were going to see is more about the optics of having all these countries together amid the United Statess absence.

What does this mean for the US?

Trump has been critical of organisations from the Global South. In the past, he has threatened to cripple BRICS with targeted tariffs against its members, calling the grouping anti-American.

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Reyes said the SCO Summit will be watched closely by the US and could also set the tone for the Quad Summit later this year, which India is set to host.

The Quad or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue was established by India, Japan, Australia and the US in 2007 to counter Chinas growing influence in the Asia Pacific region. Over the past quarter-century, India has grown closer to the US and its allies, amid shared concerns over Beijings rise.

But after Washington hit New Delhi with 50 percent tariffs for importing crude oil from Russia amid the war in Ukraine, analysts expect the US to closely watch Modis meeting with Xi in Tianjin, scheduled for Monday.

The US will be particularly watching the interaction between India and China, who have been trying to resolve bilateral tensions, at this years SCO Summit, Reyes said.

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Currently, amid US tariffs on India and the upcoming Quad Summit, it will be interesting to see how Modi plays it, he said.

Kewalramani cautioned against concluding that the India-US relationship was broken, even with their tensions over tariffs.

These are mature economies who have close relationships on many fronts. The US will be watching how not only India but also Pakistan, Iran, and, indeed, Russia and China interact among themselves at the SCO Summit on some of the key geopolitical issues and trade, he said.

Im sure the US will grasp the messages that they need to grasp from the SCO Summit. Its good for them to watch and take lessons.




SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australian police battled severe alpine weather on Saturday on the fifth day of a search for a gunman who escaped into dense bush after allegedly shooting dead two officers and injuring another at a rural property in Victoria state.

Hundreds of officers were in the field searching for 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, previously known as Desmond Filby, who is believed to have expert bushcraft skills and multiple powerful firearms, a police spokesperson said.

The search area includes the town of Porepunkah, about 300 km (186 miles) northeast of Melbourne, where Freeman is alleged to have fired on police on Tuesday, before fleeing on foot into the bush.

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Bureau of Meteorologist senior forecaster Jonathan How said a severe weather warning was current for the region, which was experiencing challenging conditions of cold, wind and snow.

A very cold night was on the way for the area, including possible black ice on roads, How said. A minimum temperature of 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) was forecast on Sunday for Porepunkah, according to the weather bureau.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan visited nearby Wangaratta police station on Friday to pay tribute to the two slain officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, amid what she said was the "huge operation" by authorities to catch Freeman.

"Their loss won't be forgotten. With honour they served," Allan said of the officers on social media platform X.

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Freeman is alleged to have fired on a team of 10 police officers, including members of the sexual offences and child investigation team, when they arrived at his Porepunkah property to execute a search warrant.

Australian media have reported that police believe Freeman is a "sovereign citizen" who regards the government is illegitimate.

(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Stephen Coates)
SEARCY, Ark.  Tommy Centola and his wife always evacuated their home ahead of hurricanes in Louisiana  but Hurricane Katrina was a different kind of storm.

They left and came to the Searcy area. Now, 20 years later, they call it home.

I lived in Gretna, which is a suburb of New Orleans on the west bank of the river all our lives, Centola said. Until the 29th of August 2005.

New Orleans marks 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with solemn memorials, uplifting music

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That day changed lives forever, Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Gulf Coast 20 years ago.

Its hard to believe, its very hard to believe that it has been that long, Centola said.

For Tommy and his wife, evacuating from their home in Gretna was second nature whenever a hurricane approached.

Usually, youre gone a day or two and then you come back, we were in Shreveport when we realized this was going to be a lot longer than a couple days, Centola said.

Arkansas Storm Team Blog: 20 years since Hurricane Katrina

After seeing the strength of the storm and the widespread damage it left behind, the couple went to live with family in Beebe, Arkansas. Two months went by before they could return to Louisiana and during that time, they made a life-changing decision.

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My wife and I eventually settled in Searcy, Centola said.

When they were finally able to go back to their house, they found it had only sustained wind damage.

We were fortunate, very very fortunate, he said.

I survived it, I overcame it, and I did it with grace, Hurricane Katrina survivor speaks on rebuilding life in Little Rock

Leaving behind the people and the place they had known their whole lives was not easy. But selling their home brought a sense of peace.

Come to find, the lady that had bought the house lost everything, Centola said. I feel we were meant to move for various reasons, and the fact that we had a house that was in good shape, somebody else could use it, it made me feel a little bit better about the move.

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The biggest culture shock in Arkansas to him is the food, Centola said its something he truly misses. But hes found a way to keep his culture alive, through cooking and sharing Cajun recipes in his cookbooks.

It was a struggle in the beginning, it really was, but fortunately Im able to share my love of my city and my culture through my cooking, he said.

Too Twisted for TV: Todd Yakoubian sits down with storm tracker and weather reporter Charles Peek

Two decades later, the Centolas have made Searcy their home and theyve come to love the community theyve built.

Its just another chapter in my life, not a bad one, its been very pleasant. We keep going, Centola said.

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They still return to Louisiana to visit family, often driving past their old home. But the life theyve built in Arkansas has kept them rooted for the past 20 years.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com

Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson held a campaign event in Lake City Friday, meeting with residents and business owners to address their concerns about what they say is rampant violent crime, homelessness, and drug addiction.

When we try to take a walk, we have to walk around drug use, stay-at-home-dad Jon Jones said. We had a gentleman on our steps last week who pulled a knife on me when I asked him to leave. It took SPD nearly two hours to respond, and by then he was gone.

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The meeting comes a little more than two weeks after two men were shot and killed in a Lake City park near a homeless encampment. Another person was stabbed a few days later. Residents said the problems exist all over Lake City, but mostly along Lake City Way.

People just smoking their dope in the middle of the street, then crashing on the sidewalk, and it appears from our perspective, nobody cares, business owner Richard Ridout said.

Lake City resident Linda Pruitt also spoke out.

It is an overall degradation to our communitys public safety, and the impacts on our businesses, large and small, are real, Pruitt shared.

Businesses, including Fred Meyer leave Lake City area

The latest blow to the community came last week. Kroger announced plans to close the Fred Meyer Grocery Store on Lake City Way soon. The company said crime in the area and theft in the store are to blame. But, it isnt the only business leaving the area.

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Two pharmacies, two banks, four or five businesses, and now Fred Meyer, closing, Ridout said.

Nelson told the group that Lake City families, and businesses should be a priority, and she has ideas about how to combat the issues that affect their quality of life.

We know that public safety is not just about hiring more cops and arresting shoplifters and everything else. It is about getting at the activity that is driving that crime. Its about getting at the behavior that drives crimeit is about addiction, she said.

Nelson said she plans to work with stakeholders and elected officials to put a plan in place to restore Lake City to the safe, family-friendly community it once was. She didnt offer any details of that plan.

Follow James Lynch on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here.
(Reuters) -A critic of the authoritarian Nicaragua government has died in state custody two weeks after his arrest, local media and opposition parties reported on Saturday, days after a second long-time critic was also reported to have died in detention.

The fatalities suggest a deepening crackdown by President Daniel Ortega and his wife, co-president Rosario Murillo, who have quashed dissent and overseen the arrest of hundreds of opponents in recent years. Five government critics are reported to have died in government custody since 2019.

Attorney Carlos Cardenas, who was reported dead on Saturday, was arrested on August 15 amid police raids targeting government opponents. He had previously been imprisoned following a massive social uprising in 2018. Reuters was unable to directly contact Cardenass family.

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The dictatorship has handed over another dead political prisoner to family members, the political alliance the Great Nicaraguan Opposition Confederation (GCON) said on X on Saturday.

The Nicaraguan government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Monday, Nicaraguan opposition leaders denounced the death of political activist Mauricio Alonso, who authorities detained in mid-July.

(Reporting by Gabriela Selser; Editing by Diego Ore and Nick Zieminski)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the newly renovated and beautified traditional Parasundari Kali Temple in Agartala, where he said that one can truly know themselves through worship, and the spiritual consciousness of every individual must be enriched. Hitting out at the previous government of the state for not believing in such pujas, CM Saha said that the left front government even denied the contributions of the Maharajas to the development of the state. He urged the people of the state to visit the rich tourist centers of Tripura. CM Saha said that the Parasundari Kali Temple, built during the royal period, had become dilapidated due to a lack of renovation, said an official statement on Friday. "But the previous government did not take any initiative to renovate or maintain it. However, our government has renovated this temple in accordance with the demands of the local people. The previous government did not believe in pujas. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, there has been a public awakening. The level of faith in God has increased significantly. The civilization of India remains intact because of Sanatan Dharma," he said. The Chief Minister also said that the city of Agartala was beautifully decorated during the time of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. "Along with Agartala, efforts were made to beautify Tripura as a whole--be it markets, schools, or colleges. Although the previous government denied the contributions of the Maharajas, we must remember history. The Prime Minister has emphasized the importance of ensuring that our country's money does not go abroad, as India has many beautiful tourist places," CM Saha said. Mayor and MLA of Agartala Municipal Corporation Dipak Majumdar, Chairman of the Central Zone of the Municipal Corporation Ratna Dutta, Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation DK Chakma, and other prominent persons were present as distinguished guests at the event. (ANI)
Windows at a local specialised secondary school were damaged by a blast wave in the Cherkasy district in a Russian attack on the night of 29-30 August.

Source: Cherkasy Oblast Military Administration

Details: Authorities reported that within the oblast, two Russian missiles and 14 drones were downed.

Falling debris caused several fires, including one covering an area of 800 sq m in the city of Cherkasy.

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No casualties were reported.

Background: On the night of 29-30 August, Russia struck Ukraine with attack drones and air-, ground- and sea-launched missiles. Air defence systems downed 548 of the 582 aerial targets, though there were confirmed strikes and falling debris.

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ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (WGN)  Valley View School District teachers and staff have set a strike date if a contract is not reached.

A rally held on Friday called for a resolution, as both staff and the district have negotiated a new contract since the start of the year.

Dozens came out in support of Valley View teachers and staff. While teachers who spoke with WGN-TV declined to be identified, many shared that theyre currently working a second job to make ends meet.

MORE FROM WGNS ANGELICA SANCHEZ | Report: Over 200 Homeland Security officers could arrive in Chicago next week

Both sides have been negotiating since the start of the year.

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Currently, the issues at hand are salary increases and the districts proposal to expand the school bell schedule by 20 minutes. The school district says this will help improve ACT and SAT scores. Right now, they are falling below the state average.

Teachers off-camera told WGN-TV that health insurance is another issue holding up the contracts. With the school year well underway, the earliest teachers can go on strike is Monday, Sept. 15.

Parents at the rally say that while they are concerned about childcare, if a strike were to happen, they are more concerned that the teachers receive a fair contract.

Everyone is nervous about a strike, but we are here to support fair wages and respect for our teachers, who are the people who are on the front line, taking care of our kids, making sure they have a great education, one parent told WGN-TV.

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Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Valley View School District says that since submitting its proposal to the states Education Relations Board, the union has not made any new proposals or counterproposals.

Its unclear when the two sides will return to the negotiating table.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Hello its the weekend. This is The Weekender 

The last detainees inside the grim Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention camp spearheaded by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) are reportedly set to leave the facility.

According to the Associated Press, in an Aug. 22 email to a local religious leader about potential chaplaincy services at the site, Florida Department of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said, we are probably going to be down to 0 individuals within a few days.

That admission came after a federal judge in Miami issued an order that called for federal and state officials to remove detainees from the site in response to a suit filed by environmental groups and a local Native American tribe. While that case was focused on the impact of the camp on the indigenous community and protected areas of the Everglades, there have also been questions and legal challenges related to the conditions at the facility including allegations of insufficient access to attorneys and inhumane treatment.

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When asked about the matter by reporters, DeSantis, who has been eager to support President Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda, suggested the removal of detainees from the camp was the result of a decision by the Department of Homeland Security. However, the governor also conceded that the litigation may have had an influence.

TPM has chronicled the controversial detention camp since it was officially opened last month, including reporting on how the rushed construction involved nine figure costs and diverted disaster resources, diplomatic drama, and a look at the case that seems to have caused the current shutdown.

At the moment, it is unclear whether Alligator Alcatraz will remain empty. Attorneys for the state almost immediately indicated they planned to file an appeal. Either way, the larger Trump detention camp system shows no signs of slowing down. Officials are working on unconventional facilities with similarly heartless nicknames in other states around the country. One site in Texas was previously used as an internment camp for Japanese Americans in World War II.

The Alligator Alcatraz grifting, which has included merch inspired by the camps grisly nickname, also isnt stopping. According to veteran Florida statehouse reporter Peter Schorsch, DeSantis political action committee sent out a fundraising pitch based on the judges order that suggested donations could help keep the site open. Of course, the government legal fight cant be conducted with political funds, which led Schorsch to dub the pitch disgraceful.

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It is keen insult to peoples intelligence that @RonDeSantis thinks they will believe that giving to Rons political action committee is going to help to keep Alligator Alcatraz open, Schorsch said.

If this truly is the end of Alligator Alcatraz, the camp is going down with one last grift-y gasp.

 Hunter Walker

Heres what else TPM has on tap this weekend:

An update on RFK Jr.s promise to solve autism by September. Spoiler: He thinks hes still on track.

The Trump White House finally acted on what it has long threatened as it looks for ways to mount a legal challenge against the Impoundment Control Act  it sent Congress a pocket rescission, a loophole that OMB Director Russ Vought believes allows the executive branch to not spend funds that have already been appropriated by Congress.

New clues as to how E.J. Antoni  a problematic Heritage Foundation economist and Project 2025 author who has proposed halting the monthly jobs report and replacing it with quarterly data  came to be appointed to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Lets dig in.

RFK Jr. Still Thinks He Will Figure Out Cause of Autism in September

In case you were getting worried, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claims he is still on track to identify interventions that are certainly causing autism and how to address them by  next month.

RFK Jr.s assertion came in response to a question from President Trump earlier this week asking for a progress update during a Cabinet meeting.

We are doing very well, he said. We will have announcements as promised in September, finding interventions, certain interventions, now that are clearly almost certainly causing autism. And were going to be able to address those in September.

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Youll remember, earlier this year, RFK Jr. announced that the NIH would start a series of new studies to identify precisely what the environmental toxins are that are causing it. (In reality, it appears he might have been referring to HHS attempts to resurrect a mass data-collecting program, a version of which Congress had previously expressed serious reservations about, as TPM reported earlier this month.)

This is coming from an environmental toxin, and somebody made it and put that environmental toxin into our air or water or medicines or food, Kennedy claimed in April, later adding autism destroys families.

The reliability of these supposed studies and apparent data collecting effort are still a big question mark.

RFK Jr. has, of course, long pushed the conspiracy theory that theres a link between autism and vaccines.

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 Emine Yucel

The Moment has Arrived

For months, TPM has been banging on about Russ Voughts various gimmicks to not spend funding Congress has appropriated  impoundment, essentially, in violation of the Nixon era Impoundment Control Act, and, at a deeper level, the Constitution, which as any middle school civics student could tell you, gives to the legislature the power of the purse.

This has taken various forms: DOGE making its haphazard cuts, other elements of the administration scaling back and terminating programs, grant funding that is cancelled or simply never shows up. Up until this point, the issue came most pointedly to a head in July, when Republicans in Congress, at the White Houses urging, voted on a rescissions bill. That legislation legitimized DOGEs sweeping cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting funding, which had received bipartisan support, using a mechanism that only required 50 votes and, thus, could be executed solely by Republicans, who complained about the impropriety of what they were doing the whole time they were doing it.

Now, things have escalated further. Late Thursday, news emerged that Vought had done what he had long threatened: sent Congress a pocket rescission. Using this supposed loophole, with a name evoking the pocket veto, the administration claims that if it submits a rescission request to Congress close to the end of the fiscal year, it is approved, regardless of what Congress does. This is widely understood to be illegal, but so were many other ways in which the administration chose to spend funds. The difference with pocket rescissions is that they are so patently absurd, they have inspired bipartisan pushback, prompted Democrats to predict a shutdown, and, most importantly for the long term, highlighted the fight over federal funding in a way that will likely force the Supreme Court to weigh in on one of the administrations most outlandish and constitutionally challenged theories.

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All this stuff is admittedly quite weedsy. But while it doesnt have the same fiery confrontations as Trumps purging of the federal workforce, and doesnt come with the chilling visuals of armed soldiers in American streets, it remains important, contested ground as his power grab advances. How this shakes out will determine if Congress remains a coequal branch of government, or one subservient to the executive.

 John Light

Trumps Problematic BLS Pick Has Ties to Stephen Moore

It turns out Trumps wildly unpopular pick to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics will face a hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee after all.

E.J. Antoni will be the first BLS pick to have a committee hearing since Trumps last pick, former BLS Commissioner William Beach, in 2017. The nomination of Antoni, a conservative, Heritage Foundation economist who helped author Project 2025, drew ire from progressive and conservative economists for his lack of experience and general beliefs about economics. While his own views are troubling  hes proposed halting the monthly jobs report and replacing it all together with quarterly data  Antonis confirmation hearing might be obscured by some of the other nominees set to appear with him during the hearing. That includes two NLRB nominees and a MAHA Surgeon General pick who has publicly declared RFK is doing Gods work.

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And if youre wondering how a person who just got their doctorate five years ago even came to be considered for the top statistician position in the land, a Washington Post deep dive published Friday uncovered that Antonis cousin, a right-wing podcast host, introduced him to longtime Trump adviser Stephen Moore. Moore lobbied for Antoni to get the job.

 Layla A. Jones
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The report of Joni Ernsts potential decision not to run for re-election has Iowa in the national spotlight, just days after Iowas Senate District 1 special election grabbed headlines.

KCAU 9 caught up with Senator-elect Catelin Drey on August. Drey said that the past few days have been a whirlwind in the best way possible. She said several national outlets have reached out to her, and even former President Barack Obama mentioned her win.

Story continues below

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Drey said that the democratic party is looking for a sign of hope. However, she will focus on what she can accomplish after taking her seat in the Senate, ending a GOP supermajority.

What it means right now is that we can push back against unpopular cabinet nominations. We can talk about ways to get better legislation for the people of Iowa, because overwhelming voters told me over and over again they dont feel like the people in Des Moines are listening to them or representing what they actually want to see happen at the state house, said Drey.

Republicans maintain a super-majority in the state house and control the Governors office. However, Governor Kim Reynolds has announced that she is not seeking re-election.

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I would like to see our, you know, state money that we spend on campaigns, stay in the state. That our tax dollars should be funding tax dollars that exist in the state of Iowa, Drey said. The other thing I really want to drive home is funding public schools with the rate that keeps pace with or exceeds inflation.

For now, Drey will fill the remainder of late State Senator Rocky De Witts term, which was set to end in 2026. She said she is planning to run for re-election for a full term beginning in 2027. The 2026 Iowa legislative session is scheduled to start on January 12.

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By Ben Blanchard

TAIPEI (Reuters) -U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee and a strong advocate for Taiwan, said on Saturday he thought there would be future joint U.S.-Taiwanese weapons production, something Taipei has pushed for.

The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and weapons supplier despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, though since President Donald Trump took office earlier this year no new arms sales have been announced.

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Asked at a news conference in Taipei about the prospect for joint production of weapons including drones, Wicker, a Republican, was upbeat.

"I think there's going to be joint production and joint efforts and that will depend on the skills present both on this side of the Pacific Ocean and ours, and actually we're open to suggestion and innovation in that regard," he said, at the end of a two-day visit where he met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

A Taiwan official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that co-production of weapons was "very important".

Wicker is one of the fiercest supporters in the U.S. Congress for Taiwan. Beijing, which regularly denounces any shows of support for Taipei from Washington, has criticised his visit saying it opposes official interactions between Taiwan and the United States.

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He is in Taiwan at a time the island is facing a 20% tariff on exports to the United States, as part of Trump's sweeping new trade policy on many other parts of the world.

Wicker noted there were talks on trade going on around the world.

"That in no way affects the defence alliance and friendship and determination that the United States has to be a friend to the sovereign rights of the Taiwanese people to enjoy their democracy," he said.

His trip also takes place as some members of Congress - both 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.

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Administration officials have said that 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.

China claims the democratically governed island as its own and has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Beijing has stepped up military and political pressure against the island in recent years.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Stephen Coates)
The seven were wounded after encountering an explosive device while operating on an Israeli Namer APV.

Seven Israeli soldiers were wounded during IDF activity in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood on Friday night, Israeli media reported on Saturday.

The seven were wounded after encountering an explosive device while operating on an Israeli Namer APV.

Two of the seven were lightly-to-moderately wounded and were rushed to hospital for further treatment. The remaining five were discharged after receiving treatment at a hospital on Friday night.

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The families of the wounded soldiers were notified shortly after the incident occurred.

IDF operates in Gaza City, Khan Yunis

The IDF operated in Gaza City, as well as the southern city of Khan Yunis, on Friday, striking targets from the air and on the ground, as per Walla.

The Hezbollah-affiliated source Al-Mayadeen reported that one was killed and several others were wounded from a strike that targeted the Al-Shawa Tower, located on Al-Wahda Street in Gaza City.

IDF operates in Gaza, August 29, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

This comes as Israel is preparing for its planned takeover of Gaza City, which has been dubbed by the IDF as "Operation Gideon's Chariots II."

IDF denies Palestinian claims of kidnapped soldiers

Also on Saturday, IDF's Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee published a video on his social media channels refuting Palestinians claims of the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers in the area.

"Last night, the bankrupt Muslim Brotherhood media published new false news about heroic battles of the defeated Hamas in Gaza," the IDF spokesman wrote. "This is the illusion of victory that they are trying to market, but they will fail and admit defeat."
The Israeli military said it targeted a senior official of the Islamist terrorist organisation Hamas in Gaza City on Saturday.

Israeli media reported that the target was Abu Obeida, the long-time spokesman of Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades. He is known for appearing masked in public and video messages.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said prior to the strike on the "key Hamas terrorist," steps were taken to "mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence."

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However, the territory's civil defence agency, controlled by Hamas, reported at least seven deaths in an attack in the west of Gaza City.

A residential building in the Rimal district, once considered a wealthy area, was reportedly attacked, with more people suspected to be under the rubble.

Neither report could be independently verified.

Israel is set to go ahead with its offensive in Gaza City despite fears of a humanitarian catastrophe, with its forces being seen on the outskirts of the city on Friday.

Aid organizations have warned that the city's population cannot be evacuated safely to the south of the devastated territory.
The IDF added that Lubliner was likely killed due to friendly fire, and that the incident is being investigated.

Sergeant First Class (res.) Ariel Lubliner, 34, was killed in battle in southern Gaza, the IDF announced Saturday.

Sgt. First Class Lubliner served in the Logistics Unit 6036 in the 36th Division.

The incident is still being investigated; however, the IDF said that he was likely killed by friendly fire.

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Lubliner immigrated to Israel from Brazil, Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed on social media. "Ariel, who immigrated to Israel out of love for the land, was called up for reserve duty since October 7 and has served with dedication ever since in defense of the State of Israel."

"On behalf of the entire defense establishment, I send my heartfelt condolences to the family of Sergeant First Class (res.) Ariel Lubliner, a fighter in Logistics Brigade 6036, was killed in the southern Gaza Strip.

Lubliner leaves behind his wife, Barbara, their 9-month-old baby, and their family, Kiryat Bialik Mayor Eli Dukorski said.

"Ten years ago, he met Barbara, who had immigrated from Spain, at Kibbutz Naan, and there their love began. They married seven years ago.

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"Four years ago, after winning the subsidized housing lottery, they moved to the Neot Afek neighborhood in Kiryat Bialik."

Numerous reserve tours in Gaza

Since October 7, Lubliner has been called up for reserve duty for several long rounds, the mayor recounted. On Sunday, he was supposed to complete yet another reserve deployment he had been drafted for in June. Lubliner and his wife had planned to fly to Brazil for a family vacation.

"This morning, I visited Barbara, the newly bereaved widow, in their home," the mayor said. "We spoke, and I conveyed my condolences and pain. My heart broke at the sight of Lior, their 9-month-old son, who will grow up without a father.

"Ariel worked in the high-tech field and was very caring. He often turned to me regarding matters in his residential area, always politely and respectfully.

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"On behalf of the residents of Kiryat Bialik, I share in the grief of the Lubliner family, send my condolences, and bitterly mourn this unfathomable loss.

Meir Holtz, CEO of the Alyah and travel programs "Masa Israel Journey," also spoke about Ariel, an alumnus who came to Israel through one of the agency's programs.

"Ariel came to Israel from Brazil through Masas Kibbutz Ulpan program and settled in Kibbutz Naan. There, he met Barbara from Spain. They fell in love, got married, and just nine months ago welcomed their son, Lior. Since October 7th, Ariel served in multiple rounds of reserve duty. He began his most recent round in June and was supposed to complete it tomorrow and return home to his family," Holtz said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed condolences to the Lubliner family.
LE MARS, Iowa (KCAU)  A Le Mars Hy-Vee employee was honored with a special award Fridayone that only 14 out of 70,000 employees receive each year.

Shannon Groepper, the floral manager at the Le Mars Hy-Vee, was recognized as a Hy-Vee Legendary Customer Service Award recipient.

The award is designed to recognize employees who go above and beyond every day to help customers.

Hy-Vee executives gathered at the store to honor the longtime employee with a surprise ceremony, catching her completely off guard.

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When we were coming back to the store, I looked up and saw my picture in nearly every window outside. And I said, What is my picture up there for? said Groepper. And everybody started laughing. Then I walked in and said, What are all these people here for? Im very honored.

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Groepper received over 100 recommendationsincluding letters from multiple states and more than 100 Facebook commentsabout how she makes a difference at the Le Mars Hy-Vee.

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Shannon is just so kind. She cares about everyone who walks by her counter, whether theyre stopping to buy flowers or not. Maybe theyre having a bad day, maybe their childs having a bad day, but theres a flower, a piece of candy, or a balloon in their hand just to help brighten that day, said the director of the Le Mars Hy-Vee, Jennifer Parks.

In honor of her work, Groepper will receive a paid vacation, a golden ring and nametag, and will have her likeness displayed on the side of a Hy-Vee semi-truck.

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Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha mentioned that he has proposed to the Centre the possible use of Titas River water for supplying drinking water to all 51 wards of the Agartala Municipal Corporation. Speaking at the inauguration of the Vivekananda Township Project at Kaman Chowmuhani, the Chief Minister said that after consultation with the centre, the project to provide iron free fresh river water to the people will be started. "The water of the Haora river, Kalapania, or Katakhal canal mix with the Titas River in Bangladesh. I have good knowledge of the Titas River. I have proposed that water from the Titas River be supplied to the 51 wards of Agartala Municipal Corporation as drinking water. Proposals have been given, and if everything goes as planned, we will raise this matter with the Centre so that we can provide iron-free water. We are working on this," the Chief Minister said according to an official statement from the CM's office. On the Vivekanada township project, he said that there were several obstacles during the construction of the 48 flats. "Our government is transparent and we are working for the betterment of the people. These flats are for the lower-income group, middle-income group, and higher-income group. We were waiting to hand over the keys to the flat owners, and now we have done it. I want to thank TUDA for constructing such flats in the heart of Agartala," said CM Saha. He added that these flats are earthquake-resistant. "We are working for development, and there is no talk without development. From January till August, we have inaugurated and laid foundation stones worth Rs 800 crore. This is what the BJP-led government is about. We have formed TUDA to construct beautiful buildings for comfortable living. We have also given permission for high-rise buildings by following all rules," he said. The Chief Minister further informed that the main aim of TUDA is to build modern flats for economically weaker and middle-class people. "We are also constructing roads. Another project of 216 flats at a cost of around Rs 96 crore is underway near the Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel. It is expected to be completed by March next year," he said. The Chief Minister also said he has requested the Centre to remove the cap on loan amounts for externally aided projects, according to the statement. "There are many states where such a cap does not exist. But in our case, due to many ongoing development works, we are facing issues because of this cap," he said. He also informed that work on preparing GIS master plans for 20 urban areas of the state is underway. The master plan for Agartala city is already about 70% complete and development projects worth around Rs 530 crore have been undertaken in the first phase of the Mukhyamantri Nagar Unnayan Prakalp with the help of ADB. (ANI)
Whats it really like to live in a Ukrainian village during wartime? In Dare to Ukraine: Village, host Masha Lavrova leaves the capital, Kyiv, and moves to a village to explore authentic Ukrainian rural life. She tries to survive for a month on a $500 budget  the average Ukrainian salary. With no prior experience of village life, she faces the challenges, charm, and surprises of the countryside while producer Valeriia keeps throwing unexpected tasks her way. Follow Mashas bumpy journey to her new home in a village in Kyiv Oblast in the first episode.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
RUSSIA, Ohio (WDTN)  A family in Shelby County has reached a major milestone.

Gene and Dorothy Richard have been married 69 years, and have 11 children, 68 grandchildren. The couple recently welcomed their 100th great-grandchild.

Logan Hostetler, the 19th grandchild, recently gave birth to Gabriel Jean Hostetler. Gabriel, the 100th great-grandchild, is named after his great grandfather Gene.

The 19th grandchild now accounts for four of the 100 great grandchildren. She told WDTN that her inspiration has always been her grandparents.

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Theyre very dedicated to one another, a lot of sacrifice, said Hostetler. Grandma, when she was younger with all the kids and grandpa serving her now.

It is said that the Richards massive almost never had a chance to begin, as Dorothy had entered a convent at a time. Gene wanted her to be a good wife and mother.

On May 5, 2026, Gene and Dorothy will celebrate 70 years of marriage.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Shelter-in-place lifted at Clark Atlanta University after false reports of active shooter

Clark Atlanta University officials say reports of an active shooter on campus on Friday are false.

The university issued a statement saying there was not a confirmed threat.

Channel 2s Cory James was near Clark Atlanta Universitys campus during WSB Tonight where Atlanta police told him they received a 911 call about a shooting, but found no evidence that anything happened.

Officers said they could hear shots being fired in the background of the 911 call.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Officials issued a shelter-in-place order out of an abundance of caution for several hours, but it has since been lifted.

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Atlanta police and Atlanta University Center police say they found no evidence of an active shooter or threat at the university.

Clark Atlanta University Chief of Campus Police & Security Debra Williams confirmed the university is investigating and monitoring the situation.

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At least three north Georgia universities, including Clark Atlanta, were targeted with hoax shooting calls on Friday night.

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NEW ORLEANS  Two things are important to understand about the $14.6 billion flood protection fortress built around metro New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

The system of 350 miles of flood walls and levees in five parishes is slowly sinking, losing height while sea levels rise and potential storm surge threats increase.

And a small weakening of protection could hammer the New Orleans economy by making hundreds of thousands of property owners ineligible to buy federal flood insurance.

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The fragility and economic importance of the protection system have already forced federal and state agencies to elevate shrinking levees. And a substantial investment will be needed to maintain the levees at current levels, underscoring the vigilance required to safeguard New Orleans residents 20 years after the previous federally built system failed and catastrophic flooding swamped much of the city.

It will cost more than $1 billion to keep all of the levees and flood walls at a sufficient height for the next five decades, according to the Army Corps of Engineers, which designed and built the new system.

Its a never-ending project, said Ryan Foster, engineering director of a regional authority created after Katrina to run the restored protection system. Its something that will have to receive funding and maintenance for its lifetime.

The Louisiana coast is notoriously difficult to protect from hurricanes.

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Sea levels along the Southeast and Gulf coasts have risen since 2010 at rates that are unprecedented in the last 120 years, according to a study by Tulane University scientists. Higher sea levels increase the level of inland storm surge.

At the same time, land in the New Orleans area is sinking  or subsiding  as water, oil and gas are extracted from below the ground and as the regions soft soil compresses under the weight of levees and 32-foot-high concrete flood walls.

Everything subsides in southeastern Louisiana, said Foster, who works for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East. Its surprising to anybody outside southeastern Louisiana.

'Weak soils, general subsidence'

Katrina barreled across New Orleans on Aug. 29, 2005. The disaster remains this countrys costliest storm and one of the most deadly, killing more than 1,300 people.

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The Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System built after Katrina became part of a remarkable rebuilding effort.

It is one of the largest civil works projects ever undertaken and includes the worlds largest surge barrier of its kind, the Army Corps of Engineers says in a two-page fact sheet. The system is stronger and more resilient than it ever has been.

The cornerstone of the system  a new 1.8-mile storm surge barrier with 26-foot high retractable gates  is said to be visible from outer space.

But a 278-page Army Corps evaluation of the system is more sober.

Weak soils, general subsidence, and the global incidence of sea level rise  will cause levees to require future lifts, the evaluation published in 2021 says. Federal laws that paid for building the system did not provide funding for this requirement.



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The protection system will stop providing adequate protection by 2073, and $1.1 billion is needed to lift 50 miles of levees, replace a mile of flood wall and add 2.2 miles of flood wall.

In April, the Army Corps and the flood protection authority agreed to pay $4.6 million to design the improvements. The Army Corps is paying $3 million, and the authority is paying $1.6 million.

Were going to need money. Its always hard to get money, said Sandy Rosenthal of New Orleans, who created levees.org after Katrina to call attention to the engineering flaws responsible for levee failures during the storm.

Its heavy, its built with concrete and steel, and it sinks. It has to be constantly maintained, Rosenthal said of the protection system.



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The Army Corps knew about subsidence when it began planning the system after Katrina. It also knew about sea-level rise.

That was all taken into consideration during design, said Stacy Gilmore, public information director for the Southeast Louisiana authority.

But after Katrina, Congress, the administration of then-President George W. Bush and many in Louisiana prioritized speed in reconstruction and built a system that would provide adequate protection only through 2057. The Army Corps set a deadline of June 2011 to complete most of the new system  a shockingly ambitious schedule for an agency that can take decades to complete projects.

They wanted to be very targeted and very quick, Foster said.

Flood insurance

Theres a third thing to understand about the New Orleans protection system.

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It wasnt designed solely to protect the regions 1 million people.

It was also designed to let them buy flood insurance.

Louisiana has  by a wide margin  the highest concentration of flood insurance policies sold by the governments National Flood Insurance Program, which sells most of the nations flood coverage.



Among the 10 counties with the highest concentration, six are in Louisiana, according to records from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which runs the insurance program. All six are in the New Orleans area, including Jefferson Parish, immediately west of New Orleans, where 74 percent of the homes have NFIP coverage.

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The nationwide coverage rate is less than 4 percent.

FEMA sells flood insurance only in communities with measures aimed at reducing flood damage. Katrina's destruction of the New Orleans-area levee system threatened to make communities inside the system ineligible for FEMA flood insurance, potentially leaving hundreds of thousands of people uninsured in one of the nation's most flood-prone areas. Flood insurance is sold separately from homeowners insurance.

Congress directed the Army Corps to get the region back to the 1-in-100 level quickly, not because it thought that was enough but because that is what would be necessary to make the area insurable and financeable again, Mark Davis, an environmental law expert at Tulane University Law School, wrote in a recent article.

A federal law enacted shortly after Katrina directed the Army Corps to raise levee heights and strengthen the New Orleans-area levee system to achieve certification required for participation in the flood insurance program.



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Davis said in an interview that the mandate to quickly make the city again eligible for flood insurance lowered the protection level provided by the rebuilt system.

The fundamental vulnerabilities remain, Davis said, comparing the current system to the one that failed during Katrina. Were starting to see that no one is really prepared for the future were facing.

Congress authorized the Army Corps to study building a new system that would protect against storms so severe and rare that they would occur once in 200 years, said Foster of the flood protection authority. But the Bush administration balked at the price tag, and protection for a 100-year storm "was what they could get," Foster said.

"They wanted to get a level of protection as quickly as possible," Foster said.

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The Army Corps in its evaluation says that by 2073, the systems flood protection would start falling below protecting against [a] 100-year storm,  which under current federal policy would make the area ineligible for federal flood insurance.

The evaluation says the new system has to be upgraded and that failing to do so is an unrealistic scenario because of Congress' requirement to maintain protection against a 100-year storm.

The Corps and our local partners have always known that the HSDRRS, like any levee system, would need periodic lifts in order to maintain the elevations needed to provide a 100-year level of risk reduction. We remain committed alongside our local partners to ensure the system will continue to perform as designed into the future, the Army Corps of Engineers said in a statement.

'It's a lot better'

Inside Schaefer Seafood, filled with the aroma of crab seasoning, owner Merlin Schaefer remains bitter about the notorious failure of the 17th Street Canal off Lake Ponchartrain near his store.

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But now, a couple of blocks away, one of the major features of the new protection system stands sentry at the spot where the canal flows into the lake, featuring enormous flood barriers. A powerful pumping station prevents the canal from overflowing into the adjacent residential and commercial areas.

Its a lot better than before, Schaefer said, adding that his business has returned to normal after a 10-year post-Katrina decline. Its great.

The rebuilt levee system has restored another important quality to the New Orleans area: confidence.



In the immediate aftermath of Katrina, some suggested abandoning all or part of New Orleans and many assumed the region would never regain its national cultural status.

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But although the city is smaller, people have returned and rebuilt.

"We always come back," said Sybil Orr, a real estate agent, as she pushed her old-fashioned bicycle in downtown New Orleans along a ramp to a ferry that crosses the Mississippi River.

The new system built new flood walls, pumps and surge barriers farther away from the heart of New Orleans and left the pre-Katrina structures closer to the center city as secondary protection.

The Lake Borgne Surge Barrier stands at the confluence of two waterways 8 miles southeast of central New Orleans. It features 26-foot-high gates and stands perpendicular to 32-foot concrete flood walls  twice their predecessors height  supported in some places by 20-foot-wide concrete splash pads on the ground that prevent both overflow and critters from weakening the supporting soil.



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For the people who live here, they see the difference between what we have now and what we had then, said Rosenthal of levees.org. You see the Lake Borgne Surge Barrier, the new T walls [for flood protection]. They see the gauges built into the levees.

Confidence is restored, Rosenthal said.

Still, challenges remain. New Orleans population, now roughly 365,000, has not grown since 2012 after most of the new protection system was complete, according to Census Bureau data.

Insurers seem reluctant to write policies covering damage from wind and other nonflood events in Jefferson Parish and Orleans Parish, which encompasses New Orleans. The two parishes have 17 percent of the Louisiana population.

An analysis by POLITICOs E&E News shows the two parishes' households account for roughly 54 percent of the insurance policies sold by the state-mandated Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance, which sells policies to people unable to buy coverage from an insurance company.

"I'd like to think that post-Katrina, the infrastructure is now in place" to protect the area, said Joey Harmon at the Disco Warehouse art gallery in the French Quarter. "People aren't really sure how effective it's going to be."
Organized by the JFNA, the trip included 15 first-time visitors to Israel and came amid a broader sense of alienation many had been feeling in their LGBTQ communities back home.

Under the haze of neon lights and techno beats, Roni Tessler waited for legendary DJ Offra to begin his set in a Tel Aviv club. Minutes later, the music cut and the party was shut down. Israel had launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran, pummeling nuclear sites and triggering a 12-day war that would trap Tessler and nearly a hundred other North American LGBTQ Jews in the country.

Organized by the Jewish Federations of North America, the trip included 15 first-time visitors to Israel and came amid a broader sense of alienation many had been feeling in their LGBTQ communities back home. Tessler, originally from Potomac, Maryland but living on Manhattans Upper West Side for the past 15 years, compared being in Israel to Fire Island as a place where gay people can breathe.

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Israel, he said, offered the same attraction, but doubly.

Israel also feels like a place where I can breathe, but as a Jew, he said. Seeing Israeli flags everywhere and Jewish stars and knowing the people around me dont hate me.

After the initial strikes, flights were suspended. In the ensuing days, most of the delegation fled the country by other means  including by boat or through Jordan  where they were told to hide their Jewish symbols. For those who had come seeking the safety of being visibly Jewish, the reversal was hard to ignore.

A group from a delegation organized by Hebro and Birthright Israel pose after clearing out an apartment damaged by an Iranian ballistic missile in Ramat Aviv, Israel, in August 2025. (credit: GALI GORDON)

The trip was intended to be bookended by the Jerusalem Pride parade at the beginning and Tel Avivs storied counterpart on June 13, but with the war breaking out the night before, that parade was called off.

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Still, the group pressed on with their itinerary. Ultimately, several members took advantage of flight interruptions to extend their stay, while others returned this month on a second major delegation of LGBTQ Jews, drawn by the massive reorientation in their identities induced by the fallout from Hamass October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

A lot of our folks identified as gay first, and then as American or Jewish, but now the Jewish part of our identity has kind of moved to the top, because weve been forced to, said Jayson Littman, who helms Hebro, a group for gay Jews in New York that worked with Birthright Israel on the second trip. He said interviews with trip applicants revealed that many described themselves as closeted again as Jews in their gay communities.

Nate Looney, JFNAs director of community safety and belonging who organized the June mission in just nine weeks, said interest had surged after a year marked by antisemitic hostility at Pride events across the United States. Looney, who lives in Washington, DC, and identifies as trans, recalled a glass bottle being thrown at his group during last years Pride parade and described growing efforts by organizers in multiple cities to exclude Jewish or pro-Israel contingents entirely.

I never thought there would be violence coming from within, directed at me only for being a Jew. You could show up and be fully queer, but just dont show up and be fully Jewish, he said, adding, Jews were being forced back into the closet.

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In the months since, Pride events around the world have been marred by clashes over Israel, including when organizers have sought to exclude Jewish LGBTQ groups. In Ottawa, Canada, the parade was canceled after pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the route. Montreals parade banned two Jewish groups from participating before reinstating them under pressure. Jewish groups pulled out of the events in San Diego, citing safety concerns and an anti-Israel headlining act.

Nate Looney, JFNA's director of community safety and belonging, organized an LGBTQ mission to Israel in nine weeks in early 2025. (credit: DEBORAH DANAN/JTA)

In Rome, the Jewish LGBTQ group Keshet Europe hired private security in anticipation of possible disruptions, after skipping the parade last year entirely out of safety concerns. The parade was a distressing experience for those who participated, Ruben Piperno, one of the organizers, told JTA at the time.

We were subjected to insults, jeers, and serious accusations, with some individuals following us throughout the entire parade, challenging our queer identity, and accusing us of pinkwashing on behalf of the Israeli government, said Piperno, who is 31 and lives in Turin.

On the JFNA trip, many of the delegates said the rupture with their communities had been sudden and isolating. Eshel, an Orthodox LGBTQ nonprofit, and A Wider Bridge, a pro-Israel LGBTQ group, surveyed hundreds of LGBTQ Jews. Among those who strongly present as Jewish  with visible Jewish clothing or symbols, 67% reported experiencing antisemitism since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. A majority of respondents also said they were withdrawing from queer spaces or concealing their Jewish identity in order to remain in them.

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Ashley Kravetsky, a nurse and drag performer from Edmonton, Canada, said the backlash she encountered pushed her out of a community she had long seen as a refuge.

I was very surprised that people were not able to recognize that what they were saying was harmful to me as a Jewish person, she said. I was seeing people post about inclusion and equity and how we have to love and hold space for marginalized communities and in the same breath saying free Palestine and Jews are colonizers and no Zionists allowed, without even conversations allowed to take place. I can count on one hand how many people were willing to have a conversation with me.

It was no longer safe for me to be in the queer community  and that included threats of physical violence, she added.

For Orthodox LGBTQ Jews, there were even fewer options. Eshel co-founder and director Miryam Kabakov, who joined the delegation, said her community was being forced out of one space without being able to enter another.

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A very large percentage are leaving LGBT spaces to be in Jewish spaces. But in our case, theyre also Orthodox, and thats not an alternative  they cant really go to Orthodox spaces. So where do they go? Her organization has since received funding from UJA to begin building what she called a third space.

For Bobby Apperson, who relocated from San Francisco to New York in search of a larger LGBTQ Jewish community, the trip to Israel was his first. Before leaving, he had watched a social space he had frequented in San Francisco come under repeated attack. Mannys, a Mission District cafe owned by civic advocate and queer Zionist Manny Yekutiel, had its windows smashed and graffiti scrawled across the walls. Messages read: Fuck Manny, Zionist Fucks Gentrifyers, [sic] and The only good settler is a dead 1.

It was all very Kristallnacht, Apperson said. Its not just queers but the progressive movement overall. They think theyre fighting for Palestinians, when actually theyre doing the complete opposite  embracing intifada and global jihad and undermining safety, including for themselves.

Different tone in Israel

In Israel, he said, the tone was different. Not one person we met was calling for violence of any kind against Palestinians. Here the queer community is fighting for peace  for the entire queer community, including Palestinians. Its not splintered.

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Looney said the mission intentionally foregrounded complexity rather than presenting Israel as a sanitized success story, and some of the groups encounters challenged assumptions. A panel of LGBTQ IDF reservists included two trans soldiers and offered what one participant described as more ideological diversity than I ever heard in the States. One trans reservist, Maayan Gross  who is currently serving with her original all-male combat unit in Gaza  told the group she supported continued military operations there, even at the risk of killing Israeli hostages  a position held by only a small minority of Israelis. Others still expressed unease or disapproval of the war.

Ive heard queer people here saying things that sound like what the far-left anti-Zionist movement says in the U.S., like wondering if the military has gone too far, Apperson said.

In Jerusalem, the group attended the Pride parade, which commemorated 10 years since the murder of 16-year-old marcher Shira Banki. Apperson described the heavy security presence  ostensibly to prevent anti-LGBTQ violence  as jarring.

It was to protect Jews from other Jews. Even in Jerusalem, you have to choose between your queerness and your Judaism, he said.

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But its an inversion. In America, queer people are looking at all Jews as suspicious  its classic antisemitism, he added. And here, queer people are being looked at with suspicion by, you could say, the most Zionist people.

For Chaim Levin, a New Yorker and anticonversion therapy advocate who once studied in a Jerusalem yeshiva, the sight of communist flags at the march  likely from supporters of the far-left Israeli Communist Maki Party  was a reminder of how disorienting Israel can be. His grandparents fled Soviet Russia to Israel in 1948, he said, and seeing that symbol in the streets of Jerusalem was hard to stomach.

It was really shocking, he said. But also, I take solace in the fact that theres free speech and they can do that here.

Over six days, participants visited kibbutzim devastated in the October 7 attacks, met with survivors of the Nova festival massacre and representatives from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, spoke with LGBT representatives from communities as diverse as Haredi and Arab, and sat down with President Isaac Herzog.

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Yoanna Chaya Kollin, a trans delegate from Los Angeles, said, Herzog turned to me and said, All transgender people will be welcome here always. I know its not the same, but Donald Trump would never do that for me in a million years. It made me feel seen.

A visit to the Western Walls egalitarian section proved especially meaningful for several in the group, particularly those who were still observant or had once been. A handful posed with a rainbow flag bearing a Star of David  a moment that marked a turning point for Jeremy Nagel, from Los Angeles, who had studied in yeshiva two decades earlier.

In the past, I had always gone to the Kotel to pray the gay away, he said. This is the first time I didnt do that. I never thought then that Id be back in this capacity, as a proud gay Jew.

Dillon Perez, from New York, said he had arrived expecting to focus on personal healing, but standing at the Western Wall, his thoughts turned outward. I came to reconnect to Israel for myself, and maybe to meet a cute guy. But the prayers that mattered the most had nothing to do with me. At the Kotel I kept saying, Hashem, keep Israel safe.

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The trip was also meant to be a two-way exchange, Looney said, offering solidarity to LGBTQ Israelis navigating war and exposing them to the intensity of diaspora antisemitism. Several Israeli speakers said they had never experienced antisemitism at that scale and were struck by its impact on their North American peers.

Were all faced with the decision about whether were a minority of Jews within the LGBT community or a minority of LGBT in the Jewish community, said Hen Mazzig, an Israeli activist who divides his time between Tel Aviv and London, where he lives with his non-Jewish partner. Each of those comes with different challenges. So its great to be in a space where we can be both.

Omer Ohana, the first gay man formally recognized as an IDF widower after losing his fiance Sagi Golan on Oct 7, led a session that left many in tears. Meeting Diaspora Jews, he said, gave him the energy to keep going. But it wasnt just emotional support; every dollar behind advancing the same-sex widower legislation came from U.S. donors, he said.

Even after Iran began targeting Israel with devastating missile barrages, the online backlash didnt stop. After posting on Instagram about the surreal shift from dancing at a Lady Gaga event one minute and running for a bomb shelter the next, Levin said an acquaintance unfollowed and blocked him.

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That was just another confirmation for me, he said, of someone else who had bought into this dynamic that Israel  bad, everyone else  good.

Obviously, thats not true. I hope one day theyll see that but I dont have a lot of hope.

Tessler, along with a few others including Nagel, stayed in Israel for the duration of the war before going on to Europe and the United States. Two weeks after the canceled Offra set, he was back at the rescheduled event, posing again with Nagel in the same spot where they had stood just before everything changed.

This is how Israel has functioned since its inception, he said. You get the feeling that theres no sense of victimhood here  well protect ourselves, but were still going to live, and were going to live life to the fullest. It was very special to be a part of that.

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Tessler returned to Israel this month to lead the Hebro-Birthright volunteering mission for 160 LGBTQ Jews from 15 countries. Like the JFNA delegation, it was organized at the last minute in part to create a safe space for queer Jews.

Like the many other volunteering trips that Birthright has organized for adults, the Hebro trip itinerary includes stints at food pantries, army bases and communities damaged by war. But the Israelis joining the group all come from the local LBGTQ community, and Littman said the group found its own resonance in visiting the site of the Nova music festival massacre.

Seeing that that sort of safe space was broken, we definitely kind of connect to that, said Littman, who is on the board of a New York City synagogue where about 40% of members died in the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. And we know what it means to insist on something thats joyful even after pain.

Simone Somekh contributed to this report.
U.S. authorities are intensifying their pursuit of one of El Chapo Guzmans sons with a $10 million bounty attached.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on August 28 announced a renewed push to capture Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, also known as Alfredito and Menor, who is accused of helping lead his fathers former Sinaloa Cartel empire.

The 40-year-old fugitive has an outstanding federal warrant in the Northern District of Illinois related to charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, running a continuing criminal enterprise, and money laundering.

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Guzman Salazar, wanted since 2008 in connection with an HSI Nogales, Arizona, investigation, is considered armed and dangerous.

Authorities say he and his brothers, collectively known as the Chapitos, inherited their fathers trafficking networks after Joaquin El Chapo Guzman Loera was captured and extradited to the United States, where he is serving a life sentence.

ICEs update said Guzman Salazars faction of the cartel smuggled multi-ton quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana across the U.S.-Mexico border. The network, officials added, also used violence in Sinaloa and the United States to protect their drug distribution activities. That violence, according to investigators, included murders, kidnappings, assaults, and bribery of public officials.

One of the most visible examples was the October 2019 Battle of Culiacan, when Mexican authorities briefly arrested Guzman Salazars half-brother Ovidio Guzman Lopez. Gunmen loyal to the Chapitos overwhelmed Mexican forces with street battles and blockades, forcing authorities to release Ovidio. The episode, known locally as the Culicanazo, demonstrated the cartels grip in its stronghold of Sinaloa.

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ICEs public alert about the bounty left some ambiguity. Confusion persists over whether the latest bounty overlaps with a separate $10 million reward offered by the Treasury Department earlier this summer. FOX Local reported Thursday that ICE did not clarify if the two were cumulative.

Guzman Salazars brothers remain divided between captivity and freedom.

Archivaldo Ivan Guzman Salazar, like Alfredo, is still at large in Mexico, while Ovidio and Joaquin Guzman Lopez are in U.S. custody. In May, prosecutors announced they would not seek the death penalty against Joaquin Guzman Lopez in Chicago.

Ismael Zambada Garcia, a 75-year-old, also known as El Mayo, the Sinaloa Cartels co-founder, pleaded guilty to charges of racketeering and criminal enterprise, The Dallas Express previously reported.

The Sinaloa Cartel, dating back to the 1970s, remains one of Mexicos most powerful and violent criminal organizations. In recent years, U.S. officials say its production and smuggling of fentanyl has fueled tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  An ongoing effort from KELOLAND Media Group and Lewis Drug is helping warm and fuzzy companions.

Im a true believer in the humane society, and I have some coworkers that also joined in, Nettie Sawatzky of Sioux Falls told KELOLAND News shortly after she donated cash Friday to the effort. One of them has just gotten a dog from the humane society, and its a real joy to her life.

Serving state fair customers for decades

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The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, Almost Home Canine Rescue and Dakota Dachshund Rescue are all beneficiaries of a pet food drive which took place Friday outside KELOLANDs downtown Sioux Falls studio. Additionally, people can donate food or supplies at any Lewis Drug location in Sioux Falls on Labor Day weekend.

We have a lot of community members that may not be able to afford food for their pets, and in order to keep them out of shelters and out of rescues and in their homes, we will give food out to people so we can keep them where they belong, said Dana Konzem, community outreach director with the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

We have fosters as far west as, like, in Pierre, Chamberlain, up in, like, north past Brookings, said Taylor Wingert, cat adoption manager with Almost Home Canine Rescue. We really just keep kind of expanding and adding additional rescue partners because if theres a need, were going to try and fill it.

As of 1:15 Friday afternoon, the drive had already received more than 3,000 pounds of donated pet food.

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Its amazing to see the community support, to have people drive up in their cars and be so excited to see us, Konzem said.

The pet food drive is an annual event.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
IA, NE, SD (KCAU)  While the wastewater treatment plant project in Sioux City continues in phase one of design plans, Governors from the Siouxland states recently discussed wastewater infrastructure.

The topic was discussed during the 19th Tri-State Governors Conference on Tuesday. Improvements to the wastewater treatment plant are expected to cost around $470 million.

Story continues below

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The City of Sioux City received a $500k grant from the state of Iowa back in April. Community and city leaders asked the tri-state governors to Aggressively pursue federal funding for the project.

Wastewater infrastructure, were continuing to work on that. Any way that we can be helpful, its a local decision. I think DNR, the funding is approved. I think its in your court. We just need to figure out what it looks like going forward, but happy to continue to be a resource for that, said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (R).

I think that we should have the expectation that if we have an industry that is growing and making a lot of money in our communities, they should be a part of solving that problem. To think, I just dont believe that the state should pay for that, said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen (R).

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The wastewater treatment improvements plant project includes increasing the facilitys wastewater capacity and helping protect the water quality in the Missouri River.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In the statement, the ministers said that they "condemn the most recent Israeli offensive launched in the Strip and the announcement to establish a permanent presence in Gaza City."

Foreign ministers from Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain condemned Israel's planned takeover of Gaza City in a joint statement published on their respective government websites on Friday.

In the statement, the ministers said that they "condemn the most recent Israeli offensive launched in the Strip and the announcement to establish a permanent presence in Gaza City.

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"We reiterate that the intensification of military operations will endanger the lives of hostages who cruelly remain in the hands of Hamas and will lead to the intolerable deaths of innocent Palestinian civilians, including women, children, and elderly people."

The joint statement continued to describe the IDF's planned operations in the Palestinian city as "opening a new phase of uncertainty and intolerable suffering for both sides." The ministers urged the Israeli government to halt its planned operations and reconsider.

The ministers then referenced the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which declared there is a famine in the Strip, stating that it's imperative that UN agencies and NGOs operate in the area "to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe."

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar holds a press conference in Jerusalem, July 16, 2025 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Israel's Foreign Ministry and Prime Minister's Office condemned the IPC report, with the former saying it's a "tailor-made fabricated report to fit Hamass fake campaign, and the latter saying, "Israel has a policy of preventing starvation." Days later, Israel asked a global hunger monitor to retract the IPC assessment.

Looking to the West Bank

Regarding the European ministers' joint statement, they then pivoted towards the West Bank, and condemned the actions of some settlers there "who appear to be acting with impunity" and the settlement construction in the area, describing the latter as "illegal according to international law," and, much like the planned Gaza City operation, asked Israel to reconsider their plans.

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The ministers also reiterated their support for a two-state solution, saying that it's "the only path towards long-lasting peace." The statement also reiterated the minister's urgent pleas for the entry of humanitarian aid and the release of the remaining 49 hostages in the enclave.

This is not the first time the six countries have issued a joint statement condemning Israeli actions during the Gaza war, as they released a different joint statement back in May, with Malta also eventually being one of the signatories.

Amichai Stein, The Media Line, and Reuters contributed to this report.
The Social Security Administrations chief data officer has resigned days after filing a whistleblower complaint warning that President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency put the sensitive personal information of millions of Americans at risk.

Charles Borges said in his resignation letter Friday that he was leaving his position involuntarily, doing so in part because of concerns that the agencys data is being handled improperly and his efforts to correct the problems were rebuffed.

Due to my concerns regarding SSA's questionable and potentially unlawful data management practices, and the inability to exercise my statutory duties as CDO, I believe my position is untenable and that this constitutes an intolerable working environment for a Chief Executive tasked with specific responsibilities and accountability, Borges wrote in his letter, addressed to Social Security Administrator Frank Bisignano.

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In his whistleblower complaint, Borges said DOGE employees built a copy of the Social Security database in a cloud-based system that "circumvents oversight, and disregarded an agency security assessment that their action posed a high risk.

His resignation and complaint spotlight lingering concerns about DOGE access to Social Security data  a highly sensitive collection of personal information that could lead to identity theft if hacked or leaked.

A Social Security Administration spokesperson declined to comment.

In June, a federal judge blocked DOGE access to Social Security data in March, but the Supreme Court overruled the decision.

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Borges said he became aware of several projects and incidents which may constitute violations of federal statutes or regulations, and that leadership at the agency created a culture of panic and dread around discussing changes at the agency.

As a result of these events, I am put the intolerable situation of not having visibility or oversight into activities that potentially violate statues and regulations which I, as the CDO, may legally or otherwise be held accountable for should I continue in this position, he said. I cannot verify that agency data is being used in accordance with legal agreements or in compliance with federal requirements.
As Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange relaunched his protest in Mumbai's Azad Maidan against the state government, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has assured of finding a solution to the demand of providing reservation to the Maratha community. Deputy CM Pawar also urged the protesters to follow court orders and maintain peace in the area. On Friday, Jarange Patil was granted time till August 30 to continue his protest at Azad Maidan. "In this regard, the government has formed a committee under the chairmanship of Radha Krishna Vikhe Patil, and discussions are ongoing with them. The Constitution has given everyone the right to protest, but it should be done peacefully. Our Mahayuti government is making efforts so that no one is forced to take to the streets. I am confident that a solution will certainly be found. The orders given by the court regarding protests must be followed. We are positive about this matter and genuinely want to resolve the issue," Pawar said. "I firmly believe that through dialogue, a solution will surely emerge. In Maharashtra, our stand is that every community should get justice. The solution can only be found within the framework of law, and the committee formed under the chairmanship of Radha Krishna Vikhe Patil is continuously making efforts in this direction," he added. Earlier on Friday, the Maratha reservation activist intensified his indefinite hunger strike over his demand to include all Marathas under the Kunbi category, a sub-caste classified under the OBC category, which will help the community avail benefits of the reservation in goverment jobs and education. Earlier on Friday, addressing thousands of supporters, Jarange accused the Maharashtra government of failing to address the community's demands and said that protests will happen irrespective of what the Fadnavis government decides regarding permission for agitation. "If the government enters our territory, the Marathas will enter theirs. I asked the youth to clear Mumbai, and they arranged everything and cleared the city. What more cooperation do you need? Poor kids have come here. What's their fault? They don't have any facilities. If you cause us trouble, we will cause you trouble when we come there," Jarange said. Patil is 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. He has held multiple protest rallies and hunger strikes demanding reservation for the Maratha community ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections in 2024. After the agitation, on February 20, 2024, 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. 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)
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO)  The recent winning streak of South Dakotans cashing in on big lottery prizes has people here snatching up tickets ahead of Saturday nights Powerball drawing.

Oh, and the jackpot of nearly $1 billion doesnt hurt either.

Sioux Falls players are hoping to be the next South Dakotan to win big.

Residents report issues calling 911 in Yankton

The eye-popping Powerball jackpot has local players dreaming of instant riches. But Tom OHara of Sioux Falls says hed be willing to share the wealth if he wins.

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Of course, Id buy Perry a new car for doing this interview. Good luck! And your camera-person. Good Lord! Youve got new cars flying all over the place here, OHara said.

But, of course, other players also aspire to buy cars and other big-ticket items with their winnings. The larger the jackpot grows, the more tickets are sold at businesses like Lewis Southgate in Sioux Falls.

Definitely increased. Always does when it gets this big. Later today, well have lines again. Yesterday was good, Lewis Southgate Floor Manager Kathy Janssen said.

Lewis Drug doesnt expect players to take a vacation from trying to become instant millionaires over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

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The weekend, I think, is going to be very steady just because of how high the pot is. It depends on how many people are in town because of the holiday, if theyre here, or whether theyve left, Janssen said.

Five winning lottery tickets have been sold in South Dakota already this month. And players are hoping lottery lightning can strike a sixth time, but this time, for Powerballs grand prize.

Yeah, I had heard that we were on quite a streak, so maybe were building up a crescendo to the big one and thatd be me. What do you think of that? OHara said.

South Dakotas lottery winning streak is riding on geographic good fortune.

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If its not me, which it wont be, itd be nice if another South Dakotan won this one, so there we go, OHara said.

Hopefully, it will keep going and its like well see some more winners. That will be wonderful, Janssen said.

Just to bring your hopes back to earth a little, whether or not you buy your ticket in South Dakota, the odds of winning Powerballs grand prize are just one-in-292 million.

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ATHENS, Ohio  Southeast Ohio STEM educators are invited to join the launch of the 2026 #STEMmovesOhio Design Challenge, hosted by the Ohio STEM Learning Network Southeast Hub. The SE Hub is operated by Ohio Universitys Voinovich School. The kickoff event will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers Coalition in Marietta, Ohio. The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers Coalition is co-hosting this event as the industry sector partner for the event.

This years challenge focuses on electric vehicles, battery production and advanced transportation technologies. Educators will explore the engineering design cycle, connect with EV industry experts and learn how to guide students through the design challenge. The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers Coalition will join as the industry sector partner for the event along with other local industry partners as part of a panel discussion.

Open to students in grades K12, the #STEMmovesOhio Design Challenge invites teams to develop innovative plans, systems, or products related to Ohios future in EVs, drones, and advanced air mobility. Regional and statewide competitions will give students the chance to present their solutions.

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The #STEMmovesOhio Design Challenge provides a wonderful opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in the EV space, said Brooke Fife, assistant principal at Chillicothe Primary School. Teachers can take what theyre learning in the classroom and their students thinking to use those parts of the brain that will foster into adult minds that can actually do the science and the engineering behind it.

Those interested in attending are asked to register at https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3azwkyqm8EBIA8m

Any questions can be directed to Jen Bowman, one of the co-directors of the program, at bowmanj2@ohio.edu or (740) 597-3101.
(FOX40.COM)  On Thursday, the Sacramento Police Department seized firearms and drugs from a residence connected to an ongoing investigation.

Video Above: Advocate expresses support for new gun control legislation amid sons death

Officials report that investigators executed a search warrant at a residence on E Commerce Way, where they found two assault weapons and three handguns, one of which was equipped with a full-auto switch.

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Investigators also recovered 97 pounds of processed marijuana and other narcotics, SPD said.

Several individuals were taken into custody on related charges from this investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Springfield crews put out a second-floor porch fire on State Street Saturday morning.

Driver injured after crashing into tree on Grayson Drive in Springfield

The Springfield Fire Department stated that at approximately 11:25 a.m. on Saturday, crews were called to 693 State Street for reports of a fire. When firefighters arrived in the area, they located a fire on the second floor on the rear porch.

Courtesy of the Springfield Fire Department.

The fire has since been put out. No injuries have been reported as a result of this incident. The Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

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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Charles Borges, the chief data officer at the Social Security Administration, resigned Friday  days after filing a whistleblower complaint about Department of Government Efficiency employees at the SSA.

He said in the complaint that the DOGE employees had uploaded a copy of the entire country's Social Security information to a "vulnerable cloud environment." Borges' resignation from the SSA was confirmed by the Government Accountability Project, which is providing his legal representation.

A Social Security Administration spokesperson refuted the claim in a statement, saying that the data referenced had been "walled off" from the internet, and the SSA is "not aware of any compromise to this environment."

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"The data referenced in the complaint is stored in a long-standing environment used by SSA and walled off from the internet," the spokesperson said.

In June, the Supreme Court temporarily lifted a lower court's injunction and cleared the way to allow DOGE to access sensitive Social Security information. Two labor unions and an advocacy group had filed a complaint claiming that allowing the access would violate the Privacy Act and a federal law. A lower court agreed with the plaintiffs and issued an injunction, and an appellate court also declined to lift the stay. Solicitor General D. John Sauer then appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the injunction was forcing the executive branch to stop federal employees tasked with modernizing government systems from accessing the data contained within them.

In Borges' resignation letter, sent Friday to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano, he wrote that he was resigning involuntarily because of "SSA's actions against me, which make my duties impossible to perform legally and ethically." He said his departure constituted a "constructive discharge."

Borges said in his letter that he has faced retaliation since he reported his concerns internally and subsequently submitted his whistleblower complaint. "I have suffered exclusion, isolation, internal strife, and a culture of fear, creating a hostile work environment and making work conditions intolerable," he wrote.

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He alleged that "newly installed leadership" in the IT and executive offices at SSA "created a culture of panic and dread, with minimal information sharing, frequent discussions on employee termination." And Borges claimed that repeated requests for visibility into activities he found questionable were "rebuffed or ignored by agency leadership."

Andrea Meza, a GAP attorney representing Borges, said in a statement that Borges "no longer felt that he could continue to work for the Social Security Administration in good conscience given what he had witnessed." Meza said Borges "will continue to work with the proper oversight bodies."

Borges had served as SSA's chief data officer since January. Before that, he worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and was a White House Presidential Innovation fellow during the Biden administration, according to LinkedIn. He had also served in data handling roles in the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and the Naval Air Systems Command.

On LinkedIn Friday, he wrote, "It is never wrong to be morally and ethically right with yourself."

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Asked about Borges, an SSA spokesperson declined to comment on personnel matters.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  As two former St. Helens teachers face sex abuse charges and a former high school principal faces charges for failing to report, the school district has been ordered to release a highly anticipated investigative report into allegations of sexual abuse.

Now, parents are reacting to the release of the bombshell report into how the district and staff handled allegations that led to the arrests.

Were going to know who was who and if its been dealt with, said Jenni Gilbert, a St. Helens parent. Were finally going to be able to relax and I think we can move forward and feel like our children are in a safe environment now.

KOIN 6 News previous coverage: St. Helens School District sex abuse

The district launched a third-party investigation on December 2, 2024, after multiple charges of alleged sex abuse were brought against high school choir teacher Eric Stearns and former teacher Mark Collins.

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According to the report, Stearns remained in the classroom for nearly a month after police told the district he was under investigation for sex abuse  the subpoena was served to the St. Helens Human Resources lead.

The investigation also found a total of eight instances between 2016 and 2024 where school administrators had the opportunity to intervene and potentially stop the alleged sexual conduct and suspected abuse attributed to Stearns, but failed to do so.

Additionally, criminal charges were lodged against St. Helens High School Principal Dr. Katy Wagner, who stands accused of failing to protect students. All three staff members pleaded not guilty to the charges.

What happened. Who knew what? What did they do once they knew what they knew? District spokesperson Jamie Marie, of J. Marie & Associates, told the press in December. So, we will have clarity on that with the report from the third-party investigation.

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Despite the districts promise that results would be shared within 60 days, delays turned into an indefinite hold in March. This was when then-acting Superintendent Karen Gray announced the district would no longer release the report, arguing that under threat of litigation, it was attorney-client privilege.

Dr. Steve Webb [former acting superintendent] had promised it to the parents as a way to heal and find out what was really going on, and then it went silent, and then they werent going to give it to us, Gilbert recalled. We were sending our kids back to school, we didnt know if they were safe at the time. It was an awful feeling to deal with.

But on Aug. 22, Special Deputy District Attorney Adam Gibbs, appointed by Columbia County District Attorney Joshua Pond, ruled the report did not involve attorney-client privilege because its purpose was to increase transparency.

Gibbs ruled in favor of two petitions for release of the records, ordering the report be made public with redactions to student names.

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Based on the underlying facts, the contents of the records, the intense media coverage, the public outrage, and the multiple public-facing statements by SHSD, I find that petitioner has satisfied this burden Gibbs wrote. I find that the public interest overrides all conditional exemptions asserted by SHSD  Accordingly, neither the report nor the engagement letter are subject to attorney-client privilege.

I agree with him, Gilbert said. I think that this was such a widely known story and affected so many people that I think the best course of action is to release the report and let people move forward.

St. Helens parent Ashley Christner was one of the two parties to petition for the release of the report, after her public records request was denied by the district in July.

Christner shared the following statement with KOIN 6 News:

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I petitioned release of the investigation report because the district promised transparency, then walked it back once the report was complete. The district allowed Stearns to remain in the classroom for nearly a month after being notified of the criminal investigation, and claimed law enforcement advised it. Both DA Pond and Acting Chief Hoague publicly denied that. So who made that call? The report must be released. The community deserves answers.

When reached for comment, the St. Helens School District acknowledged the sensitive nature of the reports content, while also noting they took a critical step forward implementing a broad strategic plan in March to serve as [their] commitment to rebuilding trust.

Key steps the district said they are taking moving forward include the increased presence of district leadership on site, with the Superintendent spending one day a week specifically at St. Helens High School. Additionally, the district plans to ensure annual training on mandatory reporting for all employees, as well as reinforcement of a Professional Staff/Student Boundaries policy. They also aim to educate students on sexual abuse prevention and provide them with a clearer way to report safety concerns.

Further, the steps address hiring practices, implementing stricter background checks and stating the superintendent will personally conduct final interviews for all candidates.

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The final emphasis is on engagement, with the district initiating an advisory council, learning and listening sessions throughout the year, as well as opportunities for St. Helens High School students to address their concerns directly with the principal.

Read the rest of the statement below:

As we approach the start of a new school year, our district has new leadership and several new school board members who have recently taken office. All of whom are committed to change, accountability, and ensuring every student and staff member feels valued, empowered, safe, and supported.

The events of the past have deeply impacted our students, staff, families, and the entire community. We understand that the path forward requires more than words; it demands a clear plan and a firm commitment to learn from the past and not repeat it. As we begin a new chapter, our focus is squarely on the future. We are dedicated to moving forward with integrity, accountability, and kindness. Our goal is to ensure that our actions, policies, and culture reflect the safe and supportive environment every student and staff member deserves, so that our schools become places of healing and growth for all.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, grandly described as the Minister for the Constitution and European Relations, this week attempted to explain why and how the Government is resetting our relationship with the EU. He claimed that this was being done as a sovereign nation, acting always in the national interest. To secure our borders. Bring down bills. Protect jobs. Given this Governments record, no one could seriously believe him.

This so-called reset, which is a constitutional reversal, contradicts the very objective of Parliaments intentions. It does so by means of dynamic alignment drawing us back into the orbit of EU law-making and preventing us from genuine competition in international trade. Under the reset, if arbitration is needed but there is no agreement, then the European Court of Justice ultimately gives the final legal ruling. Furthermore, we will be paying massive sums into the EU budget.

As to Sovereignty, Parliament passed the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020, the European Union (Future Relationship Act) 2020, and the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023. These were sovereign Acts of Parliament which took us out of the EU and its jurisdiction and returned sovereignty, self-government, and democracy to the British people. These Acts implemented the result of the 2016 referendum, which had been authorised by Parliament itself to abdicate its own decision-making functions. These Acts were made intentionally by Parliament in a historic constitutional revolution  comparable to the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, the Hanoverian settlement in 1701, and our subjugation to EU jurisdiction in 1972.

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To add insult to injury, the reset is being done by enactments including astonishingly widely-drawn statutory instruments specifying EU Regulations, the European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers as their source of legislative authority  which the courts have power to strike down if they are drafted unreasonably.

Cumulatively this reset undermines the centuries old principle of legality on which the sovereignty of Parliament depends. The Acts of Parliament to leave the EU remain in full force. I have a team of experienced constitutional lawyers preparing a Supreme Court case to challenge breach of that principle.

This reset is without proper select committee accountability, such as the European Scrutiny Committee created in 1973. This committee was chaired by successive Labour and Conservative MPs, including myself for 14 years, and abolished on July 30 2024 in one line without debate, so no one would know the full implications of the Governments deceitful EU policy.

In his speech, Thomas-Symonds claimed exports are down nearly 20 per cent since 2019 but the ONS shows total UK exports to the EU increased 19 per cent in current prices from 2019 to 2024, and by 23 per cent to non-EU countries. His claim that animal product health certificates cost 200 each is inaccurate. A repeat request costs only 60.50 and the Government could lower these costs at will. As to the claim that small businesses are being damaged, it is worth bearing in mind that, according to the ONS, between 2019-2022 the number of micro companies exporting to the EU increased by 34 per cent.

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A YouGov poll commissioned in August by Queen Mary University of London demonstrated that on average, 60 per cent of voters from all political parties insisted that policy decisions should be made by the UK Government and Parliament alone  not therefore by an EU-UK reset capitulation.

As to the Northern Ireland Windsor Framework, this imposes on 1.9 million UK citizens 300 areas of EU law and an EU customs code making the UK effectively a foreign country in relation to Northern Ireland. It literally cements in border control posts, dividing the UK into two, which completely undermines the Act of Union.

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CONFLUENCE, Pa.  High Point Lake is being drawn down early because its issues worsened this summer, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission engineers told the lakes supporters Wednesday.

And state officials said their $5.6 million plan to repair the dams spillway is the best way to ensure the lake in southern Somerset County will continue to serve the public for the next 50 years.

The dam has a (capacity) of 2.1 billion gallons of water  thats two-thirds of what flooded Johnstown ... in 1889, said the Fish and Boat Commissions senior hydrologist, Ruth Hocker.

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As the dams owner, the commission is obligated to ensure its safe for people and property downstream, including 1,500 people living along waterways to the west in communities such as Confluence and Connellsville, she said.

During a public meeting Wednesday in Confluence, state officials outlined their repair plan  and their concerns about the dam  before a crowd of 40 or so High Point Lake users and property owners who have spent the past year fighting to avoid seeing the lake drained for lengthy repairs.

As is, the 1965 dams construction has outlived its 50-year life expectancy, Fish and Boat Commission officials told them. It was designed using materials and methods that are no longer used  such as collars used to prevent water from seeping into embankments.

Failures at similar dams have shown those collars dont work as designed, eroding embankments and in some cases causing dams to fail during high-water events, they said.

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This summer, a routine inspection showed new signs the dams condition is worsening  leading the Fish and Boat Commission to begin draining it six months ahead of its initial schedule. That came as a shock to some lake supporters, dozens of whom attended Wednesdays meeting.

The group urged the state to use its engineering plan to make more time-efficient and cost-efficient repairs, saying the state doesnt need to spend more than $5 million in tax dollars on the dam.

Property owner Jan Remington worried the state was wasting money  and raised questions about the dams design.

Remington said she feared High Point Lake will end up like Somerset Lake, which underwent a $10 million replacement that idled recreation for years, only to reopen with small leaks in the spillway.

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It just doesnt sit right that the same engineering firm is now handling the design for High Point Lake, she said.

But Paul Urbanik, the director of the Fish and Boat Commissions engineering bureau, said construction issues related to insufficient steel rebar within the structure were to blame  not the design, which has proven successful for decades at other dams, he said.

Tim McCrum, a longtime High Point Lake property owner and the Friends of High Point Lake groups spokesman, said the dam was inspected just several years ago and was deemed safe.

A damp area on the embankment side, cited by the Fish and Boat Commission as a concern, has been there for years during wet periods, he added, showing Google Earth images of the structure over a period of nearly a decade.

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But Hocker said that pool started growing over the past fall. The concern is that it now has a turbid chocolate milk color that indicates more water is moving through the concrete dam.

And a July inspection inside a spillway channel revealed a large void where material was missing under a drain pipe located beneath the spillways concrete slabs, Hocker added.

All of that suggests the dam is likely no longer safe for high-water conditions  such as tropical storm systems that could quickly dump enough rain on the region to send feet of water over the aging spillway, Fish and Boat Commission officials said.

The Friends group is proposing temporary fixes that ignore the fact that the dam needs extensive upgrades to ensure it will last for generations to come, Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Timothy Schaeffer said.

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Neglecting adequate updates not only threatens downstream communities, but also increases the likelihood that the entire dam will eventually need to be replaced, he said. That would cost more money and years of slow-moving planning, and would keep the dam dry even longer, he added.

If we didnt have to do this, we wouldnt, Schaeffer said. I know its a bitter pill to swallow ... (but) the opinion of our professionals here is the dam is unsafe.

The state also has money designated for the work, he said.

Imagine being the owner of that dam and going to sleep at night, knowing theres a tropical storm coming and being unsure whether the aging dam will hold up, he said.

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Schaeffer said Fish and Boat Commission officials are willing to join members of the group at the dam to show areas they are concerned about.

For now, an extensive, ongoing drawdown of the lake will alleviate pressure on the dam and its spillway and will ensure there is adequate space to take on stormwater if heavy rainfalls occur, Hocker said.

Fish and Boat Commission officials are still awaiting permit approvals from the state Department of Environmental Protection, but the hope is to begin construction next summer, she said.

State Sen. Patrick Stefano, R-Fayette, and state Rep. Carl Metzgar, R-Somerset, helped organize a public meeting to get Fish and Boat Commission officials and High Point Lake advocates in the same room to discuss the project.

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Stefano said he understood the group has a passion for the lake  and has questions and concerns about the project  and a face-to-face forum seemed like the right way to have everyones voice heard.

This needed to happen, he said.

But he also said the Fish and Boat Commissions latest findings on the dams condition outline why a full repair of High Point Lake needs to happen as soon as possible.

This dam is nearly 60 years old. Its at the end of its life, Stefano said, noting that while lake users concerns are important, we also have to be concerned about the people who live downstream.

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Stefano said he and Metzgar plan to work with state environmental officials to ensure the process moves to and through construction seamlessly. That includes ensuring permits are issued on time and that work stays on track to finish the job right.

Then well have a beautiful lake that is stable for the next 50 years, he said.

The states current timetable for the work projects a 12-month to 18-month construction project. Efforts would also occur to restore High Point Lakes fish population so it can quickly return as a thriving fishery once it reopens, state officials said.
A letter from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the state of South Dakota, demanding the removal of gender-related language from grant-funded sex education materials. (Photo illustration by Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

The Trump administrations accusation that South Dakotas federally grant-funded sex education materials contain gender ideology is not accurate, according to state officials, while advocates for transgender people are condemning the federal governments demand to remove language referencing them.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent letters on the topic this week to 40 states, including South Dakota. The department said the states could lose a total of $81.3 million in remaining funds from the Personal Responsibility Education Program, or PREP, if they do not eliminate instances of gender ideology from grant-funded sexual education materials within 60 days. South Dakota stands to lose $606,410, according to the department.

The policy appears to target references to transgender or nonbinary people. Transgender people have a gender identity that doesnt match their sex assigned at birth. Nonbinary people dont identify as strictly male or female.

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In the letter to South Dakotas Department of Health, the language identified for removal includes a definition of the term transgender, discussion prompts about why a person would identify as transgender, and an explanation of sexuality as complex and difficult to define, among other examples.

A spokeswoman for the state department, Tia Kafka, responded with emailed statements to questions from South Dakota Searchlight. She said grant-funded programming in the state utilizes material from Wyman, a nationwide nonprofit based in Missouri. Kafka acknowledged that the Wyman materials may contain content that the Trump administration deems objectionable, but she said the state does not include that particular content in the programming it offers.

We are working with our federal partners to make sure that is clear, Kafka wrote. The state will respond to the letter within the 60 days notifying our federal partners that we do not have gender ideology concepts or terminology in our programming.

Wyman CEO and President Allison Williams said in an emailed statement to Searchlight that the nonprofits curriculum is a nationally recognized, evidence-based youth development program providing teens with the tools and opportunities to build life and leadership skills, strengthen relationships, avoid risky behaviors and engage with their communities. She said the curriculum includes 140 lessons centered in positive youth development providing flexibility in the lessons partners choose to provide.

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The four-page letter from the federal government says it asked the state in April to provide curricula and programmatic materials in use or in any way relevant to the grant program. The letter says the state provided the material, and the federal Administration for Children and Families reviewed it and identified content that falls outside of the scope of the grant programs authorizing law. The letter goes on to provide multiple examples.

A South Dakota Department of Health webpage devoted to PREP grant programming says the state has received the funding since 2010. The program aims to educate young people on abstinence and contraception to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, the webpage says. The program is intended for youth ages 10-19 who are pregnant or parenting, homeless, in foster care, in rural areas, or in geographic areas with high teen birth rates. Additional program training covers topics including healthy relationships, positive adolescent development, financial literacy and parent-child communication.

The webpage says the state awarded a contract to Lutheran Social Services to implement an evidence-based program. A search of the states financial information website, OpenSD, yields two contracts identifying Lutheran Social Services as the sub-recipient of a total of $427,500 in funding for the program since June 2024.

Lutheran Social Services, when contacted by Searchlight, deferred all questions to the state Department of Health.

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A program evaluation report published by the state department says PREP programming reached a total of 224 youth in Sioux Falls and Rapid City during the 2024 fiscal year. Locations for PREP programming identified in the report were Lutheran Social Services Arise East and Arise West youth centers, its New Alternatives independent living program in Rapid City, the Juvenile Services Center in Rapid City and Juvenile Detention Center in Sioux Falls, the Wellfully treatment center in Rapid City, and ACE Academy in Sioux Falls.

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Samantha Chapman, advocacy manager for the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota, criticized the Trump administrations threat to cancel grant funding, calling it an attack not only on transgender and nonbinary people but also anyone challenging traditional views of gender and sexuality.

The policy seeks to force people into narrow, outdated definitions of male and female tied to rigid, 1950s-style gender roles, Chapman said.

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She added that the policy will harm young people by denying them knowledge and support.

Cody Ingle, a doctoral student in public health in South Dakota and an LGBTQ+ advocate, said the federal policy reflects a misunderstanding of gender, science and public health, reducing complex identities to rigid, binary definitions. He said transgender and nonbinary people have always existed and that increased visibility today reflects greater safety and acceptance, not an ideology being pushed onto kids.
Reacting to Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai's comments on RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, former UP minister Mohsin Raza asserted that Congress has no standing to speak on population issues, recalling the party's record of "forced sterilisation" during the Emergency period. Raza's sharp rebuttal came in response to Rai's recent comments targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat over his suggestions on population control. "No Congress worker or office bearer has the right to speak on population. We cannot forget the era when Congress was forcibly sterilising people," Raza told ANI on Friday. Defending the RSS, Raza said, "If he (RSS chief) has made a suggestion today, we appreciate it because if you have three children, your family advances and works in the national interest as well as public interest." He further accused the Congress of hypocrisy and historical amnesia. "I would like to ask the State Congress chief if he forgot the time when his own government was forcibly sterilising people. Are you not ashamed of making such statements today?" the former UP Minister said. Earlier on Thursday, Bhagwat, while addressing the centenary celebrations of RSS in New Delhi, 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. Reacting to this, Ajay 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. (ANI)
Two days after Fort Lauderdale agreed to fight a state order to remove a rainbow pride flag and three other artsy designs painted on a local street, the state fired off a letter listing seven more sites that need to be removed.

The letter, sent Friday at 6:32 p.m. and signed by Florida Department of Transportation District Secretary Steven Braun, gives the city a hearing date of Sept. 15 to make its case for keeping the street art, but warns there will be no change of heart.

Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Steve Glassman suggested the state find better things to do than crack down on street art.

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That FDOT would send an emailed letter at 6:32 p.m. on a Friday night of a holiday weekend tells you all you need to know, he said. Every resident should be saddened and outraged at this state overreach. The state should be working every day on behalf of cities, not wasting staff time, resources and energy on being punitive.

Delray Beach is fighting a similar state order and has been given a hearing date of Sept. 2.

Some cities, including Boynton Beach and West Palm Beach, have agreed to remove their LGBTQ+ rainbow markings after getting ordered to by the state.

The vast majority of Floridas cities and counties have worked expeditiously to remedy any noncompliance in their respective areas, Braun wrote in his letter to Fort Lauderdale. Unfortunately, we have learned that the city of Fort Lauderdale has publicly stated that it does not intend to comply.

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The state had already identified four street art locations in Fort Lauderdale it wants removed in a letter dated Aug. 21: Sebastian Street near A1A, the location of the pride flag street art; Breakers Avenue and Riomar Street; Breakers Avenue and Terramar Street; East Las Olas Boulevard and Almond Avenue.

The latest letter sent Friday adds seven sites to the list: NE Fourth Avenue and North Flagler Drive; SE 15th Street and Miami Road; SE 15th Street and SE 10th Avenue; East Las Olas Boulevard and SE Third Avenue; NE 15th Avenue and NE 11th Street; NE 15th Avenue and NE 12th Street; and NE 15th Avenue and NE 13th Street.

Fort Lauderdales hearing will take place on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Florida Turnpike Enterprises offices in Orlando.

More details will be provided should you elect to proceed with a hearing, Braun wrote. Please be advised that the hearing will not involve a request for an exception or waiver to permit the nonconforming pavement markings to remain in place. The Department has already reviewed the pavement markings at the locations mentioned above and determined that the pavement markings will not be allowed.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the statewide order, declaring that cities will be forced to heed the order in an effort to make roads safer and free of distractions. He also warned against allowing state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis presided over a packed emergency meeting he called Wednesday night to debate whether the city should cave to the states demand or fight it.

More than 40 people spoke at the meeting, urging the city to stand up to the state.

After more than three hours of spirited discussion, the commission voted 5-0 to request a hearing before the state.

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During the meeting, the mayor made it clear the city had gotten approval from the state before it painted a pride flag on a city street near the beach two years ago.

Its not like we went out there willy-nilly in the middle of the night and started painting streets, Trantalis said. Its kind of a little draconian to take this approach that all of sudden the streets are not safe. But it is what it is. Its politics, right folks.

Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan
State police are asking for the publics help in finding a man wanted in connection with a 2024 burglary.

Police say Cody William Carey, 34, is charged with burglary, theft by unlawful taking and criminal mischief.

Carey is described as 6 feet, 1 inch tall and 250 pounds. He has blue hair and brown eyes.

Police say Carey was last seen in Fayette Countys Point Marion area, where hes known to frequent. He also frequently visits the Brownsville and Daisytown areas.

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Police ask anyone with information to contact the Washington barracks at (724) 223-5200 or PSP Tips Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477). You can also submit a tip online by clicking here.

Tips can be eligible for a cash reward if they lead to an arrest.

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MIDDLEBURY, Conn. (WTNH)  State police are searching for a man who allegedly fled a two-car crash in Middlebury on Saturday.

The crash took place around 1:55 p.m. on I-84 East near Exit 17, state police said. No injuries were reported.

1 killed, 1 seriously injured in Middlefield crash

State police said one operator, described as a Black male, approximately 30-40 years old wearing a black hat and blue shirt, allegedly fled the scene on foot.

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An investigation and K-9 track is ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Connecticut State Police Troop A.

This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Pennsylvania State Police have released new details about their search for a man accused of placing a homemade bomb under his former landlords lawnmower.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Device placed under lawn tractor leads to explosion in Westmoreland County, state police say

James M. Sever, 54, was charged with attempted homicide in that incident.

State police think he may still be in the Salem Township area, where the explosion happened.

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On Friday, Troopers said they believe he could be going to an area to charge an electric bike while on the run.

Hes still most likely utilizing his electric bicycle, which obviously would take him somewhere to have to get it charged up. So were still working on that and following up on every tip that comes in, said state trooper Steve Limani.

On Aug 22, the home where Sever used to live, on the same property where the explosion happened, went up in flames.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Westmoreland County home destroyed by fire is same home where explosives were placed under lawnmower

Today, investigators revealed the fire started in part of the home where there was no electricity.

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Troopers are still waiting on lab results to see if any accelerants were used.

They added that he could be traveling in the woods in the Salem Township, Derry or Blairsville areas.

A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest.

State police also say anyone helping Sever in any way will face legal consequences.

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State senators in New Jersey have introduced legislation to protect residents' gas vehicles and appliances in response to the governor's proposed clean energy plan, which would ban dirty fuels in the next few years.

What's happening?

According to Save Jersey, the "Affordable Home Energy Protection Act" (S4610) would prevent state and local governments from enforcing restrictions on appliances that rely on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, "Vehicle Choice Protection Act" (S4611) would keep the state from banning gas-powered cars.

Senator Tiver of Burlington County claimed that the bill would ensure affordable energy for residents, as electricity prices have risen around 20% per year in New Jersey. The senator asserted that banning gas-powered vehicles and appliances would make it nearly impossible for some people "to cool a house and afford a car at the same time."

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"Banning gas appliances, heating systems, and cars is anti-consumer, anti-affordability, and anti-freedom," claimed Assemblyman Michael Torrissi, according to Save Jersey.

Why are the bills concerning?

Despite the claims of these politicians, however, clean energy alternatives to gas-powered vehicles and appliances are generally more affordable to run. They're also getting cheaper all the time as the technology advances.

Meanwhile, these bills pose a threat to both human health and the environment. Gas-powered cars and stoves have been linked to asthma, other respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and even cancer, as the Guardian and Yale Climate Connections explain. They also increase indoor and outdoor air pollution, contributing to the changing climate and more extreme weather.

If these bills are passed, they would surely be detrimental to efforts to reduce carbon pollution and keep the world moving toward an all-electric future.

What can residents do to avoid gas stoves?

Luckily, you can have a stove powered by electromagnetism and still save money on monthly bills. Induction stoves are an affordable way to avoid the dangers of gas stoves, and you can snag up to $840 in rebates for an induction stove. Plus, you'll enjoy faster cooking times since these stoves are much more efficient than gas versions.

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If you don't want to invest in a full-scale induction oven, you can find countertop plug-in models starting at around $50.

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.
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
Top White House aide Stephen Miller has praised Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a crown jewel in the Trump administration amid calls for the Health Secretary to resign over the chaos engulfing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Speaking after CDC director Susan Monarez was forced out of her job after resisting controversial vaccine policies pushed by Kennedy, Miller claimed the agency was filled with partisan hacks who werent at all concerned about public health and werent actually very knowledgeable about public health.

Photo Illustration by Victoria Sunday/The Daily Beast/Getty Images

The comments came after a week of turmoil at the CDC, culminating in Monarezs firing on Wednesday, an exodus of leadership staff, and calls by Democrats for Kennedy to resign or be fired.

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However, Miller weighed in on Friday to defend Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic who has spent months seeking to advance anti-vaccine policies that are contradicted by decades of scientific research.

Secretary Kennedy has been a crown jewel of this administration whos working tirelessly to improve public health for all Americans, the White House deputy chief of staff told reporters on Friday.

White House Deputy Chief Of Staff Stephen Miller speaks to members of the media outside the White House on August 29, 2025 / Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images

Kennedy, the scion of Americas most famous political dynasty, was handpicked by Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services after the former Democrat-turned-independent presidential candidate promised to support him at last years election.

But he has come under fire for making sweeping changes to vaccine policies, including withdrawing federal recommendations for COVID shots for pregnant women and healthy children, and replacing the CDCs expert advisory panel with anti-vaccine activists and other hand-picked advisers.

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Tensions spilled over this week when Monarez was ousted less than one month after she was confirmed by the Senate to lead the public health agency.

Abbe Lowell and I represent @CDCgov Director Susan Monarez. Contrary to govt statements, Dr. Monarez has neither resigned nor yet been fired. She will not resign. We have issued the following statement: https://t.co/TILLE2Z6pF pic.twitter.com/T8LT6OknDM  Mark S. Zaid (@MarkSZaidEsq) August 27, 2025

While the Department of Health and Human Services offered no explanation for the sacking, her attorneys, Mark Zaid and Abbe Lowell, said in a statement that she was targeted because she refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts as part of the administrations political agenda.

Four other top CDC officials subsequently quit in the upheaval, citing concerns of political interference and threats to scientific integrity.

The White House has since appointed Kennedy deputy Jim ONeill, a former investment executive who also served at the federal health department under President George W. Bush, as Monarezs interim replacement.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is under fire from former public health officials amid the mass exodus of leadership from the CDC. / MANDEL NGAN / Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

However, Democrats are now calling for Kennedy to go amid the CDC chaos and comments he made linking the Minneapolis shooting this week to antidepressants.

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Just shut up. Stop peddling bulls--t. You should be fired, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith said after this weeks mass shooting in her state.

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, Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.

Chuck Schumer has called for RFK Jr to be fired. / Oliver Contreras / AFP via Getty Images

FIRE HIM, wrote Washington Senator Patty Murray on X. He is a dangerous man who is determined to abuse his authority to act on truly terrifying conspiracy theories and disinformation.

Kennedy has said very little about the CDCs turmoil, but flagged further changes were coming.

Theres a lot of trouble at the CDC and its going to require getting rid of some people over the long term, in order for us to change the institutional culture, Kennedy said at a news conference in Texas.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A Stevie Wonder impersonator who claimed artificial intelligence was to blame for an incident in June at a convenience store in Bakersfield, where he allegedly grabbed a young girl, has been found incompetent to stand trial.

Tino Ibach will undergo a mental health evaluation ahead of his next hearing on Sept. 18, prosecutors said. He could be sent to a state hospital, or granted entry to a mental health diversion program.

Criminal proceedings have been suspended.

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Ibach, 54, was arrested after police responded June 30 to a report of inappropriate contact with a child at a convenience store in the 3600 block of Stockdale Highway.

In an interview with 17 News reporter Connor Dore, Ibach, a professional Stevie Wonder impersonator, said AI was to blame. He believed he was in a simulation while at the store.

Ibach said people beat him to get him away from the girl.

Theres so much that I dont know why some things happened, because I dont know if the AI was trying to teach me a lesson or what, but it was very sexual when I was at home by myself trying to nurse these injuries from getting my a beat, he said.

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Ibach was identified through surveillance footage and arrested days later. Hes charged with attempting to kidnap a child under 14, two felony sex-related offenses and misdemeanor battery.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SOUTHWICK  The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District was recently selected to receive free, high-dosage early literacy tutoring this school year, which is designed to help students in kindergarten through third grade build foundational reading skills  with first grade as the top priority, the regional district office announced Thursday.

[Were] excited to participate in the states new initiative providing free, high dosage tutoring to support early literacy, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Erin Carrier said.

The program will provide one-on-one or small group tutoring sessions for designated first grade students multiple times a week for at least 10 weeks, according to the district office.

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We especially value the states investment in smaller and rural districts like ours, which are often overlooked but where these resources can make a tremendous impact. This program will increase our youngest learners access to individualized instruction that complements classroom teaching and helps build strong reading foundations, Carrier said.

This program was created by Gov. Maura Healey as part of her comprehensive strategy to improve literacy for all Massachusetts students and is funded through a $25 million investment in Fair Share dollars, according to a press release from Healeys office

The early literacy tutoring initiative was offered through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and it will provide participating schools and districts with tutors at no cost to the school or student, according to the district office.

We believe this strategic investment will significantly boost early literacy outcomes and set our youngest students on a trajectory for long-term academic success, Carrier said.

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Its crucial for our teachers and schools to have access to the resources they need to support every young reader, Healey said. This initiative will help bring high-dosage early literacy tutoring directly to students who need it most, giving them the foundational skills essential for long-term success. With the partnership of the Legislature, we are delivering schools the support they need to reach all their learners.

This opportunity was open to all Massachusetts public schools and districts, with priority given to those demonstrating a clear need for ELA/literacy support and a commitment to evidence-based early literacy practices.

School districts were required to show in their application that they use a high-quality early literacy model, which tutoring will strengthen. Tutoring will use student-centered approaches grounded in diagnostic data, evidence-based methods led by highly trained tutors, and flexible service models to meet the unique needs of each district and accelerate student learning.

In addition to this new tutoring initiative, Healey also created Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3 initiative. Literacy Launch provides educator training, curriculum support, and district grants, such as the Partnership for Reading Success  Massachusetts grant awarded earlier this year to 15 school districts.

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This spring, the administration opened applications for additional school districts to apply for $5.5 million to help implement high-quality early literacy instructional materials that will be awarded soon.

Read the original article on MassLive.
A week of fast-moving developments has left some with questions about access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

While experts and officials say the new federal guidance surrounding COVID vaccine authorization could make it more difficult for many people to be inoculated, there are still unresolved questions and wrinkles yet to emerge.

But here is what we know:

Can I get a COVID vaccine now?

It may be a few days before updated 2025-26 COVID vaccines are available in some locations.

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Read more: The FDA overhauled its COVID vaccine guidance. Here's what it means for you

Now that the shots have been approved for the upcoming season, retail pharmacy chains Walgreens and CVS said they would soon be prepared to offer the vaccines, where available.

But at those pharmacies, getting the vaccine may not be a straightforward process for everyone.

Wait, why is this suddenly so complicated?

In recent years, the federal government's recommendation for COVID vaccines was simple: Everyone age 6 months and up should get an updated shot in the fall.

This year, however, under the leadership of the vaccine skeptic Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Food and Drug Administration only "approved" the updated vaccines for people age 65 and up, as well as younger people with at least one health condition that puts them at high risk for severe COVID should they get infected.

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That means, for the first time ever, it's possible that younger, healthier people will need to consult with a healthcare provider to get an updated COVID vaccine.

Read more: Why COVID keeps roaring back every summer, even as pandemic fades from public view

So how hard might it be for a younger, healthy person to get the vaccine?

It might depend on what state you live in. Whether your state considers pharmacists "healthcare providers"  and how much latitude those pharmacists have to authorize the shots "off-label"  are key.

CVS, for instance, said it can offer FDA-authorized vaccinations in the following states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, 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 the retail pharmacy chain is unable to offer vaccines right now in Massachusetts, Nevada and New Mexico. And in the remaining states  Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as Washington, D.C.,  those seeking COVID-19 vaccines will, depending on their age, have to present an authorized prescription.

The states in these categories could change at any time, CVS said.

CVS is asking people to "attest to their eligibility during the appointment scheduling process" or at the pharmacy or MinuteClinic when people fill out their health screening forms.

Walgreens said that, "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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CVS and Walgreens have identified a wide array of conditions that they say may put people at higher risk for severe COVID-19  including diabetes, heart disease, being overweight or obese, being a past or current smoker, being pregnant, having a substance use disorder, having a mental health condition (including depression), being physically inactive, and having high blood pressure, as well as "other conditions."

Read more: COVID rising fast in California, fueled by new 'Stratus' variant tied to Omicron

So what happens if I try to schedule an appointment?

A Times reporter who tried to schedule an appointment at CVS for a hypothetical senior Friday night was able to find openings in California in early September.

Trying to schedule an appointment for a hypothetical 45-year-old was also straightforward after responding "yes" to the question, "Do you have a condition that puts you at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 virus?"

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But when the reporter responded "no" to that same question, CVS said that, "based on what you told us," the person "isn't eligible for a COVID-19 ... vaccine right now." CVS, however, noted that this individual could still contact a primary care provider "to help with next steps."

To schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at Walgreens, a person likewise needs to attest that they have "a health condition and/or risk factors" to proceed. Walgreens also had appointments available in California for early September.

Read more: U.S. pediatricians' new COVID-19 vaccine recommendations differ from CDC advice

So what does this mean for healthy, younger people?

Younger people who do not say they have an underlying health condition may need to find a venue outside of a pharmacy  like a doctor's office  to get vaccinated.

What's the federal government's rationale behind this change?

Kennedy, who has a history of disparaging vaccines, has said he wants more studies on the COVID-19 vaccine.

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In a post on X, Kennedy said the guidance would keep vaccines available to people who want them, especially the vulnerable, while demanding additional research.

The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense, he wrote. This framework delivers all three.

Read more: RFK Jr. pulls $500 million in funding for vaccine development

Other health experts have said seeking additional testing for COVID vaccines is unnecessary, given the extensive testing done before they were first distributed, and their track record since.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at UC San Francisco, said that requiring people to speak with a healthcare provider before getting a COVID-19 vaccine is completely wrong and a barrier, and he expects it will make it harder for those who dont have a regular healthcare provider to get vaccinated.

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The Infectious Diseases Society of America on Wednesday said the new federal guidance completely contradicts the evidence base, severely undermines trust in science-driven policy and dangerously limits vaccine access, removing millions of Americans choice to be protected and increasing the risk of severe outcomes from COVID.

The group said it is working with other medical societies to finalize their own updated guidelines for COVID vaccination for adults this fall and winter.

Read more: Life expectancy in California still hasn't rebounded since the pandemic

How are large health systems like Kaiser handling this?

Kaiser Permanente was still reviewing the details of the FDAs approval as of Friday. Kaiser is also still waiting for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make its own official recommendation, which isn't expected to happen until the latter half of September.

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We will also review the CDCs clinical guidance when it is released and evaluate other sources of clinical recommendations, including relevant medical societies, to ensure safe and effective administration of the COVID vaccine, Kaiser spokesperson Terry Kanakri said in a statement Wednesday. Vaccination continues to be one of the safest and most effective ways to protect against illness and reduce the severity of illness from COVID.

Kaiser, Kanakri added, is committed to making the 2025-26 COVID vaccine available at no cost to children and adults for protection from severe illness from COVID.

Read more: Dismissed members of CDC vaccine committee call Kennedy's actions 'destabilizing'

How are state and local health officials reacting?

California health officials and some medical organizations criticized the new COVID-19 vaccine policy.

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Doctors and patients need clear science-based vaccine recommendations. Unfortunately, changes in federal immunization policy have created uncertainty about who should take certain vaccines, and on what schedule they should be administered, the California Department of Public Health said in a statement.

In another change, the CDC earlier this year asked that parents talk with a healthcare provider before getting the COVID vaccine for healthy children.

The CDC also recently offered no guidance as to whether healthy pregnant women should get the COVID vaccine.

In response, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended that people receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine or booster at any point during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or when lactating.

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Read more: U.S. just radically changed its COVID vaccine recommendations: How will it affect you?

"Vaccination during pregnancy can help protect infants against requiring hospitalization," the group said.

And the American Academy of Pediatrics on Aug. 19 recommended that infants and children age 6 months to 23 months get the updated COVID vaccine, since they are at high risk of severe illness should they get COVID. The group also said children age 2 through 18 should be offered a COVID-19 vaccination if their parent or guardian wants them to get inoculated.

The California and Los Angeles County departments of public health endorsed both recommendations from the obstetrician-gynecologist and pediatrician medical groups.

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"We understand that this transition period has caused uncertainty for many and encourage everyone to take simple precautions, like staying home when sick and improving indoor ventilation, to help limit the spread of COVID-19," the L.A. County Department of Public Health said.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Security forces recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition during an anti-Naxal operation in the Abujhmad area of Narayanpur district, an official said. Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Robinson Guria stated on Friday that a joint operation was carried out on August 24 by the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). "DRG, STF, and ITBP conducted an anti-Naxal operation on August 24, in which we recovered a huge amount of arms and ammunition. We conducted operations at various places in the Abujhmad area, and we found that the surrendered Naxalites were dumping their weapons. We recovered these weapons from 4-5 places," he said. On Wednesday, 30 Naxals surrendered and were rehabilitated in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, officials said. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma stated that the surrender and rehabilitation of 30 Naxals in Bijapur had been the result of the state government's rehabilitation policy, the efforts of security forces, and ongoing development work. He also urged Naxals to join the mainstream and improve their lives. Earlier, on August 17, in a success for the Gariaband Police, four Naxals had surrendered. Inspector General of Raipur Range, Amresh Mishra, had called it the success of the police force and added, "This was an unprecedented success for Gariaband Police, this area, and for the state. Four Naxal cadres, who had been active for the last decade in this region, had surrendered with their weapons." The surrendered Naxals were later felicitated by the police. He further added that the Naxals had a prize of a total of Rs 19 lakh on them and said, "They told us that the youth in Naxal organisations wanted to leave this path of violence and come to the mainstream, but they were being held captive. They had a total prize of Rs 19 lakh on them." (ANI)
CHEYENNE  After two months of investigation, the Laramie County Sheriffs Office hasnt made any arrests in the shooting that led to the death of Pine Bluffs pilot and crop duster Kevin Hefley.

The 52-year-old owner of Airtime Aerial was killed on June 24 in the 1200 block of County Road 157. The events that led to his death have yet to be disclosed to the public.

In their first update regarding the case since June, LCSO staff on Friday thanked the public for their patience, reporting no new information.

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Our detectives are actively working on this complex case, LCSO posted on Facebook. We appreciate your patience and understanding as the investigation continues.

The post promised an update once the case is forwarded to the Laramie County District Attorneys Office.

Forwarding the case to the District Attorneys Office is a standard procedure to review the investigation and determine if any further legal action is necessary, the post reads.

Deputies responded to reports of a fatal shooting at 4:22 p.m. the day of the incident. They ultimately pronounced Hefley dead at the scene. Initial posts from LCSO about the incident assured the public that the suspect in the shooting was located and was not a threat, but did not disclose whether anyone involved had been taken into custody.

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Hefley was a local businessman and crop dusting pilot. His company, Airtime Aerial, is a Wyoming-based aerial application company that serves seven states, according to its Instagram account. It was registered in Pine Bluffs in 2016.

He was married to professional barrel racer Christy Hefley.

Community members expressed their frustrations with the slow progress of the investigation in the comments of the departments most recent post. Many noted that the community has not forgotten Hefley, in spite of the minimal information released regarding his death.

When asked in June by the Wyoming Tribune Eagle for the identity of the suspected shooter and if they were taken into custody, Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak responded with, Its under investigation.

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When asked in July for any updates on the case, Kozak informed the WTE via text message that the case was taking longer to investigate as detectives assessed the impact of the Castle Doctrine.

Castle Doctrine is a legal principle, embedded in Wyomings stand your ground law, allowing individuals to use deadly force to defend themselves or others without the obligation to retreat.

We will not make a determination until the evidence is processed, which will be a couple more weeks, Kozak wrote. We are not going to rush to judgment until all the facts can be reviewed.

When asked by the WTE for an update Thursday, Kozak said that detectives were waiting on a few final pieces of evidence. This included the medical examiners report and electronic device downloads to ensure they had enough evidence to present to the district attorney.

At this point, I would say we just dont have the probable cause where we would make an arrest, believing that theres a danger to the community, Kozak said.
CLARKSBURG, W.Va.  Here are some of the top stories this week on the WBOY 12News Facebook page.

Reports of gunfire at West Virginia University on Tuesday turned out to be a hoax.

All six lanes of Interstate 79 in Marion County are now open after a more than four-year widening project.

Forest service and conservation officials are telling West Virginians to take steps to prevent invasive spotted lanternflies from spreading even further.

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A group of volunteers has been working to restore the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Clarksburg.

The Mountaineer Ticket Office has officially sold out of 2025 season 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 WBOY.com.
CHEYENNE  What do you get when you mix a group of current and retired physicians on stage with some four-legged friends? A Strange Remedy benefit concert.

The group only puts on a couple of benefit shows a year, and they will be at The Lincoln for a free concert to raise money for the Cheyenne Animal Shelter on Sept. 6.

Therell be puppies scampering alongside a five-piece band in between their sets. The puppies shown arent just for show, though  theyll also be up for adoption.

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The band consists of Jeff Carlton, guitarist and lead vocalist; Lynne Carlton, keyboardist and vocalist; Jack Wright, lead guitarist and vocalist; Dan Possehn, drummer; and Randy Johnston on bass guitar. One of the other members, who can be seen on some of the posters for the band, is Doug Harris. Although he dropped out of the band last year, Johnston said Harris may come on stage to play a song or two.

Johnston practiced in Cheyenne for 32 years at the Cheyenne Eye Clinic, and every other member except for Lynne Carlton are either practicing or retired physicians from the capital city.

Johnston met Jeff first at a birthday party. In talking, he learned that he played guitar, and they planned jam sessions together. Soon, more and more people started to become integrated into the group through connections they were making at their separate practices.

Now, the band has been together for about 12 years. Although most, if not all, of the concerts they perform now are benefit shows, some of their early stuff was just for fun. One of the earliest concerts that Johnston remembered was a battle of the bands with the Cheyenne Police Department, which also had a band at the time.

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Early on, we decided that there was no point in playing to make money, said Johnston. We should be making money for other people. So, it was usually the Animal Shelter (and) K9s 4 Mobility. ... Those are basically the two concerts a year we do.

Johnston and his wife have a close connection with the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, too. They adopted their two dogs, Mickey and Minnie, from the shelter around 13 years ago.

Strange Remedys set contains about 23 cover songs and will be broken up with an intermission. The songs have been suggested by every member of the band through the years, and this year, theyve added five new ones into the mix. Theyll all throw around suggestions that fit Strange Remedys classic rock feel.

These are all songs that one or more of the members have loved since they came out, said Johnston. Im one of the oldest members of the band, so my favorites tend to be from the 60s and 70s. ... But everyone looks at the music, and if looks doable, well add it to our set.

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The band reached out to the shelter, expressing interest in putting on a show to benefit the shelters programs and pets. All of them have been longtime supporters of the animal shelter here.

Then, The Lincoln came about in conversations with the shelter. The band hadnt seen it since it was redone in 2020, and they wanted to check it out. Once they saw the stage and sound system, they knew it was the place to put on their concert.

Its a very good group, said Johnston. I love working with them. ... Ive always liked rock n roll, and I enjoy playing songs that I like so that people (who also like the songs) can hear them, or people whove never heard of them can hear them. ... And were also doing some good by helping the shelter at the same time. Its a win-win.

Even though the event is free, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter is accepting donations at the show. Theyll also hold raffles throughout the evening, in addition to bringing some furry friends on stage.
Israeli forces have killed at least 77 Palestinians across Gaza, including 47 people in northern Gaza City, as the military intensifies its campaign to seize the city and displace about one million people living there.

The killings on Saturday included 11 Palestinians who were shot dead while queueing for food aid, and came as the Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that 10 more people had died of malnutrition in the last 24-hour period.

The victims included three children.

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In Gaza City, Israeli forces launched three strikes in quick succession, tearing apart an apartment block and killing at least seven people. Several more were wounded, including children.

Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, said the attack caused mayhem and chaos and damaged the surrounding areas.

Many children were wounded. They arrived to the hospital fully soaked in their own blood. We saw one child transferred to the hospital who had the flesh of others who were wounded sticking to his back.





We are on the streets

Mahmoud said the attack was the latest since Israel declared Gaza City a combat zone.

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The military has increased its aerial bombings on densely populated areas, pushing people into further displacement. We are seeing people scrambling for shelter, he added.

Families fleeing the Israeli militarys relentless bombardment have begun setting up makeshift tents amid miserable conditions near Nuseirat refugee camp and near Deir el-Balah in central Gaza.

Most of them have been forced to leave their homes more than once.

Mohamed Maalouf, 50, told The Associated Press news agency that he and his family of nine had already been displaced from the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya.

We are thrown in the streets, like what would I say? Like dogs? We are not like dogs. Dogs are [treated] better than us, he said.

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We have no homes. We are on the streets, he added.

Heavy Israeli strikes also targeted Jabalia in northern Gaza, forcing people there to flee, too.

Mohammed Abu Warda told Al Jazeera that he had fled Jabalia and was heading towards the western side of Gaza City, but that he did not know exactly where to go.

We left our area because the situation there was very dangerous, Abu Warda said.

Hopefully I can find a place to set up a tent Everything here is useless, and everywhere is unsafe. The Israelis attack every single place.

Israeli forces have carried out a sustained bombardment on Gaza City since early August as part of a deepening push to seize the city and displace about one million Palestinians living there.

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On Friday, the Israeli military said it had begun the initial stages of its offensive, declaring the largest urban centre in the territory a combat zone.

The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, condemned Israels offensive, saying its order for trapped civilians to evacuate saying the mass evacuation of the city was unfeasible and incomprehensible.

It is impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City could ever be done in a way that is safe and dignified under the current conditions, Egger said in a statement.

Such an evacuation would trigger a massive population movement that no area in the Gaza Strip can absorb, given the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and the extreme shortages of food, water, shelter and medical care.

Trucks and vehicles move along the coastal road in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza [Eyad Baba/AFP]

Enough is enough

Despite the growing global condemnation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government has shown no signs of halting the military offensive.

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Gideon Levy, a columnist with Israeli news outlet Haaretz, told Al Jazeera that Israels overarching plan for Gaza amounts to ethnic cleansing.

The plan is to push all the inhabitants of Gaza out of their houses, then lock them in those concentration camps and then give them two choices, either to live in those camps forever or to leave the Gaza Strip, Levy said.

Describing the Israeli governments policy as outrageous, Levy added that Israel will only halt its offensive if United States President Donald Trump decides that enough is enough and applies pressure on the country.

The US has provided Israel with billions of dollars in military assistance since its war on Gaza began in October 2023. Washington has also shielded its top ally from calls for accountability at the United Nations and other international arenas.

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In February, Trump suggested removing all Palestinians from Gaza, a plan that would amount to ethnic cleansing, a crime against humanity.

In Israel, meanwhile, thousands of demonstrators unveiled a banner in Tel Aviv, urging Trump to make history and push for a deal to release the remaining 50 captives held by Hamas and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza.

Rubi Chen, father of Israeli captive, Itay, compared Israels war on Gaza to the USs war in Vietnam, which killed millions of Vietnamese people and nearly 60,000 Americans, many of them young soldiers drafted by their government.

I would like to remind people from the US that this sounds similar to the Vietnam War, where President [Richard] Nixon thought that by extending, by prolonging the war, he would benefit from more strategic objectives. In the end, the war was extended for two more years, which only caused for 8,000 American families to lose their loved ones, Chen said.

I think it is a fair comparison to Prime Minister Netanyahu. The [Israeli military] chief of staff has stated, Israel has achieved all its military objectives. Now is the time to cement military achievements with a diplomatic agreement, where the basis of it is with the release of the 49 hostages, a permanent ceasefire, allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, and hopefully building a better future for all of us.
While past surveys have long indicated that middle age is the lowest point in life in terms of reported happiness, that may be changing.

A study published in PLOS ONE found that young people are now reporting the highest levels of misery of any age group. This contrasts with past data, which have shown that the young and the old typically reported the highest levels of satisfaction. When visualized as age plotted against unhappiness, the data would normally display a hump in middle age.

The authors, David Blanchflower, Alex Bryson, and Xiaowei Xu, first identified the shift in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey of Americans. They examined the share of each age group who reported having poor mental health every day in the past month. The data from 2009 to 2018 were consistent with past findings, showing that middle-aged individuals presented the highest rate of misery. However, between 2019 and 2024, the data shifted, with levels of unhappiness rising in the younger cohort.

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Weve seen a change from a hump shape to a ski slope, said Dr. Bryson, per The Economist.

The authors noticed a similar pattern among respondents in the UK. Both anxiety and despair rose sharply among the under-40s after 2016. And data from the Global Mind Project also revealed similar trends in dozens of countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

The hump, however, could still show up later. Since the new study is a snapshot of unhappiness by age at a single point in time, those young people who are unhappy today could, in theory, become even more miserable in middle age.

Its not inconceivable that if young people start out this badly, they could be even worse off in midlife, said Dr. Bryson.

The cause of the worsening mental state is not clear, but there are theories, such as a worsening economy. In a July study, Dr. Blanchflower and Dr. Bryson found that despair among young American workers, particularly those with the least education, has experienced the sharpest increase.
A human-occupied vehicle (HOV) probing the deep Pacific Ocean has cast a light upon a massive undersea 'metropolis'.

The tortuous system of deep craters and dolomite walls blows the Atlantic Ocean's famous 'Lost City' out of the water.

Through a curtain of falling marine 'snow', the ghostly carbonate walls and jagged rocks around twenty hydrothermal vents shimmer in the heat  almost as if they were a deep-sea mirage.

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At 11.1 square kilometers (4.3 square miles), the newly discovered hydrothermal field is over a hundred times larger than its Atlantic counterpart.

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The Lost City, with its jagged landscape of towers and turrets, was discovered near the mid-Atlantic ridge in 2000, and it was once the largest field of hydrothermal vents known anywhere in the world.

Related: 'Lost City' Deep Beneath The Ocean Is Unlike Anything We've Seen Before on Earth

It now lies in the shadow of another major aggregation of vents discovered on the whole other side of the world, northeast of Papua New Guinea.

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Researchers at Laoshan Laboratory and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have named the Pacific counterpart the Kunlun hydrothermal field.

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Like the Lost City, their discovery is a rarity, and it may be an even better example of how life first started on Earth.

Kunlun's unique seafloor is gushing hydrogen-rich fluids at temperatures under 40C  much colder than the 'black smokers' of other hydrothermal vents, which resemble underwater chimneys.

Example of deep-sea black smokers. ( NOAA

Kunlun's rich hydrogen fluids are thought to resemble the 'hot soups' that existed on Earth billions of years ago, when life first began. This makes the location a perfect backdrop for further research on how biological life may form from inorganic matter.

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"What's particularly fascinating is the ecological potential," says marine geochemist Weidong Sun from CAS.

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"We observed diverse deep-sea life thriving in this environment, including shrimp, squat lobsters, anemones, and tubeworms  species that may rely on hydrogen-driven chemosynthesis."

Based on an analysis of the hydrothermal field, researchers estimate that Kunlun contributes up to 8 percent of the flux in abiotic hydrogen across all the world's submarine sources.

That is a huge contribution from just one system, according to Sun and colleagues, led by marine geologists Lianfu Li and Hongyun Zhang from the Laoshan Laboratory.

Unlike the Lost City, which is marked by thin, jagged towers of dolomite, the craters at Kunlun can stretch hundreds of meters in diameter and plummet more than 100 meters deep. Even the shallower depressions are typically deeper than 30 meters.

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"Compared to the carbonate towers formed in the Lost City, these pipes/pits provide a more sustained and stable evolutionary time frame, offering a potentially more suitable environment for the evolution of early life," the team argues.

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The Kunlun pipes were formed when seawater penetrated Earth's mantle, the interaction between fluid and rock releasing heat and hydrogen. The first stage of formation would have probably resulted in a major explosion, creating a crater. Then, as fractures formed in the rock, more saltwater reactions led to more hydrogen.

Over time, carbonate sediment gradually sealed these channels until the hydrogen started to accumulate again, causing more minor explosions.

The vents are expected to eventually go 'extinct' once seawater can no longer probe the depths and interact with hydrogen-rich materials below.

The suspected stages of the Kunlun hydrothermal field. (Li and Zhang et al., Science Advances, 2025)

To date, scientists have discovered most hydrogen-rich vents near spreading tectonic plates. Kunlun, however, sits 80 kilometers west of a trench, within the Carolina Plate.

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The researchers note that this system, flourishing with deep-sea life, may also be an "ideal target" for retrieving deep-sea hydrogen as an energy source.

"The Kunlun system is unique not just because of the exceptionally high hydrogen flux we observed, but also because of its scale and geological setting," says Sun.

"It demonstrates that serpentinization-driven hydrogen generation can occur far from mid-ocean ridges, challenging previous assumptions."

Perhaps there are more undersea metropolises like Kunlun waiting to be found in the ocean's abyss.

The study was published in Science Advances.

Related News
Michigan's parks and backroads fill up each fall with people looking for the most spectacular leaf colors. If you're considering a scenic drive, now may be the time to plan; fall colors aren't far away.

A foliage color forecast map available at Explore Fall predicts leaves will begin changing colors in mid-September in the western Upper Peninsula, with parts of the UP reaching peak fall colors by mid-October. The Lower Peninsula will see peak colors by late October.

Among Michigan's many backroads, travelers consider M-22 along Lake Michigan's shoreline among the best. The road winds along the lake and through numerous stands of colorful hardwoods.

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Pure Michigan says numerous state parks offer colorful ways to enjoy the outdoors. Tahquamenon Falls State Park is among the most popular with UP trees bracketing the largest waterfall in the state.

Porcupine Mountains State Park features 60,000 acres of woodlands, with numerous elevated vantage points for hikers to take in the colors.

Copper Peak, north of Ironwood in western UP, offers an unparalleled view from the top of an 800-foot hill and an 18-story ski jump. The site boasts that visitors can see three states and Canada on a clear day.

Here's what to know about fall colors in Michigan.

When will fall colors begin in Michigan?

In Michigan, tree leaves begin changing colors soon, starting in the UP by Sept. 13, a map from Explore Fall shows.

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The change will move south throughout the Lower Peninsula, with moderate color starting in the UP by Sept. 27, the map predicts. High and peak colors will start appearing in the western UP by Oct. 6.

By later October, the UP will be mostly past peak colors, with peak fall colors spreading throughout the Lower Peninsula, according to the website. Parts of the southern Lower Peninsula will still be approaching peak colors.

How will colors vary by tree types?

When colors appear, Michigan's diverse tree varieties each have their own color patterns, according to Michigan State University Extension.

In the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, maple trees feature orange and red leaves, while quaking aspen and larch trees have yellow leaves. Sugar maples turn bright red, and red maples change from vivid red to orange to bright yellow.

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Red oaks, present across the state, have subtle red leaves, while trees in the white oak group, with several in southern Michigan, feature yellow or dusty red leaves. Sassafras, present in southern Michigan, varies from yellow to deep red in the fall and can have three-lobed or mitten-shaped leaves.

Hickories, common in southern Michigan, can feature yellow leaves in the fall, the most common variety in the state being shagbark hickory. Larch trees feature needles, which turn bright yellow in the fall before shedding. Eastern larch, or tamarack, is a larch variety found in wetter parts of Michigan.

When does fall start in 2025?

The fall equinox  the end of summer and start of fall 2025  takes place at 2:19 p.m. Sept. 22, 2025, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan fall foliage outlook: When leaves are projected to change color
Calling all Hawkeye fans! You can help support the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Childrens Hospital by supporting the Hawks!

Johnna Chesney and Mckenzy Miller dropped by Our Quad Cities News with more on how you can help the Stead Family Childrens Hospital at the Public House.

For more information, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
(Photo by Ed Tibbetts)

As Des Moines Public Schools kicks off a new partnership allowing students to use their student IDs to check out books from the Des Moines Public Library system, opponents defended the practice against criticism that it was being used to defy Iowas law on age-appropriate reading materials.

DMPS announced earlier in August as the 2025-2026 school year began that all students in grades 7 through 12 enrolled in the district would be able to use their school ID cards as public library cards at DMPL locations. In a news release, library and school officials said the policy will reduce barriers for students in accessing resources available at public libraries, including books, research materials and technologies.

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When students have more pathways to knowledge, the entire community benefits, Jon Hobbs, interim director of the Des Moines Public Library, said in a statement. This is about removing barriers, fostering a love of reading, and ensuring that every young person in Des Moines has the tools they need to learn and thrive.

But some critics have said this change is an attempt by DMPS to forge a loophole in Senate File 496, the 2023 Iowa law that prohibits books depicting sex acts from being available in K-12 school libraries, alongside other provisions like banning programs, materials and instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation for K-6 students. The measure prohibiting certain books from school libraries is currently not being enforced, as U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Locher issued an injunction for several aspects of the law in May.

KCCI reported the Polk County chapter of Moms for Liberty says the Des Moines school districts new policy is an attempt to deliberately work around laws designed to protect children, which the group opposes. The chapter did not respond to a request for comment on the policy.

It is unfortunate that Des Moines Public Schools is choosing to skirt state law by creating a loophole through the public library system, the Moms for Liberty statement read. While Iowa law rightly requires schools to ensure students are not exposed to materials that are sexually explicit or otherwise age-inappropriate, DMPS is now opening the door for children to access those very materials under the schools banner and with a school-issued ID.

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But supporters of the policy said the measure is not intended to oppose the law but increase student literacy rates. The group Annies Foundation, a Johnston-based organization opposing the banning of books and instructional materials in Iowa schools, wrote in a social media post that the DMPS policy will not allow students access to inappropriate materials  as the public library does not allow underage students access to their 18+ section  and stated the law is currently non-enforceable due to the injunction.

U.S. Senate candidate Jackie Norris, the Des Moines School Board chair, said Iowa is currently in a literacy crisis, pointing to recent data showing 34% of third-graders are not at grade-level proficiency in English Language Art skills.

Norris said she supported measures backed by Republicans and Gov. Kim Reynolds for an increased emphasis on science of reading teaching methods to address this problem, but said she also believes closer partnerships between public libraries and schools will improve literacy rates.

Improving reading skills is a critical life skill, and so I think when you when you think about laws that are passed in the state or at the federal level, they have to make sense, Norris said. And something like (Senate File 496) right now doesnt make sense, right? It makes sense to let kids that are in grades seven through 12, in partnership with their parents, to access books and resources and other learning materials, to open a world for them and to get them excited about reading and excited about learning.

The U.S. Senate candidate said she believes politicizing literacy is is a shame and that more focus should be put on decreasing cell phone and screen use among students, which she said was far more dangerous in terms of the types of things that you might have access to. The governor signed into law a measure requiring public Iowa K-12 school districts set policies for the 2025-2026 school year that at minimum ban the use of cellphones during class time.
LAWRENCEBURG, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is seeking information on a suspect accused of breaking into the Division of Forestrys Lawrenceburg office.

The department said that a gloved and masked intruder illegally entered the Tower Road office between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Monday. Security footage reportedly showed the individual searching through the compartments of a state truck before cutting the offices phone lines and gaining access through a side window.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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The suspect allegedly stole a Stihl chainsaw, a Stihl backpack blower, an Ingersoll Rand air hammer, a DeWalt router, a DeWalt hammer drill, a DeWalt grease gun, a 20V DeWalt grinder and a 20v DeWalt jig saw.

(Courtesy: Tennessee Department of Agriculture)

Once staff members entered the office on Monday morning, they discovered the break-in and reportedly alerted the Lawrence County Sheriffs Office and the departments Agricultural Crime Unit immediately.

At this point, investigators believe the suspect had prior knowledge of the Division of Forestry facility and the surrounding area. Investigators also believe the suspect traveled through private lands, including corn fields and pastures, to park behind the building rather than using the main road, which dead ends at the TDA property.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Anyone with surveillance footage or any other evidence on or near their property has been asked to submit that footage and/or evidence to the Agricultural Crimes Unit. You can reach them at 844-AG-CRIME (844-242-7463) or at agriculture.crime@tn.gov.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi over his "vote chori" allegations against the BJP and Election Commission, former Union Minister Uma Bharti has said that elections are won by having the ability to win the hearts of people, and the Congress leader should learn this. In an interview with ANI, BJP leader Uma Bharti, a former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, stated that the Congress is unable to win polls and is being wiped out. Rahul Gandhi should think before he speaks or take homoeopathic medicine to improve his memory. She said homoeopathic medicine is good for improving memory. "Rahul Gandhi forgets that elections are not won by the Election Commission; they are won by winning the hearts of the people. I will tell Rahul Gandhi, first, learn to win the hearts of people. You disrespect the armed forces, talk about restoring Article 370 in J-K, despite the invitation, you did not even attend the Ram temple's consecration ceremony. You disregard all things of national pride and are unable to win polls (as a party), party is being wiped out. Think before speaking or take homoeopathic medicine to improve memory," she said. Uma Bharti also referred to the Emergency and said that then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's advisors told her that she would sweep the polls, as people were afraid and she was in control. "She lost. When voters decide whom to elect, nobody can steal a mandate...all the power is with the voters, "Uma Bharti added. Rahul Gandhi has been levelling "vote chori" allegations against the BJP and the Election Commission. He has been repeating the allegations during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in poll-bound Bihar. Speaking in Siwan on Friday, he said people of Bihar have made it clear that they will not allow "vote theft" in their state. In his public meetings in Bihar, Rahul Gandhi has been referring to his allegations related to discrepancies in the Mahadevapura assembly segment in Karnataka during the Lok Sabha polls. "It is beginning, and soon the vote theft across the country will be exposed," Rahul Gandhi alleged. Opposition parties in Bihar have opposed the manner in which the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is being done in Bihar. Several other leaders of the BJP have earlier slammed Rahul Gandhi over his "vote chori" allegations. Uma Bharti's political journey has been marked by significant highs and lows. After leading the BJP to victory in Madhya Pradesh in 2003, ending Digvijaya Singh's 10-year rule, she was later forced to contest an Assembly election in Uttar Pradesh's Bundelkhand region in 2012. Despite being a prominent Hindutva leader, she was seen as a potential disruptor to the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in Madhya Pradesh. However, Bharti's resilience paid off when she won the parliamentary election from Jhansi in 2014 and became a Cabinet minister in Narendra Modi's government. Her tenure as minister was cut short in 2017, leading her to announce that she wouldn't contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. (ANI)
A suspect is in custody in connection with the July 31 homicide of two Chicago men at a Gary shopping center, police said Friday evening.

The U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested the man Friday in connection with the murders of 37-year-old Dante Givens and 36-year-old Deon Stewart, according to a Gary Police Department release.

The Post-Tribune is not releasing the suspects name because he has not been formally charged, but police said he is facing two counts of murder, a Level 1 felony.

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Both deaths were ruled homicides, the Lake County Coroners Office said in a release at the time, and toxicology tests were pending. The murders occurred in the 3700 block of Grant Street, at the Village Shopping Center parking lot.

The coroners office was called to the scene just before 4 a.m. that Thursday.

Post-Tribune reporter Meredith Colias-Pete contributed.
(FREMONT COUNTY, Colo.)  A suspect and a Fremont County deputy have both been sent to the hospital with unknown injuries following a standoff and officer-involved shooting in Canon City.

According to the Fremont County Sheriffs Office (FCSO), on Friday evening, Aug. 29, deputies responded to a 911 hang-up call originating in the 1400 block of Chestnut Street, in the Lincoln Park area of Canon City.

Courtesy: Fremont County Sheriffs Office Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Jack Young Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Jack Young Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Jack Young

Once on scene, the responding deputy advised shots had been fired. The suspect then apparently barricaded themselves inside the home.

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FCSO said after several hours, both the suspect and an FCSO deputy were taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident and confirmed to FOX21 News that an officer-involved shooting had occurred.

This is a developing story. FOX21 News will continue to provide updates as 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 FOX21 News Colorado.
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 Finlands 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.

Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, joined NATO in April 2023 over concerns related to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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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.

A symbol used for more than a century

Finlands air force adopted the swastika emblem in 1918 soon after country gained its independence after more than a century of Imperial Russian rule.

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Count Eric von Rosen of neighboring Sweden donated Finlands 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 doesnt 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.

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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.

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.
The European Union is still unable to reach an agreement on transferring frozen Russian assets for Ukraines benefit.

Source: a statement by Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard on the sidelines of an informal EU foreign ministers meeting in Copenhagen on 30 August, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sweden is disappointed by the EUs inability to decide on the confiscation of frozen Russian assets.

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Quote: "Im also very frustrated that the EU is not able to make decisions on the frozen [Russian] assets in order to make sure that Ukraine can use those."

Details: Stenergard stressed that "it is obvious that Russia does not want to stop the war, and therefore we must put more pressure on Russia".

Quote: "So we need to adopt the 19th sanctions package but also move forward with the EU accession process for Ukraine."

Background: Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated that assets of the Russian Central Bank, frozen within the European Union, cannot be returned to Russia following a ceasefire or peace agreement until reparations are paid to Ukraine.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centers network is back in working order after a two-day network outage that left patients unable to access their charts.

Wexner Medical Center spokesperson Marti Leitch said the network outage occurred Friday afternoon due to issues with a routine network upgrade. Leitch said hospital engineers were actively working to restore services Friday and Saturday.

On Sunday afternoon, spokesperson Serena Smith said the networks functionality has been restored and that hospital transfers and EMS arrivals are being accepted again.

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Accused thief, passenger die in crash after Grove City police cruiser is rammed

During the down time, the hospital continued care. We appreciate the commitment and resilience of our frontline personnel and support teams as they have continued to provide safe care to our patients during this downtime, said Smith.

Multiple patients and patients loved ones told NBC4 Saturday they were unable to access their online medical information during the outage. One said when they were diverted to a new hospital, care was difficult because the outage prevented access to medical records.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
CHEYENNE  Taft Love was unanimously selected by Laramie County and Platte County commissioners Friday to fill the vacant state Senate District 6 seat after former Sen. Darin Smith resigned to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming.

The eight commissioners chose from three candidates who were selected by SD 6 Republicans earlier this week.

For the commissioners, the primary issues that set Love apart from the other candidates were his understanding of how property taxes work, his experience with education as a former trustee for Laramie County School District 2 and a previous display of support from constituents as he came third in the primary election for SD 6 behind Smith in 2024.

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For Laramie County Commissioner Troy Thompson, finding a candidate who had the best understanding of property taxes was the most important quality in a candidate.

For me, it was very important that candidates that go in understand the implications of cutting property tax and the fact that it doesn't affect the state budget, he said.

During Friday's joint meeting at the Laramie County Courthouse, commissioners from both counties spent around 30 minutes asking each of the candidates questions before making a final decision.

Many of the questions concerned property taxes, and perhaps the most pointed ones came from Platte County Commission Chairman Steve Shockley. He asked each of the candidates a series of questions that included, "How are your property taxes calculated? What is a mill? Do you know how many mills are assessed in your current tax district?"

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In Wyoming, a mill levy is the tax rate applied to a property's assessed value to determine the annual property tax owed. A mill is one one-thousandth of a dollar, so one mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. The total mill levy varies by area but is determined by the number of tax districts that are supported by mills in that area.

When Love answered, he explained how the mill system works in Laramie County, where he lives, and how mill levy taxes are distributed to different special districts in the county.

The other candidates were Roy Birt of Wheatland and Jeff Barnes of Cheyenne.

When Birt was asked these questions, he said his property taxes are determined by an assessor, a mill is a minute part of a dollar and estimated there are seven mills assessed in his district in Wheatland.

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When Barnes was asked about this, he said hed have to review his property tax documents to provide a clear answer, that a mill is something that city and county experts understand, and that he did not know off the top of his head how many mills are assessed in his county.

After his selection by the commissioners, Love said that in his role in the Senate, he would take a cautious approach when considering additional property tax reductions.

I think we have to be really cautious about hacking away at the budgets of our local communities and counties without allowing the dust to settle, he said, referencing the property tax cuts that have been passed over the past two years. And so I think we need to maybe be really cautious about how we're going to fund the essential services in counties, as far as police and fire and health and safety, and those things are pretty critical, and we don't want to start eliminating jobs and eliminating opportunities to take good care of our citizens.

If property taxes are cut further by state officials in the upcoming budget session, he said hed have to do more research on where to replenish the lost revenue, saying there is no one-size-fits-all strategy.

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Platte County Commissioner John Jeb Baker said it wasnt an obvious decision to vote for Love, but he appreciates that he may have a better understanding of how property taxes work from his experience on the LCSD2 Board of Trustees, since property taxes help support the education system in the state.

Laramie County Commissioner Ty Zwonitzer asked each of the candidates to name one practical thing they hoped to accomplish in the upcoming budget session.

To this, Love responded by saying the state may find new opportunities for what equality in education looks like in the state as the federal government takes steps away from federal control of state education systems.

As we form and develop a state education budget, we may be able to ensure a better education, which we did before 1979, when they formed the Department of Education at the federal level. We may be able to get more bang for our buck, he said. ... If we have opportunity for savings and ultimately a better education for kids that is based on industry desires or needs for our students and graduates to be good employees that we can retain in southeast Wyoming.

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Based on other questions asked by commissioners, Love indicated he would represent his constituents first, followed by the state as a whole. He said he is supportive of more county control over special sales taxes like the fifth- and sixth-penny sales taxes; he is supportive of funded state mandates like immigration enforcement in towns and counties across Wyoming, and is cautious of unfunded mandates; and he believes the state should provide research and data on what land use is possible for areas to allow local governments and counties to work within that framework to best suit their communities.

In his closing statement, Love indicated he intends to seek reelection next year when the SD 6 seat is up for a vote by the people.

After graduating from the University of Wyoming, Love moved to eastern Laramie County in 1994, where he and his wife started a small farm and ranch. At the time, he worked in field research for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department before working in Wyomings tourism division.

They raised three children in Laramie County, and he served for 10 years on the LCSD2 Board of Trustees. After that, he became chairman of the Laramie County Republican Party.
OGUNQUIT, Maine (AP)  Thousands of Americans will head to beaches for one last summer splash this Labor Day weekend, but taking a dip might be out of the question: Many of the beaches will caution against swimming because of unsafe levels of fecal contamination.

Beaches from Crystal River, Florida, to Ogunquit, Maine, have been under advisories warning about water quality this week because of elevated levels of bacteria associated with fecal waste. The advisories typically discourage beachgoers from going in the water because the bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, rashes and nausea.

There have been closures this week at some of the country's most popular beach destinations, including Keyes Memorial Beach in the Cape Cod village of Hyannis in Barnstable, Massachusetts; Benjamin's Beach on Long Island in Bay Shore, New York; and a portion of the Imperial Beach shoreline near San Diego. Even on the pristine, white sand beaches of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Department of Health is warning of a high bacteria count at Kahaluu Beach Park on the Big Island.

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It's a longstanding and widespread problem. Nearly two-thirds of beaches tested nationwide in 2024 experienced at least one day in which indicators of fecal contamination reached potentially unsafe levels, conservation group Environment America said in a report issued this summer.

The group reviewed beaches on the coasts and Great Lakes and found that 84% of Gulf Coast beaches exceeded the standard at least once. The number was 79% for West Coast beaches, 54% for East Coast beaches and 71% for Great Lakes beaches.

The report also said more than 450 beaches were potentially unsafe for swimming on at least 25 percent of the days tested. A key reason is outdated water and sewer systems that allows contamination from sewage to reach the places where people swim, said John Rumpler, clean water director and senior attorney with Environment America.

These beaches are a treasure for families across New England and across the country. They are a shared resource, said Rumpler, who is based in Boston. We need to make the investment to make sure that literally our own human waste doesn't wind up in the places where we are swimming.

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Other factors have also played a role in contaminating beaches, including increasingly severe weather that overwhelms sewage systems, and suburban sprawl that paves over natural areas and reduces the ecosystem's ability to absorb stormwater, Rumpler said.

But many people plan to jump in the ocean anyway. Despite a two-day warning of elevated fecal indicator bacteria last month at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, beachgoer Yaromyr Oryshkevych was not concerned.

I really dont expect to be in any kind of danger of fecal contamination, said Oryshkevych, a retired dentist. He said he didnt think Rehoboth was close enough to notable pollution to be concerned, and he expected the oceans natural currents to take care of any problems with contamination in the area.

Dana West, a federal worker visiting Rehoboth Beach, recalled an instance earlier this year where a dozen members of his vacationing party experienced gastrointestinal issues. The symptoms occurred after they went on a snorkeling excursion, an activity that increases the likelihood of swallowing seawater, off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

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It was an unpleasant experience, but he doesn't expect a repeat this weekend in Delaware.

But generally, I have no concerns about the level of fecal and bacterial matter, said West while admiring Rehoboths shore. I assume the local authorities will tell us if there are higher levels than normal.

Despite West's confidence, some beaches in the area of Rehoboth, including nearby Rehoboth Bay and Dewey Beach bayside, were indeed under water advisories this week. Such advisories are not always posted on public signs.

Environment America assessed beach safety in its report by examining whether fecal bacteria levels exceeded standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that trigger an alert to avoid the water. Fecal bacteria at those levels can cause illness in 32 out of every 1,000 swimmers.

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In North Carolina, five beaches were under advisories in late August because of elevated levels of fecal bacteria. The beaches are open, but swimmers are advised that going in the water could be risky, said Erin Bryan-Millush, environmental program supervisor with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Hurricane Erin caused extensive erosion and storm surge in some coastal areas, according to the Department of Environmental Quality. Heavy rain events this summer also exacerbated the contamination problem in some areas, Bryan-Millush said.

Those storm drains carry everything, Bryan-Millush said. It could be really bad for someone who is immune compromised.

___

Lau reported from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Ukrainian officials in New York City on Aug. 29, calling the discussions "very productive and constructive," Fox News reported. He met with Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraines presidential office, and Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraines first deputy foreign minister, ahead of Kyivs emergency Security Council meeting.

Senior officials said the Ukrainians provided a status update on the war and Russias latest large-scale attack on Kyiv that killed 25 people and wounded 63 others.

The meeting was described by Trump administration officials as both a progress report and a reaffirmation of efforts to bring Ukraine and Russia to the table for an eventual peace deal, according to Fox News.

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Ukrainian officials also invited Witkoff to visit Kyiv in the future. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Witkoff as "a key member of President Trumps team and plays an indispensable role in advancing the presidents priorities," while Vice President JD Vance said Witkoff has "made more progress toward ending the bloodshed in Ukraine than all his critics combined."

Other senior figures also defended Witkoffs role in the talks. Rubio said his "unique perspective and innovative approach open new opportunities for diplomacy that were previously unavailable," while Vance added that critics are simply "threatened by Steves success and opposed to a productive peace process."

Reports this week, however, quoted anonymous sources questioning whether Witkoff has sufficient experience to handle the Ukraine-Russia war. Vance rejected that criticism, describing Witkoff as "a natural diplomat, an experienced negotiator and a true humanitarian."

The meeting in New York came just hours after Ukraine requested an emergency U.N. Security Council briefing following Russias overnight aerial assault on Kyiv and other cities. According to Ukrainian officials, Russia used nearly 600 drones and more than 30 ballistic and cruise missiles in its latest wave of strikes. Denmark, France, Greece, South Korea, Slovenia, and the U.K. backed Kyivs call for the session.

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The escalation follows a series of high-level meetings earlier in August. Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15, where Putin proposed Ukraine cede territory in exchange for peace, and days later hosted President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House.

Trump said the next step is a trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelensky. But after the latest strikes, Zelensky blasted Putin for choosing "ballistics instead of the negotiating table," calling for "new, tough sanctions against Russia for everything it is doing."

Read also: Deadlines, delusions, and ballistic missiles: Trumps theater of peace talks with Putin

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Fort Worth ISD is facing the possibility of a state takeover after years of academic failures, prompting a visit this week from Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) notified Fort Worth ISD that state intervention may be required due to continued poor performance at a now-closed school, raising the possibility of a state takeover or further campus closures.

In a May 5 letter, Morath informed Superintendent Karen Molinar and board President Roxanne Martinez that the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade  which closed after the 2023-24 school year  had failed to meet state standards for five straight years. State law requires action in such cases, giving Morath options that include appointing a board of managers to replace the elected leadership or closing additional campuses.

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Texas law mandates a takeover when a campus receives five consecutive failing ratings. Morath also visited William James Middle School, which has carried an F grade since 2021.

Our job is to make sure you have access to a great school, Morath told reporters.

Superintendent Molinar told CBS News in August that the district has shown improvements since she took over in 2024.

[Morath] really needs to make a decision, Molinar said. Its not just around that 2023 score. It really is about what changes are we putting in place as a large urban system to sustain this progress and actually accelerate it, she told CBS News.
In the Erandwane area of Pune City, a young woman, Aishwarya Jadhav, has designed a special household Ganesh decoration inspired by the Indian Army's recently conducted 'Operation Sindoor', which was executed with remarkable bravery.

The decoration features replicas of Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, offering a symbolic salute to the armed forces. The tricolour, battle tanks, and rockets in flight also form part of the thematic setup.

Speaking about the inspiration, organisers said, "Operation Sindoor is a symbol of India's new military strategy and confidence. Our army gave a precise and restrained response to the Pahalgam attack, destroying nine terrorist hideouts in just 23 minutes. This is a clear message that India now has the strength to crush terrorism at its source. The success reflects the power of an Atmanirbhar Bharat and the nation's strong will. The new India will not tolerate terrorism."

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.

The Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists. India repelled subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases.

India has stated that Operation Sindoor has not concluded, and any misadventure by Pakistan will elicit a befitting response.

The 10-day Ganeshotsav celebrations began on August 27, Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi. It is a festival that marks the worship of Lord Ganesha as the god of new beginnings and remover of obstacles.

The festival culminates on Anantha Chaturdashi and is celebrated with decorated homes and pandals, prayers, music, and vibrant processions. (ANI)
NEED TO KNOW

Emani Scott, her brother and their grandmother were separated from Emani's mother and baby sister when New Orleans was evacuated during Hurricane Katrina in 2005

It would take two years before Emani reunited with the rest of her family in Texas

Today, Emani is an educator in and a single mother of two girls in New Orleans

When PEOPLE first spoke with Hurricane Katrina survivor Emani Scott in 2005, she was a 13-year-old girl sheltering at a West Virginia military base with her younger brother Emanuel and grandmother Jerilynn. Although they were together, the family had been separated from Emanis mother and her 10-month-old sister Jermani, who ended up somewhere in Texas, although the rest of the family didn't know that at the time.

"We cried and prayed. I thought they'd find my mama and bring her to West Virginia," Emani said at the time. "When she didn't show up and we didn't hear anything, we got more worried."

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Fortunately, their story did have a happy ending: just months later, Emani found her mom and baby sister and they began talking on the phone. But it would still take around two more years before they were able to reunite in person.

The family's survival instincts kicked in 20 years ago when they left their home near the French Quarter and headed to the Moriel Convention Center for shelter. The only items that Emani took with her were clothes and a pink portable CD player.

It was the first one that I had gotten," Emani, now 33 and a mother of two, tells PEOPLE in this week's issue. "I had begged for one for a long time."

They witnessed chaotic scenes upon their arrival at the convention center where people were tightly packed amid no lights and dirty restrooms. What stood out to her the most was the insufferable heat and people dying around them.

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Those sheltering were also initially scared at the thought of floodwaters rushing into the center. "It was chaotic," she says. "That whole panic mode of the crowd went on for a few hours before we realized, 'Okay, y'all, there's no water.' "

Around the fifth day, military personnel arrived and said that helicopters were arriving to evacuate residents beginning with women and children first.

After the military outlined how many people they could take, the family had to make a choice and decided that Emanis mom and Jermani would evacuate together while Emani, Emanuel and their grandmother stayed together. At the time, Emani says they just assumed their separation would be short-lived.

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Emani saw her mom and baby sister board a helicopter bound for somewhere in Texas, while another helicopter later took Emani, her brother and their grandma to West Virginia Settling Camp Dawson.

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There, Emani and her family members had their first hot shower and real meal since the disaster.

While at the military base, Emani searched for her moms whereabouts every day. Later, a family in West Virginia who heard about Emani's story in PEOPLE, took her, Emanuel and their grandma to live with them.

After a couple of months, through the help of a friend, Emani reconnected with her mom, also named Jerilynn, and her baby sister. She learned that her mom, who had been looking for them too, was stationed in Kingsville, Texas, and had spent much of the time they'd been apart trying to get housing and emergency assistance.

Emani says that things were hard for her mother in Texas and it took her a while to get set up in a new apartment "because she had no resources, she had no money."

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"She did have food stamps so they could eat and she was job searching," she adds.

About two years later, Emani and her brother finally reunited in person with their mom and sister, who, of course, was no longer the 10-month-old baby she'd been when they last saw each other.

When she went to reach for her, Emani remembers her sister hiding behind their mom, acting like, "Who is this lady coming to me trying to pick me up? I don't know her."

Still, says Emani, "we were just happy. We were finally back together."

"That just felt really, really good," she adds.

Courtesy Emani Scott Emani Scott with her two children Zaniyah and Zori in 2022 Emani Scott with her two children Zaniyah and Zori in 2022

The family stayed in Kingsville for a few more years before moving back to New Orleans where their mom resumed working at a bar. Today, Jermani is currently a student at Drexel University while her brother Emanuel works in security at a VA hospital. Sadly, Grandmother Jerilynn died in 2010.

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As for Emani, she became a teacher, received her master's in secondary education and is currently working on another master's in data analytics and programming evaluation. She is also a single mom raising two daughters, 6 and 8.

Now, 20 years later, Emani says that the one thing she wants everyone to know "is that we're survivors."

"We're strong," she adds. "And if nothing else, this should be a moment that we remember that about ourselves."



Read the original article on People
NEED TO KNOW

Ryan LeFrere and Hannah Foret are still amazed that a teen from Maryland donated prom dresses to their high school months after Hurricane Katrina made landfall in 2005

Nearly 75% of her classmates at Cabrini High School were affected by the storm

"They made us forget that that year was so terrible," Foret tells PEOPLE

Two women who were in high school during Hurricane Katrina are opening up about how the kindness of a complete stranger helped make their prom feel like a normal school dance.

Twenty years ago, the catastrophic hurricane killed over 1,300 people and displaced over a million across the Gulf Coast, including Ryan LeFrere, then a high school student.

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When her senior prom rolled around nine months later, nearly 75% of her classmates at Cabrini High School were affected by Katrina. It was smaller, LeFrere, now 37, tells PEOPLE of the celebration they ended up having. Not too many people came back, but she says that it was still a good time.

LeFrere and other teens were even featured in the pages of Teen PEOPLE, celebrating the traditional teenage milestone even as visible reminders of the tragedy remained inescapable.

"They made us forget that that year was so terrible," says classmate Hannah Foret. "They definitely made it memorable for us."

From left: Ryan LeFrere and Hannah Foret (then Hannah Eusea) were featured in Teen PEOPLE in 2006.

But it was the generosity of Marisa West, a then-high school senior from Maryland, that continues to resonate with LeFrere. West collected thousands of prom dresses for girls living along the Gulf Coast  and LeFere wore one of her dresses that night.

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It was very sweet that someone that didnt know us or experience what wed been through cared enough to do something, she adds.

The unique attention was also a thrill to Foret, a junior who wore her own dress.

I remember when they asked me, I was very surprised because, as I said, I'm a very introverted person. I was not involved in a lot of clubs at Cabrini,  Foret says. It was really cool to be picked."

courtesy Ryan LeFrere From left: Ryan LeFrere and wife Mykeal Swain. From left: Ryan LeFrere and wife Mykeal Swain.

Its crazy for LeFrere to believe it's already been 20 years since Katrina. She still remembers packing up and evacuating two days before the hurricane made landfall near the Louisiana and Mississippi border on Aug. 29, 2005.

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I remember taking all of my pictures off the window, because I had a higher window, she says. I put them all on my bed. My bed actually ended up floating due to the water that went into the house. And my pictures were still on my bed, but they were all ruined.

When Katrina hit, Foret and her family were living in a rental home because a tornado had damaged her childhood home months earlier. Then they evacuated to a church in southern Louisiana.

We lost our possessions that we were storing at other people's houses because their houses flooded, says the legal assistant and married mom of three.

Her family ended up moving to the Baton Rouge area, living in her aunt's trailer for about two months. For Foret, 36, even though she never went back permanently, it wasnt until Cabrini reopened that life felt somewhat normal" again.

Courtesy Hannah Eusea Hannah Foret with her husband and kids. Hannah Foret with her husband and kids.

Now living in Houma  just over 50 miles from New Orleans  Foret says that, despite the devastation, something wonderful came out of the aftermath of the storm: her family.

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My husband, who I ended up marrying, is from this area, so it's kind of crazy to think had Katrina not happened, I wouldn't have met who I married to, she adds. "I wouldn't have these kids.

LeFrere, who lives in Houston with her wife and newborn son, also believes that the storm changed the trajectory of her life. She doesnt think about Katrina as much as she used to, but says, when I watch things or the date comes around, then of course, Facebook floods your timeline with all your memories.

You have to be resilient, because if not, you'll break down every day, LeFrere says. The place that you grew up in, you love, the city that you love, the city that helped to build you and mold you, it's never the same.



Read the original article on People
Thousands of people demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Saturday in favour of a swift end to the Gaza war and the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, with some calling on US President Donald Trump to help peace efforts.

Protesters gathered in Hostages Square in the centre of the coastal city to call on the Israeli government to agree to a ceasefire deal and the release of the hostages.

Some family members of remaining hostages called on Trump to do everything in his power to free them, unfurling a large banner that read: "Trump, make history."

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According to media reports, the Security Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is to meet again on Sunday.

A proposal for a ceasefire agreement that has already been approved by Hamas is not due to be discussed, according to the TV station N12.

"Tonight, the people of Israel received further proof that the Netanyahu government favours endless war over hostages, going completely against the will of the people, even though there is a real possibility of bringing the hostages home," the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said.

It has called for a further protest on Sunday.

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The demonstrators also remembered six hostages killed near Rafah by Hamas one year ago.

According to the military, they were brutally murdered by terrorists before the troops reached them. The incident caused consternation in Israel and around the world.

Demonstrators said that the example of those murdered a year ago showed that military pressure endangers hostages.
The Telegraph reports that US President Donald Trump has proposed engaging US private military companies to help with fortifications and act as a deterrent as part of potential security guarantees for Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda; The Telegraph, citing sources

Details: Trump, in his talks with European states on potential security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace agreement, allegedly proposed to involve private military companies from the United States to complement the efforts of European partners.

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The idea is that these American companies could be involved in strengthening fortifications, building new military bases, and protecting American businesses in Ukraine, and the presence of American contractors would be an additional deterrent to Russia.

The proposal is allegedly being discussed among other measures that the states of the Coalition of the Willing, led by France and the UK, have agreed to propose.

The use of private military companies would allow Trump, who has already promised not to send the US military to Ukraine, to calm the fears of the most isolationist wing of Trumpists, The Telegraphs sources say.

Background:

Before that, the Financial Times found out that Trump, in talks with Europeans, had proposed using Chinese peacekeepers in a "buffer zone" to be agreed upon as part of a potential deal; the White House denied the reports.

EU defence ministers agree to deploy military instructors in Ukraine as part of security guarantees.

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Aug. 29MORGANTOWN  A Monongalia County jury convicted Jonathan Ramirez, 24, of Watauga, Texas, on Thursday of first-degree murder, burglary and grand larceny in the stabbing death of 26-year-old Jacob Patrick Lough.

The verdict, returned after two days of testimony, pushed the trial into its final phase as jurors must now decide whether to recommend mercy. With mercy, Ramirez could be eligible for parole after 15 years. Without it, he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Ramirez wore a suit jacket and button-up shirt in court. He rocked side to side in his chair throughout the day, at times smirking faintly with no emotion as he walked in the room. At no point did he look toward his mother as she testified on his behalf.

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She commented on the stand, "I know I have lost my son."

"I am sorry for all the damage he has caused, " as she explains she feels her son does not love her.

The sentencing phase opened with testimony that painted Ramirez as both dangerous and unremorseful. A psychiatrist who evaluated him said Ramirez admitted to violent urges, described vivid fantasies of killing and revealed a fixation with horror icon Michael Myers.

He told the doctor he had wanted to be like the fictional slasher and had written descriptive stories about carrying out murders. Ramirez looked "like a child on Christmas morning " when he explained the killing of Lough in January 2024 to the doctor.

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Evidence showed Ramirez drove from Texas to Morgantown, broke into Lough's home and stabbed him more than 200 times. The psychiatrist testified that Ramirez showed no signs of remorse during his evaluation and instead expressed satisfaction in the details of his crime.

Jurors also heard from correctional officers who described Ramirez's conduct in jail while awaiting trial. One officer said Ramirez assaulted him. Since then, he has been kept on a special protocol requiring full restraints and two guards whenever he is moved.

Prosecutors argued this behavior underscored his threat to others, even in custody.

The focus later shifted to Lough himself. Friends and family filled the courtroom with stories of his warmth, humor and generosity. They described his love of sports, being a "cat dad " and the way he always found time for others. There were moments of laughterstories of inside jokes and his kid naturefollowed quickly by tears as loved ones recalled what they had lost.

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Comments made from loved ones were nothing but love, "As pure and nice as it comes."

"I see a really good dad."

"I would not trade those nine years together to take away my suffering."

"Imagine the purity of a four-year-old boy, he never grew up."

"I think about him every day."

The mercy phase is expected to continue Friday in Monongalia County Circuit Court as jurors weigh whether Ramirez should be eligible for parole.
New congressional maps about to be adopted in Texas, which aim to replace as many as five Democratic-leaning seats with likely Republican seats, are primarily aimed at protecting the GOPs slender majority in Washington. But they also have the potential to push outgoing Democratic House members, some observers suggest, into statewide races in 2026.

The new maps passed by the GOP-dominated state legislature, which now await Gov. Greg Abbotts signature, will force a number of sitting Democratic legislators to make difficult choices. Some may retire from Congress, others will run in newly-created districts against a favored Republican and others will be forced to face a fellow Democratic incumbent in dog-eat-dog primaries in redrawn districts.

Two of the maps new districts have been drawn to pack many more likely GOP voters into traditionally blue districts along the U.S.-Mexico border. Three others are designed to dilute Democratic votes in three of the states largest metropolitan areas, potentially flipping one district from blue to red in Austin, in greater Houston and in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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Along the border, Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez, both moderate Democrats, will now need to seek re-election  if they choose to run  in redrawn districts where Donald Trump won in 2024 by about 10 percentage points.

Rep. Greg Casar, a progressive Democrat, will see his district, which currently stretches from Austin to San Antonio, redrawn to include more conservative rural areas around the latter city. It will also become a district where Trump prevailed by 10-plus points.

In the Houston area, Rep. Al Green will see his current district, where more than 80 percent of residents are people of color, teleported to the citys northeastern suburbs, a much less diverse area that Trump carried by about 20 points.

Rep. Julie Johnson, who now represents Texas 32nd district in and around Dallas, will see it expanded to incorporate territory to the east of the city, creating a new district that Trump carried by 18 points.

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In these five seats, where incumbents will be forced to decide whether to quit or run again in unfriendly terrain, only one situation has been resolved.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a 78-year-old Democrat who has served in Congress for more than 30 years, announced last week that he plans to retire if the new maps are upheld.

Casar, the current chair of the House Progressive Caucus, has already announced that he will run in the newly redrawn 37th district in Austin, which will retain a likely Democratic lean.

In the other districts, however, theres no simple solution.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area will now have two blue-leaning districts. The 30th district, now represented by Rep. Jasmine Crockett, will remain largely unchanged from the previous map. The open question is whether Johnson will switch from her new GOP-friendly district to the 33rd, and run there against incumbent Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey.

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In Houston, there will now be two Democratic leaning seats: the 29th district, currently held by Rep. Sylvia Garcia, and the 18th, which is vacant after the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner earlier this year. (He had replaced veteran progressive Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who died in the summer of 2024.)

Green, whose district has now been redrawn, says he wont resign his current seat to run in the 18th district special election this November, but may run for that seat next year, depending on what other candidates emerge.

In the South Texas border districts, theres no clear path for Democratic incumbents Cuellar and Gonzalez to remain in office, at least not without overcoming a significant Republican advantage.

Cuellar has suggested that he may run for re-election in the newly Republican-friendly 28th district in comments to Spectrum News, noting that although Trump did well there, Democrats also enjoyed some down-ballot success. Cuellar is widely viewed as the most conservative Democrat now in Congress.

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Gonzalez has not yet said whether he plans to run again in the redrawn 34th district. If he does, his likely opponent will be former Rep. Mayra Flores, a Republican who briefly held the seat after a 2022 special election.

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Joshua Blank, director of research for the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, said in an interview with Salon that there is one faint silver lining for House Democrats facing gerrymandered districts: They could forge new careers, and energize the base, by pursuing statewide office.

While next years U.S. Senate race in Texas is gaining all the attention because of the intra-GOP battle between Sen. John Cornyn and scandal-plagued state Attorney General Ken Paxton, Blank said, The reality is, theres a whole ticket to fill out. Someone needs to run against the governor. Someone should be running against the lieutenant governor. Someone needs to run that attorney generals race.

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There are already some announced Democratic candidates in those races, but a sitting member of Congress would likely have a higher statewide profile, and could potentially run a competitive race. None of the Democrats currently announced as gubernatorial candidates, for instance, has held elected office before. While GOP gerrymanders have locked in control of the state legislature and the congressional delegation, races for statewide office are often fairly close calls.

So one of the questions, Blank suggested, is whether any of these people consider running, jumping to a statewide election, even if its just to build up your base, fight the good fight, and then turn back around and figure out what youre doing next?

The post New Texas maps: Doom for Democrats  or do they hold a hidden prize? appeared first on Salon.com.
Two Republican-led states are making major moves to reshape their political maps, setting the stage for another round of partisan battles over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms.

In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a sweeping redistricting plan into law Friday, one that critics say consolidates GOP power while diluting the influence of Democratic-leaning urban and minority communities. The new map adds a congressional seat in a fast-growing suburban corridor but carves up parts of Houston, Dallas and Austin in ways Democrats argue weaken their representation. Abbott defended the plan as a fair reflection of Texas population growth and a necessary step to ensure strong conservative leadership in Washington.

Meanwhile, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe called a special session for lawmakers to redraw his states congressional lines after a federal court struck down the previous map as unconstitutional. The ruling found that the states last redistricting plan improperly favored Republicans and failed to comply with population balance requirements. Parsons move could reopen political fault lines in Jefferson City, where Republican majorities have clashed with Democrats  and sometimes with each other  over how aggressively to pursue gerrymanders.

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In California, Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers have launched a bold counteroffensive: a new proposal, set for a November 4 special election, would override the current independent redistricting process to introduce Democratic-favoring maps potentially flipping up to five Republican-held seats. This mid-decade redistricting move, framed as a necessary response to GOP gerrymandering elsewhere, bypasses the voter-approved redistricting commission.

These developments underscore how redistricting battles remain central to American politics nearly four years after the 2020 Census triggered nationwide map-drawing. With control of Congress at stake in 2026, both parties are closely watching Texas, Missouri and California as potential bellwethers for how far courts will allow partisan line-drawing to go.

Legal challenges are already expected in Texas, where civil rights groups argue the map violates the Voting Rights Act. In Missouri, Democrats warn the special session could produce yet another map skewed toward Republicans, setting up another round of litigation before voters even head to the polls.

The post Texas and Missouri target Democrats, California pushes back appeared first on Salon.com.
A Texas teenager was rushed to hospital with severe burns all over his body after a TikTok experiment went horribly wrong.

Twelve-year-old Caden Ballard and his older brother saw a video on the social media app which involved putting rubbing alcohol into a bottle and setting it on fire, making flames shoot up the bottle.

My brother and I did that, and it was cool, Caden told KXAN, recalling the incident on August 16. However, after the fire appeared to have gone out, his brother told him to dispose of the bottle.

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My brother grabbed and said, Here, throw it away. So, I grabbed it to throw it in the trash can, [and] my shirt was on fire, the youngster said.

Without knowing, the boys had used isopropyl alcohol for their experiment which, when ignited, can have an invisible flame. The resulting flames caused second-to-third-degree burns across 11 percent of Cadens body.

A Texas teenager was rushed to hospital with severe burns all over his body after a TikTok experiment went horribly wrong (Ballard family/ GoFundMe)

The boys mom was on the other side of the house when the incident happened, and was told about the unfolding crisis by a friend who heard the boys call 911.

She recalled the horror of finding Caden on the porch.

He was just face, chest, arms, stomach covered in burns. It looked like his skin had been melted away, Christina Ballard told KXAN. They like to listen to the story times on TikTok, you know, the Reddit stories. So I never expected things to go the way they went.

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She praised the actions of Cadens brother, who had acted quickly  pulling off his brothers shirt and telling him to stop, drop and roll, to put out the flames and minimize the damage.

I dont know how you were brave enough to reach into the flames and pull the shirt off of your brother. But I thank God every single day that you were brave enough to do that, Ballard said.

The boys mother was alerted by a neighbor who heard them call 911. She recalled the horror of finding Caden on the porch (Ballard family/ GoFundMe)

Caden was rushed to a burns unit in Dallas, and is being transferred to a childrens burn unit in Galveston. He has already undergone surgery and now faces weeks of intensive care, recovery, and therapy, a GoFundMe page set up on behalf of his family said.

Caden is a strong and determined young man, but this journey will be long and painful, the page read.

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His parents are faithfully by his side, but the emotional weight is compounded by financial strain  extended hospital stays, time away from work, travel back and forth to Dallas, and bills piling up at home, it added.

The page has already raised almost $1,500.

Christina Ballard is now urging parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of recreating online stunts. We got very lucky; unfortunately, its bad, but Caden and I are very lucky that it wasnt a lot worse, she said.
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.

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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.

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.

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"[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."

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.

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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.
A class 9 student of a government residential school gave birth to a baby in the school toilet in Shahapur taluk of Karnataka's Yadgir district, the Superintendent of Police said. According to the FIR, the girl was full-term pregnant and had been sexually assaulted by an unknown person about nine months ago. The incident occurred on Wednesday (August 27) at approximately 2 pm. The matter came to light after her classmates noticed that the girl was in labour and informed the school administration. Initially, the girl, who said she was under a lot of stress, refused to divulge the details of the incident or the name of the person involved. She only told the authorities that she had felt stomach pain while in the toilet and had given birth there, the SP said. "Both the girl and the baby have been admitted to the hospital and are reported to be in stable condition," the police said. Police said that neither the school management nor the victim's brother had informed them about the incident. During the investigation, the police identified the accused as a 28-year-old man and registered a POCSO case based on a complaint filed by the District Child Protection Officer. A case has also been registered against four others, including the hostel warden, the school principal, the staff nurse and the victim's brother, for failing to inform the authorities about the girl's pregnancy, police said. The girl had been attending school continuously since the beginning of the academic year. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Association (KREIS) has suspended four school employees, including the principal and the hostel warden, on charges of dereliction of duty and negligence in monitoring the academic and health conditions of students. Deputy Commissioner Harshal Bhoyar and SP Prithvi Shankar issued a joint statement and said, "We will not reveal any information about this incident. The case is currently under investigation. We are investigating who is at fault. We will take action after the medical report comes. We will suspend the hostel staff. We will take action after determining where the mistake occurred and identifying the responsible parties. We will not protect anyone." "We will take action to prevent such an incident from happening again. We will investigate the matter of parents hiding it and child marriage. We will take necessary action to prevent such an incident. Nodal officers will be appointed and information will be obtained about the problems in the hostel," the statement said. Child Rights Commission member Shashidhar Kosumbe pointed out the failure of the officials and said that they should have paid attention when there was a physical change in the child. "A complaint has been filed in this regard. Such incidents are coming to light repeatedly and it is distressing. The officials have been instructed to submit a detailed report. The officials should have paid attention when there was a physical change in the child. A medical check-up should be done once a month, but the Social Welfare Department officials have failed. Action should be taken against the officials who were negligent in not conducting a medical check-up. Medical check-ups should be conducted in the residential school to prevent such incidents from happening again," Shashidhar Kosumbe said. (ANI)
As Thailand's ambassador to Israel talks to the Post, the country is doubling down on foreign workers in Israel, and fostering its long-standing, genuine diplomatic relationships in the Middle East

Very few people can say they've eaten pad Thai prepared by the personal chef of a Thai ambassador. Even fewer can claim they watched that ambassador himself guide the cooking demonstration, offering commentary with the confidence of someone who spent his junior diplomatic years perfecting the dish himself.

But that's exactly what happened Thursday evening at the Thai Ambassador's residence in Herzliya Pituach, where newly-appointed Ambassador Boonyarit Vichienpuntu welcomed diplomats and dignitaries to the "Festival of Light: Charms of Thai Heritage" reception - an event that skillfully wove cultural celebration with serious diplomatic messaging about peace, partnership, and perseverance.

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"Today, as I said, I bring you to my home," Ambassador Boonyarit Vichienpuntu told the gathered guests, who included Aviv Ezra, Deputy Director-General of Israel's Asia-Pacific Department, along with ambassadors from various nations. "Actually, I'm eating Thai food every day. And also, since I was a junior diplomat up to now, I cook myself."

The evening's centerpiece was ostensibly the Loy Krathong celebration, complete with traditional dancers in intricate costumes, a cooking demonstration, and the floating of kratongsdecorative basketsin the ambassador's pool. But beneath the festive atmosphere lay a carefully calibrated diplomatic message about Thailand's unique position in the Middle East and its unwavering commitment to its citizens working in Israel.

More than a culinary gimmick

For those who think they don't like Thai food, they've simply never tasted authentic Thai cuisine. The Thai SELECT certificationprominently featured at the event is not just diplomatic soft power or a marketing gimmick. It is a rigorous program by Thailand's Commerce Ministry requiring restaurants to serve at least 60% authentic Thai food using traditional cooking methods, with establishments needing to reapply every three years to maintain standards.

In Israel, several restaurants have earned this prestigious certification, including Nam, Soi, Tiger Lily, Thai at Har Sinai, and Thai House.

Guests peruse traditional Thai dishes laid out as Ambassador Vichienpuntu speaks during a cultural reception at his residence in Herzliya Pituach. (credit: Courtesy Royal Thai Embassy)

The papaya salad served at the reception was a revelation  perfectly balanced between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Other dishes had just enough heat to make you reach for what the bartender called "ancient tea," a purple, slightly shimmering drink described as a traditional remedy. The mango sticky rice was creamy perfection, and colorful luk chup - traditional mung bean sweets shaped like miniature vegetables - offered a delicate, mochi-like sweetness. Traditional Thai massage was also demonstrated, showcasing another aspect of Thailand's wellness culture.

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This wasn't fusion or adaptation; this was Thailand bringing its authenticity to Israeli shores, part of a broader cultural exchange that includes the 400,000 Israelis who visit Thailand annually  roughly 5% of Israel's population.

Honoring the workers who bridge two nations

The evening's most poignant moment came when Ambassador Vichienpuntu called Thai workers onto the stagemen who had traveled from their Israeli job sites to be honored by their embassy.

"They are construction workers and Thailand is very proud of them because they bring us [the] biggest revenue to our country when we are challenging, as any other countries, the problems of our economy," the ambassador said, his voice carrying genuine emotion. "They're helping us and they're helping our family. And also, they brought us mutual respect from the Israeli government side to take care of them as well."

This wasn't mere ceremony. Since October 7, 2023, Thailand has demonstrated remarkable diplomatic resolve in protecting its citizens in Israel. Of the 39 Thai nationals killed in the Hamas attacks and 32 taken hostage, Thailand successfully negotiated the release of all living hostages23 in November 2023 through separate negotiations with Hamas via Iranian and Qatari mediation, and five more in January 2025 after 481 days in captivity. The remains of two Thai workers  Sonthaya Oakkharasri and Sudthisak Rinthalak  are still being held in Gaza.

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Today, approximately 40,000 Thai workers are in Israel, earning about $1,500 monthlyfive times what they could make back home. They work in agriculture, construction, and services, forming the backbone of several Israeli industries. Thailand's decision to maintain and even strengthen this presence, despite the security risks, represents a significant vote of confidence in the bilateral relationship.

The diplomatic tightrope

When asked about Thailand's ability to maintain relationships with both Israel and other regional playersincluding conducting hostage negotiations through Iran, Ambassador Vichienpuntu offered a revealing response.

"We don't need to maintain it. We always have the existing good relations with your people and other friends," he said, suggesting Thailand's relationships aren't transactional but rather longstanding and genuine. "The thing is that we want to raise awareness [of is] that our people are innocent."

Honored Thai workers in Israel play alongside Ambassador Vichienpuntu at his residence in Herzliya Pituach. (credit: Courtesy Royal Thai Embassy)

This philosophy underpins Thailand's entire approach to the region. "Our people are innocent," he emphasized, referring to the Thai workers caught in the October 7 attacks. "The workers who suffer from the October 7 incident, they are not the stakeholders. And I don't want them to be used or to be victimized by any side. As the government of Thailand, it's our national duty to help them."

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Thailand's approach of maintaining its 2012 recognition of Palestinian statehood while deepening ties with Israel exemplifies what the ambassador called listening to all sides. "You cannot only use force to force people to do anything," he said. "People have to have mutual respect and mutual understanding. And that's only through the diplomatic solution."

The ambassador confirmed that Thailand supports a two-state solution, though he was careful not to oversimplify the complexities of achieving lasting peace in the region.

When asked whether there's enough mutual understanding in the region, he was philosophical: "I'm very new to this region... but I think that it's never been enough." The ambassador emphasized the importance of diplomatic listening, suggesting that even when other parties' messages don't align with one's expectations, "you have to be liberal enough to listen to them."

Agricultural roots run deep

The relationship between Thailand and Israel extends far beyond the current crisis. "We started with the strength of your country on agricultural technology," Ambassador Vichienpuntu noted. Israel "kindly shared with us the technical assistance for bringing growth and development for our specialized way of doing agriculture."

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Critically, this agricultural cooperation includes Thailand's Royal Projects. "In Thailand, the king is everything for us," the ambassador explained. "And the king, he devoted [himself] for our people. And you are part of the project of the king. So that brings us even closer already."

This royal connection adds another layer to why Thailand maintains such strong ties with Israel despite regional complicationsit's not just about economics or geopolitics, but about programs directly associated with Thailand's revered monarchy.

The Thai monarchy is prominently on display at the ambassador's residence. (credit: Courtesy Royal Thai Embassy)

Beyond beaches: a maturing relationship

The ambassador also addressed the evolution of Israeli tourism to Thailand, which has moved beyond its party reputation. "During COVID, you had Israeli tourists who were stuck in Koh Phangan," he recalled. "Then the digital nomads came. After that, the image of Israeli tourism in Koh Phangan changed from just the full moon parties to a more substantive way of traveling."

He acknowledged past cultural misunderstandings: "We may experience problems about the misunderstanding of Thai culture and Thai etiquette. But finally, with the love of your people, [Israelis] start to understand us." This mutual understanding, he suggested, provides "a solid foundation to step up to further cooperation."

Looking forward

The reception showcased UNESCO-recognized Thai cultural heritagefrom traditional Khon masked dance to the national costumes currently being considered for intangible heritage status. But it also made clear the country is working towards future cooperation, including recent cybersecurity workshops and potential trade agreements.

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"Thailand is a nation that proudly holds love, peace, harmony in our hearts," Ambassador Vichienpuntu said. "And also, we share our peace-loving character to everyone in this international community."

When asked about predictions for Gaza's future, the ambassador was philosophical about the region's complexity. "I don't think that anyone can predict," he said, adding that even those living in the conflict cannot find stable answers to its questions.

As the ambassador floated a kratong in his pool alongside Aviv Ezra, the symbolism wasn't lost on anyone. Loy Krathong is about letting go of sorrow and welcoming blessings. For Thailand and Israel, after the trauma of October 7 and its aftermath, the ceremony carried special meaning.

"I think that I will have more and more parties like this in the future," the ambassador promised his guests.

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In a region where diplomatic receptions often feel heavy with unspoken tensions, Thailand's evening of cultural celebrationcomplete with perfectly prepared pad Thai and heartfelt recognition of its workersoffered something different: a reminder that even in the most complex geopolitical landscapes, there's room for authentic connection, mutual respect, and really excellent Thai food.

The message was clear: Thailand isn't going anywhere. Its workers will continue building and farming, Israeli tourists will keep visiting Thailand, and its diplomats will keep cooking up solutionssometimes literallyto bridge divides and maintain peace. As diplomatic strategies go, it's hard to argue with one that includes both successful hostage negotiations and perfect pad Thai.
By Panu Wongcha-um

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's political rivals jockeyed for power on Saturday after a court sacked the prime minister, with two camps declaring they were ready to form the next government but with no indication when that might happen.

The Constitutional Court's dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Friday for an ethics violation triggered a burst of dealmaking. Her ruling alliance put on a united front, while a party that quit her coalition sought to rally support to fill the vacuum.

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Paetongtarn, 39, was the sixth premier from or backed by the billionaire Shinawatra family to be ousted by the military or judiciary in a tumultuous two-decade battle for power and patronage among Thailand's rival elites.

With an array of competing interests, histories of betrayal and big war chests among the political groups, more shifts in allegiance could create deadlock at a time of public unease and prolonged malaise in Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy.

The once-dominant Pheu Thai party, founded by Paetongtarn's father Thaksin Shinawatra, has a mountain to climb to shore up a coalition that has haemorrhaged public support, opening the door to its former alliance partner Bhumjaithai to woo other parties and seek defections.

Bhumjaithai's leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, stole the spotlight from Paetongtarn on Friday, as a phalanx of media livestreamed his every move as he shuttled between parties offering pledges that included calling an election within four months.

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The process to elect a prime minister could be protracted, as the constitution provides no deadline. There was no indication on Saturday of when parliament would hold a vote.

Flanked by several factions that once backed the coalition, Anutin told a press conference late on Friday he already had the votes in the bag.

"We are here to work for the people, we have enough votes of support," he said.

PROSPECT OF DEADLOCK

Emerging as a kingmaker is the opposition People's Party, the largest force in parliament and a reincarnation of the party that won the 2023 election on an anti-establishment platform but was blocked from power by lawmakers allied with the royalist military.

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The party, which holds nearly a third of house seats, has said it will not join a government but would support any party promising an early election and a referendum on amending the constitution.

Acting premier Phumtham Wechayachai expressed confidence on Saturday that his Pheu Thai would prevail, stressing there was no fixed timeframe on electing a prime minister.

"I believe the People's Party will use reason to make its decision. I don't think they will be in a hurry," he said. "Pheu Thai can bring in more people."

Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, said that with the Shinawatra family's populist juggernaut Pheu Thai in decline and unable to deliver on its agenda, Anutin had the upper hand for now.

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"Anutin, he's manoeuvring, clearly manoeuvring," Thitinan said. "He has a better chance because he's a more known quantity. He knows how the system works and he has a very strong base."

"It now comes down to the numbers game."

(Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by William Mallard)
Migrants staying at the Bell Hotel in Epping have thanked Keir Starmer after a controversial ruling allowed them to remain there.

A temporary injunction which blocked asylum seekers being housed at the Essex hotel has been overturned at the Court of Appeal.

It has sparked widespread anger from locals and politicians but residents at the hotel have welcomed the move and even thanked those responsible.

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The ruling would have forced 138 migrants to leave the site by September 12 but now they can remain until a new hearing.

Khadar Mohamed, 24, from Somalia, said he was delighted with the news, and thanked Keir Starmer and his government.

Khadar claimed those in the hotel had been living in fear from local residents who have been holding frequent protests outside several times a week.

He told The Telegraph: I want to say thank you to Keir Starmer and his government.

I am delighted with the news, wow. That is really amazing.

We are not criminals

Khadar  who said he had won his claim for political asylum against the Home Office  said: We are good people. We are not criminals.

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The noise and protests are bad. We cant leave the hotel and have been told dont speak to protesters.

Im not a threat. Im not a problem. I came for a new life. I want to be part of the country.

Another migrant in his 30s, who had been told not to speak to the public or leave his hotel room, said: I am pleased. It had been a worry.

Protesters gathered outside of the Roundhouse in Bournemouth waving St Georges flags - Max Willcock/BNPS

Meanwhile, in Bournemouth, Dorset, a man believed to be an asylum seeker living in the Roundhouse hotel, appeared to give protesters the finger hours after the ruling.

The young man appeared at the window to grin at the crowd of around 200 demonstrators outside before raising his middle finger.

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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.

Protesters demonstrate in Falkirk, Scotland, on Saturday - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

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.

Nigel Farage said the court judgment meant illegal migrants had more rights than the British.

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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!

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.

Its been a real worry

Locals in Epping told the Telegraph they were in a state of shock after the ruling.

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Sam Collingwood, 43, who has lived in Epping for 20 years, said on Saturday: Its terrible for all of us. We dont need this. Were so stressed. Its been a real worry.

I dont know where we go from here. How many more will stay there? What happens now? Its terrible.

Children go back to school next week, what then?

Protests continued across the UK on Saturday.

In West London, five people were arrested after a group of men in masks attempted to enter a hotel.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the group attempted to enter the Crowne Plaza in Stockley Road through the rear entrance, damaging security fences.

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Protesters have also been pictured gathering outside hotels in areas including Gloucester, Newcastle, Swindon and Falkirk.

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Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

Fragments of energy may be the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

The theory combines the ideas of particles and waves into a concentration of energy that flows throughout space and time.

The researchers used the theory to answer two problems solved by Einstein.

Embrace the flow, says a duo of mechanical engineers at North Carolina State Universitythe flow of energy, that is. The mantra you might normally hear from your yoga instructor could be an entirely new way of looking at the universe.

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The two theorists, Larry Silverberg and Jeffrey Eischen, suggest that fragments of energy, rather than waves or particles, may be the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

The bedrock of their theory is the foundational idea that energy is always flowing through space and time. The authors suggest thinking of energy as lines that enter and exit a region of space, never crossing each other, and with no beginning or end point.

Working from the idea of a universe of flowing energy lines, we looked for a single building block for the flowing energy, Silverberg, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, writes in The Conversation . If we could find and define such a thing, we hoped we could use it to accurately make predictions about the universe at the largest and tiniest scales.

Whats the Matter?

In the 4th century B.C., the ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, formulated the idea that the universe was composed of five building blocks of matter: earth, water, air, fire, and the heavenly aether . This idea persisted for more than 2,000 years, and plagued the countless alchemists who tried to strike it rich by transmuting earth into gold.

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Coincidentally, it was also an alchemist who unseated the ideas of Aristotle from their throne. Robert Boyle, the famed father of chemistry, abandoned the classic elements in favor of the idea that all matter was composed of particles. This revolutionary idea led to one of the most explosive periods in the history of science, including Sir Isaac Newtons formulation of classical mechanics.

The particle was now the king of the scientific universe, and it would reign for another 150 years until Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell introduced electromagnetic waves to the equation.

Together, particles and waves became the known building blocks of all matter. Particles served as the individual bricks, as matter existing at a single point in space. Electromagnetic waves made up the mortar holding it all together, as energy dissipating everywhere in space as waves.

Separating matter into both particles and waves made predictions easier for physicists because they could easily describe the behavior of particles and waves. But nothing comes easy in physics, and the theory was quickly flipped on its head.

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Early in the 20th century, the famous double-slit experiment showed that particles and waves weren't nearly as distinct as we previously thought. The experiment revealed that particles, at times, could act like waves, and light could sometimes act like particles.

Around the same time minds were exploding over the wave-particle duality of matter, Albert Einstein was formulating his theory of general relativity, which describes how warping the fabric of space and time causes gravity. Together, the discoveries shaped the course of modern physics, but the connections between the two phenomena remain unclear.

The Fragment of Energy

Using newer mathematical tools, my colleague and I have demonstrated a new theory that may accurately describe the universe. Instead of basing the theory on the warping of space and time, we considered that there could be a building block that is more fundamental than the particle and the wave, Silverberg writes.

He and Eischen looked for a solution that had features of both particles and waves. They wanted to find a building block that was both concentrated like a particle and spread out like a wave. Their answer is what they call a fragment of energy.

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The fragment of energy is a lot like stars in a distant galaxy. From afar, a galaxy looks like a bright glow of light radiating outwards. But on closer inspection, astronomers can resolve individual stars making up the galaxy. In the same sense, the fragment of energy represents a concentration of energy that flows and dissipates outward, away from the center.

With their new building block, the scientists formulated a new set of equations to solve physics problems. They tested their theory on two problems solved by Einstein more than a century ago.

Rainer Zens/Wikimedia Commons

Einsteins theory of general relativity was confirmed by two observations made by astronomers. The first was a tiny annual shift in the orbit of Mercury . Einstein accurately predicted that the curvature of spacetime caused by the mass of the sun would cause Mercury's orbit to wobble over time. The second was the bending of light as it passes across warped space and time near to the sun.

If our new theory was to have a chance at replacing the particle and the wave with the presumably more fundamental fragment, we would have to be able to solve these problems with our theory, too, Silverberg writes.

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To solve the Mercury problem, Silverberg and Eischen modeled the sun as a massive fragment of energy, with Mercury as a smaller fragment of energy orbiting around it. In the bending of light problem, the sun was modeled identically, but the light was modeled as a massless point traveling at the speed of light (a photon). After calculating the paths of the moving fragments of energy, the researchers got the same answers as Einstein.

The solutions show how effective their new building block can be at modeling the behavior of matter from the micro to macroscopic scale. Although their formulation may not exactly change physics like the discoveries of Maxwell and Einstein, the theory could make the wave-particle duality of matter more intuitive, and give a new way of thinking about the universe.

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MUSKOGEE Co., Okla. (KFOR)- Authorities in Muskogee announced on Friday an additional

arrest in connection to an 11-year-old girl giving birth at home.

Police say 53-year-old Michelle Justus was arrested on child neglect charges.

Michelle Justus, Image Muskogee Police Department

Court documents reveal Justus witnessed the 11-year-old on the day she gave birth but disregarded informing authorities.

The Muskogee Police Department says its officers responded to a local hospital there on August 16 after getting a call that an 11-year-old had given birth at her home, in town, over an hour earlier. Dustin Walker, the childs stepfather, and Cherie Walker, the childs biological mother, were initially arrested and charged with child neglect. They were both booked on $100,000 bonds.

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Gov. Stitt calls on lawmaker to resign after domestic violence guilty plea

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) confirmed results from a DNA test showing Dustin Walker was the father of the newborn baby.

Currently Dustin Walker and Cheri Walker are both facing charges of with child neglect.

Police confirmed Dustin is being charged with child sexual abuse. Cherie is being charged with enabling child sexual abuse. The couple is also facing additional charges of child neglect tied to the 11-year-old and five of their other younger children.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A third teenager was arrested Friday in connection with a deadly robbery-related shooting at an Antioch park in 2024, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department.

MNPD TITANS Unit detectives arrested Jamier Logan, 18, on several charges and an unrelated outstanding warrant. Officials said because Logan was 17 years old at the time of the shooting, a charge of criminal homicide is pending against him in Juvenile Court.

ORIGINAL STORY: MNPD: Man found dead at William A. Pitts Park following targeted shooting

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At the time of his arrest, MNPD said Logan was free on bond following an arrest on April 16 for vehicle theft, evading arrest and property theft. He was also wanted for aggravated burglary following an incident on Aug. 14, during which he allegedly broke into an apartment while demanding to speak with someone he was in a dispute with.

Logan is the third suspect to be arrested in connection with the deadly shooting on Nov. 30, 2024. According to investigators, 23-year-old Mohamed Keita of Riverdale, Georgia was shot multiple times in the drivers seat of his Infiniti sedan in a rear parking lot of William A. Pitts Park, and his body was found the following day.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

On March 6, Jazlynn Summers, 18, was arrested in connection with the shooting and allegedly admitted to MNPD detectives that she had helped set up and participate in a robbery leading up to Keitas death.

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On May 30, Angel Sandoval, 18, was arrested in North Carolina and charged in connection with the deadly shooting. In the announcement of Sandovals arrest, officials stated that robbery was the apparent motive. Both Summers and Sandoval were 17 years old at the time of the shooting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Thousands of people gathered in Frankfurt to protest against the Gaza war on Saturday after courts overruled the western German city's ban on the demonstration.

Police reported approximately 10,000 attendees at the starting point in Hafenpark, surpassing the 5,000 originally registered.

The demonstrators, carrying Palestinian flags and protest posters, chanted slogans such as "Freedom for Palestine" and "From the River to the Sea - Palestine will be free."

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The latter phrase has been the source of legal disputes in Germany, with some cities prosecuting activists for using it, while some courts have overturned convictions.

The march, held under the banner "United4Gaza  Stop the Genocide Now!" was due to proceed from the east of Frankfurt to the Rossmarkt square in the city centre.

Police reported no major incidents or riots by the afternoon.

City authorities had previously attempted to ban the demonstration, citing it as a "potentially anti-Semitic gathering."

The city said it was concerned about escalating tensions between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli activists.

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However, the organizer challenged the ban and won the case at the Frankfurt Administrative Court on Thursday.

The court ruled that the ban was unjustified based on the current police risk assessment, stating that a ban requires an immediate danger to public safety.

The Administrative Court in Kassel also reviewed the demonstration and decided on Friday that it could proceed. The court noted that police could focus on individual troublemakers to uphold the fundamental right to freedom of assembly for other participants.

Thousands take part in the "United 4 Gaza" demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians in downtown Frankfurt. Boris Roessler/dpa
Three people died and 94 others injured on Saturday after a passenger train derailed in north-western Egypt, health authorities said.

The accident happened in the coastal province of Marsa Matruh, the Ministry of Health added in an online statement.

The railway authorities said seven carriages derailed while the train was on a journey from Marsa Matruh heading to Cairo.

Egyptian Minister of Transport Kamel al-Wazir headed to the site and ordered the formation of a technical committee to determine the cause of the accident, the state-run National Railways added in a statement.

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Initially, the Egyptian news portal al-Youm al-Sabaa reported that the mishap resulted from a railway subsidence, prompting a halt to the service.

Egypt's worst rail disaster took place in 2002, when a passenger train caught fire, killing more than 360 people.
By Stefanno Sulaiman

JAKARTA, Indonesia (Reuters) -Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday cancelled a planned trip to China as days of protests spread further outside the capital Jakarta, with several regional parliament buildings set ablaze.

Prabowo had been due to attend a "Victory Day" parade in China on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two following Japan's formal surrender.

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The protests, the first major test for Prabowo's nearly year-old government, began in Jakarta this week over lawmakers' pay and worsened after a police vehicle hit and killed a motorcycle rider.

"The president wants to continue monitoring (the situation in Indonesia) directly...and seek the best solutions," presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi said in a video statement on Saturday.

"Therefore, the president apologises to the Chinese government that he could not attend the invitation."

Another consideration in cancelling the trip was a United Nations General Assembly session in September, Prasetyo said.

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In the light of the protest, short-video app TikTok, which is owned by China's ByteDance, said on Saturday it had suspended its live feature in Indonesia for a few days.

Jakarta had this week summoned representatives of social media platforms, including as Meta Platforms Inc and TikTok, and told them to boost content moderation because disinformation had spread online. The government says that such disinformation has spurred protests against it.

FIRES

Earlier on Saturday, protesters caused fires at regional parliament buildings in three provinces - West Nusa Tenggara, Pekalongan city in Central Java and Cirebon city in West Java, local media reported.

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Local media Detik.com said protesters had looted parliamentary office equipment in Cirebon and police fired teargas to disperse protesters in Pekalongan and West Nusa Tenggara.

Three people were killed on Friday in an arson attack on a parliament building in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province, Indonesia's disaster management agency said.

State news agency Antara said the victims had been trapped in the burning building, and the disaster management agency said two people were injured after jumping out of the building to escape the fire.

Local media outlet metrotvnews.com reported one further death from a fire at the Makassar parliamentary building. This could not be independently confirmed.

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Protests also occurred on the holiday island of Bali, where teargas was used against protesters.

Local media also reported that a crowd had looted the Jakarta home of Ahmad Sahroni, a lawmaker from the political party NasDem, and taken items including household furniture.

Sahroni has faced accusations of responding insensitively to people calling for parliament to be dissolved amid anger over lawmakers' allowances. Sahroni has labelled such critics "the stupidest people in the world".

($1 = 16,250.0000 rupiah)

(Reporting by Abd Rahman Muchtar in Makassar; Writing by Stefanno Sulaiman; Editing by William Mallard)
The Jammu and Kashmir region is currently experiencing adverse weather conditions, characterised by heavy rainfall, triggered landslides, flash floods and road blockades, forcing the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and cutting off several districts on Saturday. Authorities said that seven members of a family were killed in a cloudburst in the Mahore tehsil of the Reasi district. Sub Inspector (SO Traffic) Maqbool Hussain said the Jammu-Srinagar highway remains closed due to multiple damages caused by landslides and falling rocks. "The advisory has been issued because the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is currently closed. All vehicles coming from the Mughal Road are subject to a cut-off time as per the advisory. We haven't allowed any vehicles to pass after 2:30 pm," Hussain told ANI. He further added, "Passenger vehicles have been instructed to go to the bus stand for accommodation and food. Trucks and small vehicles are being stopped here. As soon as the weather improves or the road advisory is lifted, action will be taken. Until then, we urge people to follow the advisory. Do not act according to your own wishes, as the weather is still poor at the moment. Mughal Road can also be closed at any time." Meanwhile, in Reasi's Mahore area, tragedy struck late on Friday night after a cloudburst hit Karada village. JKNC MLA Khurshied Ahmed confirmed the deaths. "In Mahore tehsil, there is a small village, Karada. An incident of a cloudburst occurred there last night. One Nazeer Ahmed, his wife Wazeera Begum, and their five children have died. We had never seen such heavy rainfall. The villagers recovered the bodies this morning," Ahmed told ANI. The Reasi District Administration said rescue operations are underway in the affected areas of Badr and Mahore. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Rajouri, Jammu, and Kathua, warning of very heavy rainfall in the coming days. For September 1, an orange alert has also been issued for districts including Poonch, Reasi, Kulgam, Jammu, and several others. (ANI)
Protests over perks for Indonesian lawmakers escalated into deadly violence, leaving at least three people dead in a fire at a city council building in the eastern city of Makassar, officials said on Saturday.

The unrest, which has spread across the country since the beginning of the week, was triggered by public anger over reports that members of parliament were receiving a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,000), more than 10 times the average wage in Indonesia.

Tensions rose further after a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver was run over and killed by an armoured police vehicle during a protest in Jakarta on Thursday night. The incident, captured on widely shared videos, has fuelled accusations of excessive force by the security forces.

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In Makassar, protesters stormed the local council building late Friday, setting it on fire and killing a district officer, a security guard and an aide to a legislator, said Fadli Tahar, the head of the city's civil protection agency.

Fires and clashes were also reported in Jakarta, Surabaya and Bandung, where demonstrators attacked and set fire to police stations and public transport facilities.

President Prabowo Subianto, who took office in October 2024, appealed for calm in a televised address, calling for dialogue but warning against further violence.
Thurmonts Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday recommended that the Board of Commissioners approve a petition to annex about 16.7 acres into the town with conditions  a continuation of a long-running issue involving resident concerns and pending litigation.

Cross and Company, a developer, is asking the town to annex the land into Thurmont for a planned development of 61 single-family homes.

The company is seeking to build the development  the Albert Meadows neighborhood  on what is known as the Simmers property, which encompasses about 24.5 acres between Apples Church Road and Graceham Road.

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Patricia Simmers, who owns the property, hired the company to develop her land, The Frederick News-Post previously reported.

Approximately 7.8 acres of the property are inside town limits and zoned for high-density residential use. The company is seeking to annex the other 16.7 acres because they are outside Thurmont and zoned agricultural.

Amid the annexation efforts, Cross and Company filed a lawsuit in 2024 against more than 30 defendants, including the town, Frederick County, dozens of residents and the residential associations of the Albert Courts community, which is next to the Simmers property.

The company is seeking to have the defendants remove an abandoned stormwater management facility from the Simmers property.

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If the annexation and plan are approved, the lawsuits will be resolved as part of a pending settlement agreement between the town and company, the town attorney, Leslie Powell, said at Thursdays commission meeting.

The company will remove the abandoned facility and replace it at no cost to the defendants, Powell said.

The other benefits of this agreement include an end to the litigation, with no possibility for appeals, and a reduced density development on the property, according to the attorney.

Without a resolution, the litigation could continue for years, she said.

If we can resolve it under these terms, under reasonable terms, all of the individual defendants will be able to go about their lives, Powell said.

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After the settlement agreement is finalized, the town Board of Commissioners will schedule discussion and public hearings on the issue.

As planning commission members discussed the recommended approval of the annexation, they considered the developments compatibility with the town plan, the availability of public services to meet its needs and the practicality of public improvement plans for utilities.

The planning commission voted unanimously for the positive recommendation. Commission member Grant Johnson was absent.

Commission Chair Meredith Wivell said the decision was based on findings of fact.

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The planning commissions recommendation of approval comes with certain conditions, which the members discussed on Thursday:

 The lawsuit is resolved

 Removal and replacement of the stormwater facility are the responsibility of the company

 The town explores sidewalk connections to the existing park system

 A public park is added within the development

 The company works to complete forest planting in lieu of paying a fee

 The town looks into impacts on Easy Street and Luther Drive, which would be connected to the development.

Community concerns

The developers previous concept plan from earlier this year, which residents opposed, had a denser development with 100 homes and a senior assisted living facility.

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Bruce Dean, an attorney who represented the company at Thursdays meeting, said the new plan, with 61 single-family homes, was not what Daniel Cross of Cross and Company initially envisioned for the project.

Although Cross hoped to build a multigenerational development, Dean said the company hopes the new plan is acceptable to Thurmont residents.

The revised plan is the result of intensive negotiations between the town and Cross & Co, according to a memo from Thurmonts town planner, Kelly Duty, sent the commission on Aug. 22.

The town previously approved a petition to annex the land in 2022 for a higher-density project by the same company. But town residents expressed concerns over the high-density development and overwhelmingly voted in a referendum to reject the annexation in 2023.

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James Miller, a town resident, said he and his wife have been wanting to sell their house since last year, but have been unable to because of the ongoing lawsuit in which they are named.

Dan Twigg, a property owner at Albert Courts, said on Thursday he appreciates the companys attempts to accommodate resident concerns and input in the new plan.

Several residents expressed concerns about traffic on Easy Street and Luther Drive with the new development.

A traffic impact study funded by the developer and conducted in May by Street Traffic Studies concluded the development could be constructed without resulting in any adverse traffic impacts to the surrounding area road network.

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Town resident Sam Scott said previous concerns of density and current road conditions are still relevant.

Theres a reason why it didnt pass the first time, Scott, who lives by the property, said. If this goes through, the bulk of the people who live there are gonna be driving past my house.

Another resident, Susan Free, said she was opposed to the previous plans, but can live with the proposed development.

Its not going to be a very good street for entrance and egress to this development unless its made wider, and theres no way they can make it wider, Free said.
An rsted wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island. The federal government this month issued a stop-work order on the company's Revolution Wind project, which was 80% complete. (Photo courtesy rsted)

This week the Trump Administration signaled its intention to reconsider the approval of a federal permit for the US Wind farm off the Maryland coast. As a longtime resident and business owner in Ocean City, Im one of thousands of local citizens applauding this decision.

The lobbying and PR machine of US Wind has been going full steam ahead with its campaign to sell the state and the citizens of Maryland with a pro-environment, pro-economy narrative. On these pages recently the CEO of Oceantic Network, which is supported by the offshore wind industry, hailed the merits of the US Wind project with promises of economic benefits for the state.

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But there is another side to this story. Our beautiful coastline is at risk of being permanently defaced with the blight of over 900 foot towers 11 miles off our shore. The negative impact on the Maryland Eastern Shore will be devastating, threatening offshore sea life, the livelihoods of waterman and fisheries, and the economic engine that drives everything in our community  tourism.

US Wind touts model-based statistical projections alleging new jobs being created, money being invested, and savings to electric ratepayers. These data points are not based in reality but rather on projections and promises.

But for us locally, weve been asking: At what cost?

Your opinion matters

Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org.

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We suggest a 750-word limit and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions. We do not accept columns that are endorsements of candidates, and no longer accept submissions from elected officials or political candidates.

Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines.

Views of writers are their own.

What will be the cost to the waterman who will lose valuable fishing grounds to the disruption of the marine ecosystem? The wind industry has acknowledged this with attempts to compensate fishermen with multimillion-dollar packages set aside for them. But these are lifelong pursuits and multigenerational businesses. These fishermen dont want a handout  they want to fish.

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What will be the cost to Maryland ratepayers who will see their electricity rates rise? The Maryland Public Service Commission has already established a cost cap on rates to protect customers when offshore wind comes online. Their models anticipate added costs for ratepayers, not savings, with electric bills rising up to $300 per household and by as much as 10-20% for Maryland businesses.

What will be the cost to homeowners in Ocean City and across Worcester County? They will see their home values plummet in the face of rising property taxes and service fees to support this new industry and potential declines in market demand for their homes.

What will be the cost to the wildlife that now thrives off the coast of Maryland and Delaware? There is substantial scientific evidence that offshore wind rigs destroy habitat and displace species from their natural environments due to construction, underwater noise and electromagnetic fields. The risk to whales and other marine mammals is painfully evident when endangered North Atlantic right whales wash ashore.

And finally, what will be the cost to our tourism and hospitality industry when the negative impact of offshore wind development keeps tourists away? The hotels, restaurants, shop owners and support services are the lifeblood of our community. Im a small business owner in Ocean City. If our businesses fail our families will suffer and the city and county will lose tens of millions in tax revenue that sustains our schools and public works.

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Tourism revenue generated on the Maryland coast accounts for a huge economic contribution to the state. To put that multibillion-dollar benefit at risk for the questionable promises of a heavily subsidized offshore wind industry is insane.

The Ocean City and Worcester County governments have given their public and financial support for community led groups like StopOffshoreWind.com. They are standing up for our community rights and interests and have pushed the federal government to cancel the permits for the US Wind project.

It looks like the federal government is waking to the reality of what these offshore wind farms will really cost. If the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management follows through with canceling the US Wind permits it will be encouraging for our local community.

The threat wont go away. The wind industry has plenty of legal and lobbying firepower. But we arent going away either. For those of us who live and work in Ocean City, well never stop fighting to preserve our precious coastline and protect our way of life.
China protests Taiwan foreign minister's visit to the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Taiwans foreign minister has flown to the Philippines as head of a high-level delegation of investors, two senior Philippine officials said Saturday, prompting a protest from China and a warning to Manila not to play with fire. Relations between China and the Philippines have been strained as their coast guards and other forces spar in increasingly tense confrontations over the ownership of islands and fishing grounds in the disputed South China Sea. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lungs visit earlier this week to Manila and the Clark Freeport Zone, an industrial hub north of the capital, has exacerbated the tensions.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Its the final get away for travelers over the long Labor Day holiday weekend.

According to AAA flights, hotels, and car rentals are cheaper for domestic travelers this holiday weekend compared to last year. Gas prices are still lower than they were at this time last year, according to AAA Alabama and this Labor Day could set records as far as travel. Kelly Lauridsen is taking advantage of the long Labor Day weekend to fly to California to visit her sister in Newport Beach:

Were going to sit at the pool, read a book, take the dog for a walk, maybe watch some fireworks, she said.

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According to AAA, domestic roundtrip flights are 6% cheaper than last year. Charles and Margaret Jones decided to head to Alaska:

Its been on our bucket list and we finally decided to do it.

Kim Hunt, Vice President of Communications for the Birmingham Airport Authority said while Labor Day weekend is not the busiest holiday weekend with kids being back in school, its still a good idea for allow for extra time:

On a weekend like this, the parking deck will get a little fuller and so people need to give themselves a little extra time to find a parking place, said Hunt.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to host signup for Global Entry enrollment

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Most people will be traveling by automobile, according to Clay Ingram with AAA Alabama. CBS 42 caught up with Leslie Hopkins and her husband at a gas station off of I-65 in Clanton. The couple are driving to Destin, Florida from Illinois:

Honestly, I think that everybodys been really cordial and very mindful of each other, Hopkins noted. So, I think as long as people just keep doing the speed limit, which is what were seeing a lot of, just do the speed limit.

Lee Gunn is headed to a boat at Orange Beach. He explained his driving strategy when traffic gets backed up on I-65:

Relax, dont worry about it. Im retired, Im old, Im not worried about things.

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Ingram said Monday is expected to be the busiest day for travel:

The afternoon will be the busiest time, the most traffic, the morning will be less busy, the earlier the better on that. But of course, if you can wait until Tuesday to come home, that would be much much better as well.

The Alabama Department of Transportation will suspend interstate lane closures through noon on Monday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Bags are packed, excitement is high and travelers are already on the move for Labor Day weekend.

Many people left early Friday to catch flights, trains, or get a head start on traffic before the holiday rush. At Union Station in D.C., Judy and Karen said they were looking forward to their trip to New York.

Were going to go see a Broadway show called Hamilton, were so excited, Karen said.

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Others, like Asa Rodriguez and Julio Proctor, were making long drives to see family. They stopped at a Virginia rest stop on the way from Delaware to North Carolina.

Rodriguez said that family and cookout was how they planned to spend their 3-day weekend.

Best and worst times to travel for Labor Day holiday weekend in the DMV

Christopher Carroll was heading to Missouri after visiting the D.C. area, catching a train back home to Kansas City.

Now Im just excited to get back home to my wife, he said. Kansas City has an Irish Fest, its a lot of fun, so well be going to that, and Im going to be hanging out with my son.

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Not everyone is heading home; some are chasing the beach. Julie Mason said her family planned a getaway to Virginia Beach.

[Were looking forward to] probably the beach. Were going to do some relaxing by the ocean, some swimming, Mason said.

Despite the excitement, travelers know delays and traffic are inevitable.

I got here pretty early, and as expected, the train is running late, Carroll said.

We kind of left early, but its still going to be traffic regardless, Rodriguez added.

The Labor Day Capitol Concert is this weekend: Road closures, concert information, what to know

AAA is warning drivers that roads will be especially busy throughout the holiday. The group says the best travel times are Saturday between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., Sunday before 11 a.m., and Monday before noon. The worst time to drive on Labor Day is between 1 and 4 p.m.

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Mason said she expects a slower trip back home.

Headed back on Monday afternoon. Im hoping with the E-ZPass we can just breeze by, but I guess well find out, she said.

Whether by plane, train, or car, officials remind travelers to plan ahead, pack smart, expect delays, and have patience this holiday weekend.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell is touting her offices successful efforts to restore funding to a Clinton-era national service program.

Democrat Campbell, joined by attorneys general in 23 states and two governors, sued the Republican White House in April, seeking to stop its cuts to the AmeriCorps program.

Earlier this year, the White House terminated nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants, a sizable chunk of the agencys roughly billion-dollar budget, NPR reported.

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The administration said in April that the grants no longer fit AmeriCorps priorities, but it offered no explanation for the decision.

On Friday, Campbells office said the White Houses Office of Management and Budget had agreed to release over $184 million in funding to AmeriCorps service programs across the country.

"While I am glad that, faced with our lawsuit, the Trump Administration has rightly decided to release $184 million in critical funding that helps Massachusetts residents serve their communities, the damage that this administration continues to cause our Commonwealth cannot be undone, Campbell said in a statement.

Five Massachusetts-based programs were impacted by that funding block. They are:

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Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program , which requested $400,000 to continue a program that has received funding from AmeriCorps since 2019.

Springfield College AmeriCorps Program , which requested $615,739 to continue a program that has received AmeriCorps funding since 1997.

College Advising Corps , hosted by Boston University, which requested $899,875 to continue a program that has received AmeriCorps funding since 2019.

Jumpstart for Young Children , which requested $2 million to continue a program that had received AmeriCorps funding since 1997.

TerraCorps, which requested $1 million to continue a program that has received AmeriCorps funding since 2011.

The 1990s-era program is the epitome of public service and civic engagement, yet the administrations reckless actions created chaos, uncertainty, and cost people their jobs, simply for wanting to give back, Campbell continued. Our lawsuits are working, and we wont stop fighting to hold the federal government accountable when they harm our residents.

In June, a U.S. District Court judge granted a request for a preliminary injunction by Campbell and her colleagues that reinstated hundreds of AmeriCorps programs.

Even with that order, the White House continued to withhold $184 million earmarked for outstanding service programs.

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In July, Campbell and her colleagues filed an amended complaint naming OMB as a defendant. They asked the court to stop the White Houses budget office from blocking that money.

On Aug. 28, the day the White House was due to respond to that motion, it announced that it had lifted its block on that remaining $184 million chunk of funding, Campbells office said.

In addition to Massachusetts, attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania also joined the legal action.

More on Politics

Read the original article on MassLive.
Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker and BJP leader Numal Momin strongly condemned TMC MP Mahua Moitra's reported remarks on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and called for "exemplary action" against her. Launching a scathing attack on TMC and Moitra, Momin said she belongs to an "uncultured, pro-Rohingya and pro-Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrator party" and accused their party of "destroying" the Bhartiya culture. Speaking to ANI, the Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker said, "We cannot expect more than this from Mahua Moitra. She belongs to an uncultured, pro-Rohingya and pro-Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrator party. Their party is destroying the Bhartiya culture. Their main agenda is to make West Bengal an Islamic state...The way she gave the statement against Amit Shah is very shameful. I strongly condemn her statement...Mahua Moitra should respect the chair..." Momin further demanded stern action against the TMC MP so that no other MP from their party would "dare" to give such comments in future. The BJP leader said, "A case should be registered against her immediately, and she should be booked under the provisions of the law of the land...Trinamool Congress and its members are afraid that this time they will be thrown out of West Bengal. Such types of comments will lead to the destruction of Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.. Trinamool Congress gave a holiday and helped muslim people for Muharram. At the same time, they banned the procession during Durga Puja." "Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee and her disciples like Mahua Moitra are against Hindus...They want the Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslims to infiltrate West Bengal. These people help Mamata Banerjee come into power again and again...An exemplary action should be taken against her so that no other Trinamool Congress MP will dare to give such comments in the future," he added. TMC MP Mahua Moitra has reportedly said Union Home Minister Amit Shah's "head should be cut off" for failing to check the infiltration of illegal Bangladeshis into India. (ANI)
Trump administration plans immigration enforcement surge, report says

The Trump administration is considering deploying more federal agents to Boston as part of its efforts to increase immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities.

This potential move is part of President Donald Trumps broader strategy to crack down on illegal immigration and crime, focusing on cities like Boston that have sanctuary policies.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has expressed that the administrations primary safety concerns are in sanctuary cities.

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A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security indicated that the increased presence of agents would specifically target criminal illegal aliens.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has criticized these efforts, stating that Boston will continue to be a safe and welcoming place for all residents.

Unlike the Trump administration, Boston follows the lawcity, state and federal, Wu said Friday. 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. Boston will never back down from being a beacon of freedom and a home for everyone. Stop attacking cities to hide your administrations failures," she added.

Politico reports that the Trump administration is preparing to increase immigration enforcement in Boston, citing an unnamed official as the source of this information.

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The exact timing and number of federal agents to be deployed remain unclear.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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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)

(This article was updated at 7:25 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 to include a statement from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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.

Within one week, our coalition has clawed back billions in federal funding, unlawfully withheld by the Trump Administration, for the people of our states, Neronha said.

AmeriCorps, 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. The program funds and places volunteers in local national organizations that address critical community needs and 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.

Over the past eight months, one of the questions posed most often by Rhode Island constituents and media members alike concerns the effectiveness of our fight against the illegal actions of this Administration, Neronha said. The proof is in the pudding. Without these lawsuits, the residents of our states would be deprived of critical federal funding sources upon which they rely to live their lives. And unfortunately for the residents of those states with Republican attorneys general, many of those funding sources remain off. We wont capitulate, we wont back down, and we will continue this fight for the well-being of everyday Americans who just want a government that works for them.

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In Rhode Island, AmeriCorps programs are administered and supported by ServeRI and service members worked at more than 100 locations across the statesupporting schools, food banks, homeless shelters, youth centers, veterans facilities, and other essential community institutions. Their efforts generated over $2.6 million in additional local resources from businesses, foundations, public agencies, and other sources in Rhode Island, Neronhas office said.

Shapiro said in a statement that 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.

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.

Participating attorneys general were 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, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. The governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania also participated in filing the lawsuit.

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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.

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The Trump administration, which includes people both accused of and adjudicated for sex crimes and also people with ties to Jeffrey Epstein, is seeking more control over how American children are taught about sex.

An authoritarian edict out of the Department of Health and Human Services threatened to withhold millions of dollars in federal funding from nearly every U.S. state and territory unless they censor their federally backed sexual education programs by scrubbing references to gender ideology within 60 days.

HHS through @ACFHHS is demanding that 46 states and territories remove all references to gender ideology in their federally-funded sex education materials within 60 days.



The Trump Administration continues to take action to protect children from delusional ideological pic.twitter.com/n3epiZSDvk  HHS.gov (@HHSGov) August 26, 2025

This relates to a story I wrote about in June, when HHS threatened to rescind millions of dollars that had been authorized for Californias Personal Responsibility Education Program, which supports initiatives meant to prevent teen pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The federal government demanded that the California program remove all gender ideology references  including, but not limited to, all references to transgender people. Last week, HHS announced that it had pulled Californias funding.

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And now HHS has threatened similar funding in 40 states and six territories, along with Washington, D.C., if they dont censor their own programs.

As I wrote in June, this is all part of a deeply anti-scientific crusade to deny the existence of trans people, in defiance of the numerous reputable medical associations whose experts say otherwise. And in this case, HHS is basically telling states it will inhibit their ability to combat the scourges of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases unless these states adopt the administrations warped and demonstrably wrong views on gender.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
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Weve talked before about the House Freedom Caucus and how the ragtag group of conservatives likes to get their hands dirty. At the center of all negotiations  and, more often the case, pleas to get on board  the group has established a reputation for being a force to be reckoned with.

For nearly every big piece of legislation this year, members of the group have threatened to tank some of President Donald Trumps most consequential agenda items if they didnt secure policy promises they deemed important.

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Each time, Freedom Caucus members got Trumps attention. They were put on the phone directly with the president, they met with Trump in the White House, and they stalled votes on the House floor for hours.

And each time, they ended up folding to the presidents demands. But it was never without getting something in return  and thats how theyve solidified themselves as a core group on Capitol Hill.

All that is destined to change.

Five of the most well-known members have announced they wont run for reelection and instead will pursue other offices. And it raises questions about what the group may look like come 2027.

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For example, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, announced this week he would run for Texas attorney general, leaving Congress and the House Freedom Caucus behind. Roy has long been a fixture of the caucus and has been at the center of the groups activities for years.

In every battle the caucus has waged this year, Roy has been in the middle of it. Hes continually threatened to oppose key legislation  and its gotten on Trumps nerves in the past. (So much so that Trump actually called for someone to primary Roy in the 2024 elections.)

Also in the exit wing is Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., who has stood right beside Roy in all his endeavors over the last few years. Norman announced earlier this summer hell run for South Carolina governor, leaving another hole of influence in the group.

When I asked Norman about his exit, he compared it to putting your hand (or) finger in a bucket of water. When you take it out, it fills up.

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Southern translation: Someone will always come to fill the void. It may take time, he admitted, but he said hed use his position as governor, if elected, to recruit more Freedom Caucus members to serve in Congress.

Theres some good people coming in that I think will learn the ropes pretty easy, he told me. The biggest thing they have to have is courage. And the people we have that are in there have courage, and people coming up, I think will have courage.

Other members planning a departure include Reps. Andy Biggs, who will run for governor in Arizona, Barry Moore, who is running for Senate in Alabama, and Byron Donalds, who is running for governor in Florida.

But the group itself doesnt seem concerned with the resignations. In fact, a spokeswoman for the group gave me a message similar to Normans: Well fill the gap.

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This is what she told me: For nearly a decade, HFC has led the charge for limited government, fiscal sanity, and constitutional conservatism. Our departing members have done tremendous work advancing conservative priorities on Capitol Hill  and now, theyll carry that fight into leadership roles across the country, strengthening the movement in new arenas.

At the same time, we have many rising stars within the HFC ready to take up the mantle and continue driving the conservative agenda forward, she added. While faces may change, our principles remain the same and will continue to echo through each legislative battle and every hard-won victory on Capitol Hill.

But before they make their grand exits, these House Freedom Caucus members still have plenty of opportunities to shake things up. Beginning with the government shutdown fight starting next week.

Stories Driving the Week

Map mayhem: National Democrats are turning their attention to Utah after a district judge ordered state lawmakers to redraw the Utahs congressional map, possibly thrusting the Beehive State into the national redistricting war ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. D.C. drama: Republican leaders in Congress are launching an investigation into whether top police officials in Washington, D.C., engaged in a cover-up of crime statistics to make it seem as if illegal activity in the capital city was decreasing over the last three years. Firing frenzy: President Donald Trump on Monday said he would be taking an unprecedented move to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from her position  sparking concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve and setting the stage for a legal battle.

Government shutdown fight incoming

Congress returns on Monday, and theyll be jumping right into the deep end with government funding business.

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Heres the lay of the land.

Every year, Congress must pass its 12 appropriations bills, which allocate money for federal agencies and departments. The deadline is Oct. 1 at midnight, after which current funding will lapse and the government will enter a temporary shutdown.

There are different ways lawmakers could address this.

The first way, to no surprise, is to pass the 12 appropriations bills. Since taking control of the House in 2023, Republicans have insisted they want to pass the bills one by one as part of the process. They say it provides more transparency and avoids what is known as an omnibus  which is when lawmakers package all the individual bills together in one piece of legislation that is thousands of pages long.

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However, that is far easier said than done. Lets check in on where the House and Senate are at when it comes to passing those bills.

The Senate has passed three of its 12 bills. Of the remaining nine bills, the Senate has five that have passed through committee, meaning theyd be ready for a floor vote when senators return.

The House has passed two of its 12 bills. Of the remaining 10, seven are ready for floor action.

But remember: Each bill that is passed in the House must go to the Senate for approval and vice versa. So even when they do get all 12 passed, leaders in both chambers will have to come together and negotiate a combined version. For. Each. Appropriation. Bill.

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So, yeah. That could take a while.

Another option is to pass what is known as a continuing resolution, which extends current government funding until a later date. We usually see those every year to buy lawmakers a little more time to conclude spending talks and get a deal across the finish line.

How long that CR will last is unclear. Typically it goes until the end of December, putting lawmakers into crunch time right before Christmas. Other times, as is the case right now, they just extend it until the next fiscal year deadline (which some fiscal conservatives want to do).

Well see what GOP leaders want to do. Ultimately, itll be up to them  although whatever they do, theyll need at least seven Democrats in the Senate to help them out.

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Stay tuned!

Quick Hits

From the Hill : What are the earmarks Utahs congressional delegation asked for?  Trump attacks GOP senators over support of blue slips.  Mike Lee warns against independent map-drawing commissions.

From the White House: Trump pushes to rename Defense Department to Department of War.  Trump criticizes Utah redistricting ruling as unconstitutional.  FDA issues new COVID-19 vaccine guidance.

From the courts: Judge strikes down Utahs congressional maps.  10th Circuit Court rules for Latter-day Saints in tithing, fraud case.  Church begins work at Heber Valley Utah Temple site as opponents appeal to Utah Supreme Court.

Whats next

The House and Senate are back next week! Ill be back to chasing members down hallways and getting the latest on all the drama and fun. Utah could be at the center of some conversations with its new maps expected next month  more on that later.

As always, feel free to reach out to me by email with story ideas or questions you have for lawmakers. And follow me on X for breaking news and timely developments from the Hill.
President Trump cast doubt on the prospects of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as part of an effort to end the war in Eastern Europe, suggesting that maybe they have to fight a little longer.

The president, in an interview with The Daily Caller, expressed confidence that a trilateral meeting between himself, Putin and Zelensky could materialize, but had less confidence in the bilateral huddle between the two Eastern European leaders.

A [trilateral] would happen. A [bilateral], I dont know about, but a tri will happen. But, you know, sometimes people arent ready for it, Trump told the Callers White House correspondent Reagan Reese in an interview published Saturday.

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I say  I use the analogy. Ive used it a couple of times. You have a child, and theres another child in the lot, in the playground, and they hate each other, and they start swinging, swinging and swinging, and you want them to stop, and they keep going, he continued. After a little while, theyre very happy to stop. Do you understand that? Its almost that way. Sometimes they have to fight for a little bit before you can get them to stop.

The president added, But this has been going on for a long time. A lot of people are dead.

Trump, as part of his effort to bring an end to the roughly three-and-half-year-war, has pushed for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin. The Ukrainian leader, who also met with the president earlier this month, has signaled a willingness to sit down with the Kremlin leader, but Russian officials have so far rejected it.

For now, Russia appears to be slow-walking the administrations effort to broker a peace deal to end the fighting. Ukraine has rejected the prospect of making large territorial concessions to end the war, as U.S. and European officials have continued discussing potential post-conflict security guarantees to prevent another invasion.

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Trump, again, ruled out having U.S. troops on the ground as part of a security guarantee, but signaled openness to offering U.S. air support to help halt the war, something he floated earlier this month.

Maybe well do something. Look, Id like to see something get solved. Theyre not our soldiers, but there are, five to 7,000, mostly young people being killed every single week, the president told Reese in the interview. If I could stop that and have a plane flying around the air every once in a while, its going to be mostly the Europeans, but we, wed help them.

They, you know, they sort of need it, and wed help them if we could get something done, he added.

After meeting with Putin in Alaska earlier this month, a U.S. official touted a major concession from Russia, allowing NATO-like security guarantees for Ukraine as a part of a peace deal. The commitment does not seem it be in place as Russia is asking for an effective veto over what those security guarantees would look like.

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One of the Kremlins red lines is European peacekeeping forces being involved with Russian officials, suggesting China as one of the security guarantors.

While the peace talks appear to be at a stalemate, the conflict has continued with Russia launching massive aerial attacks on Ukraine. On Thursday, Moscow hit Kyiv with a large missile and drone assault that killed 23 people and injured dozens of others.

Hours after, the Trump administration approved a sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles and 3,350 GPS units to Ukraine, part of a $825 million munitions deal to bolster Kyivs defensive capabilities.

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U.S. President Donald Trump is negotiating with European allies to send U.S. private military companies to help secure a potential peace deal in Ukraine, the Telegraph reported on Aug. 30, citing undisclosed sources.

The potential deal is an attempt to keep a pledge not to send the U.S. military to Ukraine, while also serving as a deterrent against potential future Russian aggression.

Since taking office, Trump has pledged to broker a swift peace deal in Ukraine while reducing the scope of U.S. involvement in the war.

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The focus for such U.S. contractors appears to be on helping to build new defenses and securing U.S. business interests in Ukraine, such as those that the much-vaunted mineral deal aims to facilitate.

The deal in progress also entails the deployment of European soldiers in a buffer zone near the Russian border. Another 30,000 European soldiers may be deeper in Ukraine as a further deterrent force.

European soldiers would also likely take part by coming to western Ukraine to train Ukrainian soldiers. Turkey would participate in the deal as envisioned by providing a naval security force in the Black Sea, critical to Ukrainian exports like grain and sunflower oil, the Telegraph reported.

European countries have also been reportedly discussing an air policing mission that would gradually allow Ukraine to reopen its skies for commercial flight, starting with Lviv and other airports in the west of the country.

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Discussions about resuming air travel have swirled since Ukraine closed its skies at the outbreak of the full-scale invasion in 2022, but no decisive steps have been taken to restore commercial flights.

Russia seems unlikely to sign off on any such security guarantee, as it has repeatedly ruled out the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine as part of a potential peace deal.

Read also: Exclusive: Zelensky-Putin meeting impossible unless Trump ups pressure on Russia, Ukraine says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Axios reports that US President Donald Trump is contemplating putting aside efforts to end the war in Ukraine for the time being, while his circle blames Europe for Ukraines unwillingness to make greater concessions for a peace deal.

Source: Axios citing its sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: A senior White House official speaking anonymously said that the American president is seriously considering putting his diplomatic efforts regarding the Russia-Ukraine war on hold "until one or both parties begin to show more flexibility".

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"We are going to sit back and watch. Let them fight it out for a while and see what happens," he commented.

Overall, the report states that the White House is frustrated by the lack of progress following Trumps meeting with the Russian leader in Alaska, and blames Europe for Ukraines reluctance to make further concessions to end the war.

Two weeks after Trumps summit with the Russian leader in Alaska, no tangible progress in peace efforts on Ukraine has been achieved, and Trumps aides believe that the fault lies not with the American president or Moscow.

Axios writes that senior White House officials believe that some European leaders only pay lip service to supporting Trumps peace initiatives, while in reality attempting to undermine the progress made after the Alaska meeting.

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In Trumps circle, there is a conviction that it is precisely European leaders who are pushing Ukraine towards intransigence on territorial issues and urging Zelenskyy to wait for a better deal, and that without their involvement, Kyivs position would be different.

"The Europeans don't get to prolong this war and backdoor unreasonable expectations, while also expecting America to bear the cost," said a senior White House official in an anonymous comment.

He added that "if Europe wants to escalate this war, that will be up to them".

One of the sources remarked that "some of the Europeans continue to operate in a fairy-tale land that ignores the fact it takes two to tango".

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White House sources consider UKs and Frances stance to be more or less constructive, but complain that other major European states want the US to bear the full burden of the war while being unwilling to take active part themselves.

A European official involved in negotiations on the Russia-Ukraine war expressed surprise at reports of Washingtons accusations that European capitals are supposedly playing a double game with Trump, stressing that this is not in fact the case.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  The agency that oversees Voice of America and other government-funded international broadcasters is eliminating jobs for more than 500 employees, a Trump administration official said. The move could ratchet up a monthslong legal challenge over the news outlets' fate.

Kari Lake, acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, announced the latest round of job cuts late Friday, one day after a federal judge blocked her from removing Michael Abramowitz as VOA director.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth had ruled separately that the Republican administration had failed to show how it was complying with his orders to restore VOA's operations. His order Monday gave the administration one final opportunity, short of a contempt trial to demonstrate its compliance. He ordered Lake to sit for a deposition by lawyers for agency employees by Sept. 15.

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On Thursday, Lamberth said Abramowitz could not be removed without the approval of the majority of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. Firing Abramowitz would be plainly contrary to law, according to Lamberth, who was nominated to the bench by Republican President Ronald Reagan.

Lake posted a statement on social media that said her agency had initiated a reduction in force, or RIF, eliminating 532 jobs for full-time government employees. She said the agency will continue to fulfill its statutory mission after this RIF and will likely improve its ability to function.

I look forward to taking additional steps in the coming months to improve the functioning of a very broken agency and make sure Americas voice is heard abroad where it matters most, she wrote.

A group of agency employees who sued to block VOA's elimination said Lake's move would give their colleagues 30 days until their pay and benefits end.

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We find Lakes continued attacks on our agency abhorrent, they said in a statement. We are looking forward to her deposition to hear whether her plan to dismantle VOA was done with the rigorous review process that Congress requires. So far we have not seen any evidence of that.

In June, layoff notices were sent to more than 600 agency employees. Abramowitz was placed on administrative leave along with almost the entire VOA staff. He was told he would be fired effective Aug. 31.

The administration said in a court filing Thursday that it planned to send RIF notices to 486 employees of VOA and 46 other agency employees but intended to retain 158 agency employees and 108 VOA employees. The filing said the global media agency had 137 active employees and 62 other employees on administrative leave while VOA had 86 active employees and 512 others administrative leave.

The agency also houses Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks and Radio Marti, which beams Spanish-language news into Cuba. The networks, which together reach an estimated 427 million people, date to the Cold War and are part of a network of government-funded organizations trying to extend U.S. influence and combat authoritarianism.
If Donald Trump hoped to bring India to heel, things are not going to plan.

Narendra Modi has not only proved unyielding. He is also giving the US president the silent treatment.

Since Mr Trump singled out India with an unexpectedly draconian double dose of tariffs earlier this month, he has reportedly phoned the Indian prime minister on four occasions to seek a compromise. Each time, the Indian leader refused to pick up.

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In the same period, Mr Modi has twice spoken to his friend Vladimir Putin and dispatched his foreign minister to Moscow. This weekend, he travels to China for the first time in seven years to attend a security summit hosted by Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, in the north-eastern city of Tianjin. The two men, long estranged but now bound by circumstance, will hold talks on Sunday.

Since 2001, Washington has sought to pull India into its orbit as a bulwark against a rising China. But Mr Trump has just taken a blowtorch to a quarter of a century of careful diplomacy, first imposing a 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports, then doubling down to punish New Delhi for buying Russian oil  the stiffest measures Washington has imposed on any country bar Brazil.

Putin hugs Narendra Modi following their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow in July last year - Gavriil Grigorov/Reuters

Adding insult to injury, Mr Trump has forged a new friendship with Pakistan, Indias bitterest foe, even inviting its hardline army chief and de facto leader, Asim Munir, to lunch at the White House. Mr Modi has been left out in the cold.

By wielding hard power so bluntly, analysts warn, Mr Trump risks the opposite of what he intended: driving India closer to Moscow and Beijing.

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The rift comes at an opportune moment for Mr Xi, who this weekend is hosting some of Washingtons principal adversaries at a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a bloc founded by China and Russia to counter US influence.

Authoritarian superstars will be there in force. Kim Jong-un, the North Korean dictator, is arriving in his bullet-proof train; Belaruss Alexander Lukashenko and Irans Masoud Pezeshkian, will be there too, as will Putin himself.

But the biggest coup is Mr Modi, whose relationship with Mr Xi has been badly strained since a Himalayan border clash, fought with sticks and bricks, killed 20 Indian soldiers in June 2020.

The fact that rapprochement is happening at all, given the once-close personal bond between Mr Trump and Mr Modi, is remarkable.

Love and bromance

Personal affinity, shared populist instincts and business links once tied the two leaders closely together. Both addressed vast rallies in the others country: 50,000 at the Howdy, Modi rally in Texas in 2019; 100,000 at the Namaste, Trump jamboree in Ahmedabad the next year.

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Strategic alignment followed. With both unnerved by Chinas rise, India joined the Quad  an informal grouping with the US, Australia and Japan  to counter Beijings influence.

Business links deepened the rapport. The Trump Organization, the Trump familys business conglomerate, put down deep roots in India, one of its biggest markets.

At least ten Trump-branded buildings have been built, are under construction or are in planning. Flats in Trump Towers sold at a premium on the name alone.

Ties extended to Indias richest man, Mukesh Ambani, a close ally and beneficiary of Mr Modi, a fellow native of the state of Gujarat. Mr Ambani attended Mr Trumps pre-inauguration dinner this year, stood in the front row for his speech and joined an intimate reception afterwards.

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Last year, he also hosted Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, the presidents daughter and son-in-law, at his sons 500 million wedding of the century, ostensibly cementing family ties.

But such ties counted for little in the end. Reliance, Mr Ambanis conglomerate and Indias biggest refiner of Russian crude, has become the chief target of Mr Trumps ire.

Trouble ahead

The bond began to fray early in Mr Trumps second term, when he unleashed a global trade war. Expecting India to yield and open its heavily protected agricultural sector to US investors, he was rebuffed by Mr Modi, wary of a political backlash. Washington retaliated with a 25 per cent tariff.

If India had given in to US pressure to open its agriculture and dairy industries, it would have created significant political and electoral problems, said Biswajit Dhar, a trade economist in Delhi.

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Then came the real rupture. Washington doubled the penalty, accusing India of oil laundering. Scott Bessent, Mr Trumps treasury secretary, lashed out at Indias politically connected energy titans, accusing them of war profiteering. Although he did not mention Mr Ambani by name, it was clear to whom he was referring.

The charge was not baseless. India bought little from Russia before the Ukraine war, but has since spent more than 100 billion on discounted crude. Reliance alone imported 6.4 billion in the first seven months of this year, according to the Helsinki-based Centre for Research of Energy and Clean Air (CREA), which tracks global energy output.

Yet Washingtons focus on India is puzzling. China is a bigger buyer. Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Japan are significant customers. Europe remains Russias largest gas customer. Austria and Slovakia have increased their dependency since the war; Austria now sources 98 per cent of its gas imports from Russia. None of them has received similar penalties.

Indias baffled government argues it bought Russian oil with Washingtons blessing and then sold much of what it refined to the EU. It also points out that tariffs on India are five times higher than those on Russia itself, which was automatically granted the preferential rate that Britain was forced to scramble to negotiate.

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Many in Delhi believe the true trigger was political. Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed it was his diplomacy alone that ended a four-day military clash between India and Pakistan in May, a boast he has made more than 40 times. Pakistan credited him  even nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize. India pointedly did not.

Since then, Washingtons previously frosty relations have warmed. Beyond White House lunches, Washington has floated mining and cryptocurrency deals and pledged to help develop Pakistans massive oil reserves  though in reality they are tiny and declining, accounting for just 0.02 per cent of the worlds total. With Indias economy ten times the size of its neighbours, prioritising Pakistan makes little strategic sense.

Lets face the music

So deep, sudden and galling is the chill in US-Indian ties that it is hardly surprising that Mr Modi, bruised and humiliated, is looking elsewhere.

For China, the crisis is a gift. Mr Trump has now fallen out publicly with three regional powerhouses  India, Brazil and South Africa  allowing Mr Xi to present Beijing as a more responsible, less temperamental partner.

Mr Xi has the opportunity to present China to Mr Modi, left, as a more responsible player - AP

Yet a fundamental realignment is unlikely. China and India are rivals for Asian dominance. Their interests will surely collide. Only the US can balance that rivalry.

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There are serious limitations to Indias and Chinas relationship, says Praveen Donthi, senior India analyst at think-tank the International Crisis Group. Things may be getting better, but it can never become truly friendly because of the huge historic deficit that exists.

Modi and Xi have long been locked in a battle for Asian dominance - Manish Swarup/AP

Still, a shift in tone is likely. Indian politicians, long wary of dependence on Washington, now feel vindicated. Mr Modi will be under pressure to re-emphasise Indias policy of multi-alignment  a friend to all, enemy to none.

He may cool enthusiasm for the Quad, in public at least, buy more arms from Russia and deepen trade links with Moscow. An invitation to Putin to visit India before the end of the year has already been extended.

But the US remains Indias largest export market, most important source of foreign investment and a vital defence partner. Mr Modi may try to mollify Washington  perhaps buying less Russian oil and more American gas, a relatively painless concession given falling prices.

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As Mr Donthi puts it: India-US relations will find their balance over time because of their concerns about China.

India was trying to move closer to the West and the US. That pace will slow down a bit right now, but it will still move.

A divorce is therefore unlikely. But any reconciliation will be starchily made. Mr Modi wants to show that the days of foreign powers pushing India around are over.

Mr Modi and Mr Trump may patch things up, but the bromance is most likely finished. The marriage will continue  but it will be loveless, born of necessity.

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RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha emphasised on Saturday that the fight for voting rights will persist beyond the conclusion of the yatra. He asserted that the yatra has resonated with the people, instilling fear among those in power. Speaking to ANI, Jha claimed the yatra's influence extends beyond Bihar, resonating with citizens nationwide. Jha said, "The fight for the right to vote will continue. As I have said before, this yatra is no longer under the control of Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi; it has entered the hearts of the people." Taking a dig at the ruling regime, he said that the Yatra is a reason for their fear. "It has become a source of trouble for them and a reason for their fear. Clearly, the impact of this yatra is not limited to Bihar but has also reached beyond the state," Jha said. The Voter Adhikar Yatra, spearheaded by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other Mahagathbandhan leaders in Bihar, will culminate in a grand finale with a march in Patna on September 1. Instead of a rally, the yatra will conclude with top leaders addressing the crowd at various points during the protest, as the Patna administration did not grant permission for the rally. Jha also slammed the remarks made by the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, terming the Yatra as 'Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra.' 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. Jha said, said, "Amit Shah should first think that if there are illegal infiltrators in the country, then who is responsible for them? Mr Home Minister, you are responsible. You should quit gracefully." Amit Shah addressing a public meeting in Assam's Guwahati Slamming Congress' 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar. Shah said, "The amount of abuses you will hurl at PM Modi, the lotus will be bigger. You hurled abuses in every election, and after losing, you are marching on this 'Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra'. How can a state be secure if the infiltrators affect the elections?" Darbhanga Police have arrested an accused and registered a case in the matter. Meanwhile, Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year, in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. (ANI)
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Chinese peacekeepers could monitor a neutral zone along the front line in Ukraine as part of a potential peace settlement, the Financial Times reported on Aug. 29, citing four undisclosed sources.

The idea has been previously proposed by Russia but rejected by Ukraine and its European allies due to China's close relationship with Moscow amid the full-scale war.

The Trump administration has not publicly commented on the possibility of Chinese peacekeepers in Ukraine. In comments for the Financial Times, a senior U.S. administration official denied the claims as "false," saying there had been "no discussion on Chinese peacekeepers."

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The alleged proposal came amid Trump's push to broker an end to the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ongoing for three and a half years.

Fearing a renewed Russian aggression in case of a peace deal, President Volodymyr Zelensky has stressed the necessity of security guarantees as part of a potential agreement.

The European-led coalition of the willing proposed the deployment of a multinational "reassurance force" in post-war Ukraine as a component of such guarantees.

Russia has rejected the deployment of peacekeepers from NATO countries, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying such a move would amount to "foreign military intervention."

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At the same time, Moscow has previously proposed that China could provide security guarantees, including through a peacekeeper deployment, though the Chinese Foreign Ministry denied in March reported plans to participate in a peacekeeping mission.

While claiming to be neutral in the war and calling for a peaceful resolution, Beijing has been a key ally to Moscow, helping it avoid Western sanctions and becoming the leading source of dual-use goods.

Ukraine has also accused China of providing arms and defense components to Russia, an accusation Beijing denied.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to travel to China this weekend to meet his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the upcoming visit as "absolutely unprecedented."

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Read also: The elephant in the room  Russia wont agree to Ukraine security guarantees, Europe cant enforce them

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U.S. President Donald Trump is making sure Ukraine can defend itself against Russia by giving it "deeper strike capabilities," U.S. NATO Ambassador Matt Whitaker told Fox News on Aug. 29.

The envoy made the comments when asked about a new U.S. arms deal for Ukraine worth close to $1 billion for Ukraine.

Washington recently greenlit a European-funded $850 million sale of 3,350 Extended-Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles, which can strike targets at a range of 240-450 kilometers (150-280 miles).

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The State Department also more recently approved military sales to Ukraine worth $329.1 million for components related to the upkeep of Patriot air defense systems and Starlink terminals.

The new long-range capabilities could "help Ukraine offensively," Whitaker said in the interview, adding: "They've already taken about 20% of Russia's oil refining capacity last month."

August saw Ukraine escalate long-range drone strikes against Russian oil infrastructure, a key source of revenue helping Moscow sustain its full-scale war.

Kyiv has been mostly deploying domestically made drones for these attacks due to limited stockpiles of Western-provided long-range missiles and range restrictions on their use. Only in late 2024 did then-U.S. President Joe Biden ease restrictions on Ukrainian strikes with ATACMS missiles and allow their use against military targets on Russian soil, a move criticized by Trump at the time.

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More recently, Trump seemed to have shifted his stance, criticizing Biden for not letting "Ukraine fight back, only defend." The Financial Times reported in July that the U.S. president suggested in a call with Zelensky that Kyiv's forces could strike Moscow, though the White House claimed the comments were taken out of context.

The Trump administration made no official announcement regarding long-range strike policies, and it remains unclear whether Ukraine will be permitted to use ERAM missiles against targets on Russian territory.

Talking to Fox News, Whitaker noted that the "U.S. is selling about a $1 billion a month through our NATO allies that are being provided to Ukraine," likely referring to the NATO-led Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative.

"And at the same time, he (Trump) has so many other cards to play. The Indian sanctions just took effect this week," the ambassador said, expressing optimism that the measure will force New Delhi to stop buying Russian oil.

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Contrary to Whitaker's statements, Reuters recently reported that India's Russian oil imports are expected to increase by 10-20% in September, in spite of U.S. tariffs.

Since taking office, Trump has pledged to broker a speedy deal between Ukraine and Russia while urging European allies to bear the cost of Kyiv's defense.

Despite Trump's recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky, there seems to be little progress toward ending the hostilities as Russia ramps up ground offensives and attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Read also: Exclusive: Maker of Ukraines new Flamingo cruise missile facing corruption probe

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Newly released documents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) reveal that three employers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area were fined a combined $59,354 earlier this year for violations tied to federal worksite enforcement laws.

The documents, obtained by The Dallas Express through a Freedom of Information Act request, covering President Donald Trumps first six months back in office, detail final administrative orders issued against local companies for failing to comply with federal immigration and employment eligibility verification requirements.

According to the records:

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CMS Mechanical Services, Inc. , based in Denton, was fined $5,058 on Jan. 24, 2025.

Lentz Landscape Lighting , a Dallas-area outdoor lighting company, was fined $4,296 on Feb. 24, 2025.

Entrust One Facility Services, Inc., a facilities and janitorial firm, received the largest penalty  $50,000 on June 17, 2025.

The fines stem from cases closed by ICEs Dallas office between Jan. 20 and June 30, 2025. Each case was marked as a Final Order.

The Dallas Express reached out to all three companies for comment. None responded.

Dallas Fines Pale in Comparison to National Crackdowns

The fines, while notable, represent relatively small-scale enforcement compared to ICEs worksite crackdowns in other states. In Colorado earlier this year, three companies faced more than $8 million in fines, including one cleaning business that was penalized $6.19 million for employing 87 unauthorized workers, an ICE press release stated at the time. By contrast, the largest Dallas fine totaled just $50,000.

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A review of the documents suggests the Dallas cases involved fewer employees or less severe violations, such as uncorrected paperwork errors, but heavy redactions in the trove of documents make it impossible to determine exactly what the alleged violations were.

Under 2025 penalty adjustments, fines can range from $281$2,814 per violation for I-9 paperwork errors and $2,814$28,137 per unauthorized worker for knowing violations, Greenberg Traurig, a law firm with a presence in Dallas, explains on the firms legal blog.

Enforcement in Context

Worksite enforcement is one of ICE-HSIs core missions, designed to deter illegal employment, protect lawful U.S. workers, and reduce the incentive for unauthorized immigration. In Trumps previous term in office, enforcement took around a year to become substantially more aggressive. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, ICE significantly ramped up worksite actions in 2018.

In fiscal year 2018, for example, ICE reported opening nearly 7,000 worksite investigations, issuing almost 6,000 I-9 audits and making more than 2,300 arrests nationwide increases of 300%750% compared to the prior year, according to an ICE Fact sheet. High-profile enforcement actions that year included the arrests of 160 workers at a North Texas trailer manufacturer and 146 workers at an Ohio meat processing plant.

Rising Risks for Employers

The Department of Homeland Security raised civil monetary penalties in January 2025, meaning employers face steeper fines than in past years for paperwork errors or unauthorized hiring. Greenberg Traurig advises employers to conduct regular internal audits and training to avoid costly penalties.

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The main function of HSIs worksite enforcement program is to assist the field in maintaining the integrity in the U.S. immigration system, ease pressure at the borders, promote self-compliance in the business community, and protect employment opportunities for the nations workforce, the ICE website states.

Later, it adds, Worksite violations and the exploitation of workers may lead to humanitarian concerns and pose risks to our nations safety and security. Many industries exploiting workers are part of our daily lives as consumers  such as food and agriculture, manufacturing, clothing production, health and beauty services, childcare and cleaning services.
President Donald Trump said in a rare admission of error that he had thought his recent sit-down with Russian President Vladimir Putin would lead to the end of the war on Ukraine.

I thought I had it done, Trump revealed in an interview with The Daily Caller published Saturday.

The president met with Putin in Alaska earlier this month for negotiations to put hostilities in Ukraine to an end. Trump came away empty-handed, but claimed the next day that they had discussed a Peace Agreement together, which has yet to publicly materialize.

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Trump sat down for an hour-long conversation Friday in the Oval Office with Reagan Reese, the conservative outlets White House correspondent. He said Putin is unlikely to meet with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy anytime soon.

Were not talking about something that I started. I inherited this war. And all Im trying to do is put out the flame, you know. And I thought I had it done, Trump told Reese, adding that he has previously done it with wars that were tougher than this.

So three of those wars are going on for more than 30 years, and I got them all done, he continued. This was is just, its been difficult. Its been a difficult war.

Related: Trump Hints He Will Reward Putin's Invasion By Demanding Ukraine Give Up Land

Trump has publicly angled in recent months for a Nobel Peace Prize, claiming credit for settling numerous international conflicts.

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Trump promised on the campaign trail last year to end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours of his reelection, and told reporters ahead of his summit with Putin that Russia would face very severe consequences if he continued hostilities afterwards.

Trump assuaged the noninterventionist part of his base Friday by once again vowing that no U.S. troops will be deployed to Ukraine, but said hes willing to provide air support if it means winning the war. The president also expressed frustration with the conflict.

Look, Id like to see something get solved, he told Reese. Theyre not our soldiers, but there are, five to 7,000, mostly young people being killed every single week. If I could stop that and have a plane flying around the air every once in a while ... wed help them.

Trump previously warned that there would be "very severe consequences" Putin continued hostilities towards Ukraine after the pair met in Alaska. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Associated Press

Reese asked Trump about the big issue he previously said he and Putin didnt agree on at the summit. Trump offered no clarification about what the issue was, and instead touted his good relationship with the Russian president.

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Thats why I really thought we would have this done, he said, alluding to an end to the war. I would have loved to have had it done. Maybe they have to fight a little longer. You know, just keep fighting  stupidly, keep fighting.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
The Trump administration has moved to lay off more than 500 employees who work for the federally funded network Voice of America, which provides global reporting in places with restricted press freedom.

In March, Trump officials first attempted to close down some of the organization's newsrooms. But Judge Royce C. Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia called for the networks restoration last April, citing a law that requires the Voice of America broadcast to be continued.

Despite the ruling, Kari Lake, the acting chief executive of Voice of Americas oversight agency, posted on social media on Friday evening that 532 government positions were eliminated.

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Before the downsizing, Voice of America was responsible for broadcasting news in 49 languages to 360 million people every week, including in Russia and China. Now, the network airs programming in four languages: Persian, Mandarin, Dari and Pashto.

The layoffs "will likely improve [the agency's] ability to function and provide the truth to people across the world who live under murderous Communist governments and other tyrannical regimes, wrote Lake on X.

Most of the 1,300 Voice of America journalists had already been fired or remained on paid leave prior to these layoffs. Only 100 journalists and other staff members remain employed by the organization.

After being asked by the remaining employees to ensure the administration was in line with his April ruling, Lamberth found that they appeared to be noncompliant.

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Earlier this week, he ordered Lake to provide sworn testimony at a deposition and threatened to hold her in contempt for going against court orders. He also blocked the administration from firing Voice of America director, Michael Abramowitz, the day before these layoffs were announced.

Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Trump administration announced layoffs for 532 Voice of America journalists  most of the remaining staff  intensifying a legal standoff with a federal judge who has blocked efforts to dismantle the government-funded international broadcaster.

Kari Lake, acting chief executive of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, said on X Friday that notices went out to the employees, leaving behind roughly 100 journalists and support staff.

More from TheWrap

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This action will allow us to focus resources where they are most needed  bringing truth to people living under communist regimes and dictatorships, the close Trump ally wrote.

Trump officials began moving in March to shutter VOA and other taxpayer-funded newsrooms. At its peak, Voice of America broadcast in 49 languages to an audience of more than 360 million people weekly; the network currently produces content in only four languages: Persian, Mandarin, Dari and Pashto.

ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. Agency for Global Media Eliminates 532 Government Positions

Washington, D.C.  Tonight, the U.S. Agency for Global Media initiated what is known as a reduction in force, or RIF, of a large number of its full-time federal employees. We are conducting this RIF at pic.twitter.com/LWeO9w0RNQ  Kari Lake (@KariLake) August 30, 2025

Union leaders immediately denounced the layoffs as unlawful.

The manner in which they are being executed reveals the contempt this administration has for federal employees and the rule of law, Paula Hickey, president of the union that represents VOA staff, told the New York Times.

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The cuts come as Lake faces mounting legal pressure. In April, U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered the administration to restore VOA, citing statutory requirements that mandate its continued operation. Lamberth on Monay ordered Lake to sit for a sworn deposition and warned he could hold her in contempt, saying it appeared the government was ignoring his order.

Another federal judge on Thursday barred Trump and Lake from removing VOA director Michael Abramowitz.

Government lawyers argue that the administration has broad discretion under the International Broadcasting Act to determine the level of service VOA provides. The law requires the network to reach a significant audience and to present a balanced and comprehensive projection of significant American thought and institutions.

The agency previously attempted mass layoffs in June, sending emails to about 600 employees. The effort was rescinded within a week after workers discovered errors in the notices, including incorrect birth dates and years of service.

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Some VOA staff had been temporarily reinstated earlier this summer when tensions escalated between Iran and Israel, but those employees were included in the new round of cuts.

This is not just about jobs, Hickey said. Its about the United States keeping its word to the world.

The post Trump Moves to Lay Off 532 Voice of America Journalists as Standoff With Federal Courts Intensifes appeared first on TheWrap.
Liberalism is under unprecedented attack in the United States. Not liberalism as in the ideology typically associated with the Democratic Party, but the broad and complex constellation of political commitments and aspirations that include respect for individual rights, pluralism and the rule of law, which have long been the foundation of American society.

The threat isnt new, and it hasnt just been coming from President Donald Trump or the political right. Prominent figures and thinkers on the left have tried to restrict free speech and enforce ideological conformity.

In a new book to be released on Tuesday, Cass Sunstein, a prolific legal scholar and high-level official in the Barack Obama and Joe Biden administrations, mounts a stirring intellectual defense of liberalism from its critics across the political spectrum. On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom draws on  and ties together  the work of thinkers like John Stuart Mill and Friedrich Hayek, and it argues that they operate in a similar, broad tradition of liberalism that is in desperate need of revitalization.

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In a wide-ranging interview about the book, we discussed why he wrote it and what he sees as some of the most pressing contemporary pressures on the liberal tradition both in the United States and abroad.

Theres something about the idea of someone whos in charge, who says Fuck you and wont take any shit, he said at one point. That resonates.

We also touched on the Supreme Court, the state of the legal academy, his biggest regrets from his time in government, and, of course, Prince and Star Wars.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Im going to start with a deceptively simple question. In 2025, what is liberalism to you?

Liberalism is a set of commitments to freedom, pluralism, the rule of law, respect for individual autonomy, and security and self-government. Those are the ideals that liberalism represents.

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Liberalism has been attractive to people on the political right. Ronald Reagan was very much a liberal. Its been attractive to people on the political left. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was very much a liberal.

For all their disagreements, the idea of pluralism, freedom, basic individual security  those are things that unify the liberal right and the liberal left.

So you view this as an intellectual project that can bring in people from across the political spectrum.

I almost called the book Big Tent Liberalism, and I have a little bit of regret that I didnt. The publisher knows best and thought that that would be an off-putting title, but it is the case that the free market right is part of the liberal tradition, and the Great Society left, associated with Lyndon Johnson, is also part of the liberal tradition.

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The disagreements between those who think the Great Society was a terrific idea and those who think it was terrible are really important disagreements, but theyre disagreements within a family.

This book began with a guest essay that you wrote for the New York Times back in 2023 that provides a numbered list of propositions or claims that you associate with liberalism. You say that the response to that essay spurred you to write the book. What did you hear, and what do you want to accomplish?

Ill say a little bit about the origins of it. I started writing notes to myself that were just a numbered list, and I thought it was too academic to be suitable for an op-ed and too unfootnoted to be suitable for an academic journal.

I didnt know what to do with it. I sent it to a couple of friends. One of them said, You should send it to the New York Times. And I thought that was an unlikely venue, because I thought it was just too long and too academic, but they were kind enough to publish it.

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Ive never received such a flood of notes.

I got notes from people on the political right who said, I agree with all of this, or I agree with almost all of this; people on the right who said such things as, Im a conservative, and because Im a conservative, Im a liberal. I want to conserve liberalism.

The person who said that didnt mean that he would vote for Barack Obama. He would have no enthusiasm for Barack Obama. He didnt mean that progressive leftists were people he embraced. He meant the liberal tradition that respects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the rule of law. Those are things that his conservatism is closely identified with.

Thats just one person, but the number of people on the right who wrote me was very high.

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I got people on the left who said there are a lot of illiberal leftists out there who are not respectful of freedom of speech and pluralism. Some of the people on the left were academics who said that universities are, in their view, flirting with illiberalism with respect to religion and speech. They said they endorsed the idea of recovering and maybe making new a tradition that says that if you want to say something that is anti-leftist orthodoxy, thats not just tolerated. Its welcome.

To see the right saying, I agree with this, alongside people on the left  people who vote for Obama and not vote for Republican presidential candidates saying, I embrace this  I thought, well, maybe I should do something larger about the topic.

Your book addresses a long list of issues. Some of those are philosophical in nature. It also addresses practical issues in our government and in our political moment, where we are facing what you would describe as threats to liberalism. What do you see as the most significant threats to liberalism in the U.S. right now?

Ill get to right now in a moment, but when I wrote the book, my eyes were on the 1930s and communism. I was thinking about the rise of fascism. Hitler called out liberalism in terms of something he was against.

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I visited China and saw many amazing, great things, but also illiberalism in practice. Some of the frightening aspects of illiberalism are on display in a country which has also had fantastic achievements.

I was thinking of contemporary Russia and President Putin as an exemplar of anti-liberal, illiberal thinking and also killing political enemies. That was on my mind.

When I wrote it, I was thinking about illiberalism in terms of theory  that is, the Marxist and postmodern left, both in its ridiculing of liberalism and its enthusiasm for restrictions on speech on campus and elsewhere that defy the liberal tradition  and I was thinking about the anti-liberal right in the United States, which has a long tradition, [particularly] those who think of liberalism as at the heart of what ails America.

In terms of current practices that followed the writing of the book, I wouldnt describe this as the number one threat, but I would describe it as a threat: the restriction on diversity of expression at universities. Some of it is literal  shouting down speakers and such  but some of it is an orthodoxy on the left, where if students or faculty say something or think something that is inconsistent with the orthodoxy, theres a social norm that kicks in that is antithetical to their freedom. Thats very not good.

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I try in the book to avoid calling out contemporary American politicians. I dont think I mentioned current Democrats or Republicans as illiberal, though there certainly are some.

[Trumps] attack on the law firms is very troubling, because clearly the law firms whove been singled out are law firms that arent politically correct, by the lights of those who are singling them out for attack.

I think that is a more severe threat than it might seem, because it has effects generally on the legal profession, where you think your livelihood and profession are at risk if you run afoul of people currently in power. Thats dangerous to a fundamental part of our political culture.

The idea that universities should not be tolerant of antisemitism  if the antisemitism is inconsistent with law, thats fair and correct. Universities should not tolerate discrimination on the basis of religion. Thats fair.

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Its also fair to be concerned about an absence of political diversity on campuses. Thats completely fair.

But the attacks on universities have been outrunning the concern with antisemitism and concern with political diversity in a way that is a threat to academic freedom. Well see where that ultimately goes, but that is a form of illiberalism that is, I hope, to be avoided by both Democratic and Republican administrations in the future.

These are young people on college campuses who are developing ways of thinking and interacting with the world, and some of them will go on to positions of power and influence. I wonder if this is a way of thinking that is going to be perpetuated in our society.

I worry about that too. Im hopeful that were going to see a rebirth of liberal insistence on freedom of speech and freedom of religion and respect for people of diverse views, emphatically including people of faith.

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Ill tell you two stories, if I may.

I was teaching a first-year class just a few years ago at my law school, and we were discussing early in the semester some opinion by Justice [Antonin] Scalia. I referred to the opinion with admiration and respect. It was a really good opinion. And the students started laughing.

They thought that I was clearly contemptuous of Justice Scalia and I was making fun of something. It was as if the notion of Justice Scalia, to a number of the students, was that hes on the other team, and we cant admire or respect him. I thought, What is going on here?

To speak of an admirable opinion with admiration is kind of obvious, and to see the students thinking hes making a joke of some kind, I thought theres something wrong there  both that they thought that and that they thought everyone in the room would like their displaying contempt for Justice Scalia. That was not a good moment.

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I should say that generally, I found my students at Chicago and Harvard to be open to views of multiple kinds. I really like it when someone will say, I agree with Justice [Clarence] Thomas on this, and I agree with Justice [Elena] Kagan on that.

The other story is about a student who came into my office one day and said she wanted to write a paper on how the law constructs the body. I thought, Oh, OK. And I said, What do you mean? And she looked at me with incredulity and said, The law doesnt construct the body?

A lot of things have changed since I was in law school, evidently.

I said to her, I dont have a position on that yet. What would it mean to say that the law constructs the body?

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Its clear that in some class, the idea that the law constructs the body was taken as self-evident and thrilling, and the student hadnt asked what the sentence actually meant.

This was a student whos very smart, so it wasnt like the person wasnt able to figure things out. She completely could.

That idea that theres a formulation of something that gets in the head and is said with conviction, even though its meaning is obscure to the person who has conviction of its truth  thats not ideal.

I do think that the universities Ive been lucky to be a part of are generally doing a terrific job. But there are forms of illiberalism that are reflected in the laughter at a demonstration of respect for Justice Scalia and, in lets say, the failure to give critical scrutiny to the statement that the law constructs the body, though, for all I know, there may be some sense in which the law does that.

Lets go back to the law firms, which you touched upon earlier. What do you make of the deals that some large law firms entered into with the White House?

Let me give two pictures of a settlement.

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One picture of a settlement would be that the sanctions deployed against the firm have a legitimate basis, and that the firm is agreeing to respond by, lets say, doing pro bono work of a kind that isnt kowtowing to any particular political anything, or a law firm agreeing to follow the law where it hadnt been doing that before. Thats okay.

A second conception is that someone sees a law firm as a political adversary because theyre on the wrong side of too many issues, and the firm gives up money and autonomy because its under threat that is very inconsistent with our best traditions  the idea that, lets say, a future Democratic administration goes after a Republican law firm because it did Republican things and threatens them with all sorts of sanctions, and the firm agrees to do Democratic things instead of Republican things.

That would be dangerous and horrible, and my understanding of whats happened is closer to the second picture than the first.

If this happened in another country, the media would report it as state-sanctioned bribery and extortion.

I hear you.

I worked in the executive office of the president under President Obama, and I had involvement in a lot of executive orders. If theres an executive order that goes after a law firm, typically in both Republican and Democratic administrations, that would be stopped or would be softened so much that it wouldnt be plausible to say that this was an effort to go after a political adversary.

I cant even imagine what an executive order against the law firm would look like that would survive standard internal lawyer and policy scrutiny.

I worked a little bit, actually more than a little bit, as a young lawyer in the Justice Department on executive orders under Reagan, and they were really scrubbed. So I dont quite understand the internal processes.

Thats put very nicely. Heres how I think about it: I think there is an element of bad lawyering in the White House right now. Four losses this quickly in the lower courts on this issue is quite an indictment.

I was at the Office of Legal Counsel [in the Reagan administration], and there are a number of things that the new President Reagan was committed to, some of which were legally fine. You could find a way to do it that would be solid as a rock. Some of it was really hard to find a way to do that was legally solid.

Ted Olson was my boss. He was the head of the Office of Legal Counsel. He died recently, a complete hero. Mind you, Ted Olson wasnt left of center. He was definitely conservative and extremely enthusiastic about President Reagan.

He was a liberal in the sense that were discussing, part of which he was really committed to freedom of speech and pluralism, part of which was he was dedicated to the rule of law.

He would say to President Reagan and White House Counsel Ed Meese, You cant do that. We cant do that. Theres no legal way to do it.

It was as if, when he said that, it wasnt only  though it was partly  well lose in court. It was also that theres a morality of legality.

Reagan and Meese would both say, Okay, well do something else.

Theres been a flurry of activity within the regulatory agencies. The Trump administration has fired Democratic appointees at independent regulatory agencies. They have fired rank-and-file federal employees by the tens of thousands. They have stopped enforcing some federal laws and regulations.

Youve spent a good deal of your life working both in and outside of the government on the regulatory state and how we should construct it. Are we seeing the end of the post-New Deal regulatory framework?

What a great question.

Lets note that if you think something like the post-New Deal regulatory framework is terrific and to be preserved, you might be a liberal who thinks that it could be administered in a way thats consistent with the rule of law, that it can be disciplined in a way that makes sufficient room for freedom and individual agency. I think thats some version of what President Obama thought.

Or you could think that a lot of deregulation is in order, whether were dismantling the New Deal system or instead coming up with a new and more freedom-friendly regime.

If you want to dismantle the New Deal legal order, can you be a liberal? I think the answer to that is definitely yes.

If you think we shouldnt have an Environmental Protection Agency at all, that it should be all handled at the state level, or you think that the idea of a Department of Energy is silly, those are within the domain of liberalism. We didnt have an EPA until 1970. We didnt have a Department of Energy until around 1980.

I think what were now observing is more scattershot than a dismantling of the New Deal order.

So maybe we have to disaggregate. The attack on independent agencies, I think, could be consistent with the New Deal order. Its just shifting authority from people who have a degree of immunity from the president to people who are subject to the president.

Democratic presidents occasionally have been upbeat about that idea, but they havent pressed it, partly because the legal question was at that time most likely to be resolved against them. The Supreme Court has shifted on that.

It depends on how long the list is of agencies that were getting rid of. I think were unlikely to see so many agencies gotten rid of that wed see the New Deal order in historys ash bin, but certainly Roosevelts vision of what the government is for isnt commanding nods of approval from the White House.

One way to get at this that concretizes it is that Roosevelt, in 1944, delivered what I think he regarded as one of the most important speeches of his life, which called for a second Bill of Rights. He said there should be a right to a good education, right to freedom from monopolies, right to protection against the vicissitudes of disability and disease and old age, a right to Social Security.

The second Bill of Rights, whether or not people know about its existence, has oriented a lot of our national debates where a lot of the ingredients, Republicans have been basically committed to.

Its not clear that the second Bill of Rights, if people know about it in the current White House, that they are excited about it, but you dont need to be excited about it or approving it to be a liberal. Hayek was a great liberal thinker. I think he might have been okay with the second Bill of Rights, at least when he was younger. He may have shifted against it as he got older.

The attack on the New Deal institutions is so far partial, but the rule of law-ness of it is highly questionable.

Some of the courts have said this: Congress gets to decide what agencies exist. The president cant dismantle the State Department. The president cant say that the Department of Agriculture doesnt exist anymore.

Weve seen things that are dismantling that raise serious separation of powers issues, and I think its fair to say that  put to one side whether the New Deal institutions are appropriately maintained  liberals like the separation of powers. They believe that the law-execution authority is different from the lawmaking authority, and were seeing them a little combined.

There is an element to liberalism that allows us  encourages us even  to consider how much space regulators should give to individuals in society.

But there is also an element in the liberal tradition of compassion and empathy and wanting to ensure that human beings can flourish on their own terms and at least have the minimal tools available to them to do that  sustenance, water, things like that.

I had thought that any president would be proud, as I think President Trump was in the first round, to be overseeing a USAID thats doing a great deal of good to save vulnerable people and to put our countrys generosity on view for people all over the world.

Hope springs eternal. It feels like the dismantling of USAID was so fast and furious and so reckless that it would have to be rethought, including by the president.

In terms of the liberal tradition, there are a couple things to say.

Youre right that theres a strand of the liberal tradition which is focused on the commitment to individual dignity  which is water, clean air, minimal resources as something that its appropriate to provide. Hayek himself, often thought to be the classic neoliberal market guy, agreed with a minimum for people. He was for that in The Road to Serfdom. That is part of the liberal tradition.

Also, there are two great liberal Supreme Court decisions. One is the Barnette decision, where the court said that kids could refuse to salute the flag under First Amendment principles, where Justice [Robert H.] Jackson said, Compulsory unification of opinion achieves only the unanimity of the graveyard. Thats the best liberal sentence the court ever wrote.

And then the steel seizure case, where the court said that President Truman couldnt seize the steel mills and steel factories. That was a separation of powers decision. It wasnt an individual rights decision. The president needs congressional authority to do that.

To dismantle a government agency that is congressionally created, you have to work really hard to come up with an argument to defend that that speaks in respectful terms of the separation of powers. Now, there was some agile work done on USAID. There have been lawyers on the government side whove worked hard, but lets just say, in terms of respect for the rule of law, these werent the moments youd introduce to Mars to show what the United States was capable of.

Something you said interested me when you were talking about the Supreme Court on individual expression and freedom of religion. Im in your camp. I want people to realize whatever spiritual horizon they want to be on.

But in recent years, weve seen the Supreme Court elevate the concept of freedom of religion to a point that it now occupies such a high priority in their framework that you have anti-discrimination laws that are effectively being nullified.

If you say, for instance, that you know you dont have to sell the cake to such and such person, because your religious belief is that what theyre involved in is wrong, you can make that claim in almost any context and in a variety of forms.

Has the Supreme Court gone too far on this? Is there some rebalancing in the grand scheme of things that youd like to see?

This is a great question.

Circa 1985, there was a consensus that the Establishment Clause was a fierce barrier to anything that was favorable to religion as such, even if there was an argument that it was neutral. If it was funding religion and also secular, the Establishment Clause might well stand in the way, and there was also a consensus that we had to understand the Free Exercise Clause in a way that didnt veer into an Establishment Clause violation. That is, if you understood the Free Exercise Clause to give favorable treatment to religion, that would create an Establishment Clause problem.

There was a great scholar who became a federal judge and then left and is now a great scholar again, named Michael McConnell, who was my colleague at Chicago, and he did spectacular work, saying that the 1985 consensus was wrong and that the Establishment Clause was being over-interpreted to forbid sufficiently neutral stuff.

What the court has done is kind of loosened the strictures of the Establishment Clause and increased the power of the Free Exercise Clause. I feel very open-minded about whether where we are in 2025 is better on balance than where we were in 1985. I do think the softening of the Establishment Clause barriers is probably a good reading of the Constitution  that the court had gone a bit overboard in the 1980s.

I share the concern that in the cases of conflict between discrimination and free exercise, there are real puzzles, and its not clear what the right answer is. If you have someone who, lets say, is burning dogs as part of their religious heritage, the anti-dog-burning laws can kick in, and that, in my view, is legitimate, that the state has a sufficient interest.

In the cases where a religious institution is discriminating, the question is whether thats analogous to animal abuse. I think reasonable people differ on that, and so I dont feel all up in arms about what the court is doing.

I think these are puzzles. Liberalism is on both sides of this. You can be a liberal and think either.

You worked in both the Obama and Biden administrations. What do you think got us to this moment in political terms, where someone like you feels an urgency to write a book about liberalism?

The impetus for the book was not immediate current events.

It was seeing left-of-center illiberalism, both in academic theorizing at the University of Chicago and where I heard people talk about liberalism in ways that I thought were unfair. Thats when I started thinking about it. Right now, we have anti-liberals on the left and anti-liberals on the right.

In terms of politics, my association is odd, which is Star Wars. I think the much-disliked prequels had something about human psychology right, where the notion of disorder and swampness and gridlock in a capital lead people to want strength  someone who will set things right.

I think were seeing that all over the world, where either there actually is disorder of one or another kind, or the description of the world as out of order can be made to resonate, even if it doesnt have perfect accuracy. I think theres something in psychology that is highly responsive to the notion of a strong leader who can set things right.

That can be a recipe for illiberal success, as in nations outside this country, and it can be a recipe for tolerance of or relative indifference to liberal practices.

The book is really meant to be about liberalism and what it is and why its important, and not meant to be for or against any political person. Its very informed by the American conservative tradition insofar as its liberal.

I listen to conservative radio almost every day in Boston. I learn from it, and I hear some juxtapositions in some of it. Its very jarring when you hear from people who are typically on the center and the left saying we have pieces of tyranny around us and theres reasons to be fearful of whats happening, and then the host or someone else will say with joy, as if its almost the crescendo of a Prince song, Freedom is back.

Prince was too inventive to have a cliche like that, but it has exhilaration in it, and Im thinking, whats going on in that juxtaposition?

Theres something about the idea of someone whos in charge, who says Fuck you and wont take any shit. That resonates. Sometimes it resonates on the left.

Do you have any regrets about any of the decisions that you made while working in the Obama and Biden administrations?

When I was in the Obama administration, I was full-time for four years. I regret that I didnt get aggressive enough about paperwork burdens on people.

Thats not a high enough level of regret to speak to the moment, but I do regret that I was overseeing the Paperwork Reduction Act, and there are people seeking medical services, there are doctors, there are truck drivers, there are would-be entrepreneurs who are besieged by paperwork. While I did try to reduce it, I wish Id tried harder.

My biggest regret  and its not something I blame myself entirely for, but I do blame myself a bit for it  one of our programs for climate resilience, its called the BRIC program. Its actually a Trump creation, and it was designed to give communities a competitive process by which they could get federal resources to be protected more against flooding, extreme heat, wildfire, etc.

The Trump administration created it, and then we made it bigger [under Biden], and then it was abolished by this Trump administration. I think this Trump administration, on reflection, should like it, because its in the national interest, its connected with some of the presidents concerns. And you dont need to use the word climate.

I regret that we didnt put it on sufficiently firm ground, such that it would have bipartisan support if they wanted to reduce the funding. Thats completely fine, but its a program that helps people in Texas, it helps people all over the country, and I regret that it wasnt stabilized as an enduring part of American government.


A Department of Defense official filed a lawsuit against a well-known TikTok astrologer last week, accusing her of harassing him after they split from a monthslong affair.

The astrologer, Amy Tripp, was previously named in a court filing last month in Palm Beach County. Tripp, who goes by Starheal and calls herself the internets most notorious astrologer, was named as a defendant in family court for a stalking and cyberstalking case filed by Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata.

This month, a lawsuit filed in circuit civil court makes similar allegations against Tripp, who has denied wrongdoing in both cases. The plaintiff in the new lawsuit was identified only by the pseudonym John Doe, but the details about Does identity match those of Tata.

Related: Salmonella Outbreak Tied To Recalled Eggs Has Sickened 95 People Since January

Doe was confirmed as an official in the Department of Defense on July 15. Thats the same date Tata was confirmed, and he was the only defense department official confirmed that day, according to The Guardian.

Anthony Tata filed a stalking complaint against astrology influencer Amy Tripp in Florida. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, when asked about the August lawsuit, told HuffPost in a statement that officials support Tata.

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Under Secretary Tata has the complete and total confidence of Secretary Hegseth in his role and will continue to have his support, Parnell said. Mr. Tata has done a fantastic job delivering on the priorities of this Department and this administration. We strongly stand by him.

Tatas lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment from HuffPost.

Related: Ex-CDC Official Said He Used This Term In Resignation Letter To Defy Trump Admin

In the new lawsuit, Doe alleged that Tripp conducted a sustained campaign of harassment against him and his wife, threatening to defame him to his new employer and high-ranking senate officials since late June.

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Doe and Tripp, who has more than 86,000 followers on TikTok, first met on a dating app last year. Does marriage was struggling, and he began a sexual relationship with Tripp, according to the lawsuit. He was in the process of writing a book, and consulted Tripp for astrological beliefs and related issues for a character.

Seeing the potential in Tripps astrology business, Doe agreed to invest in Starheal, LLC for an equity interest of 5%, according to the lawsuit.

The affair was described in the lawsuit as relatively stable between May 2024 and the end of June 2025. However, their casual sexual relationship drastically changed when Doe was appointed to the Department of Defense.

He reconciled with his wife that month, ending the affair and telling Tripp, [O]ur relationship is unequivocally over. I love my wife and intend to attempt to repair the relationship, according to the lawsuit.

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Doe alleged that Tripp then lashed out and threatened to use her massive social media platform to post false information about him and his wife, including accusing him of committing a disgusting sexual crime against her.

Tripp is also accused of extorting Doe for $25,000 to remove defamatory information from X, repeatedly calling him and making violent threats.

In one instance mentioned in the lawsuit, Tripp allegedlyused another persons phone to text Does wife, He wont get confirmed. Hes cooked.

Related: Signalgate Exposes Hypocrisy At High Level

I just told the White House. You want to be next? You have skeletons in your closet. I will expose you and call your job and tell them you stole money, Tripp allegedly messaged Does wife. Youre both cooked for fucking with me.

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Things began to de-escalate slightly by July, when Tripp apologized for some of the messages she sent, stating its not true and I was upset and I hate this happened and Ill respect you and stay out of your life, the suit states.

The de-escalation did not last long, according to the lawsuit. By mid July, Tripp would allegedly sporadically message Doe, threatening to harm herself or his wife.

Lawyers for Tripp told The Cut that she strenuously denies the allegations in the complaint and trusts that the process will fully vindicate her.

In several posts on X, Tripp called Does accusations false and said she feels like shes going through a messy public divorce.

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.  starheal (@starheal) August 29, 2025

I should never have gotten into this relationship and Im sorry I ever met this person. This has caused me immense suffering and continues to hurt me, Tripp wrote Saturday.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is being blamed for the failure of the presidents summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, with colleagues becoming increasingly frustrated with his unprofessionalism.

Hes kind of a rogue actor, a senior White House staffer told Politico. 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.

Sources told the news outlet that Witkoff refused to consult experts or prepare for meetings in the lead-up to the historic summit in Alaska, where Trump failed to secure a peace agreement in Ukraine. The envoy assumed, like Trump, that his personal charisma and rapport with the Russian president would be enough to force a breakthrough.

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The thing is, Witkoff isnt consistently engaged, a White House source told Politico. 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.

Steve Witkoff is a former real estate developer with no prior experience in diplomacy. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

Meanwhile, the Russians are talking to you about how Witkoff says  and you dont know whether theyre right or not, but you cant get a readout from the Russians, they added.

Witkoff has met with Putin five times over the past six months, but little is known of what was said between the two men behind closed doors. A former real estate developer with no prior experience in diplomacy, Witkoff views the negotiations through the lens of real estate, thinking of the conflict as merely a land dispute, Politico reported.

According to Politico, Witkoffs failure to read intelligence briefings, check his government emails, or take notes at meetings has led him to parrot Putins talking points about the state of the frontlines in Ukraine and misinterpret his position, which, by proxy, may have influenced Trumps understanding of the situation.

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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 source told the publication.

Following his last meeting with Putin before the summit in Alaska earlier this month, Witkoff returned to the White House with news of a major breakthroughPutin had agreed to a land-swapping deal in eastern Ukraine in which Russian forces would withdraw from the occupied regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in return for Kyiv ceding Donetsk and Luhansk. With this information, Trump would negotiate the details in Anchorage.

Witkoff has refused to take notes or share details of his meetings with Putin. / Gavriil Grigorov/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

The news shocked world leaders, who were adamant that Putin would never give up occupied territory in Ukraine.

The next day, further talks between White House and Kremlin officials revealed that Putin had said nothing about withdrawing from the occupied territories and merely conceded that he would not demand that the West formally recognize them as Russian, according to Reuters. Witkoff had misinterpreted Putins demand that Ukraine withdraw from Zaporizhzhia and Kherson as a concession offer.

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to reach a peace agreement at the bilateral summit in Alaska earlier this month. / Andrew Harnik / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Witkoff disputed Politicos characterization of him, telling the outlet: What Im 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.

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Vice President JD Vance has also praised his colleagues work ethic, saying, Witkoff has made more progress towards ending the bloodshed in Ukraine than all his critics combined.

Witkoff was set to meet with top Ukrainian officials on Friday to discuss technical details he hopes will lead to a three-way summit between Trump, Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Kyiv remains cautiously optimistic.

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, a Ukrainian official said, adding they hope Witkoff will be receptive to their positions.

White House Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told the Daily Beast: Its typical for the TDS-ridden activists and fake journalists of the Daily Beast to regurgitate fake news just to undermine President Trump and his team.

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Like President Trump, Steve Witkoff left behind a massive business enterprise to serve his country, and he is doing an incredible job advancing peace around the world. Over 70 Americans detained abroad have returned home as a direct result of Mr. Witkoffs efforts, and the President has full confidence in Mr. Witkoffs ability to advocate for America First foreign policy.

The Daily Beast has contacted the State Department for further comment.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday outlined an ambitious roadmap for transforming the state into one of India's top five economies by 2036, during his address at the Odisha Summit hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Bhubaneswar. Speaking as the chief guest at the gathering of industrialists, investors, and policymakers, Majhi emphasised the state's commitment to economic growth through collaboration between government and industry stakeholders. Majhi said, "The Indian Chamber of Commerce hosted a summit today in Bhubaneswar on an advanced Odisha and empowering the state's growth engine. Investors from within and outside Odisha arrived there. The following day, we discussed how to make Odisha prosperous and advanced." Majhi unveiled the government's new "36 for 36" initiative, a policy framework aimed at driving Odisha's development by the year 2036, when the state marks its 100th year of formation. "As a chief guest, I liked the programs they organised. We discussed how the government and industrialists will collaborate further for a better Odisha. We have a vision for an advanced and prosperous Odisha by 2036. Our goal is for Odisha's economy to rank among the top 5 in India by 2036. On this basis, we have organised the 36 for 36 program to make Odisha prosperous." Underscoring the state's 'Make in Odisha' vision, Majhi announced fresh incentives for small-scale industrialists and entrepreneurs, noting that the MSME sector currently contributes nearly 30% to the state's economic growth. "We are on a 'Make in Odisha' vision. We will offer incentives to small-scale industrialists and entrepreneurs. We have also made guidelines and SOPs for them. The MSME sector contributes around 30% to our growth." The CM further set a target revenue level of $500 million, he said, "In our vision for 2036, we aim to reach a revenue level of $500 million. The government will work with the industrialists on the basis of conclusions of today's discussion." (ANI)
(The Center Square)  President Donald Trump lashed out Friday night after a federal appeals court said he didn't have the power to issue the sweeping tariffs central to his economic agenda.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed a lower court ruling that invalidated the tariffs. Still, it said the highest import duties in nearly a century could remain in place while the administration appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In a 7-4 decision, the court said tariff power rests with Congress, not the president. It also found that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act didn't grant the president such authority.

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The court said Trump's tariffs on all U.S. trading partners went "beyond the authority delegated to the President by IEEPA."

Trump took to social media to vent, saying that all tariffs remain in effect for now.

"Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country," Trump said. "It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong."

Phillip Magness, a senior fellow at the Independent Institute, said the president overstepped.

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"This is a very conventional, level-headed, and non-partisan ruling rooted in the same constitutional doctrines that prevailed at the U.S. Court of International Trade in May," he told The Center Square. "The court noted that Trump's interpretation of IEEPA would be an unconstitutional delegation of Congress's power, and its review of the governing statutes firmly established that IEEPA was not intended to be used for tariffs let alone a full-scale presidential re-writing of the entire tariff schedule."

Magness said that Trump's claims to have nearly unlimited tariff authority may have been his undoing.

"It's also clear that the administration's legal strategy in this case backfired. They asserted sweeping and practically unchallengeable tariff powers under IEEPA in their filings with the court, and it's clear that the justices were not buying it," he said. "Even more bizarre, they attempted a last-ditch set of legal arguments over the last few weeks where they essentially claimed that Trump's tariff agenda was 'too big to fail,' even if it was found to be technically unconstitutional."

Liberty Justice Center, the Texas-based nonprofit group that helped small businesses file suit to overturn the tariffs, said the ruling was a victory for the U.S. Constitution.

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"The decision today is a powerful reaffirmation of our nation's core constitutional commitments from our nation's Founders, especially the principle that Presidents must act within the rule of law," attorney Neal Katyal said. "It is that commitment to the rule of law that brought my parents, and millions of others, to this country, and which stands as a beacon of freedom and hope around the globe."

Trump said the tariffs are needed.

"The U.S.A. will no longer tolerate enormous Trade Deficits and unfair Tariffs and Non Tariff Trade Barriers imposed by other Countries, friend or foe, that undermine our Manufacturers, Farmers, and everyone else," the president wrote on Truth Social, which was temporarily down after the ruling. "If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America. At the start of this Labor Day weekend, we should all remember that TARIFFS are the best tool to help our Workers, and support Companies that produce great MADE IN AMERICA products. For many years, Tariffs were allowed to be used against us by our uncaring and unwise Politicians. 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!"

The administration previously said it would take the case to the Supreme Court.

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"[Trump] will probably do so on similar legal arguments that the two lower courts have now rejected," Magness told The Center Square. "It's always hard to predict how SCOTUS will rule if they take the case, although I'd note that several of the court's 'originalists' would have to turn against core legal theories like non-delegation and the framers' intent to reinstate Trump's tariffs. It's very clear that Trump is using tariffs in ways that go against framers' intent, and that stretch the delegation of congressional powers well beyond what most originalists are comfortable doing."

Trump used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to underpin his "Liberation Day" tariffs. On April 2, Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners. He later suspended those higher tariffs, used the threat of higher taxes to get foreign nations to agree to new trade deals and then hit nearly 66 nations plus the European Union with the highest tariffs in nearly a century.

In May, the U.S. Court of International Trade unanimously ruled that Congress did not give the president tariff authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. The ruling voided Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs and struck down other tariffs Trump issued under the IEEPA. The administration appealed to the Federal Circuit, which ruled that Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs could remain in place while the legal challenge continued.

Trump has said he wants to use tariffs to restore manufacturing jobs lost to lower-wage countries in decades past, shift the tax burden away from U.S. families and pay down the national debt.

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A tariff is a tax on imported goods paid by the person or company that imports the goods. The importer can absorb the cost of the tariffs or try to pass the cost on to consumers through higher prices.

Economists, businesses and some public companies have warned that tariffs could raise prices on a wide range of consumer products.

New tariffs raised $58.5 billion in revenue between January and June of this year before accounting for income and payroll tax offsets, according to an analysis of federal data from the Penn Wharton Budget Model.
President Trumps new effort to cancel funding previously approved by Congress through pocket rescissions is setting up a political land mine for Congress as it races to avert a government shutdown by Sept. 30.

The so-called pocket rescission comes as Democrats had warned that efforts by the administration to unilaterally claw back money would seriously undermine the fragile bipartisanship required to fund the government.

And some Republicans are also sounding the alarm, questioning whether the move is legal and saying it undermines the will of Congress.

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement Friday that the latest announcement by the administration is evidence that Trump and Congressional Republicans are hellbent on rejecting bipartisanship and going it alone this fall.

As the country stares down next months government funding deadline on September 30th, it is clear that neither President Trump nor congressional Republicans have any plan to avoid a painful and entirely unnecessary shutdown, he said.

Senate Republicans chief funding negotiator, Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), meanwhile, said any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of 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, she said, while also citing Congresss power of the purse.

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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, she added, noting Congress approves rescissions regularly as part of this process.

The rescissions request sent Thursday to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) calls for yanking back about $5 billion in funding for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which the administration dismantled earlier this year.

Under the budget law governing the process, known as the Impoundment Control Act (ICA), the administration asks Congress to cancel select funds. While lawmakers consider that request, the administration is also allowed to temporarily withhold funding for 45 days. If lawmakers reject the request, the funds must be released.

Democrats were furious earlier this summer when Republicans in Congress approved such a request along party lines, accusing them of using a partisan maneuver to undo funding that had passed on a bipartisan basis.

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But Trumps latest proposal is known as a pocket rescission because there are fewer than 45 days until the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, which means the administration can bypass Congress altogether and simply run out the clock.

Some lawmakers have described the request as illegal and say its strategically timed close to the end of the fiscal year so that targeted funds can be canceled without Congresss say-so.

Sen. Patty Murray (Wash.), the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, criticized the targeted cuts as a get-out-of-jail free card for this administration to simply not spend investments Congress has made and said lawmakers should instead insist on making decisions over spending through the bipartisan appropriations process.

Trump officials have argued the tactic is legal. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought earlier this summer described the controversial maneuver as one of the executive tools that are on the table to reduce spending.

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A White House official argued on Friday that they dont believe that this should distract from the appropriations process that is underway.

Talked with one senator this morning who said, you know, this will take time away from the appropriations process to consider this bill, they said. Again, we dont believe that this bill needs to be considered because it is an executive mechanism that allows us to bank the savings just by using the process.

They also pushed back on arguments that the move signals the administration wants a shut down.

That is not true, the official said. This in some respects we believe will help with those members who are not normally accustomed or willing to vote for a continuing resolution, that will in effect keep the government open. So, we believe this is in no way contributing to the argument put out there by Democrats this will lead to a government shutdown.

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Since news broke of the package of cuts, a number of conservatives have cheered the move keeping up calls for more rescissions.

President Trump just scrapped $5 BILLION in foreign aid with a pocket rescission  the first in nearly 50 years, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) posted Friday morning on social platform X. The President is putting America FIRST instead of sending your tax dollars overseas!!

Among the cuts the administration has touted in the proposal are the cancellation of $3.2 billion for the development assistance account for USAID, $393 million for the account covering payments for the U.S. share of United Nations peacekeeping assessments, and $521 million for an account that provides funding for the assessed contributions to the U.N. and other international organizations.

The administration described the funds as woke, weaponized, and wasteful, while listing examples of funding for items like climate resilience in Honduras, micro-insurance for smallholder farmers and microbusinesses in Colombia for climate disaster response, the World Trade Organization and the International Labor Organization that it said works to punish U.S. corporate interests abroad.

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The Trump Administration is committed to getting Americas fiscal house in order by cutting government spending that is woke, weaponized, and wasteful, the White House said.

The cuts mark the administrations latest effort targeting foreign aid this year.

In July, Trump successfully clawed back about $9 billion in previously allocated funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, after Republicans in both chambers approved the cuts with zero Democratic support  but not without some headaches for GOP leaders.

There was uncertainty around the bills chances of passage at the time over concerns about cuts to global health programs, as well as how local and tribal stations would fare from cuts to public media funds. Some GOP lawmakers also clashed with the administration at the time over what they argued was a lack of information in the administrations request.

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In an interview on Friday, Bobby Kogan, a former Senate budget aide and senior director of federal budget policy at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, singled out the administrations renewed focus on foreign aid in the most recent rescissions request.

I think that they were worried that if they had done all of this at the time, it wouldnt have passed, he argued. Theres a legal way to rescind money, which they took for foreign aid before, and then theyre sending more for it through illegal means, and that really shows that the whole purpose is to get around Congress, which theyve been explicit about.

He compared the request to introducing an atom bomb just as Congress prepares to ramp up funding talks ahead of the shutdown deadline.

This definitely increases the likelihood of a shutdown, he said.

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Brett Samuels contributed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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On August 25, 2005, Donald Trump announced plans to build a 70-story high-rise in downtown New Orleans, which he referred to as a sexy city. Four days later, Hurricane Katrina hit. Trump and his family continued to pledge their commitment to the Trump Tower complex, saying theyd help the people of New Orleans rebuild their city, but the project never came to fruition. Twenty years later, the land it was supposed to stand on is still a parking lot.

Its going to be absolutely the most incredible building New Orleans has ever seen, Trump said at the announcement. The building would have been the tallest in Louisiana and would have drastically changed the New Orleans skyline, in a city with very few tall buildings. Led by a group of Florida developers who did a licensing deal with Trump, the project was supposed to house a condominium-hotel, and include a five-star restaurant and retail space.

After Katrina, the developers lobbied Congress to include incentives that would help the tower be built more quickly, encouraging tax benefits to buyers of the condos and allowing public interest bonds to be sold to help cover material costs. A Times-Picayune article in November 2005 was headlined: Tower could power New Orleans revival.

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The Trump organization stands behind the people of New Orleans as they rebuild their great city, Trump said in a statement to the newspaper. We have no doubt that the city of New Orleans will come back stronger than ever, and the Trump Organization is proud to be a part of this redevelopment process as New Orleans gets back on its feet. Our decision to enter the New Orleans market has only been reinforced by the dynamic nature and resilient strength of the people of New Orleans.

Years later, during a 2010 deposition about a different project, Trump said that immediately following Katrina, he actually offered the Florida developers their money back to get out of the project, but they turned him down.

In 2007, the developers announced they had leased offices for the Trump Tower building. In January 2008, Donald Trump Jr. visited New Orleans to talk about the project and said the Trump Organization was planning a national push to look for buyers. Weeks later, they started advertising in the newspaper for employees. In the fall, the developers said the project was still going forward despite a sharp increase in construction prices after Katrina, but that they wouldnt start building until they sell half the units. Prices for the condos would start at $400,000 and go up to $2 million.

A website for the project featured an introductory video with Don Jr. and Ivanka wearing masquerade masks that dissolved off their faces as their signatures and Live Luxury and Live Opulence flashed across the screen. It ended with a photograph of Donald Trump in a mask and the words Live It Yourself. A landing page for the site had a rendering of the 1.6 million-square-foot tower with the words: In a city of limitless possibilities, lavish luxury towers from the ground up. One cannot aspire any higher. Even the sky is not the limit.

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Letters from citizens about the tower flooded the Times-Picayune, with people writing in both support and against the building. The news of the Trump Tower groundbreaking is unconscionable, wrote one person, Jody, in the spring of 2007. Citizens are still homeless, jobless, without sufficient police and fire protection and without adequate levees.

Others defended the project. As we struggle to rebuild and redefine our future, surely Mr. Trumps project can only be considered a win-win for all concerned, wrote a woman named Gail.

Revenue from this economic development can help us rebuild levees and increase citizen protection in case of another hurricane, said a man named Andrew. It is clear that the Trump tower could hold the key to reclaiming New Orleans glory.

For years, a photograph of the proposed building was on a giant poster at the Poydras Street parking lot where it would supposedly be built. The poster faded with age and in 2011, the parking lot was sold at a foreclosure auction.

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Five years later, when Trump was running for president against Hillary Clinton, the Democratic National Convention tried to use his failed attempt against him. A DNC researcher filed a public records request seeking documents about Trump and the scrapped project, but the city said none existed.

Donald Trump has threatened to do to the economy what hes done with his businesses, so we believe the American people have the right to see what happened in his various business ventures, a DNC spokesperson told the Times-Picayune in 2016. Across the country, he has outsourced instead of making American products, shortchanged small businesses and laid off workers. America deserves better.

Over the decades of his work as a real estate mogul, Trump developed a less-than-sterling reputation for how he conducted business. He was often accused of fraud, which his political opponents have tried to use against him. Marco Rubio, now Trumps Secretary of State, called him out in 2016 for leaving a number of Floridians high and dry after tapping out of a project in Fort Lauderdale. Similar to the New Orleans project, Trump had licensed his name to the deal, but the way the project was marketed left buyers believing Trump himself was developing the project. One New Orleans citizen that wrote into the Times-Picayune celebrated Trump investing a portion of his personal fortune into building Trump tower in New Orleans, although, in fact, Trump was paid $2 million upfront to license his name.

A similar failed tower and licensing deal happened in Tampa Bay and buyers were left distraught after sinking hundreds of thousands of dollars into something they believed to be managed by Trump himself. The main reason we went into this was Trump, said Jay McLaughlin, a physical therapist from Connecticut. We had no idea he was just putting his name on it and not backing it financially.

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A 2016 analysis by The New York Times found that a third of the business ventures hyped up by Trump from 2006-2016 never got off the ground. But Trump would sometimes describe them as successes for his company since he got paid money upfront for the licensing deals.

The White House and Donald Trump Jr. did not return Rolling Stones requests for comment on the failed New Orleans project. President Trump did not publicly acknowledge the 20th anniversary of Katrina making landfall on Friday.

Katrinas anniversary has renewed scrutiny of Trump gutting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) since retaking the White House. After Hurricane Katrina decimated Louisiana, FEMA was overhauled and given more funding for disaster preparedness. Communities of color are often the most vulnerable communities when natural disasters strike, which was the case with the communities devastated by Katrina. These communities are the same ones that stand to be most disproportionately affected by the dismantling of FEMA.

Trumps cuts to the agency threaten to change how effective it would be in response to natural disasters, and in a letter to Congress on Monday, nearly 200 current and former FEMA employees sounded the alarm that the Trump administration had undercut FEMAs ability to respond to disasters like Katrina.

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The day after the letter was published, multiple FEMA employees were put on administrative leave.

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LONDON (AP)  Do not antagonize one's opponents unnecessarily, a basic principle of diplomacy says. But as the United States faces a trade war with China and various tensions overseas, President Donald Trump's emissaries are increasingly ticking off allied countries and being called to account.

Just this week, no fewer than three U.S. envoys scrambled to extricate themselves from diplomatic hot water.

Denmarks foreign minister summoned the top U.S. diplomat in the country to answer for reports that at least three people with connections to Trump have been carrying out covert influence operations in Greenland, a Danish territory. France summoned the U.S. ambassador, Trump in-law Charles Kushner, over his letter to President Emmanuel Macron alleging the country has not done enough to fight antisemitism. And the American ambassador to Turkey, longtime Trump friend Tom Barrack, apologized Thursday for using the word animalistic while calling for a gaggle of reporters to quiet down during a press conference in Lebanon.

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But in the other two cases, the Trump administration stood pat. Kushner did not show up for his summonsing, leaving the French to take it up with his No. 2. The top diplomat in Denmark did attend his meeting in Copenhagen, and the State Department said a productive conversation ensued. But behind the scenes in Washington, the Trump administration  through an official who spoke only on condition of anonymity  had a far more casual response.

The Danes," the official said, need to calm down.

A pattern emerges

There was much tsk-tsking from the diplomatic world over the indelicate exchanges, which would perhaps have been minor on their own.

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But they're consistent with Trump's blunt-spoken style, his America First approach to foreign policy and his attitude toward reporters  all of which appeal to broad swaths of his political base. And they track with the president's record of upending norms. Indeed, the State Department has offered little in response, except to say that it supports Kushner's letter to Macron and that the government does not control or direct the actions of private citizens in Greenland.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly dismissed the notion that the recent diplomatic kerfuffles have undercut Trumps global standing or dimmed his trust in his envoys.

President Trump has restored Americas standing on the world stage, and his foreign policy accomplishments speak for themselves," Kelly said, citing Trump's trade deals, his strike on Iran 's nuclear facilities and the freeing of Americans detained in other countries as examples. He has full confidence in his entire team to advance his America First foreign policy agenda.

The trifecta of ire against American diplomats in recent days was only the latest against Trump's overseas appointees, several of whom raised eyebrows during the president's first term. That's in part due to the particularly American practice  in both parties  of handing coveted postings to campaign donors and presidential friends regardless of their diplomatic experience.

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Trump's diplomats have something of a track record of annoying foreign governments. During his first term, numerous U.S. ambassadors from Iceland to Germany and South Africa as well as the European Union got under the skin of their host governments, prompting summonses if not private complaints.

One former senior State Department official said Trump loved the publicity these incidents received and often sent the ambassadors in question congratulatory notes when their actions produced news coverage.

The main exception to that was Gordon Sondland, the ambassador to the EU whom Trump fired just days after Sondland testified on Capitol Hill during Trumps first impeachment proceedings over Ukraine.

The hearings touched on another messy diplomatic matter  Trump's ousting of his ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, who testified that she felt pressured to issue statements of support for Trump. The woman, Trump said during a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, shes going to go through some things.

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Still, the recent dustups were striking for their risk of amplifying tensions among Western allies as the U.S. and China vie for economic superiority and talk of a meetup between their leaders as soon as this fall.

The Trump administration stresses, I think rightly, that the U.S.-China rivalry is now the major axis around which international affairs turn, Iver B. Neumann, director of the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, an independent think tank in Norway, wrote in an email. One of the major assets of the U.S. in that rivalry is that it has a high number of allies, whereas China only has one (North Korea). Present U.S. policy alienates allies on purpose, which risks losing them.

What happened with France?

It started with Macrons decision to recognize a Palestinian state, which angered Israel and the U.S. because it revived the prospect of a two-state solution to the seemingly endless conflict.

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Kushner's response, published Sunday by The Wall Street Journal, alleged that such public statements haranguing Israel and gestures toward recognition of a Palestinian state embolden extremists, fuel violence and endanger Jewish life in France. Kushner urged Macron, among other things, to "abandon steps that give legitimacy to Hamas and its allies.

France's Foreign Ministry said it firmly refutes Kushner's allegation and declared that it fell short of the quality of the transatlantic relationship between France and the United States and the trust that should result from it between allies."

(Trump has said several times and in several contexts, I don't trust anybody, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.)

The ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador on Monday, a formal and public notice of displeasure. He did not show, so French officials met with the embassys No. 2 instead. Kushner, a real-estate developer, is the father of Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner.

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What about Denmark?

Trump has been relatively quiet recently about his desire to acquire Greenland, the Danish territory in the Arctic, for security purposes. In March, Greenland voted to decide its own future as it moves toward independence from Denmark.

But Trump's hint that he could invade the massive island stands. So when Denmark's main broadcaster reported Wednesday that at least three people with connections to Trump had been carrying out covert influence operations in Greenland, Denmark's Foreign Ministry summoned the top U.S. diplomat in the country, Mark Stroh, a career member of the foreign service, for an explanation.

The State Department said "the U.S. government does not control or direct the actions of private citizens," values its relationship with Denmark and "respects the right of Greenlanders to determine their own future.

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Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the nonprofit Stimson Center in Washington, said Trumps envoys are unlikely to be reprimanded or change their agendas. But the incidents might serve as a warning to watch what they are saying and doing more carefully.

The ball is in other countries court to decide whether they are willing to jeopardize the diplomatic relations with (the) U.S. further, Sun wrote in an email. Doing so would have significant repercussions over much more critical domains.

___

Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Aamer Madhani and Amelia Thomson DeVeaux contributed to this story from Washington.
If you haven't flown commercially in recent months, there's a chance you might be caught off guard by just how much airport security has changed at your local airport.

Even as someone who flies very frequently, I have been caught off guard by just how different it is. During a recent flight through Denver, I saw passengers breezing through security using new technology, I saw all travelers keeping their shoes on for the first time in decades, and I saw firsthand what happens when someone's ID does not meet the new standards. And I soon realized those changes weren't specific to Denver, as I experienced similar things in Atlanta and New York's JFK airport.

Quite simply, TSA feels different these days. Even if you've flown recently, there's a strong chance your next experience through airport security will feel a little bit different

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Over the past several months, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have rolled out several changes to the airport security process that have made a significant impact on travelers.

Here's everything you need to know about what has changed over the past several months, so you know exactly what to expect on your next flight.

Major TSA Changes Over the Past Few Months

REAL ID-compliant identification is now required

All passengers keep their shoes on when going through airport security

TSA launches TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

No lithium batteries in checked luggage

TSA launches Families on the Fly program

REAL ID is Now Required

Perhaps the most high-profile change came on May 7, 2025, when the TSA began requiring all passengers to have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. This can include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a passport, as well as a number of alternatives.

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The REAL ID Act was actually originally passed by Congress in 2005 to set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards. Two decades later, it finally went into effect.

It's worth noting that it is technically possible to fly without a REAL ID-compliant license. Travelers would just need to arrive early to go through the necessary additional screening.

Shoes On Through Security

For over a decade, only those with TSA PreCheck status were permitted to keep their shoes on while going through the TSA security checkpoint. Now, that applies to all passengers.

On Tuesday, July 8, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the TSA would be ending its longstanding "shoes off" policy.

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Ending the Shoes-Off policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nations airports, Secretary Noem said in a statement at the time.

ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images ROBYN BECK/Getty Images

We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. As always, security remains our top priority. Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards. This initiative is just one of many the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the Presidents vision for a new Golden Age of American travel.

Obviously, this move made airport security a little more convenient and efficient for travelers.

TSA Launches TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

While the TSA has been making use of facial recognition technology in its security checkpoints for a number of years, the agency expanded its use of the technology in a big way this year, rolling out TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.

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While many airports throughout the country are already using facial recognition technology to match passengers' facial scans to their IDs, the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID works in a way that does not even require passengers to use their ID at the checkpoint.

Instead of comparing the traveler's facial scan to the photo on their ID or passport, the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID compares the facial scan at the airport against a gallery of templates of pre-staged photos that the passenger previously provided to the government with their passport or visa.

"That's actually one of the more exciting developments is the frictionless ID for TSA pre-check where all you have to do is just use your face and it basically matches your face to your stored information," security expert Jake Parker, who is the Senior Director of Government Relations of the Security Industry Association (SIA), told me during a recent phone interview. "You don't even have to pull out your boarding pass or ID or anything."

While Parker has a positive take on the new technology and does not think that it changes much about the security process or personal privacy, several experts disagree, with some expressing concerns about how the data is used and stored. Some lawmakers are currently working to limit the technology.

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This new technology is currently only available with select airlines at just 15 airports throughout the country.

No Lithium Batteries in Checked Luggage

Another recent change that the TSA has implemented this year is a ban on lithium and lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage because the batteries are capable of overheating and potentially causing fires on flights.

This change applies to most portal chargers and power banks, which use lithium or lithium-ion batteries, as well as devices like cell phones, tablets, and computers.

While none of those items may be brought aboard flights, portable chargers may be brought aboard on carry-on luggage as long as they meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, which limit the size of the batteries.

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"Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery. Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery," the FAA wrote in a statement on its website.

The TSA has been cracking down on these particular rules lately, so it's worth paying attention before your next flight.

Families on the Fly

Airport security is stressful enough when you're flying by yourself. However, flying with children adds a whole new level of stress. However, the TSA is moving forward with a change that will make flying with families a lot easier.

The Families on the Fly initiative, which has been rolled out at a few airports throughout the country, provides travelers with a dedicated family lane at airport security that will be faster and less stressful for families with children 12 and under.

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"We understand that air travel can be challenging, especially for parents managing strollers, diaper bags, and young kids, TSA Federal Security Director for Orlando Pete Garcia said in a statement last month.

This program goes beyond convenience; its about addressing the unique needs of traveling families to provide a smoother, more supportive experience at our security checkpoints. Were dedicated to making travel smart, secure, and family-friendly."

While the initiative is only available at a few airports across the country currently, it is set to be expanded in the coming years and months as the TSA looks to expand it nationwide.

More Changes on the Horizon

Obviously, things have changed a lot in the past few months. The goal of these changes is to make airport security as "frictionless" and "seamless" as possible, TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl recently explained during a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

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Stahl also made it clear that he sees even more changes on the horizon as the TSA looks to continue making airport security more efficient for travelers. He went as far as to say that he expects a "fully automated" security screening process at some point in the future.

"We really are envisioning a fully frictionless process, one that's fully automated, that's tech-enabled, that is as seamless as possible," Stahl said earlier this year.

"We are going to do everything we can," he said. "[Secretary Noem] is going to do everything we can to bring in side-by-side partners, the private sector, public sector, airlines, airports and other stakeholders to really create an American travel and transportation security system that every single American is proud of."

There have already been a lot of changes, and it sounds like we can expect a lot more in the coming months and years. As the agency continues to roll out changes, it's good to keep an eye on the TSA's official website to stay up-to-date on everything you need to know.

This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Aug 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
TUPELO  A Haven Acres man who tried to kill a neighbor and then fled the county last year will spend the next 20 years in prison after pleading guilty.

Michael Tyrone Owens Jr., 42, of Evans Circle, Tupelo, entered pleas to attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a felon in Lee County Circuit Court Aug. 20. Judge Chip Mills sentenced him to 40 years in prison with 20 years suspended on the attempted murder charge. It will run concurrently with the 10-year gun charge.

Owens, who is currently in Mississippi Department of Corrections' custody serving a seven-year stint for drug possession in Pontotoc County, will have to serve five years of post-release supervision when he is released. He must also pay more than $5,000 in court costs, fines and restitution. That amount includes $3,000 to the man he shot.

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In exchange for the plea, the state dropped the habitual status on the charge.

Your attorney has worked out what appears to be a good deal on your behalf, Mills said. The state has agreed to retire the habitual status, You were looking at a life sentence otherwise.

While Owens chose to not speak, public defender Maria Liu said her client has been making the most of his time behind bars.

He has been productive in prison, Liu said. He did obtain his high school diploma on June 26 of 2025. He is going to continue taking classes and do everything that he can.

Tupelo police were dispatched around 11:15 a.m. Aug. 6, 2024, to the 3000 block of Beasley Drive in the Haven Acres community for a report of gunfire with injuries. The responding officers discovered an adult male who had been shot inside a residence after a disturbance.

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Witnesses told police that a male suspect entered the residence and an argument with the victim ensued. During the altercation, the suspect shot the victim twice before fleeing the scene. Authorities said the victim and Owens knew each other and lived about a half-mile apart.

Owens life on the run lasted just more than a day. He was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force at the Econo Lodge on Military Road in Columbus the afternoon after the shooting. He was booked into the Lowndes County Jail on weapons and drug charges.

He was returned to Tupelo the following week and formally charged with aggravated assault. That charge was upgraded to attempted murder when a Lee County grand jury indicted him in February.
Turkey has severed all trade relations with Israel and closed its airspace to Israeli aircraft in response to the country's actions in Gaza, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Friday.

"We have completely stopped trade with Israel," Fidan said in a parliamentary session on the Gaza situation in Ankara. "We have closed our ports to Israeli ships. We do not allow Turkish ships to call at Israeli ports."

Turkey "does not allow container ships carrying weapons and ammunition to Israel to call at our ports, nor do we allow aircraft to fly into our airspace," Fidan added.

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No other country has completely severed its trade relations with Israel.

The measures are part of a comprehensive package of diplomatic, legal, and economic measures that Ankara has introduced because of the Gaza conflict, Fidan added.

Turkey has repeatedly described the war in the Gaza Strip as a "genocide."

The Gaza war was triggered by the attack on Israel led by the Palestinian militant organization Hamas on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw more than 250 taken hostage to Gaza.

More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, according to figures from the Hamas-run Health Ministry that are seen as largely credible.

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Turkey has previously announced that it would restrict trade with Israel and stated that no trade had taken place since May 2024.

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, Turkey's trade with Israel amounted to $7 billion in 2023.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT)  The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit started investigating two shootings that happened Friday.

According to Cpt. Jack Kennedy with the TVCU, Northport police responded around 4 p.m. to a report of a shooting in the 2600 block of 16th Avenue. A 15-year-old boy was shot and suffering from a not life-threatening injury.

The TVCU determined there was an argument at a residence among several young men, including juveniles. At least some of them possessed firearms. Jaius Prince, 29, allegedly fired shots, striking the 15-year-old male and an uninvolved residence.

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Protests at Fayette County Courthouse after child molester put on house arrest

Prince was arrested and charged with first-degree assault and shooting into an occupied residence. A juvenile was arrested in the case and is facing a certain persons forbidden to be in possession of a firearm charge. Kennedy stated more charges are expected.

The TVCU responded to Cottondale Efficiency Apartments because of a shooting later Friday. The victim sustained a not-life threatening gunshot wound. Witnesses said the shooting happened during a dice game. The suspect fled the scene, and no arrests have been made.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Dozens of first responders were called to the scene of a two-alarm apartment fire near South Nashville Saturday afternoon.

According to Metro Nashville dispatch, more than 40 units from the Nashville Fire Department were assigned to the blaze in the 2100 block of Elm Hill Pike between 2:42 p.m. and 3:32 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30.

1 brought to hospital, I-24W partially blocked for hours in Glencliff after shooting

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The Nashville Fire Department confirmed shortly before 4:45 p.m. that personnel were at the active scene, adding that some road closures were set up nearby along Elm Hill Pike.

When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames on the second and third floors, which extended to the roof of Building T at the apartment complex, according to the NFD.

The NFD crews used an interior attack with their water supply through the breezeway to stop the fire from spreading amid searching for any occupants to ensure the building had been evacuated, officials said.

According to the NFD, firefighters contained the fire to five units and prevented it from spreading to the other 13 units within the building.

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No injuries were reported, and the Red Cross assisted residents affected by the fire, according to the NFD.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Investigators later determined that the cause of the fire was grilling on a second-floor balcony, fire officials said.

Additional life-safety concerns were noted at the property and are being addressed with management, the Nashville Fire Department said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led NDA, claiming the ongoing 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' has left the ruling alliance rattled. Speaking to ANI, Yadav claimed that no matter how hard the NDA tries, it will not regain power in Bihar. "BJP is scared, and because of this historic yatra, NDA has become very uneasy. They are doing all that they can, and we have an eye on everything. No matter how hard they try, they will not come back to power in Bihar," he said. The Voter Adhikar Yatra, spearheaded by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other Mahagathbandhan leaders in Bihar, will culminate in a grand finale with a march in Patna on September 1. Instead of a rally, the yatra will conclude with top leaders addressing the crowd at various points during the protest, as the Patna administration did not grant permission for the rally. On the clash that broke out between Congress and BJP workers yesterday in Patna, the RJD leader said, "These people have been violent from the beginning. They are cowards. The nation knows its true character." Earlier on Saturday, Akhilesh Yadav joined Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for the last leg of the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar's Saran. In a social media post on X, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal welcomed him to the "historic" movement to protect democracy. "This morning, Ex UP CM Sh. @yadavakhilesh ji joined the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Saran! Welcomed him to this historic movement to protect democracy. He has been a steadfast ally in our fight against the BJP's destruction of our democracy, and a strong voice for the poor and underprivileged in UP and across the country," Venugopal posted on X. Today marks the second last day of the INDIA bloc's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', which aims to raise awareness about voter rights and protest against alleged "vote theft" and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. August 30's Voter Adhikar Yatra is conducted in Chapra, Saran, to Arrah, Bhojpur. Earlier today, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav slammed the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting the Special Intensive Revision in poll-bound Bihar, alleging that the poll body has become the "Jugaad Commission" of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The SP chief arrived in Bihar on Friday to attend the Voter Adhikar Yatra, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav. "I have come here to join the Voter Adhikar Yatra. I would like to congratulate the people of Bihar for supporting the Yatra. The voice of Bihar is being heard across the country. The BJP is going to go out of Bihar this time. They have subverted the rights in the Constitution," the SP leader told reporters in Patna. Taking a jibe at the ECI, he said that the people of Bihar have instead decided to carry out an "SIR of the Election Commission" itself. "The rights, which are ours of voting, I am happy that the people of Bihar, Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi took out the yatra and have done the work of going to conduct an SIR on the Election Commission, which has become a 'Jugaad Commission' of the BJP," Akhilesh said. Covering over 1,300 km across 20 districts, the yatra is scheduled to conclude in Patna on September 1. The high-stakes Bihar assembly elections are expected later this year, although the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. (ANI)
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Federal prosecutors have indicted two former Navy employees, accusing them of lying about the massive jet fuel spill at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in 2021.

Navy ramps up Red Hill cleanup amid water safety fears

According to the indictment, John Floyd, former Deputy Director of the Fuels Department, and Nelson Wu, a Supervisory Engineer, face charges of conspiracy and making false statements to the government.

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The case stems from a May 6, 2021, incident when a pipeline ruptured during a fuel transfer, releasing nearly 20,000 gallons of jet fuel into an underground tunnel at Red Hill.

The Hawaii Department of Health, tasked with overseeing environmental safety, requested details about the spill, including its size, source, and timeline. Prosecutors allege that Floyd and Wu helped draft a report that drastically underreported the spill by claiming only about 1,600 gallons had leaked.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Investigators also say the two withheld critical information, including that the spill originated from Tank 12, and failed to disclose that more than 18,000 gallons of fuel were unaccounted for. In addition, the indictment alleges Floyd and Wu intentionally redacted and removed records that would have revealed the full scope of the leak.

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The charges allege a deliberate effort to mislead regulators and hide the severity of the spill, prosecutors said.

If convicted, both men could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 on each charge.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The Red Hill facility has since been at the center of a broader controversy after thousands of residents were impacted by water contamination linked to fuel leaks.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
NESTOR, Calif. (FOX5/KUSI)Two men were found dead inside separate camper trailers located in a fenced storage lot in the Nestor community on Saturday morning, according to the San Diego Police Department.

The Nexstar Media Wire video above shows what happens when you call 9-1-1.

According to the report, at around 3:25 a.m. on Aug. 30, police received calls of shots being fired at 2002 Sunset Ave., about a mile and a half north of the U.S.-Mexico border.

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When police arrived at the scene, they reportedly found two dead adult men inside separate camper trailers. The property where the incident occurred is divided into multiple individually fenced industrial storage lots, according to the report.

Officers with SDPD say one of the victims appears to be White, while the other appears to be Hispanic.

Homicide detectives are investigating the incident and interviewing witnesses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM The tunnels of the the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility in 2023.

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM The tunnels of the the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility in 2023.

Two civilian U.S. Navy executives were indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for allegedly lying to the Hawaii Department of Health about the size of the May 6, 2021.

John Floyd, 63, of Mililani, who worked as Fuels Department Deputy Director for the Navy, and Nelson Wu, 38, of Waipahu who was Fuels Department Supervisory Engineer were indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday. Wu reported directly to Floyd.

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into the fuel spill have been ongoing since at least 2022.

Floyd and Wu are charged with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and causing another person to make a materially false statement or a material omission in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the government of the United States, according to the U.S. Attorneys office.

The pair are summoned for an an arraignment on Sep. 5 at 10 :30 before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Kenneth J. Mansfield and are not in federal custody.

Between May 6, 2021 and Oct. 1, 2021, Floyd and Wu worked int heir roles for the Navy Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor, which included the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

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After 20, 000 gallons of on May 6, 2021 following the failing of two pipeline couplings, the Hawaii Department of Health issued a formal request for answers as part of their authorized role as a regulator of the facility.

On Oct.1, 2021, the Navy responded to the states request for information and Floyd and Wu participated in drafting the response to the RFI (request for information ) for review by Navy officers and transmission to the (state ).

The Fuels Department was the main source of information for the response.

When questioned about the accuracy of the May 6, 2021 spill volume data by multiple Navy officers involved in approving the response to the RFI, Floyd and Wu reiterated that only an estimated 1, 618 gallons had spilled into the tunnel and that the remainder of the jet fuel put into the JP-5 pipeline during the attempted transfer from Tank 12 had remained in the pipeline,  according to the indictment.

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The water contamination included a Nov. 20, 2021 spill of 20, 000 gallons and affected roughly 93, 000 people, mainly military families. For months the state Department of Health issued an advisory that the water was unsafe to drink.

Thousands of families relocated to hotel rooms or moved out of their housing as the Navy and regulators worked to make the water safe to drink. The all-clear was declared in March 2022, about four months after the jet fuel contamination was found.

In March 2022, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the department would permanently shut down the Red Hill facility following the disaster. The decision came amid withering pressure from state officials, the Hawaii congressional delegation, protests and extensive community opposition to keeping the under -ground, World War II-era fuel facility in operation.

If convicted, Floyd and Wu face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250, 000 on each charge.

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This case is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, and the Environmental Protection Agency Office of the Inspector General.

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Two people have been arrested in connection with a burglary at a New Prague bar early Friday morning.

According to the Scott County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a report of a burglary in progress at the Union Hill Bar on the 7000 block of 280th Street West just before 4 a.m.

A witness reported seeing a suspect run from a possible broken window before fleeing in a vehicle. The witness followed the vehicle while calling 911.

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After deputies confirmed the break-in, the sheriff's office and the Le Sueur Police Department conducted a traffic stop in Le Sueur.

Two people were arrested during the stop. They were identified as a 38-year-old from St. Paul and a 37-year-old from Cottage Grove.

The two suspects were booked into Scott County Jail on pending charges of third-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools.

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 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has released a 140-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Downtown 10 expansion project, a plan to widen Interstate 10 between Executive Center and Copia Street at an estimated cost of $1.3 billion.

The report narrows the project down to four build alternatives identified as Alternatives D, G, H, and I along with a No Build option that would leave the highway as it is. All four build alternatives call for widening I-10 through Downtown, adding lanes and making changes to frontage roads, ramps, and pedestrian access.

TxDOT has identified Revised Alternative I as its preferred option. That plan would widen the existing trench, reconfigure Downtown bridges, redesign access roads, and relocate bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

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El Paso County Commissioner David Stout and City Rep. Chris Canales, who represent the neighborhoods that would be most affected, released a joint statement opposing the project. They said it would displace homes, apartments, schools, and community landmarks including the Holocaust Museum.

Both of us find this project unnecessary, providing little benefit at massive cost, both monetary and to community cohesion. Adding lanes to highways doesnt solve congestion, and the disruption to Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods is far too great, the statement read in part.

TxDOT argues the project is needed to reduce congestion, improve safety, and bring the 60-year-old freeway up to modern design standards.

A public hearing is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the El Paso Convention Center. Community members may also submit written comments through Oct. 14. Both oral and written input will be considered before TxDOT makes a final decision on the project.

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This expansion project is separate from the proposed Deck Plaza, a billion-dollar plan to build a park over I-10 Downtown. The Deck Plaza could only move forward if the freeway is widened, but it is not part of the Draft EIS.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
The United States is strengthening its naval presence in the waters off Venezuela to counter threats posed by drug cartels.

More than 4,000 personnel will be deployed to the area, amid growing tension between Washington and Caracas. The U.S. government has not indicated any intention of a land incursion into the South American nation.

The news follows confirmation last week of three U.S. Aegis guided-missile destroyers being deployed to the waters. Then, more recently, Venezuela announced it would send military vessels to the Caribbean Sea and elsewhere to help combat drug trafficking.

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According to the U.S. Navys new chief of naval operations, Adm. Daryl Caudle, the ships are being sent to support Venezuelan operations and missions involving drug cartels, per AP. Caudle did not specify exactly where the ships are headed.

Caudle referred to concerns that some Venezuelans are taking part in large drug operations. So far, no specific military objectives have been disclosed, with Caudle stating that the information is classified.

In June, The Dallas Express reported that police in Fort Worth arrested 76 suspects for gun and drug crimes, including eight illegal aliens from Venezuela who were facing drug trafficking charges.

These defendants are charged with trafficking mixtures of powder cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy), read a release at the time. They referred to the narcotics they sold as Tusi, which had a distinct pink color, usually indicative of drugs tied to Venezuela.

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President Nicolas Maduro denies accusations about his countrys alleged involvement in drug trafficking, insisting Venezuela is free of coca leaf crops and free of cocaine production, per AP.

News of the U.S. presence in the waters off Venezuela prompted Maduro to urge Venezuelans to enlist in a volunteer military intended to support the armed forces in the event of an attack. His ruling party has long claimed the militias membership to be more than 4.5 million, a likely exaggerated number.

Earlier in August, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the U.S. doubled the bounty on Maduro to $50 million, alleging he is among the largest narcotics traffickers in the world. Bond said the Justice Department has traced nearly seven tons of seized cocaine tied directly to the Venezuelan leader.
A U.S. guided-missile cruiser, USS Lake Erie, was seen crossing the Panama Canal from the Pacific to the Caribbean on Friday night, after the Trump administration deployed warships near the coast of Venezuela.

AFP journalists saw the naval vessel passing through one of the canal's locks at around 9:30 pm and navigating east toward the Atlantic.

The United States has said the deployment of warships to the southern Caribbean, near Venezuela's territorial waters, was an anti-drug trafficking operation.

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"I didn't know the ship was going to pass... I was surprised," Alfredo Cedeno, a 32-year-old health technician, who took photos of the cruiser, told AFP.

A woman takes pictures as the U.S. Navy warship USS Lake Erie (CG 70) crosses the Pedro Miguel Locks of the Panama Canal amid a U.S. naval deployment near the coast of Venezuela in Panama City on August 29, 2025. / Credit: MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP via Getty Images

The Lake Erie had been moored for the past two days at the Port of Rodman, at the canal's Pacific entrance.

Washington has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has doubled the bounty for his capture to $50 million.

The U.S. has, however, made no public threat to invade Venezuela.

Caracas announced on Monday the deployment of 15,000 security forces to the Colombian border for anti-drug trafficking operations.

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A day later, Venezuela announced that it would patrol its territorial waters with drones and navy ships.

Maduro also claimed to have mobilized more than four million militia members in response to what he called "outlandish threats" by the U.S. Thousands of civil servants, housewives and retirees lined up in Venezuela's capital last weekend to join the country's militia.

Since returning to power in January, President 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. Last year, the U.S. seized a plane belonging to Maduro and brought it to the U.S.

On Thursday, Maduro said there was "no way" American troops could invade Venezuela after Washington deployed the warships to the region.

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The 567-foot-long USS Lake Erie displaces 9,800 tons and is based in the port of San Diego, California.

Trump targeting cartels in Latin America

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."

Mark Knoller, longtime CBS News correspondent, dies at 73

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Millions take to the skies over Labor Day weekend
The United Arab Emirates says it backs the creation of a Palestinian state  but it is also one of the few Arab countries to have normalised relations with Israel. That dual role has become harder to maintain during the war in Gaza, and with the continuing expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, illegal under international law.



Abu Dhabi was the first Gulf capital to join the United States-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020, establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan later followed suit.

At the time, Emirati officials said the deal would help bring peace and stability to the region. But critics saw things differently.

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The justifications presented by the Emirati regime for signing the Abraham Accords have proven to be blatant lies, Muhammad Jamil, director of the Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK, told the Middle East Monitor.

He said Israels actions after 2020  such as settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, illegal under international law  had undermined the UAEs justifications for the accords, yet Emirati leaders still chose to deepen their relations with Israel.

Growing links with Israel

Despite the war in Gaza, trade and business links between Israel and the Emirates have grown. In 2024, bilateral trade rose 43 percent to reach 2.76 billion.

Nearly 600 Israeli companies have opened offices in the Emirates, and around 1 million Israeli tourists visited last year. The only flights to and from Israel not suspended during the Gaza war were those from the UAE.

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In this alliance with Israel, I believe there is both a desire to please the Americans... and also a kind of similarity between two countries that are artificial, Middle East researcher Marc Lavergne, of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), told RFI.

Gaza's largest hospital struggles to function in 'catastrophic' health situation

Support for Palestinians

The Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, 2023  and Israels subsequent offensive in Gaza  put the UAEs dual role under new pressure.

In response, Abu Dhabi launched its Valorous Knights humanitarian campaign. In November it opened a field hospital in Rafah, and it has since hosted thousands of Palestinians evacuated for medical treatment at the "Humanitarian City".

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More recently, the UAE announced a project to bring desalinated water from Egypt into southern Gaza.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical and unprecedented level, foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed wrote on social media in July. The UAE remains at the forefront of efforts to provide vital aid to the Palestinian people... whether by land, air or sea.

When several Western governments suspended funding for UNRWA in January 2024, the UAE doubled its contribution to the UN agency.

NGOs accuse Israel of 'weaponising' aid to Gaza as France readies airdrop

Palestinian statehood and US ties

The UAE has at times toughened its language in support of a future Palestinian state, while also sticking closely to Washington.

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In February 2025  less than a week after Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a plan to relocate 2 million Palestinians and turn Gaza into a Riviera of the Middle East  UAE ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba told the World Government Summit in Dubai that he saw no alternative to the US-backed proposals.

State news agency WAM later reported that Abu Dhabi opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians.

The Emirates have also hosted Mohammed Dahlan, a rival to Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas  a move seen as undermining Abbass position.

The UAE may pay for this stance in terms of image and political clout, said Lavergne.

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In September 2024, then-US president, Joe Biden elevated the UAE to the status of major defence partner "of the US.

Hunger, disease and no escape: Gaza aid workers account of life under siege

Domestic sensitivities

The war in Gaza and illegal Israeli settlement growth in the West Bank are highly sensitive issues for the Emirati leadership.

Demonstrations in support of Palestinians are banned, and at Cop28 in Dubai in November 2023 pro-Palestinian protests were tightly monitored.

How can we maintain relations with Israel when there is no two-state solution? And how can we say that Hamas is a terrorist group without calling the settlers and everything they do terrorists? a senior Emirati official told the Times of Israel.

Lavergne said Emirati leaders have chosen the West, or at least globalisation. But he added they are also dancing on a volcano as public opinion grows, especially in the poorer, more pro-Arab emirates.
LONDON (AP)  The U.K. has barred Israeli government officials from attending the countrys biggest arms fair over growing concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The decision does not cover representatives of Israeli defense contractors, who will be allowed to attend the DSEI UK exhibition, scheduled for Sept. 9-12 in London. The event was formerly known as Defense and Security Equipment International.

The Israeli Governments decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong, the British government said in a statement. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.

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The decision comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel takes steps to end the crisis in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire with Hamas and commits to a long-term peace agreement. Britain previously barred sales to Israel of any arms that could be used in the nearly 23-month war in Gaza.

Israels Defense Ministry said the decision was based on politics and serves extremists.

These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israels representatives, the ministry said.

The Israeli ministry said it would withdraw from the exhibition and will not establish a national pavilion.

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Pro-Palestinian and anti-war groups have announced plans to for protests during DSEI, which will take place at the Excel center in east London.

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday chose not to react to TMC MP Mahua Moitra's reported remark about Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating that responding wouldn't benefit the country. After viewing the video of Moitra's comment, Sarma asserted that the video itself reflects her mindset, rendering further discussion unnecessary. "I think as a CM, I should not react to all the statements, particularly of certain people. This doesn't benefit the country in any manner. I saw that video yesterday; that video itself is the answer to her mindset. There is no use in speaking anything on it," CM Sarma said while addressing a press conference. Earlier today, Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker and BJP leader Numal Momin strongly condemned TMC MP Mahua Moitra's reported remarks and called for "exemplary action" against her. Momin said she belongs to an "uncultured, pro-Rohingya and pro-Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrator party" and accused their party of "destroying" the Bhartiya culture. Speaking to ANI, the Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker said, "We cannot expect more than this from Mahua Moitra. She belongs to an uncultured, pro-Rohingya and pro-Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrator party. Their party is destroying the Bhartiya culture. Their main agenda is to make West Bengal an Islamic state...The way she gave the statement against Amit Shah is very shameful. I strongly condemn her statement...Mahua Moitra should respect the chair..." Momin further demanded stern action against the TMC MP so that no other MP from their party would "dare" to give such comments in future. The BJP leader said, "A case should be registered against her immediately, and she should be booked under the provisions of the law of the land...Trinamool Congress and its members are afraid that this time they will be thrown out of West Bengal. Such types of comments will lead to the destruction of Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.. Trinamool Congress gave a holiday and helped muslim people for Muharram. At the same time, they banned the procession during Durga Puja." "Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee and her disciples like Mahua Moitra are against Hindus...They want the Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslims to infiltrate West Bengal. These people help Mamata Banerjee come into power again and again...An exemplary action should be taken against her so that no other Trinamool Congress MP will dare to give such comments in the future," he added. TMC MP Mahua Moitra has reportedly said Union Home Minister Amit Shah's "head should be cut off" for failing to check the infiltration of illegal Bangladeshis into India. (ANI)
Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) carried out a successful attack against a Russian explosives storage facility in Tula Oblast overnight on Aug. 30, a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent.

The news comes amid escalating Ukrainian attacks against Russian military and industrial facilities in the rear, aiming to undermine Moscow's ability to wage its all-out war.

The underground depot was located at the Alexin Chemical Plant, some 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Moscow.

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It was used to store, among other things, pyroxylin gunpowder, a smokeless powder used in the production of small arms, artillery, and rocket engines, the source claimed.

Local Telegram channels reported a series of loud explosions, as well as fire trucks and ambulances heading to the scene.

The intelligence source said that the depot was destroyed in the attack, but did not provide further details on the operation, including what weapons were used.

Tula Oblast Governor Dmitry Milyaev reported that Russian air defenses repelled a drone attack against the region overnight, noting that some of the wreckage fell on the premises of a manufacturing enterprise.

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One Ukrainian drone was intercepted in Tula Oblast, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

"According to preliminary data, there are no casualties or damage," Milyaev claimed on his Telegram channel. Russia does not usually disclose details on damage inflicted on its strategic facilities during Ukrainian attacks.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

Earlier the same day, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces reported overnight drone strikes against Russian oil refineries in Russia's Krasnodar Krai and Samara Oblast.

Read also: Exclusive: Maker of Ukraines new Flamingo cruise missile facing corruption probe

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A former Ukrainian speaker of parliament who was a leading figure in the country's pro-European protest movements in 2004 and 2014 was shot dead on Saturday in western Ukraine, officials said.

Andriy Parubiy, 54, who also previously served as secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, was killed in the city of Lviv. Local media reports say he was shot multiple times by a gunman dressed as a courier on an e-bike, according to CBS News partner BBC News.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned it as a "horrific murder" and said "all necessary forces and means" would be used in the investigation.

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Prosecutors have opened a murder probe and said police were still searching for the shooter but have not mentioned possible motives at this stage.

"An unidentified man fired several shots at the politician, killing Andriy Parubiy on the spot," the prosecutor general's office said.

Ukraine's public broadcaster Suspilne cited anonymous sources saying the shooter was dressed as a delivery rider and was on an electric bike.

The body of former Ukrainian parliamentary speaker Andriy Parubiy, who was killed this morning, lies on the ground in Lviv, Ukraine August 30, 2025. / Credit: Roman Baluk / REUTERS

Photos purporting to show the crime scene were published by Ukrainian media, showing a man with a bloodied face lying in the street.

Some of the tributes to Parubiy from Ukrainian officials hinted at suspicions against Russia.

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Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, both sides have accused each other of assassinations of political and military figures.

Former President Petro Poroshenko said the killing of Parubiy was "a shot fired at the heart of Ukraine," BBC News reported.

"Andriy was a great man and a true friend. That is why they take revenge, that is what they are afraid of," he wrote on Telegram.

Last month, one of Ukraine's security top service members, Colonel Ivan Voronych, was killed in a bold daylight attack in Kyiv. Days later, Ukraine's security agency said it tracked down and killed two Russian agents suspected of murdering Voronych.

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Russian forces launched another overnight drone attack on Ukraine, the Ukrainian Air Force said on Saturday morning, as explosions were reported in several regions.

More than 100 combat drones were observed flying over different parts of the country, with Ukrainian air defences engaging some targets.

Explosions were reported near Cherkasy and Chernihiv. Several explosions were also reported in Dnipro and Kiev.

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In Zaporizhzhya, three people were injured and several residential buildings were set on fire, regional military administrator Ivan Fedorov said. No information on casualties or damage was immediately available from other attacked cities.

Ukrainian media warned citizens to expect possible airstrikes by Russian bombers. Air-defence officials said six strategic bombers had taken off from Russian airfields, potentially carrying missiles to strike Ukrainian targets. Shortly afterwards, it was reported that the bombers had fired several cruise missiles.

The attacks follow a major overnight strike on Kiev earlier in the week, during which drones and missiles killed at least 25 people, marking one of the deadliest assaults in more than three and a half years of war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters that Russia is preparing a major offensive in the eastern Donbass region, potentially targeting areas around Pokrovsk where up to 100,000 troops are reportedly massed, Interfax Ukraine reported.

He added that Russian forces were preparing the offensive, but Ukraine was ready, and that the situation remained under control.
Russian forces launched another major overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine, the Ukrainian Air Force said on Saturday morning, as explosions were reported in several regions.

According to official reports, at least one person was killed and 22 others injured in strikes in the south-eastern Zaporizhzhya region. Three children were among the injured, the regional military administrator Ivan Fedorov, wrote on Telegram.

Fourteen apartment blocks and more than 40 private homes were damaged. The buildings were cut off from electricity and gas supplies, Federov said, citing at least 12 attacks with various weapons.

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Russia annexed the Zaporizhzhya region in 2022 but does not fully control it. The eponymous regional capital remains under Ukrainian control.

Ukrainian air-defence forces reported that Russia attacked with a total of 537 drones, 37 cruise missiles and nine ballistic missiles in different parts of the country, with air defences engaging some targets.

Explosions were reported near the cities of Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipro and the capital Kiev.

In the Dnipropetrovsk region, authorities reported extensive damage to infrastructure and several fires. No further information about casualties was initially available there or in other attacked locations.

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Ukrainian media had warned citizens to expect possible airstrikes by Russian bombers.

Air-defence officials said six strategic bombers had taken off from Russian airfields, potentially carrying missiles to strike Ukrainian targets. Shortly afterwards, it was reported that the bombers had fired several cruise missiles.

The attacks follow a major overnight strike on Kiev earlier in the week, during which drones and missiles killed at least 25 people, marking one of the deadliest assaults in more than three and a half years of war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters that Russia is preparing a major offensive in the eastern Donbass region, potentially targeting areas around Pokrovsk where up to 100,000 troops are reportedly massed, Interfax Ukraine reported.

He added that Ukraine was ready, and that the situation remained under control.
Ukraine's military on Aug. 30 rejected persistent rumors that it is mass-transferring soldiers from air defense to infantry, according to RBK-Ukraine.

Andrii Kovalov, a spokesperson for the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, in part denied the remobilization from air defense into infantry roles.

RBK-Ukraine reports that Kovalov acknowledged reassignments among service members of air defense forces who are not critical for their units. However, this does not concern air defense specialists protecting Ukrainian skies, the spokesperson said.

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The denial may have been in response to an Aug. 29 Telegram post from activist Serhii Sternenko claiming that such re-deployments continue.

"After large-scale air attacks, we are finding new orders to transfer air defense specialists to infantry. That includes operators of interceptor drones," Sternenko wrote, referring to a deadly strike on Kyiv the night of Aug. 28.

The subject is an enduring one. Many new recruits sign up for specific units of the Ukrainian military where they are less likely to die in combat, such as air defense, rather than infantry roles. But infantry roles hold the line in the face of Russian advances.

Compounding the problem are persistent issues with Ukraine's mobilization, which are failing to fill holes in lines due to casualties and desertions.

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Read also: Ukraine claims strike on Russian S-400 radar system in occupied Crimea, shows footage

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Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called for realistic strategies to force Russia to peace at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Source: European Pravda; press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Details: On 30 August, Sybiha remotely joined an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen.

The foreign minister told the partners about the intensification of Russian air terror against Ukrainian cities and thanked them for their reaction and support.

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Sybiha emphasised that Russia's recent attacks on the EU Delegation in Kyiv and an American factory in Zakarpattia are a signal that Putin is not going to stop the war, and he needs to be forced to do so.

Andrii Sybiha informed the partners of Russia's further aggressive plans and emphasised that Moscow has not yet demonstrated any readiness for a real peace process and continues to issue ultimatums.

Quote from Sybiha: "Russia remains an existential threat to the whole of Europe and the transatlantic area... Strategies on Russia and the peace process must be realistic; they cannot be based on false assumptions."

Informal meeting of EU foreign ministers

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More details: The minister also thanked European countries for preparing the 19th package of sanctions and emphasised the importance of US sanctions. He emphasised that pressure on Moscow will be effective when it is timely and well coordinated.

The foreign minister also called on EU member states to increase defence support for Ukraine and investments in the Ukrainian defence industry, in particular in the production of drones, to fully utilise the SAFE and PURL mechanisms to strengthen Ukraine, and to take decisive steps to use the Russian Federation's seized assets for Ukraine's defence and recovery.

Quote from Sybiha: "[Vladimir] Putin must realise that the prolongation of this war threatens both his regime and him personally. Either he stops now, or he faces serious consequences. This is the strategy of peace through strength."

Background: Representatives of the UK, Iceland, and Norway attended the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen on 30 August to discuss increasing sanctions pressure on Russia.

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A nationalist Ukrainian lawmaker was shot dead in a carefully planned attack in the western city of Lviv on Saturday, officials said, with the killer still on the loose.

Andriy Parubiy was shot several times with a short-barreled firearm, police said, adding that the perpetrator, who fled the scene and has not yet been identified, was thoroughly prepared.

Parubiy, who was a current MP and previously the chair of Ukraines parliament, died before medical personnel arrived on the scene, according to Maksym Kozitskiy, head of the Lviv region military administration.

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Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the murder was carefully planned, describing the politicians death as a horrendous murder on social media.

Video taken by Reuters shows forensic workers and police officers working at the crime scene. A dead body can be seen on the ground, with a pair of glasses and a bag lying next to the mans right hand.

European officials including Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, sent their condolences to Parubiys family and the people of Ukraine.

Metsola said she was deeply shocked by the terrible murder, while officials from Estonia and Poland also paid tribute to the victim.

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Parubiy, who was 54 when he died, had been active in Ukrainian politics since 1990, at a time when the Soviet Union was collapsing.

He co-founded the Social-National Party of Ukraine in 1991, though he later left this group, and served as a member of parliament from 2007 until his death.

Parubiy participated in 2004s Orange Revolution, where hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians joined in peaceful protest following disputed elections.

He was also a prominent figure in the Maidan Revolution, a movement which began in November 2013 after then-President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign a trade pact with the European Union that had been years in the making, opting instead for closer ties with neighboring Russia.

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During the revolution, which lasted three months, Parubiy was the head of an enormous tent city established by thousands of protesters in Kyivs central Independence Square, known as the Maidan.

He was later the secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council during 2014. In 2019, Parubiy signed a bill to make the use of the Ukrainian language mandatory in certain public sectors, calling it a historic day.

Ukrainian member of parliament Iryna Gerashchenko called Parubiys killing terrorism, describing him as a colleague and friend, a reliable comrade who was principled and decent, patriotic, intelligent.

Petro Poroshenko, a former Ukrainian president, said that Parubiy was shot dead by monsters in Lviv.

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What can be said for certain is that these monsters are afraid, and that is why they kill true patriots and strong people, he wrote on social media. This crime is not just shots fired at a person. It is a shot at the army. It is a shot at the language. It is a shot at faith. It is a shot at the heart of Ukraine.

This story was updated to clarify the position Parubiy held at Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, where he served as its secretary.

CNNs Victoria Butenko contributed to this report.

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Kyiv is angered by Netanyahus decision not to call Ukrainian leaders on Independence Day last week.

Ukrainian officials warned on Saturday that Israeli citizens may be prevented from entering the city of Uman for the upcoming High Holidays, amid growing tensions with Jerusalem.

Kyiv is angered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus decision not to call Ukrainian leaders on Independence Day last week, a gesture viewed as an important sign of support.

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A senior Ukrainian official told The Jerusalem Post: We demand financial support and assistance from the Israeli police on this matter.

There have been crises surrounding this issue in the past, and it has generally been resolved.

Israel has said it will allow haredi draft dodgers to fly to Uman and other destinations for annual pilgrimages ahead of the holidays, beginning on September 22.

Jewish men in the street during Tikkun HaKlali near the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, on eve of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, September 15, 2023. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBEG/FLASH90)

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 on Friday.

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Limon further noted that the government does not have the authority to create a plan that would interfere with law enforcement activities, specifically regarding permitting draft dodgers to leave the country.

In a statement written to two 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-Generals 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 contrary to the law, the deputy A-G wrote. Such avoidance contradicts the states obligation to enforce the draft in an equitable manner.

Grave of spiritual founder of Breslov hassidim located in Uman

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, the spiritual founder of Breslov hassidim, whose grave in Uman 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 is a developing story.
A prominent Ukrainian politician was gunned down in broad daylight in the western city of Lviv on Saturday.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, condemned the killing of Andriy Parubiy, a former speaker of the countrys parliament, as a horrific murder.

Police said the 54-year-old was shot by a hail of bullets at around noon local time and died at the scene.

Vowing to find the killer, Mr Zelensky said: All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation.

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Unfortunately, the crime was carefully planned, he added. Some Ukrainian officials have hinted at Russian involvement.

The well-known politician served as speaker from 2016 until 2019 and was a leading figure in Ukraines pro-European protest movements of 2004 and 2014.

Prosecutors have opened a murder probe but have not mentioned any possible motives.

The gunman was on an electric bike and appeared to be dressed as a delivery driver with his face covered by a helmet, according to media reports and alleged footage of the assailant.

He reportedly approached Mr Parubiy on the street, opened fire, and rapidly fled the scene.

Andriy Parubiy, who served as speaker of parliament, speaking in 2018 - Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty

An unidentified man fired several shots at the politician, killing Andriy Parubiy on the spot, the prosecutor generals office said.

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Andriy Sadovyi, mayor of Lviv, said finding the killer was of utmost importance. This is a matter of security in a country at war, where, as we can see, there are no completely safe places, he wrote on Telegram.

Kyrylo Budanov, Kyivs intelligence chief, claimed Mr Parubiy had been killed by enemy bullets, without elaborating.

Since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, both sides have accused each other of assassinations of key political and military figures.

Russian state media said Mr Parubiy has been wanted by Russian authorities since 2023.

Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraines prime minister, called for a prompt investigation of the murder, calling it a profound loss for the country.

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Andrii Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister, described Mr Parubiy as a patriot and statesman who made an enormous contribution to the defence of Ukraines freedom, independence and sovereignty. He was a man who rightfully belongs in the history books.

Petro Poroshenko, the former president, Yanukovych, paid tribute to a brother-in-arms and said his murder was a shot at the heart of Ukraine.

Mr Parubiy was a key supporter of the pro-European Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Maidan Revolution in 2014.

During the widespread protests against the decision by Viktor Yanukovych, president at the time, not to sign an agreement to bring Ukraine closer to the EU, Mr Parubiy led self-defence volunteer units protecting the demonstrators from government troops.

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After the ousting of Yanukovych later in 2014, Mr Parubiy was appointed secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council.

He held that role during Moscows illegal occupation of Crimea and its backing of separatists who seized control of parts of the Donbas region, making him a prime target of Russian threats and intimidation.

He reportedly survived an assassination by a grenade that year.

Latest in a series of killings

The daylight murder of Mr Parubiy comes after a former Ukrainian lawyer and politician was shot dead in a suburb of Madrid by an assassin.

The high-profile killing of Andriy Portnov, a controversial figure connected to Yanukovychs pro-Russian government, remains unsolved. There have been no arrests and the motive is still unknown.

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In July, a Ukrainian intelligence officer, Ivan Voronych, was shot dead as he walked through Kyiv by a masked assailant reportedly linked to Russias security service.

Ukraine has conducted a series of assassinations on Russian soil, targeting high-ranking military figures connected to the war including Igor Kirillov, the Russian general, in December 2024.

Earlier this year, Yaroslav Moskalik, another general, was killed in a Moscow car bomb attack widely attributed to Kyiv. Ukraines security services do not officially admit responsibility for the deaths.

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While first-hand accounts of the air war over Ukraine have been previously provided by some of its fast-jet aviators, we now have new insight from the pilot and gunner of a Ukrainian Army Aviation Yak-52 prop trainer. The Soviet-era aircraft has been used to hunt Russian drones for some time now, with signs of success, but few details of its missions have been published.

In a recent article published by the Wall Street Journal, a Yak-52 pilot, a 56-year-old with the callsign Maestro, and his 38-year-old gunner, Ninja, describe their mission. Of the two, Maestro learned to fly before Russias full-scale invasion, as a hobby, while Ninja first went aloft in a plane after the current conflict began.

We now also know that the Yak-52s are assigned to the 11th Army Aviation Brigade, a unit within Ukrainian Army Aviation, rather than the Ukrainian Air Force. The Army Aviation branch is otherwise responsible for rotorcraft. Previously, the Yaks were understood to be operated by a Tactical Aviation Group from Ukraines Civil Air Patrol, a civilian organization that consists mainly of amateur aviators and private aircraft owners.

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An earlier video of a Yak-52 apparently operated by the Tactical Aviation Group of Ukraines Civil Air Patrol:

Regardless, the drone-killing Yaks and their crews are being kept busy by relentless Russian attacks. According to the brigades deputy commander, Col. Mykola Lykhatskiy, Maestro and Ninja have flown around 300 combat missions in the last year, downing almost half the units total claimed tally of 120 drones.

Drone kills marked on the side of the Yak-52. via X

On a daily basis, various Army Aviation light aircraft and helicopters are responsible for downing between 10-12 percent of all drones claimed by Ukrainian air defenses of all kinds, Lykhatskiy said. Interestingly, the deputy commander also claims that the agile Yak-52 is considered more survivable than helicopters, allowing it to roam closer to the front lines.

According to the Center for Information Resilience, a U.K.-based open-source organization, around 11 percent of all Russian long-range one-way attack drones made it to their targets last month, highlighting the broad success of Ukraines different counter-drone efforts.

An early Shahed-136 long-range one-way attack drone launched by Russia against Ukraine. Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images

According to the WSJ article, as well as Shahed/Geran-type long-range one-way attack drones, the Yak-52 is mainly used to tackle Russian Orlan and ZALA surveillance drones. These propeller-driven types fly at around 115 miles an hour, well within the performance envelope of the Yak, which tops out at more than 180 miles an hour.

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The ZALA 421-16E is a flying-wing type, weighing around 20 pounds and used primarily for surveillance near the front line of the battlefield. The Orlan-10/30 series is among the most widely used Russian drones in Ukraine, the smaller Orlan-10 weighing around 35 pounds, while the larger Orlan-30 tips the scales at around 90 pounds. Its also primarily used for surveillance and targeting, equipped with an electro-optical sensor and laser designator.

A Russian Zala 421-16E that came down somewhere in the Belgorod region of Russia. via X

A Russian Orlan-10 is prepared for flight. Russian Ministry of Defense

The interception process involves the crew waiting close to their Yak-52 while awaiting the order to scramble. Once a Russian drone is spotted on air defense sensors, the Yak is normally airborne within 15 minutes.

With no radar and apparently no other onboard sensors, the Yak-52 crew relies on radio commands from the ground to get close to the drone. From the open rear cockpit, the gunner then gets the drone in their sights, wielding a handheld gun. Typically, engagements are made from a distance of 200 to 300 feet.

A video of a Ukrainian Yak-52 flying to intercept a Russian drone has gone viral on social networks



A Ukrainian Yak-52 with a machine gun on board has fallen into the lens of the Russian reconnaissance drone Zala in the skies above Mykolaiv region.



The aircraft is used to pic.twitter.com/TYmY1HDyIs  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) June 8, 2024

Both rifles and shotguns have been tested, with Ninja currently preferring a German-made MK55 automatic rifle, apparently a reference to the Haenel MK556 that was selected as the German militarys new assault rifle, before later being rejected.

Haenels MK556  the MK stands for Maschinenkarabiner, or machine carbine  was first unveiled in 2017 and owes much to the design of the American AR-15/M4. Haenel

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Ninja likened the process of aiming against a drone from the Yak-52 to shooting a gun while riding a horse.

Other tactics include using the wingtip of the Yak-52 to tip over the drone, sending it out of control. This mirrors a maneuver that the U.K. Royal Air Force employed in World War II to defeat Nazi Germanys V-1 flying bombs.

A U.K. Royal Air Force Spitfire flying alongside a V-1 flying bomb in an attempt to disrupt the airflow over its wing and force it to crash, August 1944. Photo by Mr Walton/ Imperial War Museums via Getty Images IWM/Getty Images

On one occasion last year, it took Maestro and Ninja 40 minutes to destroy an Orlan drone that began maneuvering in tight circles once they arrived. Eventually, it was brought down by a shot from directly below. Increasingly, Russian drones are fitted with rear-facing cameras to help evade interception by aircraft.

Videos show a Ukrainian Yak-52 attacking a Russian Orlan-10 drone, reportedly in the Odesa region of southwest Ukraine, in April 2024:

View from the cabin of Yak-52 which helped to down a Russian drone over Odesa today.

https://t.co/XqkJhEn1DP https://t.co/u3PkwwZ9Cw pic.twitter.com/sOKgq7Nqbq  Special Kherson Cat   (@bayraktar_1love) April 27, 2024

Russia is also apparently making direct efforts to counter the Yak-52s.

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At least once, Maestro and Ninja have been forced to evade a Russian air defense missile that was targeting them. A high-speed descent saw them shake off the missile, they say.

Their base has also been attacked. One Yak-52 was destroyed on the ground in a raid last month that also claimed the life of the brigade commander, Kostyantyn Oborin. Reportedly, the hangar was struck by a Russian ballistic missile.

The Yak-52 with a digital camouflage scheme, seen here from the perspective of a Russian drone that it was attempting to intercept. via X

The latest details of the Ukrainian Army Aviations exploits with its drone-hunting Yak-52 indicate that the prop trainer is now a more formalized part of the countrys air defenses.

With Russian drones being very much a priority target, Ukraine has assembled a multi-layered air defense network that includes advanced Western-supplied Patriot surface-to-air missiles and F-16 fighters at one end, via Soviet-era systems and hastily developed FrankenSAMs, all the way down to light aircraft and mobile fire teams equipped with machine guns and searchlights. In addition, there are a growing number of non-kinetic options, such as electronic warfare, too. A network of acoustic sensors all over the country and an app that ties this information with spotter reports are also key elements of Ukraines unique air defense network.

A drone-hunting mobile fire team of the 241st Independent Brigades air defense platoon on combat alert somewhere in the Kyiv region. Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine

On the other side, as we have previously noted, Russia now produces Shahed/Geran drones at the rate of 2,000 per month with plans to nearly triple that in the not-too-distant future. It is by far the primary method by which Russia launches long-range strikes into Ukraine.

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It is worth noting that Russia, too, has attempted to develop a counter-drone solution, also based on the Yak-52, to help thwart Ukrainian long-range drone attacks. You can read more about that in our past story on the matter linked here.

A Russian design bureau has developed modernized Yak-52 into the Yak-52B2 for countering UAVs. The aircraft are equipped with 12 gauge shotguns, a radar, and a computer for targeting information and day / night operations.https://t.co/bPOyrB9UMz pic.twitter.com/dT9UHlOyLq  Rob Lee (@RALee85) May 18, 2025

Meanwhile, the continued scale of Russian drone activity over Ukraine means that the Yak-52 fleet and the crews that operate them will only become busier.

Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said that the government will not interfere with the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) investigation in the Dharmasthala case. Speaking to reporters, Parmeshwara said that no information can be disclosed until the SIT completes the investigation. G Parameshwara said, " If the investigation into the Dharmasthala case has to be completed quickly, that is the SIT's own decision. The SIT is already conducting the investigation, and until it is completed, they will not disclose any information. We will not interfere or give them any instructions." He added that the government cannot fix a time frame for the investigation in such cases. "We don't know where this case will lead. If it is completed soon, the report will be submitted soon. They will investigate until the case reaches a logical end. This is not the kind of matter where you can say, 'finish it in a week and give the report'. We cannot fix a time frame," he said. From the Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala to everyone else, all have welcomed the SIT probe," the Home Minister added. The investigation in the case is underway, and last week, the Belthangady Court sent the complainant in the Dharmasthala case to 10 days of SIT custody. The issue has sparked a political row in the state with the BJP announcing a Dharmasthala Chalo rally. Earlier, Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka said that it was Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that have politicised the Dharmasthala issue and not his party. He insisted that the issue was being politicised by the Congress and said that they would visit Dharmasthala to extend their support as Hindus. "It is not the BJP. It is the Congress which is politicising Dharmasthala; Siddaramaiah politicised it. When the complaint was received, the procedure states that the background should be checked to investigate the matter. But they did not follow it. Dharmasthala belongs to all Hindus in India and around the world. On September 1, we will be going to Dharmasthala as Hindus, not as BJP," Ashoka told reporters. (ANI)
AMHERST  The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is facing potential closure next month because of extensive federal funding cuts.

The center is part of a consortium of nine Climate Adaptation Science Centers in the country and is managed by the U.S. Geological Survey. These centers bridge the gap between science and communities in the face of climate change, providing research, education, and strategic adaptation plans for local communities grappling with coastal flooding, invasive plants, and forestry management.

Bethany Bradley, co-director of the UMass center, remembers the writing on the wall back in May that funding might be cut by Congress. At that time, the Trump administration was focusing on funding cuts on the USGS ecosystem mission area, which includes climate adaptation science centers.

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Bradley said the results were actually hopeful back in July, as the House increased the Climate Centers budget by 5%, and the Senate kept funding the same, while many other areas were cut. At the time, Bradley said that the Climate Center felt heard by Congress.

Last week, though, the center received news from their USGS colleagues that the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, which is part of the executive branch, is prohibiting any spending on anything other than federal salaries and lab animals.

This directly affects the centers work, as it is done through cooperative agreements, partnerships between USGS scientists and scientists at UMass and other universities, as well as nongovernmental organizations. Its a model that typically allows for the leveraging of expertise by subcontracting university scientists and scientific organizations, but it now has been shut down.

The center consists of four directors and administrators, nine positions in academic leadership, seven staff members, eight research fellows, and numerous specialized investigative experts.

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The center already has let go its communications manager and put a halt to any new hires for postdoctoral research fellows looking to research climate adaptation for the region, Bradley said.

Instead of research, staff and leadership are pivoting to more teaching, Bradley said.

While many grad students are losing their funding, admissions to related graduate programs have either slowed down or stopped altogether at the university, Bradley said. She reports that five graduate positions at UMass are no longer supported by the center, along with one at the University of Vermont and one at Cornell University, two of the centers consortium partners.

This is bad for the future of science, because were stopping the next generation from becoming scientists, she said.

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The center has not received any stop-work orders on 170 projects in progress, as Bradley believes that existing funding through UMass and USGS likely will still be carried out. There were, however, about half a dozen new projects that were reviewed by USGS that will no longer be able to be funded.

All hope is not lost yet, though.

This is totally uncharted territory for any of us, said Bradley. Whats happened right now is Congress has made a budget and the executive branch has said, Nope, we dont feel like spending on the things that you told us to spend on, and that puts us in this place where its like, OK, we need to wait.

The federal budget process is finished by the end of September, as its fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

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Meanwhile, the Climate Center is looking at options outside of the USGS, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where there is overlap with UMass research.

Were in the crosshairs of a battle between the congressional branch and the executive branch, and I hope that Congress will stand up and say we should still have the power to do what the Constitution has given us the power to do.

Bradleys hope is that, despite this current situation, by the time future scientists are ready to step into the more senior roles, that science and the ecosystems as a whole will be in a much safer place.

Im serious when I say, were not dead yet, Bradley said.

Read the original article on MassLive.
This article was first published in the State of Faith newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Monday night.

In recent years, evangelicals have grown more influential in American politics, and James Dobsons legacy helps explain this changing dynamic. The Christian family psychologist and activist, who died Aug. 21, helped shape modern evangelicalism by putting family at the center of faith and encouraging believers to bring their values into public life.

Dobson died on Aug. 21 in Colorado Springs at age 89.

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He first attracted national attention with his book Dare to Discipline, which advocated for disciplining children with corporal punishment as a way of setting boundaries and building moral character, although he also cautioned against physical abuse.

In 1977, Dobson founded Focus on the Family as a weekly radio program, which eventually grew into a $140 million empire with publications and numerous programs.

Through his various ventures, Dobson reached millions of believers across the world with calls to defend traditional marriage, oppose abortion and resist LGBTQ+ rights  framing them as both spiritual stances and moral imperatives.

His influence extended to the political sphere as well. Dobson advised Republican presidents, including Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, and his endorsement was often sought by conservative candidates seeking to connect with evangelical voters.

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Supporters credit him with reinforcing family-oriented values during a time of rapid cultural change. Critics, however, argue that his advocacy contributed to deepening cultural divides and limited acceptance of those outside his vision of family and morality. In 2005, The New York Times called him the nations most influential evangelical leader.

In the days after his death, a flurry of reflections poured in on how figures like Dobson laid the groundwork for todays evangelical activism. Heres what some of his supporters and opponents said about Dobsons legacy:

Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote that Dobsons death marks a passing of a remarkable evangelical generation. He lived life on a big stage, and historians will have to reckon with him long into the future. But, to be honest, I will remember him most as the famous man who chose to sit next to a child and make that young person know she was important to him. It was Jesus who told his disciples, Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:14). Thats the verse that comes to my mind, as I think about the life and legacy of Dr. James Dobson.

Eric Metaxas, conservative author and radio host, wrote on X: He was not afraid to bring his faith into the public sphere for Gods purposes. Author John Fea recalled in 2024 how Dobsons program positively influenced his own father: Over time, this scary guy became a better father and husband.

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While many remember him as a steadfast defender of biblical values, others believe his messages fueled cultural divides. Rigid and unforgiving of those who arent Christian, Dobsons beliefs helped pave the way for the strict authoritarianism that permeates the Republican Party today, wrote Anthea Butler, a professor of religious studies and Africana studies at the University of Pennsylvania, on MSNBC. His legacy of conservative beliefs, she wrote, was built at the expense of others in American society. Pastor Zach Lambert of Restore Austin accused Dobson of inflicting severe trauma with his teachings.

Richard Flory, executive director at the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California, noted Dobsons role in transforming the Religious Right into a cultural and political force.

Numerous fundamentalists and evangelicals have argued that evangelical Christianity should be the true basis for a Christian America.' What distinguishes Dobsons approach was how he adapted Christian nationalism, framing it as a crucial issue for parents and families: translating ideas about Godly societies into guidance on proper child rearing and child development, Flory writes in the Conversation. His focus on the family as the foundation of Christian civilization mobilized millions of American evangelicals politically  on a scale that previous leaders never approached.

Dobsons legacy helped shape todays evangelical activism and it will likely continue to influence American law and politics, including Supreme Court decisions on abortion and religious liberty, and ongoing debates over education and parental rights.

Fresh off the press

Last week, Princeton professor Robert George, a devout Catholic and conservative, spoke alongside Cornel West, a progressive scholar who teaches at Union Theological Seminary, about their friendship and how to be a determined truth-seeker and courageous truth-speaker.

One family from Afghanistan endured a grueling escape from their war-torn home taken over by the Taliban. and a group of U.S. neighbors embraced them. To me, the superpower of the community is to welcome a stranger, said Elizabeth Davis-Edwards, the founder of WelcomeNST, the largest privately funded refugee resettlement network that started in Massachusetts but is expanding its work in Utah.

Pope Leo designated Aug. 22 a day of prayer and fasting for peace. Fasting is an interesting choice because its a symbolic, quiet way to make a statement. Fasting is also a form of penance and its the opposite of grandstanding, Massimo Faggioli, professor at Loyola Institute at Trinity College Dublin, told me.

After Donald Trump told Fox & Friends that he hoped to make it to heaven, one priest decided to explain what that requires of Christians.

Religion in the courts: Loe v. Jett

In 1985, Minnesota created the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Act, which gave high school sophomores, juniors and seniors the chance to take college courses for both high school and college credit for free.

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The program has provided students with rigorous academic opportunities at both secular and religious colleges. Christian parents Melinda and Mark Loe and Dawn Erickson have used the PSEO to send their children to Christian schools in Minnesota like the University of Northwestern and Crown College, where they could pursue advanced coursework in a Christian environment.

But in 2023, Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill excluding religious colleges like Northwestern and Crown from PSEO, because they ask on-campus students to sign a statement of faith. As a result, the Loe and Erickson families couldnt send their other children to these colleges. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty had sued the state, representing families and Christian schools.

On Friday, a federal court ruled in favor of the two Christian schools, CBS News reported, allowing them to offer college credit to high school students who want to pursue college courses at faith-based colleges. Becket lawyer Eric Baxter called the ruling a victory for religious families and the schools that serve them, and a rebuke of state politicians who wish to punish Minnesotans for their beliefs.

BREAKING: A federal court in Minnesota on Friday protected two faith-based universities ability to offer free college credit to high school students. This ruling stops the states ban on faith-based schools and ensures that students can pursue an education that aligns with their  Eric Baxter (@esbax) August 25, 2025

What Im reading

A pastor at a Lutheran Church in Wisconsin wrote a sermon urging Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to run for president. He ended up resigning.  He Tried to Endorse From the Pulpit. He Wound Up Without a Church , The New York Times

You may have heard about the rise of the spiritual but not religious. The new data from Ryan Burge challenges the idea that religiousness and spirituality are at odds with each other.  Are The Nones Replacing Religion With Spirituality?, Ryan Burges Substack Graphs About Religion.

Americans who are LGBTQ tend to be less religious than those who are not, according to the latest Pew Research Centers data. But when it comes to some questions about spirituality  such as whether human beings have a soul or spirit  the gaps between lesbian, gay or bisexual adults and other people tend to be smaller.

Odds and ends

I enjoy hearing from readers and learning more about the topics youd like to see covered. In fact, one reader recently shared a remarkable story about how religious pluralism is playing out in one Utah town, and Im excited to share it with you. Drop me a note about the stories or issues youd love to see featured:mmanzhos@deseret.com.
UPDATE: UGA Police have stated the situation is All Clear.

ATHENS, Ga. (WJBF)  The University of Georgia has updated an alert of a reported armed shooter on campus in the area of the main library, saying evidence suggests it is likely a hoax.

They ask that you continue to avoid the area as law enforcement continues to investigate.

At approximately 8:45 pm the UGA Police Department Communications Center received a call of a shooter in the area of the UGA Library. Officers quickly responded and searched the area. A preliminary investigation suggests the event was a hoax, but officers remain in the vicinity to investigate and collect information. Please stay away from the area.

This comes after a similar incident on the campus of the University of South Carolina on Sunday.

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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 WJBF.
The United States has approved the sale of multiple Patriot air-defence systems and other weapons to NATO ally Denmark, which plans to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

The US State Department approved the deal, valued at $8.5 billion, which includes six launchers, radar and guidance systems, and corresponding missiles.

Denmark and other NATO members aim to supply Ukraine with advanced weapons systems to bolster its defences against Russian attacks. Since Denmark does not operate Patriot systems, it must purchase them from the United States. The Netherlands has also bought Patriots to strengthen Ukraine's air defences.

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Kiev has repeatedly requested Patriot systems from Western allies in recent months to better protect its cities from Russian airstrikes.

With the US reluctant to fund additional weapons deliveries to Ukraine, NATO partners are buying US systems and transferring them to Ukrainian forces.
The US will stop Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, from travelling to New York next month for a United Nations gathering of world leaders.

Countries including Britain plan to recognise Palestine as a state at the summit, making it a landmark moment for Palestinians, amid Israels ongoing war on Hamas in Gaza and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

An official with the US state department said that Washington would block visas for Mr Abbas and about 80 members of the umbrella group Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), and the Palestinian Authority (PA), based in the West Bank.

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Mr Abbas was planning to attend the annual UN General Assembly, during which Britain, France, Australia and Canada  all traditional US allies  have pledged to formally recognise Palestine.

The UN General Assembly is expected to be a watershed moment for Palestinians - Justin Lane/EPA

The US does not recognise Palestine as a state, and has opposed the decision by its allies to do so, saying that they are rewarding Hamass Oct 7 2023 terror attack on Israel.

Mr Abbass office said it was astonished by the visa decision and added that it broke protocol. A 1947 UN agreement states that the US is generally required to allow access for foreign diplomats to the international bodys headquarters in New York City.

A number of European foreign ministers criticised Washingtons decision, with Jean-Noel Barrot, the French foreign minister, saying that a UN General Assembly cannot be subject to any restrictions on access.

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This is not the first time the US has blocked Palestinian officials from attending the UNs annual meeting, however.

In 1988, Washington refused to issue a visa to the late Yasser Arafat, then PLO leader. The General Assembly was moved to Geneva, instead of New York, so that he could attend and address the assembled leaders.

In 1988, the UN moved its General Assembly to Geneva to allow Yasser Arafat, the PLO leader, to attend - Derrick Ceyrac/Getty Images

The latest visa refusal comes as tensions continue to grow over Israels war in Gaza, which has killed more than 63,000 since Oct 7 2023, according to health officials in the territory.

Humanitarian groups have expressed grave concerns, saying famine and disease are running rampant in the Gaza Strip, making it near-impossible for those who survive Israeli air strikes to find sustenance and medicine to keep them alive.

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On Saturday, the chief of the Red Cross said that a mass evacuation of Gaza City would be impossible after Israel declared Gazas largest city an active combat zone on Friday.

Such an evacuation would trigger a massive population movement that no area in the Gaza Strip can absorb, given the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and the extreme shortages of food, water, shelter and medical care, Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement Saturday.

According to an official cited by the Associated Press, Israel will soon halt humanitarian aid to parts of northern Gaza as it expands its offensive.

The Israeli official said the country would stop airdrops over Gaza City in the coming days and reduce the number of aid trucks arriving in the territorys north as it prepares to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people south - a move that will likely bring more international condemnation.

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Human rights lawyers filed criminal complaints in Argentina on Friday seeking the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, amid reports that he might visit in September.

It is understood that Netanyahu is criminally responsible as a co-perpetrator for the war crime of intentionally causing death by starvation; of crimes against humanity such as homicide, persecution, and other inhumane acts, said the filing, by Rodolfo Yanzon, an Argentine human rights attorney, and Raji Sourani, director of the Palestinian Center for Human Rights.

Argentinas constitution allows for international crimes, such as genocide and crimes against humanity, to be tried in its courts no matter where they were committed.

Several other cases involving the Rohingya and Uyghur genocide are currently also making their way through Argentinian courts.

Benjamin Netanyahus visit to Argentina has prompted calls for his arrest from human rights lawyers in the South American country - Abir Sultan/Reuters

Complicating the situation for Mr Netanyahu is an ongoing debate in neighbouring Lebanon, which sits to the north of Israel, sharing a disputed border.

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Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon, is refusing to agree to demands to disarm by the end of the year, despite the Lebanese governments efforts to implement the plans.

Gen Rodolphe Haykal, Lebanons army chief, has reportedly threatened to resign, saying it would not be possible to dismantle Hezbollahsf weapons without co-operation from the militant group.

Some Lebanese soldiers have already been killed or injured trying to shut down Hezbollah weapons depots, an action that is a condition for international loans and aid to help the country rebuild after the militant group clashed with Israel last year.

Hakan Fidan, the Turkish foreign minister, announced that Turkey would close its airspace to Israeli government planes and any cargo of weapons for the Israeli military, as well as block its ports to Israeli ships.

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We have completely cut off our trade with Israel. We have closed our ports to Israeli ships, Mr Fidan said at 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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A US federal appeals court ruled that sweeping global tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump were illegal, but did not immediately lift the duties.

Justices on the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said that the American leader overstepped his authority by imposing the levies using emergency powers legislation, in effect upholding an earlier decision by a specialist trade court.

Yet they did not remove the tariffs, instead allowing the White House to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump labeled the court to be Highly Partisan and insisted: ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT!
A source in the US State Department said that, in addition to Abbas, the US has denied visas to 80 other officials from the PA.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar hailed the United States decision to revoke entry visas for Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and other senior officials in the PA and PLO for the UN General Assembly in September.

In his X account the FM wrote: Thank you to US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for this brave step and for standing by Israels side.

Also reacting to the decision, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas expressed regret over the US State Departments decision.

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In an announcement, his office added that the American State Departments decision contradicts international law. The American administration must reverse its decision and allow the Palestinian delegations entry.

US President Donald Trump (R) stands with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) as he prepares to depart for Hagerstown, Maryland, at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, New Jersey, US, June 8, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Nathan Howard)

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday to tell him that Madrid supports him after the US denied him a visa to attend a United Nations gathering of world leaders.

The visa denial is "unjust," Sanchez said in a post on social media platform X.

Palestinian Authority failed to repudiate terror, US says

A source in the US State Department said that, in addition to Abbas, the US has denied visas to 80 other officials from the PA.

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In a statement, the department reiterated longstanding US and Israeli allegations that the PA and PLO had failed to repudiate terrorism while pushing for"unilateral recognition" of a Palestinian state.

Palestinian officials reject such allegations and claim that decades of US-mediated talks have failed to end Israeli occupation and secure an independent Palestinian state.

Amichai Stein and Reuters contributed to this report.
A judge at the US federal court in Washington has temporarily halted fast-track deportation proceedings for migrants, dealing a blow to President Donald Trump's rigorous deportation policy.

The right of those affected to a proper trial under the rule of law must be guaranteed, Judge Jia Cobb said in her ruling published on Friday, upholding a complaint filed by a migrant rights group.

In his inaugural address in January, Trump announced his intention to deport "millions and millions" of irregular migrants.

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His administration has therefore extended an expedited deportation procedure, which until now was used mainly in border regions and in cases where migrants have been in the country for fewer than 14 days, to migrants throughout the country.

Cobb criticized the government's procedure as "skimpy," NBC, NPR, CNN and other US media reported, and she referred to the right enshrined in the US constitution that individuals may not be deported from the US without first having had the opportunity to be heard.

This also applies to people who are in the country illegally, she added.

"By merely accusing you of entering unlawfully, the government would deprive you of any meaningful opportunity to disprove its allegations," Cobb said. "Fortunately, that is not the law."

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The judge, appointed by Trump's predecessor Joe Biden, had already criticized the government's actions in a similar ruling in early August.

Mass deportations were one of Trump's key campaign promises before last year's election. Raids and arrests have been staged for public effect since he took office.
(This August 30 story is repeated without any changes to the text)

By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -A federal judge on Friday halted Trump administration policies aimed at expanding fast-track deportations, ruling that they violate the constitutional due process rights of migrants who could be apprehended anywhere nationally.

U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb in Washington, D.C., sided with an immigrant rights group to put on hold two policies President Donald Trump's administration adopted in January that exposed millions of additional migrants to the risk of rapid expulsion.

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That expedited removal process has for nearly three decades been used to quickly return migrants apprehended at the border. But in January, the administration expanded its scope to cover non-citizens apprehended anywhere in the United States who could not show they had been in the country for two years.

The policy mirrored one the Trump administration adopted in 2019 that Democratic President Joe Biden's administration later rescinded, and immigration authorities have made "aggressive" use of the new removal power in recent months, Cobb said.

But she said that unlike the population of migrants traditionally subject to expedited removal who were detained shortly after crossing the border, the group now being targeted had long since entered the country.

"That means that they have a weighty liberty interest in remaining here and therefore must be afforded due process under the Fifth Amendment," she said. "When it exponentially expanded the population subject to expedited removal, the Government did not, however, in any way adapt its procedures to this new group of people."

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Cobb, a Biden appointee, said that "prioritizing speed over all else will inevitably lead the Government to erroneously remove people via this truncated process." She called it a "skimpy" process that violates affected migrants' due process rights under the U.S. Constitution's Fifth Amendment.

The administration had asked Cobb to pause her eventual ruling so it could prepare an appeal, but she declined to do so.

A U.S. Department of Homeland Security official said in a statement that the ruling ignored Trump's legal authority, adding he "has a mandate to arrest and deport the worst of the worst."

The American Civil Liberties Union, representing the plaintiff, Make the Road New York, did not respond to a request for comment.

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Earlier this month, Cobb also blocked the Trump administration from fast-tracking the deportation of potentially hundreds of thousands of immigrants who were paroled into the U.S. under Biden's humanitarian programs.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
The apprehended accused has been identified as Jagroshan Singh, a resident of Naushera Pannua in Tarn Taran district.

According to the preliminary investigation, the shooter acted on the directions of a foreign-based gangster, Lakhbir Singh alias Landa.

In a social media post on X, the Punjab DGP wrote, "In a major breakthrough against organized crime, Anti-Gangster Task Force (#AGTF), Punjab, apprehends Jagroshan Singh r/o Naushera Pannua, #TarnTaran. Arrested accused was wanted in the firing incident (Aug 14, 2025) at Zira, #Ferozepur, targeting a businessman. Preliminary investigation reveals that the shooters acted on the directions of foreign-based gangster Lakhbir Singh @ Landa. FIR registered at PS Zira, Ferozepur, further investigation is underway to unearth the entire network. @PunjabPoliceInd remains committed to dismantling organized crime networks and safeguarding citizens."

https://x.com/dgppunjabpolice/status/1961677060637671799

An FIR has been registered, and further investigation is underway in the case.

Earlier on August 26, Amritsar Commissionerate Police busted a smuggling racket with the arrest of one person and recovery of five sophisticated 9mm Glock pistols along with four magazines.

The accused was identified as Amit Singh, a resident of Guru Ki Wadali, Chheharta in Amritsar. Police also impounded his black motorcycle, allegedly being used for delivering weapon consignments.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations revealed that Amit Singh, along with his associate Gurpreet Singh alias Ginny, was in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers who were pushing consignments of weapons to disturb peace and harmony in Punjab. "The arrest and recovery have helped unearth the network and avert a major crime. More arrests and recoveries are expected in the coming days," he said.

Providing details of the operation, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said a police team from Police Station Chheharta, acting on reliable intelligence and under the supervision of DCP Detective Ravinderpal Singh, ADCP-2 Harpal Singh and ACP West Shivdarshan Singh, intercepted Amit Singh while he was en route to deliver the weapon consignment. (ANI)
Senior White House officials have allegedly accused some European leaders of prolonging Russia's war in Ukraine, Axios reported in an exclusive scoop on Aug. 30.

According to Axios, U.S. officials have grown increasingly impatient with European leaders, whom they allege are pushing Ukraine to hold out for a "better deal."

"The Europeans don't get to prolong this war and backdoor unreasonable expectations, while also expecting America to bear the cost," a senior White House official told Axios.

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"If Europe wants to escalate this war, that will be up to them. But they will be hopelessly snatching defeat from the jaws of victory."

Trump is also considering whether to step back from diplomatic efforts until one or both sides demonstrates greater flexibility, a White House official told Axios.

"We are going to sit back and watch. Let them fight it out for a while and see what happens," the official said.

While U.S. officials reportedly "sit back and watch," Moscow has unrelented in its attacks on Ukraine. Just two days prior, Russia launched a large-scale aerial strike on Ukrainian cities on Aug. 28. Twenty-five people, including four children, were killed in Kyiv.

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The Trump administration has increasingly taken a "both sides" approach in its rhetoric regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Most recently, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt drew a comparison between Russia's attacks on civilians with Ukraine's strikes on legitimate military targets.

Despite months of U.S.-led diplomatic efforts, Trump has not taken any concrete steps to pressure Moscow to stop fighting, while his administration paused military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine at various points. Trump himself publicly criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky but welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to American shores, rolling out the red carpet for him in Anchorage, Alaska just earlier this month.

The White House has also asked the U.S. Treasury Department to prepare a list of sanctions that Europe could impose on Russia, Axios reported. The list includes a total ban on Russian oil and gas purchases and EU tariffs on India and China, similar to those already levied by the U.S.



The European Union is already preparing more sanctions against Russia, however, and has imposed 18 sanctions packages since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The Trump administration, on the other hand, has yet to impose sanctions on Russia and even temporarily lifted sanctions to facilitate the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska on Aug. 15.

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Read also: 1 killed, 30 injured in Zaporizhzhia as Russia launches large-scale missile, drone attack on Ukrainian cities

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Matthew Whitaker, US ambassador to NATO, has stated that the administration of US President Donald Trump is increasing military support to Ukraine, including providing capabilities for conducting "deeper strikes" on Russian territory.

Source: Whitaker in an interview with Fox News

Details: Whitaker stated that a new batch of weapons worth nearly one billion dollars is already on its way to Ukraine. In addition, Washington supplies Kyiv with approximately a billion dollars' worth of weapons every month, funded by NATO allies.

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"President Trump is making surethat Ukraine can continue to defend itself and by giving them some deeper strike capabilities that obviously could help them offensively," Whitaker said.

The diplomat noted that Trump, alongside military assistance, is conducting behind-the-scenes negotiations with the Kremlin and continuing economic pressure on Russia. In his view, this strategy is markedly different from the approach of the previous Biden administration.

Quote: "President Trump knows all the cards he has still left to play. But he also understands that he needs to keep Vladimir Putin at the table, as well as Zelenskyy at the table. Is it going to happen overnight? Most likely not. But I think were on the right path and both sides are still talking, and that is a good thing."

Details: Whitaker stated that the US is providing Ukraine with capabilities for delivering deeper strikes which were not available under Biden.

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"This is not Donald Trumps war, but he certainly wants the killing to end; he wants these strikes on the cities in Ukraine to end," the ambassador emphasised.

Background: On 29 August, the US State Department approved the sale to Ukraine of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) air-launched cruise missiles worth a total of US$825 million.

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Aug. 30WASHINGTON  Conservation groups are criticizing a federal proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule on federal lands, but a member of North Dakota's congressional delegation says the U.S. Department of Agriculture's plan to repeal the rule will ensure North Dakota ranchers and energy producers have better access to USDA-managed lands.

The proposal would impact about 45 million acres of national forest land across 37 states, including the Little Missouri National Grasslands in western North Dakota.

Implemented in January 2001 near the end of the Clinton administration, the Roadless Rule is a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) regulation that prohibits road construction or improvements, and most timber harvesting, in designated "Inventoried Roadless Areas" on national forest lands.

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U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., recently hosted USFS Chief Tom Schultz in Dickinson to hear from the area's ranchers and other stakeholders about the importance of access to the grasslands. According to a news release from Hoeven's office, the senator also has been working with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and other senior USDA officials to prioritize local control over federal lands in the state.

USDA on Aug. 27 said it would publish a notice in the Federal Register on Aug. 29, opening a 21-day public comment period on its intent to rescind the Roadless Rule that will continue through Sept. 19.

"This is an important step by USDA to roll back the restrictive Roadless Rule, and we encourage North Dakotans to weigh in on the importance of ensuring access to the grasslands for grazing, energy production and other uses during the public comment period," Hoeven said in a statement. "Rescinding the Roadless Rule will help put decision-making back into the hands of locals who know best how to manage these lands, and we appreciate Secretary Rollins and USDA's work to prioritize local control over our federal lands."

According to the news release, Hoeven continues to work with USDA on grassland management issues, including a dispute between the state and USFS over section lines in the Little Missouri National Grasslands, and coordinating with local ranchers and rural fire departments on wildfire management.

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In a news release, the National Wildlife Federation said USDA's proposed repeal threatens wildlife, clean water, Indigenous communities, hunting, angling and other outdoor recreation on the affected lands.

From the NWF's perspective, the Roadless Rule has been an effective conservation policy that limits road-building in intact forests that have largely been undisturbed by development. The USDA's formal rulemaking process includes what the NWF calls an "unreasonably short" comment period that limits Tribal input and public participation.

"The 2001 Roadless Rule has prevented fragmentation of wildlife habitat, safeguarded clean water and protected important Indigenous sites," David Willms, the NWF's associate vice president for public lands, said in a statement. "The rule also facilitates world class hunting, angling and other outdoor recreation pursuits that support rural economies.

"There are some ways that the Roadless Rule could be improved, but the wholesale repeal of this key conservation tool goes against the best available science and overwhelming public opinion."

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Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, a Montana-based public lands advocacy organization, said it also favors exploring ways to improve, rather than repeal, the Roadless Rule.

"Rather than abandon this proven framework, we encourage the USDA to look at alternatives to refine the rule and create an enduring framework that safeguards our backcountry hunting and fishing opportunities while working to adapt to today's wildfire challenges," Devin O'Dea, western policy and conservation manager for BHA, said in a statement. "Walking away from it altogether likely enhances fire risk, degrades habitat and erodes the backcountry character that is essential to our outdoor heritage."

Despite such urging, Schultz, the Forest Service chief, said the Roadless Rule has frustrated land managers for nearly 25 years, prohibiting road construction that in turn has limited wildfire suppression and active forest management.

"The forests we know today are not the same as the forests of 2001," Schultz said in a statement. "They are dangerously overstocked and increasingly threatened by drought, mortality, insect-borne disease and wildfire. It's time to return land management decisions where they belong  with local Forest Service experts who best understand their forests and communities."

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In a news release, Trout Unlimited said rescinding the Roadless Rule would allow "chaos to unfold."

Roadless areas account for only 2% of the U.S. land base, Trout Unlimited said, providing access for hunters and anglers, while accommodating grazing, motorized trails and energy and resource management activities. In addition, 70% of Roadless Areas are home to native trout or salmon, making the public lands irreplaceable to sustaining coldwater fisheries, the conservation group said.

"The Roadless Rule balances active forest management with the conservation of our last, best fish and wildlife habitat," Corey Fisher, public land policy director for Trout Unlimited, said in a statement. "Roadless Areas offer irreplaceable backcountry hunting and fishing for mule deer, elk and native trout, just to name a few opportunities.

"Rolling back the Roadless Rule risks trading clean water and healthy fisheries for little economic benefit, while saddling future generations with the bill for more roads, maintenance and wildfire risk. Rather than remove a key conservation tool, the Forest Service should work with local communities to steward these last, best places  because once they're gone, they're gone forever."

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Schultz, the USFS director, said the agency encourages participation in the public comment process.

"Your input will help to build a stronger, safer future for our forests and the communities that depend on these forests for jobs, recreation and clean water," he said.

Compiled from press release material.
After a violinist who has played with high-profile orchestras was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement last week, members of Utahs music community are rallying in support of his release.

Donggin Shin, 37, who came to the U.S. from South Korea with his father when he was a child, was abruptly arrested at a hotel parking lot while he was on a work trip in Colorado, his attorney Adam Crayk told NBC News. He was placed in ICE detention on Aug. 18. With a hearing slated for early September, his colleagues from the Salt Lake City area are hoping to send a message to the administration and beyond that Shin, who goes by the name John, is a valued part of the community.

John has been in this country since he was 10 years old and he was brought here by his parents. He didnt get a choice in the matter, violinist and conductor Gabriel Gordon said. He is not somebody that is taking from the community, but is giving.

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A senior Department of Homeland Security official said in response to NBC News questions about Shin, Our message is clear: criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States.

Violinist John Shin with his family. (via GoFundMe)

Shin, who works a day job in telecommunications but has played with the prestigious Utah Symphony and Ballet West, is currently being held at the Denver Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado, according to an ICE database  more than 500 miles away from his home.

According to charging documents, Shin was identified by ICEs Fugitive Operations Team, which is generally focused on apprehending immigrants who have committed serious crimes and are considered threats to national security. In Shins case, the arrest was prompted by an old misdemeanor impaired driving offense that occurred while Shin was navigating his fathers battle with brain cancer, Crayk said.

We are literally having fugitive ops and Homeland Security Investigations, which are two law enforcement agencies that focus on really terrible, terrible things, relegated now to looking for people like John, Crayk said.

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The senior DHS official did not elaborate on the details of Shins arrest but noted that his history includes a DUI conviction.

Shin entered the U.S. on a tourist visa on September 3, 1998, the official said in the statement. This visa required him to depart the U.S. by March 3, 1999.

According to Crayk, DHS account of Shins immigration history omits some details. After Shin and his father entered the country on a tourist visa, his father eventually switched to a student visa, under which Shin, a dependent at the time, was also covered, the attorney said.

Years later, Shin became a DACA recipient. However, due to the 2020 impaired driving conviction, Shin lost his DACA protections, leaving him without lawful status for the last four and a half years, Crayk said. Records show that Shin pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor offense, served his probation and the matter was resolved.

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On the day of his arrest, his wife, DaNae Shin, with whom he has two stepchildren, received a panicked phone call, she wrote on social media. It happened to be her birthday, she said.

I got a call from John-- 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 okay, please call our attorney and then he was rushed off the phone, Shin wrote. John is not a criminal, he is an amazing husband, father, and person, and I will do whatever it takes to bring him back home.

While Shin has long been eligible for a green card, Crayk said his family was struggling financially and marriage-based green card fees run around $2,375.

At the time he married his wife, DaNae, his father died of brain cancer and his wife lost her job, Crayk said. So they went through extreme financial crisis, and theyve been scrimping and saving since that time.

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Since hearing the news, Gordon and several other musicians have been playing at the state Capitol each day, determined to continue doing so to raise awareness until Shin returns home. Gordon, a conductor and violinist for Ballet West, said hes known Shin for almost a decade and would do anything for the fellow violinist and his family. He described Shin as a top-shelf violinist.

Hes got an incredible technique, said Gordon, whos also concertmaster of Chamber Orchestra Ogden. Even more than that, he takes his technique and brings his soul to it. He brings that joy of music-making to the entire community.

Robert Baldwin, director of orchestras at the University of Utah, where he is also a professor, said he was shocked and angry at the news. Baldwins friendship with Shin stretches back more than 15 years to when the violinist began his undergraduate studies at the school. Baldwin said that Shin showed grit early on.

He was not the top violinist when he arrived. He had a lot of raw talent, and he asked what he needed to do to be, for instance, in the top orchestra, Baldwin recalled. He worked his way up. By the time he was a graduate student, he was the concertmaster, meaning the first violinist of the top orchestra.

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Baldwin also said that as Shin progressed, he attempted to create an inclusive environment for his fellow musicians.

He helped other students acclimate to university life, whether it was a freshman or a new graduate student, Baldwin said. I really like the fact that he didnt take a leadership role and just wear that as a badge and put himself on an ivory tower above everyone else.

Gordon hopes Mondays performance in support of Shin conveys a clear message.

Were hoping that all that were doing is showing just how valuable he is to this community and why he belongs here, he said. He absolutely belongs here.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Tyler Green, an attorney representing the Utah Legislature, as Judge Dianna Gibson holds a hearing on Utah's congressional maps process, in Salt Lake City on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Judge Gibson previously ruled based on a decision last year by the Utah Supreme Court that the Legislature had violated voters' constitutional right to make laws when legislators repealed Proposition 4, the citizen-passed Better Boundaries initiative. (Pool photo by Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune)

The Utah Legislatures attorneys are asking the courts to pause the ruling earlier this week that tossed out the states current congressional boundaries and ordered lawmakers to draw a new map.

Lawmakers lawyers argued in a court filing Friday that 3rd District Court Judge Dianna Gibson should push pause on the permanent injunction she put on the congressional map the Utah Legislature enacted in 2021 until any appeals to the Utah Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court are final.

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Discarding the legislatively enacted 2021 Congressional Map in favor of a new map adopted in less than 30 days, under rules the Legislature has not adopted, does not give the Legislature a meaningful opportunity to perform its constitutional duty and inflicts grave separation-of-powers and constitutional injuries on the Legislature, the Legislatures attorneys wrote.

While the Legislature does intend to try to enact a remedial map as Gibson ordered on Monday within her proposed 30-day timeline, they wrote, it does so while expressly disagreeing with that orders conclusions and reserving all rights to seek a reversal of that ruling.

Third District Court Judge Dianna Gibson holds a hearing on Utahs congressional maps process, in Salt Lake City on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Judge Gibson previously ruled  based on a decision last year by the Utah Supreme Court  that the Legislature had violated voters constitutional right to make laws when legislators repealed Proposition 4, the citizen-passed Better Boundaries initiative. (Pool photo by Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune)

Gibson considered  but did not rule on  the request during a status hearing Friday, where she heard arguments from both the Legislature and the plaintiffs in the anti-gerrymandering lawsuit on what should come next.

The judge also addressed criticisms from Republican legislative leadership that her ruling was a violation of separation of powers.

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This court is not drawing a map. It is the Legislatures responsibility to make sure theres a lawful congressional map in place for the 2026 election, Gibson said. This court recognizes the separation of powers.  I recognize this is not the courts job, its the Legislatures job.

The plaintiffs attorney, Mark Gaber with the Campaign Legal Center, urged Gibson not to grant the Legislatures request for a stay, arguing Utah voters have waited long enough for fair congressional districts.

It would be just tremendously unjust to allow an unconstitutional and unlawful map  to govern yet another election cycle when the people passed this in 2018, Gaber said. Seven years have passed.

Gaber argued that granting a stay would leave voters stuck with an unlawful map with only two election cycles left in the decade until a new map would need to be drawn under the regular 10-year redistricting process.

This has to be the point in which it stops, he said.

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Utah voters narrowly approved Better Boundaries ballot initiative in 2018 that enacted Proposition 4, a law that created an independent redistricting commission meant to prevent gerrymandering.

In 2021, however, Utah lawmakers repealed and replaced that law with SB200, which turned the commission into an advisory body that lawmakers could ultimately ignore. The GOP-controlled Legislature did just that when it approved the states current congressional boundaries, which Better Boundaries alleges is a blatant gerrymander that cracked Salt Lake County into four districts.

Gibson, in her ruling earlier this week, determined lawmakers repeal and replacement of the Better Boundaries independent redistricting commission was unconstitutional, and she voided the 2021 congressional map as a product of an unconstitutional process.

Gibson said she wanted to take time to carefully consider lawmakers attorneys request while also emphasizing that she knows time is of the essence and expressing a desire to give the Legislature as much time as possible to draw a new map and allow public input.

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The Utah Lt. Governors Office has told the court that a new map must be in place by Nov. 1 to allow time for counties to prepare their own maps and approve their precincts in time for the beginning of January, when candidates can begin filing.

Gibson, however, asked the lieutenant governors attorney to explore if any additional time is possible, even if its just a matter of days.

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She stressed that the timeline included in her Monday ruling was a proposal and not set in stone, wanting to elicit input from both parties.

As you all know here, we are sort of in uncharted territory here, Gibson told the courtroom as Fridays hearing began. Theres really not a road map for what we do next. And what we do next depends on a lot of different things.

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Tyler Green, the lawmakers attorney, told Gibson his clients continue to disagree with her ruling, but if she doesnt grant a stay, they plan to move forward with her timeline. However, he requested more specifics from her on how the process should play out and welcomed any additional time possible to allow more time for the Legislature to do its job and more time for citizens to participate.

Green also argued that the 30-day proposed timeline in Gibsons ruling doesnt allow for the same public process set by Proposition 4, and he questioned why, if the court has determined that measure is now Utah law, the court isnt abiding by all of its processes to draw the new map.

Gaber, however, argued that had the Utah Legislature not unlawfully repealed and replaced Proposition 4 in the first place, the matter wouldnt be in court at all. He also argued that Utah is not unique, and that other states have faced court-imposed deadlines because theyve failed to properly adopt maps under their own redistricting processes.

This is something that happens, Gaber said, when a map violates the law.

Mark Gaber, the lawyer representing the plaintiffs, as Judge Dianna Gibson holds a hearing on UtahOs congressional maps process, in Salt Lake City on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Judge Gibson previously ruled N based on a decision last year by the Utah Supreme Court N that the Legislature had violated votersO constitutional right to make laws when legislators repealed Proposition 4, the citizen-passed Better Boundaries initiative. (Pool photo by Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune)

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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A man wanted by Norfolk Police on felony forcible rape and sexual battery charges has been arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.

CBP said its officers identified Fard Shaheed Matthews, 49, of Virginia Beach, as a possible match to an outstanding arrest warrant issued by Norfolk Police, verified his identity, confirmed an active warrant and that he was the subject of it.

Thats when Matthews was arrested and turned over to Norfolk Police officers, CBP said.

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These allegations, if proven true, are serious and reprehensible, and Customs and Border Protection officers are pleased to assist our local law enforcement partners in returning a fugitive to justice, said Keri Brady, CBPs acting area port director for the area Port of Norfolk-Newport News, in a statement. CBPs unique border security mission of knowing who is entering or departing the United States allows us to ensure that victims voices are heard, and helps our law enforcement partners make our streets a little safer.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  The Virginia Beach Sheriffs Office held their 59th annual Basic Academy Class graduation Thursday, in which 20 deputy recruits were recognized for their successful completion of training.

All recruits who started the BAC 59 in May made it to graduation. The graduating class is 40% military veterans who served in the U.S. Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Air Force and eight college graduates.

Ive been in this business a long time and rarely do you start with 20 and end with 20, said Sheriff Rocky Holcomb, addressing BAC 59. You realize how difficult it is in a training academy. You made it  all 20  and Im so proud.

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The training consists of over 17 weeks training in Virginia law, arrest procedures, ethics, cultural diversity, firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, first aid, crisis intervention (mental health) and more, spanning 80 classes and 500 hours.

This graduation, its more than a ceremony, its a passage, a moment when recruits become deputies, when trainees become guardians of the community, said Holcomb. From this day forward, the badge you wear will not just reflect who you are, it will represent every person youve been sworn to protect and serve.

The graduation was streamed live on Facebook and can be viewed here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  The 158th Fighter Wing, nicknamed the Green Mountain Boys after Ethan Allens militia unit during the Revolutionary War era, is about to open its doors to the public again after three years.

The Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG) last held an open house in 2022, which they say was attended by more than 6,000 people.

More than 6,000 visitors showed up to an open house hosted by the Vermont Air and Army National Guard, at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. (Courtesy: Vermont Air National Guard via FB)

The open house is expected to include guided access to aircraft and vehicles, flight simulators and robot demonstrations, performances by a military band, an F-35 flyby, and opportunities to meet pilots, medics, and engineers who serve in the unit.

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We live and serve right here in Vermont. Opening our gates gives us the opportunity to connect with our neighbors, answer questions, and share the important work our Soldiers and Airmen do every day, both at home and around the world, said Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, Vermonts adjutant general.

Vermont Chamber of Commerce honors National Guard general as Citizen of the Year

Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, rain or shine.

BTV mascot Aero the griffin visited the air base earlier this week as the date of VTANGs first open house in three years approaches. (Courtesy: Vermont Air National Guard via FB)

Because visitors will be on a military air base, there will be some extra restrictions on items that can be brought in, and VTANG advises that all bags will be inspected. Glass containers, large backpacks, coolers, and bicycles are some of the items not allowed during the event. For a complete list and more information on the event, readers can go to the VTANG website.

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Vermont National Guard hosts North Macedonia partners

This is more than just an Open House, its a celebration of service and way for us to say thank you to our supportive community, said Col. Michael Blair, 158th Fighter Wing Commander. Were proud of what we do, and this is our chance to share that pride with Vermonters.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
The residents of Towne Creek Crossing apartments in Walton, Kentucky, were outside talking amongst themselves and watching their kids play the day after an attempted arrest turned into the shooting of two Boone County Sheriff's Office deputies and the death of their neighbor.

Shruti Steele took deep breaths as she spoke about the incident that happened less than 24 hours ago.

Steele said her and her husband had gotten back from Kroger at around 9 or 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 28.

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She said she heard gunshots, but they were muffled by the television. Since her husband works at a jail, she thought the noises might be his radio.

Her husband had opened the front door to go for an evening walk when he saw a couple police cars. He called Steele outside. Within five or 10 minutes, there were a lot more cars lined up, she said.

Steele heard the negotiators saying, "Justin, come out," she said. "My daughter thought it was party lights so she was like enjoying it but we were trying to hide."

Sheriff deputies continued to investigate the scene of the Walton apartment complex on Aug. 29 where two Boone County police officers were shot while serving a warrant the night before. The man who shot them died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.

It wasn't until around 2 a.m. that law enforcement knocked on her door to say the situation had been resolved.

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"But we couldn't sleep. It was very scary," Steele said.

Officers have come by the complex to serve warrants in the year that Steele has lived here, but she never thought it could be this serious.

Steele had just cleared her interview and got her American citizenship last week. "I was so happy, and then this happened. So I'm like, I'm really shaking. It's really hard. I can't work, it's hard," she said.

Since Steele had never even seen a gun before, she couldn't believe the noise she heard was gunshots, she thought they were fireworks. Steele said she had never seen anything like this in her home country.

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Knowing that there are children who play outside including her own and that there was somebody who had a gun, Steele said "it's pretty scary."

Deputies arrived at the apartment complex the evening of Aug. 28 to serve a warrant for failure to pay child support by 39-year-old Justin Chapman, according to Boone County Sheriff's Major Philip Ridgell.

Deputies entered Chapman's home after confirming he was inside. When they entered, Chapman fired multiple rounds, striking two deputies multiple times. Ridgell told The Enquirer on Aug. 29 that officers were not aware that Chapman had a gun.

Steele saw the two deputies being rushed into a vehicle. The two officers were hospitalized that night.

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After the deputies were evacuated, Chapman barricaded himself alone inside the residence, and a SWAT team with negotiators was called to the scene.

Steele said the SWAT team kept on talking to Chapman but that he would not respond. "There was no response at all." Then, she said, the snipers set up in front of her house and officers tear-gassed Chapman's apartment.

Around midnight, a drone was flown into the apartment, where Chapman was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a second-floor bedroom.

Summer Riley had been living in the complex for four years.

She didn't know Chapman well, but she'd seen him around walking his ferrets on a leash and riding his scooter around. "I mean, I thought he was nice," Riley said. "I feel for the police and him."

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Steele said her husband would see Chapman walking and that "he always kept to himself." She said her husband would try to talk to him or give Chapman a ride when he'd see him walk back from the Walton Kroger next door to the complex.

When Steele's husband tried to say hi to Chapman he would "just hide his face," Steele said, "he wouldn't talk."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Residents recount night officer were shot at Walton apartment complex
Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda on Saturday offered prayers at Shri Sai Mitra Mandal Ganesh Pandal in Pune, Mahrashtra. Speaking to reporters, Nadda expressed his happiness at attending Ganeshotsav in Pune. He said that he has prayed for the prosperity and happiness of the country. "I have been very fortunate to be able to come to Pune during the Ganeshotsav. Lokmanya Tilak inspired us to celebrate this festival on such a large scale... I have offered prayers to Ganpati... I have prayed for the prosperity and happiness of our country..." the Union Minister asserted. Earlier, on August 28, Union Minister Nadda offered prayers at the BJP Central Office on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. In a social media post on X, Nadda wrote, "It is merciful, forgiving, joyful and glorious. I offer my obeisances to the effulgent one who is worshiped by the mind. On the auspicious occasion of Shri Ganesh Chaturthi, I received blessings from Vighnaharta Pratham Pujya Gajanan at BJP Central Office. I wish Lord Ganesha, the destroyer of obstacles, Gauri Nandan, to grant happiness, prosperity and health to all. Ganpati Bappa Morya!" Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations have begun across the country from August 27. Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chavithi, is a festival that marks the worship of Lord Ganesha as the god of new beginnings and remover of obstacles. This auspicious ten-day festival starts with 'Chaturthi' and ends on 'Anantha Chaturdashi'. This auspicious ten-day festival starts with 'Chaturthi' and ends on 'Anantha Chaturdashi'. The festive period is also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayak Chavithi'. The festival celebrates Ganesha as the 'God of New Beginnings' and the 'Remover of Obstacles' as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence. Celebrated across the country, the festival sees lakhs of devotees gathering in temples and mandals to seek blessings from Lord Ganesh. For the festivities, people bring Lord Ganesh idols to their homes, observe fasts, prepare mouth-watering delicacies, and visit pandals during the festival. (ANI)
(FOX40.COM)  Sacramento deputies arrested a victims ex-boyfriend and an accomplice for breaking in and kidnapping her on Wednesday, the Sacramento County Sheriffs office said.

Just after 4 p.m. on Howe Avenue, a woman called to report that someone had broken her window and was trying to get into her residence. Another caller reported a woman being dragged into a black sedan by a male, SCSO said.

While arriving at the scene, a deputy noticed a black sedan that matched the description of the vehicle driving on Howe Avenue. Officials said that in the vehicle, the deputy noticed a man driving and a man who seemed out of breath in the back of the vehicle with a woman.

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After pulling into a gas station, deputies detained the driver, as well as the man in the backseat. The woman was found uninjured, according to SCSO. The two men were identified as 33-year-old Andrew Afoa and 42-year-old Thomas Abila.

Deputies later discovered that Abila broke a window and Afoa kicked in the front door of the victims residence. SCSO said that Abila grabbed the victim by her hair and dragged her inside the vehicle while Afoa grabbed the victims wallet.

The victim had an active restraining order against Abila as he was found to be the victims ex-boyfriend. Authorities reported that records also revealed Afoa was on probation for a felony hit and run.

Both suspects were booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail. They did appear in court on Friday.

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The three victims of a fatal semi-truck crash on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce earlier this month were Haitian immigrants who were traveling back to Indiana, two friends of one of the deceased told the Miami Herald.

Herby Dufresne, 30, whom the Florida Highway Patrol identified as the driver of the minivan that slammed into the 18-wheeler, killing himself and two passengers, had moved from South Florida to Indiana in hopes of finding work, said Livenson Pierre, a friend of Dufresne who lives in Canada.

Also killed in the tragic accident, which has garnered national and international attention, were Faniola Joseph, 37, and Rodrigue Dor, 54. Joseph, previously lived in Pompano Beach and Dor, in Miami.

Had Haitian TPS status, friend says

Dufresne, according to a close friend in Haiti, arrived in Miami on Dec. 9, 2023, from Port-au-Prince. He was among the more than 200,000 Haitians who were legally paroled into the United States and given a two-year permit to live and work in the U.S. after obtaining a financial sponsor under the Biden-era humanitarian parole program for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela.

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Though the program, known as CHNV for the initials of the nationalities involved, was abruptly ended earlier this year by President Donald Trump, Dufresne still had legal status under Haitis Temporary Protected Status designation, his friends said, and had moved to Indiana for employment opportunities. He had traveled to Florida to accompany the woman who had come to shop, the friend in Haiti said, adding that Dufresne and Dor were roommates in Indiana.

Like most Haitians, Dufresne had come to the U.S. in hopes of improving his lot while hoping things would improve enough in his troubled homeland for him to one day return. He was from Bon Repos, a community on the northern edge of the capital, where residents were routinely subjected to gang extortions and threats, even before the leader of a local armed group joined forces with other leaders to form a powerful gang coalition now in control of 90% of the Haitian capital.

He had dreams, said the friend in Haiti, recalling the day he left Port-au-Prince to take his flight. But to be honest, he is someone who always knew he wasnt going to stay in the U.S. He said he was leaving, but he would be back.

The Miami Herald attempted to speak with one of Dufresnes sisters in Miami, but the family has been reluctant to go public, friends say. A niece of Dor was also reluctant to speak when contacted by the Heralds new partner, CBS4.

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While Dor and Joseph died at the scene, Dufresne died at the hospital later that day. A father of a 5-year-old daughter living in the Dominican Republic and with another child on the way in Indiana, Dufresne was single. He initially studied journalism in Haiti, but in recent years was more focused on advancing Haitian culture.

If Dufresne had listened to his instincts, and one of his sisters, He would not have died. She told him not to leave, his friend in Haiti said. He left the house without her even knowing.

Moved from Miami to Indiana

He moved to Indiana because he couldnt find work in Miami, said Pierre, his Canadian friend, adding that he saw family members in Miami before taking to the road.

One of five children, he was the only boy in a family of girls, said his friends. His mother has to be devastated, said Pierre. She loved her son; not only her, but all of his sisters.

A semi-truck driver, Harjinder Singh, caused a fatal crash on the Floridas Turnpike on Aug. 12, killing three South Floridians, FHP said. He faces vehicular homicide and manslaughter charges.

Dufresne was killed on Aug. 12 along with Joseph and Dor when their minivan hit a semi-truck being driven by Harjinder Singh, 28. Singh had made a sudden illegal U-turn at an Official Use Only area of the Turnpike about 19 miles north of Fort Pierce in St. Lucie County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

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Singh was blocking both lanes of the northbound Turnpike when Dufresnes Chrysler Town & Country minivan hit the truck, crumpling underneath the 18-wheelers trailer.

The accident has garnered national attention due to Singhs immigration status. After the accident, the Florida Highway Patrol announced that Singh, a native of India, had entered the United States illegally in 2018 after crossing the Mexico border. He later obtained a commercial drivers license from California, where he lived.

FHP didnt detain Singh after the crash and he returned to California. FHP issued a warrant for his arrest a few days after the crash, and he was taken into custody on Aug. 16 in California and extradited to St. Lucie County, where the accident occurred. Nor did FHP initially check his immigration status.

READ MORE: Troopers didnt check immigration status of truck driver in fatal U-turn crash

Members of Sikhs for Justice rally to support Harjinder Singh outside the St. Lucie County Jail in Fort Pierce, Florida, on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Singh, a truck driver of Indian heritage, is accused of killing three people in an Aug. 12 crash on the Florida Turnpike when he made an illegal U-turn in his semi tractor-trailer near Fort Pierce.

Sikh rally for truck driver

Earlier this week, a community group, Sikhs for Justice, announced it had raised $100,000 for the victims families, which Dufresnes friends said was nothing. On Thursday, Sikhs for Justice held a prayer vigil outside the St. Lucie County Jail where Singh, whom the group said is a Sikh, is being held in custody until his trial. A judge denied him bond on Aug. 23.

READ MORE: Sikhs rally at St. Lucie jail to honor three who died in Turnpike truck crash

Singh has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of manslaughter.

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FHP said Dufresne, Joseph and Dor were all South Florida residents: Dufresne of Florida City, Joseph of Pompano Beach and Dor from Miami.

But the friends of Dufresne, who kept in frequent contact with him, said all three were living in Indiana. He and Rodrigue were living together in Indiana, but not for long, said the friend in Haiti.

She and Dufresne spoke hours before his death. Herby died on a Tuesday and I spoke him that Monday. We always spoke.

Dufresne had accompanied Joseph to Miami on a shopping trip, the friend in Haiti said. You know in Indiana, people come down to Miami all the time to buy, Pierre added.

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On Thursday, the St. Lucie County Medical Examiners Office confirmed that all three bodies had yet to be claimed by either family members or a funeral home. Dufresnes mother, who has taken the news hard, is in Haiti. Due to recently enacted U.S. immigration policies by the Trump administration, banning Haitian nationals without current visas from entering the United States, she has no way of traveling to Florida to claim her sons body.

READ MORE: 3 bodies in Florida semi-truck crash havent been recovered by families: officials
American Airlines Group Inc.s chief operating officer told CBJ earlier this summer that the airline was woefully behind in club space at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The executive  David Seymour  added that discussions were already underway on where else to open customer clubs and lounges.

ALSO READ: Charlotte Douglas cracks down on people using airport as shelter

Seymour has proven to be a man of his word.

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On Aug. 19, American Airlines opened a new, quick-serve travelers lounge, Provisions by Admirals Club. It covers 2,000 square feet on Concourse A next to Gate A1.

Little more than a week later, the company disclosed plans to open another new private club concept known as Flagship.

Keep reading on CBJs website here.

WATCH: Charlotte Douglas International Airport gears up for busy holiday weekend
VIRGINIA BEACH (WAVY)  After the university president doubled down this week on the decision to change the name of Virginia Wesleyan to Batten University, alumni lined the sidewalks Friday afternoon in protest outside the entrance to the campus.

Virginia Wesleyan University to be renamed Batten University

The change was announced last week by VWU president Scott Miller, in honor of the schools most prolific benefactors and supporters, the Batten family and Jane Batten.

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A petition in opposition quickly circulated, which by Aug. 29 had more than 5,000 signatures of alumni upset with the decision.

The more than 35 protesters on Wesleyan Drive Friday were the embodiment of that sentiment.

Virginia Wesleyan alumni upset with name change

We were all in shock, and were sorry to hear it happened, said Tom Brett, VWU Class of 1971, the schools second-ever graduating class.

At last weeks announcement, Jane Batten said the name change was not her idea, but added she supported whatever was best for the university.

Devin Cowhey, VWU Class of 2010, began the petition and said its not a critique of the Battens contributions to university life.

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Many students, many alumni, were impacted by their philanthropic efforts, Cowhey said, and we believe they should be honored, but while keeping the legacy of Virginia Wesleyan intact.

Emily Canter, a 2021 graduate of the school, said all of us have a place in our heart for this school. This was our home, this is our home. You cant just come here and not feel that a part of you is here.

Said Cowhey: This isnt going away. Alumni just want answers.

And if they dont get answers, they may start asking questions, such as: Do I want to keep Batten University in my will?

We have a lot of money thats in our wills, and a lot of people are taking it out now, said Suzy Brett, a 1972 Virginia Wesleyan graduate. They are making strong directives that we are not going to succumb to Batten University.

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Suzys husband, Tom Brett, has proposed a compromise in an appeal directly to Jane Batten.

We keep the name Virginia Wesleyan University, and we call it the Batten Campus, he said, and erect a bronze statue of you and your husband to be placed in a prominent position on campus to mark your magnificent contributions that youve made to the school.

But unless there is some unforeseen reversal, Virginia Wesleyan will be Batten University by next July. This week, Miller foreclosed on the idea of further discussion, calling the name change final.

VWU president: Despite backlash, name change to stand

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Vicki Wilson is both an alumna (VWU 1991) and a member of the faculty.

Its a deep betrayal of something that we care very, very much about, Wilson said. From what Ive seen on social media, [other faculty members] are very much against this name change, mainly because of the way it was handled.

Miller said the name change has been discussed for several years. That was news to Cowhey, who spent four years as a student and then a few more working on campus after graduation.

Ive never heard of this [until now], Cowhey said. And from who Ive talked to that are retired faculty, retired staff that were here 20 years ago, thats not what weve ever heard.

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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 WAVY.com.
GRAND JUNCTION Colo. (KREX)- As the need for blood donations continues nationwide, Vitalant partnered with Primary Care Partners on Friday for a Labor Day weekend blood drive. The event comes at a critical time, as hospitals and patients face ongoing blood supply shortages.

Donors who participated in the drive received a $20 gift card and a Vitalant T-shirt when using a special Labor Day weekend code.

We offer a quarterly blood drive at this location, said Trina Keller, human resource and safety director at Primary Care Partners. We open it both to patients and to staff members.

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This local effort is part of a broader national campaign. The first week of September is recognized as National Blood Donation Week. In support of the initiative, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has officially proclaimed Sept. 4 as Colorado Blood Donation Day.

Vitalant is excited because the first week of September is National Blood Donation Week across the United States, said Brooke Way, Vitalant spokesperson. And Governor Polis has actually declared the 4th of September Colorado Blood Donation Day. And its just an exciting way to say, hey, Coloradans come out and give blood for patients in need, especially as were entering the fall season.

This year, Vitalant is also offering a new benefit for donors: a free hemoglobin A1C test with each blood donation in September. The test measures average blood sugar levels and can help identify early signs of diabetes.

One in three Americans is actually pre-diabetic, so its pretty common, Way said. So, this is a way for Vitalant to give another benefit to donors. You give so selflessly when you give blood. And this is a way to show donors, hey, thank you for giving. And also, heres a comprehensive health check for you as well, because it is pretty common here in the United States.

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While the primary goal remains to increase blood donations, Vitalants expanded efforts this September aim to connect the act of giving with gaining important personal health insights.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

Between the Yalta and Alaska summits

Al-Bayan, United Arab Emirates, August 21

Nearly six years after its outbreak, on May 8, 1945, World War II officially ended in Europe with the surrender of Nazi Germany, and then in Asia and across the world on September 2 of that same year, with the surrender of Japan.

Before the official end of the war, the Soviet city of Yalta hosted, from February 4 to 11, the most important Tripartite Conference, shaping the geopolitical order for decades to come, based on the outcomes of this global conflict.

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Eighty years after that pivotal meeting  attended by the leaders of the United States, the Soviet Union, and Britain  the state of Alaska, just a few kilometers from Russian territory, became the stage for another historic encounter, this time between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This meeting, unlike Yalta, was not about the aftermath of a war but rather about a war still raging: Russias brutal campaign in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, during which Moscow has seized nearly one-fifth of Ukrainian land and continues pressing forward.

For Europe, this war represents a profound violation of the rules established at Yalta eight decades ago and a harrowing sign that the continents geostrategic order is once again being rewritten. On one side stands the West, embodied by the European Union and NATO, with their economic, political, and military strength. On the other stands the Russian Federation, flexing its military power and wielding its political influence.

VERY CONTEMPORARY Matryoshka dolls for sale in Moscow. (credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)

It is almost cruel irony that the original blueprint of this East-West division was drawn in Yalta, a coastal city on the Black Sea in Crimea  territory that remained part of Ukraine until Russia seized and annexed it in 2014, decades after Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev transferred it to Kyiv in 1954.

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The fact that the Alaska summit was convened to address the very conflict over Ukraine  and Russias steady annexations, beginning with Crimea, where Yalta itself sits  speaks volumes about historys circular rhythm.

From the little that has been revealed, it is already clear that the first US-Russian summit under these volatile and perilous conditions will leave behind a legacy: a world order that departs significantly from the post-Yalta consensus.

The Yalta Conference had produced the division of Germany, including Berlin, among the victors of World War II, as well as territorial adjustments in Poland. But its broader significance lay in the Wests tacit acceptance of Moscows dominance over Eastern and Central-Eastern Europe, and the incorporation of the Soviet Union  on its own terms  into the international framework represented by the United Nations and its institutions. The Alaska meeting, by many indications, mirrors this precedent.

It is widely believed that Trump and Putin reached an understanding to resolve the Ukrainian crisis along lines resembling Germanys postwar division: ceding swathes of Ukrainian territory to Russian control, with official recognition not only from Ukraines government but also from its European partners.

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Alongside this, there appears to be an acceptance of Moscows demands to halt NATOs expansion into neighboring states, especially Ukraine, in exchange for security guarantees designed to reassure Russia without undermining its grip on seized lands.

Such arrangements would lay down new strategic foundations for Europe, but foundations built on raw force, established by Russias military campaign rather than diplomacy.

Just as striking, however, is the likelihood that Russias reintegration into the international system  politically, economically, commercially, and financially  will be the most immediate outcome of the Alaska summit. With the Trump administrations active encouragement, Moscow is being pulled back into global structures of legitimacy, setting the stage for a reemergence of bipolarity in world affairs.

The difference, however, is that todays bipolar world will exist primarily in the strategic and military realms, while economically, China  and increasingly India  will continue to wield the greatest influence over the coming decades.  Diaa Rashwan

Under one roof: Israel and the resistance

An-Nahar, Lebanon, August 22

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These days, a peculiar and troubling equation is taking shape in Lebanons political discourse, one that permits a particular group  rather than others  to simultaneously adopt the mantle of resistance while openly leaning toward Israel.

This paradox is striking not only because of its contradictions, but also because its advocates deploy the same rhetoric to brand rival political parties as traitors if they dissent from their position on the question of weapons outside the authority of the state.

Lebanese political life, at least in its modern history, has always been steeped in classifications and counter-classifications, many of which have spilled beyond Lebanons borders into the broader regional context.

These labels have arisen for various reasons  some grounded in genuine ideological or political divisions, others the product of transient circumstances, opportunistic alignments, or external influences. They have been wielded as weapons, used by one faction to cast its opponent, whether an individual or a political party, in a particular light.

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The Lebanese remember these classifications well, and some persist in the collective consciousness long after the political eras that spawned them. Think of the old dichotomies of Right vs Left, or progressive versus reactionary, terms that once dominated the landscape. Others endure today, deployed intermittently: nationalist vs unpatriotic, patriot vs traitor, loyalist vs agent, independent vs submissive.

These accusations have resurfaced with vigor in recent years, particularly in the arsenal of Hezbollah and its media machine, as part of its assault on the national debate over the exclusivity of weapons in state hands.

The timing of this renewed offensive coincided with the governments recent decision on the matter, which Hezbollah denounced as subservience to foreign powers  though it had itself once accepted the principle of exclusive weapons south of the Litani River.

Was that concession at the time not also a form of submission, one might ask?

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Historically, Lebanons political classifications rested on a basic logic of mutual exclusivity: a party or individual could be right-wing or left-wing, but never both; reactionary or progressive, not a mixture; nationalist or unpatriotic, with no middle ground.

What has never been witnessed before in this lexicon is the coexistence of stark contradictions  simultaneous support for Israel and for the weapons of the resistance, treated by the resistance itself as though it were a perfectly normal stance.

This is a precedent in the culture of resistance, one that challenges its very essence and goals, and it demands serious scrutiny. How is it that those who argue for the exclusivity of weapons under state authority are so readily vilified as traitorous agents in submission to outsiders, while those who seek cooperation with Israel, yet still endorse the resistances arsenal, are warmly embraced and greeted at embassies with honor and applause?

What exactly is the issue here, and how long can such contradictions go unquestioned? Zafer Nasser

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Translated by Asaf Zilberfarb. All assertions, opinions, facts, and information presented in these articles are the sole responsibility of their respective authors and are not necessarily those of The Media Line, which assumes no responsibility for their content.

Sudan: control of weapons and slums

Asharq Al-Awsat, London, August 21

It will not be easy for the Sudanese people to forget the devastation of this war. It has scarred nearly every household, its destruction has reached into every aspect of life, and its effects will linger in memory and daily reality for years to come.

The Sudan that emerges from this war will not resemble the Sudan that existed before it. From the bitterness of this experience will come painful lessons and inevitable changes, forcing a reckoning with problems that were once ignored, or at best, acknowledged with complaints but never met with real solutions.

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Among the most urgent lessons is the need to end the phenomenon of militias, armed movements, and auxiliary armies, ensuring that no weapons exist outside the control of the regular armed forces and the authority of the state.

It was precisely the previous chaos and the unchecked growth of the Rapid Support Forces that led Sudan to its current catastrophe. This is why the recent decision to place all allied and supporting forces fighting alongside the army under the provisions of the Armed Forces Law of 2007 is of vital importance.

More than an organizational measure to enforce discipline on those who bear arms, and to regulate their lawful use, this decision lays the groundwork for the next essential step: the integration of all armed groups and movements into a single, professional, national army subject to the control of the state, rather than the ambitions of groups, individuals, or private interests.

This move did not occur in isolation but was preceded by other measures, including the order to end the presence of all armed groups in central Khartoum and to relocate them to camps outside the capital. It also reaffirmed that individuals may not carry weapons or circulate with them in civilian areas  be they residential neighborhoods, markets, or other public spaces.

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These measures are part of a broader effort to restore security, pave the way for displaced families to return to their homes, and bring life back to the capital, where intense efforts are underway to clear war debris, rehabilitate vital service facilities, repair essential infrastructure  especially electricity and water  and reopen the airport within weeks.

In parallel, authorities issued decisions on two issues that the war cast into sharp relief: informal settlements and the unregulated foreign presence. Though long a source of debate and worry, the conflict magnified these challenges and thrust them into urgent public view.

Many of the looting incidents targeting the homes of displaced citizens, as well as the pillaging of markets and factories, were committed by residents of informal settlements  crimes documented in widely circulated videos. A large number of armed robbery gangs apprehended by security forces came from these areas.

More alarming still, some residents of these slums joined the ranks of the Rapid Support Forces, participating in atrocities in Khartoum, Wad Madani, and elsewhere.

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Of course, it would be wrong and unfair to generalize; not all slum dwellers are complicit in such crimes. Yet this does not justify ignoring the problem of illegal informal housing or allowing the encroachment on state lands and properties owned by citizens, many of whom are left to confront, alone, those who seize their rightful lands and homes.

Every country has the sovereign right  and the obligation  to address the problem of informal settlements, which have always posed security risks by violating land laws and fostering instability. Sudan can no longer afford to avoid dealing with this reality, just as it can no longer ignore the peril of illegal foreign presence, whose unchecked growth has reached alarming levels and poses a serious security threat.

The authorities have begun to tackle these thorny challenges, and they should be commended for doing so, because postponement only compounds the problems. Resistance from some quarters is inevitable, but corrective action is overdue and indispensable if Sudan is to confront the wars consequences and draw lessons that can prevent future tragedies.

In this context, the position taken by certain leaders of the Justice and Equality Movement (Gibril Ibrahims faction) and the Sudan Liberation Movement (Minni Arko Minnawis faction), who oppose subjecting all allied armed factions to the Armed Forces Law, is both puzzling and shortsighted.

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Their argument  that their forces remain under the Juba Peace Agreement and cannot be brought under military law until the integration and demobilization provisions of the security arrangements are implemented  suggests deliberate stalling and selective interpretation of the accord.

Their intent, it seems, is to preserve their military leverage. But they too must absorb the wars most glaring lesson: that the proliferation of weapons and the chaos it produces carry an unbearable cost for everyone  fighters and civilians alike.

If Sudan is to achieve stability, this cycle of violence must not, and cannot, be allowed to repeat itself.

 Osman Mirghani

The brotherhood: a transcontinental threat

Al-Ahram, Egypt, August 22

Carefully and consciously consider each word of the following statements:

The Brotherhood wants to impose guardianship over minds in the name of religion, and this has nothing to do with religion.  dean of Arabic Literature, Dr. Taha Hussein.

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They only want power. They raise the Quran as a slogan, but they are farthest from the spirit of the Quran.  the late president Gamal Abdel Nasser.

The Brotherhood is a group that believes only in itself and recognizes only its own authority.  the late president Anwar Sadat.

The Brotherhood raises the banner of Islam to rule people, not to serve Islam.  Dr. Mustafa Mahmoud.

The voices behind these words were not ordinary commentators; they were figures who studied and engaged with this rogue group over decades and who distilled their experience into a clear and unshakable judgment.

Their view is one almost universally shared by fair-minded intellectuals across generations: The Brotherhood seeks nothing but power and destruction, advancing its cause with relentless vigor. It harbors hostility toward the very concept of the homeland, refuses to acknowledge it, and continually plots against its institutions.

The danger is compounded by its willingness to stretch its treachery beyond borders, reaching out to foreign powers in attempts to undermine Egypt and diminish its international standing.

Its members ceaselessly spread rumors, lies, and disinformation through satellite channels and social media, pumping venom into the public sphere around the clock.

The assessments of Hussein, Nasser, Sadat, and Mahmoud feel less like historical warnings than direct descriptions of what we see today: a terrorist organization incapable of reform, intellectually stagnant, and consumed by arrogance.

The Brotherhood is convinced of its infallibility, believing it alone possesses divine truth, branding all who oppose it as wrong, misguided, or even heretical. Its self-perception as the sole saved sect underpins its justification for violence and betrayal.

Can anyone seriously deny that the Brotherhood laid the ideological foundation for modern takfiri extremism and legitimized the use of terror as a means to seize power?

Its record speaks for itself. After the June 30 Revolution, when Egyptians demanded their removal, the Brotherhood responded with violence, setting fire to mosques and churches, destroying public property, and attacking state facilities.

These were not aberrations, but a continuation of the very methods outlined by Sayyid Qutb, the groups chief ideologue, who in a handwritten document from 1965  after his arrest for leading armed terrorist cells  openly described plans to bomb bridges, electricity and water plants, and other vital facilities. He admitted to stockpiling weapons for attacks against the state, including an assassination attempt on Nasser.

Violence was not incidental; it was the backbone of their program, indoctrinating generations in a culture of terror. Nor should we forget the gruesome episode in the 1970s when the Takfir wal-Hijra group, born of Brotherhood ideology, kidnapped and murdered Muhammad Husayn al-Dhahabi, the minister of religious endowments.

Its leader, Shukri Mustafa, had been a disciple of Sayyid Qutb in prison, drinking deeply from the poisonous doctrine of takfir and violence as tools for power, regardless of the blood spilled or the innocent lives destroyed.

Always, they claim sanctity, wrapping their atrocities in the fraudulent rhetoric of defending Islam. Anyone who imagines that the Brotherhoods threat is confined to a few states is gravely mistaken. Their danger extends across continents.

Even the United States, which once provided them with cover and refuge, is now openly debating designating them as a terrorist organization, while other nations have placed them under tight surveillance, monitoring their every move.

These men are merchants of religion, addicted to power, treacherous and deceitful, incapable of change. There is no illusion of reform to be entertained.

The only path forward is unrelenting confrontation: to expose their lies, thwart their schemes, and safeguard the homeland from their perpetual conspiracies.

 Mohamed Ibrahim El-Desouky

Translated by Asaf Zilberfarb. All assertions, opinions, facts, and information presented in these articles are the sole responsibility of their respective authors and are not necessarily those of The Media Line, which assumes no responsibility for their content.
German car manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) has been handed a massive fine in Brazil over allegations of modern slavery on an Amazonian farm during the country's military dictatorship.

The Redencao labour court, in the Amazonian state of Para, on Friday ordered VW's Brazilian subsidiary to pay compensation of 165 million reais ($30.4 million) over the illegal exploitation of workers in the 1970s and 1980s, the Brazilian public prosecutor's office for labour said.

According to the office, the fine is the highest ever imposed in Brazil for modern slave labour.

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The VW subsidiary has announced it will appeal the decision.

"With a 72-year tradition, the company consistently upholds the principles of human dignity and strictly adheres to all applicable labour laws and regulations," said Volkswagen do Brasil.

The allegations relate to conditions at the Fazenda Vale do Rio Cristalino farm, which belonged to a subsidiary of Volkswagen do Brasil.

The cattle farm was founded with the support of the military dictatorship as part of a national strategy to develop and colonize the Amazon region.

The investigation began in 2019 after priest Ricardo Rezende, then regional coordinator of the Rural Pastoral Commission, documented the case.

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An out-of-court settlement failed in 2023. As a result, the company was finally sued in December 2024.

According to the allegations, hundreds of temporary workers at the farm, also known as Fazenda Volkswagen, were subjected to long working days and degrading working conditions.

Armed guards and a system of debt bondage prevented the workers from leaving the farm, investigators said.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday inaugurated the District Committee Chairman's Office at the District Magistrate's Office in the Alipur area of the capital city. Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister stated that the aim of the state government is to foster an atmosphere of complete good governance in Delhi, and DM offices play a crucial role in achieving this. CM Gupta asserted that the government's vision is to establish mini secretariats in each of the 11 districts, adding that the government plans to create boundaries in these districts equivalent to the 12 zones of the MCD, which will help streamline all works. Chief Minister Gupta said, "...The government initiated the activation of all DM offices, which symbolise good governance. As soon as we came to power, we revived offices in all 11 districts. We provided the necessary staff, assistants, power, and financial support to the DMs, enforcing these requirements on all of them." "Our vision is to establish our own mini secretariats in each of our 11 districts. In fact, we plan to create boundaries in these districts that are equivalent to 12 zones of MCD, ensuring that no boundary is disturbed during any kind of work. This will help streamline all work and ensure that all officers, regardless of their type, have a full understanding of their area and responsibilities. No one should be left out of performing their duties. In this way, we aim to foster an atmosphere of complete good governance in Delhi, with DM offices playing a crucial role in that..." she added. Earlier on Thursday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with Delhi Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, flagged off buses for college students under the 'U-Special' scheme. Speaking to reporters, the Delhi CM said, "This U Special was closed for years, which neither the AAP government nor the Congress government cared about. I am happy that the BJP government, in its short tenure, has once again brought vibrancy to Delhi University, wherein students will be able to travel from home to university and vice versa through the U-Special." "This will not only give Delhi University the same old respect and energy but will also provide clean air to Delhi's transport. I congratulate the students of Delhi University; they should use it," CM Gupta added. (ANI)
Delaware's stunning beaches are popular for a reason, but a long summer of visitors can take a toll on them.

Once the peak season is passed, Delawareans from Claymont to Fenwick Island have a chance to hit the sand and pick up whatever trash has been left from months of summer fun. It is not uncommon to find food waste, bottles and food containers all over the sand after a particularly busy day.

Keeping beaches clean is a year-round affair and is critical not just to the aesthetics of Delaware but also to the health of the plants and animals that call the First State home.

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The state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is hoping to get Delaware residents motivated to clean the beaches by hosting its annual Coastal Cleanup on Sept. 13, at sites along the entire state shoreline.

There are sites from Fox Point State Park on the river, through the bay shore, and on the Atlantic seashore in Sussex County. Signups are limited at each site, but there is still room at a majority of coastal sites. There's even sites on the Brandywine, Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and Indian River Bay for people looking to stay a little closer to home.

The cleanup is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon, and the rain date is scheduled for Sept. 20. If you haven't signed up yet, you missed your chance for the event. Every site has a limited amount of space, and volunteers are encouraged to self-report whatever they find.

But, picking up garbage off of the sand anytime is a great way to kill a nice fall afternoon at Delaware's beaches and riverbanks. Bring garbage bags and buckets to help and always wear gloves while picking up garbage.

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Last year, the day of cleaning rounded up more than a ton of garbage littered on Delaware's coastline. DNREC's website said the garbage included vampire teeth, shotgun shells, a rusty anchor, toys, a sink, crab traps, tile and underwear. Plastic grocery bags, cigarette butts and food wrappers were the most common pieces of trash found.

More than 947 volunteers participated in 2024's cleanup statewide.

Coastal cleanups are vital for protecting the natural beauty and health of not only for Delaware Seashore State Park but all coastal areas, Delaware Seashore State Park Superintendent Lindsey Goebel said in a statement on DNREC's website last year. By removing litter and debris, we help protect local wildlife and preserve these delicate ecosystems, ensuring that marine animals and birds arent harmed by discarded waste."

If you can't make the big statewide one, Big Chill Beach Club near the Indian River Inlet is having its own beach cleanup on Sept. 8. It will take only an hour to make a big difference for the natural habitat.

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Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: How you can help with a post-summer beach cleanup in Delaware
WASHINGTON (AP)  In an afternoon's walk through ground zero of Americana  the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History  objects around every corner invite one question: What could possibly be more American than this?

There's the enormous Star-Spangled Banner in all its timeworn glory, Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz" and totems of achievement throughout.

There are also testaments to pain and cruelty. What could be more American than a reckoning with the nation's sins, as illustrated by shackles representing slavery and photos of Japanese Americans confined to detention camps in World War II?

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In myriad ways, the museum explores the complexity of our past," in accord with its mission statement. President Donald Trump wants a simpler tale told. He wants this and the other Smithsonian museums to mirror American pride, power and accomplishment without all the darkness, and he threatens to hold back money if they don't get with that program.

American genius and ugliness are on d isplay

On social media, Trump complained that at the Smithsonian museums, which are free to visit and get most of their money from the government, 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.

In fact, the history museum reflects bountiful successes, whether on the battlefield, from the kitchens and factories of food pioneers, on the musical stage, in the movies or on other fronts of creativity and industriousness. The American Enterprise exhibit, for one, has a wall filled with the stories of successful Americans.

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On this wandering tour you can see navigational implements used by Blackbeard, the terrifying pirate, from his early 1700s raids on the Atlantic coast. You see the hat Abraham Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination, George Washingtons ceremonial uniform, Warren Hardings fine red silk pajamas from the early 1900s, the first car to travel across the country, and a $100,000 bill.

You can see the original light bulbs of the American genius, Thomas Edison. A much earlier genius, the founding father Benjamin Franklin, is presented both as a gifted inventor and a slave owner who publicly came to denounce slavery yet never freed his own.

Those nuances and ambiguities may not be long for this world. Still on display at the history museum are artifacts and documents of American ingenuity, subjugation, generosity, racism, grit, dishonor, verve, playfulness, corruption, heroism, and cultural appropriation.

Like most museums, the focus is not on the future.

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There are many provocations

Even so, there is plenty to provoke the Republican president.

In the Great Debate of an American democracy exhibition, a wall is emblazoned with large words such as Privilege and Slavery. The museum presents fulsome tributes to the contributions of immigrants and narratives about the racist landscape that many encountered.

Exhibits address food justice," the exploitation of Filipinos after the United States annexed their land and the network of oppressive Native American boarding schools from which Jim Thorpe emerged and became one of the greatest athletes of all time.

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Hawaiis last sovereign before its annexation by the U..S. in the 1890s, Queen Liliuokalani, is quoted on a banner as asking: Is the AMERICAN REPUBLIC of STATES to DEGENERATE and become a COLONIZER?

A ukulele on display was made around 1890 by a sugar laborer who worked on the kingdoms American plantations before a U.S.-backed coup overthrew the monarchy. Museum visitors are told the new instrument was held up by the monarchs as a symbol of anti-colonial independence.

Ukuleles are both a product of U.S. imperialism and a potent symbol of Native Hawaiian resistance, says the accompanying text.

At the Greek-godlike statue of George Washington, the text hints at his complexities and stops short of the total reverence that totalitarian leaders get.

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Noting that modern scholarship focuses on the fallible man rather than the marble hero, the text says Washington's image is still used for inspiration, patriotism and commercial gain and that he continues to hold a place for many as a symbolic father of the country.

The American spirit is celebrated, too

On this visit, conservators behind a big window are seen sweeping tiny brushes on ancient wooden pieces. Their patriotic work proceeds at a snail's pace.

The team is restoring the gunboat Philadelphia, part of a small fleet that engaged the British navy at the Battle of Valcour Island in Lake Champlain in 1776, delaying Britain's effort to cut off the New England colonies and buying time for the Continental Army to prepare for its decisive victory at Saratoga.

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The commander of the gunboats in the Valcour battle later became Americas greatest traitor, Benedict Arnold. The British damaged the Philadelphia so badly it sank an hour after the battle, then lay underwater for 160 years. It's being restored for next year's celebrations of America's 250th year.

The Philadelphia is a symbol of how citizens of a newly formed nation came together, despite overwhelming odds against their success, said Jennifer Jones, the project's director. This boats fragile condition is symbolic of our democracy; it requires the nations attention and vigilance to preserve it for future generations.

Its not telling you what to think, but what to think about

Democracy's fragility is considered in a section of the museum about the limits of presidential power. That's where references to Trump's two impeachments were removed in July for updating, and were restored this month.

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On December 18, 2019, the House impeached Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, one label now states. On January 13, 2021, Donald Trump became the first president to be impeached twice," says another. "The charge was incitement of insurrection based on his challenge of the 2020 election results and on his speech on January 6. His Senate acquittals are duly noted.

It's a just-the-facts take on a matter that has driven the country so deeply apart. The history museum doesn't offer answers for that predicament. Instead, it asks questions throughout its halls on the fundamentals of Americanism.

How should Americans remember their Revolution and the founding of the nation?

What does patriotism look like?

How diverse should the citizenry be?

Do we need to share a common national story?

___

Associated Press writer Lynn Berry contributed to this report.
Pastors are urging believers to remain steadfast in the face of persecution after a transgender assailant targeted Catholic students in Minneapolis.

Robert Robin Westman, 23, a biological male who identified as transgender, opened fire on Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on August 27  killing two children and injuring 17 others during a back-to-school Mass, as The Dallas Express previously reported. Westman left behind explicitly anti-Christian messages.

Now, pastors are warning that this is part of a larger trend.

At some point, were going to have to start having a conversation about the links between these acts of violence and this horrific ideology, said Republican state Rep. Nate Schatzline to The Dallas Express.

Schatzline, whos on the pastoral team at Mercy Culture Church in Fort Worth, said the latest tragedy was just the latest in a pattern of increasing violence, due to a culture that has enabled and encouraged mental illness.



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Transgenderism is an absolute sign of mental illness, as well as  in many ways  demonic influence, he said. We cant ignore the fact that so many of these violent acts that have taken place have links to those who identify as trans.

A Violent Pattern

In recent years, multiple mass shooters have identified as transgender, from the Covenant School shooter in Nashville to the STEM Highlands Ranch shooter near Denver, and now the Annunciation Church shooter in Minneapolis.

Several transgender suspects were also involved in the alleged July 4 ambush of an ICE facility near Fort Worth, where a local officer was shot in the neck, as The Dallas Express reported. A radical trans terror cell linked to multiple murders has also been operating nationwide.

Its time, once and for all, for Texas to establish that transgenderism is a mental illness. That way it can start being treated, not enabled and not encouraged, Schatzline said.

Schatzline added that this kind of violence usually comes from the left.

Its people who are intolerant of not just conservatism, but Christianity altogether, he said. We see a chilling effect throughout our country as the left is inciting violence not just against Christians, but against our Christian children.

As The Dallas Express previously reported, investigators have not identified a clear motive in the Minneapolis attack. However, evidence recovered from the scene and online included anti-Christian, anti-Trump, and antisemitic messages. The shooter, Robert Robin Westman, also expressed regret about transitioning and said he was tired of being trans.

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According to a Family Research Council report cited by Fox News, hostility toward Christian churches has surged nationwide. The report documented 415 hostile acts targeting 383 churches across 43 states in 2024 alone  including vandalism, arson, bomb threats, and shootings. That figure was more than double the number reported in 2022. Since 2018, the group has tracked nearly 1,400 incidents of hostility against churches.

Conservative commentators also reacted strongly online. Dont get it twisted. This is an all-out war on Christianity, Sandra Loftis wrote on X.

Dont get it twisted. This is an all-out war on Christianity. pic.twitter.com/QLFUR4b5Qo  Sandra Loftis (@Sandra_G_Loftis) August 28, 2025

The report warned that declining church attendance and cultural shifts away from Christianity have created an environment where attacks are more tolerated. President Donald Trump responded in February by issuing an executive order creating a federal task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias.

Democrat Far-Left Response

After the recent shooting in Minneapolis, numerous users of the online platform Reddit celebrated.

Holy crap Reddit pic.twitter.com/PU1lr3LDHt  Reddit Lies (@reddit_lies) August 27, 2025

A user even called to target white Christian churches to pass gun control.

 Reddit Lies (@reddit_lies) August 28, 2025

MORE DEAD CHRISTIANS LOL, one user wrote. Based. Take the fight to their kids so they can feel what its like to be attacked for your identity, wrote another. Am I supposed to feel bad that rich Christian kids are gone? Good riddance, yet another wrote.

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This is personal for Schatzline. He told The Dallas Express a large group of leftists  one of whom was armed  gathered outside his daughters preschool during the last legislative session.

One of them had a pistol by his side, Schatzline said. Hes shouting obscenities at children, because he knows my children go to school there.

The armed protester had demonstrated outside the legislators home in 2022.

Churches Respond

Pastor Troy Jackson, of New Beginnings Church in DeSoto, told The Dallas Express, Contempt for biblical faith isnt theoretical; its bleeding in our pews.

The Minneapolis massacre was an assault on Christian worship and the innocence of our children, he said. In a moment like this, the Church must mourn and minister, yes, but also stand watch.

He said churches should refuse to be bullied into silence, and called for Christian unity between all denominations. According to Jackson, all preach Christ crucified and risen and all bleed when evil strikes.

In this hour we refuse to be splintered by secondary disputes while our families are targeted and our freedoms mocked, Jackson said. We will stand shoulder to shoulder in prayer, discipleship, civic action, and wise security.

Jackson said radical Islamist extremism, hard-left Democrat operatives, and militant secular humanism advance hatred, division, and a culture of death.

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So, he called churches to strengthen security with volunteer guardian teams, to work with law enforcement, and to exercise their First Amendment right to free speech and Second Amendment right to bear arms.
(Removes extraneous words from paragraph 15, no other changes to text.)

By Ariba Shahid

KASUR, Pakistan (Reuters) -When floodwaters from across the Indian border surged into her village in eastern Pakistan this month, Shama knew what to do: gather her four children and prepare to leave. It was the second time this year she has had to flee, after abandoning her home during cross-border fighting between India and Pakistan in May.

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"How many times do we need to evacuate now?" the 30-year-old mother said, her husband away ferrying their 10 cows to higher ground on a boat. "We lost out on so much during the war like school days for the children, and now the water is forcing us out again. Trouble is trouble."

Shamas ordeal is echoed across flood-hit Kasur, where families say they are exhausted by repeated displacements within months, first from the fighting, now from nature.

"The floods started earlier this month and only got worse," said 27-year-old mother Bibi Zubaida, who lives with seven relatives in a three-bedroom house opposite a mosque that now broadcasts evacuation calls.

From the mosque loudspeakers, usually reserved for the call to prayer, came a different message: boats were ready for anyone who wanted to leave.

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"When you live here, you choose to live with the threat of war and the threat of floods. Where does one go?" Zubaida said.

Kasur lies just a few kilometres from the Indian border. From their rooftops and rescue boats, residents said they could see Indian checkposts across the horizon, a reminder of how closely their fate is tied to decisions made on the other side.

The nations share rivers that were regulated for more than six decades under the Indus Waters Treaty. That agreement was suspended by India earlier this year, following the shooting of 26 people by militants that New Delhi said were backed by Islamabad, which Pakistan denies.

That attack triggered brief but intense cross-border battles between the nuclear-armed neighbours, driving villagers like Shama from their homes.

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Then came the monsoon, and the rivers turned to flood.

On narrow wooden boats, families balanced motorcycles, belongings, and bleating goats alongside their children, as rescue workers steered them through fields now turned into rivers.

Rescue worker Muhammad Arsalan said many villagers hesitated to evacuate.

"People don't always want to leave because they're scared of thieves stealing what they're leaving behind. They're reluctant because theyve done it so many times already," said Arsalan, who has ferried more than 1,500 people to safety by boat in recent days.

"They love their goats and sheep, and sometimes refuse to leave without them," he added, pausing to clear leaves stuck in the motor before restarting another run.

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The Punjab provincial disaster management authority said flows in the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala were the highest in decades, after a breach at an Indian barrage. At least 28 deaths have been reported so far, with water pushing further south through Punjab and threatening new areas.

In India, cloud bursts in Ramban and Mahore regions of Jammu and Kashmir killed 10 people.

Pakistani officials said the crisis was worsened by India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, halting the decades-old exchange of river data. Islamabad also accused India of releasing large volumes of water without adequate warning.

"If the treaty was in operation, we could have managed the impact better," Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal told Reuters on Friday.

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India has denied deliberately flooding Pakistan. It has blamed incessant monsoon rains and said it issued multiple flood alerts. Two gates of the Madhopur barrage on the Ravi River were damaged by surging water, Indian officials said.

Farmers say the deluge has wrecked their livelihoods. "Thirteen of my 15 acres (6 hectares) are gone," said Muhammad Amjad, a rice and vegetable grower. "Women and children are mainly evacuated. Men stay behind to guard whats left."

The back-to-back displacements have underscored the vulnerability of communities straddling Pakistans volatile eastern border.

Officials warn the crisis could worsen as climate change intensifies monsoons and cross-border river disputes strain disaster planning.

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"Ive seen many floods, but they are coming too often now," said Nawabuddin, a 74-year-old landowner, recalling the most memorable floods he witnessed in his lifetime - 1988, 2023 and now this one.

We dont want war, we dont want excess water. We just want to live, said Zubaida, whose newly renovated home and farmland now lie underwater.

(Reporting by Ariba Shahid in Kasur; additional reporting by Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore; Editing by Stephen Coates)
It was a tense eighth day of protests near the Pulse memorial on Friday, as Florida Highway Patrol troopers warned protesters that if they continued to chalk in the crosswalk, they could be arrested.

The Florida Department of Transportation has now repainted the crosswalk by the Pulse memorial twice to comply with statewide rules for uniform roadway markings. Sources told Channel 9 that the work cost about $5,000.

Since the crosswalk was repainted, protestors have been coloring it in using chalk. But on Friday, around 3 a.m., FDOT placed new signs at the site that say, Defacing Roadway Prohibited and No Impeding Traffic.

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For much of Friday morning, troopers monitoring the crosswalk informed protestors of a new directive that would enable troopers to arrest protestors for criminal mischief under Florida Statute 806.13. The warning deterred protestors throughout the morning, but by noon, chalk was again hitting the pavement.

In total, four protestors were warned they could be arrested. They might be arrested, but the chance of conviction is very, very slim, almost nonexistent, said Legal Analyst Bill Sheaffer.

Sheaffer points out that Floridas Criminal Mischief Statute says a person can be charged if a person maliciously injures or damages property.

You have to have intent to damage the property. What is the damage? questioned Sheaffer.

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By 3 p.m. Friday, troopers began to cite a different statute, telling protestors they would no longer receive warnings and could now be immediately arrested under Florida Statute 316.0775. The statute states, A person may not, without lawful authority, attempt to or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down, or remove any official traffic control device or any railroad sign.

That is a far, far stretch in this. I believe, this is the states weakest argument of all, said Sheaffer, The pavement is not a traffic control device. Sheaffer suggested that the best argument might be one not yet officially cited by troopers.

They could charge one with a misdemeanor failure to follow a lawful police command. I think that would be this states strongest argument and the strongest case that might lead to a successful prosecution, Sheaffer said.

On Friday, Channel 9 repeatedly sought clarification from FDOT regarding the new signs, the rule change, and enforcement methods. Although we did not get responses to our questions, they issued the following statements.

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FDOT states, Vandalizing state property and/or disrupting traffic in any way is unsafe and illegal. These illegal actions will not be tolerated and will be fully enforced by law enforcement. The crosswalk at Orange Avenue and Esther Street is within the state right-of-way.

FDOT continues by stating, it has brought the pavement at this location and numerous others on state-maintained roadways into compliance with the law. The rest of the statement can be seen below.

As the state highway department, it is the duty of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to ensure the safety and consistency of public roadways and transportation systems. That means ensuring our roadways are not utilized for social, political, or ideological interests. Earlier this year, the Department completed a months-long process of updating the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) with input from representatives of state and local governments. This update included a prohibition on non-uniform traffic control devices, such as pavement markings on state and local roads. In June, FDOT notified all local governments of these updates and revised provisions of Florida Statutes that give the Department authority to withhold state funds for noncompliance. This was followed by similar policy updates from USDOT Secretary Duffy. Last week, local governments not in compliance for local roads began receiving notifications to bring their roadways up to state standards to ensure locals govern themselves accordingly. In addition to ensuring all local governments comply, FDOT completed a review of all state-maintained roadways and is now correcting pavement markings not in compliance. That includes street art previously installed on state right of way, such as the intersection of Orange Avenue in question. Transportation infrastructure is for the movement of people and goods. In this case, while the crosswalk has been restored to its proper form, local efforts are underway to construct a permanent memorial on adjacent properties funded by the State of Florida. Any attempt to suggest otherwise is false. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Warren police responded Thursday morning to a home in the 910 block of Comstock Street NW for an attempted arson call.

According to reports, police arrived at the callers house around 10:40 a.m., who showed police the back end of her driveway. In the center of the driveway between two parked cars were remnants of a glass bottle surrounded by burn marks on the asphalt, reports said. Some of the glass had been moved by residents before the police arrived.

The caller said the homes residents were woken up just before 4 a.m. by the sound of glass breaking. Upon reviewing video from a security camera outside, residents observed a large fireball in the driveway. Reports said the caller was home with her husband and two children at the time of the incident.

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Police inspected the glass and were able to locate remnants of a label that was once on the bottle and what appeared to be a white rag with a blue design, which was likely used as a wick, with the rag lying toward the center of the burnt circle, reports said.

An accelerant used to start the fire was also on the driveway and left an oily, circular burn. Reports said neither of the vehicles had significant damage, indicating the fire did not burn exceptionally hot.

Police reviewing the security camera video saw a bottle fly over the fence from the direction of a home in the 900 block of Comstock Avenue before landing in the driveway, already on fire. According to reports, the bottle could be heard breaking as it landed, with the fire growing larger.

After a couple of minutes, the callers husband could be seen inspecting the fire, which burned a dark orange color and emitted heavy black smoke before burning itself out.

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Reports said the caller also provided police with photos of evidence captured by the residents, which included a printed logo visible on the glass, with part of the logos words reading pasteurized milk and real cream.

Another part of the recovered bottle included what appeared to be tarys printed in blue, stylized ink, reports said. The woman provided police with a photo of Sanitarys pasteurized milk bottle, with all branding matching that of the bottle in the driveway.

The woman told police she did not know who might have thrown the bottle on fire at her driveway, according to reports.

Police collected the evidence. No suspect has been named.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI)  A Warwick ophthalmologist has been reprimanded for reportedly performing laser eye surgery on the wrong eye of a patient two years ago, 12 News has learned.

The Rhode Island Department of Health has fined Dr. Charles Calenda $1,100 for making the mistake, according to a consent order made public earlier this month. Calenda is also required to take and pass a pre-approved course on universal protocol at his own expense.

Calenda, whos listed online as a provider for Calenda EyeCare Center, operated on the female patient back on June 20, 2023.

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The consent order noted that the patient was being treated for complications that developed following cataract surgery, and that the condition was worse in [her] left eye.

The patient agreed to undergo the laser eye surgery, and that Calendas staff dilated her left eye before the procedure, according to the consent order.

However, [Calenda] incorrectly performed the YAG laser capsulotomy on the patients right eye, the consent order revealed.

The Board of Medical Licensure and Disciplines Investigative Committee cited Calenda for unprofessional conduct as a result of the wrong-site surgery.

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The committee also determined Calenda failed to obtain the patients consent, both in writing and right before operating on her right eye.

12 News reached out to Calenda EyeCare Center regarding the incident but has not heard back yet.

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Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Washington County Sheriff Kevin Crews says there has been a rash of scams, where people have lost money.

Most of the victims have been elderly.

These scams are often conducted over the phone or via online messaging. Scammers might impersonate law enforcement or government agencies.

Sheriff Crews says hes doing what he can to stop the thieves, asking people to report suspicious encounters.

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He says the more details they know, the more they have to conduct their investigation.

Hes also encouraging people to warn their elderly relatives about the nature of the scams.

Sheriff Crews said, I plead with the people of my county to have this conversation and to tell them to call this office. And I promise you we will steer them right. And to stop having these conversations either over the computer, over a landline telephone with their house, or their cell phone: stop this and stop it immediately.

Crews says people often contact his office after they realize theyve been scammed.

He shared two stories from the last two weeks.

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One victim was prepared to turn himself over to the police because he believed there was a warrant for his arrest. He brought 11,000 dollars in cash because the scammer told him it was the only way to escape the warrant.

Fortunately, he came to the sheriffs office first. Others arent so fortunate.

Im going to let you in on a little secret that most people dont realize. We dont know about it all. Ill tell you what we dont know about it because it happens to people and theyre embarrassed to tell anybody, says Crews.

Crews says the best defense is to report suspicious encounters, and if you suspect youve been scammed, report it immediately.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
Guns are shown at Casos Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/NJ Monitor)

In summer 2022, Brandon Montesi told a King County judge that he had no guns. His ex-wife, afraid for the lives of her family members and herself, said it was a lie.

Montesis ex-wife had sought a domestic violence protection order against him, alleging in a court petition that he arrived at her home in a rage one spring day, swinging an ax and threatening to kill her. He warned that she should think twice before messing with him because he has a safe full of guns, she recalled.

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A court commissioner ordered Montesi to turn his firearms over to the King County Sheriffs Office. Despite the court order, a judge found that about 13 of his firearms remained unaccounted for  assault rifles, hunting rifles, handguns, a shotgun and an AR-15.

Instead of surrendering the missing guns, Montesi argued that Washingtons firearm surrender law requiring him to do so violates his Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections against self-incrimination and unreasonable search and seizure, citing a November 2022 Washington Court of Appeals ruling known as the Flannery decision .

The Flannery decision, which said an earlier version of the states firearm surrender law was unconstitutional under the Fourth and Fifth Amendment, has been similarly cited by judges throughout Washington as preventing them from ordering alleged abusers to give up their weapons, court records show.

Now, the barriers created by Flannery could be knocked down. In one of the clearest rulings to date on the constitutionality of Washingtons firearm surrender law in protection order cases, the state Court of Appeals rejected Montesis argument, concluding that the law is constitutional.

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While federal law prohibits some alleged domestic abusers from having guns, Washington  along with 21 other states  has gone a step further, requiring judges to order people subject to certain domestic violence protection orders to surrender their firearms to law enforcement. Victim advocates are hopeful that the recent ruling, issued on June 30, will prompt judges to enforce the law. But so far, legislative efforts to do the same have had limited success.

Even after state lawmakers updated the firearm surrender law in 2021 and again in 2023 with a Flannery Fix aimed at resolving Flannerys self-incrimination concerns, some judicial officers  including all of those in the Pierce County Superior Court  still arent issuing firearm surrender orders in domestic violence protection order cases, according to a recent poll of Washingtons 39 superior courts conducted by InvestigateWest. The Cowlitz County Superior Court had not been issuing firearm surrender orders until recently, when some judicial officers began ordering surrenders again on a case by case basis due to the Montesi decision.

The bench is and will continue to be discussing the Montesi decision, Cowlitz County Superior Court Administrator Danyel Paul wrote in a statement to InvestigateWest.

Some superior courts, including Adams County and Grays Harbor County, responded that they do issue firearm surrender orders, but sparingly. In Clark County, Presiding Judge Derek Vanderwood said the superior court began issuing the orders again in January  a few months after a Vancouver mother of three, Carissa Larkin, was shot and killed by her ex-fiance. Larkin had obtained a protection order against her abuser, but the court hadnt ordered him to turn in his guns due to the Flannery decision, The Columbian reported .

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Montesi, who declined to comment through his attorney, is now asking the state Supreme Court to hear his case. If the ruling stands, victim advocates, attorneys and legal experts say it would reaffirm an assertion that theyve been making for years: that the Flannery decision, which centered on a criminal assault case and an outdated state law, should never have been broadly applied to civil protection order cases.

I think the Flannery decision, there was some room for interpretation about what they meant by it. I think thats why you saw different trial courts making different decisions, said King County Superior Court Presiding Judge Ketu Shah. The King County court has continued issuing firearm surrender orders after Flannery. In other jurisdictions, theres stronger passion around firearm rights and Second Amendment rights, and so they want to litigate that more and see where the limits are.

Shah noted that the Montesi ruling  decided in a civil protection order case  gives courts more direct legal guidance.

Montesi is pretty clear. Its right on the point of what these rights are and whether they infringe on those rights. And they found the statute does not infringe on those rights, he said.

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For some attorneys and victim advocates, courts decisions not to issue firearm surrender orders seem to have more to do with political will than with upholding the law.

What it looked like to me that the courts were doing was just saying, Oh, sorry, its out of my hands. Flannery prevents me from issuing a weapon surrender, said Benjamin Gould, an attorney who represented Montesis ex-wife. You are, in effect, completely ignoring Washington law as passed by the Legislature. And that is very troubling.

A controversial legal analysis

Ever since the Washington State Legislature unanimously passed a 2014 law to remove guns from the hands of domestic abusers, that law has drawn constitutional challenges.

The firearm surrender law requires courts to order the relinquishment of guns in certain circumstances, such as when an individual has a domestic violence protection order against them and is believed to be a threat to the protected person or their childs safety. Judges have discretion in other circumstances, like when theres evidence that there will likely be a serious and imminent threat to a persons health and safety without a surrender order.

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One of the first major rulings on the state laws constitutionality came in 2022. Dwayne Flannery, a Kitsap County man accused of beating and choking his girlfriend, argued that an order to surrender weapons would force him to illegally search his own home for guns and potentially incriminate himself by admitting to having firearms, which he wasnt allowed to have under a no-contact order. The Court of Appeals agreed with Flannery and dropped the weapons surrender order.

Judges across Washington immediately raised questions about how the Flannery decision would impact civil protection order cases. Unlike no-contact orders, which are issued in criminal matters, civil protection orders are filed by individuals seeking to keep alleged abusers away from them, even if no criminal charges have been filed. To be granted a protection order, victims must only demonstrate that its more likely than not that the abuse occurred.

Upon a judges request, a team of attorneys at the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts, which supports judges across the state, sent two memorandums analyzing the Flannery decision to Cowlitz County judges. Although the office says the memos are meant to be confidential and arent official guidance for the courts as a whole, the analysis was widely circulated among attorneys and included in a public 2024 State of the Judiciary report .

The memos concluded Washingtons firearm surrender law likely violates the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. An immunity provision added to Washingtons firearm surrender law in 2021 likely would not provide complete protection from self-incrimination because it only protects against prosecution for certain crimes, the analysis says. It also likened surrender orders to a warrantless search under the Fourth Amendment  a characterization that many attorneys representing domestic violence victims disagree with.

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Youre complying with a court order. In this case, the court order says, Go get your guns. You cant have them. But theyre calling that an unlawful search, which is a very creative interpretation, said Washington state Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, who sponsored the 2023 Flannery Fix bill.

Karla Carlisle, a managing attorney with the Northwest Justice Project, a nonprofit legal aid program in Washington, said constitutional protections against unreasonable searches are aimed at preventing the government from violating a persons reasonable expectation of privacy  not at individuals who are asked to turn over their firearms to ensure a victims safety.

No search occurs when a trial court grants an order to surrender weapons, Carlisle argued in a July 2023 appellate court filing. The orders are served the same way any other legal process is served, and to the extent a respondent locates and surrenders firearms from their own home, there is no governmental intrusion into the privacy of the persons home.

Yet following the memos release, Carlisle said she saw a wave across the state of courts refusing to issue weapon surrender orders.

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Those memos were very damaging because I think they came to trial court judges with the authority and approval from the Administrative Office of the Courts, she said. So a lot of judges, I think, took that for face value and didnt do their own analysis.

Karla Carlisle, a managing attorney with the nonprofit legal aid program Northwest Justice Project, stands outside the Benton County Justice Center in Kennewick, Wash. Some judicial officers in Washington state, including Benton County, stopped ordering alleged domestic abusers to surrender their guns following a 2022 Washington State Court of Appeals decision. Carlisle hopes that a Court of Appeals ruling issued on June 30 will change that. (Photo by Emree Weaver/InvestigateWest)

In Cowlitz County, judicial officers started crossing out the weapons surrender section of the protection order and penciling in State v. Flannery. A Benton County judge rescinded and terminated a firearm surrender order that had been granted to a domestic violence survivor the year before, citing Flannery.

The Pierce County Superior Court edited its protection order paperwork to remove all firearm surrender language. Now when a person requests a firearm surrender, the court instead gives them a document titled, Findings on Weapons Surrender. It informs them that the court is not issuing surrender orders because doing so would by its very nature subject the respondent to potential self-incrimination and unreasonable searches and seizures.

To ensure compliance with the law, the Flannery Fix also requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to report annually on the number of firearm surrender orders issued by each court. But the office is still not doing so. A disclaimer on the offices website explains that because data is unevenly collected across jurisdictions, the office believes that reports would not accurately convey the reality of enforcement practices across the state. To address this, the office says it is overhauling the way that it receives and reports protection order data.

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Davis said she plans to continue working on legislation to protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence. But theres only so much that legislators like her can do, she added.

For the most part, we actually have pretty solid words on paper, Davis said. Theyre just not being followed.

The Montesi decision

Attorneys like Carlisle and Gould are hopeful that courts will see the Montesi ruling as limiting the Flannery decisions application in civil protection order cases. The Pierce and Cowlitz County superior court benches are now reviewing the Montesi decision to determine its impact on firearm surrender orders going forward, according to the courts administrators.

Anne Levinson, a retired Washington judge who has helped author several state bills to protect domestic violence survivors, said the decision gives judges a clearer guide than Flannery for how to handle firearm surrender requests in civil cases.

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The Montesi case is a more current case, more on point for orders that are issued as part of the civil protection order process, Levinson said. It can and should be applied by courts across the state.

In addition to the Fourth and Fifth Amendment issues, the state Court of Appeals also rejected Montesis argument that the weapons surrender statute infringes upon Montesis right to bear arms. This issue was directly addressed in a June 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision, United States v. Rahimi , which ruled that a federal law prohibiting people subject to domestic violence restraining orders from possessing firearms is constitutional under the Second Amendment.

Still, it remains to be seen whether the Montesi ruling will clear the path for weapons surrender orders in Washington. Although the ruling affirms that the state law is constitutional, its only binding for lower courts in Division I of the Court of Appeals, where the decision took place, according to Shah. This includes King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Whatcom counties. For counties outside of this division, the ruling can provide guidance for judicial officers but does not necessarily need to be followed, Shah noted. The Flannery decision, meanwhile, took place in Division II, which covers several of the superior courts that had stopped issuing firearm surrender orders, including Pierce, Cowlitz and Clark.

Some legal experts, including Carlisle, dispute this interpretation of Court of Appeals rulings, arguing that appellate court decisions like Montesi are binding for all trial courts throughout the state.

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Other similar cases involving firearm surrender orders are also pending before the Court of Appeals. If those decisions conflict with the Montesi decision, that could set up a legal dispute for the Washington Supreme Court to resolve. But for that to happen, the state Supreme Court would first have to agree to hear a case. It has so far declined at least two motions filed by women fleeing their intimate partners  including one by Montesis ex-wife  that argued the life-or-death urgency of the issue warrants direct intervention by the high court.

On July 31, Montesi tried again to put the issue in front of the state Supreme Court , arguing that the appellate court made a mistake by ruling that the Legislatures Flannery Fix resolves the laws Fourth and Fifth Amendment violations. The high court has not yet decided whether it will hear the case.

Mary Welch, an attorney and statewide advocacy counsel for the Northwest Justice Project, said that while shes optimistic about the Montesi ruling, shes remaining vigilant of how future courts may act. She initially thought that the constitutionality concerns over Washingtons firearm surrender law would be resolved with the U.S. Supreme Courts Rahimi decision, until judges began using Flannery to justify not issuing the orders.

I kind of feel like this is just going to be a continuous battle, Welch said. Its whack-a-mole. Were gonna knock Flannery down for sure  something else is gonna pop its head up, and then were gonna have to do something about that.

InvestigateWest (investigatewest.org) is an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. Visit investigatewest.org/newsletters to sign up for weekly updates.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday offered prayers at the residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, where he paid his respects to Lord Ganesh during the ongoing Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was also present during the visit. Later, Shah, accompanied by his son and ICC Chairman Jay Shah, along with other family members, visited the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja to seek blessings. The Home Minister had 'darshan' of Lord Ganesh at the pandal and offered prayers, joining thousands of devotees who throng the site during the festive season. Meanwhile, along with the grand public Ganeshotsav celebrations, household festivities in Maharashtra's Pune are also being marked with unique themes and patriotic fervour. In the Erandwane area of Pune City, a young woman, Aishwarya Jadhav, has designed a special household Ganesh decoration inspired by the Indian Army's recently conducted 'Operation Sindoor', which was executed with remarkable bravery. The decoration features replicas of Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, offering a symbolic salute to the armed forces. The tricolour, battle tanks, and rockets in flight also form part of the thematic setup. Speaking about the inspiration, organisers said, "Operation Sindoor is a symbol of India's new military strategy and confidence. Our army gave a precise and restrained response to the Pahalgam attack, destroying nine terrorist hideouts in just 23 minutes. This is a clear message that India now has the strength to crush terrorism at its source. The success reflects the power of an Atmanirbhar Bharat and the nation's strong will. The new India will not tolerate terrorism." India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists. India repelled subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. India has stated that Operation Sindoor has not concluded, and any misadventure by Pakistan will elicit a befitting response. The 10-day Ganeshotsav celebrations began on August 27, Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi. It is a festival that marks the worship of Lord Ganesha as the god of new beginnings and remover of obstacles. The festival culminates on Anantha Chaturdashi and is celebrated with decorated homes and pandals, prayers, music, and vibrant processions. (ANI)
Two states warring over water from the Rio Grande have agreed to let bygones be bygones.

New Mexico and Texas, along with Colorado and the federal government, reached an agreement Friday in a legal battle over Rio Grande Basin water and its users that has stretched on for more than a decade.

The parties filed a package of four different agreements that will settle a variety of disputes among them. Next month, the special master in the case will evaluate the proposed agreement and recommend whether the U.S. Supreme Court should accept the consent decree and dismiss federal claims.

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If the settlement package is approved, neither Texas nor New Mexico will have to pay penalties or damages  and, although both states have in turn accused the other of owing water, any debt will be forgiven.

"Texas claimed that New Mexico owed them water, and New Mexico claimed that Texas owed New Mexico water," said Jeffrey Wechsler, the state's lead attorney on the case. "We've agreed to put aside that dispute and focus on the future."

Although, under the agreements, New Mexico will still be able to pump groundwater in the Lower Rio Grande  critical, Wechsler said, for irrigators and municipalities in the region  the state will be required to reduce its depletions of groundwater by 18,200 acre-feet per year within the next decade.

Indicator wells will be used to monitor the water levels in the Rincon and Mesilla aquifers. Those wells have to be installed within two years of the agreement's start.

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The agreements also require New Mexico to draft a water management plan in the next two years for the Lower Rio Grande that allows for a "reasonable amount" of groundwater pumping.

States seemed to have reached a deal in 2022 in the lengthy and expensive lawsuit, which Texas filed in the Supreme Court in 2013. But in June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the settlement in a 5-4 ruling, due to the federal government's interests in the case.

"We cannot now allow Texas and New Mexico to leave the United States up the river without a paddle," justices wrote in the majority opinion.

Parties had to go back to the table, Wechsler said, to allay the United States' concerns. This settlement now resolves all parties' claims, including the United States'.

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Wechsler called the settlement package "fair" and said it provides for an equitable distribution of water between Texas and New Mexico.

"It really accomplishes a lot in advancing each of the various parties' issues and hopefully creating a lasting peace down there," Wechsler said.

The special master will weigh the settlement package at a Sept. 29 hearing in Philadelphia and make a recommendation to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"This is a really important accomplishment by a large number of parties that is a fair way of resolving and addressing all of the different parties' issues," Wechsler said. "We're really happy to have reached that milestone."
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Waterloo Records got remastered and threw a huge party for its re-release.

The famous record shop, which for decades sat at the corner of West Sixth Street and North Lamar Boulevard, finally lowered the needle on its new location Saturday; the soundtrack a mashup of excited shoppers, intermittent announcements about prizes and giveaways, and, of course, music.

Waterloo Records announces opening date of new location after months of prepping for move

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Waterloos grand re-opening party marked the culmination of months of collaboration and planning among former majority owner John T. Kunz and new co-owners and operators Caren Kelleher and Trey Watson.

Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloos John Kunz receives a separate proclamation from the Mayor declaring John Kunz day in Austin (KXAN Photo/John Thomas) Waterloos John Kunz receives a proclamation from the Governors office (KXAN Photo/John Thomas) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Waterloo Records celebrates grand re-opening at new storefront, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug 30, 2025 (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones)

The move did something for Waterloo that many Austin institutions dont get to experience when facing change  it saved the business from closure.

Vacating the shops 6th and Lamar location has been looming for a while. That property was sold back in 2019 to Endeavor Real Estate Group, so Waterloo had been facing an imminent closure or relocation. Kunz, whos now in his mid-seventies, told KXAN back in January that bringing in new business partners to move and transform the store meant that Waterloo could live on.

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The needle that always needed to be threaded with our business was to stay true to our roots, our beliefs, our principals, said Kunz. Always follow the music, but continue to change and morph and innovate.

Waterloo Records owner says employees a priority, allowing them to buy in

About a month before the relocation was complete, he said he was ready to pass the torch.

Its been a five and a half year process, he said, referring to the 2019 sale of the building. I was really fortunate in finding Trey Watson and Caren Kelleher to become my new majority partners in Waterloo Records. And, I think were definitely  as Im fond of saying  on the runway to being able to make sure that Waterloo Records lives on very long after me.

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Kunz said at the time that he was ready to enter semi-retirement after the move was complete, but he still plans on being involved with Waterloo.

In the 52 years Ive been here in Austin, Ive seen a lot of institutions that I didnt want to have go away, go away. And, Waterloo is not going to be one of those, Kunz said. And, you know, Im still involved with the company.

Kelleher, CEO of Gold Rush Vinyl, said being part of Waterloos next chapter is a once in a lifetime opportunity. She said shes been friends with and working with Kunz and Watson, CEO of Armadillo Records, for years.

Austins Waterloo Records to relocate, take on new ownership

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The way things lined up for the trio to work together through Waterloo was kismet, Kelleher explained.

Ive been shopping at Waterloo since my very first trip to Austin in 2005  it was, in fact, one of the very first places I came when I got off the plane, Kelleher said. And I think, like everyone in the community, when I heard that that land had been sold in 2019 I instantly worried, does this mean thats the end of Waterloo?

When Trey and John and I talked about it, we didnt want to see a world in which Waterloo didnt exist, Kelleher said.

So, finding this space after almost a five-year search for John, and then it lining up with Trey and my interest in buying the business was really kind of the perfect combination, she added.

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Waterloos former location at 600 N. Lamar officially closed Sunday. Kelleher said pulling off the move in just five days was incredible, and gave credit and gratitude to the stores staff.

The new location, at 1105 N. Lamar Blvd, still features Waterloos world-class selection of vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, and more, but the spot added several features that make it a one-of-a-kind record store, too.

The space brings together the consumer and production sides of vinyl records, plus live music, and a space for creators as well.

Were so excited just about the end to end experience, Kelleher said.

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Youll still find the amazing selection of music, DVDs, blu rays that the team have been curating for years and that have put Waterloo on the map. You get to see just a little bit more about how music is created, and more of a creator hub too  we have a new podcast studio where people be able to rent out to create interviews and content. In there, we have installed a crazy Dolby Atmos mixing studio, which will also be rentable to the community to do spatial audio mixing, she said.

Ever wondered how vinyl records are made? Austins only record-pressing plant showed us

Theres also a cafe and a gold record room, which is exactly what it sounds like. There are gold-plated, playable vinyl records on display, and Gold Rushs gold record machine now lives there, too, so customers can watch the gold plating happen in real time, and even pay to have a record plated themselves.

We really wanted this new store to be a place that everybody can come to, they can experience music as well as buy it, she said. And, you know, like the room were standing in here (the gold record room), something that youve never seen in a record store before.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Aug. 29BEMIDJI  Registration is now open for fall art camps and workshops at

Watermark Art Center.

Participants will get creative with monarch butterfly crafts during a pollinator workshop from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6.

This playful, hands-on workshop for kids and families is inspired by artist Ann Gorman's exhibition

"Through My Lens."

The exhibit, on display through Sept. 27 at Watermark, celebrates monarch butterflies and the world of pollinators, a release said.

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During the workshop, children will explore the life cycle of monarchs, create colorful butterfly wings and make their own key chain or bracelet, with each bead representing a part of the butterfly's life cycle. Participants will spend time outside discovering pollinator-friendly spaces and learning how to spot signs of butterflies and other helpful insects.

This activity is made possible in part by a Region 2 Arts Council Artist Support Grant with funding from the McKnight Foundation.

The class fee is $24 for non-members and $22 for members. All materials will be provided.

Register and pay online at

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watermarkartcenter.org/product/monarch-class.

Participants ages 16 and older can join accomplished basket weaver Shannon Lucas Westrum for a creative and hands-on stationery basket workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13.

A stationery basket is a unique wall-hanging basket designed to hold an 8-by-5 inch notebook, complete with a woven pen holder. The finished basket dimensions will be approximately 12 inches tall, 3 inches deep and 8 inches wide.

Westrum will teach attendees how to shape a flat-back, curved-front basket. Participants will learn techniques like twining, lashing and weaving with both flat and flat oval rattan, while focusing on form and function, the release said.

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Students will also add a pen holder after the basket is woven, giving a layered understanding of basket construction.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

The cost is $20 per person. To register for the workshop, visit

watermarkartcenter.org/product/mail-basket-workshop.

Local author and poet Marsh Muirhead will lead a workshop titled, "Writing Short, Crossing Genres, Getting Published," from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4.

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This workshop is for writers at any skill level and genre. The class will consist of short exercises, brief presentations and discussion. Participants will explore the best ideas for putting down their words as poetry, fiction or nonfiction.

Muirhead will cover how attendees can generate ideas; write for the reader they imagine; read like a writer; and how, when and where to send finished work. Participants will also learn how to generate ideas and find inspiration, and how to transform ideas into appropriate "containers," the release said.

Muirhead is the author of two collections of haiku, "Her Cold Martini" and "Last Night of the Carnival," and a travel book titled "Key West Explained." He has published numerous feature stories in magazines and newspapers on travel, aviation and auto racing. His poetry and fiction have appeared in "Carolina Quarterly," "New Mexico Poetry Review," "Whitefish Review," "Rattle," "Poetry East" and more.

The class fee is $30. Register and pay online at

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watermarkartcenter.org/event/writing-short-crossing-genres-getting-published.

For more information about fall classes, call

(218) 444-7570

or visit

watermarkartcenter.org.

Watermark galleries are accessible and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The Greece Police Department has arrested a Webster man in a significant drug seizure investigation.

On August 24, officers recovered 50 pounds of marijuana and 5 pounds of hallucinogenic mushrooms packaged for distribution in a house on Laurelwood Drive during an investigation.

Marijuana & Mushrooms Marijuana Mushrooms

The next day, the suspect, 40-year-old Vincent Turanow, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and first-degree criminal possession of marijuana.

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GPD says the investigation is still ongoing.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  West Baton Rouge deputies stopped a vehicle at approximately 6:10 p.m. Friday in connection with a shooting that the Iberville Parish Sheriffs Office (IPSO) was investigating.

Donald Vondo, 26, was taken into custody and turned over to IPSO. There was no chase involved in the arrest, deputies said.

He was charged with possession of a firearm/carry concealed weapon by a convicted felon and attempt/second-degree murder.

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This is a developing story. Further details were not immediately available.

Latest News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  State legislators have passed bill HB25B-1005, eliminating the state sales tax vendor fee, a move that has sparked concern among small business owners.

The decision comes after a special legislative session aimed at addressing the states $800 million budget shortfall. The vendor fee, which has been in place for over 40 years, provided businesses with a 4% reimbursement for collecting sales tax, but will now be removed to help cover the costs of tax collection.

We get this little perk of 4% every month, which we have utilized for over 40 years in our business, said Niki Hunn, owner of Thomas Hunn Jewelry. Its going to affect our prices.

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State Senator Janice Rich of District 7 expressed her concerns, stating, My concern is the smaller retailers, the smaller restaurants that are already hurting and theyre going to have to do this.

The elimination of the vendor fee has been a controversial issue since it was first capped at $1,000 in 2019. Businesses will still be required to collect and file taxes, with penalties for late submission.

Senator Rich argued that the $1,000 cap on state sales tax collection was unnecessary and did not cover the costs for businesses to prepare paperwork. She emphasized that the state needs to fill an $800 million shortfall and questioned the timing of the bill. Hunn expressed concerns about the broader economic impact, citing tariffs and other global factors as additional pressures on small businesses.

Its almost like theyre trying to snuff out small business with tariffs, Rich said.

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The removal of the vendor fee is intended to address the states budget deficit, but it has raised concerns about the financial strain it may place on small businesses. As the state moves forward, business owners and legislators alike will be watching closely to see the impact of this legislative change.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
If you noticed, as some others did, that President Donald Trump has been keeping an uncharacteristically low public profile this week, you werent the only one.

Social media was alight Friday with speculation about the 47th presidents whereabouts and, more grimly, his health.

"Trump has not been seen publicly since his cabinet meeting on Tuesday," journalist Aaron Rupar noted on X, as he shared a post remarking on the presidents wide open Labor Day weekend public schedule.

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Donald Trump hasnt been seen in public since Tuesday and has no events scheduled all weekend, the Republicans against Trump account wrote on X. Where is he? Whos running the country?

First things, first: Trump is most assuredly alive. On Friday, the president took to Truth Social to assure his supporters that his tariffs, which had been struck down by a federal appeals court, were still in effect.

To wit:

"ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong," Trump wrote.

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Remarks by Vice President JD Vance added to the situation, with Trumps No. 2 saying that he was ready to step in for Trump if something happened.

The 79-year-old Trump was again seen this week with bruised hands caked in makeup, weeks after the White House confirmed the bruising and announced a diagnosis associated with it.

On Monday, bruising was seen on the presidents hand while photographs were taken of him during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, USA Today reported.

Days earlier, the touched-up bruises could be seen on his hand when he was in the Oval Office.

These bruises have been spotted since August 2024, NBC News reported.

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In February, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told NBC News that the bruises were from constantly working and shaking hands all day, every day.

But the White House responded after more reports in July took note of the bruising, as well as swelling seen in his lower legs.

In July, the White House confirmed that Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70, White House physician Sean Barbabella said in a memorandum.

Vance insisted, in an interview with USA Today, that Trump was in "great health.

More on Politics

Read the original article on MassLive.
Politics has never been as bitter as this, they say. Yet in 1700, Sarah Churchill, Queen Annes favourite, was so appalled by the invitation of a rival politician to dinner that she cut off her hair in protest. Churchill, appropriately, was a Whig; the guest, a Tory; and the contest between those movements, known at the time as the rage of party, is the basis for George Owerss well-researched and relevant book.

Politics under Anne was characterised by scandal, corruption, violence and fake news. The electorate was surprisingly big  one in four male adults  and participated in no fewer than 10 elections in 22 years, for which they were rewarded with jobs, money and free beer. In 1713, a Whig candidate offered a cash prize for any baby born in nine months time, reasoning that the pleasure given by wives to their husbands during the campaign season would be rewarded with votes. By contrast, Owers writes, Tory tactics against Whig voters included beating them with sticks, imprisoning them on false pretences or, in one case, attempted strangulation.

It could cost a chap up to 250,000 in modern money to win. The victors often made Boris Johnson seem angelic. The popular Whig Thomas Wharton (16481715) enjoyed fencing, racing, women and drink; in his youth, he allegedly broke into a church, urinated on the altar and defecated in the pulpit. Despite this, both parties saw themselves as guardians of the moral order, with contrasting narratives about how England should be run.

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The origin of modern England, one might argue, was the Reformation. It divorced nation from the universal church, forcing us to ask: What do we believe? The Civil War then applied theology to constitutional politics: How should we govern? Rage of Party picks up the debate as it matured under the Restoration. Faction and ideology were ugly, but they also channelled potentially anarchic forces into the relatively calm waters of the two-party system  calm relative to war-torn Europe. There was a quasi-revolution in 1688  more of a foreign invasion, really  when James II, a Catholic, was deposed at the invitation of the elite: the one thing on which Tories and Whigs agreed was that this must be a Protestant country.

But while Toryism wished to retain the religious ritualism and powerful court of the past, Whiggery sought to push the Reformation to its logical conclusion, a more puritanical church with a more democratic settlement. The result: culture war. The Whigs, Owers writes, saw the Tories as backward insular chauvinists who would give absolute power to a motley crew of designing, quasi-papist priests and mad bigoted squires. The Tories saw the Whigs as fanatical seditious hypocrites who would happily destroy the monarchy. Both names were xenophobic slurs: the Tories were originally Irish highwaymen, the Whigamores were Scottish rioters.

Culture war triggered policy differences that are intriguingly familiar. The Whigs promoted war to assist the Protestant cause in Europe. The Tories regarded this as none of Englands business and a waste of money: the increased taxes and enlarged state would depress income and destroy liberty. In 1709, German Protestants fleeing the French army were offered refuge in London: its the Christian response, preached the Whigs, plus they can do the jobs we dont want. The Tories warned that natives would lose their jobs and turn to rioting, and no doubt there would be two-tier justice for any Englishman who complained.

The Tory prophecy was fulfilled. The Germans turned out to be skilled but only in wine production, which hardly existed, so they took work from the low-paid. They didnt speak English; they failed to integrate. Local parishes refused to house them. Eventually, the refugees were dumped in Ireland, for Rwanda had yet to be discovered. Owers notes that the Tories started out as elitists, but discovered that hoi polloi agreed with them on bread-and-butter issues, whereas the Whigs, traditionally the populists, became ever more snobbish. Herein lies the roots of conservative populism vs woke disdain.

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This is Owerss first book, yet its accomplished, funny, and does a clever job of implying comparison with the present without being obvious. My only complaint is that we couldve learnt more about the religious culture these two parties embodied: how did a high Anglican service differ from, say, a Quaker meeting?

The Rage of Party is a first book for George Owers, better known among Twitter users as Capel Lofft - David Rose

The author served as a Labour councillor and tweets under the name Capel Lofft, a real Whig writer; yet his work is endorsed by Michael Gove, a Conservative. Owers probably belongs to an intellectual tendency that thinks the real issue in English history has always been identity, but the 20th-century battle over economics drew people away from their natural philosophical positions to deposit them in temporary alliances of Left versus Right.

Now that the battle is over  capitalism won  figures who formerly regarded themselves as Left-wing, such as Kate Hoey or Maurice Glasman, are discovering that they they have much in common with Nigel Farage on questions of immigration or sovereignty, while Conservatives such as George Osborne find their cultural values are closer to Tony Blairs than Robert Jenricks. Its as if English politics were a vial of coloured sand, mixed in arbitrary fashion. Someone needs to give it a darn good shake, to encourage the grains back into their proper alignment of Tory versus Whig.



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Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday held a review meeting of disaster relief work with senior officials, all District Magistrates, and the police department. According to a statement by the CMO, during the meeting, all the departments were instructed to work effectively with mutual coordination. "The state government is standing with the disaster-affected at every step. Immediate assistance of Rs 5-5 lakh is being provided to the affected in the disaster-affected areas," a statement from the CMO said. The Chief Minister directed officials to provide rations and essential daily-use items to the affected families in a timely manner. "The water level of the rivers should be continuously monitored, and the closed roads should be opened soon," the statement added. According to the CMO, CM Dhami also directed the use of machines to remove debris from the Yamuna River near Syanachatti and ensure the safe disposal of the debris. He said that the repair and improvement work on all the roads should be expedited as soon as the rainy season ends. In view of the expected pace in the Chardham Yatra after September 15, all the arrangements should be made foolproof. The CM directed the officials to remain in a constant state of alert, keeping in mind the weather warning. Earlier today, CM Dhami directed the Disaster Management Secretary and district magistrates to carry out swift relief and rescue operations after a cloudburst in Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and nearby districts. According to a statement from the CMO, "CM Dhami has directed the State Disaster Management Secretary and District Magistrates of the concerned districts to carry out rapid relief and rescue operations in the areas affected by the disaster caused by a cloud burst in Rudraprayag, Chamoli and other districts and to make proper arrangements for the disaster-affected people." Meanwhile, amidst relentless heavy rains and a devastating cloudburst in Rudraprayag district, authorities evacuated over 70 residents from peril-stricken villages. The Mandakini River, swollen beyond its banks, surged dangerously in the Kedarnath and Mandakini valleys, worsening the already dire situation. A cloudburst in the Vasu Kedar area, though sparing the village major damage, had added to the mounting crisis confronting the mountainous region. (ANI)
Maryland and a coalition of states have secured the release of more than $184 million in federal AmeriCorps funding after the White House Office of Management and Budget attempted to withhold the money, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said Friday.

The funds, which AmeriCorps will now distribute to community service programs nationwide, had been caught in a legal dispute after the Trump administration sought to slash the agencys budget and workforce. The cuts threatened thousands of programs and volunteers who provide education, food assistance, housing support, and other services across the country.

This is a major victory for Marylands most vulnerable and the AmeriCorps members who serve them, Brown said in a statement. By protecting these programs, we are defending the well-being of thousands of Marylanders who depend on this critical support to live full, healthy lives.

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On April 29, Brown and other state attorneys general sued the administration over plans to eliminate nearly 90% of AmeriCorps workforce, cancel contracts, and shut down $400 million worth of programs. In June, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction blocking the cuts and reinstating hundreds of AmeriCorps initiatives.

Despite that order, OMB continued to withhold $184 million intended for ongoing service programs, including AmeriCorps Seniors. In July, the coalition added OMB as a defendant in its lawsuit, and earlier this month filed a motion seeking a court order to force the release of the funds. Facing an Aug. 28 deadline to respond, the administration instead agreed to release the money.

AmeriCorps funds thousands of local and national programs that rely on its volunteers to meet community needs. In Maryland, the agency provided more than $21 million last year to support nearly 5,000 AmeriCorps members who teach schoolchildren, build homes, restore parks, and assist vulnerable residents. Programs such as Frostburg State Universitys ASTAR, which offers literacy, environmental, and food assistance services in Western Maryland, were among those at risk from the funding cuts.

The restored funding ensures AmeriCorps programs across the country can continue their work without disruption.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.
The White House believes Europe is undermining Donald Trumps quest for peace in Ukraine by convincing Volodymyr Zelensky to hold out for a better deal.

Senior White House officials are said to be losing patience with European leaders, who they claim are privately pushing the Ukrainian president to hold out for an unrealistic peace deal.

Members of the Trump administration believe British and French officials are among the most constructive. But they are growing frustrated with European countries that want the US to bear the full cost of the war, while they refuse to contribute, according to Axios.

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Getting to a deal is an art of the possible, a top official told Axios. But some of the Europeans continue to operate in a fairy-tale land that ignores the fact it takes two to tango.

The frustrations come after a series of negative briefings about Steve Witkoff, the presidents special envoy, which have painted him as being out of his depth.

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.

Volodymyr Zelensky has previously accused Steve Witkoff of parroting Russian propaganda - Gavriil Grigorov/Reuters

It comes after Mr Trump suggested the highly anticipated meeting between Vladimir Putin and Mr Zelensky was now unlikely to happen.

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The US president cast doubt on the meeting between the warring leaders, which it was hoped would pave the way to a ceasefire in Ukraine.

A tri [lateral] would happen. A bi, I dont know about, but a tri will happen. But, you know, sometimes people arent ready for it, he told the Daily Caller.

Sometimes they have to fight for a little bit before you can get them to stop. But this has been going on for a long time. A lot of people are dead.

Trump hints at security guarantee for Ukraine

After his Alaska summit with Putin and White House visit from Mr Zelensky and European leaders, the US president had been confident the two leaders would shortly sit down for bilateral talks.

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But Putin appeared to stall the meeting and stepped up attacks by launching one of his largest strikes of the war on Ukraine, killing at least 19 people on Thursday.

Mr Trump hinted that American jets might be deployed to Europe to police Ukrainian airspace, which would act as a security guarantee in a plan revealed earlier by The Telegraph.

Maybe well do something. If I could stop that and have a plane flying around the air every once in a while, its going to be mostly the Europeans, but we, wed help them, he said.

They, you know, they sort of need it, and wed help them if we could get something done.

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On Saturday, The Telegraph revealed that American private military firms might be deployed to Ukraine as part of a long-term peace plan.

The plan is being devised as a workaround after the US president promised that American troops would not be stationed in Ukraine.

US contractors would help rebuild Ukraines front-line defences, new bases and protect US businesses, their presence acting as a deterrent to Moscow.

The plan is part of a series of other so-called security guarantees drawn up by the coalition of the willing, led by the UK and France.

I dont think it can be settled without a security guarantee of some kind, and were not going to have boots on the ground or anything else, Mr Trump added.

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But if we can help Europe, and you know, theyll, theyll be out there.

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The investigation into a reported assault at a Whitesville thrift store made a strange turn Friday, when the woman who reported the alleged assault was charged with falsely reporting an incident.

Kylen B. Edge, 29, 1100 block of Old Leitchfield Road was charged Friday morning, Daviess County Sheriff Brad Youngman said. Edge was booked Friday morning at the Daviess County Detention Center, and was released a short time later on a $250 bond.

The incident began August 13, when a man entered Edge's business, The Rooster's Crow at 11020 Kentucky 54 and found Edge laying on the floor, apparently unconscious. Edge told investigators she was assaulted, knocked unconscious and sexually assaulted.

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"The report of the attack quickly gained widespread attention," Youngman said at a Friday morning press conference. "It became the main focus of this office and many of our partner agencies."

Youngman said: As time progressed ... we began to hear reports from people that they were afraid to leave their house, people who would go on walks in the evening did not want to go outdoors."

The sheriff's office had previously warned the public to not trust rumors on social media. Youngman said Friday those rumors were having a dangerous affect.

"Disturbingly, people were becoming suspicious of others, based on the type of vehicle they drove" or other individual characteristics, Youngman said.

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Youngman said detectives uncovered inconsistencies in Edge's story, and that Edge admitted under questioning that she had fabricated the story.

The incident had set the Whitesville community on edge, disrupting lives and causing fear, Youngman said.

"We needed the truth to come out, and it has," Youngman said.

The story will be updated.
Labor Day beachgoers, beware: Jellyfish sightings are on the rise along the Atlantic coast this summer.

Beachgoers saw more jellyfish than usual this summer in several East Coast states, including Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts and Maine. Experts say this years uptick is unprecedented.

Its as bad as Ive ever seen it. To have this many for as long as weve had them is rare, Jonathan Cohen, a marine science professor at the University of Delaware, told The Washington Post.

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The increase was caused in part by more rain and higher temperatures in the region this year, which have created ideal conditions for jellyfish, the Post reports.

As a result, jellyfish stings have also been on the rise in some areas. Lewes Beach in Delaware reported a fourfold increase in jellyfish stings this July compared to last year, the Associated Press reports. Gisele Muller-Parker, a retired marine biologist, told the AP she saw dozens of jellyfish each day while walking along Lewes Beach this summer.

Lewes Beach Patrol Chief Mark Woodard, left, holds a moon jellyfish during a wildlife education presentation at Savannah Beach, in Lewes, Delaware

This year, weve never seen anything like this, she said.

Some jellyfish stings can be minor, but patients should still seek medical help right away by calling emergency services or the Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222, according to the Mount Sinai Health System.

Jellyfish populations are thriving this summer thanks to lots of rain and warm temperatures (AP)

Its important to call 911 immediately if someone who was stung has trouble breathing, is wheezing, or has hives, welts or chest pain, according to the National Capital Poison Center.

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To treat the sting, patients can rinse the site with large amounts of household vinegar or ocean water, according to the Mount Sinai Health System. Its also important to protect the wound and to keep debris like sand out. To help with the itching and pain, patients can also use antihistamine or steroid creams after soaking the wound in hot tap water for 20 to 40 minutes.

If a patient goes to the emergency room, doctors may treat the sting with a medication that reverses the effects of the venom called antivenin, according to the Mount Sinai Health System. They may also order tests, including chest x-rays and ECGs.

Even with jellyfish sightings on the rise, experts and lifeguards told the Post swimmers dont need to avoid Atlantic coast beaches this Labor Day weekend. Sightings are expected to go down as summer winds down and temperatures drop. Hurricane Erin, which battered the East Coast earlier this month, also helped to clear away some of the jellyfish, according to the Post.

Meanwhile, beachgoers werent the only ones impacted by this jellyfish boom this summer. A massive nuclear power station in France had to temporarily shut down earlier this month after a swarm of jellyfish swam into its cooling system. Nuclear engineer Ronan Tanguy told the BBC the sea creatures were able to slip past the first layer of filters thanks to their gelatinous bodies.
If you followed news about either the media industry or space exploration back in 2021, you probably remember when the New York Times accidentally published a story claiming that watermelons had been found on the planet Mars.

"Authorities say rise of fruit aliens is to blame for glut of outer space watermelons," read the story, which the newspaper deleted less than an hour later, but is still accessible in an archived snapshot. "The FBI declined to comment on reports of watermelons raining down, but confirmed that kiwis have been intercepted."

Unsurprisingly, a spokesperson for the paper soon clarified that the article had been a dummy draft that had been inadvertently published as part of a testing system.

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As it turns out, it wasn't even the first time that the paper of record had mistakenly claimed that life had been discovered on the Red Planet. That distinction goes to an extraordinary feature published in December 1906, which the New York Times ran under the screaming all-caps headline of "THERE IS LIFE ON THE PLANET MARS."

In the story, journalist Lilian Whiting  a reporter and poet so prominent at the time that she still has her own Wikipedia page a full 78 years after her death  wrote breathlessly of Percival Lowell, a controversial astronomer who founded the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, which later went on to discover the planet Pluto.

Lowell was convinced that using the large telescope he'd constructed at his observatory in Flagstaff, he had glimpsed "legions of canals on Mars, forming a colossal and a wisely planned system designed to irrigate the oases of the vast deserts which make up the surface of this planet."

"The astronomer finds a network of marvelously designed canals traversing the deserts, meeting at certain points, the lines uniform, thousands of miles in length, three to seventeen canals sometimes converging at one point," Whiting wrote. "Therefore, the only logical result that can be reached... is that the oases are great centres of population; that the canals are constructed by guiding intelligence for the purposes as set forth above, and that their existence is an unanswerable and an absolute proof that there is conscious, intelligent, organic life on Mars."

A New York Times story from December 1906 claiming that incontrovertible proof of intelligent life had been found on the planet Mars.

The whole article is worth a read. In addition to a fascinating series of delightfully old-timey stylistic choices and typos, it's a mesmerizing snapshot of a moment when science seemed to feel vast and unknown, when an eccentric professor could make outrageous extrapolations about something he thought he'd spied in his telescope and get the whole thing written up in one of the world's most influential newspapers.

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To be clear, Lowell's claims attracted plenty of controversy at the time from his peers; after seeing Lowell's astronomical sketches at a meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society, one critic wrote that "I do not know whether Mr. Lowell has been looking at Mars until he has got Mars on the brain, and by some transference transcribed the markings to Venus."

The whole episode is back in the public view because of a new book by the journalist David Baron, titled "The Martians." In it, Baron explores the explosion of interest  and wonderfully wild-eyed pseudoscience  around the planet Mars during the Gilded Age. Scientific luminaries including Nikola Tesla and Alexander Graham Bell jumped on the trend, before a scientific backlash tore the whole thing down.

In a full-circle moment, Baron's book got a glowing review this week  published in the New York Times.

Mars fever "suffused polite society in America, with vivid depictions of aliens appearing in soap and liquor ads, on Broadway and at dinner parties," reads the paper's writeup of the book. And in a meta twist, the "vigorous yellow press, and eventually even more sober outlets like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, published all kinds of speculation about the Red Planet as fact."

More on Mars: Scientists Reveal Easy Three-Step Plan to Terraform Mars
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  A local mother was awarded the sheriffs commendation award at the Wichita County Sheriffs Office quarterly awards.

Thats after her concern for a young boy led to the sheriffs office getting involved And the child is being reunited with his biological father.

Samantha Fancher said she contacted multiple law enforcement agencies regarding the welfare of a little boy she observed and believed to be in danger.

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After Fancher relentlessly voiced her concerns for the child, Sheriff David Duke instructed investigators Putney and Ellis to conduct surveillance of the home.

Due to Fanchers concerns, the childs safety was investigated after living in terrible conditions and was removed from the household.

It means a lot that they took the time to recognize me for what I did when I dont feel deserving of it, said Fancher. Yes, I did take lots of blood, sweat, tears and sleepless nights, but at the end of the day, David, Tim, Ellis and James are the true heroes.

With extensive investigation, the childs biological father was located. The boy now lives with his father, step-mother, half-brother and sister in Hawaii.

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Duke said without Fanchers intuition, he would never have had the opportunity to live a normal childhood.

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A woman who walked away from a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Female Community Reentry Program (CDCR FCRP) was apprehended after three days on the lam.

According to the CDCR, officials were alerted that Angel Rayburn had tampered with her ankle monitor and walked out of the San Diego County facility where she was housed on Aug. 26 around 9 p.m.

An emergency count confirmed that Rayburn was missing, and both CDCRs Office of Correctional Safety and local law enforcement agencies were immediately notified.

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She was eventually located in Perris on Friday evening around 6:30 p.m. and taken into custody without incident, authorities said late Friday night.

Angel Rayburn as seen in a photo provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Rayburn, 37, had initially been transferred to the San Diego County facility on Aug. 14.

1 dead after early-morning Pasadena house fire

She was received from Riverside County on Mar. 5, 2025, to serve a three-year sentence for evading a peace officer while driving the wrong way, assault with any means likely to produce great bodily injury to a peace officer/firefighter and buying/receiving a stolen vehicle/trailer/construction equipment.

Female Community Reentry Programs allow eligible offenders committed to state prison to serve the end of their sentences in the re-entry center and provides them with the programs and tools necessary to transition from custody to the community, CDCR says. It is a voluntary program for female offenders who have two years of less left to serve.

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An unresponsive woman pulled from the waters at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve this afternoon was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, according to first responders.

Honolulu Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene at 1 :22 p.m. today, along with lifeguards, for a call regarding an unresponsive woman pulled from the bay. EMS took over with advanced life support and continued life-saving efforts en route to a hospital emergency room.

The woman, estimated to be 80 years old, is believed to be a visitor from Japan, according to Honolulu Ocean Safety.

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On Thursday, lifeguards also pulled an unresponsive woman, believed to be 71 years old, from a few feet offshore at Hanauma Bay.

Lifeguards performed CPR on the woman before transferring care to EMS.

No further details on both possible drownings were available.

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He offered prayers to the divine. Shah also paid tribute to Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar, who is renowned for her commitment to social welfare during her time as the ruler of Indore in the Maratha Empire.

Earlier in the day, Shah was at the residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, where he offered prayers to Lord Ganesh.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was also present during the visit.Later, Shah, accompanied by his son and ICC Chairman Jay Shah, along with other family members, visited the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja to seek blessings.

The Home Minister had 'darshan' of Lord Ganesh at the pandal and offered prayers, joining thousands of devotees who throng the site during the festive season.

Meanwhile, along with the grand public Ganeshotsav celebrations, household festivities in Maharashtra's Pune are also being marked with unique themes and patriotic fervour.

In the Erandwane area of Pune City, a young woman, Aishwarya Jadhav, has designed a special household Ganesh decoration inspired by the Indian Army's recently conducted 'Operation Sindoor', which was executed with remarkable bravery.

The decoration features replicas of Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, offering a symbolic salute to the armed forces. The tricolour, battle tanks, and rockets in flight also form part of the thematic setup.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chavithi, is a festival that marks the worship of Lord Ganesha as the god of new beginnings and remover of obstacles. This auspicious ten-day festival starts with 'Chaturthi' and ends on 'Anantha Chaturdashi'.

The history of the Lalbaugcha Raja is quite famous, as it is the popular Ganesh Idol of the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, located at Putlabai Chawl, a worship place founded in 1934.

The idol and its celebrations are managed by the Kambli family, who have been custodians of this revered image for over 80 years. (ANI)
NEED TO KNOW

Kayla Thompson unexpectedly gave birth to a baby girl while attending the Burning Man Festival on Aug. 27

Kayla, 36, and her husband Kasey claim they "had no idea" she was pregnant before going to the event in Black Rock City, Nevada

Had I known [about the pregnancy], thats the absolutely last place on this planet I would have been, Kasey told the Los Angeles Times

A woman who was unaware that she was pregnant before going to Burning Man has given birth.

On the morning of Aug. 27, Kayla Thompson, 36, unexpectedly went into labor in an RV that she was staying in alongside her husband, Kasey, for the festival in Black Rock City, Nevada, the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times reported.

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I just started yelling for anyone to come help me, Kasey, 39, told the Los Angeles Times. In a matter of minutes, we had an [obstetrician], a NICU nurse, a pediatrician in there  I dont know where they all came from, they just came.

He and Kayla had no idea they were expecting," according to a GoFundMe page set up by the family.

It was absolutely 100% a cryptic pregnancy. No signs, no morning sickness. She wasnt even showing," Kasey told the L.A. Times.

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Burning Man Project/Instagram Burning Man festival Burning Man festival

In a lucky coincidence, a group of medical staff were staying next to the couple and immediately rushed to help deliver the baby. Kayla welcomed a baby girl who weighed around 3 pounds, at what doctors estimated was a month premature, per the L.A. Times.

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Shortly after the birth, newborn baby girl Aurora was transported alone by helicopter to a neonatal intensive care unit in Reno, according to the outlet. The parents had to make the hours-long drive to the city  which is a seven-hour flight away from their Salt Lake City home  themselves, as there was no space for them to travel with their daughter.

The medical staff at Burning Man grabbed me and just hugged me and said hes not going to let her out of sight, Kasey told the L.A. Times. He kept reassuring me shes going to be OK.

The couple is now stranded in Reno as their daughter remains in the hospital. She is currently in the NICU, gaining strength every day, the babys aunt, Lacey Paxman, wrote on GoFundMe. Mom and baby are both doing okay, but she will need to stay in the hospital until she is ready to come home.

The fundraiser aims to cover medical bills, travel and lodging expenses, as well as baby supplies. So far, over $6,000 has been raised in donations, with a goal of $11,000.

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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, Lacey said.

Despite the shocking experience, Kasey described his daughters arrival as an absolute miracle.

Had I known [about the pregnancy], thats the absolutely last place on this planet I would have been, he said of the festival, according to the L.A. Times.



Read the original article on People
A woman has been indicted and arraigned in connection with a 2024 murder in Waltham.

Melanie Williams, 30, of Waltham, was arraigned on a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of 24-year-old Zharia Wilcox.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. on August 2, 2024, Waltham Police responded to a parking lot adjacent to an apartment building on Second Avenue. They located a female victim, identified as Zharia Wilcox, on the ground suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead on scene.

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The investigation revealed that, at the time of the shooting, Zharia Wilcox was dating Melanie Williams and had been staying at her apartment in Waltham.

On August 2, Wilcox and Williams were fighting, as Wilcox had been making disparaging remarks about Williams online. Williams allegedly came to the apartment with her two close friends and co-defendants, Kaire Holman and Curtessa Franklin.

According to the Middlesex County DA, the defendants are alleged to have beaten Wilcox inside Williams apartment . Shortly after, Williams, Holman and Franklin are alleged to have left the building with the victim.

As they walk out to the street, the defendants are alleged to have grabbed and struck Wilcox before directing her to an area of the parking lot adjacent to the building.

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Moments later, witnesses are reported to have heard popping noises consistent with gunshots. Williams was allegedly observed a short time later, outside a nearby store, with blood on her pants.

At the scene, police located false eyelashes and fingernails on the ground, possibly indicative of a struggle, and .380 ammunition. Evidence indicates that Kaire Holman had a .380 firearm registered to her and .380 ammunition was located in both Holmans vehicle and apartment.

Two days after the shooting, Holman is alleged to have engaged in a text message exchange indicating that Holmans firearm had been used in the shooting. The text message did not name the person who used the firearm. Kaire Holman and Curtessa Franklin are also charged with first-degree murder.

Middlesex Superior Court Judge Lynn Rooney ordered Williams held without bail.

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This case was investigated by the Middlesex District Attorneys Office, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Middlesex District Attorneys Office and the Waltham Police Department.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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We Wont Be Erased read giant letters in front of a rainbow painted on a street near Fort Lauderdale beach that served as the site of a protest on Saturday morning.

Dozens of LGBTQ+ advocates and several state representatives rallied against a state order to remove the street designs in Fort Lauderdale, offering gratitude to city officials for fighting back. At an emergency city meeting Wednesday night, Fort Lauderdale city officials voted to fight a state order to remove a rainbow pride flag and other artsy designs painted on local streets.

This is not about paint on the pavement, said Alfredo Olvera, President of Dolphin Democrats, an organizer of the rally. This is about whether we will allow hatred and fear to divide us or whether we will stand shoulder to shoulder and fight for the dignity of every human being.

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Florida is removing colorful crosswalks and street art across the state following a federal directive to eliminate distractions from roadways. Gov. Ron DeSantis said he supports a statewide order to repaint and warned against allowing state roads to be commandeered for political purposes. Many of the colorful crosswalks are rainbow symbols of pride for the LGBTQ community.

The state has identified 11 road displays in Fort Lauderdale that it wants removed, including street art of a pride flag near the beach and several colorful crossings in various parts of the city. Rally attendees on Saturday waved flags and held up signs that read They cant erase us and Crosswalks arent the problem. Hate is. They emphasized that the rally is about much more than paving over street art.

It may seem silly to some people and that its just a painted rainbow on the street, said Hillary Dougherty, a Broward County mom who grew up in Wilton Manors. But what it means to the community is youre safe here. Youre welcome, and we care for you. .. .This feels like the erasure of a community and acceptance.

Florida Department of Transportation workers have been painting over rainbow designs and local art installations all over Florida. Among the first removed  and the most controversial  was a rainbow crosswalk commemorating the 49 people killed in the 2016 mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. An FDOT crew repainted the Orlando crosswalk in the middle of the night, outraging community members

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Saturdays rally along A1A in Fort Lauderdale comes a day after Florida Department of Transportation District Secretary Steven Braun gave the city a hearing date of Sept. 15 to make its case for keeping the street art, but warns there will be no change of heart.

Delray Beach is fighting a similar state order and has been given a hearing date on Tuesday.

Some cities, including Boynton Beach and West Palm Beach, have agreed to remove their LGBTQ+ rainbow markings after getting ordered to by the state.

This is not what we asked our elected officials to do, said State Representative Daryl Campbell, representing District 99, which includes a section of Fort Lauderdale. This is not what we elected our governor to do. We are wasting taxpayers dollars.

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Campbell urged Floridians to hold their political leaders accountable: Instead of focusing on the things that we need. This is a distraction from us focusing on healthcare and from us focusing on housing. Florida is in a crisis right now, a crisis of affordability, and the best that we have in our leadership in the state and in D.C. is to attack painted sidewalks and murals. Is that is that the best that we can do?

Fort Lauderdale resident Ed French said he, too, believes political attention on crosswalks is misdirected.

Is this what we should be focusing on  hate and division and discrimination?  French asked. Are they the things that matter when we have incredibly high crime rates? We had one of the worst school shootings in the country in our community, and yet the governor seems to want to focus on drag shows, and rainbows and crosswalks, and banning books. What we need is people to focus on the things that make us safer and healthier.

State Representative Mitch Rosenwald, whose District 98 also includes part of Fort Lauderdale, said he doesnt see the evidence for the Department of Transportations actions. Theres no compelling research, peer-reviewed research that colored crosswalks lead to unsafe streets. What were seeing here is a state mandate from the Florida Department of Transportation to make a community less visible, our community. This isnt just silly. Its serious, and actually its even dangerous.

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Rosenwald noted that the rainbow flag where the rally was held is on a side street with little traffic, not a crosswalk. It is one of the art designs the state wants to paint over.

Lets remind the state to redirect its time and money to things that actually matter, like giving Floridians a fair chance to own a house and keep that house and raising the minimum wage to a living wage. Enough of government interventions that intrude on our private lives, he said.

South Florida Sun Sentinel reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  China is rolling out the red carpet for more than two dozen world leaders at two major defense-related events this week. The guest lists, and some notable omissions, are a window into Beijings ambitions, alliances and attempts to expand its influence.

The annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), established in 2001 with a focus on security in Central Asia and the wider region, opened Monday in the port city of Tianjin. That will be followed by a massive military parade in Beijing on Wednesday commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

High-profile guests include the Russian and North Korean leaders, and heads of state and government from most Southeast Asian and Central Asian nations. But the guest lists for the SCO forum and the parade dont fully overlap, reflecting Beijings interests, loyalties and limitations among its neighbors and beyond.

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Russia, India and Iran headline the SCO summit

The guest list for Tianjin includes leaders of the organization's 10 member states and representatives from almost two dozen other countries.

SCO was established by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and later expanded to include India, Iran, Pakistan and Belarus. Afghanistan and Mongolia are observer states, and 14 other countries are called dialogue partners. The country hosting the annual summit rotates every year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi top the list of dignitaries attending the summit. Also attending are Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, both from dialogue partner countries.

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Some non-SCO countries will also be represented, mostly from Southeast Asia. These include Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam, reflecting Chinas desire to shore up its ties within the region. The Indonesian president, Prabowo Subianto, has canceled because of protests at home.

Not everyone is staying for the parade  and North Korea will join

The parade is set to showcase some of Chinas most advanced homegrown weapons, including more than 100 aircraft, and numerous tanks and missiles.

Most of the high-level guests at the SCO forum and the military parade overlap, but there will be some notable departures  and additions.

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The leaders of India, Egypt and Turkey are leaving China before the parade. Egypt will be represented by a lower-level official. Like most Western countries and their allies, India and Turkey generally refrain from posing alongside Chinas top leaders at military parades, which have taken place twice a decade since 2015.

Instead, joining Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Putin to observe Chinese troops marching in lockstep on Chang'an Avenue is North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who is not attending the SCO summit. This will be Kims first meeting with Xi in more than six years and his first occasion to come together with a group of world leaders since the reclusive North Korean leader took office in late 2011.

Xi, Putin and Kim potentially seated together in Tiananmen Square would make for a defiant show of unity at a time when the West is increasingly frustrated over Russias war in Ukraine. Beijing, though on paper neutral in the conflict, has not condemned Moscows invasion of Ukraine and is accused of selling weapon components to Russia. Meanwhile, North Korea has sent troops to aid the Russians in the war.

Myanmars military leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who led a takeover of an elected government in 2021, is also attending the military parade.

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Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe will also be there.

The only European heads of state attending the parade are the Russia-friendly Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The case of the family of a man who was killed in a brawl outside of a Baton Rouge bar will be heard by a jury.

According to court records, Devin Repaths family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Freds Bar & Grill, the insurance company, and some employees, accusing them of failing to protect their patrons from harm.

The lawsuit claims that an argument inside the bar turned into a fight outside of the establishment in March 2024. It also alleges that bar staff didnt intervene quickly enough, and they should have known the patrons level of inebriation.

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Freds Bar & Grill responded by filing for a dismissal, claiming that the establishment cant be sued because the fight occurred after the involved parties were ejected by security.

A district judge denied the dismissal and ruled in favor of the family, allowing their case to head to trial.

Repath died days after the altercation. His cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and was ruled a homicide.

Matthew Marsiglia, 21, was charged with manslaughter in connection with the incident.

A trial date has not yet been set.

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September evening skies have summer constellations shining overhead still dominating the western sky. All the while, the eastern sky is full of the dimmer and less obvious autumn constellations.

High overhead are Cygnus and Lyra; they both contain two stars of the Summer Triangle. The third star of the Summer Triangle is farther south in Aquila. To the east of the Summer Triangle  made up of Deneb, Vega and Altair  youll spot the Great Square of Pegasus.

Under dark skies, the Milky Way stretches from Perseus on the northeast horizon, then runs through Cygnus overhead and flows to the southwestern horizon, where youll find Sagittarius, easily picked out by its teapot-shaped asterism.

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Facing north, youll find Draco, Cepheus and Cassiopeia. The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is between Cassiopeia and Andromeda, and appears as a fuzzy patch easily visible to the naked eye in dark skies. The Big Dipper is low on the northwestern horizon.

The brightest stars this month  in order of brightness  are Arcturus, Vega, Capella, Saturn, Altair, Antares, Fomalhaut and Deneb. You might see reddish Mars low on the western horizon and golden Saturn rising above the eastern horizon shortly after sunset.

Early risers can look for three planets stretching across the morning sky for the first few weeks of September. If you look before dawn in the eastern sky, youll easily spot brilliant Venus and bright Jupiter, and low in the western sky, you can see golden Saturn. In fact, Saturn will be visible all night for most of September. A good way to tell if its a planet or a star is stars twinkle, planets do not. The planets Uranus and Neptune are out there, too, but require optical aid and a finder chart to see them.

A special treat on the morning of Sept. 1 is Venus buzzing near the Beehive star cluster. Although the star cluster isnt visible to the eye, youll see dozens of its 1,000 stars through binoculars, and brilliant Venus will be in the same field of view. Look before dawn.

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Then, later in the month, on the morning of Sept. 19, the waning crescent moon, full with Earthshine, will join brilliant Venus and the brightest star in Leo, Regulus, for an impressive sight. Look low in the east-northeast about 60 minutes before sunrise. Be sure to use binoculars to cleanly separate this celestial trio!

The autumnal equinox occurs on Sept. 22 at 12:19 p.m. MDT, marking when the sun crosses the celestial equator, moving back to the southern hemisphere. Yes, that means cold and snow will be returning to Wyoming soon.

September and October are a great time to look for the zodiacal light in the morning sky. The zodiacal light is visible as a white glow in the east about 60 minutes before dawn this time of year. Some even call it the false dawn. This glow is shaped like a pyramid and rises to about 75 degrees in the sky along the ecliptic (the path the sun follows through the sky).

The zodiacal light is caused by the scattering of sunlight by dust particles surrounding us in space. They are most visible when the ecliptic is at a steep angle to the observers horizon, like around our autumnal equinox. The zodiacal light is not always difficult to see. Sometimes it glows brighter than the Milky Way; at other times, it can be faint and hard to detect.

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The best time to watch for the zodiacal light is under dark skies and around a new moon. This months new moon falls on Sept. 21. So the days before and after the moon will offer the darkest skies before dawn. The few days before the new moon will find a thin crescent moon floating among the zodiacal light, but itll be a lovely addition to the scene. Also, in the midst of the eerie pyramid of light are the bright planets Venus and Jupiter.

Saturn reaches opposition on Sept. 21; thats when Earth passes between it and the sun. So Saturn will be at its brightest around then for the entire year. And itll be visible all night.

The full Corn Moon occurs on Sept. 7, and parts of the globe will see a total lunar eclipse, but that happens on the other side of the globe from us. Well just be able to enjoy the full moon. The steady golden light by the full moon is Saturn.

Also this month, theres a partial solar eclipse on Sept. 21, but that is visible only in parts of the South Pacific, New Zealand and Antarctica.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A yacht was damaged Saturday morning in a fire off Coquina Harbour Drive near Little River, authorities said.

It happened just after 4 a.m., Horry County Fire Rescue said. Officials said a second boat sustained minor damage with no apparent damage to the dock. Nearby vessels were evacuated as a precatuion.

One person was evaluated for minor injuries.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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A Houthi official has vowed vengeance against Israel after the Yemeni group confirmed that an Israeli air strike earlier this week killed the prime minister of the Houthis government in the capital, Sanaa.

Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed in a Thursday strike on Sanaa along with several other ministers, the Houthis said in a statement on Saturday.

(Al Jazeera)

Al-Rahawi, who served as prime minister in areas of the divided country that the group controls, was targeted along with other members of the Houthi-led government during a workshop, the statement said.

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The Houthis did not specify how many other ministers were also killed in the Israeli attack.

We shall take vengeance, and we shall forge from the depths of wounds a victory, Mahdi al-Mashat, a Yemeni politician and military officer who serves as the chairman of the Supreme Political Council of the Houthis, said in a video message later in the day.

Israels attack on Sanaa, which the Israeli military had said struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target, came as tensions in the region continue to escalate amid Israels war on Gaza.



  :                     pic.twitter.com/sSpIqTukkn    (@TvAlmasirah) August 30, 2025

Translation: Yemeni Presidency: We announce the martyrdom of the mujahid Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi, prime minister of the Government of Change and Construction, along with several of his fellow ministers, on Thursday.

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Israel has repeatedly targeted Houthi positions in recent months as the Yemeni group has launched attacks on Israel and on Western vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, in what it says is a show of support for Palestinians in Gaza.

The group has repeatedly said that Israeli attacks will not deter its military operations.

On Wednesday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack on southern Israel, which the country said was intercepted.

Escalating attacks

In its statement on Saturday, the Houthi presidency said its government and institutions would still be capable of carrying out their duties after the deadly Israeli attack.

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The blood of the great martyrs will be fuel and a motivator to continue on the same path, it said.

Al-Mashat also said the Houthis will continue the path of building our armed forces and developing their capabilities.

To our people in Gaza, our stance is steadfast, and will remain so until the aggression ceases and the siege is lifted, no matter the scale of the challenge, he said.

It remains unclear how many people were killed in Thursdays air strike on Sanaa.

Quoting unnamed sources, Israeli media reported on Friday that the Israeli army attacked the entire Houthi cabinet, including the prime minister and 12 other ministers.

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The attack came four days after Israeli strikes on the Yemeni capital on August 24 killed 10 people and wounded more than 90, according to health officials.





The Israeli military said it had targeted Houthi military sites and the presidential palace in that attack.

Al Jazeeras Hamdah Salhut noted that Israel has said it will continue to target Houthi-related targets, meaning that anything that could be used militarily or politically by the rebel group will be a target for the Israeli military.

The [Israeli] defence minister, Israel Katz, had previously noted that Israels strikes on Yemen werent really doing enough to deter the group from launching attacks against the country, Salhut said.

As a result, Katz said he wanted to target their leadership similar to what Israel has done with assassinations within other political groups across the region, like Hezbollah, like Hamas, like Islamic Jihad, she added.
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday, asserted that the Opposition will not allow the BJP to "steal" the upcoming Assembly election in Bihar. He was addressing a public gathering during his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Bhojpur. "They (BJP) stole the election in Maharashtra, did it in Haryana, stole votes in the Lok Sabha election, but we will not let them steal the Bihar election," Rahul Gandhi said. Earlier in Arrah, Bhojpur, Rahul Gandhi was seen offering candies to Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) workers who showed him black flags and confronted him over the alleged derogatory remarks made against the Prime Minister and his late mother at a Mahagathbandhan event in Darbhanga. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav also launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led NDA, claiming that the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' has rattled the ruling alliance. "BJP is scared, and because of this historic yatra, NDA has become very uneasy. They are doing everything they can, and we have a close eye on everything. No matter how hard they try, they will not come back to power in Bihar," Yadav told ANI. The Voter Adhikar Yatra, spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi and other Mahagathbandhan leaders, will cover over 1,300 km across 20 districts and culminate in Patna on September 1. Instead of a rally, the yatra will culminate with top leaders addressing the crowd at different points during the protest, as the Patna administration did not grant permission for the rally. Saturday marked the penultimate day of the INDIA bloc's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', which aims to raise awareness about voter rights and protest against alleged "vote theft" and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. On Saturday, the Yatra passed through Chapra in Saran and Arrah in Bhojpur. Earlier in the day, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, who arrived in Bihar on Friday, slammed the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting the Special Intensive Revision in poll-bound Bihar, alleging that the poll body has become the "Jugaad Commission" of the BJP. "I have come here to join the Voter Adhikar Yatra. I would like to congratulate the people of Bihar for supporting the Yatra. The voice of Bihar is being heard across the country. The BJP is going to go out of Bihar this time. They have subverted the rights in the Constitution," the SP leader said in Patna. The high-stakes Bihar Assembly election is expected later this year, though the Election Commission has not yet announced the official schedule. (ANI)
Yemen's Houthis on Saturday confirmed reports that the Iran-allied militia's prime minister and other officials were killed in an Israeli airstrike unleashed earlier this week in the rebel-controlled capital Sana'a.

Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and a number of ministers were killed in the Israeli strike on Thursday, the militia said in a statement carried by the Houthi-controlled news agency Saba.

Other attendees sustained serious and moderate injuries while they were gathering at a government meeting.

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The head of the Houthis' self-styled Supreme Political Council has tasked Mohammed Ahmed Maftah, who was the first deputy to the prime minister, to be now the acting prime minister, Saba reported.

Government institutions will continue to provide their services, the statement added.

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.

The Israeli military said it attacked a Houthi military target in militia-controlled Sana'a on Thursday.

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.
Yemen's Houthis on Saturday confirmed reports that the Iran-allied militia's prime minister and other officials were killed in an Israeli airstrike earlier this week in the rebel-controlled capital Sana'a.

Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and a number of ministers were killed in the Israeli strike on a government meeting on Thursday, while other attendees sustained serious injuries, the militia said in a statement carried by the Houthi-controlled Saba news agency.

The Israeli military on Saturday also confirmed the death of al-Rahawi and other high-ranking representatives of the militia, saying "dozens" of members of the "terrorist Houthi regime" were present at the facility it targeted.

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The head of the Houthis' self-styled Supreme Political Council has tasked Mohammed Ahmed Maftah, who was the first deputy to the prime minister, to become acting prime minister, Saba reported.

Government institutions will continue to provide their services, the statement added.

In August last year, the Houthis named al-Rahawi as prime minister of their government, which is not internationally recognized.

However, al-Rahawi was believed to be a figurehead without any real authority.

The militia's most powerful figure is Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, whose brother founded the Shiite organization around 30 years ago.

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The group has since taken over large parts of Yemen, which has been in civil war since 2014.

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.
Youth climate activists in Uganda protesting the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, or EACOP, are frustrated with the government's response to their demonstration as the years-long project moves forward.

According to the country's Daily Monitor, youth activists organized with End Fossil Occupy Uganda took to the streets of Kampala in early August to protest EACOP. The pipeline, under construction since about 2017 and now 62 percent complete, is set to transport crude oil from Uganda's Tilenga and Kingfisher fields through Tanzania to the Indian Ocean port of Tanga by 2026.

Activists noted the devastating toll, with group spokesperson Felix Musinguzi saying that already around 13,000 people "have lost their land with unfair compensation" and estimating that around 90,000 more in Uganda and Tanzania could be affected. End Fossil Occupy Uganda has also warned of risks to vital water sources, including Lake Victoria, which it says 40 million people rely on.

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The group has been calling on financial institutions to withdraw funding for the project. Following a demonstration at Stanbic Bank earlier in the month, 12 activists were arrested, according to the Daily Monitor.

Some protesters were seen holding signs reading "Every loan to big oil is a debt to our children" and "It's not economic development; it is corporate greed."

Meanwhile, the regional newspaper says the government has described the activist efforts as driven by foreign actors who mean to subvert economic progress.

EACOP's site notes that its shareholders include French multinational TotalEnergies  owning 62 percent of the company's shares  Uganda National Oil Company, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

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The wave of young people taking action against EACOP could be seen as a sign of growing public frustration over infrastructural projects that promise economic gain while bringing harm to local communities and ecosystems. Activists say residents face costly threats from pipeline development, such as forced displacement and the loss of livelihoods.

Environmental hazards to Lake Victoria could also disrupt water supplies and food systems, bringing the potential for both financial and health impacts. Just 10 years ago, an oil spill in Kenya caused a humanitarian crisis. The Kenya Pipeline Company reportedly attributed the spill to pipeline corrosion, which led to contamination of the Thange River and severe illness.

The EACOP project has already locked the region into close to a decade of development, and concerns about the pipeline and continued investments in carbon-intensive systems go back just as long. Youth activists, as well as concerned citizens of all ages, say efforts to move toward climate resilience can't wait. "As young people, we refuse to inherit a damaged planet and devastated communities," Musinguzi said, per the Monitor.

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ANNISTON  Fifteen-year-old Parris Hudson stood behind her booth inside the Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitors Center, a vibrant display of mini cakes, sample cakes and cookies meticulously arranged before her. The aroma of baked goods mingled with the buzz of conversation, creating an atmosphere of ambition at the annual Youth Entrepreneurship Expo.

The expo, hosted by the Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitors Center, brought together young entrepreneurs from across the county to showcase their businesses and connect with the community. Now in its third year, the event highlights a growing trend of young people eager to become their own bosses.

With her mother at her side, the owner of Lady P Sweet Treats and Crafts, shared the inspiration behind her business.

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Baking is my passion, Hudson said. I started when I was five, actually. I always like to bake stuff, cook stuff, make stuff, and explore with all the ingredients and yeah, so I just turned it into a business.

A student at HOPE Christian Academy, the young business owner warmly told a story of how she used to fry chicken for her school teachers even at a young age.

Hudsons slogan, "Jesus and hustle is in every detail," reflects her drive and dedication not only to her craft but to God.

She credits her mother for fostering her entrepreneurial spirit, explaining, She's one of the reasons why I made this into a business, because we used to sell face masks, like rhinestone masks. And she helped me and taught me how to sell, and how I manage my business.

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The event featured six businesses, some run by siblings or friends, demonstrating the collaborative spirit among young entrepreneurs. Ashlee Jones, communications director at the Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitors Center, explained the motivation behind the expo.

"It's really to just engage more of our younger community," Jones said. "We have noticed an uptick in people wanting to be their own boss, and especially our younger people. I feel like TikTok and Instagram Reels have really uptick that trend. You know, you see how to start a business, and you want to try it out for yourself. So the Chamber recognized that."

The youngest participant at the expo was just eight years old, demonstrating the wide age range of participants from eight to 18.

Among the other participants were brothers Colin, 13, and Colter Cosby, 15, representing Indigo Ridge Farms. They offered samples of smoked chicken, an effort to promote their family farm and explore future catering opportunities.

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We raise this chicken on our farm, and we're just having people sample it today and see if maybe we could do some catering in the future, Colter Cosby explained.

Their father, Cale Cosby, identified their projected catering business name as Pasture to Pit, a nod to their farming roots.

Asked about their process, Colter elaborated, "We used to do our own butchering, but we take them to a processor in Atlanta now, and they do a really, really good job."

Jones highlighted the diversity of this years participants, noting a significant number of homeschooled students.

That was a surprise this year, we have many more homeschool participants, which is great because that is a market that is harder to get in touch with, because they aren't at a physical location, Jones said.

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In preparation for the expo, the Chamber hosted a "YEE classroom" (Youth Entrepreneurship Expo classroom) two weeks prior.

We had speakers come. They each got a business mentor, and we just kind of go over business licensing, what marketing your business could look like, the financing, some of the bigger things you have to be aware of, Jones stated.

The program aims to educate without overwhelming the young participants, many of whom are undertaking their first venture. The mentors were present at the expo, offering support and guidance to the budding entrepreneurs.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the United States, Europe and "the entire world" to take more decisive action against Russia for the continuing invasion of his country.

"This war won't stop with political statements; Real steps are needed," Zelensky wrote on Facebook on Saturday after more mass attacks overnight, including on the south-eastern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhya.

Specifically, Zelensky called for tough tariffs to be imposed on countries that buy oil and gas from Russia and thereby finance Moscow's military operations. The president was evidently referring to countries such as China and India, which he did not name.

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Further sanctions were needed to target Russia itself in the banking and energy sectors, he stressed.

Zelensky lamented the fact that Russia had shown through its recent attacks with missiles, drones and cruise missiles that it "once again shows its utter disregard for words."

"We count on real action," Zelensky said, adding that it was abundantly clear that Moscow had used the time given by the West to prepare talks between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents to organize new attacks.

A meeting between Zelensky and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to agree an end to the conflict, as requested by US President Donald Trump, is not yet in sight.

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Zelensky is willing to meet already, but Russia insists that a peace agreement must first be negotiated at the expert level. Moscow therefore sees a meeting between the two presidents as the conclusion of peace negotiations, at the point when an agreement is to be signed.

The Kremlin has repeatedly stated that Western sanctions cannot end the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the murder of Andrii Parubii, a Ukrainian MP and former speaker of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament), was carefully planned.

Source: Zelenskyy in an address

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Law enforcement officials  the minister of internal affairs, the prosecutor general  report to me regularly. They are investigating the circumstances of Andrii Parubii's murder. A lot of forces are involved  all that are necessary.

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Unfortunately, the crime was carefully planned out. But everything is being done to solve this crime.

I also spoke with [Head of the Security Service] Vasyl Maliuk. The Security Service of Ukraine is involved in the investigation. I have instructed them to provide the public with verified information without delay."

Background:

On 30 August, Andrii Parubii, a sitting MP and former speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, was murdered in Lviv.

The Prosecutor General's Office reported that an unknown man fired several shots at the politician, killing him instantly. The attacker fled the scene. A special police operation codenamed Siren has been launched in the city to locate and apprehend the murderer.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has backed the need for a ceasefire in a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine is counting on that message being made clear at upcoming meetings in China.

Source: Zelenskyys address on 30 August 2025

Quote: "I have just spoken with Prime Minister Modi about what is happening now. Russia is continuing the war, continuing the killings. It is important that the Prime Minister of India supports the idea that a ceasefire is necessary, and then it will be a clear signal that Russia is ready for diplomacy. We expect this [support] to be voiced at meetings in China."

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Details: Zelenskyy added that the Russian leader has no intention of ending the war and is trying to avoid sanctions.

Quote: "Putin only misleads leaders and drags them into becoming his accomplices. He dismisses the threat of sanctions, thereby postponing them. He is not interested in anything else. It is important that together we push Russia towards ending the war."

Details: Zelenskyy also said he had received a briefing from National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umierov, who has returned from negotiations in Turkiye, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Zelenskyy said each of these countries has expressed willingness to host negotiations to end the war.

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Zelenskyy is also expecting a report from Andrii Yermak, Head of the Presidents Office, following his meetings in the United States, including with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Quote: "We are preparing for meetings in Europe this week. We are doing everything we can to ensure a robust response to Russias actions."

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Months before winning New York Citys Democratic primary for mayor, Zohran Mamdani sat inside a Pakistani restaurant in Queens with around two dozen off-duty police officers.

The officers were familiar with the 33-year-old assemblymans past calls to defund Americas largest police force and social media posts in which he referred to police as racist and wicked.

Theyd been invited to the private meet-and-greet by a retired New York Police Department officer whod spent years helping to boost the departments Bangladeshi and South Asian enrollment. He told the officers to give Mamdani a chance.

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I was not a fan of Mamdani at all, but as I got to know him more, I began to respect him and like him more, said Shamsul Haque, the meetings organizer and a Bangladeshi American who spent 21 years in the department, rising to become the NYPDs first Muslim and South Asian to hold the rank of lieutenant commander.

If he wins Novembers general election, Mamdani would oversee the nations largest municipal police department. It will be a huge political and public safety test for both sides: Mamdani as a democratic socialist who has called for sweeping changes in law enforcement and the NYPD as a 36,000-officer force that has long faced calls for reform.

As his opponents accuse him of trying to undermine public safety, Mamdani has disavowed his past calls to defund the police and leaned on validators like Haque, who said he went from apprehension to a full embrace of Mamdani due to a belief that if given the chance, some of Mamdanis proposals could revolutionize law enforcement and community safety in a way that will be beneficial to society.

Mamdani is also getting support from a seasoned NYPD veteran: Rodney Harrison, who served as chief of department, the departments highest-ranking uniformed officer, before his retirement in 2021 has recently met with Mamdani and endorsed his campaign.

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But Mamdanis support among police leaders remains slim. Among those who question his plans is Bill Bratton, who served as police commissioner under Bill de Blasio, a Mamdani ally whom the Democratic nominee has called the best mayor of his lifetime, as well as under Rudy Giuliani in the 1990s.

He is thought of as being anti-police, anti-NYPD, so hes starting off in a tough place, Bratton said in an interview. It will be interesting to see how a political novice who has never run anything runs the largest police force in America.

Rodney Harrison departs a press conference in Manhattan in July 2020. - Carlo Allegri/Reuters

Mamdani gets a key endorsement

During his time with the NYPD, Harrison, whose support of Mamdani has not been previously reported, helped to implement the Neighborhood Policing Program, a de Blasio-era initiative which sought to improve relationships between communities and the police. After retiring from the NYPD, Harrison went on to lead the Suffolk County Police Department where he led a successful effort to catch Rex Heuermann, suspected in the Gilgo Beach murders.

In a statement released by the campaign, Harrison praised the idea of a Department of Community Safety, calling it a thoughtful and impactful plan that he believes could help decrease officer workloads by bringing mental health professionals into the fold.

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I know police are working hard to keep us safe, and that we also cant keep using the same playbook for every issue, Harrison said.

Mamdanis campaign says hes holding meetings to understand how to implement the proposals outlined in his public safety agenda, which seek to overhaul the way in which New York City deals with its most vulnerable residents.

One of his major proposals is creating a Department of Community Safety. Elle Bisgaard-Church, who ran Mamdanis primary campaign and is now working as his chief adviser, described the proposed department as tackling gun violence, subway safety, mental health crises, and other severe issues with evidence-based solutions.

NYPD officers await the start of a protest on June 14. - Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Mamdani has met with families of New Yorkers suffering from mental illness, including the family of Win Rozario, a 19-year-old man who was in the throes of a mental health crisis when he called 911 for help in March of last year.

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NYPD officers arrived to find Rozario standing in the kitchen with his mother nearby. When an officer moved toward the kitchen, Rozario seemed to become distressed and picked up a pair of kitchen scissors. Officers first fired their Tasers but when Rozario continued to move towards them with scissors in his hand, the officers opened fire killing him. The entire incident unfolded in minutes, Rozarios family has said.

Mamdani wants to centralize and expand part of the system that already exists by tripling the size of the citys Mobile Crisis Team program enabling 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service, raising their salaries and creating a separate mobile crisis system similar to 911 where New Yorkers would call to request help.

New York City would be far from the first city to try and implement changes. Mamdanis campaign is taking inspiration from smaller cities.

In Eugene, Oregon, the Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets  CAHOOTS for short  handles a 24/7 crisis response system that pairs behavioral health workers and medics to respond to non-emergency calls involving people experiencing mental health crises. A 2020 study of the program found that from approximately 24,000 calls CAHOOTS responded to in 2019, only 311 required police back-up.

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But the program has run into significant budgetary challenges. Earlier this year, Eugene  a city of 180,000 people compared to New Yorks 8 million  announced it would no longer serve the area due to contract and funding issues.

Ben Struhl, executive director of the Crime and Justice Policy Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, said Mamdani will have twin challenges: overhauling a massive system that demands equally massive investment while overcoming general skepticism that the government is doing its job.

For New York, picking some things that are problems that communities care about and demonstrating that the government is actually trying to solve those problems is the thing that will work to try and overcome that cynicism, Struhl said.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch during a press conference on May 22. - Adam Gray/Reuters

A perhaps inevitable clash with Jessica Tisch

As a prominent member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani has previously called for policy changes and budget cuts that clash sharply with the departments current priorities and its leader, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

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While Mamdani has praised Tischs leadership of the NYPD, noting she has been effective in helping to root out corruption inside the agency and crediting her with bringing down crime, he has stopped short of committing to keep her in charge of the department.

The stark ideological divide between Mamdani and Tisch suggests her future under a potential Mamdani administration remains uncertain, though Mamdanis campaign says it has not made any decisions on top posts. Tisch, whose family controls the Loews Corporation, has spent much her career in municipal government. She has emphasized technology-focused surveillance and traditional policing tactics.

Tisch has made it a point recently to rail against criminal justice reforms, advocating for changes that Mamdani is unlikely to support like expanding policing teams focused on quality-of-life enforcement, a policing strategy focused on low-level offenses like public urination, fare jumping or panhandling.

The strategy is rooted in the belief that ignoring visible nuisances ultimately leads to more serious crime and that keeping public order results in increased safety and better living conditions. Critics of the practice say quality-of-life policing disproportionately targets communities of color.

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Tisch has also been critical of the states Raise the Age Law, blaming the measure for an increase in youth violence in the city. The law, passed in 2017, raises the age of criminal responsibility in New York from 16 to 18, keeping youth offenders from being prosecuted in criminal court.

President Donald Trump and Republicans have made Mamdani into a key target as they argue that Democratic-run cities are poorly run and dangerous. Trump has deployed National Guard troops into Washington, DC, and threatened to do the same in Chicago. The president has vowed to straighten out New York if Mamdani wins.

Mamdani brushed off Trumps threat to send soldiers into the city, pivoting to cast the department as capable and effective while saying Trump would actually put New Yorkers in danger.

Tisch and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul have reached out to the Trump administration directly in the meantime.

Members of the New York State National Guard monitor a checkpoint inside the entrance of a New York subway station on March 7, 2024, after they were deployed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. - Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Hochul spoke to Trump on the phone about his threat to deploy soldiers in recent days, she told reporters this week. Hochul, who herself has sent the National Guard to patrol some of the citys busiest transportation hubs, said she tried to talk Trump out of sending in soldiers, telling him crime in New York city is down and that the NYPDs policies are working.

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The conversation seemed to stick with Trump.

I get along with Kathy. If shed like to do that, I would do it, he said during a Cabinet meeting when a reporter asked him about the prospect of deploying soldiers.

Tisch is also making her case. A source with knowledge of the meeting confirmed to CNN the commissioner and Attorney General Pam Bondi met this week. During what was described as a positive and productive meeting that lasted about 30 minutes, Tisch told Bondi that New York Citys crime rate is low and that the NYPD did not need federal help or involvement from the National Guard.

NYPD officers salute as the hearse carrying the casket of NYPD officer Didarul Islam passes, following his funeral on July 31. - Yuki Iwamura/AP

An early test but more to come

An early test for Mamdani came after a mass shooting inside a Manhattan office building that left 5 people dead including an off-duty police officer who was working security in the lobby of the building. The incident unfolded while Mamdani was out of the country on vacation. After his return, Mamdani was quickly embraced by the fallen officers family days after distancing himself from previous comments that were critical of police.

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Bratton said Mamdanis proposal to task mental health professionals with responding to calls involving people in mental distress is a well-intended effort sure to come up against the citys massive bureaucracy and a spider-web of agencies and task forces already trying to tackle with the citys mental health crisis.

I am very supportive of the concept of intervention, said the former police commissioner. But how do you balance the idea of the need for police at some of these calls? Many of them dont need it, but they have to be available if they are needed.

Bratton, who has not met with Mamdani, believes any effort to significantly curtail quality of life enforcement by a potential Mamdani administration could undo a lot of the gains made in the past few years.

The only glimmer I see of positive light is that Mamdani is seeking to learn as de Blasio was at first, Bratton said. He tried to understand how to motivate cops, how to deal with crime and disorder at the same time.

Will he listen and who is he listening to? he said. Thats the question.

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The Uttarakhand State Emergency Centre has instructed the district magistrates of Dehradun, Uttarkashi, and Bageshwar to remain vigilant following a red warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for heavy rainfall on Saturday. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed the Disaster Management Secretary and the district magistrates to promptly carry out relief and rescue operations after a cloudburst hit Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and nearby districts. A statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said, "CM Dhami has directed the State Disaster Management Secretary and District Magistrates of the concerned districts to carry out rapid relief and rescue operations in the areas affected by the cloudburst in Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and other districts, and to make proper arrangements for disaster-affected people." The Chief Minister assured that the government stands with the people of the affected areas during this crisis. Earlier, satellite imagery from the Indian National Satellite-3D Repeat (INSAT 3DR) showed intense convection (a form of rising heat and moisture) over Jammu and Kashmir, parts of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Intense convection in some cases indicates the possibility of heavy rains and thunderstorms. IMD shared the satellite visuals on X, saying, "INSAT 3DR Satellite Infra-red imagery shows intense to very intense convection over Jammu & Kashmir, south-east Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, south-west Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, East Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, North Coastal Odisha, and North Coastal Andhra Pradesh." The IMD forecasted that heavy rainfall could continue in Uttarakhand, East Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and West Uttar Pradesh from August 30 to September 2, with isolated very heavy rainfall expected in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand during this period. The IMD also warned of a moderate to high flash flood risk in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, on Friday, Uttarakhand Police issued advisories for the Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts due to rising water levels in local rivers. In Chamoli, river levels had reached critical heights, prompting authorities to evacuate residents living near the riverbanks. Chamoli Police urged, "Your vigilance is your safety," and advised people to move to safer locations immediately. In Rudraprayag, the water levels of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers had also risen significantly. The police and administration urged the public to stay away from riverbanks and move to secure locations to avoid flood-related dangers. Rudraprayag Police said, "Due to continuous rainfall, the water levels of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers have risen significantly. The Rudraprayag Police and administration teams are informing the general public to avoid going near the riverbanks and to move to safe locations." (ANI)
Federal law enforcement agents, including with the U.S. Border Patrol, arrived at a site Wednesday afternoon to demand identification from private contracting crews fighting the Bear Gulch fire on the Olympic Peninsula. (Courtesy of fire crew)
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From Where I Sit: How do we greet new faces  with kindness or coldness?
"These people have reached the pinnacle of lowliness. Mithila is the land of Janaki Maa, and these people have tarnished the image of this place. Derogatory words were used about PM Modi's late mother, abuses and insults were hurled; these people have tarnished the entire land of Mithila," Saraogi said while speaking to ANI.

Targeting Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, Saraogi said, "Every single person in Mithila is angry... Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav should take out a 'Prayischit Yatra' instead of a 'Vote Adhikar Yatra'... These people have done all this to satisfy a particular section of society; the people of Mithila will never forget this insult..."

Meanwhile, Bihar BJP leaders staged a silent protest (maun dharna) at a Mahagathbandhan event in Darbhanga.

On Friday, police arrested the man accused of hurling abuses at PM Modi and his late mother during the INDIA bloc's Darbhanga rally, Darbhanga SSP told ANI earlier.

The arrest followed circulation of a video purportedly showing the accused directing abusive slurs at the Prime Minister, sparking a political row in poll-bound Bihar.

The controversy also led to clashes in Patna between BJP and Congress workers. Stones were pelted at the site as the BJP staged a protest against the Congress in front of the Congress office in Patna. (ANI)
Earlier today, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured that a solution would be found to the demand for reservation for the Maratha community, details below.
KCET Round 2 Final Seat Allotment Result 2025: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) released the KCET 2025 Round 2 mock seat allotment result on August 29, details below.
The discussion took place at the Tianjin State Guest House, where PM Oli had arrived to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai shared that the Prime Minister firmly opposed the deal, emphasising that Lipulekh Pass is an inseparable part of sovereign Nepal.
Ramya had lodged a police complaint against 43 social media accounts. The accused had even threatened Ramya with rape.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday participated in the seminar on "Swadeshi se Swavalamban" in Bhopal and administered an oath to those who attended the program to use Swadeshi products to remain connected with the spirit of Swadeshi. CM Yadav said that using Swadeshi products reflects affection for the country and is an expression of true national service. "Using Swadeshi products is love for the country and true national service...Today, I participated in the seminar on 'Swadeshi se Swavalamban' in Bhopal and administered an oath to always use Swadeshi products to remain connected with the spirit of Swadeshi. On this occasion, an MoU was exchanged between Jan Abhiyan Parishad and Swadeshi Jagran Manch," the CM wrote in a post on X. Speaking at the event, CM Yadav said that swadeshi products are not only products, but are a symbol of the national identity and heritage. The "Vocal for Local" campaign, started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a medium to further take the spirit of Indianness. Swadeshi products are not only stronger, more economical, and of better quality than foreign products, but also yield maximum benefits from their purchase. The Chief Minister also appealed to the people of the state that every Indian citizen should not only use Swadeshi products themselves, but also inspire those around them to do the same. This patriotism will strengthen the nation's economy, and the spirit of swadeshi is a straightforward path to genuine national service. He further said that under the leadership of PM Modi, various steps were being initiated by the Central Government towards building a self-reliant and prosperous India. "The maximum use of swadeshi products is love for the country and true national service. We all should increase the use of indigenous products in our lives and inspire others to do the same," he added. On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also exchanged between Jan Abhiyan Parishad and Swadishi Jagan Manch. (ANI)
The father of a deceased 13-year-old girl has filed an additional affidavit before a Delhi court, reiterating the allegations that his daughter was raped and murdered by her stepfather. Delhi police, in an earlier action taken report (ATR), had ruled out foul play and stated that the minor had died by suicide. The biological father has contested the submissions of the Delhi police, calling the ATR "utterly deficient" and "riddled with glaring omissions." Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Ayushi Saxena has listed the matter for further hearing. The additional affidavit filed on August 28, through Advocate Amita Sachdeva on behalf of the biological father of the deceased girl, denouncing the action taken report (ATR) as utterly deficient and riddled with glaring omissions, and blatantly failing to confront the grave allegations of cognizable offences, including murder, sexual assault, and tampering with evidence. The additional affidavit has also stated the ATR's conclusion of suicide is premature and unsupported by forensic evidence, necessitating immediate FIR registration and a comprehensive investigation under Section 194 BNSS, 2023, to uncover the truth and deliver justice. It is further stated that the circumstances and facts of the present case imperatively warrant the registration of an FIR and a thorough, uninhibited investigation. It is emphasised in the affidavit that the bare facts themselves are sufficient to indicate foul play, warranting a thorough investigation in order to secure justice for the departed soul at such a tender age. The case concerns a 13-year-old girl who was mentally and emotionally stable, performing well academically, with no signs of any psychological disorder, and with no history of depression, the affidavit said. Delhi police on August 7 filed an action taken report (ATR) in Karkardooma Court in a complaint of alleged rape and murder. Police in their report denied the allegations of rape and murder as levelled by the minor's father. The biological father of a minor girl has approached the court seeking registration of an FIR for rape, murder, sexual harassment, and other offences allegedly committed against his minor daughter years after conversion to Islam. On August 4, the court had asked for a status report from the SHO of Jagat Puri Police Station. Advocate Amita Sachdeva, counsel for the complainant, had told ANI that the police have denied the allegations. Police have said that the minor committed suicide, and a statement of witnesses was recorded. The complainant has stated that his wife had deserted him 8 years ago, alongwith her two minor children, including the minor son and minor daughter, deceased daughter. It is stated that she started living with a Muslim man and converted to Islam alongwith her two minor children. The complainant has alleged that his minor daughter had been subjected to sexual harrasment, physical assault, rape and murder by the man with whom her mother has been living. On the last date, it was submitted by counsel that the complainant came to know from one of his relatives about the alleged murder of his daughter. He visited the mortuary where the body was kept. He noticed the injuries on the body of his daughter, the plea alleged. It is further alleged that when he approached the accused, requesting him to hand over the body of his daughter so that he may perform the last rites as per Hindu rites. He was threatened with dire consequences and murder. Thereafter, the body was buried by the accused and his relatives, the complainant alleged. It is stated that he approached the SHO on July 31. He also sent an email to SHO and DCP, but no action was taken. He, now, has prayed the court to direct the SHO to register an FIR and to find out where the body of his daughter has been buried. (ANI)
BJP leader and Lok Sabha Mp Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday slammed TMC MP Mahua Moitra's reported remark about Union Home Minister Amit Shah, questioning whether she wanted to face another expulsion Prasad said, "Her statement is condemnable. Her membership has been revoked once. Now, will she want to repeat this again? She used such words against the country's home minister; what status do such people have? What kind of people does Mamata Banerjee have?" Mahua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December 2023 after the House accepted the recommendations of the Ethics Committee's probe report on cash-for-query charges against her. Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma chose not to react to TMC MP Mahua Moitra's reported remark about Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating that responding wouldn't benefit the country. After viewing the video of Moitra's comment, Sarma asserted that the video itself reflects her mindset, rendering further discussion unnecessary. "I think as a CM, I should not react to all the statements, particularly of certain people. This doesn't benefit the country in any manner. I saw that video yesterday; that video itself is the answer to her mindset. There is no use in speaking anything on it," CM Sarma said while addressing a press conference. Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker and BJP leader Numal Momin strongly condemned TMC MP Mahua Moitra's reported remarks and called for "exemplary action" against her. Momin said she belongs to an "uncultured, pro-Rohingya and pro-Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrator party" and accused their party of "destroying" the Bhartiya culture. Speaking to ANI, the Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker said, "We cannot expect more than this from Mahua Moitra. She belongs to an uncultured, pro-Rohingya and pro-Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrator party. Their party is destroying the Bhartiya culture. Their main agenda is to make West Bengal an Islamic state...The way she gave the statement against Amit Shah is very shameful. I strongly condemn her statement...Mahua Moitra should respect the chair..." TMC MP Mahua Moitra has reportedly said Union Home Minister Amit Shah's "head should be cut off" for failing to check the infiltration of illegal Bangladeshis into India. (ANI)
The two-day Regional Tourism Conclave held at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agriculture University in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district concluded on Saturday and MoUs worth Rs 3500 crores were signed. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highliged that the Gwalior Tourism Conclave was among the best Tourism Conclave held in the state so far. "I am satisfied that the Regional Tourism Conclave held in Gwalior district is the best tourism conclave held in the state so far. Here, MoUs worth more than Rs 3500 were signed. The two day tourism conclave held here for the first time after Independence was very good and along with this proposal for the renovation of music university and Jiwaji University were also received," CM Yadav said. He further said that the Indigo Company would carry out development works worth 100 crore rupees for Gwalior Fort from its CSR fund. "This conference has given a positive message for the development of heritage, forest, and religious tourism sectors, whose objective is to provide employment to local youth and promote the region's rich history on a global level," the CM added. Additionally, Madhya Pradesh assembly speaker Narendra Singh Tomar said that the Madhya Pradesh government was making numerous efforts for the all-round development of the state and job creation, which includes organising industry conclaves at various places in the district. "The state government is also making large-scale efforts to promote tourism, and in this regard, an Investor Summit was also organised in Bhopal in which the investment opportunities portfolio of the state was showcased. The state government is trying to reach the grassroot level as a result of which regional conferences are being held to showcase the ground picture so that more investors come to invest in Madhya Pradesh, which will increase employment opportunities and provide strength to the state economy. The conclave organised in the Gwalior Chambal region is quite fruitful and a huge number of investors participated in the event here," Tomar said. (ANI)
The Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh has strongly condemned the alleged assault and misbehaviour by the Deputy Commissioner of Chamba against members of the District Bar Association. The incident occurred while the advocates were addressing public issues, leading the Bar Council to pass a resolution demanding an immediate, impartial inquiry and strict action against the officials involved. The resolution, passed during an emergency virtual meeting on August 29, 2025, details that members of the District Bar Association had visited the Deputy Commissioner's office not in a professional capacity, but as concerned citizens. They were raising awareness about severe public hardships, including poor mobile connectivity, water scarcity, and electricity problems affecting local residents and pilgrims of the Mani Mahesh Yatra. According to the Bar Council, instead of responding responsibly, the Deputy Commissioner is alleged to have acted in a "high-handed and violent manner". The Council stated that such conduct is "wholly unbecoming of a senior administrative officer" and undermines the dignity of citizens while suppressing the voice of the people represented by the advocates. The Bar Council also condemned the inaction of the Superintendent of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and the Station House Officer of Chamba, who were present during the incident but allegedly failed to act in accordance with the law. The Council noted that the failure of these officers "undermines the sanctity of the Police Department," which is expected to protect the state's citizens. In its resolution, the Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh laid out a series of demands: An immediate impartial inquiry into the incident, strict disciplinary and penal action against the erring officers within ten days, and the Director General of Police must immediately register an FIR against the Deputy Commissioner. The Council has expressed its "full legal and moral support" to the District Bar Association of Chamba. It also stated that it reserves the right to undertake "State-wide protest measures" if proper action is not taken. The Bar Council emphasised that raising public concerns is a democratic right and any assault on citizens or advocates acting in this capacity is an "attack upon democracy itself". A copy of the resolution has been sent to the Chief Minister, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, the Chief Secretary, and the Director-General of Police for their necessary action. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu BJP Spokesperson ANS Prasad on Saturday slammed the state government, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, saying that DMK's opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a cynical ploy to stoke regional sentiments for electoral gains, the party said in a statement. He added that the government should emulate the Centre's effective administrative reforms under Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to revitalize the state's ailing school education system. According to the release, Prasad said that Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi must focus on creating a conducive learning environment in all villages and panchayats, ensuring students have access to clean, hygienic, and quality education. The BJP demands that Chief Minister Stalin abandon petty politics and prioritize the crumbling school education system. Former Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai has rightly highlighted this crisis, pointing to crumbling infrastructure, unchecked social conflicts, and a failure to prioritize equitable education for all. Government school enrollment has declined from 42.23% in 2023-2024 to 37.92% in 2025-2026, with 207 schools experiencing zero enrollment, resulting in closures, he added. He further said that Tamil-medium schools have seen a significant decline from 54% to 33%, as parents flock to private institutions offering English and multilingual curricula. The BJP spokesperson stated that crumbling infrastructure plagues government schools, with classes often conducted under trees or on terraces, thereby flouting Right to Education (RTE) norms for safe learning environments. Prasad added that teacher shortages are rampant, with over 5,000 part-time educators protesting for permanent roles and thousands of vacancies unfilled, breaching the 30:1 pupil-teacher ratio. Minister Poyyamozhi's focus on issuing self-congratulatory statements ignores these dire realities. Caste-based discrimination runs rampant, with 30% of Dalit and ST students enduring abuses, segregated meals, and forced tasks like toilet cleaning. Incidents like the 2023 Nanguneri attack and 2025 Thoothukudi billhook attack expose the DMK's failure to curb caste violence, violating the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Drug addiction among students fuels further violence, underscoring the DMK's failure to ensure safe schools, the BJP spokesperson said. The NEP promotes local languages, English, and global skills; yet, the DMK's State Education Policy (SEP) 2025 hypocritically adopts NEP elements, such as smart classrooms, while rejecting its transformative vision. This has cost Tamil Nadu Rs. 2,151 crore in Samagra Shiksha funds, depriving students of modern resources, he added. BJP spokesperson alleged that DMK policies favour private schools, some allegedly tied to party leaders, offering multilingual curricula, while government schools deny poor students equal opportunities. The discontinuation of LKG and UKG in many government schools limits foundational education, dismantling K. Kamarajar's legacy. Politically motivated curriculum content further alienates parents, forcing low-income families into debt for private schooling. The absence of self-discipline, confidence-building, and counselling programs for students with deficiencies undermines educational progress and mental health. Teachers often lack training to foster humanitarian values, which weakens government schools. The NEP offers robust frameworks for such initiatives, which Tamil Nadu must adopt, the statement read. Prasad said that Minister Poyyamozhi must abandon hollow rhetoric and undertake district-wise tours, engaging District Collectors and education officials to renovate dilapidated schools, ensure basic facilities, and streamline administration. Only through such action can the school education sector be revived. The BJP demands urgent reforms, including addressing infrastructure deficits, filling teacher vacancies, ensuring safe schools, and adopting the NEP's experiential learning and digital tools. The DMK's self-serving politics threaten Tamil Nadu's youth, and the BJP urges voters to hold them accountable in 2026 for an inclusive, equitable future. The future of Tamil Nadu's youth is at stake, and immediate action is necessary to restore the state's educational system to its former glory. The DMK's inaction and mismanagement have led to a catastrophic decline in government schools, and it's time for a change, said Tamil Nadu BJP Spokesperson. (ANI)
The INI Radiology Update 2025, organised by the Radiological Forum for Institutes of National Importance (INIs) in collaboration with AIIMS Guwahati, was inaugurated on Saturday. The conclave has brought together radiologists, clinicians, researchers and scientists from across India and abroad, including representatives from all AIIMS, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru, SCTIMST Thiruvananthapuram, SGPGIMS Lucknow and other leading government medical colleges. This academic gathering, held under the theme "Advancing Imaging & Interventional Radiology," seeks to promote collaboration and innovation in radiology and allied disciplines. The inauguration was graced by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India, as the Chief Guest, along with Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Puranik, Executive Director, AIIMS Guwahati; Prof. (Dr.) Shailesh B. Gaikwad, Chief, Cardiac-Neuro Centre, AIIMS New Delhi; Prof. (Dr.) Pranjal Phukan, AIIMS Guwahati; and senior radiologists from AIIMS Bhopal, Rishikesh, Raipur and other premier institutions. Addressing the gathering, Sonowal described the conclave as a landmark initiative that not only strengthens academic exchange but also reinforces India's vision of accessible and innovative healthcare. He congratulated AIIMS Guwahati and the organising committee for bringing together experts and young doctors from across the country, noting that the institution has positioned the Northeast as a rising hub of medical excellence. The Union Minister highlighted the transformation of India's healthcare sector since 2014, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He observed that the health system has been reshaped from infrastructure to access, from affordability to innovation. He spoke about the rapid expansion of the AIIMS network, noting that from only seven in 2014, India now has twenty-three, including AIIMS Guwahati, which has brought world-class healthcare to the doorstep of the people of the Northeast. He also referred to flagship reforms such as Ayushman Bharat-PM Jan Arogya Yojana, the world's largest health assurance scheme, which has provided financial protection to over 55 crore citizens and the Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, which, with more than 11,000 Kendras, has brought affordable medicines to millions of families. He underlined that medical education has also witnessed historic expansion, with the number of colleges and MBBS seats more than doubling in the last decade, thereby addressing the shortage of doctors and specialists. Sonowal emphasised that modern diagnostic facilities are being established across AIIMS and district hospitals to strengthen early detection and treatment of diseases such as cancer, stroke and cardiac conditions. He also stressed the government's focus on green and sustainable healthcare, citing AIIMS Guwahati as a model of eco-friendly hospital design that reflects a balance between progress and environmental care. He added that with improved connectivity, new medical institutions, and enhanced healthcare schemes, the Northeast is poised to emerge as a hub of Southeast Asia. Whether it is healthcare, culture, business or education, the region holds immense potential to become a centre of growth and collaboration. "Hospitals should not just be centres of treatment, but also centres of happiness and healing," he remarked. The three-day INI Radiology Update 2025 will feature lectures, panel discussions and workshops on recent innovations in imaging, interventional radiology and artificial intelligence applications in healthcare. The conclave is expected to lay the foundation for a future Radiological Association of INIs, promoting knowledge sharing, training, and collaboration across premier institutes in the country. (ANI)
Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) National General Secretary Sunil Bansal on Saturday said that India is the first nation to stand up against the United States, asserting that the country has made it clear that it will not bow down before US President Donald Trump. "For the first time, a country has stood up to the United States, and that country is India. India has made it clear that we will not bow down before Trump," Bansal said. He described India as a proud, self-reliant nation with a population of 1.4 billion, adding, "We will stand by this belief. This country will not bow down before any other nation. For the first time, India has sent this message." Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Bansal said that India has witnessed transformation over the past 11 years. "Under Modi Ji's leadership, we have seen India progress. Over the past 11 years, we have seen Prime Minister Modi being welcomed on red carpets by countries worldwide. For the first time, we saw slogans of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' being raised on American soil. Today, every nation wants to be friends with India," he said. Bansak also highlighted the success of the 'vocal for local' movement, saying, "As much as the US imposes tariffs, today, countries are equally ready to support India. The spirit of 'Swadeshi' is alive in this country. The result of campaigns is evident in the increasing sales of local products in India. These campaigns have created millions of jobs in the country today." The 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods imposed by the Donald Trump administration took effect on August 27, following a notice by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The move poses serious challenges for India's US-oriented exporters. According to an analysis by ICRIER, it exposes nearly 70 per cent of India's exports, worth USD 60.85 billion, to the elevated duties. US President Trump, who has on several occasions described India as a "tariff king," cited the trade deficit with India and New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment as reasons for the move. (ANI)
Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday slammed Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the INDIA bloc, saying that people will teach them a lesson. "They make wrong statements using abusive language. People will teach them an appropriate lesson at the appropriate time," Joshi told ANI. Labelling Rahul Gandhi and his allies in the INDIA bloc "desperate" for using abusive language, the Union Minister stated that former Congress president and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi should advise her son to "beg pardon". "It is most unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi and his entire gang have become totally desperate. In politics, everybody will fight to win the election. However, in India, a well-established system exists within the country. Since people do not like him, he cannot use abusive language in desperation, which is undignified. He cannot use the language against the mother of a PM," Joshi said. He further criticised Rahul Gandhi, calling him "immature and a part-time politician", and attacked Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra over her remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "As far as the PM is concerned, let them criticise him politically. But criticising in such a low language is highly condemnable. If at all Sonia Gandhi has some sense, as far as public life is concerned, she should advise her son, immature part-time politician Rahul Gandhi, to beg pardon and people may forgive him. Mahua Moitra also, what she has spoken about the HM," Joshi said. A massive political controversy has erupted 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. The BJP leaders have slammed the opposition for "lowering" the political standards. However, the opposition said that the BJP is "raising 'irrelevant' issues to distract from the crucial ones. Earlier in the day, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi stopped his car and tried to distribute candies (or toffees) to protestors showing him the black-flag over the alleged abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during the 'Voter Adhikaar Yatra' earlier in Bihar's Darbhanga. It was the members of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) who were protesting against Rahul Gandhi. Afterwards, the Rai Barelli MP stopped his car and tried to calm the protesters by offering candies. Gandhi held a roadshow, as part of opposition's Voter Adhikaar Yatra, where he was seen raising slogans against the alleged "vote theft" in the previous assembly elections. While speaking to ANI, Gandhi raised slogans, "Vote chor, gaddi chhodd." Earlier, the BJP and Congress workers clashed in Bihar's Patna on Friday over the alleged derogatory remarks against Prime Minister 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. Moreover, Darbhanga Police arrested the man accused of hurling abuses against PM Modi. Superintendent of Police (SP) 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." 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)
A Belgian court of appeals has once again denied bail to fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the multi-crore rupee Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case. The decision comes just days before his extradition hearing, scheduled for mid-September. Sources indicate that the court was persuaded by arguments from India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which emphasised Choksi's history of evading legal proceedings across multiple jurisdictions. The CBI submitted that if granted bail, Choksi posed a significant flight risk and could potentially flee to another country. Choksi was arrested in Belgium in April following a formal request from Indian authorities. He and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are the primary accused in the PNB fraud case, which involves fraudulent transactions. In addition to this case, Choksi is reportedly wanted in connection with several other unrelated bank fraud investigations. His Indian counsel, Vijay Aggarwal, was seen in Antwerp ahead of the bail hearing and visited Choksi in custody in April. Following the arrest, Aggarwal announced plans to appeal the court's decision, citing Choksi's deteriorating health and ongoing cancer treatment. "My client is currently in custody. We intend to file an appeal, stressing his medical condition and the fact that he poses no flight risk," Aggarwal told ANI. At a press conference in Delhi, Aggarwal outlined the defence's strategy to oppose extradition on two primary grounds: the politically motivated nature of the case and concerns over Choksi's medical treatment in India. He argued that extradition could violate Choksi's human rights due to inadequate healthcare and potential political harassment. Aggarwal emphasised that Choksi has not been officially declared a fugitive and has cooperated with Indian investigative agencies. He noted that Choksi has repeatedly offered to participate in investigations via video conferencing, citing his inability to travel due to health issues. "He is willing to join the investigation virtually. Several applications have been submitted to facilitate this, but his medical condition prevents him from returning to India," Aggarwal added. The defence also highlighted procedural requirements for extradition, including the issuance of non-bailable warrants dating back to 2018. Aggarwal referenced earlier failed extradition attempts from Dominica and noted that Choksi had been receiving cancer treatment in Antigua before travelling to Belgium. Choksi faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and falsification of accounts, as well as provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. These offences are also recognised as crimes under Belgian law, thereby enabling the application of the dual criminality clause of the extradition treaty in India's request for his extradition. Additionally, the CBI has cited the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) to strengthen its extradition plea. (ANI)
According to police, the crackdown was led by DCP (South) Rajrishi Raj Verma, as part of an ongoing effort to curb cybercrime.

Police seized ten computers, two laptops, 32 mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, 30 ATM cards, a cheque book, and cash worth Rs 2,35,000, all allegedly used in the racket.

The gang's leader, identified as history-sheeter Rakesh alias Honey, was among those arrested, officials said.

DCP Verma said law enforcement or government agencies never conduct inquiries over phone calls, but only through formal letters or summons.

"Any law enforcement or government agencies will not conduct inquiries over the phone; instead, they will send a formal letter or properly summon individuals. If there is any doubt about the authenticity of a call, link, or message received, individuals are advised to visit their nearest police station for guidance. In case of any incident, immediate reporting is crucial for further action," he said.

The officer also cautioned against the growing trend of risky acts for social media attention.

"The authorities monitor such activities and counsel individuals without criminal records to prevent future incidents, while taking stricter action against those who follow gangsters or antisocial elements. The message to youth is to choose achievers in various fields as role models, rather than gangsters or other criminal elements. The message to youth is to choose achievers in various fields as role models instead of gangsters or criminal elements," he added. (ANI)
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday extended strong support to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's "Voter Adhikar Yatra", calling it a movement to safeguard democratic rights in Bihar. Addressing a gathering, Akhilesh said the yatra had awakened the people of the state to the threat of their rights being "snatched away". "I congratulate Tejashwi ji for the yatra he carried out. He made the people of Bihar aware that their rights are being snatched away. I congratulate Tejashwi ji, Rahul Gandhi ji and the people of Bihar. This time harmony is going to win in Bihar. The people of Bihar will vote to build their future," Akhilesh declared. Praising Tejashwi's previous tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, Akhilesh highlighted his record on employment. Tejashwi ji has shown his work even before. And there was a time when he gave a record number of jobs, and employment was provided. Now, the youth of Bihar at least have this confidence that once the government is formed, Tejaswi ji will again provide them employment. When asked if Tejashwi Yadav will be the chief ministerial face for INDIA bloc, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says, "...Tejashwi ji has shown his work here. And when he was in the government here, the decisions he took, jobs were given. What better face can there be than this? I assure him that we will help him with all our experience." Launching a sharp attack on the BJP, Akhilesh questioned its electoral strategy."The Bharatiya Janata Party has come up with SIR. What can be crazier or a more crazy decision than this? They want to contest elections by sitting behind the Election Commission...The Election Commission has become 'Jugaad Commission'," Akhilesh Yadav said. Drawing a parallel with Uttar Pradesh, he said," we saw loot in Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP used to get 26-36 per cent votes... In UP, the people voted with awareness. I hope this time the people of Bihar will also wipe them out." August 30's Voter Adhikar Yatra is conducted from Chapra, Saran, to Arrah, Bhojpur. Covering over 1,300 km across 20 districts, the yatra is scheduled to conclude in Patna on September 1. The high-stakes Bihar assembly elections are expected later this year, although the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre and other authorities to appoint a woman candidate against one of the unfilled 20 Air Force flying vacancies. The order came on a petition filed by Archana, who had cleared the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination and was declared medically "fit to fly". She had approached the court seeking appointment against the unfilled posts, contending that though 90 vacancies were notified in May 2023, only two posts were earmarked for women and were filled, while 20 posts for male candidates remained unfilled. A division bench of Justice C Hari Shankar and Justice Om Prakash Shukla decided the petition in favour of petitioner Archana, and directed the authorities to appoint her in the Indian Air Force after hearing the counsel. The division bench directed the respondents to appoint the petitioner against one of the unfilled 20 Air Force Flying vacancies relating to the Examination Notification of 17 May 2023. "She would be entitled to be treated at par, for all service benefits, including seniority and other associated benefits, with the 70 male and two female candidates who have been selected and appointed," the division bench said in its order of August 25. Petitioner Archana moved a petition through Advocate Sahil Mongia. It was submitted that on 17 May 2023, the Union Public Service Commission issued an Examination Notice for conducting the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination for recruitment to various posts in the Armed Forces. The petitioner has successfully cleared the written examination held on 3 September 2023. On 2 April 2024, the Ministry of Defence issued a merit list of 699 candidates who had qualified for recruitment based on the NDA, following the written examination and interview. The High Court noted that one of the requirements for being eligible for appointment to the post of "Air Force (i) Flying" was a "Fit to Fly" certificate. Petitioner's counsel argued that despite 20 of the 90 vacancies, which were not earmarked for female candidates, remaining vacant, the petitioner was not offered an appointment. It was also argued that it was incumbent on the respondents to fill the said vacancies with eligible women candidates. As the petitioner was 7th in the merit list of women candidates after the two who had been selected against the two earmarked vacancies, she submits that she was entitled to be appointed. On the other hand, it was submitted on behalf of the Central government and other respondents that there were only two vacancies earmarked for women candidates in the notification dated 17 May 2023. It was also submitted that selections were being conducted not only for entry through the NDA but also through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). It was also submitted that admitting more women candidates consequent to the NDA, than were reserved for them, counsel submitted, would reduce the number of women candidates who were entitled to be appointed consequent to the AFCAT. After hearing submissions, the High Court said that the only requirement for candidates who desired to be appointed as "Air Force (i) Flying" was the possession of a Fit to Fly certificate. The petitioner unquestionably is in possession of such a certificate. The only ground on which the petitioner could be denied appointment is if there are no vacancies available to accommodate her. The High Court said, "We have already expressed our inability to agree with the contention that 90 vacancies in the Notification dated 17 May 2023 were reserved for male candidates." "Indeed, such a stipulation would also be contrary to the following recital in the notification, which has been boldly emphasised in the notification itself, which reads "Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply," the court said. (ANI)
Telangana BJP MLA Paidi Rakesh Reddy on Saturday refuted the allegations of Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of a shortage of urea and fertilisers for the farmers in the state and accused the Congress of selling the fertilisers on the black market. Paidi Rakesh Reddy said, "BRS and Congress are putting allegations on the central government, but the government has provided a substantial amount of urea. Before the harvest, we gave a buffer stock of 2.5 lakh bags of urea, and after that, 5.5 lakh tonnes and then when Telangana MPs met Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda, then within one hour, imported urea was released, but Congress sold it in the black market." BJP leader Payal Shankar said that the Central Government is ready to provide whatever help the state government requires. Payal Shankar said, "If there is no shortage of urea in the whole country, why would there be a shortage here? The Central Government is ready to provide whatever help the state government needs." Earlier, the BRS staged a symbolic "Urea Protest" at Gun Park, holding empty fertiliser bags to highlight the state-wide crisis. BRS Working President K T Rama Rao (KTR) slammed the Congress government, saying farmers are forced to stand in endless queues. KTR demanded a 15-day special Assembly session to debate farmer suicides, irrigation projects, and the fertiliser shortage. BRS legislators staged a dharna at the Agriculture Commissioner's office, demanding an immediate supply of urea and fertilisers. A representation letter was formally submitted to the Agriculture Commissioner outlining farmers' grievances. Later, BRS MLAs sat on a dharna at the Telangana Secretariat's main gate, intensifying their protest. Police arrested BRS legislators for protesting peacefully, drawing sharp condemnation from the party. BRS accused the Congress government of using the police force to silence elected representatives instead of solving the crisis. He alleged that over 600 farmers have died by suicide due to Congress's failure to manage agriculture. BRS vowed to continue its campaign, branding Congress's governance as a total collapse and betrayal of Telangana farmers. (ANI)
Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, highlighted India's transformation into an emerging hub for medical technology at the 17th CII Global MedTech Summit, themed "Innovating for a Healthier Future - Advancing MedTech for Global Impact: Make in India, Make for the World", in New Delhi. Addressing medical technology stakeholders at its opening plenary, Agrawal stated that, with India being home to the world's largest population and a rapidly growing economy, domestic demand for affordable and innovative healthcare solutions is expected to grow sustainably at double-digit rates over the coming decades. He emphasised that the MedTech sector's core mission must remain centred on patient well-being and on developing high-quality, cost-effective medical devices for both domestic and global markets. Agrawal noted that, post-COVID, India has successfully crossed a significant milestone in domestic manufacturing of advanced equipment, including MRI and CT scan machines, mammography units, ventilators, stents, heart valves, dialysis machines and a range of implant devices. He stated: "Products that seemed impossible for local production a decade ago are now manufactured in India, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities and innovation ecosystem." Highlighting the government's support for the sector, the Secretary referred to the three upcoming dedicated medical device parks, expected to be operational in the coming year, as well as planned support for their continued infrastructure upgrade and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Medical Devices, as major policy steps propelling the industry forward. Agrawal called for deep collaboration among innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to accelerate the journey of new ideas from the laboratory to the market, thereby strengthening India's global competitiveness. Expanding medical device park facilities, targeted policy initiatives like the PLI scheme and the Marginal Investment Scheme for backward integration, and the soon-to-be launched Rs.5,000 crore Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme would result in enhancing Indian MedTech sector's cost - competitiveness and production efficiency, deepening of the domestic value chain and creation of a strong innovation ecosystem. The Secretary said that these will enable India to not only meet its own requirements but also offer affordable, innovative healthcare solutions to the global North and South alike. "Countries worldwide now look to India not only as a market, but as a leader in healthcare innovation. We must believe in our own capabilities and intensify industry-government partnership to realise the full potential of the MedTech sector," said Agrawal. He stated that with ongoing economic reforms and international trade agreements, the sector will generate millions of new jobs while helping ensure accessible, high-quality healthcare for all. He concluded by inviting all stakeholders to contribute to shaping India's MedTech vision and called for collaborative and concerted efforts across the value chain -- in partnership with all stakeholders -- to realise India's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. (ANI)
The murder of a temple servant at Kalkaji Temple has led to criticism of the ruling BJP government, with opposition leaders blaming the government for the deteriorating law and order situation. Delhi Leader of Opposition and AAP leader Atishi accused the BJP-led administration of failing to maintain law and order and demanded the resignation of Delhi CM Rekha Gupta. "The brutal murder of temple servant Yogendra Singh at Kalkaji Temple has shown that law and order in Delhi is completely in shambles. Criminals have no fear of the police, because the BJP's 4-engine government has already failed. CM Rekha Gupta should resign immediately," she wrote on X. The victim, Yogendra Singh, was allegedly beaten to death on the evening of August 29 following an altercation over 'prasad'. CCTV footage of the incident shows him lying on the ground while at least three men attacked him with sticks. Police registered a murder case soon after and began pursuing the accused. On Saturday, Delhi Police confirmed the arrest of two more suspects, bringing the total number of accused in custody to three. "Mohan, alias Bhura, 19, and Kuldeep Bidhuri, 20, both residents of Churiya Mohalla, Tughlaqabad, have been arrested. Earlier, Atul Pandey, a resident of Dakshinpuri, originally from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested in the case," officials said. Earlier in the day, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also launched a scathing attack over its handling of law and order in the national capital following the murder incident. "Didn't the hands of these miscreants tremble before they brutally murdered the sevadar inside the Kalkaji Temple? If this isn't a failure of law and order, then what is it?" Kejriwal asked in a post on X. "The four engines of the BJP have brought Delhi to such a state that now such incidents are happening even in temples. Is anyone safe in Delhi or not?" he added. AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bhardwaj alleged that the Delhi police only intimidate and threaten the law-abiding public. "The situation in Delhi is getting worse by the day. The police are just busy with political tasks. The police only intimidate and threaten the law-abiding public. Thieves, goons, and gangsters have no fear of the police at all. They think everything can be managed with money. We are requesting time from the Police Commissioner," he said in a post on X. (ANI)
The West Bengal School Service Commission released the list of names of 1804 ineligible candidates after the Supreme Court directed it to publish the list of 'tainted' candidates in the cash-for-jobs scam. The commission released the roll number, serial number and name of the ineligible candidates. The West Bengal Central SSC in a notice said, "In compliance with the Order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India dated August 28, 2025 in the matter of SLP(C) No.23784/2025(BEJOY BISWAS & ORS. Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL & ORS.), the list of candidates as mentioned in the List 1 is attached below, who were selected, whose selection has been set aside by the Hon'ble High Court and confirmed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, is hereby published in the official website of the West Bengal Central School Service Commission in order to place the List of such tainted candidates in public domain." Earlier in July 14, SSC teachers who lost their jobs after the Calcutta High Court decision in 2024, launched a protest march 'Nabanno Abhiyan' in Howrah towards the Bengal Secretariat under the banner of 'Jogya Shikshak Shikshika Adhikar Mancha'. They lost their jobs following a Supreme Court judgment which held that the whole appointment process was tainted. The teachers who lost their jobs staged several protest against the Mamata Banerjee's government demanding justice. Around 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff in West Bengal lost their jobs because of alleged corruption in various examinations conducted by the state's School Service Commission. The bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar found that the West Bengal SSC's selection process was based on large-scale manipulations and fraud, and ordered the TMC government to initiate a fresh selection process. Earlier on April 3, the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision to quash the recruitment of more than 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff by the WBSSC in 2016 for the state-run and aided schools. The top court's verdict came on a petition filed by the West Bengal government that challenged an April 2022 order of the Calcutta High Court. (ANI)
Delhi police on Saturday detained several Bharatiya Janata Party workers and leaders protesting over the alleged derogatory remarks made about Prime Minister Modi and his late mother in Darbhanga during the "Voter Adhikar Rally". The Delhi Police used water cannons to disperse BJP leaders and workers during the protest. Earlier, during the day, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi stopped his car and tried to distribute candies (or toffees) to protestors showing him the black flag over the alleged abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother. It was the members of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) who were protesting against Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi held a roadshow as part of the opposition's Voter Adhikaar Yatra, during which he was seen raising slogans against alleged "vote theft" in the previous assembly elections. While speaking to ANI, Gandhi raised slogans, "Vote chor, gaddi chhodd." Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera said that the anger and sadness witnessed among people in the Voter Adhikaar Yatra were because they had been "deceived". "These are sentiments of anger and sadness. People have been deceived. So, they are expressing it," Khera said, adding, "I don't know how PM Modi will come here. There is immense protest here. Ministers are being chased out of villages. People will not forgive him, they want to punish him." Earlier, the BJP and Congress workers clashed in Bihar's Patna on Friday over the alleged derogatory remarks against Prime Minister 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. Moreover, Darbhanga Police arrested the man accused of hurling abuses against PM Modi. Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashok Kumar Chaudhary stated that a case has been registered and action will be taken against those found to be involved. A massive political row has erupted after a purported video on the internet showed the accused hurling abusive slurs against PM Modi, with BJP leaders slamming the opposition for "lowering" the political standards. However, the opposition said that the BJP is "raising 'irrelevant' issues to distract from the crucial ones. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday stated that the operational success of 'Operation Sindoor' was a story of the bravery of the armed forces, self-reliant India and the innovation of scientists and youth. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the inauguration ceremony of a new test facility of Raphe mPhibr in Noida. Rajnath Singh said, "During Operation Sindoor, we all saw that when resolve, courage, and science come together, the impossible becomes possible. Operation Sindoor, on one hand, is a story of the bravery of our armed forces, and on the other hand, it is also a story of self-reliant India and the innovation of our scientists and youth. I am proud that our armed forces have so swiftly adopted these tools made by our youth and our industries." He said that he was told that three products, developed in just 14 months through the collaboration between Raphe mPhibr and DRDO, were also included in Operation Sindoor. "This is a big achievement for any young entrepreneur. This is proof that India is no longer behind any country in terms of technology. In 2014, when the BJP government came to power, PM Modi gave emphasis on technological development and innovation in the defence sector. There were two roads. Either we depend on those companies that have been traditionally in the defence sector or move towards the path of innovation. We have adopted a balanced path. We have strengthened the capacity of big companies, and on other side invited start-ups and young innovators so that they can bring revolution in the defence sector with their new thinking and technology," he said. He further said that the Central government has started the Technology Development Fund, and given more assistance to DRDO and other organisations. Rajnath Singh praised the young workforce at Raphe mPhibr Pvt. Ltd in Noida on Saturday, highlighting their role in advancing India's defence sector. He assured that drones manufactured at the facility would be undetectable by any systems developed by the US or China. Speaking at the event, the Defence Minister said, "The youth here are playing a pivotal role in the creation of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Drones made in India will not be detectable by any systems developed in the US or China. The country's innovation and indigenous designs are advancing to new heights. This plant, which began with just 10 people in 2017, now employs over 600 scientists and engineers, making it one of India's most innovative aircraft manufacturing companies. Over 5,000 jobs will be created here." Rajnath Singh also commended the Noida unit for developing India's largest aero engine test bed, which has been dedicated to national service. He noted that Noida is playing a crucial role in housing significant innovations, from start-ups to high-tech manufacturing units. He said, "I had the opportunity to visit a plant here and observed state-of-the-art facilities, such as the engine test bed, metal additive manufacturing capabilities, furnaces that can reach 2800 degrees Celsius, an advanced composite polymer manufacturing centre, and precision-guided missile drones. These highly advanced and reliable technologies will significantly enhance India's defence capabilities." (ANI)
A special programme was organised on Saturday in Tripura with the primary focus of creating awareness of cybercrime among members of the media fraternity. Officials highlighted that if the media become well-informed about the growing menace of cybercrime, they can play a vital role in spreading awareness among the general public, thereby acting as strong allies in combating such crimes. Speakers pointed out that cybercrime is on the rise across the country and remains a borderless threat, where perpetrators can target victims from within India or abroad. "The only effective safeguard against such crimes is awareness. With proper knowledge, people can protect themselves both financially and emotionally from falling victim to cybercriminals," they stated. In Tripura, cases of cybercrime had been on the rise until 2024. However, due to sustained awareness drives and preventive measures, the trend has started to decline, something officials described as a "matter of satisfaction". Authorities outlined several initiatives undertaken in the state to curb the menace, including the establishment of a dedicated Cyber Police Station, specialised training for officers, and frequent awareness programmes for the public. Today's event was part of that ongoing effort to strengthen cyber safety. Tripura DGP Anurag, who was also present at the event, said, "Today's programme was mainly about creating awareness on cybercrime among the media. If the media fraternity becomes aware of this issue, they will be able to spread the message to the general public, and in that way, the media will become our allies. They have also assured us of their support." He also said, "Across the country, cybercrime is on the rise, and the most critical aspect is that it is borderless; perpetrators can victimise anyone from within the country or even from abroad. The only way to protect ourselves from such crimes is to be aware. With awareness, people can safeguard themselves financially and emotionally from falling victim to cybercrimes." Tripura DGP further added, "In Tripura, cybercrime was increasing until 2024. However, due to various awareness initiatives, the trend has now started to decline, which is a matter of satisfaction for us. To reduce cybercrime, we have taken several steps, including establishing a dedicated Cyber Police Station, providing training to our officers, and organising awareness programs for the public, one of which was today's program." (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his address at a Defence Conclave with the theme 'Warfare in the 21st Century' in New Delhi, stated that in today's era of terrorism, pandemics and regional conflicts, self-reliance in defence is not merely an option but a condition for survival and progress. It is not about protectionism; it is about sovereignty and national autonomy, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement, citing the Defence Minister. He highlighted that the conclave comes at a significant moment, with India's Armed Forces displaying valour through Operation Sindoor just months ago, while conflicts, trade wars and instability continue to shape the global landscape. Rajnath Singh underlined that the geopolitical shifts have shown the nation that dependence on others for defence is no longer an option. He added that the Government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has always believed that a self-reliant India alone can safeguard its strategic autonomy, the statement said. The Defence Minister stated that many developed nations are resorting to protectionist measures, with situations of trade war and tariff war becoming increasingly serious. He stressed that self-reliance in defence should not be confused with isolation. "This is not protectionism. It is about sovereignty. When a nation of youth, energy, technology and possibilities moves towards self-reliance, the world pauses and takes note. This is the strength that enables India to withstand global pressures and emerge stronger," he added. Rajnath Singh hailed Operation Sindoor as a shining example of India's growing indigenous defence capabilities. He said that the precise strikes carried out by the armed forces on their targets using indigenous equipment demonstrated that no mission can be successful without vision, long preparation and coordination, the statement added. "Operation Sindoor may appear to be a story of a war of a few days, India's victory and Pakistan's defeat, but years of strategic preparation and defence preparedness have played a long role behind it," he added. He underscored that India's forces, through years of hard work and reliance on indigenous equipment, executed the operation effectively and decisively. The Defence Minister described the Sudarshan Chakra Mission as a game-changing initiative for India's future security. Announced by the Prime Minister, the mission envisions providing complete aerial protection to critical locations across the country within the next decade, using both defensive and offensive technologies, the statement said. Citing lessons from Operation Sindoor, he underlined the growing importance of air defence in modern warfare. Rajnath Singh further mentioned that DRDO successfully tested an indigenous integrated air defence weapon system on August 23, 2025, which hit three targets simultaneously, marking the first step towards realising the Prime Minister's vision. He expressed confidence that although full implementation will take time, the Ministry of Defence has already moved decisively forward in this direction. (ANI)
Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested two sharpshooters of Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu - Venkat Garg Gang, after an exchange of fire in Sector 28, Rohini, officials said on Saturday. The police recovered two sophisticated automatic pistols (1 Glock 17 & 1 Star) along with seven live cartridges and four empty cartridges. Speaking to ANI, Adl CP Special Cell PS Kushwah said, "In the intervening night of 29-30 Aug a team of Special Cell apprehended 02 sharp shooters Harshdeep alias Ankit alias Nikki, aged 20 years resident of Chhota Kuddan, Ambala Cantt, Haryana and Naveen Dhiman, age 24 years, resident of Ward No. 12, Dhoop Singh Nagar, Panipat, Haryana, after a brief exchange of fire. Subsequently, 02 automatic pistols, 07 live & 04 empty cartridges were recovered from the accused. The accused were wanted in case of firing for extortion with a businessman registered at PS Chhawala, Delhi." Officials of Special Cell/Southern Range had credible input regarding the presence of Harshdeep alias Ankit alias Nikki and Naveen Dhiman in Rohini Sector 28. A team was formed to locate and apprehend the accused. Subsequently, specific information was received that Harshdeep, alias Ankit, alias Nikki, and Naveen Dhiman would be visiting Rohini Sector 28 in the intervening night of August 29- 30 to meet their associate. Accordingly, a trap was laid by the Special Cell team. Once the accused were spotted, they were signalled to stop and surrender. Upon finding themselves cornered, the accused opened fire on the police team without any provocation. The police team fired in self-defence, during which Harshdeep and Naveen Dhiman sustained gunshot injuries. Immediately, they were overpowered and rushed to Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, Rohini, Delhi, for treatment. A case dated 30.08.2025, under Sections 132/221/109(1) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)- 2023 and 25/27 Arms Act, was registered at PS Special Cell, New Delhi Accused Harshdeep was born in the year 2005 in Ambala Cantt., Haryana. The accused completed the 10th standard from a school in Ambala Cantt. He came into contact with Venkat Garg through social media. He was lured by the promise of a job in a foreign country, and hence he began committing crimes as part of the gang's activities. He was tasked by Kapil, also known as Nandu, to fire shots at the Chhawala premises of the target businessman. Accused Naveen Dhiman was born in the year 2001 in Panipat, Haryana. The accused completed B.Sc (Computer Science) from a college in Panipat. He is the maternal cousin of Harshdeep. He was lured by the promise of money, and hence he began committing crimes as part of the gang's activities. Forward and backwards linkages of this gang are being ascertained. (ANI)
Benedict Cumberbatch believes a successful marriage requires constant work.

Benedict Cumberbatch has been married since 2015

The 49-year-old actor stars alongside Olivia Colman in The Roses, a new comedy movie about a married couple experiencing relationship struggles, and Benedict has shared what he believes to be the key to a happy marriage.

The actor - who has been married to Sophie Hunter since 2015 - told the BBC: "Don't be complacent and keep the conversation between you going rather than thinking one of you is always right.

"It's also important to be tolerant, understanding and never stop working at it."

Benedict also revealed that he relished the experience of working with Olivia on the movie, observing that they have complementary acting styles.

The actor explained that they "get on incredibly well" and that Olivia knows hope to cope with his "faffing".

Speaking about their professional partnership, he said: "I fret, she doesn't faff, she's really patient with my fretting and I love her non-faffing. We really do get on incredibly well."

Benedict added that the "whole project was based selfishly on us wanting to work together".

Meanwhile, Benedict recently revealed that he refuses to be away from his family for more than two weeks at a time.

The actor explained 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 Sophie - also hates being away from his family for long periods of time.

The movie star 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."
They engaged in constructive discussions to enhance bilateral collaboration in the technology sector, with a special focus on skills advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation, cybersecurity, digital governance, and other emerging technologies, said the release.

Cabinet Minister Kharge welcomed Poland's role as the 'Partner Country' for the upcoming Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025, scheduled in November. Polish companies have expressed their eagerness to showcase their technological expertise and innovations at India's flagship technology event.

Minister Priyank Kharge said, "Poland has emerged as a dynamic hub for digital innovation, and we see immense potential in building strong partnerships across AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. With Poland as the Partner Country for Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, we look forward to co-creating solutions that not only serve our two nations but also contribute to the global technology ecosystem."

Minister Kharge also highlighted that this collaboration will lay the foundation for deeper India-Poland cooperation in technology and digital domains, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and future-ready solutions.

Priyank Kharge was accompanied by Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS), and other officers in the team, the release said. (ANI)
India and Japan on Friday adopted a joint vision titled "India - Japan Joint Vision for the Next Decade: Eight Directions to Steer the Special Strategic and Global Partnership" during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tokyo for the Annual Summit 2025 at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. The eight directions to steer the special strategic and global partnership include: Next Generation Economic Partnership, Next Generation Economic Security Partnership, Next Generation Mobility, Next Generation Ecological Legacies, Next Gen Technology and Innovation Partnership, Investing in Next Gen Health, Next Gen People-to-People Partnership, Next-Gen State-Prefecture Partnership. Under the next generation economic partnership, both countries, as per the joint vision agreed upon, are building on the progress made in the 2022-2026 target of JPY 5 trillion of public and private investment and financing from Japan to India and setting a new target of JPY 10 trillion of private investment. Strengthening India-Japan industrial cooperation for the "Make in India" initiative through the India-Japan Industrial Competitiveness Partnership (IJICP) to help upgrade product quality in India using high-quality products necessary for Japanese firms, the PMO release added. Under the Next Generation Economic Security Partnership, "Promoting India-Japan battery supply chain cooperation to foster a healthy battery market and ecosystem" was agreed upon. The joint declaration also saw the mention of High-speed rail systems, including "Make in India" next-generation rolling stock, functional signaling and operational control systems, seismic-proofing, AI-based maintenance and monitoring, energy transition in the railway sector, advanced metro rail systems and mass rapid transit systems, by building on the hitherto cooperation in railways. Under the Next Gen People-to-People Partnership, both countries agreed to launch an action Plan for India-Japan Human Resource Exchange and Cooperation that targets an exchange of more than 500,000 personnel in both directions in the next five years, including 50,000 skilled personnel and potential talents from India to Japan. The joint vision document also emphasised Investing in Next Gen Health to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). It identified cooperation between India's Ayushman Bharat and Japan's Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative, joint research in geriatric medicine, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, regenerative medicine, cancer treatment, and digital health. The PMO highlighted that the plan includes strengthening medical infrastructure, ensuring supply of medicines and equipment, promoting exchange of medical professionals, and establishing centres of excellence in Japan for yoga, meditation, ayurveda and holistic wellness with support from India's Ministry of AYUSH. The eighth direction, the Next-Gen State-Prefecture Partnership, underscored the role of Indian States and Japanese Prefectures in bilateral cooperation. The document proposed promoting new sister-city and state-prefecture ties, boosting direct flights between Indian and Japanese cities, strengthening SME and regional industry partnerships, and facilitating three delegation visits per year coordinated by the Ministries of External Affairs of both nations. Through these eight lines of effort, India and Japan said they aim to usher in a transformative phase of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership in the eighth decade of bilateral relations, bringing tangible benefits to future generations, the release stated. 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)
As one of the federal appeal courts in the US ruled that most of tariffs imposed by Trump administration are not accordance with the laws, US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) affirmed that all tariffs imposed on the countries will remain in effect, calling a recent ruling by a "highly Partisan Appeals Court" incorrect. . "ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong," Trump said. https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115114339832960282 The remarks of the US President came after a federal appeals court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorise a president to impose tariffs like the ones Trump used the law for earlier this year, the Federal Circuit said in an unsigned opinion upholding a lower-court ruling against Trump's tariffs, CNN reported. The judges noted that Trump's unprecedented tariffs are an overstep of his power because the ability to impose taxes, including tariffs, is "a core Congressional power" that the Constitution grants to the legislative branch, as per CNN. The US President warned that the country would no longer tolerate large trade deficits or unfair tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers imposed by other nations. "If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America," he added. Ahead of the Labor Day weekend, Trump emphasised the importance of tariffs in supporting American workers and companies. "We should all remember that TARIFFS are the best tool to help our Workers, and support Companies that produce great MADE IN AMERICA products." Trump criticised past administrations for allowing tariffs to be used against the US. "For many years, Tariffs were allowed to be used against us by our uncaring and unwise Politicians. 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," he concluded. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier indicated in June that tariff negotiations with the United States' trading partners could conclude by Labor Day, though the legal uncertainty now complicates that timeline, CNN reported. The White House defended the president's actions on Friday. Spokesperson Kush Desai said, "President Trump lawfully exercised the tariff powers granted to him by Congress to defend our national and economic security from foreign threats. The President's tariffs remain in effect, and we look forward to ultimate victory on this matter." On April 2, President Donald Trump announced a sweeping set of new tariffs targeting around sixty countries or trade blocs with significant trade deficits with the United States--marking the largest U.S. tariff hike in almost 100 years. He called the occasion "Liberation Day". Meanwhile, a recent report by American multinational investment bank and financial services company Jefferies stated that 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. 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. 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)
The Khyber district administration on Thursday directed all Afghan nationals to immediately acquire their national passports and conduct their businesses in accordance with the law, Dawn reported. The assistant commissioner of Landi Kotal, Afrasiyab Zubair, and additional assistant commissioner Shahabuddin held a meeting with local elders, informing them that Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards must also possess national passports stamped with valid Pakistani visas. Officials warned of legal action against violators after the August 31 deadline, Dawn added. Meanwhile, a Landi Kotal resident, Abu Bakar, accused Tehsildar Taimur Afridi of unlawfully detaining his brother, Hazrat Ali, over a monetary dispute. Addressing a press conference at Landi Kotal Press Club, he alleged, "Tehsildar Taimur Afridi fraudulently implicated my brother Hazrat Ali in a monetary dispute and held him in illegal detention after calling him to the local police station," according to Dawn. Abu Bakar further demanded that the deputy commissioner investigate the matter and take legal action against the tehsildar, stating that his family had no monetary dispute with him. As part of a broader strategy to repatriate illegal foreigners, Pakistan has formed a joint sub-committee (JSC) comprising police and intelligence officers to identify and profile Afghan nationals holding PoR cards, Dawn reported. The JSC will support operational teams in implementing the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP), linking individual compliance cases like that highlighted by Abu Bakar to the wider regulatory framework. The committee will include the District Officer of Rawalpindi Special Branch, Deputy Superintendent of Police Security Rawalpindi, SAFRON representatives, CTD and Intelligence Bureau officials, Dawn added. PoR card holders will be profiled through provincial and district formations, and real-time information on their locations will be shared with police for IFRP implementation. The government has outlined a strategy to expedite the voluntary return of PoR cardholders, while formal repatriation and deportation will commence from September 1, Dawn reported. Chief Secretaries, Inspector Generals of Police, and other authorities across Pakistan, including PoGB and Islamabad, have been instructed to facilitate returns without delay. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate with the Interim Afghan Government, UNHCR, and international partners if needed. NADRA will handle deregistration at transit and border points, while provincial governments will map PoR card holders, designate transit areas, arrange transport, and meet financial requirements. Control rooms at federal and provincial levels will be activated, including a grievance hotline via the National Crisis Information Management Cell (NCIMC), with progress monitored through the Foreign Nationals Security Dashboard (FNSD), Dawn reported. (ANI)
Former Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Sarna, welcomed the appointment of envoys by India and Canada, calling it a step towards normal diplomatic engagement. "That's moving towards some kind of normal engagement," Sarna told ANI. He highlighted the importance of having dedicated envoys, adding, "Appointment of High Commissioners is a good thing because then you have people who can be there and analyse and engage properly." Sarna described the move as an upgrade in diplomatic interactions, saying, "So, it's one step up in the engagement. It doesn't mean that you are giving up any of your basic issues or problems." He further emphasised the signalling effect of the appointments, stating, "But it's a diplomatic signal that you are willing to engage." Reflecting a similar perspective, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Thursday welcomed the appointment of a new High Commissioner to India, noting that it signifies Canada's gradual efforts to strengthen diplomatic engagement and deepen cooperation with New Delhi. "The appointment of a new High Commissioner reflects Canada's step-by-step approach to deepening diplomatic engagement and advancing bilateral cooperation with India," Anita Anand wrote on X. Calling it a significant step forward, she added, "This is an important development toward restoring services for Canadians while strengthening the bilateral relationship to support Canada's economy." Her remarks coincided with the announcement by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) that senior diplomat Dinesh K Patnaik, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to Canada. Patnaik has been serving as India's Ambassador to Spain since November 2021 and is expected to take up his new assignment shortly, the MEA said in a statement. His appointment comes as New Delhi and Ottawa seek to normalise diplomatic relations, nearly nine months after India withdrew its High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and several senior diplomats amid escalating bilateral tensions. In June, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had confirmed that both countries were working toward reinstating High Commissioners in each other's capitals. Diplomatic ties soured sharply last year after then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged "credible allegations" of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023, claims New Delhi strongly rejected as "absurd" and "motivated." In response, India recalled six diplomats, including its High Commissioner, and expelled six Canadian diplomats. Nijjar was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. With Mark Carney now serving as the Canadian Prime Minister after Trudeau's resignation, both countries appear to be taking steps to improve ties. According to MEA, PM Modi and PM Carney had a "key meeting" at the G7 Summit where they discussed ways to restore and strengthen the bilateral relationship. (ANI)
Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, on Saturday, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Governors of 16 prefectures in Tokyo. The MEA said that PM Modi highlighted the potential of greater collaboration in various sectors between India and Japan. In a post on X, the MEA said, "Taking greater strides in the steadfast India-Japan ties. PM Narendra Modi met with the Governors of 16 prefectures in Tokyo. PM highlighted the potential of states-prefectures collaboration and in this regard urged action under the State-Prefecture Partnership Initiative launched during 15th - Annual Summit for shared progress. Discussions focused on ways to further deepen the growing partnerships between Indian states and Japanese prefectures in the fields of technology, innovation, investment, skills, start-ups and SMEs." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1961601630262145195 India and Japan on Friday adopted a joint vision titled "India - Japan Joint Vision for the Next Decade: Eight Directions to Steer the Special Strategic and Global Partnership" during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tokyo for the Annual Summit 2025 at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. The eight directions to steer the special strategic and global partnership include: Next Generation Economic Partnership, Next Generation Economic Security Partnership, Next Generation Mobility, Next Generation Ecological Legacies, Next Gen Technology and Innovation Partnership, Investing in Next Gen Health, Next Gen People-to-People Partnership, Next-Gen State-Prefecture Partnership. Under the next generation economic partnership, both countries, as per the joint vision agreed upon, are building on the progress made in the 2022-2026 target of JPY 5 trillion of public and private investment and financing from Japan to India and setting a new target of JPY 10 trillion of private investment. Strengthening India-Japan industrial cooperation for the "Make in India" initiative through the India-Japan Industrial Competitiveness Partnership (IJICP) to help upgrade product quality in India using high-quality products necessary for Japanese firms, the PMO release added. Under the Next Generation Economic Security Partnership, "Promoting India-Japan battery supply chain cooperation to foster a healthy battery market and ecosystem" was agreed upon. (ANI)
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli departed for a five-day visit to China on Saturday morning for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025. Oli, leading a delegation from Nepal, departed from the VVIP terminal of the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for a five-day visit to China's Tianjin. The troupe of the Nepal Army and the musical band of the Nepal Police gave a guard of honour as the Prime Minister departed for the entourage of the Northern neighbour. During the visit to Tianjin, the Nepali Prime Minister will hold a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with other state leaders. In his address ahead of the visit on Friday, the Prime Minister laid out details of his bilateral engagements during the Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and its sidelines, where he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, among other leaders from various countries. But the Nepali Prime Minister didn't mention the meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi, in the wake of the recent India-China agreement on reopening a trade route through the Lipulekh pass. Following the India-China agreement on Lipulekh, signed in New Delhi on August 18, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press statement on August 20. It reaffirmed that the official map of Nepal, as incorporated in the Constitution of Nepal, includes Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani--located east of the Mahakali river--as integral parts of Nepal. On the same day, the Indian External Affairs Ministry issued a statement asserting that border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh pass commenced in 1954 and has been ongoing for decades. This trade had been disrupted in recent years due to the Covid pandemic and other developments, and both sides have now agreed to resume it, it said. Oli, in his address on Friday, apprised the parliament that "the main objective of the China visit is to participate in the SCO Summit being held in the city of Tianjin." Established in 2001, SCO has now developed into one of the world's largest regional organisations. Its full member states include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. Belarus, Afghanistan and Mongolia are observer states. Along with Nepal, countries such as Turkey, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the Maldives, Myanmar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates are dialogue partners of the SCO. "Nepal has been a dialogue partner of the organisation since 2016. Our goal is to enhance Nepal's level of participation in the organisation, clearly present Nepal's perspectives and priorities on contemporary regional and international matters, and promote Nepal's national interests by gaining maximum benefit from the engagement," the prime minister told parliament on Friday. According to Oli, so far, bilateral meetings have been confirmed with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. On September 1, Oli and the Nepali delegation will participate in the SCO Plus Summit, to be held in Tianjin, where he is scheduled to deliver an address. The prime minister's delegation includes his spouse Radhika Shakya; former deputy prime minister and lawmaker Purna Bahadur Khadka; Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant; Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey; former Minister and Economic and Development Advisor to the Prime Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada; and lawmaker Chhabilal Bishwakarma, along with senior government officials. During his five-day visit to China, the Nepali "Prime Minister will also participate in commemorative events to be organised in Beijing to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on 3 September," a release from Nepal's Foreign Minister had announced. China has invited Nepal as a dialogue partner nation since 2016, where the Himalayan Nation is seeking an upgrade to either observer or full member status. However, geopolitical complexities have hindered this effort. Full membership would ensure the Nepali Prime Minister's participation in every summit of this major regional bloc and facilitate direct access to leaders from China, Russia, India, Iran, and Central Asian nations. The Nepali Prime Minister is flying to Tianjin on a chartered flight of Himalaya Airlines, and will thereafter attend the summit from August 31 to September 1. He will travel to Beijing on the evening of September 1 or the morning of September 2. This is Oli's second visit to China since becoming prime minister for the fourth time in July last year. Earlier, Oli went on an official visit to China from December 2 to 5, 2024. (ANI)
COAS General Upendra Dwivedi paid solemn tribute at the Martyrs' Memorial in Algeria's capital on Friday and also visited the Army museum, which showcased the rich military history and valour of the people. The details were shared by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Indian Army. In a post on X, it said, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS laid a wreath at Makam Echahid (Martyrs' Memorial), Algiers, as a solemn tribute to the indomitable spirit & supreme sacrifice of Algerians in their War of Independence. The #COAS also visited the Central Army Museum at the memorial complex, which showcases Algeria's rich military history and the valour of its people in their struggle for freedom. The visit stands as a testament to the shared values of courage, sacrifice and freedom of both countries." https://x.com/adgpi/status/1961227328278913432 On Thursday, the COAS had called on General Said Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence & Chief of Staff of the People's National Army of Algeria in the presence of the Indian Ambassador to Algeria, Dr Swati Vijay Kulkarni. The leaders held discussions on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation between India and Algeria. The ADG PI wrote on X, "The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral Defence Cooperation, exploring avenues for deeper engagement and strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Algeria." https://x.com/adgpi/status/1961050425161122286 During his visit to Algeria, the COAS also visited the School of Command and Major Staff in Tamentfoust, Algeria, where he was briefed on the institution's role in training mid-level officers for staff and higher command responsibilities, the Indian Army said in an official statement. He also paid a visit to Cherchell Military Academy in Algeria and was briefed on the Academy's role in preparing cadets for leadership roles. During his official visit, COAS General Dwivedi reviewed the Guard of Honour and held discussions on further strengthening bilateral defence ties between India and Algeria. He also interacted with Lieutenant General Mostefa SMAALI, Commander of the Land Forces of Algeria, to discuss enhancing defence cooperation. The visit comes close on the heels of recent visits by the President of India and the Chief of Defence Staff, underlining the importance accorded to strengthening India-Algeria relations, as per an official statement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). As a precursor to the visit, Indian defence industries had showcased their capabilities at the Defence Seminar in Algiers from July 30 to August 01, laying the foundation for defence industry and technology collaboration, the MoD statement added. Notably, this is General Upendra Dwivedi's first overseas visit after the triumph in Operation Sindoor, underscoring the Army's growing role in strengthening India's strategic engagements abroad. (ANI)
Ukraine destroyed two bridges inside Russian territory with the use of cheap drones to precisely target stockpiles of mines and ammunition hidden there by Russian forces, CNN reported. According to the Ukrainian military, the two bridges--located close to the border with Ukraine's Kharkiv region--were being used by Russia to resupply its troops. The bridges were mined by the Russian forces because of their strategic importance, allowing them the option of blowing them up in the event of a sudden Ukrainian advance. It is a common wartime tactic for militaries under pressure to demolish their own infrastructure--bridges, highways, and other key routes--to block enemy movement. Ukraine itself carried out such measures in the opening days of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, when it destroyed bridges on the approaches to Kyiv, slowing the Russian advance and defending the capital. In this case, Ukrainian forces discovered the Russian stashes of mines and turned that knowledge to their advantage, CNN reported. The operation was conducted by Ukraine's 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade, which told CNN that its soldiers became suspicious after noticing unusual activity around one of the bridges. "It became clear that something was going on there. We couldn't fly a regular reconnaissance drone under the bridge because the signal would simply disappear, so we flew in with a first-person-view drone equipped with fiber optics," a brigade representative told CNN. Drone footage shows the device approaching the bridge, revealing a large pile of anti-tank mines and other munitions. A piece of fabric that appears to have been covering the stash is seen tossed to the side. "We saw the mines, and we struck," the brigade member said. The recording cuts off as the drone crashes into the explosives, triggering a massive blast. Separate footage, filmed from a distance, captures the explosion. CNN confirmed the location of the bridge as being in Russia's Belgorod region, near the Ukrainian border. "After that, we decided to check the other bridge. We found it was also mined and we struck," the brigade representative explained, adding: "(We) saw an opportunity and took it." The demolition of the two bridges--and the unconventional method used--marks a rare success story for Kyiv. Ukraine is currently grappling with mounting pressure along the frontlines, where Russian forces are slowly pushing forward while President Vladimir Putin continues to stall any ceasefire negotiations. Meanwhile, Moscow maintains its offensive on Ukrainian cities, carrying out near-daily airstrikes that have killed civilians and devastated infrastructure across the country. (ANI)
India and Bangladesh, the two neighbours who can transform South Asia, are destined to work together, said Professor Sreeradha Datta of Jindal School of International Affairs, India's first global policy school. Datta is visiting Bangladesh to participate in a two-day Bengal Delta Conference 2025, in Dhaka, which began on Friday, hosted by the Dacca Institute of Research and Analytics (Daira), an emerging Bangladesh-based research institute, under the theme: "Bangladesh at the Crossroads: Rethinking Politics, Economy and Geopolitical Strategy". The conference convenes leading academics, policy experts, civil society representatives, and political stakeholders to critically examine the prevailing circumstances, the organisers said. Professor Sreeradha Datta presented a keynote paper on India-Bangladesh relations. "I have come here basically to participate in this Bengal Delta Conference. It's a new, youth-led group, which I am always happy to support. I believe Bangladesh has done well for itself over the years due to its youth and young leadership. So, I am very happy to see a conference like that, and I am happy, as you know, the 2024 uprising and the role students played, it's remarkable", Datta exclusively told ANI. She described the India-Bangladesh relationship at this point in time in "sleep mode" after a strong partnership in the last 15 years. But she hoped that it would return on track after the next general elections in Bangladesh, expected to be held in February next year. "India and Bangladesh, especially India, I would say, are in a sleep mode just now. I think India is in a state of shock. They never thought that something as drastic could happen. But that's how reality is, and international relations are very dynamic, so things will have to move on", she said. "The way I see it, I don't know really because we do not have any official confirmation or anything like that, but I hope India-Bangladesh will get on track post elections. I do, and I said just now my keynote here, I think, India and Bangladesh are destined to work together. These two neighbours can do so much for the region that nobody else can. I don't think there is any question about the fact that India and Bangladesh work together. I suppose it will only happen once elections are held and both of them, as I said, learn to be honest with each other and engage in a meaningful dialogue, not just for the people... I think all of us give .... and actually, work for the people of both sides", she added. Sreeradha Datta expressed optimism about both nations working together after the elections in Bangladesh. However, she added that it will depend on the fairness of the polls. "As I said, I think as soon as the elections happen and once a kind of serious attempt has been made about the election, there will be an occasion for India and Bangladesh to work together. However, it is all subject to free and fair elections being held. I believe Bangladesh is well-equipped to conduct free and fair democratic elections. Once that happens, we will see the result. I hope that, as I mentioned, we have no official confirmation regarding India. I think no one in India can disagree that Bangladesh is an important neighbour. Bangladesh and India will certainly work together again", Datta said. Replying to a question whether Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in India could make block improving relations, she said, "It may be, but I think Bangladesh will need to go beyond it. You know we will have to look at issues beyond that. It is quite understood that for India, Sheikh Hasina is a very dear friend. They will ensure she is kept safe. I don't think that can be a condition between India and Bangladesh. I am sure Bangladesh is also mature enough to handle that particular aspect of the relationship. They can build a good relationship despite Sheikh Hasina being in India. I think that something they accept and move on". Replying to a question about the minority issues, Datta said a certain section of the media wants to amplify the problem, emphasising that the violence against the Hindu minority is not new in Bangladesh. "You know, I've just been here twice since the uprising took place. But the Hindu minority and violence are not new to Bangladesh. This has been happening for the last 15 years. I have written about this, I have spoken about this. It's a different matter. At this point, a certain section of the media seeks to amplify the problem. The problem always exists in Bangladesh. At this point, I think the problem was not so much about the religion itself, but rather particular individual cases that were targeted, as religion is a factor in this context. I will provide a reference to a small project I worked on in the Sundarbans, where every household had a daughter-in-law who was from the Bangladesh side. Every child, every family told me that whenever their daughter is 15 years old or 16 years old, they want to give their daughter to India because they feel they are not physically safe. That has always been the case. We have seen now that everybody is under the impression that, rightly or wrongly, the minority was given security by the Awami League. Once the Awami League was gone, they had to live; they became an easy target for the opposition. But Hindus being a target in Bangladesh is not new". Speaking about Bangladesh's increased interaction with Pakistan, Datta emphasised that Islamabad has nothing to offer Dhaka, either economically or politically, and expressed faith in our neighbour in the east to take a path that is fruitful for them. "You know what Pakistan has to offer to Bangladesh. I mean, I have very much doubt that. You know this is a kind of photo shoot that is happening. Pakistan would love it. Pakistan would love to convey to the whole world that. Even though you took a vote in this room, I think everybody will see who Pakistan is; you don't care. Because Pakistan economically can't be of any help, politically, they are so insignificant. I think Bangladesh has gone far beyond, grown far mature. So there is no comparison. But, yes, at this point in time, I think Pakistan has found a kind of political closeness to Bangladesh, which they also tried earlier. It is not new. Once again, I have a great deal of faith in Bangladesh. I know they will only take a path and decide on a particular bilateral relationship when some reasons and factors are beneficial to them, not just because of some rhetoric and political conspiracy theories. I just feel that right now, too much is made of the relationship. It is too early to comment really. But I am not very convinced that it's a very strong bond that has been created between Pakistan and Bangladesh," she said. Despite many challenges in the relationship between India and Bangladesh, Sreeradha Datta was hopeful to reset the relationship with fresh eyes. "You know, I am just very upbeat about India and Bangladesh. As I mentioned, they don't seem to be working too well for several reasons. But India and Bangladesh are two neighbours who can transform South Asia, and why will the leadership give away that chance? I just feel that the relationship needs to be reset right now. They need to look at each other with fresh eyes, go beyond the historical... of course, learn from the history, not to ignore history, but maximise the potential that both can offer each other," Datta said. "I guess, India needs to listen to Bangladesh, hear what they want. Similarly, I think that Bangladesh, if it recognises and considers Sheikh Hasina, and keeps India's national interest and security parameters in the proper frame, will find that Bangladesh and India have a lot to work on. I am very positive that sometime soon we will see a much better relationship than what we see just now", she added. India-Bangladesh relations have taken a hit after the former PM Sheikh Hasina was ousted in 2024 by a student-led uprising. She fled to India, and an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Laureate. (ANI)
Kate Cassidy "would give up years of [her] life" to spend more time with Liam Payne.

Liam Payne passed away in October 2024

The former One Direction star died in October 2024, aged 31, after falling from a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, and Kate, his former girlfriend, has now taken to Instagram to post a birthday message to Liam.

Kate - who dated Liam from October 2022 until his death - wrote: "My dearest Liam,

"It breaks my heart being that I cant hand you a physical birthday card today. That I cant hear your laugh, or tell you all the things I wish Id said a thousand more times.

"Ive been struggling to find the right words, but Ill start with the most obvious, happy birthday.

"Today, you would have been 32. In your 31 years here on this earth you brought so much joy, happiness and hope to so many- especially to me.

"I hope you know how brightly you still shine, even from up there.

"I would give up years of my life just to give you a few more. I miss making memories with you. I miss having things to look forward to together.

"But today, my birthday gift to you is my strength.

"I promise you I will celebrate you extra today, honor your life, and cherish the beautiful times weve had. August 29th will be a date that sits in my heart for the rest of my life. I love you so much.

"Yours, Katelyn (sic)"

Kate's post also featured a series of photographs of herself and Liam together.

In February, Kate admitted that she still struggling to come to terms with Liam's passing.

The 26-year-old star revealed that she was thinking about Liam "every second of every day" and that his death still didn't feel "fully real".

She told The Sun newspaper at the time: "I feel like my life has changed so much and I think about Liam every second of every day. It still doesn't feel fully real for me that he's not here. Sometimes I'll wake up and it's a reality I have to face for the rest of my life."
After a federal appeals court ruled President Donald Trump's tariffs "illegal," Democrat Representative Gregory Meeks urged Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, to take up his resolution to end tariffs. Noting the court judgment that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not allow Trump to impose tariffs, Gregory Meeks said that Speaker Johnson must stop covering for "Trump's lawlessness." "Both trial & appellate courts told Trump his tariffs are illegal, as I argued in amicus briefs with my colleagues. IEEPA's not a tariff statute. Speaker Johnson must stop covering for Trump's lawlessness & put my resolutions on the floor to end the tariffs." Gregory Meeks said. https://x.com/HouseForeign/status/1961594329400476025 The statement comes after a federal appeals court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorise a president to impose tariffs like the ones Trump used the law for earlier this year, the Federal Circuit said in an unsigned opinion upholding a lower-court ruling against Trump's tariffs. The judges noted that Trump's unprecedented tariffs are an overstep of his power because the ability to impose taxes, including tariffs, is "a core Congressional power" that the Constitution grants to the legislative branch, as per CNN. Following the court's ruling, Donald Trump affirmed that all tariffs imposed on the countries will remain in effect, calling a recent ruling by a "highly Partisan Appeals Court" incorrect. "ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today, a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong," Trump said. On April 2, President Donald Trump announced a sweeping set of new tariffs targeting around 60 countries or trade blocs with significant trade deficits with the United States, marking the largest US tariff hike in almost 100 years. He called the occasion "Liberation Day". India has also been on the receiving end, with 25 per cent tariffs imposed on its goods and another 25 per cent penalty for purchasing Russian crude oil, taking the total to a staggering 50 per cent. Meanwhile, a recent report by American multinational investment bank and financial services company Jefferies stated that 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. 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. (ANI)
The 'Emerging Leaders Panel Discussion' under the aegis of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) was successfully held at Southern Naval Command, Indian Navy's 'Emerging Leaders Panel Discussion' sees participation from 19 countries , from August 27-28, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement on Friday. As per the Ministry of Defence, the event brought together delegates from 19-member countries, thereby providing an inclusive platform for young naval leaders to exchange ideas, share experiences, and deliberate on the future of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, delivered the Keynote address, hence setting the stage for thought-provoking discussions. His address underlined the Indian Navy's commitment to fostering dialogue, mutual trust, and cooperative security across the Indian Ocean Region. The two-day event included four thematic sessions. The opening session examined the Strategic Importance of the Indian Ocean Region and the Challenges faced from the Perspective of Young Officers. It highlighted key issues in safeguarding IOR, maritime trade security, climate impact, and geopolitical dynamics while also capturing the innovative perspectives of young officers on how these challenges might be addressed, the statement observed. In addition to the panel discussions, cultural and social interactions were conducted that allowed participants to experience Kerala's maritime heritage while building personal camaraderie. Blend of professional dialogue and informal engagement enriched the overall exchange of ideas. The two-day discussions concluded with a strong consensus on enhancing maritime domain awareness, technological partnerships, and shared training initiatives. Delegates reaffirmed IONS's role as a voluntary, inclusive initiative dedicated to strengthening collective maritime security through dialogue and collaboration, the statement highlighted. Sharing the details in a post on X, the Indian Navy said, " 'Emerging Leaders Panel Discussion' under the aegis of IONS conducted at Southern Naval Command from 27-28 Aug 25. The event brought together delegates from 19 member countries, providing an inclusive platform for young Naval leaders to exchange ideas, share experiences and deliberate on the future of maritime cooperation in IOR. VAdmV Srinivas FOCINC SNC in his keynote address underlined Indian Navy's commitment to fostering dialogue, mutual trust and cooperative security across IOR." https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1961423245321933310 The Emerging Leaders Panel Discussions, thus concluded with all member nations renewing their commitment to work together for peace, prosperity and security in the Indian Ocean Region. (ANI)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that the US would not issue visas to Palestinian officials to bar them from attending the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York next month. According to a statement by the US Department of State, the visa ban applies to officials from the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organisation who are not based at the Palestinian mission to the UN. "In accordance with US law, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (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," read the statement. The statement said that the Palestinian Authority must end its affiliation with terrorism and must condemn the same. "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 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. Both steps materially contributed to Hamas's refusal to release its hostages, and to the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire talks," added the statement. The statement further stated that the Palestinian mission will receive waivers as per the UN Agreement, but it must adhere to US laws. "The PA Mission to the UN will receive waivers per the UN Headquarters Agreement. The United States remains open to re-engagement that is consistent with our laws, should the PA/PLO 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 statement added. The Trump administration had previously sanctioned members of the PA and PLO, accusing them of the "glorification of violence" and "undermining peace", as per Al Jazeera. It was not immediately clear which officials the denials would apply to, as UN members and non-member observers, such as Palestine, typically send large delegations to the UNGA, Al Jazeera reported. Palestinian Authority Mission to the UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour stated that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas plans to attend the UN gathering next month, which is scheduled to include a segment on September 22 dedicated to Palestinian rights. Mansour said it was unclear whether the US move would affect Abbas's planned visit, as reported by Al Jazeera. (ANI)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken a firm stance against the "discriminatory" sanctions imposed by the US and the European Union on Moscow amid the war against Ukraine. In an interview with the Xinhua News Agency ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Putin stated that Russia and China share a common stance against discriminatory sanctions that hinder the socioeconomic development of BRICS members and the world at large. Ahead of the SCO summit, Putin emphasised that Russia and China relations have reached an "unprecedented level," noting that bilateral trade with Moscow's leading partner has grown by about USD 100 billion since 2021. "In terms of trade volume, China is by far Russia's leading partner, while last year Russia ranked fifth among China's foreign trade partners," Putin told Xinhua news agency, adding that transactions between Russia and China are almost completely carried out in rubles and yuan. Putin also reaffirmed that China remains its leading importer of oil and gas, adding that the two sides continue their joint efforts to reduce bilateral trade barriers. The Russian President hoped that the summit would strengthen SCO's capacity to respond to contemporary challenges and threats and help in "shaping a fairer multiple world order." "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," Putin 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. Speaking about BRICS, Putin said that Russia and China are paying special attention to mobilising additional resources for critical infrastructure projects, and stand united in strengthening BRICS' ability to address pressing global challenges. Russian President Putin will attend the SCO Summit in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1. PM Modi will also travel to the China-SCO Summit in Tianjin after concluding his visit to Japan. During his visit to China, PM Modi will hold two crucial bilateral meetings, one with the Chinese Premier Xi Jinping and one with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba paid a visit to the Tokyo Electron Factory, and interacted with top officials of the company on Saturday. Sharing the details of his visit in a post on X, PM Modi highlighted that along with PM Ishiba, he went to the Training Room and Production Innovation Lab. "PM Ishiba and I visited the Tokyo Electron Factory. We went to the Training Room, Production Innovation Lab and interacted with top officials of the company. The semiconductor sector is a key area for India-Japan cooperation. In the last few years, India has made many strides in this sector. A lot of youngsters are getting associated with it as well. We seek to continue this momentum in the times to come." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1961674153510965707 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Sendai on Saturday morning, where he was greeted with great fervour by the locals and Indian community members upon his arrival. People from all walks of life erupted into joyous chants to welcome PM Modi by saying, "Welcome to Japan, Modi San!" Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said that the gesture of both PMs travelling together symbolises the warmth of the India-Japan friendship. "A journey of friendship and progress. In a unique gesture symbolising the warmth of the India-Japan friendship, PM Narendra Modi and PM Shigeru Ishiba travelled together to Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, on the Shinkansen," Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. He is on a two-day official visit to Japan for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The semiconductor facility, located near Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, is being developed by Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) in collaboration with SBI Holdings and Japanese partners under the joint venture Japan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (JSMC). Situated in the Second Northern Sendai Central Industrial Park in Ohira Village, the plant represents one of Japan's largest efforts to revive its domestic chip-making industry. Economic security is a key pillar of India-Japan cooperation, covering semiconductors, AI, critical minerals, and clean energy. For India, deeper collaboration in these sectors provides access to advanced technology, enhances supply-chain resilience, and opens up investment opportunities, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked for China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit after concluding his visit to Japan. The Summit is crucial for India, as it comes after the US's 50 per cent tariffs took effect. Of these, a 25 per cent tariff was imposed on New Delhi for buying Russian crude oil. Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with the host, Chinese President Xi Jinping, will also be attending the summit. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, informed that PM has emplaned for China, "A highly productive visit to Japan concludes. It has charted the way forward for deeper India-Japan cooperation. PM Narendra Modi emplanes for China to attend the SCO Summit in Tianjin," he said in a post on X. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1961687975068405978 Along with the SCO Summit, PM Modi will hold two crucial bilateral meetings, one with the Chinese Premier Xi Jinping and one with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The SCO comprises 10 members. In addition to India, they include Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. There are also several dialogue partners and observers. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017, having been an observer since 2005. During its membership period, India has held the chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and of the SCO Council of Heads of State from 2022 to 2023. PM Modi has consistently participated in various previous SCO summits- 2018 in Chengdao, 2019 in Bishkek, 2020 in Moscow in virtual format, 2021 in Dushanbe in virtual format, 2022 in Tashkent, 2023 in New Delhi virtual format. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was on an official visit to India from August 18-19, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and handed over a message and an invitation from President Xi Jinping for the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. This will be PM Modi's first visit to China following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. Recently, India and China have taken multiple steps to smooth their bilateral relationship, including the resumption of trade through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. During the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visit on August 18-19, both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest, and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and other visitors in both directions. Both sides agreed to uphold multilateralism, enhance communication on major international and regional issues, maintain a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and promote a multipolar world that safeguards the interests of developing countries. Earlier, PM Modi in his departure statement, "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." PM Modi concluded his two-day visit to Japan on Saturday, during which he attended the India-Japan Annual Summit. He lauded the productive outcomes of his Tokyo visit, and hoped that India-Japan ties scale newer heights in the coming times. In a post on X, he said, "Productive outcomes during a productive visit. May India-Japan friendship scale newer heights in the times to come!" (ANI)
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Tibetan government-in-exile, has profiled Tibetan political prisoner Lobsang Gephel, shedding light on his ongoing imprisonment for the simple act of celebrating the 80th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. In a post on X, the CTA shared details under its "Profiling Tibetan Political Prisoners" campaign. It stated that Lobsang Gephel, a monk of Kirti Monastery, was detained by Chinese authorities on the night of November 30, 2015, while returning to the monastery. He was held incommunicado at Ngaba County Detention Centre for nearly a year before being sentenced by the Barkham County People's Intermediate Court on December 6, 2016. The CTA stressed that Lobsang's case illustrates China's criminalisation of peaceful expressions of Tibetan Buddhist faith. His prosecution drew international condemnation in 2019, when five United Nations human rights experts denounced China's persecution of nine Tibetans, including Lobsang Gephel, explicitly recognising these cases as targeting individuals for their "expression of cultural and religious identity." CTA noted that this is not the first time Lobsang faced punishment. In 2011, he was jailed for three years on similar charges. At the time of his second arrest, he was serving as the store manager at Kirti Monastery's medical college. The CTA underscored that his ordeal reflects a systematic pattern of state harassment and religious repression. It added that by punishing Tibetans for celebrating their spiritual leader, China is flagrantly violating international human rights norms, the administration said. In June, the Human Rights Desk of the Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), issued a report to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The report, titled "Torture Deaths of Tibetan Political Prisoners", sheds light on the tragic fate of numerous Tibetans who lost their lives either while in Chinese custody or soon after release, as a result of systematic torture, denial of medical care, and harsh prison conditions. Organised under themes such as Beaten to Death, Denial of Medical Treatment, and Erasing Evidence, the document exposed the severe abuses Tibetans endure for simple acts like speaking their mother tongue or practising their faith. (ANI)
Amnesty International has raised fresh alarm that Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang remain under relentless repression, three years after the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released its landmark assessment on 31 August 2022. Th report concluded that serious human rights violations in the Uyghur region "may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity." In its own findings, Amnesty International documented China's systematic campaign of mass arbitrary detention, torture, and persecution targeting Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other predominantly Muslim minorities, determining that these amounted to crimes against humanity. Yet, despite clear evidence, Beijing has evaded accountability, and the international community has failed to take decisive action. "Three years after the UN report concluded that China was responsible for grave human rights violations in Xinjiang, it is shameful that the international community has failed to act," said Sarah Brooks, Amnesty International's China Director. She added, "Families have been torn apart, lives destroyed, and communities dismantled by the Chinese authorities' unrelenting cruelty. The relatives of detainees are still demanding truth, justice and freedom for all those trapped in the Uyghur region." According to Amnesty International, between January and August 2025, the organisation contacted relatives of 126 people named in its 'Free Xinjiang Detainees' campaign. Their accounts reveal the ongoing suffering. Amnesty pointed out that Patime, who lost one relative in detention and has another still imprisoned, said the optimism surrounding the UN report has now "vanished," stressing that with every day of inaction, more families are being torn apart. Amnesty International reported that other families shared similar pain. "It feels like living with a wound that never heals," said Mamatjan Juma, whose brother is imprisoned. Relatives described missing milestones, enduring silence from loved ones, and living in constant uncertainty. According to Amnesty International, the situation in Xinjiang is not a domestic affair but a human rights emergency. The organisation has urged the High Commissioner to provide a public update on the 2022 report and pressed UN member states to set up an independent international investigative mechanism. "The world cannot allow this report to gather dust. Governments must heed survivors' voices, push for detainees' release, and deliver justice and reparations to victims." Amnesty International warned. (ANI)
Members of the Indian community are eagerly waiting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Tianjin, China. PM Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit during his two-day visit to Tianjin. He will also hold bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping. The Indian diaspora in Tianjin is ecstatic to meet their leader, as they described their excitement to ANI. Lalit Sharma, a member of the Indian diaspora, said, "I am from Mohali. I have been living here in China for the last 30 years. We are very excited since we got to know that PM Narendra Modi is coming to China. We decided that wherever he visits, we will definitely gather to welcome him. We reached here last night and we are eagerly awaiting his arrival... The tensions between India and China have reduced considerably, and both nations have immense possibilities ahead. The coming 25 years belong to China and India." Another member, Puran Chand Jaiswani, said, "I have been living in China for the last 20 years... We will meet PM Narendra Modi after seven years and are eagerly awaiting his arrival. He is coming here in Tianjin to attend the SCO Summit. We have come in large numbers from South China to welcome him." Another member praised PM Modi for his "exceptional" work for India and said that the leader has made India's mark on the world stage. "I have been living here for the last 17 years. We are very excited. When we got to know that he is coming to China, we couldn't control our excitement... We cannot express our feelings in words... What he has done for our country is exceptional and made India's mark on the world stage," he said. PM Modi will receive a warm welcome in Tianjin as several artists have planned an Indian classical dance performance to showcase their respect for the Indian PM and culture. Zhang Jinghu, a member of the dance group said,"I have learnt Odissi from my childhood days. I later also learnt it from an Indian guru...I like it. I learnt it for years and also became a performer as well as a teacher...I feel classical dance is like an ocean. If you want to learn it, you have to take it deep, you have to learn many stories...I introduced these things to China's students and they love it. They want to learn it for long and deep...It is an honour to perform in front of him. This is the first time I will see him. It is so exciting. This is a very good chance." Another member of the dance group, Jin Shanshan (Eesha) said "I started learning Bharatnatyam in 1994. It has been almost 30 years. For today's program, we have been preparing for about a month. We prepared a new item...I think now more and more people have started to know it and enjoy it. I got about 100 students...We feel so excited and we practised a lot. It is a big thing for us." The SCO summit is crucial for India, as it comes after the US's 50 per cent tariffs took effect. Of these, a 25 per cent tariff was imposed on New Delhi for buying Russian crude oil. Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with the host, Chinese President Xi Jinping, will also be attending the summit. The SCO comprises 10 members. In addition to India, they include Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. There are also several dialogue partners and observers. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017, having been an observer since 2005. During its membership period, India has held the chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and of the SCO Council of Heads of State from 2022 to 2023. This will be PM Modi's first visit to China following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. Recently, India and China have taken multiple steps to smooth their bilateral relationship, including the resumption of trade through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. During the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visit on August 18-19, both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest, and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and other visitors in both directions. Both sides agreed to uphold multilateralism, enhance communication on major international and regional issues, maintain a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and promote a multipolar world that safeguards the interests of developing countries. (ANI)
Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, on Saturday, said that MEA Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal attended the valedictory function of the UN Women Military Officers course, hosted by Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping. Jaiswal said that the function saw participation of women officers from 15 partner countries of the Global South. In a post on X, MEA said, "India - a committed partner for UN Peacekeeping; Women, Peace & Security agenda; and perspectives of Global South. Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal attended the valedictory function of the UN Women Military Officers course, hosted by Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping India, that saw participation of women officers from 15 partner countries of Global South along with 12 Indian officers." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1961670103667536298 United Nations Peacekeeping works to ensure women's priorities are central to peace and security decisions at all levels. To achieve this goal, they address social, cultural and political barriers and protection risks that limit women's full participation in achieving and sustaining peace. Their work is guided by the Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping Initiative (2018), and his Call to Action "Women Transforming Peace and Security" (2020), which reaffirm that women's full, equal and meaningful participation in peace processes, political solutions and peace operations, as well as gender-responsive efforts, are essential for effective peacekeeping. Earlier on August 20, India's Charge d'Affaires at the United Nations, Eldos Mathew Punnoos, highlighted that India was one of the first nations to address the issue of deplorable crimes against women by contributing in the Secretary General's Trust Fund. https://x.com/IndiaUNNewYork/status/1957886714992816367 "Mr. President, the Secretary General's Trust Fund in support of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse is an important resource which should be further strengthened. India was among the first nations to contribute to this fund and remains committed to supporting such victims," he said. "Our dedication to the cause can be seen from the fact that in November 2017, a voluntary compact was reached between the UN Secretary-General and the Government of India on commitment to eliminate sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping, humanitarian and development work," he added. He further said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India joined the circle of leadership on the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse in United Nations operations, which underscores its seriousness towards the issue. (ANI)
Wendy Williams reportedly has no plans to return to television.

Wendy Williams reportedly has no plans to return to television

The 61-year-old former talk show host  who fronted The Wendy Williams Show for more than a decade and is currently fighting to get out of a guardianship  is instead said to be focusing her attention on advocacy work for people caught in similar situations.

Her attorney Joe Tacopina, 58, told Extra Wendy has repeatedly spoken to him about using her platform to expose what she believes is an unfair system.

Page Six added Wendy is now considering a speaking tour to highlight her own experience under guardianship and to raise awareness of the issues faced by others.

Her lawyer said about her situation: Its just so unjust, and quite despicable. What she said to me more than once, is, Joe, I wish I werent in this situation but if someone is going to be in this situation, better me with a platform, so I can expose the system.

Joe added Wendy told him she would rather it happen to her than some individual, who is caught in the vortex of a horrific guardian situation, where you cant get out.

He added: She said that if it was going to be somebody, shes happy its her, because hopefully it will put an end to what she calls abuse.

Friends of Wendy echoed the sentiment, telling Page Six she has expressed interest in going on tour to speak about her case.

One source said: Its just an idea, but she thinks its important. She wants to maybe do panels, and help facilitate it and (talk about how) to protect families from guardianships.

She wants to talk about how to get out of it, and all of the red flags. If theres one thing Wendy knows how to do, its talk. She wants to bring this issue to the stage.

Wendy is currently under a court-ordered guardianship.

Earlier this month a report suggested she had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia  claims she has denied.

Joe told Extra he believes the report is false and said he suspects Wendys guardian was involved in leaking it.

He said: Clearly (Wendys guardian was involved.) People can tippy-toe around it. They wont say it. No one has seen this report yet. Not even Wendy. Not us. Not her guardianship attorneys.

Joe added Wendys next step will be a medical exam by a neutral physician.

He explained: Then, hopefully the guardianship attorneys will push this judge to make a ruling, and if its the right ruling, then game, set match.

And if its the wrong ruling, Ill get involved in a big way because we are going to need a jury to resolve this.

Wendy herself told Page Six during a recent outing in New York: Do I sound like I have dementia to you?

She later added before dinner at Tucci in Manhattan: I will get out of guardianship.

Page Six said her guardian did not respond to requests for comment.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni denounced a porn site that allegedly featured doctored images of herself and other high-profile women, alongside sexist and offensive captions and commentary, CNN reported. The forum, known as Phica - a name based on a slang term "figa" for the word "vagina" in Italian - was shut down by its own managers on Thursday, following a widespread backlash. The site, which had hundreds of thousands of subscribers at the time of its closure, blamed users for breaking its rules. Subscribers of the adult forum allegedly harvested images of women from social media websites or public sources, before doctoring them and posting them along with misogynistic descriptions. Alongside Georgia Meloni, as reported by CNN, the site also allegedly featured images of her sister Arianna, who is a prominent politician within the Brothers of Italy party as well as other Italian celebrities and politicians. "I am disgusted by what happened, and I want to extend my solidarity and support to all the women who have been offended, insulted, and violated in their intimacy by the managers of this forum and its users," Meloni told Italy's local media, as quoted by CNN. She added, "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." In an apparent nod to Italy's current laws on revenge porn, Meloni said it has become apparent that "this no longer happens just out of 'revenge,' and that protecting our data and our privacy is increasingly crucial in our times." Italy does have a "revenge porn" law in place, passed in 2019, that makes the "illegal dissemination of sexually explicit images" punishable by up to six years in prison. Her sister Arianna, also speaking to local media, blamed what she described as a "bad habit of a click-through society, where we intrude on private life, we offend, we peek through keyholes, we ruin lives, and we belittle the real, important things that women achieve and conquer with their work day after day," as quoted by CNN. (ANI)
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Saturday that there should be no restrictions on access to next month's UN General Assembly, Al Jazeera reported. "A UN General Assembly meeting... should not be subject to any restrictions on access," Barrot said at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Denmark. A string of ministers in Copenhagen echoed France's call for the United States to allow access to the Palestinian delegation, as per Al Jazeera. The extraordinary step by Washington comes as France is leading a push to recognise the Palestinian state at the gathering of world leaders in New York. The move further aligns US President Donald Trump's administration with Israel's government, which is waging a war in Gaza. Under an agreement as host of the United Nations in New York, the United States is not supposed to refuse visas for officials heading to the world body, as per Al Jazeera. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that the US would not issue visas to Palestinian officials to bar them from attending the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York next month. According to a statement by the US Department of State, the visa ban applies to officials from the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organisation who are not based at the Palestinian mission to the UN. "In accordance with US law, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (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," read the statement. The statement said that the Palestinian Authority must end its affiliation with terrorism and must condemn the same. "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 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. Both steps materially contributed to Hamas's refusal to release its hostages, and to the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire talks," added the statement. (ANI)
The Balochistan government has announced the extension of Section 144 across the province for another 15 days, from August 31 to September 14, due to ongoing law and order concerns. The decision was made public through an official notification issued by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Dawn reported. The extended restrictions include a complete ban on the display and use of weapons, pillion riding, vehicles with tinted glass, unregistered motorbikes, and public gatherings, sit-ins, processions, or rallies involving five or more persons. Additionally, the notification prohibits the gathering of individuals in public spaces while using mufflers, masks, or any means that could hinder identification, Dawn reported. The Balochistan government invoked its powers under sub-section (6) of Section 144 of the CrPC 1898 to enforce these measures. This marks the third extension of Section 144, initially imposed on August 1 for 15 days and later extended on August 16 due to persistent security challenges across the province, Dawn reported. Earlier, 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. (ANI)
Sammi Deen Baloch, a prominent human rights activist from Balochistan, condemned the recent disappearance of Baloch Yakjehti Committee activist Nazar Marri, calling it part of a wider and alarming pattern of state repression. Taking to social media platform X, Sammi Deen Baloch stated, "The enforced disappearance of Baloch Yakjehti Committee activist Nazar Marri is a continuation of a wider and horrific series of incidents where countless young people from Balochistan are being forcibly disappeared on a daily basis." She emphasised that Nazar Marri was not a criminal but "a conscious young man and political activist who had long been struggling against human rights violations and the ongoing Baloch genocide. Highlighting the broader implications, Sammi stated, "The enforced disappearance of youth like Nazar Marri reveals the bitter truth that the state is afraid of the peaceful and democratic political struggle of the Baloch people. This fear has led the state to the point where it has made enforced disappearance and force its last weapon to suppress the voice of the youth." She concluded with a strong appeal, "We demand the immediate recovery of all forcibly disappeared persons, including Nazar Marri, and urge that this inhumane, illegal practice be stopped in Balochistan at all costs" According to The Balochistan Post, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has alleged that Nazar Marri has been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in Quetta, while new incidents of enforced disappearances have also been reported from Gwadar, Awaran and Kech districts. The Balochistan Post reported that in a statement released on Thursday, the BYC claimed that personnel from intelligence agencies, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and police carried out a joint operation at Golimar Chowk around 8:00 pm on Wednesday. During the raid, BYC activist Nazar Marri was taken into custody and has not been seen since. As highlighted by The Balochistan Post, the BYC described Marri as a young political activist who had been raising his voice "democratically" against human rights abuses and what the group terms as the "Baloch genocide." His disappearance, the BYC added, was part of a broader attempt to silence peaceful political expression in the province. (ANI)
The goodwill visit symbolises India's commitment to strengthening its engagement with Pacific Island nations under the Act East Policy and promoting peace, stability, and inclusive growth in the Indo-Pacific region.

The key highlights of the visit include the participation of INS Kadmatt in PNG's official Independence Day Parade and cultural events, thereby honouring the shared democratic values and heritage of both nations.

The ship's crew will engage with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGFD) to explore avenues for cooperation in maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The ship will host the PNG Chief of Defence Forces on board to showcase the Indian Navy's journey of 'Aatma Nirbharta' in defence, the statement added.

The visit also follows the momentum created by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark visit to Papua New Guinea in 2023, where both nations committed to deepening bilateral relations, expanding development partnerships and enhancing defence cooperation.

The Indian Navy remains steadfast in fulfilling its diplomatic role of building 'Bridges of Friendship', connecting nations through goodwill port calls, capacity-building initiatives and collaborative maritime efforts. (ANI)
The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO) on Friday hosted a special webinar to mark the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances, bringing together voices from Sindh, Balochistan, Crimean Tatar, Iranian Kurdistan, and Uyghur communities. The discussion focused on how accountability, memory, and international recognition can advance justice for unrepresented peoples suffering from systemic repression. Speaking at the event, prominent Baloch activist Sabia Baloch delivered a testimony about the decades-long crisis of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. She described the practice as the "biggest problem" confronting her people, stressing that Pakistan's security forces continue to silence dissent under the guise of counterinsurgency operations. "Balochistan makes up 42 per cent of Pakistan's land area and is rich in minerals and resources. Yet its people are among the most oppressed. Those who speak against injustices are abducted, tortured, or killed," Sabia said. She recalled the first known cases from the 1970s, pointing to the disappearance of political figures such as Asad Mengal and Dilip Das, and stressed that the pattern has only intensified. According to her, at least 1,054 cases of enforced disappearances have been documented in just the first eight months of 2025--a figure she called "the tip of the iceberg", given restrictions on access and reporting. Sabia painted a grim picture of Quetta's so-called "graveyard of the unknown", where mutilated and unrecognisable bodies are buried anonymously. "Some victims are found with melted plastic on their bodies, cut tongues, and dozens of bullets in their chests. Families live in perpetual agony, waiting for justice or even a trace of their loved ones," she said. Sharing her own ordeal, Sabia revealed that her father and brother were abducted due to her activism, while many of her colleagues remain imprisoned. Despite such intimidation, she emphasised that protests and resistance remain alive across Balochistan--even on religious festivals, when families gather to demand the return of their missing relatives. She urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable to its commitments under international treaties and to prevent multinational companies from exploiting Balochistan's resources while its people are subjected to grave human rights violations. "Without pressure and sanctions, we will continue to die silently," she warned. The webinar concluded with calls for global solidarity with unrepresented communities facing enforced disappearances and for urgent international action to end impunity. (ANI)
A Chinese woman, married to an Indian, became emotional, stating that she "almost cried" after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his grand red carpet welcome and arrival at a Tianjin hotel ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. She expressed her excitement, saying she was overwhelmed with joy upon seeing the Prime Minister. "Today we are very happy to come here to see Modi ji... I love Modi, I love India," she shared. Upon arrival at Binhai International Airport in Tianjin, PM Modi was greeted by senior officials from both China and India. The red carpet reception at the airport was followed by vibrant cultural performances at the hotel where the PM would be staying, including traditional Kathak and Odissi dances, which highlighted India's rich cultural heritage. Following the PM's arrival in Tianjin, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X, stating, "PM @narendramodi has arrived in Tianjin, China to a warm welcome. PM will be participating in the 25th SCO Summit. This visit is a testament to our constructive and proactive role in SCO. At the hotel, members of the Indian community gathered to welcome him, while artists staged a cultural performance." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1961759368367759734 One of the performers, Zhang Jinghui, an Odissi dancer, spoke about the honour of performing for PM Modi. She shared her nervousness but also pride, having trained for over 13 years and practised for two months to prepare for the performance. She recalled the Prime Minister asking her where she had learned the dance, to which she proudly mentioned her guruji from Kolkata. "I felt a little nervous, but it is a great honour for me and my crew. I have learned Odissi for more than 13 years. We practised this for 2 months and performed... He asked me where I learned this. I learned from India, and my guruji is Sanchita Bhattacharyaa from Kolkata," the Odissi dancer said. Du Juan, a Chinese Kathak dancer, added to the excitement, expressing how unforgettable it was to dance for Modi ji and how much she enjoyed the experience. "I was really excited to actually dance for Modi ji. An unforgettable experience for life. Really enjoyed it," the Kathak dancer said. Another Indian classical tabla player, Zhuang Jing, shared, "It was so exciting. I think we did our best. I think the PM liked our classical music. It was an honour. He is such a nice person; I had never expected..." Saubhik Mandal, an Indian scientist based in Shanghai, also spoke about the significance of the event, noting the immense potential for collaboration between India and China in the biotech sector. He was enthusiastic about PM Modi's vision of "perform, reform, and transform." "It was a great experience. I have come from Shanghai, and I work here as a scientist... I saw PM Modi in person... There is an immense opportunity in the biotech sector... With the population of the two countries, the industry can grow. PM Modi says 'perform, reform and transform'. This is excellent," Mandal said. PM Modi will participate in the 2025 SCO Summit on Sunday, August 31, and hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit, where discussions on regional security and cooperation will take center stage. The SCO summit is crucial for India, especially following the imposition of the US's 50 per cent tariffs, including a 25 per cent tariff on India's purchase of Russian crude oil. Alongside the host, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin will also attend. This visit marks PM Modi's first to China since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, and recent efforts to improve bilateral relations between the two countries have included steps like resuming trade through key passes in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday said that he held a telephonic conversation with Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. The discussion largely focused on the ongoing Ukraine conflict and its impact on the wider world. Jaishankar reiterated that India should not be unfairly blamed in the context and emphasised New Delhi's position of promoting dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. Sharing details of the call, he wrote on X, "Had a telecon today with Finnish Foreign Minister @elinavaltonen. Our discussions centred around the Ukraine conflict and its ramifications. India should not be unfairly targeted in that context. We have always advocated dialogue and diplomacy." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1961792419755888737 After speaking to EAM, Finnish FM Valtonen highlighted the possibilities of strengthening trade relations between Finland, the European Union, and India. She also noted the need for more pressure on Russia to move towards "real negotiations." She wrote on X, "Spoke with my Indian colleague @DrSJaishankar on Russia's war against Ukraine and the strong trade potential between Finland, the EU and India. We strive for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which requires more pressure on Putin to engage in real negotiations." https://x.com/elinavaltonen/status/1961785085985730814 Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the humanitarian issues in Ukraine and extended his "full support" for peace and stability. He wrote, "Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction." On Friday, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting in New York after Russia's deadly attack on Ukraine on Thursday, which killed over 20 civilians, according to UN News. "I was shocked to learn that multiple Russian missiles struck close to the EU Delegation in Kyiv, causing severe damage on our premises by the shock waves," said the European Union's representative, in his capacity as observer. Ukrainian officials reported that between August 27 and 28 alone, 598 drones and 31 missiles were launched, killing at least 23 people in Kyiv, including 4 children. "Once again, Russia has demonstrated its complete disregard for civilian lives, and diplomatic missions," said Norway's delegate, speaking also for Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation on Saturday (local time) with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of the SCO summit, where they discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and expressed India's full support for efforts to restore peace and stability. "Thank you, President Zelenskyy, for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspects, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction," PM Modi wrote on X. In his statement, President Zelenskyy shared details of the conversation, which also covered talks with President Trump and Ukraine's ongoing efforts to engage in peace discussions with Russia. He reaffirmed Ukraine's readiness to meet with Russia's head, despite Russia's continued attacks on civilian targets. "I spoke with Prime Minister of India @NarendraModi. I informed him about the talks with President Trump in Washington, with the participation of European leaders. It was a productive and important conversation, a shared vision among partners on how to achieve real peace. Ukraine reaffirmed its readiness for a meeting with the head of Russia," Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy also highlighted the ongoing strikes by Russia, stressing that Moscow has shown no willingness to engage in diplomacy, continuing its attacks on civilians. "Almost two weeks have passed, and during this time, when Russia should have been preparing for diplomacy, Moscow has given no positive signal - only carried out cynical strikes on civilian targets and killed dozens of our people," he said. Zelenskyy thanked PM Modi for his words of condolence to the victims of the attacks and praised India's stance on peace, especially ahead of the SCO Summit. "We coordinated our positions ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The end of this war must begin with an immediate ceasefire, with the necessary silence. This position is understood and supported by everyone. It is impossible to speak meaningfully about peace while our cities and communities are under constant fire," he added. The Ukrainian President further noted, "India is ready to make the necessary efforts and to deliver the appropriate signal to Russia and other leaders during the meetings on the sidelines of the summit. Thank you." The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations between India and Ukraine, including preparations for upcoming visits and the establishment of a Joint Intergovernmental Commission meeting. Zelenskyy expressed optimism for future cooperation, saying, "We also discussed our bilateral relations, preparations for the exchange of visits, and the holding of a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission. There is potential we can realise. I will be glad to meet the Prime Minister in the near future." This was the second time in the month that PM Modi and President Zelenskyy have engaged in a telephone conversation. PM Modi is scheduled to participate in the 2025 SCO Summit on Sunday, August 31, where he will hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit. The SCO summit holds great significance for India, especially after the imposition of the US's 50 per cent tariffs, including a 25 per cent tariff on India's purchase of Russian crude oil. Alongside the host, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin will also attend. Earlier in August 11, PM Modi had his first conversation of the month with President Zelenskyy. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement confirming the conversation, stating, "Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with the President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President Zelenskyy shared his views on the recent developments related to Ukraine. Prime Minister thanked President Zelenskyy and reaffirmed India's steadfast and consistent position for a peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace. PM reiterated India's commitment to extend all possible support in this regard. The leaders also reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They agreed to remain in touch." (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel] August 30 (ANI/TPS): The Houthis in Yemen have confirmed that their Prime Minister Ghalib al-Rahawi and a number of his ministers were eliminated during an Israeli airstrike on Thursday. "The Israeli enemy targeted the prime minister and several ministers during a routine government workshop to evaluate its activity and performance over the past year," the Houthi presidency said in a statement broadcast on Houthi-run television. Israel has yet to comment on today's announcement. However, officials said on Thursday that the IAF had targeted Houthi leaders days after the terrorist group fired a missile containing a new type of cluster sub-munition against Israel. (ANI/TPS)
Russia is demanding Ukraine cede all of its eastern Donbas region, but would be willing to freeze the conflict in the south of the country along current front lines, Turkey's top diplomat has said.

Russia occupies around one-fifth of Ukraine's territory, and has claimed to have annexed five of the country's regions -- Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, along with Crimea, which it seized in 2014.

At peace talks in Istanbul this year, Russia's negotiators demanded Ukraine pull out of those regions entirely as a precondition to ending the conflict that started with Russia's 2022 invasion.

But following a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, Moscow has scaled back its demands, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.

"Now they have given up on that demand and are staying on the contact lines, except for one region ... There is currently a preliminary (agreement) regarding the return of 25-30 percent of Donetsk and maintaining the contact line in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson," Fidan said in an interview with TGRT Haber on Thursday.

It was not clear who that agreement was between. Ukraine has repeatedly rejected territorial concessions, though President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously said Kyiv would need to secure the return of land through diplomacy, not on the battlefield.

Russia has had total control of Crimea since 2014 and already occupies practically the entire Lugansk region.

Though Moscow controls most of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, Ukraine holds the regional capitals there.

Asked about Fidan's comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was "deliberately not disclosing all the details of the conversation between the two presidents in Alaska" as doing so would hinder the peace process.

The claimed shift in Russia's position had previously been reported based on briefings by anonymous officials.

Turkey has hosted three rounds of Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul in recent months that have failed to break the deadlock.

Though a deadly strike on Kyiv that killed at least 23 people on Thursday further set back progress towards peace, Fidan hailed some diplomatic movement.

"The fact they have stated this themselves and have agreed to have it guaranteed by a security mechanism in principle ... actually provides a truly remarkable framework in this war," he added.

However, he acknowledged it would be difficult for Ukraine to give up its territory, including heavily fortified terrain that could leave Ukraine vulnerable.

"Once that territory is given up, the remaining area becomes a bit difficult to protect strategically," he said.

"But when you factor in security mechanisms and guarantees, you have to look at how the issue will unfold."
"Warmly welcome Prime Minister Modi to China to attend #SCOsummit. Confident that this visit will inject new momentum into #China-India relations," he said in a post on X.

The warm reception at the airport was followed by vibrant cultural performances at the hotel where the PM is staying. The performance featured traditional Kathak and Odissi dances, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage.

Members of the Indian diaspora in Tianjin welcomed PM Modi with great enthusiasm upon his arrival in the city.

PM will be participating in the 25th SCO Summit. India is an active and constructive member of the SCO.

During its Presidency of the SCO, India introduced new ideas and initiated collaboration in the fields of innovation, health and cultural exchanges.

In his departure statement, PM Modi said that 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," he said. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared glimpses of a "very special welcome" he received from the Indian diaspora in Tianjin, China, as he arrived to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. "China's Indian community accorded a very special welcome in Tianjin. Here are some glimpses," PM Modi said in a post on X. https://x.com/PMOIndia/status/1961775830012694888 Traditional Kathak and Odissi dances, along with classical music, highlighted India's rich heritage. Several performers and diaspora members expressed their excitement after meeting the Prime Minister. An Odissi dancer, Zhang Jinghui told ANI, "I felt a little nervous but it is a great honour for me and my crew... He asked me where I learned this. I learned from India and my guruji is Sanchita Bhattacharyaa from Kolkata."https://x.com/ANI/status/1961758029579464861 Saubhik Mandal, a member of the Indian diaspora working as a scientist in Shanghai, said, "It was a great experience. I have come from Shanghai and I work here as a scientist...I saw PM Modi in person...There is an immense opportunity in the biotech sector...With the population of the two countries, the industry can grow. PM Modi says 'perform, reform and transform'. This is excellent." Zhuang Jing, who played the tabla and gave a classical music performance said, "It was so exciting. I think we did our best. I think the PM liked our classical music. It was an honour. He is such a nice person, I had never expected." PM Modi will attend the SCO Summit during his two-day official visit. He is also expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (ANI)
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on Saturday, ahead of the 25th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the SCO Plus meeting. Oli had flown to Tianjin on Saturday morning from Kathmandu and held the meeting with the Chinese President hours after landing in the host city of the 25th SCO summit. During the meeting with the Chinese President, Nepali Prime Minister Oli raised the issue of Lipulekh, as per the Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. "The issue of Lipulekh was also raised (by the Prime Minister). Regarding that matter, the Prime Minister stated that the Sugauli Treaty of 1816 AD has made the demarcation of Nepali territories; as per which all the areas that lies on the east of Mahakali River is of Nepal and those areas are being used- Lipulekh is being used for trade through an agreement should not have been made and China should not cradle the agreement as Nepal have objection over it, this clear message was conveyed," Rai said in a recorded statement released by the PM Oli's private secretariat. Earlier, the private secretariat stated that the Nepali Prime Minister had expressed objections to the recent India-China agreement to reopen trade through the Nepali territory of Lipulekh in Darchula District. "During the meeting with President Xi, the prime minister clearly conveyed Nepal's objection to the India-China agreement to develop Nepali territory Lipulekh as a trade route," the prime minister's secretariat said in a press note, quoting Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. "Citing the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, which recognises the areas east of the Mahakali River as part of Nepal's sovereign territory," the statement reads. "We believe China will support Nepal in this matter," the statement from his private secretariat mentions. The Nepal Embassy in China, issuing a release, also stated that the Nepali Prime Minister raised the issue in the meeting. "Referring to the recent understanding reached between India and China on border trade through Lipu Lekh Pass, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister stated that the territory belongs to Nepal and Government of Nepal has registered its strong objection on the same," the release read. After the India-China agreement on Lipulekh on August 18 in New Delhi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press statement on August 20 and reaffirmed that the official map of Nepal, as incorporated in the Constitution of Nepal, includes Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani--located east of the Mahakali river--as integral parts of Nepal. On the same day, the External Affairs Ministry of India issued a statement asserting that border trade between India and China through Lipulekh pass had commenced in 1954 and has been going on for decades. This trade had been disrupted in recent years due to the Covid pandemic and other developments, and both sides have now agreed to resume it, it said. About an hour after the meeting with the Chinese President, Nepali PM Oli, who landed at Tianjin Binhai International Airport earlier in the afternoon, described the meeting as "fruitful." "Glad to meet President Xi for the second consecutive year and hold fruitful bilateral talks," he wrote on Twitter. "We reviewed progress on various issues and agreed upon to enhance bilateral cooperation. I thank President Xi for inviting me to the SCO Plus Summit." China has invited Nepal as a dialogue partner nation since 2016, where the Himalayan Nation is seeking an upgrade to either observer or full member, though geopolitical complexities have hindered this effort. Full membership would ensure the Nepali Prime Minister's participation in every summit of this major regional bloc and facilitate direct access to leaders from China, Russia, India, Iran, and Central Asian nations. This is Oli's second visit to China since becoming prime minister for the fourth time in July last year. Earlier, Oli went on an official visit to China from December 2 to 5, 2024. (ANI)
India's Ambassador to Germany, Ajit V Gupte, held a series of meetings this week aimed at boosting cooperation between New Delhi and Berlin in the defence and infrastructure sectors. Earlier on Friday, Ambassador Gupte met Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan in New Delhi. Their discussions centred on strengthening military cooperation and expanding the defence partnership between India and Germany. "Germany is an important defence partner for India with steadily growing ties through joint air and naval exercises, training and joint collaboration," the embassy said in a post on X. https://x.com/eoiberlin/status/1961505082874499367 A day earlier, on August 28, Gupte called on Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. The talks focused on India-Germany collaboration in road transport and highway development, hydrogen buses, and innovative approaches to sustainable transportation. Both sides also explored ways to strengthen institutional as well as business-to-business linkages in the sector. The embassy wrote in an X post, "They discussed India-Germany cooperation in road transport & highways development, hydrogen buses, innovative means of sustainable transportation and ways to strengthen institutional, as well as B2B linkages." He also called on President Droupadi Murmu and briefed her on recent developments in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. The meetings come as India and Germany continue to deepen their strategic partnership, with cooperation spanning across defence, infrastructure, green energy, and technology. Earlier this week, reacting to high tariffs imposed by the United States (US), Georg Enzweiler, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy in India, said that Germany would always be in favour of reducing tariffs to the minimum levels. "Tariffs are obstacles to free trade. We would always be in favour of reducing tariffs to the minimum level," Enzweiler said. Speaking on the bilateral trade relations of India and Germany, he said that the interests of the two countries are aligned amid the volatile global conditions and both countries can contribute to stabilising the unstable world order. "I think Germany's and India's interests are aligned. The international order is in a volatile state at the moment, and India and Germany can play an important role in stabilising the international order and preserving it," he added. On the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) between India-EU, he said, "The signals we are getting are very positive, we hope that we will see the negotiations come to a fruitful result near the end of the year. The PM and President of the EU Commission have indicated that they would like to see finalisation of the agreement by the end of 2025. We are hopeful that it will happen." (ANI)
India and Japan will "shape the Asian Century", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Friday, on a visit expected to secure billions of dollars in Japanese investment and an upgrade to security ties.

"India and Japan's partnership is strategic and smart. Powered by economic logic, we have turned shared interests into shared prosperity," Modi told a business forum in Tokyo.

"India is the springboard for Japanese businesses to the Global South. We will shape the Asian Century for stability, growth, and prosperity," Modi said.

Modi's two-day visit -- a stopover before going to China -- will see Japan unveil 10 trillion yen ($68 billion) in investments over the next 10 years, according to media reports.

Bilateral trade is currently worth over $20 billion annually, heavily weighted in Japan's favour.

"Japan and India are strategic partners who share common values such as freedom, democracy, rule of law, having cherished friendship and trust over many years," Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Isbiba said.

"Our economic relationship is expanding rapidly as Japan's technology and India's talented human resources and its huge market are complementing each other," Ishiba told the forum.

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 were expected to announce that the number of Indians with specialised skills working or studying in Japan -- which is beset by labour shortages -- will double to 50,000 over the next five years, reports said.

The investments will target fields including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and securing access to critical minerals, with Modi and Ishiba 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.

India and Japan, members of the Quad alliance with the United States and Australia seen as a bulwark against China, were also expected to upgrade their 2008 declaration on security cooperation.

After Japan, Modi was 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.

Modi's visit is his 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.

A thaw began last October when Modi met with Xi for the first time in five years at a summit in Russia.
Moroccos foreign minister Nasser Bourita received on Friday in Rabat newly appointed UK ambassador to Morocco Mr. Alex Pinfield OBE who presented copies of his credentials to the minister.

Mr Pinfield has been in the Diplomatic Service for over 25 years, with a career focused across Asia and the Middle East. Prior to his appointment in Morocco, his roles have included Head of Iran Unit and Head of China Department. His previous overseas postings have been in China, Iran, Australia, as well as Deputy Chief of Mission in Afghanistan.

Mr. Alex Pinfield OBE replaces Ambassador Simon Martin. The arrival of a new British ambassador comes after UK joined its major Western allies, the United States and France, in supporting Moroccos autonomy plan for the Sahara under the Kingdoms sovereignty.

It also comes at a time Moroccan-British economic, security and cultural cooperation is gaining momentum in a new geostrategic landscape.

New U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Benjamin Ziff has also arrived lately in Morocco ahead of U.S. Senate confirmation of Trumps nominee Ambassador to Morocco Richard Duke Buchan III.

It seems the pieces of diplomatic puzzle started fitting together before the October meeting of the UN Security Council which is expected to take pivotal decisions on the five-decade long Sahara issue.
Cuba has been experiencing an energy crisis that has led residents to experience almost daily blackouts and gas cuts. Years of underinvestment in Cubas transmission network and power plants have led them to run below capacity, with the countrys energy supply falling far below its demand.

In addition to localised power outages, in the last eight months, Cuba has experienced four nationwide blackouts. In May, Cubas electricity demand rose to 3.05 GW, compared to 2.58 GW in March, as the supply stood at around 1.9 GW. This means that on average, the government can meet between 50 to 70 percent of Cubas energy needs.

The regular blackouts have led people across the country to invest in charcoal stoves, rechargeable batteries and fans, as well as other vital products to use during outages when confronted with soaring temperatures, which many can barely afford.

In March, when Cubas national electrical grid collapsed, most of the islands population of 10 million was left without power, including those in the capital of Havana. Popular tourist hotels had to rely on generators, while many had no access to power at all. The regular blackouts prompted anti-government demonstrations in 2021, 2022, and 2024, and the problem persists.

Jorge Pinon, a researcher at the University of Texas at Austins Energy Institute, said that solving Cubas energy crisis would take between three and five years and up to $8 billion in investment.

The crisis comes from years of underinvestment and mismanagement of Cubas energy infrastructure, which has placed a significant burden on the countrys existing electricity grid, with little public funds to invest in improvements or in the development of renewable energy projects. Cubas National Electric System was developed after 1959 and has been poorly maintained and updated since, due to years of political and economic instability. This has led to issues that can normally be easily fixed, such as transmission line failures, causing widespread outages.

In 2024, the Antonio Guiteras oil-fired power plant ground to a halt, and instead of backup systems coming online to provide power, the outdated systems were unable to detect the system faults, which spurred a nationwide blackout.

In addition to years of underinvestment and a lack of maintenance, Cuba has long relied on substandard fuel, which has strained the system. The Caribbean country depends heavily on domestic, poor-quality heavy crude oil, which is corrosive because of its high sulphur content, adding to the rapid ageing of the countrys power plants.

Cubas thermal power plants, powered by crude oil or fuel oil, have become increasingly less reliable in recent years and now run below capacity due to issues like fuel shortages and corrosion. It was not only last year that the 330 MW Antonio Guiteras plant broke down, as the facility has long been difficult to keep running due to the inability of the operator to acquire the parts needed to repair it. This is an issue seen across many of Cubas power plants, including the Lidio Ramon Perez and Maximo Gomez thermal plants. From January to May this year, Cubas power plants combined were running at an overall average daily capacity of around 34 percent.

Cuba imports fuel, but its trade links are far from stable. It has relied on neighbouring Venezuela for oil for years, but heavy sanctions on Venezuelan energy in recent years by the United States have led to underinvestment in the South American countrys crude supply, resulting in unstable export volumes.

In recent months, Mexico has sent higher levels of crude to Cuba, with state-owned Pemex shipping an all-time high of 39 shipments of crude and refined products to Havana at a value of over $850 million between May 29 and June 27. This value is similar to that of the total amount of oil shipped from Mexico to Cuba over the previous two years, at around $1 billion.

China has increased support for Cuba in recent years to help alleviate the burden on the government to fix the ongoing energy crisis. China is developing 92 solar parks that could provide over 2 GW of clean electricity, over half of which is expected to be operational by the beginning of 2026. This supports the Cuban governments goal of achieving an energy mix of 24 percent renewables by 2030. China is also helping the Caribbean Island to modernise its grid by introducing photovoltaic technology, to eventually reduce Cubas heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

The government has long talked about diversifying Cubas energy mix, with significant potential to develop its solar, wind, and sugarcane biomass resources. However, a lack of investment, inadequate policies and complex bureaucracy have led to severe delays in development in the past. Now, without modernisation, the grid is not stable enough to add new large-scale renewable energy connections. Therefore, foreign investment in improvements to Cubas transmission infrastructure and renewable energy sector could finally support a transformation in the coming years.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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The U.S. has become the EU's top supplier of oil and LNG, and its second-largest coal supplier, with future energy trade expected to increase substantially over the next three years.

This deal further reduces the EU's dependence on Russian energy, which has significantly decreased since 2022, though Russian imports saw a slight uptick in 2023.

The European Union has signed a significant agreement with the U.S. to import $750 billion worth of liquefied natural gas, oil, and nuclear fuels by 2028, part of a larger trade package.

The European Union has signed a deal to import $750 billion worth of liquefied natural gas, oil and nuclear fuels from the United States by 2028.

The agreement, announced on July 27 by U.S. President Donald Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is part of a wider trade package under which the EU will accept a unilateral U.S. tariff of 15 percent on most of its exports to the U.S., while also committing to $600 billion in investments to the country.

As Statista's Anna Fleck shows in the following chart, the EU has greatly reduced its reliance on Russian energy.

You will find more infographics at Statista

Before Moscows invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia accounted for 45 percent of EU gas imports, at 150.2 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2021. By 2024, this had fallen to 51.7 bcm, representing 19 percent of imports.

That decline has changed course in the past year though, with imports from Russia having seen an uptick in 2023, despite the EUs earlier implementation of measures to diversify away from Russian gas by 2027 under the REPowerEU plan. The increase was largely due to increased imports into Italy, Czechia and France, according to Ember.

To cover the 98.5 bcm shortfall left by reduced Russian supply, the EU has leaned more heavily on other exporters. Last year, Norway delivered 91.1 bcm of gas to the EU, up 15 percent from 2021, which represented 33.4 percent of the EUs total imports. U.S. gas shipments increased by 139 percent over the same period, reaching 45.1 bcm, or 16.5 percent of the total. Other important partners last year included Algeria (39.2 bcm), Qatar (11.8 bcm), Azerbaijan (11.7 bcm) and the United Kingdom (11.7 bcm). Despite these shifts, overall EU gas imports in 2024 were still 61.4 bcm lower than in 2021.

According to Reuters, the EU will further ramp up purchases of U.S. oil, natural gas and coal, with trade rising from about $75 billion in 2024 to $250 billion annually over the next three years. Eurostat data from the first quarter of 2025 shows that the U.S. is already the EUs top supplier of oil, accounting for 15 percent of imports by value and the leading source of LNG with a 50.7 percent share . The U.S. is also the EUs second-largest coal supplier, providing 31.3 percent of trade by value, behind Australia at 33.4 percent.

By Zerohedge.com

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Relations between Azerbaijan and Russia remain strained following Russia's accidental shootdown of an Azerbaijani civilian airliner and Aliyev's historical criticisms of Russia's role in the region.

Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev is optimistic about the implementation of the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP) transit corridor, a key part of the peace deal with Armenia.

In a wide-ranging television interview, Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev asserted a key provision of the Trump peace plan for the Caucasus can be implemented quickly. The same cannot be said for the restoration of stable relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, he indicated.

Aliyev spoke at length about the provisional peace deal he signed with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and US President Donald Trump on August 8 in Washington, sounding broadly optimistic that the agreement signals the end of almost four decades of conflict and opens absolutely new opportunities for the South Caucasus region and the broader regions of Central Asia and the Middle East.

He told an interviewer from the Al Arabiya television channel he would sign a peace treaty, the text of which was reportedly finalized in the spring, as soon as Armenia amended its constitution to acknowledge Bakus sovereignty over the long-contested Nagorno Karabakh territory. Azerbaijani forces reconquered Karabakh in 2023. Aliyev did not sound confident that Yerevan would adopt an amendment quickly, given the sensitivity of the issue among the general Armenian population and the low popularity ratings of Pashinyans government.

I hope that nothing will interfere with the process, Aliyev said. But again, I dont have 100 percent guarantees because I am not well aware of the internal politics of Armenia. We know that next summer they will hold parliamentary elections. We know that they are working on the draft of a new constitution. But if there is strong external interference, then yes, we may think that something could break what has been agreed.

The Azerbaijani leader appeared to suggest that even in the absence of a signed and ratified peace agreement, other parts of the Trump peace deal could proceed, namely, the development of a transit corridor dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. With Trumps name now attached to the project, Im sure that it will materialize very soon, Aliyev said.

Aliyev said Baku has already created much of the road and rail infrastructure on its territory to link up to TRIPP, envisioned as a 42-kilometer road, rail and pipeline corridor traversing Armenian territory to connect Azerbaijan proper and its Nakhchivan exclave. Meanwhile, Turkey has commenced work on a railway to connect Nakhchivan to the Turkish hub at Kars.

It is in Armenias best economic interests to see TRIPP through to completion, given it stands to become a lucrative source of transit revenue, the Azerbaijani leader contended. Taking into account that the volumes of cargo from Asia to Europe through Azerbaijan are growing year by year, Im sure that [TRIPP] will be an important transportation link connecting the continents, he said. He added that completing a 42-kilometer rail link across Armenian territory could occur quickly, as fast as one year.

Commenting on the state of Azerbaijani-Russian relations, Aliyev confirmed ties remain in a deep freeze. The touchstone of acrimony is Russias accidental shoot down of an Azerbaijani civilian airliner last December. The Azerbaijani leader accused Russia of trying to cover-up its responsibility, adding that the reaction of Russian officials to [the incident] created a very big frustration and disappointment in Azerbaijan.

Aliyev during the interview delved into history, backhandedly blaming Russians for creating the conditions that ultimately sparked the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict in the late 1980s amid the collapse of the Soviet Union. Following the collapse of the Tsarist empire, he noted an independent Azerbaijan had existed from May 1918 to April 1920, when the Russian army invaded Azerbaijan and occupied [the country]. The Bolsheviks, he added, went on to separate Nakhchivan from Azerbaijan proper and gave the territory in between to Armenia. Thats how Azerbaijan became divided into two, he said.

We established our own state, but the Bolsheviks took it from us, he added.

Aliyevs interpretation of history caused an outcry in Moscow, with an array of officials in Moscow disparaging his remarks. An influential Russian MP, Konstantin Zatulin, described Aliyevs comments as an attack on Russia.

By Eurasianet.org

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Perched on her neighbour's rooftop, Ghulam Bano gazes down at the remains of her home, submerged in murky, foul-smelling floodwater that has engulfed much of Pakistan's Punjab region.

Monsoon rains this week swelled three transboundary rivers that cut through Pakistan's eastern province, the nation's agricultural heartland and home to nearly half of its 255 million people.

Bano moved to Shahdara town last year, on the outskirts of Lahore, to avoid the choking smog pollution of Pakistan's second-largest city, only to have her new beginning overturned by raging floods.

"My husband had started coughing blood and his condition just kept getting worse when the smog hit," Bano told AFP, walking through muddy streets.

Pakistan regularly ranks among the world's most polluted countries, with Lahore often the most polluted megacity between November and February.

"I thought the smog was bad enough -- I never thought it could be worse with the floods," she said.

Her impoverished neighbourhood is home to thousands of low-lying homes crammed together on narrow streets.

The nearby overflowing Ravi river flooded many of them, forcing dozens of families to take refuge in an elementary school on higher ground, where doctors were treating people for skin infections linked to the flood water.

More heavy rain is predicted over the weekend, including warnings of increased urban flooding in Lahore, which borders India.

With her husband bedridden from tuberculosis, worsened by the relentless smog, Bano became the sole provider in a household struggling to breathe, survive, and endure the floods.

"I ate today after two days. There is no clean water to drink. I left my daughter at a relative's place and stayed back hoping the water recedes," she said.

Landslides and floods triggered by heavier-than-usual monsoon rains have killed more than 800 people nationwide since June this year.

While South Asia's seasonal monsoon brings rainfall that farmers depend on, climate change is making the phenomenon more erratic, unpredictable and deadly across the region.

More than 1.4 million people living near the rivers have been affected by the floods, with over 265,000 evacuated, said Azma Bukhari, the provincial information minister.

The latest monsoon downpour has killed at least 13 people, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.

"We just can't get a break," Amir Mehmood, a 32-year-old shopkeeper in the same neighbourhood as Bano, told AFP.

"Children fall ill in the smog because of the extreme cold. Some become sick due to the (everyday) unsanitary conditions," he said, referring to piles of waste that routinely line the streets.

"And now there's a flood. Our homes have collapsed, the walls have fallen, and everything is damaged."

He moved his family to a relative's home on the other side of the town along with his 10 cows and two goats as the water crept closer.

More than 300 relief camps have been set up across the province to shelter those displaced with no family to turn to.

"The women you see here, and me, we had to run for our lives... we did not even get the time to get clothes for our kids," 40-year-old widow Tabassum Suleman told AFP from the school camp.

"We do not know when we will be going back home," she said, looking up at the dark skies.

"But the worst is yet to come."


By Lars Larson

NW and national radio host,

The Northwest Nonsense

Oregon democrats seem to realize theres massive public opposition to their plans to pass the biggest tax increase in state historyallegedly for transportation.

I say allegedly because less than ten percent of the money goes to roads and bridges if they pass the tax.

Remember that Democrats hold super majorities in both houses of the legislature.

They hold every statewide elective officeso they can pass anything they want.

This summer, they proposed 15 billion in new taxes over ten yearsbut voted no

They then proposed a smaller multi billion dollar hikeand voted no

Now, todays special session.

This week, nearly 3-thousand testified on their plan and more than 90 percent testified against itmostly folks who have to pay the tax. The only folks testifying in favor, are those in government who stand to benefit

Go figure.

So, in the last 24 hours, majority democrats pulled their own nearly 6 billion tax hike planripped out 40 pages and thinned down gas and fee increases.

Experts testified ODOT has plenty of money to pay its bills but much of it is committed to projects that have already died, like the Rose Quarter I5 widening.

Meanwhile, most of America is seeing the lowest Labor Day gas prices in 5 yearswhile Oregon and Washington are paying the highest prices in the nation.

Bad leadership can be very expensive.

Thats the Rose City Rap. Join me at noon on KXL for First Amendment Friday. Im Lars Larson
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Governor Tina Kotek called for a Special Legislative Session Friday August 29th to try to ramrod her failed gas tax package which failed to even get a single floor vote last June (because the gas tax/wage tax was so awful).

House and Senate lawmakers assembled but there was not enough to make a quorum and meet basic Constitutional guidelines to conduct business. Floor meetings were delayed 3x during the day until it was clear that the Legislature lacked the votes to even meet.

It turns out that Governor Koteks rash plan to force lawmakers to come into a Special Session on the day before a 3-day Labor Day weekend, slammed into many lawmakers travel plans. As a a result, numerous lawmakers were given excuses to not be present. This put the whole vote count for a basic quorum at risk. Then one lawmaker, State Rep. Andrea Valderrama, had a flight cancellation which blocked her timely return to the Legislature further ruining the vote count.

This angered the unions for whom hundreds of government union jobs are at stake and for which they are the top supporters of the big tax increase, The Oregonian reports,  Jason Lawrence, an employee and union leader at the Oregon Department of Transportation. And I dont think its too damn much to ask these people who run for office to represent us and call themselves public servants to just show up.. The Statesman Journal reported further union anger, 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.

Meanwhile Oregon Republican lawmakers re-offered a new tax-free plan to fund ODOT through cost savings and cost shifting like moving funds away from unrelated climate projects back to core transportation needs.

People are now predicting that the Session will drag on into next week.

House Bill 3991 is the new bill number for the transportation package of gas taxes/DMV fees/wage taxes.


By Oregon State Representative E. Werner Reschke,

State Legislators are meeting in Salem to organize for a special session called by the Governor. The session is expected to last six days and is meeting over the Labor Day holiday weekend  mostly so people will not notice because they are busy enjoying their last time of summer with family and friends before school begins.

The Governors goal is to pass a transportation package, raising taxes and fees, to ensure hundreds of public union employees do not lose their jobs. What is ironic is that two days ago state economists revealed a loss of 25,000 jobs this year in Oregon  but mostly in the private sector. Why did the Governor not call a special session to protect their jobs?

When your government picks winners and losers, very few win. Most people lose. Under Oregons current and previous Governor, and associated Democrat dominated legislatures, Oregonians have experienced this poor decision making, which has led directly to Oregons economic and social decline.

My last newsletter, Tipping Point, highlighted the fact that this year alone, two home-grown business headquarters left Oregon: Tektronix and Dutch Bros. Oregon is experiencing massive layoffs; and also missing hundreds of billions of dollars in corporate investment returning from overseas to rebuild manufacturing. In addition, Oregons economic hub, Portland, continues to tax its residents and businesses into oblivion with the second highest taxes in the nation (only New York City is more expensive).

NOW IS NOT THE TIME

Given all of this, the Governor and her allies in the Legislature, are eagerly meeting today to start the process of raising your taxes at the pump, at DMV and in your paycheck. Some say, I can afford a 6/gallon increase. If that is you, its a blessing to be in a place of life that allows such taxing. Until the people say no more, taxes will continue to increase, until fewer and fewer of the people can afford it. Increasing taxes is the only answer Democrats have to every problem. They take some now, then a little more later, and then again, and again. It is only when they are threatened with the prospect of losing their jobs will they stop.

With Oregons economic and social decline:

Now is Not the Time to raise gas taxes  which will ripple throughout the economy, making everything in Oregon more expensive.

Now is Not the Time to dramatically raise fees at DMV, making it harder to own a car or truck.

Now is Not the Time to take more out of every Oregonians paycheck to pay for a public transit system that only serves 2% of Oregonians and where 60% goes to the Portland Metro area.

Now is Not the Time to make it more expensive for Oregonians to live and for businesses to stay in Oregon.

Now Is the Time for Legislators to deal with the root causes of Oregons decade of decline.

Now Is the Time for the Governor to support a transportation package that fixes ODOTs structural problems without raising taxes.

Now is the Time for Oregonians to speak up and pay close attention to how their State Representatives and State Senators vote.

Now is the Time for real change in Oregons political landscape.

Be sure to pay close attention this weekend to the voting of those who represent you this Special Session.
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:

Sonam Sherpa doing research on the Yala glacier in the Central Himalaya region of High Mountain Asia. The Yala glacier has shrunk in area by nearly 70% since the 1970s due to climate change. Credit: Sonam Sherpa

Glaciers across High Mountain Asia are losing more than 22 gigatons of ice per yearthe equivalent to nearly 9 million Olympic swimming pools, according to research from the University of Utah and Virginia Tech. The impact of a warming climate on glacial loss is undisputedthis new study provides the first evidence that seasonal shifts in rainfall and snowfall patterns, particularly of the South Asian monsoons, are also exacerbating glacier melting across the region.

"These findings highlight that glaciers dominated by the South Asian monsoons, such as the Central Himalaya, Western Himalaya and Eastern Himalaya, are especially vulnerable," said Sonam Sherpa, assistant professor at the University of Utah and lead author of the study. "If the timing and intensity of the monsoon continues to alter, it could accelerate ice loss and threaten water availability for millions downstream."

High Mountain Asia is known as the "Third Pole" because it holds the world's largest reserve of glacier ice outside the Arctic and Antarctic. The region's glaciers feed lakes and rivers that supply freshwater to more than 1.4 billion people across South and Central Asia, sustaining agriculture, hydropower and drinking water.

"Looking ahead, a faster retreat of mountain glaciers will shift the main source of river flow from glacier melt to rainfall, thereby heightening the risk of droughts in downstream regions for future generations," said Susanna Werth, assistant professor at Virginia Tech and co-author of the study.

The study area's location in High Mountain Asia and the boundaries of major drainage basins (blue outlines). Credit: Edited from Sherpa & Werth (2025) IEEE App Earth Obs & Rem Sens

High-lying glaciers in the southern parts of the Central Himalayas accumulate during the summer, rather than in the winter. At higher elevations, cold temperatures turn annual monsoon precipitation into intense snowfall that feeds the glaciers. Glaciers retreat because they either receive less snowfall or experience more melting than usual. While warming itself drives melting, it also alters rain and snowfall patterns. This can shorten the precipitation season, reduce precipitation amount or cause a shift from snow to rainfall on the glaciers, driving even more melting due to less accumulation on glaciers.

Accelerated glacier-melt patterns also carry significant risks. Faster melting can increase the likelihood of glacial lake outburst floods, a growing threat in mountain regions worldwide as receding glaciers retreat in response to climate change. Together with follow-up cascading hazards, including landslides and river flooding, unstable glaciers can devastate vulnerable communities.

"This risk is not only about long-term water shortages but also about immediate threats to lives and infrastructure," said Sherpa.

The study was published in the IEEE Journal of Selected Topics on Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing on Aug. 1, 2025.

Sonam Sherpa on the Yala glacier, located in the Central Himalaya region where the glaciers are dominated by South Asian monsoons. Credit: Sonam Sherpa

Monsoon-driven melt: a widespread phenomenon

The authors used satellite data from NASA's GRACE mission sensitive to ice mass losses, combined with hydrological and meteorological records, to assess the effects of a warming climate, changing precipitation seasonality and evolving monsoon patterns on glacier melt and the hydrological cycle in High Mountain Asia.

The key findings of the analysis are:

In the central and western Himalayan regions where glaciers typically grow during the summer, ice losses are associated with increased rainfall.

In eastern regions of the Himalaya, ice dynamics could be associated with reduced snowfall.

Repeating patterns in glacier retreat occur at 34.5-year and 58-year cycles, aligning with natural variability in monsoon patterns. This raises urgent questions about how future climate-driven monsoon shifts will impact long-term glacier health.

The researchers emphasize the urgent need for denser and more accurate monitoring networks of rainfall, snowfall and related climate variables. Improved observation systems, they argue, are critical for predicting the impacts of monsoon alterations and guiding adaptation strategies.

More information: Sonam Futi Sherpa et al, Investigating the Influence of Climate Seasonality on Glacier Mass Changes in High Mountain Asia via GRACE Observations, IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing (2025). DOI: 10.1109/JSTARS.2025.3595165
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: Fabien Vivier, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology Marine Mammal Research Program

The week in science: UK fishermen are reporting a massive octopus bloom in the waters off southwest England. Researchers found a massive fossilized pearl in the Australian outback, the largest ever found in the country. And physicists detailed an extremely high-efficiency heat engine that challenges two centuries of thermodynamic understanding. (It's reported in Physical Review Letters, so it's probably legit.)

Additionally, a popular oceanic reserve rebounded in the absence of humans during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Researchers developed a metric to characterize the ability of AI systems to uncover domain systems from sequence predictions. And neurologists reported on a young woman with extraordinary memory recall:

Humans disruptive

Evidence from the Hanuama Bay Nature Preserve in Hawai'i demonstrates the impact of humans on oceanic reef systems. The preserve, a wildly popular tourist destination, closed completely during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology took advantage of the closure to study changes in water quality, seal sightings, fish abundance and sea life behavior. In the absence of human visitors, the physical and biological health of the site quickly returned to normal levels, including densities of fish populations and reef health.

Elizabeth Madin, lead author, said, "The ecosystem responded in remarkable ways. These kinds of changes happened quickly, suggesting that everyday human presence can have a real and measurable impact on reef health. It's a powerful reminder of just how sensitive and responsive coral reef ecosystems are to our activity."

Standardized testing for AI

Artificial intelligence systems can now make specific predictions that resemble Johannes Kepler's laws of motion. But researchers at MIT wanted to know whether current systems were capable of a deeper understanding of these laws of motion as represented by Isaac Newton's laws of gravity. In other words, can foundation models that make good sequence predictions actually uncover deeper domain understanding? If so, they would be able to generalize that understanding to new kinds of problems.

The goal of the study wasn't to determine the capabilities of AI systems; rather, the researchers sought to develop a metric for their predictive power that could be applied to any model. They developed a metric called the measurement inductive bias, describing a tendency or a bias toward responses that reflect reality based on inferences developed from a large corpus of specific data. They used a lattice model: In a one-dimensional lattice, an object can only move along a line.

Predictive models proved capable of reconstructing the world of a one-dimensional lattice; adding dimensions to the lattice increased the complexity. The models continued to perform well with two- and three-state lattices but began diverging from real-world models as the number of states increased.

Total recall

Autobiographical memory is the ability to remember life experiences serially from the present back to childhood. It includes sensory and emotional memories of people, places and events. Most people have some combination of high- and low-vividness memories depending on their importance or how long ago the related events occurred.

However, a small number of people have a condition called hyperthymesia, in which they remember everything that ever happened to them, indexed by date. Hyperthymesics are able to travel through time in their minds fluidly, with high recall, and can relate the exact events that occurred on specific days even decades later.

Researchers at the Paris Brain Institute studied one such individual, a 17-year-old girl called TL, who exhibits significant control over how she accesses memories. TL distinguishes her memories into two types: "black memory," corresponding to the kinds of encyclopedic knowledge accumulated through study; and a sophisticated memory palace she calls the "white room" in which she can visualize any autobiographical detail from her past.

Some of her memories are even stored in the form of text messages and photographs. Using two clinical teststhe Episodic Test of Autobiographical Memory and the Temporal Extended Autobiographical Memory Taskthey determined that she remembers her life with extraordinary intensity.

Neurologist Laurent Cohen says, "Autobiographical hyperthymesia also seems closely linked to synesthesia, a neurological condition in which processing one sensory modality involves at least two senses. For example, synesthetes may hear colors, see sounds, or taste music. Even though TL is not a synesthete, several members of her family are. It would be interesting to explore this association."

Written for you by our author Chris Packham, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

 2025 Science X Network
Six new Maya Train cars arrive in Quintana Roo

Lazaro Cardenas, Q.R.  Six new Maya Train cars arrived Friday at the Nuevo Xcan station in the north. The transport security operation was coordinated by the National Guard, who escorted the cars cross country to the Quintana Roo station.

The new cars are part of a strategy to strengthen the railway infrastructure following the partial derailment that occurred on August 19 at the Izamal station in Yucatan.

Federal authorities confirmed that supervision protocols for transport, assembly and track monitoring have been strengthened to ensure the safety and reliability of the Maya Trains operation.

On August 19, a passenger car partially left its track approaching the Izamal station after leaving Cancun. Oscar David Lozano Aguila, Tren Maya General Director, said a track mishap was the cause of the partial derailment.

The integration of the new cars into Nuevo Xcan is expected to begin in the coming days.
This article contains spoilers for all three versions of The War of the Roses.

In a New York Times review of Warren Adlers 1981 novel The War of the Roses, novelist Avery Corman argued that the books main characters, Jonathan and Barbara Rose, are so awful they areto put it in modern parlanceunrelatable. Why should we care about the Roses? Their actions are so special, they are both so cruel to each other, to their children, we start to back away from them, Corman, himself the author of Kramer vs. Kramer, the 1977 novel about another divorcing couple, wrote. The War of the Roses, which began with universals, turns into a novel only about the Roses, about two driven, immature people.

Its trueThe War of the Roses, which has now been reissued on the occasion of Jay Roachs new movie adaptation, The Roses, is never sad, never sweet. Its a domestic horror show, channeling the rancorous spirit of the 1970s, when second-wave feminisms critiques of heterosexual partnership sparked epic culture wars over marriage. Most other reviews of the book embraced the novels spirit, and Danny DeVitos 1989 film adaptation, starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, offered almost as much claustrophobia and cruelty as the novel. Audiences at the time seemed to like thatDeVitos film grossed $178 million stateside.

The 2025 adaptation, opening this weekend and apparently trying for something a bit more palatable, adjusts the Roses back toward the universal. In casting Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman as the divorcing couple, Roach has made the whole thing much easier to watch. Almost too easy: The two have a palpable chemistry that makes every little fight seem as if it will surely be resolved in the next scene. (And often it is.)

The Rose marriages new trajectory is fundamentally differentan adjustment that nods to changing times but saps the conflict of its force, making it confusing to parse. In the Adler novel, and the DeVito adaptation, Barbara is a stay-at-home mom who supported Jonathan while he became a highly paid lawyer. Then, in the year their twins are applying to college, she starts to do some catering, which gives her that bit of self-confidence she needs to realize that her husband truly is an unctuous prick (picture, well, Michael Douglas, fresh off his Oscar for playing Wall Streets Gordon Gekkothat was good casting) and she could leave him if she wanted.

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In the 2025 movie, Theo and Ivy are both well-paid creativeshes an architect, and shes a cookwho are supportive of each others vision and drive. She takes time off when the kids are little, then they crisscross, as his career craters and hers takes off. They bicker over who will step back from a job to handle the family, but that problem is fundamentally solved by the early departure of their 13-year-old twins to boarding school. The story becomes a more modern one, but it loses the easily parsable conflict between breadwinner and homemaker that gave The War of the Roses its engine.

The midcentury names Barbara and Jonathan are gone, in favor of Theo and Ivy; these two could just insert an ampersand and start a neutral-colors baby-clothes brand. The new Roses are British expats, living in California and moving from one nice house to another, nicer one, rather than two Americans who are working-class (Barbara) and upper-middle-class (Jonathan), ascending together to a beautiful home in Washingtons exclusive Kalorama neighborhood, full of meticulously selected antiques. The little gestures toward class conflict in Adlers novel and DeVitos adaptationJonathan corrects Barbaras pronunciation in public and, in a genius addition to the story by DeVitos movie, censures her for feeding the children too much sugarget flattened out, bringing the Roses closer together, making their conflicts look more like a product of the narcissism of small differences.

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Ivy and Theo fight about taste, just a little. Theo doesnt like Ivys idea to put an antique stove into his much more modern design, and Ivy bristles at the expensive Irish moss Theo orders for the new houses roof, because its got such a particular color green. And Ivy is the one who wants to feed the kids dessert, while Theo, when he takes over their upbringing, turns them into little athletes, fixated on rep counts and blood-sugar regulation. But these feel like minor vestiges of the original versions of the story, which was as much about the toxicity of upward mobility as about love, marriage, and divorce.

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The script of The Roses, written by Tony McNamara, takes the part of the novel where the couple destroys their perfect house, committing various assaults on each other in the processa highly imaginative tale of destruction that comprises most of the books plotand stuffs it all into the climactic final 15 minutes of the film. In the theater, I kept looking down at my watch, wondering when the smashing was going to begin.

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The novels Roses kill each others pets. (DeVito bravely included a scene in his adaptation in which Barbara feeds her husband pate thats made of meat from his dog. Woof, Kathleen Turner says, flatly, at the reveal.) Jonathan has sex with the au pair; Barbara locks him in the sauna and turns it up. Jonathan empties out Barbaras Valium capsules and puts Dexedrine in them; Barbara doses Jonathans orange juice with LSD. Jonathan ruins a dinner party Barbara is catering by booby-trapping the kitchen.

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Adler goes on and on, creating a mood in the house thats so suffocating and macabre that, by the end, youre absolutely dying to get out. Home Alone wishes. And The Roses definitely wishes. Colman and Cumberbatch are game, crashing a chandelier, ruining one anothers careers via A.I.generated video, and locking each other in a room while polka music plays, but zero pets are harmeda little thing, maybe, but a barometer for just how unlikable this movie is willing to let its characters become (not very).

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Corman dinged the novel for focusing the Roses conflicts on stuff. For the Roses  the house, the possessions, the antiques become even more important than their children, he wrote. The question for Jonathan and Barbara Rose is who will get custody of the things? This reviewer was a man who wrote a novel about a battle over child custody, one that was probably the most iconic popular novel about divorce immediately preceding The War of the Roses publication, so it makes some sense hed get stuck on this.

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But the whole point of putting the original Roses in that Kalorama mansion, full of antiques that they start accumulating the very day they meet, was to poke at this kind of person, who thinks only things increase in value, as Jonathan says to Barbara at one point. People diminish.

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The antiques that the novels Roses purchaseStaffordshire figurines, sleigh beds, Tiffany lampsare valuable not just in terms of money. They are Jonathans bids toward a type of immortality: Jonathan, burrowing into the upper class. Thats why Barbara cant let him have them. She hates his pathetic social climbing and cant abide the idea that he would get away with that unscathed. Thats why the scene in DeVitos adaptation in which Turner smashes his Staffordshires is so satisfying.

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Antiques like the ones that stuffed the Roses original house have been losing value in the real world since about the turn of the 21st century, so an update to The War of the Roses has to look different. The new movies cliff house, filled with stylish modern furniture and sporting a whole-house digital assistant the Roses (of course) nickname Hal, symbolizes a type of California creative-class wealth that bends toward the artisanal and organic. These Roses are not scheming to get into the upper class. Theyre people who spend tremendous amounts of money to see the ocean from every room, but they seem to be doing it only to help their own careers. This is a different kind of American rich person, and one that is also interesting to satirize. But The Roses doesnt have the meanness required to twist the knife.

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The changes to the ending show how defanged this story has been by these adjustments to modernity. Adlers couple dies after weeks of battle, locked in their boarded-up house, sweating, sick, poisoned, trapped with the debris of their storybook marriage. DeVitos adaptation streamlines their descent but still leaves the couple dead in their entry hall, after falling from their chandelier. The husband wordlessly seeks forgiveness, creeping a hand toward his wife, and in her last act, Barbara rejects it. In The Roses, instead, the couple has reached a cuddly rapprochement, until they ask Hal to light a fire, not knowing that ever since Theo bashed up Ivys stove during the fight, gas has been leaking into the house. The screen turns totally white, and the title card reappears. Rest in peace to the Roses, and that gorgeous house.

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Adler, who died in 2019 at age 91, was married for 67 yearsby all accounts happily. He got the idea for The War of the Roses from observing a divorcing couple in his social circle. This new film seems unlikely to capture the marital zeitgeist the way the novel did. Maybe the phenomenon of easily available divorce was all just too new, at the time. Since then, its been drained of its bite by the same dispersal of culture thats made everything that was once monocultural seem less important. Now we have Liars, Marriage Story, online discourse about leaked Steven Crowder home surveillance videos, our very own divorce columnlots of ways to talk about why couples split. Do we need The Roses? Sadly, I dont think so.
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Christmas, as the old poem goes, comes but once a year. For some people, that is deeply, deeply unfair. Why should they get just one month a yearor two or three, in modern retail timeto gather with their friends and loved ones, to think about peace and goodwill toward their fellow humans, to eat cookies, and, most of all, to bask in the lights and decorations they keep hidden away in storage the rest of the year? Is there a law that says you have to put your Christmas decorations away by Jan. 6?

No, there is not! Even I, a Jewish person who doesnt celebrate Christmas, am not immune to the joy and silliness of what is euphemistically known as the holiday season, even though everyone knows theres really only one holiday that matters. Which is why, on this August afternoon, I am in Lombard, a suburb about 20 miles west of downtown Chicago, wandering the junior ballroom of a Westin temporarily transformed into a winter wonderland of lights and reindeer and Santas and sleighs and miniature snow-covered villages and, of course, Christmas trees, both plastic and aluminum.

This is the museum room, the heart of the annual convention of the Golden Glow of Christmas Past, an organization devoted to collecting and studying antique and vintage Christmas memorabilia, in which collectors have assembled, on tables and in glass display cases, museum-style displays of their most prized Christmas decorations.

Make no mistake: This isnt the crap you buy at Target, the half-assed white lights or plastic blow-up snowmen that never actually stay inflated. These are collections, assembled over time, sometimes over multiple generations, with great care: early-20th-century cookie tins from Nuremberg, the gingerbread capital of Germany; sheets of Christmas-themed postage stamps from every year of the 1970s; Victorian-era sleds, including 10 Santas, identical except for their different-colored suits, lined up on a toboggan; 1960s colored-globe ornaments emblazoned with the peace sign; ceramic Santas with spaghetti-like trim on their hats and coats; World War IIera posters urging people to buy Christmas Seals to fight tuberculosis; souvenirs from Santa Claus, Indiana, including displays from the post office explaining how to send your child a letter from Santa; Santas two cranky cousins, Krampus and Belsnickel; and memorabilia featuring the Peanuts gang, in honor of the 60th anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas.

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Golden Glow, or the Glow, as its known to members, began back in 1980 as a newsletter created by Jerry Ehernberger, a collector of Christmas lights, to connect and share knowledge with other Christmas-light enthusiasts. The following summer, two of the newsletter contributors hosted the first convention in a barn (just like Christmas itself, the groups site points out) in Ohio. Two dozen people showed up with their best lights, and a tradition was born. A few years later, the organization expanded to encompass Christmas decorations of all kinds, but none more recent than 40 years ago, and the convention moved from the barn to hotels around the country. This year, 550 people, roughly a quarter of the total membership, have come to spend a week in Lombardfewer than before the pandemic, but still a respectable number.

You can go backward, with psychoanalysis, maudlin reminiscence, and hometown visits to look at things that are no longer there. Or you can look forward and embark on a quest to recover the objects that surrounded you when you felt most secure and happy.

For collectors, there are four major eras of Christmas decorations: Victorian, war-era (meaning the period from World War I through World War II), midcentury modern, and postmodern, a catch-all term for anything after 1970. Midcentury modern is especially popular because objects are plentiful and relatively affordable, and because a lot of Glow members like to collect things they remember from their childhoods, which, for many, was during the 1950s and 60s. Maybe it goes without saying that Glow members had happy childhoods.

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Even now with my nieces and nephews, I try to create that feeling I had at Christmas, says Steven Daniel, a Chicagoan who found his way to the Glow in 1998 after someone handed him a brochure at a flea market. Its a warm feeling. Its hard to describe. I knew when Christmas was coming because my mom would decorate when I was at school, and then Id make a list of all my siblings and who got to turn on what. Wed keep the outdoor lights on our farmhouse on all night so Santa could find us. Id go to midnight Mass with my dad. I liked that feeling.

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There are plenty of ways to deal with the loss of the best parts of your childhood. You can go backward, with psychoanalysis, maudlin reminiscence, and hometown visits to look at things that are no longer there. Or you can look forward and embark on a quest to recover the objects that surrounded you when you felt most secure and happy. Daniel, for instance, remembers a piece his mother especially loved, an ornament that had been made in Poland that broke one year when someone accidentally knocked over the box it was stored in. My mom cried, he says. She died a few years after that, but hes still looking for a replacement.

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One of the great joys for members of the Glow is that they get a chance to meet other people who are on the same quest, but not necessarily competing for the same objects. Glow members emphasize the lasting friendships theyve formed through the group and how they feel theyve found their people. The organization and convention are entirely volunteer-run.

Christmas people are nice people, says Carrie Polales Sansing, the chair of the Glows board of directors and one of the hosts of this years convention. Its not just about the ability to buy and sell. Its about the connections. (Still, many collectors do acknowledge that another advantage to meeting in person is that, with recent changes in the Google algorithm, online searches for specific Christmas treasures have gotten a lot harder.)

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Many participants also relish the chance to show off their knowledge about extremely esoteric subjects. Sansing, for instance, is an expert on blown plastic, a technique for making hollow plastic figures; she used her connections to obtain 750 custom snow ladies to serve as table favors at a lunchtime banquet and then personally made scarves to tie around their necks and drilled holes in their backs to insert lights. Over the course of the convention, there are lectures on Czech beaded ornaments and Gurley novelty candles, roundtable discussions on preserving vintage fibers and repairing strings of Christmas lights, and workshops on how to make ceramic Christmas trees and mix Christmas cocktails.

But theres also the wonder of seeing the past come back to life, like a Christmas miracle. You see so many things you saw in magazines or books and dont think exist anymore, says Judy Loyka, a former window designer for Marshall Fields. But then its like, Oh my god, it really does exist. Youre starstruck, like a child.

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My own feelings about Christmas are a bit more complicated, mostly because Jewish kids dont get to celebrate. Instead, we watch from the outside and feel like were missing out on the most wonderful thing ever, even though we know Santa isnt real, obviously. (Yes, we have Hanukkah. No, its not the same.) Honestly, Ive always found Santa a bit boring and, shall we say, overexposed, though I do enjoy songs about his many adventures. As I grew older, I learned that Christmas is a lot of work, and I am lazy. Let other people put up lights and see their electric bills explodethough to the Glow members I asked, this is of little consequence.

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So when people ask me, per Glow etiquette, what I collect, theres some awkwardness until finally I settle on Stories! This makes everyone happy, because everybody has one.

I started with Gurley candles, says Amy Bell, who attended her first Glow convention as a child with her mother and grandmother. Then I moved on to pinecones. Back then you could get a bag of three for $5. And then my husband got involved, and it was game on.

Amys husband, Kuno, went straight to the top with a polar bear clockwork nodder, a mechanical statue whose head bobs up and down. These were popular in early-20th-century shop windows and are among the most expensiveand covetedcollectibles. Ive seen them at auction houses for $75,000, Amy says. But we didnt pay that.

Everyone here understands the need to amass a complete set of something.

The Bells, like many collectors, are cagey about where they acquired their piecesincluding a full team of reindeer nodders and a 5-foot-tall Christmas-tree music boxand how much they paid. Everyone acknowledges, though, that prices have increased substantially in the past few years.

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25 or 30 years ago, this stuff was dirt cheap, says Jason, the collector from Kansas City. Wed go to estate sales and line up early, and people would laugh at us.

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This is no longer the case, but as nearly everyone at the Glow will tell you, collecting is an addiction. Everyone here understands the need to amass a complete set of something. When you find something with all the different variations, it makes you so happy, explains Nichole, a Glow member from West Texas.

Storage is a universal problem. One of the afternoon educational talks concludes with a PowerPoint slide of a picture of a house dwarfed by another building labeled Christmas ornament storage, and everyone laughs in recognition. Nichole is considering hiring an electrician to rewire her house to accommodate more lights.

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Many people come to the Glow to sell off pieces of collections theyve either inherited or outgrown. But that doesnt mean they go home empty-handed. You sell, says one collector, so you can buy more.

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There are three separate events during the week for buying and sellinga Christkindlmarket, an auction, and a sales room on the final daybut the most beloved event takes place outside the official scope of the convention. This is room-hopping, five floors up at the Westin, where conventiongoers turn their hotel rooms into small shops, spreading out their wares on beds, windowsills, dressers, and folding tables theyve brought in. Most sales are cash-only, and there are deals to be had on a wide assortment of things: smiley plastic American Santas, fierce-looking wooden German Santas, ornaments of all kinds, wrapping paper, old ads and sheet music, a smattering of Halloween items, a Salvation Army uniform consisting of a hat, wool cloak, and, of course, a bell.

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I collect things that you dont need but make you smile, a woman named Jan tells me. (Arguably, this could apply to all Christmas decorations.)

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People leave doormats or larger pieces outside in the hallway and prop the doors open to let everyone know theyre open for business. Some play Christmas music. Anyone who wanders by is welcome to come in and check out the goods and hang around for a chat. Its generally agreed that the rooms are pretty much picked over by the second daythe Glows official magazine advises readers not to hesitate if they see something they like, and everyone seems to have a story about The One That Got Awaybut the atmosphere feels less like a big-box store on Black Friday than a college dorm before classes start, when everyone is happy and relaxed and friendships are made.

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Not everyone is buying and selling, though. Many more people sit in the hotel lobby or in the hospitality area chatting over iced tea and Christmas cookies (Amy Bells mothers are especially popular), probably about buying and selling, its true, but also exchanging life stories and health care sagas. How can you not love another person who not only understands your deepest, most niche obsessionas many Glow spouses, known as widows, dobut shares it?

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In that spirit, I spend the day considering what kind of collection I would have, if I celebrated Christmas and didnt live in a 900-square-foot apartment. Santa is out, though I am willing to accept Glow chair Sansings explanation that Santa isnt a person, but more of an icon of the idea of giving. Wait. Does that mean I believe in Santa after all?

I decide I would probably copy Steven Daniel, who, among other things, collects old black-and-white snapshots of office Christmas parties; at one Glow convention, he trimmed a tree with them. It would be nice to see the same people enjoying one anothers company year after year. Then I realize this is almost like collecting Golden Glow itself.

As I leave the hotel late in the afternoon, I run into Linda, a woman I met earlier. Shes taken off the green hat covered in Christmas brooches that she was wearing at lunch. Ive been losing stones, she says. Some of those pins were my mothers. So now Im starting a new collection.
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Stop the presses. Lay down your tools. Ring out every church bell in the land so that all subjects may hear the joyous tidings: Kate Middleton is blond.

Or she might be. Its hard to tell from the one photo somebody managed to get of her in a car the other day. But thats never stopped the worlds media writing breathless copy about the royal family before. Some of the reactions I have read from magazines and newspapers online over the past week on the subject of Kate Middletons hair include: Why blonde Princess of Wales is a beauty disruptor; her freshly lightened shade couldnt be more regal; the Princess of Wales blonde hair makeover is the ultimate anti-autumn statement. Conversely: Its the perfect autumn transformation. Country and Townhouse ran with the headline The Truth Behind Kate Middletons New Blonde Blow Out, the truth of which is: It might be a different color now, were not sure, because there is only one photo.

Theories about the hair abound. An honest-to-god doctor of psychology weighed in on Fox News that this new hair may be Kates way of reclaiming agency and visibility in the aftermath of the illness that kept her from public duties last year and had people all over the world deliriously speculating about whether she was dead or getting a divorce. Others think the new hair color might be to make it easier to hide new crops of gray from the scrutiny of press photographers as Kate ages. She apparently spent the summer on a yacht sailing around the Greek islands (but not once, over several weeks, setting foot on any of them, for security reasons), so others think the new, lighter color may just be the effect of time in the sun. Then there is the burning question of what color, exactly, it now is. Is it blond? Honey blond? Honey brond? Mocha brond? Toffee blond? Gilded taupe? Antique blond, whatever that might mean? How do we know its not a wig? Is it temporary? Is it permanent? Is it merely a trick of the light? Does a change in hairstyle signal, as people with untold free time have claimed, that she might be about to announce a pregnancy?

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I appreciate that I am myself sitting here at my computer writing about blond Kate Middleton, but I always find myself wondering who these media frenzies are for. Then I remember that there really are hordes of people all over the world who are interested in knowing about what precise color Kate Middletons hair is. I may not know any of them, you may not know any of them, but they are out there. She has, for instance, a community of stans known as the repli-Kates or copyKates who spend their time and money re-creating her outfits. When this woman wears a dress, that dress will sell out in a matter of minutes. But there are plenty more people at a less diagnosable level of interest in the princess.

On the one hand, it is the dream of every woman whos gone through a rough patch and decides to dye her hair blond about it that the worlds press shout this news from the rooftops. To go blond is to say: I need people to make some kind of fuss about me immediately. It is, from personal experience, a momentous occasion. And on the other, its fairly demented that this much attention is being paid to a womans hair color.

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But Middleton, of course, is not just any woman. She is a woman who leads one of the strangest and most regimented lives in the world. Kate Middleton is a brunette. It is a fundamental part of her persona that she is a woman with brown hair. As my colleague put it, it might in fact be her whole persona. Theres a reason for that: Her appearance is pretty much all people are allowed of her, all that she is allowed to show. Middleton has settled so totally into the role of well-behaved figurehead of the royal family that any sense of her actual personality has been buried beneath the cashmere sweaters and respectable midi dresses. Her job is to be Kate Middleton, and to look like Kate Middleton. Going blond is about as exciting as Kate Middletons life is permitted to be. Youd sooner see Kate Middleton riding a mechanical bull in assless chaps than with a pixie cut. You dont see her in so much as a skirt that shows her thighs.

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I suppose Im also thinking about this because its the time of year when that photograph of Diana sitting alone on a diving board circles back round in social media, a photograph taken just a week before she died at the end of August in 1997. Images of a princess are so valuable because to be a princess is to be reduced to an image. Its Kate Middletons job to be looked at, and apparently my job as a subject of the British crown to look at Kate Middleton, a woman with nice hair that is now maybe blond. And as ever, all the looking feels weird, needless, and empty.
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Donald Trumps second term has been an exercise in projection. After years of insisting the federal government was engaged in a witch hunt against him, he has turned its machinery on his own enemies, critics, and anyone who stands in the way of his agenda. Yet, what makes this shift remarkable is not simply that Trump is targeting his adversaries. That much was expected. Instead, what is particularly striking is the peculiar charge the president has chosen as his weapon of choice. Rather than relying on splashy accusations that usually dominate cable news, such as corruption, election interference, even sedition, Trump is taking down his opponents over claims of mortgage fraud.

Its a new twist on a long, ugly tradition. Trumps use of mortgage fraud is relatively novel, but hes far from the first president to use the federal governments vast trove of financial data as a political cudgel. Just this Monday, Trump fired Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook after accusing her of falsifying records on past mortgage applications. In recent weeks, Sen. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James have faced the same allegation. Mortgage fraud, for the uninitiated, typically means intentionally misstating something on a loan application, such as income, assets, or even whether you intend to live in the house. This type of fraudulent conduct is not trivialpenalties can include millions of dollars in fines and prison sentences measured in decadesbut they are hardly the kind of scandal you expect to end a career in Washington. Which raises the obvious question: Why mortgage fraud?

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The answer has less to do with the crime itself than with the ease of finding it. Mortgage fraud may sound obscure, but it is the kind of violation that leaves a long paper trail, and the federal government now happens to sit on an enormous archive of those papers. Every borrower who wants a typical government-backed mortgage (a conforming loan) must fill out the Uniform Residential Loan Application, and since 2023, the Supplemental Consumer Information Form, which together capture the important personal and financial details about a household, such as income and employment history, bank accounts and debts, family structure and marital status, property ownership, past bankruptcies or foreclosures, race and ethnicity, military service, whether the borrower has received housing counseling, and even their preferred language of communication. At closing, those files are supplemented with appraisal reports and a standardized closing disclosure, all of which flow electronically into Fannie Mae and Freddie Macs databases. Fannie and Freddie are still in federal conservatorship, meaning that the Federal Housing Finance Agency has supervisory access to the loan-level data of tens of millions of mortgages. As a result, the government has, at its fingertips, a dossier of detailed and often sensitive information on virtually every ordinary borrower. Which is why, if you want to target a political adversary, their mortgage paperwork is almost certainly already there, waiting to be mined.

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Technically, the FHFA is an independent agency, which in theory is supposed to insulate its decisions from direct White House control. But independence here is more formal than practical. The agency is run by a director whom the president appoints, and since the Supreme Courts 2020 decision in Collins v. Yellen, that director can be removed without cause. That means the Trump administration effectively controls who oversees the data. In normal times, the FHFA is supposed to act like a bank regulator, not an intelligence service or a criminal law enforcer. Its access to Fannie and Freddies mortgage databases is supposed to be used to keep the housing finance system stable and fair, not to smoke out individual cases of mortgage fraud. In normal times, potential fraud would reach the Justice Department through routine referrals from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. Whats unusual (and troubling) about the current moment is the sense that the White House itself is steering those referrals, using FHFAs supervisory reach into Fannie and Freddie as a back door into millions of Americans financial lives.

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Just this month, FHFA director and former Trump donor William Pulte sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi alleging that Lisa Cook had falsified her residency status on two properties, an accusation drawn directly from mortgage records under FHFA supervision. Trump seized on the referral, blasting out on Truth Social that Cook must resign, now!!! Two days later, she was gone. The episode shows how the combination of FHFAs access to virtually every mortgage in America, the absence of clear rules limiting when and how that data can be used, and the presidents control over the agencys leadership can turn what should be a technical compliance issue into a political guillotine.

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And Cooks ouster is just the tip of the iceberg. The FHFAs reach extends far beyond a single appointees mortgage file. Because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantee or own about two-thirds of Americas $12 trillion mortgage market, the agency has supervisory access to loan-level data covering tens of millions of households. If you own a home with a conforming loan, your data is in FHFAs system. In Cooks case, the trigger was disputed residency certifications on properties in Ann Arbor and Atlanta. But the same data could just as easily be searched to find some technical inconsistency in any adversarys file. What we are watching, in real time, is how an agency created to stabilize the housing market can be repurposed into an opposition-research arm of the presidency.

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A New Twist With a Long, Ugly History

Although the FHFA is a relatively young institution, the spectacle of a president mining an agencys data for political advantage is not new. We have been here before with the IRS. Since its creation during the Civil War, the IRS greatest power has come less from its ability to levy assessments or collect debts than from the vast amounts of information it compels Americans to disclose. That power is rooted in the tax return. Section 7805(a) of the Internal Revenue Code authorizes the Treasury secretarydelegated to the commissioner of Internal Revenueto prescribe all needful rules and regulations for the enforcement of the code. The limits on what information returns may demand have remained virtually untested. As a result, returns (informational and tax-related) capture personal information well beyond income and deductions, such as an individuals addresses, business structures, family relationships, charitable donations, and even details with political or religious significance.

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Because most Americans are legally required to file detailed annual returns, the IRS holds what one Senate committee later called the largest potential source of information about the personal lives of Americans. From early on, presidents, attorneys general, and intelligence agencies recognized the temptation of that source and repeatedly tried to tap it. Congress first prohibited public disclosure of tax returns after it reenacted the income tax in 1913, but the law still left wide latitude for presidents and federal agencies to gain access. Eventually, the pressures of the Cold War made the temptation to use this information for political purposes irresistible. By the 1950s, the FBI had built what amounted to a standing pipeline into the IRS. As part of its COINTELPRO counterintelligence program, which was designed to undermine the operations of the Communist Party in the United States, the Bureau routinely obtained the tax returns of party members. Decades later, Congressional investigators discovered that the FBI enjoyed virtually unrestricted access to any tax file it wanted. The Bureau never had to explain why it needed the information, and the IRS never asked. Returns were used to trigger audits, not to enforce tax law, but to expose, disrupt and otherwise neutralize the activities of the target organizations and their leadership.

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That pattern repeated across social and political movements. In 1964, the FBI requested and received all available information on Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, including IRS audits, investigative files, and contributor lists. In 1968, the Bureaus Key Activists program used IRS returns to neutralize New Left leaders. For example, one Midwestern professors deductions were scrutinized not for tax compliance but to distract him from organizing protests at the Democratic convention. Similar tactics were used against the Ku Klux Klan, Students for a Democratic Society, and Black Power groups. And even in the rare case where the ends obtained by accessing return data were laudable, the fact that the IRS gave the FBI virtually unrestricted, unchecked access to this information was certainly concerning.

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Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code, ostensibly a safeguard against the misuse of taxpayer information, proved toothless. By making the president the ultimate arbiter of when and under what circumstances returns could be opened, it created a loophole large enough to swallow the rule. The president or attorney general could simply delegate the request to staff, allowing the White House to obtain sensitive return information while concealing its political motives. Procedural reforms within the IRS fared little better. As the Senate later found, the IRS almost never questioned such requests and treated them as presumptively valid, and once the returns left the building there were no limits on how they might be used.

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Richard Nixon, however, pushed this tendency further than any president before him. From his first year in office, Nixon installed trusted aides like Clark Mollenhoff and later Roger Barth to provide him and his administration with access to information on specific taxpayer returns. Although the president was not expressly prohibited from accessing returns, this arrangement was structured to give Nixon plausible deniability. Mollenhoff would orally request returns, and the IRS would infer that each request carried the presidents authority. The services own chief counsel endorsed this theory, concluding that the president had an unquestioned right to see any return and could delegate that right to his staff. That interpretation meant aides like H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, or John Dean could effectively demand taxpayer files by invoking the presidents name without any written authorization, and without oversight.

In practice, Nixons circle sought tax data to compile the famous Enemies List, as well as other retributive activities, such as spurring audits of antiwar activists, digging into Democratic National Committee Chair Larry OBriens finances, and even to track potential Democratic donors. By vesting control of access in the presidency, Section 6103s supposed safeguard proved illusory. The IRS treated informal staff requests as if they carried the force of law. Nixons schemes flourished in this gray zone between formal legality and practical abuse. It did not matter whether the president signed an order or offered any justification for disclosure. What mattered was that the service believed it could not say no.

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Related From Slate Trump Uses Mortgage Fraud Accusations to Delegitimize the Fed Read More

To their credit, some officials inside the IRS resisted. Commissioner Randolph Thrower tried to hold the line against political meddling, and later Johnnie Walters locked the White Houses audit lists in his safe rather than act on them. Nixons response was simply to replace leadership. When he began outlining his requirements for a new IRS commissioner in May 1971, he told aides Haldeman and Ehrlichman that he wanted a ruthless son of a bitch who would do what hes told, that every income-tax return I want to see I see, that he will go after our enemies and not go after our friends. Otherwise, Nixon warned, he doesnt get the job. In this crass (although today familiar) language, the president made clear that access to taxpayer returns was a political prerogative.

How We Got Hereand How We Could Fix It

It wasnt until the Watergate scandal broke that this pattern was interrupted, as congressional investigators uncovered the Enemies List and the paper trail of IRS disclosures. The fallout prompted a wave of reform. In 1974, Congress passed the Privacy Act, restricting the creation of secret federal data banks. Two years later, as part of the Tax Reform Act of 1976, lawmakers overhauled Section 6103 to make tax-return confidentiality the rule, not the exception. Tax returns and return information were declared confidential; disclosure could occur only under narrow statutory exceptions, such as referrals to the Justice Department for tax prosecutions, to congressional tax-writing committees, or to state revenue agencies. While the president maintained authority to solicit returns, every disclosure had to be logged, with records of when, why, and to whom the information was released, ensuring that the process was visible rather than hidden. And to give those rules teeth, unauthorized disclosures were made a felony punishable under 26 U.S.C. Section 7213. These reforms were designed to do what decades of internal norms and presidential restraint had failed to do: prevent the White House and outside agencies from secretly turning the IRS into a political intelligence service.

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No such protections exist for the FHFA today. Unlike the post-1976 IRS, the agency sits atop tens of millions of mortgage files without a statutory framework that makes disclosures confidential by default, limits sharing to narrow exceptions, or forces transparency through public logs. There are no criminal penalties if an FHFA director decides to pass along a mortgage file to the White House, nor any requirement that the public or Congress be notified. Which means the agency is effectively where the IRS was before Nixon, holding a vast reservoir of personal financial data that can be quietly mined for political purposes, with virtually no rules to stop it.

Congress should not wait for another scandal to impose on the FHFA what it finally imposed on the IRS nearly 50 years ago. The mortgage data needs to be insulated by a statutory wall of confidentiality, strict limits on disclosure, public logs, and criminal penalties for abuse. Of course, such reforms would not, on their own, guarantee that an agency cannot be bent to the will of a determined president. As the IRS own history shows, rules are only as strong as the culture and leadership willing to enforce them in the face of political pressure. That is a challenge both the IRS and the FHFA still face today, and it may ultimately demand reforms deeper than a confidentiality statute alone. But at the very least, Congress can fix this glaring legal vulnerability. If the FHFA holds data on nearly every American homeowner, then giving that data the same protections as tax returns is the bare minimum we can do to prevent abuse.
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Before President Donald Trump appointed him to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Bill Pulte was best known to the public as the scion of a homebuilding empire and an extremely online investor who hawked various meme stocks and cryptocurrencies on Twitter. In government, however, Pulte has gained more notoriety as an eager Trump hatchet man, using his office to comb through public officials mortgage records and weaponize hazy details against those deemed to be enemies of the presidentincluding, most recently, Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lisa Cook, as part of the presidents mission to compromise the integrity of the United States long-independent central bank.

However, a watchdog group now alleges that Pulte may also be profiting from his vengeance-fueled governance of the nations premier housing authority.

The nonpartisan investigative nonprofit Accountable.US shared a report with Slate regarding a potentially vast conflict of interest on Pultes part: retaining his financial entanglements with the controversial data broker Palantir Technologies, while employing the companys software in his mortgage-fraud crusade. The investigation from Accountable.US points out how Pultes early-year financial disclosures reveal that he recently earned anywhere from $15,001 to $50,000 in capital gains from his Class A shares in Palantir. Yet Pulte did not appear to cut his ties with Palantir, according to his ethics agreement, despite claiming he would divest from interests that pose potential conflicts of interest, the report states.

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Whats more, Pulte has explicitly promoted his use of Palantirs artificial intelligence in compiling his allegations against Cook. He already holds an unusual degree of power over and access to nationwide mortgage data, having appointed himself chairman of the boards for Fannie Mae and Freddie Macthe government-owned corporations that handle bank mortgage loansand purged many of their existing board members. (One of his subsequent appointees to Fannies board was Omeed Malik, a business partner of Donald Trump Jr.s who recently oversaw the IPO of an online retailer, GrabAGun, in which Pulte holds a stake, through his investment firm Pulte Family Office. That company is also listed as a source of income in Pultes disclosures.)

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In late May, Fannie Mae announced that it was partnering with Palantir to use artificial intelligence to detect mortgage fraud across recordsadding yet another federal contract to Palantirs list of government opportunities granted by the Trump administration. By that point, as CNBC wrote, Palantirs stock value had ballooned by over 140 percent since Trumps reelection. And Pulte was conspicuously involved in brokering this partnership, declaring that it could also expand to Freddie Mac.

Thank you for the birthday wishes! Im 37 today!  We will be working - the CEO and Co-Founder of Palantir, Alex Karp, and I will be holding a press conference at Fannie Mae this morning to discuss something Big on Mortgage Fraud!  https://t.co/Mh0lXUHKmb  Pulte (@pulte) May 28, 2025

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We are looking for mortgage fraud, he reiterated on an Aug. 21 Bloomberg TV appearance after publicizing his allegations against Cook. We brought in Palantir. We have made tremendous efforts globally, across the population, across the data set, across the data set of loans from Fannie Mae. Pulte also claimed to have received a tip regarding Cooks properties, likely thanks to public callouts hes made to his 3 million followers on X (Please submit any alleged criminal mortgage tips or mortgage fraud tips to FraudTips@fhfa.GOV).

Cook has sued to challenge the firing, and on Tuesday, a judge at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia will rule on whether Trumps order bears any weight. The outcome of this case will determine whether the nations highest monetary authority can steward the global economy without fear of pressure from the executive branch. The stakes are staggering, and its all thanks to Pultewho isnt only going after Cook.

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In May, Trumps Justice Department launched a probe into New York Attorney General Letitia James based on mortgage-fraud accusations from Pulte; there have been no charges filed against James in this regard, though the DOJ has since expanded its scope to look into the cases James brought against Trump and his businesses before he returned to office. Last month, the DOJ also opened a mortgage-fraud investigation into California Sen. Adam Schiff, who has been critical of Trump. The basis was, once again, a criminal referral Pulte sent to the department back in May, which lacked any substantial details.

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Related From Slate Trump Is Governing a Lot Like a Country He Despises Read More

This is the constant motif of Bill Pultes tenure: abusing his powers to pursue anti-Trump Democrats while conspicuously ignoring pro-Trump Republicans, like Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who have reportedly engaged in the exact kinds of mortgage fraud that have so concerned Pulte.

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Lately, hes only ramped up his demands for Cook to resign, despite the fact that a Fed board member can only be fired for cause, not allegations that havent been tried in court. Hes also alluding to mortgage fraud in Chicagoclearly another act of supplication to Trump as the president threatens to dispatch the National Guard to the city. Still, the infamy Pulte has earned for himself has also brought in more scrutiny: A Thursday Mother Jones report pointed out how hes faced federal investigations over his own questionable handling of financial documents related to a half-million dollar donation his wife made to a pro-Trump super PAC by funneling the money through a shell companywhich happened to be owned by her husband.

In June, Pulte also announced plans for Fannie and Freddie to count cryptocurrencies as legitimate backing for mortgage loan risk assessments. His financial disclosures counted investments in the Bitcoin-mining firm MARA Holdings as well as a Coinbase wallet with up to $2 million worth of Bitcoin and Solana.

The FHFA and Palantir did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Palantirs shares have only continued to climb since its Fannie Mae partnership, reaching an all-time peak valuation of $190 on Aug. 12.
PHILADELPHIA (AP)  The bat tossed in the air by a New Jersey Little Leaguer to celebrate a home run that earned him a suspension later lifted by a judge sold Friday for nearly $10,000 at auction.

All proceeds from the sale of 12-year-old Marco Roccos signed bat will be donated to the program he plays for, Haddonfield Little League.

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Marco loves Little League and is happy that he is able to give back to an organization that he is very fond of, his father, Joe Rocco, said in a text. Little League was such a big part of Marco's life for a long time.

The auction by Goldin Auctions drew 68 bids. The winning bid was $9,882; the name of the winning bidder was not announced.

Marco's bat flip on July 16 in the final of the Little League sectional tournament resulted in an ejection, a one-game suspension and a legal fight.

The suspension would have kept him out of the first game of the state tournament. But Joe Rocco took Little League to court and won an emergency temporary restraining order that allowed Marco to play in the double-elimination tournament.

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The incident was also commemorated with a pin available at the Little League World Series.

The bat flip drew attention from major leaguers, who sided with the boy.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
Rookie star Beau Jangles is now unbeaten through six career starts after powering to his fourth Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) Gold victory of the year in the $140,000 fourth-leg event for freshman pacing colts and geldings on Friday, Aug. 29 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

It wasnt a perfect trip in a strong field of nine, but driver Bob McClure didnt appear overly concerned at any point in the mile, even with a four-horse cavalry charge close behind in the stretch. Starting from the rail the second week in a row, Beau Jangles got away fifth behind early action as longshot Windor (Doug McNair) grabbed the front in a :25.4 first quarter. Tilthecowscomehome (Jody Jamieson) left fourth position on the backstretch, and Beau Jangles shifted out to advance on his cover to the half in :55. Tilthecowscomehome took over past the midway point, and Beau Jangles cleared soon after on the last turn en route to three-quarters in 1:23. Despite two rivals in pursuit, McClure didn't lift a line on Beau Jangles, and the colt cruised home to score by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:51. Tilthecowscomehome nosed out Redland Rocket Man (Louis-Philippe Roy) for second.

I kind of saw a bunch of them leaving, especially with [Beau Jangles] having the rail, McClure told Woodbine broadcaster John Rallis. From a driver's point of view you don't want anybody parked. You just want clear sailing. And when Jody landed in front of me [with Tillthecowscomehome], I figured he was the best horse to follow. If Jody hadnt moved, I'd have followed him the whole way, but when Jody moved, I didn't want to come first-up on him. So, we got stretched pretty hard to make the lead tonight.

Im not going to say I wasn't concerned at all, but when [Beau Jangles] landed on the front, he settled right in for me, and he had his ears up all the way down the stretch. I never asked him. He was just phenomenal, like he always is.

Beau Jangles was bred by Tara Hills Stud of Port Perry, Ont. and sold for $90,278 out of the Preferred Equine consignment at the 2024 Harrisburg sale. He is owned by Graham Grace Stables LLC of Clifton, Va., Kiwi Stables LLC of La Plata, Md., and Bolton Stables of Clermont, Fla. Sent off at 1-5, Beau Jangles paid $2.70 for the win.

Through six perfect starts  all in Ontario  the imposing son of Cattlewash out of Mrs Major Hill already has earnings of $452,125. Beyond the four Gold victories, Beau Jangles has also won the $227,100 Battle of Waterloo at Grand River Raceway on Aug. 4 and the $117,150 Nassagaweya on Aug. 23 at Mohawk. He won previous Gold events on July 5, July 19 and Aug. 14, all at Mohawk.

I've never had one that gives me as much confidence, mostly because you can do anything you want with him, McClure said. One thing is for sure, if he's ever in a bad spot, its the driver's fault, not his, because he's push-button. But you know, a true testament to him is he's had the rail two weeks in a row, and it doesn't faze him. The rail here is very hard for a two-year-old, any caliber of two-year-old, and with him, it's nothing. If I wanted to make the front in :25.4, I'm confident I could have, but I was just trying to find the path of least resistance and keep this guy as fresh as long as we can. He's got some big dances coming up. I'm looking forward to it.

This week, Beau Jangles connections spoke to Ontario Racing about the colts origin story and about managing the pacers growing expectations. Beau Jangles is next expected to tackle Grand Circuit competition in the Sept. 13 eliminations for the $1 million Metro Pace at Mohawk.

Dr. Moore said Beau Jangles will now get a bit of a break before prepping for the Metro.

Hes going to get probably, six, maybe seven days off in the paddock with no harness, said Moore, adding that the other colts in the division are all getting better as the year progresses. Itll tighten up as the year goes along. It always does. And hopefully we can keep going on the same route that we're on now until the end of the year.

The victory highlighted a triple on the 10-race program for Moore. The Hall-of-Fame conditioner also won with two other rookies: Odds On Bullfrog ($8.40), who broke his maiden in 1:53.1, and Battle of the Belles place finisher Lavender Seelster ($9.80), who won her second straight race in 1:53.1. The Cambridge, Ont.-based trainer is 32-for-164 this year, good for a win rate of 19.5 per cent.

Naughty Delight came from well off the pace and passed four horses in the stretch to post a 7-1 upset in the lone $140,000 OSS Gold Leg 4 event for two-year-old pacing fillies.

She sat last in the field of six for MacDonald through a :27.1 quarter provided by Th Check Me Out (Tyler Borth) and a :55.4 half set by Jen Tilly (Roy). She shifted out just before three-quarters in 1:23.3 and was fifth at the top of the stretch, but she soared down the lane with :26.3 speed home to nab Jen Tilly by a half-length in a career-best 1:51.2. Three-time Gold winner A Clean Deal (McNair) gained all the way to the wire after a first-over bid but was three-quarters of a length short in third.

The win was the first career Gold triumph for the daughter of Bettors Delight-Pleasant Yet Bad, who is now two-for-five lifetime for trainer Tony Beaton. She won her debut in the OSS Grassroots on July 7 and hit the board in her three next outings, including a place finish in the Eternal Camnation last out.

I told a few of my buddies after her first qualifier that I thought [Naughty Delight] was the best one I went with, MacDonald told Rallis. She was getting really steppy and making breaks early, and Tony's done an unbelievable job, because early in the year, I was like, Is this going to be an all-year thing, where I can't really drive her? and I had to race her off the pace a lot early. But it's paying off late, because she's got a big-time closing kick, and she loves to go by horses, obviously.

She just gets a little better each time. She was not perfect, but you know, we're in the winner's circle of the Gold, so we can't complain too much.

Bred by Winbak Farm, Naughty Delight was purchased for $54,054 at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. She is owned by Beaton of Waterdown, Ont., along with David Mercer of Westmount, N.S. and Tim Hayes of Midway, Ky. She has now earned $126,678.

Naughty Delight paid $16.10 for the win.

She was the second unique Gold leg winner of her division this season after A Clean Deal took the first three rounds.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Ontario Racing)
Royalty Beer raised his glass to a commanding victory in the third and fastest $9,000 division of the Pop-Up Series first leg at Grand River Raceway on Friday, Aug. 29.

He shot out from post five for Samuel Fillion and slid over onto the engine in a :27.1 first quarter and went unchallenged to the half in :56.3, when he bid adieu to his six foes. He built up a cushion of 4-1/2 lengths by three-quarters in 1:25.2 and wound down as he coasted to the finish, stopping the timer in 1:55.4. Valuable Miss (Austin Sorrie) made up ground late but had to settle for second, 2-3/4 lengths back of the winner. Malone (Nick Boyd) completed the ticket. The winner returned $2.30.

Royalty Beer added a 12th victory in 21 starts to his strong six-year-old campaign. The gelding won five Preferred-level events at The Raceway at the Western Fair District earlier this year and took his most recent win on the Quebec fair circuit. The son of Royalty For Life-Beer Mags is 30-for-94 lifetime with a bankroll of $408,597. He is trained by Jean-Francois Maguire of Carlisle, Ont., who co-owns him with Ecuries Maguire Inc. of Sainte-Marie, Que.

Allstar Goldi ($9.70) was another dominant winner in the first split, crossing the line in 1:56.2 with 2-1/4 lengths of separation over the rest. Daryl Thiessen drove the five-year-old Muscle Up The Goal-Stuck On Deagan mare for trainer Steve Watson, who shares ownership with Allstar Farms.

Global News ($15.90) took the second division by 2-1/2 lengths with a 1:56.3 effort for driver Garrett Rooney. The six-year-old daughter of Archangel-Going Global is owned and trained by Angie Carroll.

The series is for trotters that started for a purse of $6,000 or less in their previous start.

To view Fridays harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Grand River Raceway.

(Standardbred Canada)
In this week's edition of Rewind, Robert remembers a bit of the long and colourful history of the famous Canadian Pacing Derby and also recalls a very special Derby Day race card from almost 40 years ago.

When the field lines up this evening for the 2025 edition of the Canadian Pacing Derby, it will be the renewal of a tradition that dates back to 1936. According to my calculator, thats 89 years! Granted, its not quite that many actual races, as this annual affair took a breather for seven years between 1958 and 1965.



The fine print read: Winner of nineteen races out of twentyfour starts. In other five races was always second in one heat. NEVER OUTSIDE OF MONEY.

The first ever Derby was held at New Hamburgs Fountain Park on Aug. 12, 1936. Raced as a three-heat affair involving a total of eight entrants, it went for a purse of $1,275. That inaugural win went to a horse called Better Times, pictured above. The fastest winning heat was timed in 2:07, considered a very good mile back then.

The race was an immediate success in every regard, as it drew the top racing talent available and was always viewed by exceptionally large crowds. Many old photographs provide a graphic image of the race days and the spirit of the times.

The races original organizers included a number of townsfolk who were not horse owners nor directly connected to harness racing, but were interested in seeing the sport prosper. They provided their time, energy, and interest mainly without compensation. Their efforts provided the groundwork for what would become a great and enduring race.

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Thomas C. Kirkpatrick, a New Hamburg medical doctor who served as the Turf Clubs original president. He practiced medicine there for 43 years and lived to see his 97th year, passing away in 2001.

The following is an excerpt from an earlier Rewind in 2015 discussing the Derbys history:

By the time the 1936 racing season was underway the newly organized New Hamburg Turf Club was formed and many meetings had been held; most of the hot stove variety. A local feed store owner, a butcher from the nearby hamlet of Baden and a New Hamburg medical doctor were among the founding members. Dr. T.C. Kilpatrick was the Clubs first president and once modestly told me, I guess I got the job because nobody else wanted it. The doctor, while never owning actual harness horses, had often used his trusty driving horse in a cutter to make house visits in rural areas when the roads were drifted in.

Shown above is a great view of the 1937 Canadian Pacing Derby at Fountain Park in New Hamburg, Ont. This is a cover shot from the August 8, 1984 issue of The Standardbred when I gave a three-part history of this great race and its traditions. The leading horse is Peter Chilcoot, owned by the Hon. Earl Rowe and driven by Clint Hodgins, who went on to national stardom. The background view speaks volumes about the yesteryears of our sport.

Derby Day 1986  Greenwoods Fastest Card Ever on Record

On Saturday, Aug. 16, 1986, which happened to be Derby Day that year, the horses were literally flying around the Greenwood oval. At the end of racing that day, it turned out to be the fastest card of racing in history at that venerable old track on the shores of Lake Ontario.

The average time for the night was a sizzling 1:55.3. The main event of the night, the Canadian Pacing Derby, saw two stunning track record miles paced by Witsends Gypsy. The Derby, Canadas oldest harness stakes event, enticed 17 entries that year, which necessitated eliminations. This was the first time that had occurred in the 43-year history of the race.



Witsends Gypsy (4) is shown winning his elimination heat of the 1986 Canadian Pacing Derby in record time. Larry Walker was in the sulky for owner Anthony Chiaravalle.



Witsends Gypsy cruises home a winner in the 1986 Canadian Pacing Derby with Larry Walker driving. Their mile time of 1:53.3 set a new Greenwood track record and combined for a two-heat world record.

Witsends Gypsy, the eventual winner, went wire to wire in the first $36,300 elimination under the guidance of veteran reinsman Larry Walker, halting the teletimer in a blistering 1:53.4, which was a new all-age track record. Walker, then just 39, hailed from a noted racing family best known for their involvement with trotters. On this day, and many others, he showed that he was pretty adept at handling pacers as well.

In the second elimination, also for $36,300, Windsor-born Dan Johnson driving Ring Of Light closed from third at the top of the stretch to wheel past the exhausted pacesetters and win by a length over second-place finisher The Denman. Their winning time was somewhat slower, 1:55.1  still pretty impressive and slightly quicker than the average established that date.

In the $108,900 final, Walker urged Witsends Gypsy to the lead past the opening quarter in :27.2. The pair never looked back from this point, reaching the half in :56, three-quarters in 1:25, and then turned it on  sprinting away from the pack and opening up at least three lengths at the wire.

Owned by Anthony Chiaravalle and trained by Bill Robinson, Witsends Gypsy went even faster in the final, breaking the beam in 1:53.3 to break his own track record set earlier, and also set a world record for aged horses for a combined time for two heats.

Ring Of Light, owned by the trio of Arnold Bachner, Hanley Dawson Jr., and Castleton Farms, finished second with Danny Johnson driving. Their individual time was recorded as 1:54.2. In for third was Hy Class Minbar, a Western invader with Brent Grundy steering.

Also joining in on the tremendous speed show on that date was the pacing mare Enroute, who was a two-heat winner in the Roses Are Red Stakes. After Reanna won the first elim in 1:56.1, Enroute was a winner of the second elimination in an identical 1:56.1. She returned for the final and scored in 1:56, a time which equalled the great Fan Hanovers track mark for mares.

Enroute was owned by Brittany Farms and trained by Fred Grant. Reanna was owned by the Durbridge Stable of Dutton, Ont., and driven by Dave Wall.



Enroute (7) with Bill ODonnell wins The Roses Are Red Stakes at Greenwood on Saturday, Aug. 16, 1986. This photo was taken at the finish of the elimination race. She went on to also take the final. ODonnell, then based in New Jersey, was back in Canada for the stakes engagement.

This was one of the many great days of racing that took place at Greenwood Raceway. This track was built originally as a trotting track in 1874 and was named Woodbine Park at the time. The track site, which hosted both thoroughbred and standardbred racing for parts of two centuries, was situated on an 80-acre tract of land in the east end of Toronto. A short seven years after this momentous day, Greenwood closed forever.

Quote For The Week: Sometimes talking to strangers turns into the most beautiful thing in the world.  Unknown

Who Is It?

Can you correctly identify this horse and driver? They were previous Derby winners.

Who Else Is It?

Can you correctly identify this horse and driver? They were previous Derby winners.

(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)
Harness racing fans are in for a treat this Saturday (Aug. 30) as Primetime Racing goes live with exclusive coverage of two of Canadas most historic races  the Canadian Pacing Derby and the Maple Leaf Trot  from Woodbine Mohawk Park.

The broadcast will air Saturday on YouTube and Woodbine Mohawk Parks social feeds beginning at 8:30 p.m. (EDT) and will be hosted by the trio of Mark McKelvie, Greg Blanchard and Jaimi MacDonald.

Primetime Racings coverage will not only include the $690,000 G1 Canadian Pacing Derby and $630,000 G1 Maple Leaf Trot, but also a $90,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold for three-year-old pacing colts and a $60,000 Open Pace.

The Canadian Pacing Derby showcases the finest older pacers in North America, while the Maple Leaf Trot is a premier event for the best open trotters. Both races boast rich histories and will feature record-setting elimination winners.

A replay of Primetime Racing will air Tuesday on Game+ and throughout the month on Rogers TV channels across Ontario.

First post time for Saturday's star-studded card of harness racing is 6:35 p.m.

For entries, click one of the following links: Woodbine Mohawk Park - Saturday Entries || Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT).

(Woodbine)
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:

Predicted characteristics of journals flagged as questionable at the 50% threshold (n = 1437). Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adt2792

A team of computer scientists led by the University of Colorado Boulder has developed a new artificial intelligence platform that automatically seeks out "questionable" scientific journals.

The study, published Aug. 27 in the journal Science Advances, tackles an alarming trend in the world of research.

Daniel Acuna, lead author of the study and associate professor in the Department of Computer Science, gets a reminder of that several times a week in his email inbox: These spam messages come from people who purport to be editors at scientific journals, usually ones Acuna has never heard of, and offer to publish his papersfor a hefty fee.

Such publications are sometimes referred to as "predatory" journals. They target scientists, convincing them to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to publish their research without proper vetting.

"There has been a growing effort among scientists and organizations to vet these journals," Acuna said. "But it's like whack-a-mole. You catch one, and then another appears, usually from the same company. They just create a new website and come up with a new name."

His group's new AI tool automatically screens scientific journals, evaluating their websites and other online data for certain criteria: Do the journals have an editorial board featuring established researchers? Do their websites contain a lot of grammatical errors?

Acuna emphasizes that the tool isn't perfect. Ultimately, he thinks human experts, not machines, should make the final call on whether a journal is reputable.

But in an era when prominent figures are questioning the legitimacy of science, stopping the spread of questionable publications has become more important than ever before, he said.

"In science, you don't start from scratch. You build on top of the research of others," Acuna said. "So if the foundation of that tower crumbles, then the entire thing collapses."

The shake down

When scientists submit a new study to a reputable publication, that study usually undergoes a practice called peer review. Outside experts read the study and evaluate it for qualityor, at least, that's the goal.

A growing number of companies have sought to circumvent that process to turn a profit. In 2009, Jeffrey Beall, a librarian at CU Denver, coined the phrase "predatory" journals to describe these publications.

Often, they target researchers outside of the United States and Europe, such as in China, India and Irancountries where scientific institutions may be young, and the pressure and incentives for researchers to publish are high.

"They will say, 'If you pay $500 or $1,000, we will review your paper,'" Acuna said. "In reality, they don't provide any service. They just take the PDF and post it on their website."

A few different groups have sought to curb the practice. Among them is a nonprofit organization called the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). Since 2003, volunteers at the DOAJ have flagged thousands of journals as suspicious based on six criteria. (Reputable publications, for example, tend to include a detailed description of their peer review policies on their websites.)

But keeping pace with the spread of those publications has been daunting for humans.

To speed up the process, Acuna and his colleagues turned to AI. The team trained its system using the DOAJ's data, then asked the AI to sift through a list of nearly 15,200 open-access journals on the internet.

Among those journals, the AI initially flagged more than 1,400 as potentially problematic.

Acuna and his colleagues asked human experts to review a subset of the suspicious journals. The AI made mistakes, according to the humans, flagging an estimated 350 publications as questionable when they were likely legitimate. That still left more than 1,000 journals that the researchers identified as questionable.

"I think this should be used as a helper to prescreen large numbers of journals," he said. "But human professionals should do the final analysis."

Acuna added that the researchers didn't want their system to be a "black box" like some other AI platforms.

"With ChatGPT, for example, you often don't understand why it's suggesting something," Acuna said. "We tried to make ours as interpretable as possible."

The team discovered, for example, that questionable journals published an unusually high number of articles. They also included authors with a larger number of affiliations than more legitimate journals, and authors who cited their own research, rather than the research of other scientists, to an unusually high level.

The new AI system isn't publicly accessible, but the researchers hope to make it available to universities and publishing companies soon. Acuna sees the tool as one way that researchers can protect their fields from bad datawhat he calls a "firewall for science."

"As a computer scientist, I often give the example of when a new smartphone comes out," he said. "We know the phone's software will have flaws, and we expect bug fixes to come in the future. We should probably do the same with science."

More information: Han Zhuang et al, Estimating the predictability of questionable open-access journals, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adt2792 Journal information: Science Advances
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Former president of the Fyzabad Chamber of Commerce, Angie Jairam, has been appointed as the
Home > 2025 > Violence Against the WombMedically Unnecessary Hysterectomies Harming Many (...)

It is well-established medically that while hysterectomies are needed and justified in many cases, these should not be taken up indiscriminately, and where it is possible to treat using medication and less invasive procedures, these should be preferred. This is important considering that hysterectomies can have several harmful side effects, some of which can be serious. In any case all patients should be well-informed of the options available, the real need as well as side effects

.

Unfortunately, a lot of evidence has become available in parts of India that, particularly (but not only) in the context of poorer and less educated women, hysterectomies have often been performed indiscriminately without giving adequate care to safer options available. One indication of this is that many women of younger age have been subjected to hysterectomies, while the average age of this in several developed countries tends to be significantly higher. Several women who had undergone hysterectomies have given statements indicating that they did not have proper information about what was being done to them, why it was being done, and whether options were available. This led to a long-drawn case in the Supreme Court of India, resulting finally in court directives aimed at minimising the abuse of this medical procedure for narrow commercial objectives. However, it is far from clear that these directives have been followed, as misuse of hysterectomies is still being reported, sometimes in alarming ways, as indicated by reports concerning sugarcane workers of Beed, Maharashtra. While this is being written here in the context of India, similar trends in several other countries taken together may be causing avoidable problems and side-effects, including serious ones, to a very large number of women, including younger ones.

In India a number of serious cases that indicated widespread prevalence of unnecessary hysterectomies surfaced around the year 2010. In Rajasthans Dausa district, following news reports of indiscriminate hysterectomies, a Right to Information application revealed that between April and October 2010, out of a total of 385 operations reported by three private hospitals, 286 were hysterectomy operations. Many of these women were under the age of 30, the youngest being just 18.

The evidence from Dausa revealed that the sequence of events from diagnosis to surgery was very hasty; it often happened on the same day itself. No prior treatment was given before removal. These women said on the whole that their original complaint did not disappear after the hysterectomy.

Several reports from two other states, Chhattisgarh and Bihar, revealed an excessive number of hysterectomies being performed under RSBY insurance scheme, raising suspicions of profit-driven procedures. Earlier, another state, Andhra Pradesh, had banned hysterectomies under a state insurance scheme in private hospitals after surveys suggested that hospitals had been guided by the tendency to claim higher insurance amounts. This was followed in yet another state, Maharashtra, indicating further that the problem had spread to many places.

Dr. Narendra Gupta had played an important role in drawing public attention to some of these findings, carrying out investigations and finally organising a national consultation on this subject with the cooperation of Health Watch Trust, Human Rights Law Network, Prayas and UNFPA. With the availability of opinions of more doctors and experts, Dr. Narendra Gupta then took this matter to the Supreme Court of India, while also continuing to make other efforts to reduce unnecessary hysterectomies.

While the case was in the Supreme Court of India, the Court had asked for the response of the various involved states. In this context, the finding of the Bihar authorities was that many of the allegations in regard to the performance of unnecessary hysterectomies were true. The state government issued a circular directing that hospitals on the panel list must obtain permission from the concerned insurance provider before conducting hysterectomies on women aged 40 or below. In the course of investigations, some hospitals were blacklisted from the RSBY.

In 2019, another and bigger national consultation on unnecessary hysterectomies was organised and identified the important challenges and tasks ahead.

In the year 2022, the Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare prepared, after consultations with various stakeholders, guidelines to prevent unnecessary hysterectomies, which were sent to all states and union territories.

These guidelines also mentioned the consistent finding of several community-based studies that hysterectomy rates among younger women in age group 28-36 years have been rising. It was also stated that, according to field-based studies, unnecessary hysterectomies are performed in cases where medical or non-invasive treatment would have been adequate. The evidence also indicated a higher risk among poor, less educated women, particularly in rural areas.

In 2023, the Supreme Court gave its decision in the long-pending case. The Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr D Y Chandrachud and Justice J B Pardiwala issued detailed directives, based on guidelines provided earlier, to prevent unnecessary hysterectomies.

However, these are far from being completely in place, and as recent reports from Beed, Maharashtra, indicated, unnecessary hysterectomies continue to take place, sometimes in shocking ways. Hence, further efforts to stop this disturbing trend are clearly needed.

(Author: Bharat Dogra is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Saving Earth for Children, Planet in Peril, A Day in 2071 and Man over Machine)
We are hearing a lot about the 10% to be paid to public servants, but nothing is said about 
Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - The Sudan Doctors Network has lamented that an increasing number of medical personnel are being killed in the bloody war in the East African country at a time they are most needed
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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.
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.
HA NOI  The Vietnamese tech giant FPT Corporation has signed a three-year contract worth US$100 million with a US partner to accelerate digital transformation for clients in North America, Europe, and Japan.

The deal marks an important milestone in FPTs global strategy, reaffirming its capabilities and long-term commitment to providing flexible, efficient, and sustainable IT services for international customers.

Under the agreement, FPT will deliver comprehensive digital transformation solutions for key sectors such as banking, finance, insurance, and retail, with plans to expand into manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and energy.

Its services will range from IT consulting and cloud migration to infrastructure and application operations  all powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to maximise performance, cost efficiency, and scalability.

With its AI-First strategy, FPT is intensifying investment in AI research and development, leveraging its pool of global experts and partnerships with leading firms such as Microsoft and NVIDIA to create breakthrough digital solutions.

ang Tran Phuong, FPT Software's Senior Executive Vice President and CEO of FPT Software Americas, said AI is at the core of FPTs strategy, adding that they integrate AI into every solution to deliver smarter outcomes and help clients effectively implement large-scale digital transformation projects.

In recent years, FPT has secured a series of major contracts valued at over $100 million across strategic markets, including the US, Singapore, and Germany. Notably, in 2024, the group signed a $225 million deal with a leading US technology corporation.

A strong focus on talent development also underpins FPTs growth. The group has consistently invested in building a high-quality workforce to meet the increasingly diverse needs of global customers. Its AI factories in Viet Nam and Japan  ranked among the worlds fastest supercomputing systems  serve as key hubs for accelerating the development and deployment of large-scale AI solutions.

Most recently, FPT officially launched FleziPT, its proprietary AI platform, designed to provide businesses with flexible, scalable, and comprehensive digital transformation tools. These initiatives highlight FPTs long-term vision: harmonising advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and human expertise to accompany customers on their digital journey, delivering superior speed, accuracy, and sustainable value.  VNS
VIENNA  Celebration to commemorate the 80th National Day of Viet Nam was held at Palais Niederosterreich, Vienna, with a special remark of Vietnamese culture and cuisine on August 28. The celebration took place at a signature landmark of Austria's capital.

Presented at the ceremony was the foreign corps, international organisations and representatives of United Nations agencies in Vienna. And last but not least, the Vietnamese community living in Austria brought the Vietnamese vibe and soul to the celebration.

"On National Day, we all look back at the historic and glorious path that brought us where we are today," Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang told the audience. "We once again reiterate our common desire to integrate Viet Nam deeper into the world. Today in Vienna, Pho of Viet Nam once again win the hearts of our international friends."

We Love Pho, a network of Vietnamese expatriates living across Europe brought its signature to the celebration with President Mai Hai Lam from Warsaw, Tran Thai from the United Kingdom and PHOCKAREN with its CEO Thang Tran from Slovakia.

"Pho is more than just a meal," Lam told Viet Nam News online. "It's a cultural bridge that can bring Viet Nam closer to the world. It embodies our national identity and has the potential to become a cultural heritage ID for our country. Sharing a bowl of pho is a communal experience that fosters connection."

PHOCKAREN is thrilled to be a part of this special event, said CEO Thang Tran. "We have prepared over 200 bowls of the best pho to cater to this event. We've also put highest care to the presentation of the dish, to show that pho is more than just a soup; it's a true cultural identity of Viet Nam."

The fragrance of the boiling hot pho pot in a landmark building in the heart of Europe, Vienna, not only delivered the warmth of Vietnamese souls to the world, it also connected the scattered Vietnamese, who came to live in the city under very different circumstances.

The We Love Pho team also set up a Ha Noi corner in Vienna with some exhibits to set up a nostalgic space of home for the Vietnamese community. The team also launched its bilingual booklet on Pho in German and Vietnamese to the audience.

More of National Day celebrated in Europe shall be organised leading to the big day on September 2. VNS
Nhat Hong

Throughout Viet Nams modern history, diplomacy has been a strategic pillar  essential not only for safeguarding national independence and driving development, but also for advancing international integration.

Over the past 80 years since the nations independence in 1945, Viet Nams foreign policy has remained consistent in principle while flexible in approach, adapting to shifting global realities, national priorities, and strengthening the countrys standing on the international stage.

From an isolated, embargoed nation, Viet Nam has transformed into an active, responsible member of the global community, guided by a foreign policy of diversification and multilateralisation of relations.

Today, it maintains diplomatic relations with 194 countries, including nearly 40 strategic and comprehensive partnerships with all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the G7 and most G20 nations. Viet Nam also plays an active role in more than 70 international and regional organisations.

These achievements are the result of generations of Vietnamese leadership, beginning in 1945 when President Ho Chi Minh assumed the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Provisional Government.

Nguyen Dy Nien, who served as Vietnamese foreign minister between 2000-2006, said the decision underscored the critical role of diplomacy in confronting the challenges facing the country at the time.

At the end of World War II, Viet Nam faced the presence of multiple foreign forces. Guided by his vision of independence, President Ho's diplomatic efforts led to the successful signing of the Accord between France and the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam on March 6, 1946, which set conditions for the recognition of Viet Nam as a free state and for the withdrawal of foreign troops.

A temporary agreement followed on September 14 of the same year, buying the young republic valuable time to prepare for the long resistance.

Leveraging victories on the battlefield at the negotiation table, Viet Nams diplomatic corps went on to secure historic milestones  the 1954 Geneva Accords and the 1973 Paris Agreement  paving the way for national reunification on April 30, 1975.

President Hos vision  to understand the world, learn from adversaries and rally support at home and abroad  has continued to shape Viet Nams diplomacy in both war and peace.

Modern era

Ton Nu Thi Ninh, a former diplomat who served as the Vietnamese ambassador to the EU and on the National Assemblys foreign affairs committee, said the countrys economic rise since the 1980s has given the country a stronger position internationally.

This, she noted, has enabled Viet Nam to pursue a proactive and flexible foreign policy amid complex and unpredictable developments in geopolitical dynamics.

Overcoming post-war embargoes and joining the World Trade Organisation were key milestones, but Viet Nams accession to ASEAN was particularly strategic, said Ninh.

Today, ASEAN has built strong trade and economic links with major powers such as the US and China, while carving out a central role across Southeast and Northeast Asia through balance and flexibility within the Indo-Pacific framework, she explained.

Viet Nam advances global integration not only through active participation in international forums and peacekeeping missions, but also by proactively putting forward initiatives. One example is the expansion of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting to include the blocs dialogue partners  Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the US.

The country has twice been elected a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, most recently for 20202021 with near-unanimous support, receiving 192 out of 193 votes.

Economic diplomacy has become a top priority, driving sustainable growth and global integration. Viet Nam has signed 17 free trade agreements, ranks among the worlds top 32 economies by GDP, and ranks among the top 20 in both trade volume and FDI attraction.

Future outlook

Viet Nams diplomatic success has been built on coordination across multiple fronts  from the Party, Government and National Assembly to people-to-people exchanges  covering politics, economy, culture, defence and security.

Ahead of National Day on September 2, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said "this is a time of historic transformation".

This is also a strategically important period for the Vietnamese revolution to enter a new era and achieve the centennial goals under the leadership of the Party, laying a solid foundation for the 100th anniversary of national independence, Son said.

In this context, international integration has been defined as not only an essential and continuous mission, but also a vital engine to accelerate Viet Nams growth.

Today, international integration for Viet Nam has been defined as actively creating, shaping and helping to lead collaborative mechanisms in accordance with the countrys current conditions and capabilities, said Son.

Embodying the nations traditions of resilience, courage and adaptability, Viet Nams diplomacy places national interests and its people at the core, while also making active and responsible contributions to global peace, prosperity and human progress.

The deputy PM and foreign minister wrote: Constant efforts are required so that diplomacy remains a link between national interests with the current global context, a firm pillar for development and a shining example of courage and dedication.

With its remarkable achievements in the cause of nation building and safeguarding, the diplomatic sector has been recognised twice by the State with a Gold Star Order, the Ho Chi Minh Order once and, most recently, a First-Class Labour Order.

Conferring the recognition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at a ceremony in Ha Noi on August 25, Party General Secretary To Lam said "Viet Nams diplomacy is now facing a historic mission".

The sector must take charge to ensure better conditions for the countrys major breakthroughs, particularly the two centennial goals of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2045.

Aligning with this direction, Viet Nams diplomatic sector has been tasked with safeguarding national interests while staying grounded in the UN Charter and international law.

Today, as we stand on the international stage with a new stature, we can take pride in the fact that Vietnamese diplomacy not only serves the homeland and the people, but also helps kindle hope for a world of peace, cooperation and development, said the Party chief.

Vietnamese diplomacy  with the courage, wisdom, resilience and values of the Vietnamese people  will continue to serve as a core force in fulfilling the noble tasks of establishing and safeguarding a peaceful, stable environment, spearheading cooperation and connectivity and ceaselessly elevating the countrys international standing.  VNS
HA NOI  The traditional solidarity, special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Cuba have served as a beacon for international relations and become a torch lighting the path of their collaboration and development, according to Deputy Foreign Minister ang Hoang Giang.

He told the press on the threshold of the state visit to Viet Nam by First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez from August 31 to September 2 that the ties have stood the test of time and traced the partnership's origins to the foundational work of Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Cuban national hero Jose Marti and leader Fidel Castro.

Over the past 65 years, the bilateral cooperation has developed across the three pillars of politics  diplomacy, economy  trade  investment, and people-to-people exchange, he said, underscoring political trust has been enhanced through frequent exchanges of high-level delegations, with the state visit to Cuba in September 2024 by Party General Secretary To Lam, who was President then, seen as a historic milestone that opened up a new chapter in the special relationship.

Viet Nam is now Cubas second-largest trading partner and its biggest investor from the Asia-Pacific region. Agricultural cooperation has borne fruit, with multiple rice, corn, and aquaculture projects aimed at strengthening Cubas food security. The first rice harvest in 2025 under the rice development programme yielded 7.2 tonnes per hectare, over four times the local average.

The partnership extends well beyond commercial interests. Viet Nam recently launched a nationwide campaign to rally support for the Cuban people on the occasion of the Viet Nam  Cuba Friendship Year and the 65th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two nations. Giang affirmed that with pure sentiment, special trust, and solidarity, the bilateral ties have been consolidated and developed comprehensively for the benefits of the two peoples and for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Looking ahead, the diplomat underscored that both nations will continue to deepen cooperation in politics, diplomacy, trade, agriculture, energy, education, healthcare, biotechnology, green technology, and digital transformation under the signed documents.

As 2025 is designated as the Viet NamCuba Friendship Year, the two countries will see intensified exchanges and promote the efficacy of the bilateral cooperation across all channels. Besides, they will continue close coordination and support for each other at multilateral forums.

People-to-people exchange, he said, will be a focus, raising the public awareness of the special friendship to ensure that the legacy of solidarity endures.

Amidst global turbulence, the Viet NamCuba relationship has consistently overcome challenges and developed comprehensively, Giang highlighted, recalling President Ho Chi Minhs assertion that the two peoples, despite being oceans apart, are as close as brothers and Fidel Castros pledge in 1966 that For Viet Nam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  A tropical depression over the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) has strengthened into Typhoon Nongfa, the sixth storm to form in the region this year, and is expected to strike central Viet Nam on Saturday evening.

At 7am on Saturday, the storms centre was located off the coast between Ha Tinh Province and Hue City, about 210km east of northern Quang Tri Province.

Maximum sustained winds reached 6274km/h, with gusts up to 102km/h, as it tracked west-northwest at around 20km/h.

The system is forecast to come ashore between Ha Tinh and northern Quang Tri by Saturday evening, bringing strong winds and heavy rain before weakening into a tropical depression.

By Sunday morning, it is expected to move into central Laos and further downgrade into a low-pressure area.

Forecasters warned of rough seas in the western part of the northern East Sea, where waves of up to 4.5m are expected. Coastal waters from Thanh Hoa to Hue, including Hon Ngu and Con Co islands, may see winds of up to 74 km/h with gusts over 100km/h and waves as high as 5m.

Coastal flooding of 2040cm is also possible from Nghe An to Hue.

On land, winds are forecast to strengthen from midday Saturday, reaching 4050km/h in coastal provinces from Nghe An to Quang Tri. Stronger conditions are expected in Ha Tinh and northern Quang Tri, where gusts could peak 102km/h.

"Heavy thunderstorms accompanied by tornadoes may occur ahead of the typhoons direct impact," warned Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Rainfall between August 30 and 31 is forecast to reach 150300mm in provinces and cities from Thanh Hoa to Hue, with some areas exceeding 500mm.

The northern midlands, Red River Delta and a Nang are expected to see 70150mm, with localised totals above 300mm.  VNS
ONG NAI  ong Nai Province-based Intelligence Division No. 2 under the Viet Nam Coast Guard (VCG) Command on Saturday (August 30) launched a series of annual community activities to reinforce solidarity with local religious communities and enhance public awareness of maritime sovereignty.

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Phan Nhan Hau, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the Intelligence Division No. 2, said the activities are part of the VCGs mass mobilisation programmes Coast Guard accompanies fishermen and Coast Guard with ethnic and religious communities, implemented under plan No.1399/KH-CT of VCGs Political Department.

They are also held in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution on August 19 and National Day on September 2.

We aim to enhance civil-military relations, strengthen solidarity with local people, including religious people, as well as contribute to social stability, economic development, and ensure national security, he said.

Key events will take place at Phuoc Thanh Pagoda in Phuoc An Commune on August 30, Nhon Trach High School in ai Phuoc Commune on September 6, and the Peoples Committee Hall of ai Phuoc Commune on September 13.

Highlights are presenting 150 gifts to local students and Buddhist followers in disadvantaged circumstances; and providing free health check-ups, consultations and medicines for about 500 local residents in collaboration with Medic Binh Duong General Hospital.

They also include dissemination of the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's policies and laws on sea and islands; the situation in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), protecting the countrys sovereignty over its sea and islands, and the fight against drug-related crime at sea; and mobilising locals to participate in the prevention and control of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the protection of sovereignty over sea and islands.

With a practical and people-centred approach, the activities are expected to leave a strong impact, reinforcing people's deep trust in the armed forces, and promoting unity and compassion within local communities, including religious communities.  VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on Saturday signed Official Dispatch No 153, calling for focused efforts to respond to Typhoon Nongfa, the sixth storm of this year.

The dispatch warns that Typhoon Nongfa is moving rapidly at 2025kph toward the seas and coastal areas of central Viet Nam.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the storm is expected to make landfall this evening, August 30, in Ha Tinh to northern Quang Tri. These regions were already affected by Typhoon No 5, which brought heavy rain and flooding.

Localities from Thanh Hoa to Hue are forecast to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with a high risk of flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas, and flooding in low-lying regions, riverbanks, and urban zones.

The storm comes as the country enters a weekend and is preparing for the National Day celebrations on September 2, raising concerns about its timing and potential impacts.

According to the directive, chairpersons of the Peoples Committees in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien-Hue were instructed to closely monitor the situation and continuously update storm and flood information to proactively direct response measures.

Local authorities must continue checking and accounting for vessels at sea, promptly informing all boats of storm developments, and guiding them to avoid affected areas. They must prepare forces and resources to support evacuation in unsafe zones and ensure residents do not remain on boats, floating cages, or aquaculture platforms during the storms direct impact.

The Minister of Agriculture and Environment must instruct forecasting agencies to closely monitor the storm and provide timely updates on rainfall and flooding.

The Minister of Industry and Trade must oversee the safety of hydropower reservoirs.

The Ministry of National Defence and Ministry of Public Security were required to prepare contingency plans, deploy forces and equipment to assist isolated areas, and remain ready for emergency rescue and relief operations.

Vietnam Electricity (EVN) must urgently implement safety measures for hydropower plants, transmission systems, and power infrastructure, ensuring quick recovery after the storm and maintaining electricity supply for production and daily life.

Viet Nam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) and Viettel must deploy technical solutions, personnel, and equipment to keep communications uninterrupted from the central to local levels, especially to villages and residential clusters at high risk of isolation due to the disaster.  VNS
Ha Hoang Loc, Imaizumi Isamu, Cao Bao Tran, Nguyen Khanh Lam and Phan Thi Chu Uyen at Nishimura & Asahi Law Firm outline Vietnam's new beneficial owners (BO) guidance under Decree 168/2025/ND-CP (Decree 168) and Circular 68/2025/TT-BTC (Circular 68), implementing the Law on Enterprises and its latest amendment (LOE 2025) effective from July 1, and highlight key points as well as practical issues for enterprises and investors.

Nishimura & Asahi Law Firm

Summary of BO Regulations

1. Definition of BO

LOE 2025 defines BO as individuals who (i) have actual ownership of the charter capital or (ii) have the right to control the enterprise, except for state representatives of wholly state-owned enterprises or state capital investments. Similar to the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF Recommendations), in Vietnam BO means exclusively individuals (natural persons).

Decree 168 clarifies that the criteria for BO are as follows:

To pass the ownership test (i), an individual needs to hold at least 25 per cent of the charter capital or the total voting shares of the relevant enterprise, either directly or indirectly (i.e., via another organisation); or

To pass the control test (ii), an individual needs to have the right to control one of the following matters: (a) the appointment, dismissal, or removal of the majority or all of the board of management, chairman of the members' council or the board of management, the legal representative, or the general director; (b) amendments or supplements to the enterprise's charter; (c) changes to the enterprise's organisational and managerial structure; or (d) reorganisation or dissolution of the enterprise.

Decree 168 makes it clear that the ownership and control tests can be applied and verified in parallel. In other words, the identification of an individual as a BO based on the ownership test does not relieve an enterprise of its obligation to identify BO via the control test. In many cases, the true power within an enterprise lies not with those who hold significant equity interests, but with those who influence strategic decisions through other means.

Although LOE 2025 exempts the state representatives of wholly state-owned enterprises or state capital investments from the scope of BO, it is silent with regard to capital representatives in private enterprises. It seems that those individuals always trigger BO obligations, as explained in Section I.3 below.

2. Applicable entities

New regulations governing BO apply to most enterprises that have legal person status, including single-member limited liability companies, multi-member limited liability companies, joint stock companies, and partnerships.

3. New obligations imposed by the BO regulations

a. Disclosure Obligations

Timing of disclosure:

Initial disclosure:

Enterprises established on or after July 1 must declare BO information at the time of incorporation.

Existing enterprises must declare BO information the next time (after July 1) they apply for changes to the details of their enterprise registrations.

Subsequent disclosures:

All enterprises, except for public companies, must update their BO information within 10 days of the relevant changes.

Information to be disclosed:

LOE 2025 requires disclosure of information about BO, as well as information the authorities can use to identify BO. Specifically, enterprises are required to disclose:

Name, DOB, gender, nationality, ID, and contact address of each individual who is deemed to be a BO based on either the ownership test or the control test.

While LOE 2025 clearly defines the ownership test for BO based on both direct and indirect ownership, Decree 168 and Circular 68 indicate that disclosure is required only for BO with direct equity ownership.

The name, enterprise registration information, headquarters, and specific shareholding level of each organisational shareholder holding at least 25 per cent of the total voting shares. LOE 2025 does not impose an equivalent obligation on limited liability companies with multiple members.

b. Record-keeping obligations

All enterprises are responsible for keeping an up-to-date list of the BO they have declared to the Vietnamese authorities, in paper/hard copy or electronic form.

The FATF Recommendations state that when no individual can be identified as a BO by ownership or control, a senior managing official of the legal person must be identified and recorded as the BO for due diligence purposes. However, LOE 2025 contains no such requirement, so the BO record-keeping obligations for Vietnamese enterprises may be limited purely to individuals who clearly pass the ownership test or the control test.

4. Consequences of failure to comply with BO obligations

For the time being, due to a lack of sanctioning regulations, the legal and practical consequences of a violation of the BO obligations remain uncertain. However, in the spirit of Decision No. 194/QD-TTg, promulgated by the Prime Minister, dated February 23, 2024, regulations on penalties should be issued in the near future.

Until specific penalties are promulgated, violations may be handled pursuant to the general administrative rules on enterprise registration; for example, an enterprise can be fined around VND20-30 million ($770-$1,150) for submitting false or inaccurate information or for failing to give notice of changes within the required timeframe.

Potential challenges to identifying BO

1. Different levels of commitments and interests for enterprises and other stakeholders

The BO obligations in LOE 2025 are imposed exclusively on enterprises, rather than their owners, members, shareholders, or BO. For that reason, there may be a lack of legal basis, as well as practical incentives, for other stakeholders to cooperate with enterprises efforts to comply with BO obligations, especially when the obligations relate to issues of a confidential nature, such as indirect ownership of interests or contractual arrangements pursuant to which BO possess control rights. Moreover, the fact that information about BO may be protected, or otherwise governed, by data privacy legislation raises concerns as to how, and whether, enterprises may obtain the relevant information from stakeholders, as well as the data protection obligations that may arise for the enterprise thereafter.

2. Unclear scope and implications of the control test

The scope and implications of the control test are more uncertain than those of the ownership test. Neither LOE 2025 nor its guiding regulations confirm whether individuals who fall within any of the following circumstances may satisfy the control test.

a. Veto powers, obtained by law or by contract

Veto power refers to the ability of an individual to block or prevent certain decisions unilaterally, which effectively grants that individual the right to exercise negative control over the affairs of an enterprise.

Typical instruments that may grant or contain veto powers include charters, shareholder agreements, and joint venture agreements.

When applying new regulations, Vietnamese authorities tend to be cautious, and thus they are likely to treat veto powers in the same manner as positive control rights.

If that is the case, any individual who holds veto power, either contractually or statutorily, will be deemed a BO. That said, as mentioned in Section II.1 above, enterprises may not be in a good position to confirm whether their stakeholders hold contractual veto powers.

b. Authorised representatives of capital, company presidents, individuals on a members council or board of management

LOE 2025 expressly excludes only representatives of state capital, who automatically are not deemed BO. Other authorised representatives of capital, typically including company presidents and members of the members councils of limited liability companies or the boards of management of joint stock companies, may satisfy the control test, thereby triggering the enterprises BO obligations, even though their decision-making powers can be exercised only on behalf of other major organisational stakeholders.

The FATF Recommendations note that individuals in high-level management roles who are responsible for strategic decisions that fundamentally affect business practices can be considered BO in some circumstances, depending on how actively they exercise control over the affairs of the relevant legal entity.

Therefore, individuals in senior management positions who actually exercise substantial control over an entity should be identified and recorded as BO. That said, since Vietnamese law has not adopted an open-ended approach in its definition of BO, the concern arises mainly with regard to company presidents and members of members councils or boards of management of Vietnamese enterprises.

c. Substantial influence over an enterprise and key personnel besides those specifically listed in Decree 168

LOE 2025 provides that a BO is an individual who either owns or controls an enterprise, but does not expressly refer to influence or other informal arrangements.

Compared to the drafts preceding Decree 168 that expanded control to include event decision-making powers over certain key business activities as defined in the charter, it appears that the Vietnamese authorities now deliberately adopt a clear-cut approach, so the control test is limited to the specific issues listed in Section I.1 above.

There also are no provisions that expressly cover situations in which an individual exerts de facto influence over an enterprise, for example, through family ties, reputation, personal ties, advisory status, or other informal arrangements.

By contrast, the FATF Recommendations makes it clear that informal means of control, such as family relationships or trusted influence, can result in an individual being a BO, when they result in effective control over the enterprise.

d. Joint control of an enterprise

Vietnamese law is relatively silent on the issue of joint or collective control, and seems to define BO as a singular individual who meets either the ownership test or the control test on his or her own.

Neither LOE 2025 nor its guiding regulations expressly discuss scenarios in which multiple individuals wield control jointly or in the aggregate.

For example, if two or three individuals each hold 20 per cent of a company and have a verbal agreement to vote their shares in concert, it appears that none of them would be considered a BO under current Vietnamese law.

For reference, the FATF Recommendations expressly contemplate joint control, and state that relying exclusively on a fixed percentage threshold can miss situations of dispersed ownership. Crucially, the FATF Recommendations acknowledge that multiple shareholders can exercise control collectively, even if none of them has a dominant position alone.

In plain terms, if control is shared, each of the controlling parties should be identified as a BO.

Impact on stakeholders

1. From the perspective of enterprises

Current legal provisions only indicate that non-compliance with BO declaration obligations may lead to administrative procedures being stalled for enterprises. Even with regulations on sanctions being issued soon, a major question remains concerning the extent to which enterprises should be liable for identifying their BO.

This is because the law simply establishes criteria through which enterprises can "self-identify" BO, without providing an additional legal basis to mandate cooperation from other concerned stakeholders.

It is unclear whether legislators expect enterprises merely to declare information within the limits of their knowledge and ability to identify BO, or if they intend for enterprises to undertake all necessary measures to identify BO accurately and promptly. If the latter, enterprises may not have sufficient legal grounds to verify and monitor BO information on their own, as mentioned in Section II.1 above.

In the absence of clear regulations, it is uncertain how enterprises will balance legal compliance, the threat of sanctions, and avoiding undue burdens on themselves and other stakeholders.

From the enterprise perspective, one option is to issue an internal policy requiring all owners, members, or shareholders to provide sufficient information for the enterprise to comply with BO obligations under LOE 2025.

However, even in this situation, many issues will require careful consideration, such as the duties targets of disclosure may have under these internal policies, the ability to make the internal policy binding, and the consequences if stakeholders refuse to comply.

2. From the perspective of investors

Vietnamese law currently does not impose any obligations to disclose BO information on stakeholders besides enterprises, and imposes no duties on stakeholders to facilitate an enterprises compilation of BO information. Therefore, individuals and enterprises other than those expressly subject to the disclosure requirements will not be subject to legal penalties or liabilities for non-compliance.

However, as suggested above, investors should consider the potential impact of non-compliance with an enterprises internal policy that compels information disclosure, or with direct requests for information.

In particular, the approaches taken may vary widely, particularly between major stakeholders (whose interests basically will be in line with that of the enterprise) and minor stakeholders (who may not necessarily support the enterprises attempts to collect information).

BO regulations will also be an important factor for consideration when structuring M&A transactions for the investors.

Examples include investors acquiring equity interests in family-owned businesses, wishing to implement investment entreatment agreements with an individual, or seeking to infuse investment capital through layered structures.

Depending on the specific circumstances, the BO regulations may lead to additional administrative procedures, and inquiries from Vietnamese authorities about the investment structure and regulatory compliance issues.

3. From the perspective of BO

In order to protect their legitimate interests, individuals should be aware of, and understand, the BO regulations and other relevant regulations, including those governing the protection of personal data.

In particular, individuals should disclose information to governmental authorities only to the extent required by law. In exchange, they should pursue those enterprises to collect, use and protect their information as designated.

BO should also understand the importance of disclosing BO information responsibly and accurately, as it may be retained by and circulated among state authorities for various purposes, including verification of the BO's corporate affiliation, and in efforts to fight money laundering.

Conclusion and recommendations

Vietnam's beneficial ownership regime from an enterprise law perspective is still in a formative stage, with many unresolved practical and legal questions. A prudent approach, paired with ongoing monitoring of legal developments, remains the best practice when identifying and documenting information about BO.

While Vietnam's BO requirements in LOE 2025 aim to address the FATF Recommendations, some differences remain. Therefore, it is advised for enterprises, investors, and BO to follow the regulatory development in this sector closely, to ensure prompt updates on the law and on the manner in which the authorities are managing compliance with BO obligations.

Legal standing increased with enterprise law As the new Law on Enterprises comes with comprehensive adjustments to the issuance of shares, preferential rights for existing shareholders, and simplifies participation of foreign players in the market, experts predict a much more dynamic business environment in the years to come.

Intriguing changes on capital contribution outlined in fresh enterprises legislation The Law on Enterprises 2020 took effect on January 1 and supersedes the Law on Enterprises 2014. In comparison, the Law on Enterprises 2020 is evaluated to include of many significant changes.
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.
Eye clinic nurses taking on Yr Wyddfa challenge for Guide Dogs UK

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Aug 30th, 2025

Six nurses in the eye clinic at Wrexham Maelor Hospital have given themselves a mountain to climb this September.

Davi Castano, Kelly Arrowsmith, Anwen Jones, Kathryn Newcombe and Kim Klee are aiming to reach the summit of Yr Wyddfa to raise money for Guide Dogs UK.

Theyll be taking in their fundraising challenge on September 13.

They were inspired by their colleague, John Carruthers, who is an eye clinic liaison officer at the hospital and gets around with the help of guide dog Gryffin.

Nurse Kim Klee said: John organised a talk about Guide Dogs and how the dogs are trained. A group of us attended and decided to raise money for Guide Dogs.

Weve been doing a bit of training, such as walking and hill climbing.

The team have already surpassed its target of 500 and has so far raised an incredible 640 for the charity.

Almost two million people in the UK are living with sight loss that significantly affects their daily lives, according to charity Guide Dogs.

Of those, around 180,000 people rarely leave their homes alone, leading to loneliness and isolation.

You can find out more about the teams challenge and donate via Justgiving.
Hope for extinct-in-the-wild bird as chicks hatch at Chester Zoo

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Aug 30th, 2025

Eight chicks belonging to a dove species that has been extinct in the wild for decades have successfully hatched at Chester Zoo  boosting survival hopes for the incredibly rare birds.

Today, all remaining Socorro doves are cared for in zoo conservation-breeding programmes across Europe and North America, which are working to pull the species back from the brink.

Approximately 200 birds represent the entire surviving population, but bird experts have revealed that eight chicks (known as squabs) have hatched at Chester this summer.

Some are now fully fledged, and there is a chance another clutch of eggs might be on the way.

Chester Zoo, a conservation charity, cares for two breeding pairs of Socorro doves and supports the wider conservation-breeding effort.

Socorro doves originally lived on Socorro Island off the coast of Mexico, but a mixture of factors led to their extinction in the wild.

Andrew Owen, head of the bird department at Chester Zoo, said: Historically, the Socorro dove had few natural predators, and the island remained uninhabited by people.

Sheep introduced in the 1800s caused extensive damage to the wild vegetation and in 1957 a naval base was established on the island. Naval staff and their families brought domestic cats which became feral and caused tremendous damage to the native wildlife, including the Socorro dove population, which was last seen in the wild in 1972.

Sadly, the Socorro dove was overlooked by conservationists for many years and if it wasnt for the efforts of a group of German aviculturists, who created a breeding programme for the species, it would have been lost forever.

In 1995, the Socorro dove conservation breeding programme was formally established when the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) approved it as a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).

Despite their modest appearance, every individual is precious, and the species has unique behaviours.

Unlike other species of doves, Socorro doves do not live in flocks, preferring to pair off or live individually. They also share chick-rearing duties.

Its a 50-50 arrangement most of the time, but we have found the females will raise their chicks up to a point and then become ready to mate again, so theyll start raising a new clutch of eggs before the first have fledged, said Clare Rafe, assistant team manager for birds.

Its very intense for them, but its a way of increasing their numbers rapidly  which they need to do to survive. In the wild, they would only have perhaps a two or three-month nesting window between storms and heat waves.

When that happens, the fathers take over with the older chicks, feeding them and caring for them. The males can be quite territorial and aggressive, which makes pairing them tricky, but weve found one of them has transferred that into protectiveness for his chicks.

Andrew Owen added that the two breeding pairs at Chester Zoo, and their youngsters, are part of a broader effort to boost the species.

He said: For many years, the Zenaida graysoni population has been managed by Steffan Stadler, Bird Curator from Frankfurt Zoo, who championed the species and led on developing a holistic plan to return the species to the wild.

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) have extinct species plans that incorporates the Socorro dove and they work closely with Africam Safari, a park in Mexico, to move towards wild reintroductions.

Without the valuable work zoos do, these species would be lost forever. Our role at Chester Zoo is helping to maintain the insurance population and hopefully, at some point our birds will support the work done by ZSL and Frankfurt, and their descendants will see Socorro Island.

In the meantime, the chicks will continue to be cared for by bird experts  and their dedicated dads.
BEIJING, Aug. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will take place in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. Within the complex global context, this gathering is going to be a strategic convergence of SCO members, reflecting their joint commitment to navigating a changing era.

"Men of insight see the trend, while men of wisdom ride it."

Men of insight see the trend, while men of wisdom ride it

The saying comes from the Guiguzi, a philosophical treatise written in the early Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.). It means that while those who can identify history's biggest trends are insightful, those who can take advantage of them are truly wise.

On November 10, 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping cited this phrase at the 20th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO. He emphasized that the global trend toward peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit is an unstoppable one. He called on the SCO to carry forward the Shanghai Spirit and deepen solidarity and collaboration in order to contribute more to the stability and development of countries in the region, as well as to take more steps toward building a community with a shared future for humanity.

This year has been designated as the SCO's Year of Sustainable Development. As rotating chair, China actively works with all parties involved to carry out initiatives on poverty reduction, food security, public health, development financing, climate change, green development and industrialization, as well as the digital economy and connectivity under the Global Development Initiative it proposed in 2021. This initiative serves as a global policy framework to promote sustainable development.

The international community holds high expectations for China to lead the SCO into a new chapter of cooperation, enhance unity and self-reliance among developing countries, and contribute the organization's strength to global governance. Since its founding in Shanghai on June 15, 2001, the SCO has grown from six founding members into a big SCO family of 26 countries. It has become the world's largest and most populous regional organization, with a combined economic output accounting for about one quarter of the global total.

SCO member states have leveraged their respective strengths to build effective mechanisms for cooperation and carried out practical cooperation. Through institutional arrangements, they have advanced trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, as well as improved the free flow of goods, capital, technology and services, bringing many benefits to their peoples.

As a founding member, China has consistently attached great importance to and actively participated in all activities under the SCO framework. China continues to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with other member states, observer countries and dialogue partners, proposing a range of initiatives in security, practical cooperation and people-to-people exchange. These efforts have provided Chinese solutions for the organization's development and demonstrate China's sense of responsibility.

The SCO aligns with the global trends of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, and reflects the direction of human progress. Emphasizing mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development, the SCO's Shanghai Spirit serves as the foundation of its vitality.

By firmly carrying forward the Shanghai Spirit and maintaining unity and cooperation, the SCO will inject more certainty and positive energy into safeguarding world peace and development, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Website:

http://www.bjreview.com/Multimedia/Video/Wisdom_Without_Borders/202508/t20250829_800413233.html

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https://x.com/BeijingReview/status/1961603321514614862

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SOURCE Beijing Review
Then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump walks from his private plane to a rally at a CSI Aviation hangar near the Albuquerque International Sunport before the 2024 election.

George Sharpe Picasa

President Donald Trump seems to have full control of the Republican Party, and as a life-long Republican, I struggle to understand why. As a conservative, I support many of his policies, but as a Christian and as an American, I cannot ignore his autocratic approach. Heres a partial list of his decisions since taking office that have caused deep concern.

Minion advisers: From Secretaries Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Pete Hegseth to the growing number of Fox News correspondents, Trump has surrounded himself, not with independent-thinking advisers, but with yes-men and yes-women who execute orders without question.

Foreign policy: Trump has insulted key European allies and has made separate threats to take over Canada, Greenland, Panama and even Gaza.

Ukraine: Trumps early, inconsistent and sometimes contradictory support for Ukraine may have emboldened Putin  an uncertainty that cost lives and undermined U.S. credibility abroad.

Symbolism over substance: Trump ordered federal agencies to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, drawing mockery both at home and abroad. In another eyebrow-raising move, he ordered a military parade for his birthday at an estimated cost of up to $40 million.

DOJ weaponized: In line with campaign threats, Trump has transformed the Department of Justice into the Department of Retribution.

Pardons and violence: Trump deployed troops to keep peace in Los Angeles, yet he pardoned or commuted sentences for the Jan. 6 rioters, including those who assaulted police officers, praising them as patriots.

Quid pro quo: Trump pardoned several individuals whose families made large donations to his campaign and hosted a White House dinner for top investors in his new cryptocurrency venture.

Luxury jet: Trump accepted a jet from Qatar and plans to remodel it at an estimated cost to taxpayers of $1 billion.

Tariff whiplash: Trumps erratic use of tariffs  announced and reversed on a whim  has created widespread uncertainty in both the U.S. and world economies.

DOGE chaos: Not that there wasnt plenty of fat to trim, but the immediate and seemingly indiscriminate elimination of over 200,000 federal positions resulted in widespread disruption of many governmental services. Many agencies are now rehiring to restore critical functions.

Budget priorities: Trumps Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) maintains prior tax cuts for the wealthy while slashing funds for programs like Medicaid that serve vulnerable Americans.

Executive overreach: With roughly 180 executive orders, Trump has cut congressionally authorized funding, attempted to end birthright citizenship, abused emergency powers with his tariffs and removed Senate-confirmed watchdogs  undermining the Constitution.

Controlling the narrative: Trump still claims the 2020 election was stolen, labels negative news coverage as fake news, denies expert warnings that tariffs will raise prices to consumers, and says the BBB cuts deficits  though the Congressional Budget Office projects a $3 trillion increase. He even fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics for an unfavorable report, and has banned unfavorable news outlets from press briefings. He is the self-proclaimed expert on, well, most everything.

Judiciary attacks: Trump has publicly attacked judges who ruled against him  even those appointed by him or fellow Republicans  and ignored a court order in the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

Epstein: While not a policy issue, Trumps past behavior with women, his alarming photo ops with Epstein and his aggressive efforts to bury the story raise legitimate questions.

In closing, what alarms me most is the silence. Aside from a few dissenters on the BBB, Republicans have largely fallen into line. This isnt just disappointing, its a failure of moral leadership. Its time for Republican leaders, voters and everyday conservatives to reclaim the soul of our party  before its too late.
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that the C3.ai class action lawsuit  captioned Liggett v. C3.ai, Inc., No. 25-cv-07129 (N.D. Cal.)  seeks to represent purchasers or acquirers of C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE: AI) securities and charges C3.ai as well as certain of C3.ai's executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the C3.ai class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-c3-ai-class-action-lawsuit-ai.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]. Lead plaintiff motions for the C3.ai class action lawsuit must be filed with the court no later than October 21, 2025.

CASE ALLEGATIONS: C3.ai operates as an enterprise artificial intelligence ("AI") application software company.

The C3.ai class action lawsuit alleges that defendants created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to C3.ai's projected revenue outlook and anticipated growth while also minimizing risk to C3.ai's profitability from defendant CEO Thomas M. Siebel's health concerns. In truth, according to the complaint, C3.ai's optimistic reports of growth, earnings potential, and anticipated margins fell short of reality as they relied far too heavily on the health and effectiveness of C3.ai's CEO.

The C3.ai class action lawsuit further alleges that on August 8, 2025, C3.ai announced disappointing preliminary financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 and reduced its revenue guidance for the full fiscal year 2026, attributing its poor sales results and lowered guidance on "the reorganization with new leadership" and the health ailments of its CEO. On this news, the price of C3.ai stock fell more than 25%, according to the complaint.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired C3.ai securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the C3.ai 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 C3.ai class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the C3.ai class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the C3.ai 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
This is a guest opinion column

Her handshake told me all I needed to know. It was strong and firm, and she looked me directly in the eye.

She will pick and choose her battles wisely, for she already has enough confidence to know that her worth doesnt come from having the last word in an argument with a middle schooler. Her classroom will run like a well-oiled machine.

And to think that she was in high school during the pandemic.

His professional emails were short and to the point, and he was persistent without being pushy. We solved his curriculum integration problem in short order, for he needed access to his online textbook materials for planning purposes. A large, wooden cut-out of the profile of a mounted deer hangs in his classroom. The students will love him for it.

She reached out to me first about completing her alternative certificate application. I did not have to track her down. She came to me with a purpose in mind, and although I already had her on my list, her initiative is commendable. Good thing, too. She is a kindergarten teacher, and those babies needs will never wait.

New Teacher, you still have much to learn, but youre going to be okay.

How do I know? There are lots of us still around who were new teachers not that many years ago, and if we had it to do over again, wed make the same choice.

But we need you, new teachers. We need you to settle in and make this your life for the next few decades.

You see, there are so many of us at the end of our careers. It might not be tomorrow, but another year or two, or four or five, and that will be it.

Who will be left to carry on?

We call it sustainability in the world of educational planning, grant writing, and project development, usually regarding funding: how are we going to keep the fire going when and if the money runs out?

In this case, what will happen to education when the people with the know-how decide to take it to the house?

I look at the schools in my district, and a wave of retirement is coming. There are too many of us with 25 and more years of experience. Some of us are having grandchildren. Some have shifting priorities. Some have new opportunities.

And all are getting older.

Some of us are also tired. Age and experience bring wisdom, but the empathy that the job requires is a daily drain to the mental and emotional lifeforce that keeps our souls going. So do the additional mandates; there are multiple new requirements each year, many of them with a legal component that make teachers and principals feel like they need a law degree to keep doing their job.

And its primarily the public schools that are affected. Dont cut my tongue out for saying this. Im not against private schools. Im not against home schools. This is America, land of freedom and opportunity. Everyones supposed to get a chance here.

Thats the reason why we need to keep our public schools as strong as we possibly can, instead of bleeding them from a thousand tiny cuts. Ive worked in public education for 28+ years, and my parents before me. I remember kitchen table conversations in the 1980s where I learned the terms proration, pink slips, reduction in force, and Fob James, the last of which was spoken with utter contempt for his lack of support for schools.

Some things are good now. During the 2025-26 school year, teachers will have $1000 in instructional funds to spend on their students, but remember, everything is getting more expensive.

Still, I remember years when there was no instructional money for classroom materials. Teachers sold doughnuts and T-shirts to pay the copy machine bills. Ive mopped bathroom floors and scrubbed toilets when we went without custodial support.

But were losing in other ways.

A recent observation: private schools dont have to abide by the requirements of the FOCUS Act, which includes a bell-to-bell student ban on cell phones and other electronic devices, with limited exceptions. However, the FOCUS Act also happens to coincide with increased implementation of Alabamas Choose Act, a plan to provide vouchers to families for their childrens tuition at private schools, for home school, and for other educational needs.

Now that we are a few weeks into the new school year, the FOCUS Act has already proven to be a tremendous success in my district. Teachers and principals report higher levels of student engagement, and lively conversations at the end of class signal a positive change. Students are learning how to connect with each other without using a digital device as a go-between. So thank you to Governor Ivey and our legislators: the FOCUS Act is clearly doing its job.

But there are still a few parents and students out there who refuse to abide by the law, and how many of them will use the law, in the form of a voucher, to reach greener pastures and less accountability on the other side of a cell phone battle.

I smell a rat. It might be the one that died over the summer in the school attic, but whats worse is the proverbial Pied Piper at the State House leading droves of unsuspecting citizens to the point of no return to the public schoolhouse, all in the name of the betterment of our children.

But you, New Teacher, you wont know the difference. And for that reason, I think were going to be okay. You will find a way to deal, just like the rest of us always have. Your new blood, new energy, and new ideas will keep us moving forward. We in education have always dealt with the shifting sands of public opinion, and you will learn to plant your stake and hang on, all for the sake of the students.

If that handshake is any indicator of the ability to persevere, then were in good shape.

Its okay for some of us older ones to tap out.

A few of us might even consider heading for the legislature. We know what were fighting for.

Not me, though. Ive got enough stories to fill a library from my time working in the hallowed halls of learning.

And New Teacher, one day, you will too.

Marla Price is a secondary curriculum director, certification specialist, website manager, and PowerSchool system lead for Winston County Schools. I also blog at writingmarla.com and have published articles in other media outlets. I posted a version of this article on my blog earlier this week.
Supporters cheer on Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin following his third victory in the Birmingham mayoral election Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. (Will McLelland | AL.com) Will McLelland

Cash poured into Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfins campaign for a third term, helping secure a landslide victory Tuesday with more than 80% of all the fundraising in the entire race.

The incumbent brought in nearly $1.6 million in campaign funding out of a total of nearly $1.9 million he and his eight opponents raised in the race, according to state campaign finance records. His campaign earned nearly seven times more than the next closest candidate.

Lets get back to work, Birmingham, Woodfin told a crowd of supporters at his election party at WorkPlay on Tuesday night. Lets keep going  together.

Woodfin, who won the election by nearly 75% of the vote, was also the only candidate who started out his campaign with cash already on hand, largely fueled by out-of-state donors: more than $105,000.

Throughout the last year of campaigning, Woodfin attracted nearly 3,000 individual donors, businesses and corporations that chipped in cash, with an average contribution of $528.21, his campaign confirmed.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin speaks to supporters at the WorkPlay music venue following his third victory in the Birmingham mayoral election Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. (Will McLelland | AL.com) Will McLelland

Daniel Deriso, Woodfins campaign manager, said that the campaign surpassed its 2017 numbers for small-dollar contributions and came close to 2021, crediting everyday people as the backbone of this campaign.

Our fundraising isnt just about raising the most money  its about how were raising it, Deriso said in a statement to AL.com. You dont earn that kind of broad support by accident  you earn it by delivering results and trust, year after year, across all 99 neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, Alabama House Rep. Juandalynn Givan trailed behind Woodfin, bringing less than $200,000 in cash, plus $31,500 in non-monetary contributions.

[Cant see the chart? Click here.]

All but two of the candidates reported fundraising to the Alabama Electronic Fair Campaign Practices Act Reporting System. Marilyn James-Johnson and Jerimy Littlepage did not file financial records with the state.

Woodfin raised $1.3 million in campaign contributions in Alabama alone, good for 82% of his fundraising. Most of that was from Birmingham  nearly $836,000, or 64%. But donors in cities and counties surrounding the mayoral race, like Vestavia Hills and Calera, or as far south as Daphne or north as Athens, contributed, too.

Outside of Alabama, Woodfins campaign attracted contributions from Washington, D.C. and 47 other states, as far as Hawaii, California and New York, according to an AL.com analysis of campaign finance records.

[Cant see the map? Click here.]

The state with the next highest contributions after Alabama was Georgia, with more than $60,300 in contributions. Woodfin attended Morehouse College in Atlanta.

The majority of Woodfins cash contributions came from individual donors: nearly $1.1 million, or 67%. But groups and businesses contributed nearly $294,000, as well, including donors like Regions Bank, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, a slew of law firms across the state, and developers like City Trail View LLC, according to the campaign finance records.

Woodfins campaign also accepted nearly $233,000 in PAC funding.

A previous version of this story misidentified a donation to Woodfin as coming from Ontario, Canada. It was from Ontario, California.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle were among local officials celebrating the opening of the first section of the $43 million Northern Bypass project.

Strong labeled the project a game-changer, while the mayor, City Councilwoman Michelle Watkins and Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon said the project  an extension of State Route 255  would make commutes a lot smoother for residents to major Huntsville employers from throughout north Alabama and southern Tennessee.

Its already relieving congestion, Urban and Economic Development Director Shane Davis said of the section that is open at the intersection of State Route 255 and North Memorial Parkway.

He, Battle, McCutcheon, and Watkins credited Strong with accelerating the project by securing $8.3 million in federal funding. Davis said local government and Alabama Department of Transportation funding were not enough without the appropriation secured by Strong.

The Northern Bypass project will benefit families driving their kids to school, (driving) to work, heading in and out of plants and offices, Strong said. It means less time stuck in traffic and more time with your family and at home. For businesses, it means a stronger connection across our region.

He and Watkins said the project will create more economic opportunities for north Huntsville, including Alabama A&M just down the road.

This new highway will create new opportunities in District 1, which will benefit all of Huntsville, said Watkins, who represents that part of the city.

This is part of economic development. Economic development is making sure you have a transportation grid that works, added Battle, who credited the partnership with local, state and federal entities with moving the project along.

According to ALDOTs Aug. 27 update to the Huntsville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, phase two of the project that runs from Pulaski Pike to the Parkway is about 55% complete. Davis expects the stretch of road to be completed sometime next year.

Well continue to finish up the three-and-a-half mile limited access highway, he said. Then well roll into phase three that is already underway. Phase three will start here where we stand today (at North Memorial Parkway) and go to Winchester Road. Design is underway. We plan to start right-of-way acquisition next year. Soon after that, (well) follow with construction. The last remaining phase, phase four will go from Winchester Road to the east side of U.S. 72. That is actually in the corridor planning.

Davis, Battle and McCutcheon told Strong they may have to ask him for additional funding.

Weve got more of these projects, McCutcheon said. Weve got the 565-Memorial Parkway interchange. Weve got (U.S.) Highway 72 going eastbound.

Northern Bypass name confusion

The Huntsville City Council will vote on the naming of the section of the Northern Bypass currently under construction from Pulaski Pike to the Parkway on Sept. 25. The Huntsville Planning Commission voted to rename the section Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Highway, which is the name of the section of State Route 255 that it adjoins.

But the Planning Commission called the section Bob Wade Lane.

The road that is under construction is actually a state highway, Davis told the city council on Thursday. Its an extension of State Route 255 that starts at I-565 and goes north through the northern part of our city. The reason we call it the Northern Bypass, there are two phases that remain that will ultimately connect with the east side of our city at U.S. Highway 72, completing a northern loop.

Davis said the city is not renaming Bob Wade Lane. He said Bob Wade Lane was not being widened to become part of the Northern Bypass.

The existing section of Bob Wade Lane for the most part is being demolished to make way for State Route 255, he said. He said a portion of Bob Wade Lane will remain and will tie into the Northern Bypass, but that part of the road will not be renamed.

State Route 255 has three names, Davis said. From south of I-565 to Redstone Arsenal, its always been referred to as Rideout Road. North of Interstate 565 near Bridge Street to State Route 53 is referred to as Research Park Boulevard. The council before you in 2005 as that next phase was under construction that went from Highway 53 to just east of Pulaski Pike, the piece that is there today, was designated as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Highway.

Should the council not name the section under construction after King, it would just be known as State Route 255, Davis said.

Some residents are concerned about naming the section after the slain Civil Rights leader would lower property values. One resident, Bob Wade Lane resident Jerry Brooks, cited data about other streets, roads and highways named after King across the country to back up those concerns.

But city officials pointed out that the area in question is in an area of significant positive economic growth.

Other residents were concerned about having to change postal addresses but were told at the planning commission meeting they could use State Route 255 as an address.
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The brand new rom-com Catch of the Day premieres on the Hallmark Channel Saturday, Aug. 30 at 8/7c.

The latest rom-com to release on the popular network stars Emilie Ullerup, Michael Rady and Katie Lee Biegel and follows an executive chef that springs into action to assist loved ones in the culinary world.

How to watch Catch of the Day without cable

Cord cutters hoping to catch the live premiere of Catch of the Day can find the upcoming release available for streaming through a variety of streaming services, including cost-saving platforms like Philo.

Philo is considered one of the most affordable traditional cable alternatives out there. At just $28 a month after a 7-day free trial, subscribers can enjoy over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

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

Streaming Platform Promotion Price Philo 7-day free trial $28/month after free trial Fubo Free trial $84.99/month after free trial DirecTV 5-day free trial $86.99/month after free trial Sling No active promotions $45.99/month

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

Sling is another great streaming platform replacing basic cable. By offering users a stellar selection of popular TV channels, Sling is a great alternative to the hassle of traditional cable. Sling is also introducing day, week and weekend passes which allow users to choose how long they can access the platform. Plans start at just $45.99 a month after the first month and the new passes start at $4.99.

More on Catch of the Day

Catch of the Day follows Sophie (Ullerup) who, on the eve of becoming an executive chef in New York, returns hope to help her family revive their flailing restaurant.

While there, Sophie runs into Cam (Rady), an old crush who makes her question everything.
AMARILLO, Texas, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fermi America, developing the world's largest, behind-the-meter artificial intelligence private grid campus (the "HyperGrid Project"), in partnership with the Texas Tech University System, today announced the successful close of its $100 million Series C preferred equity financing round led by Macquarie Group ("Macquarie"), alongside the establishment of a $250 million senior loan facility, funded solely by Macquarie's Commodities and Global Markets business, with $100 million drawn at close.

Rendering of the Fermi America Private Grid Campus.

This financing marks a major milestone for Fermi America as it accelerates the velocity of execution of the HyperGrid Project, including securing long-lead supply chain assets, critical for America's success in the AI race.

"Macquarie's leadership in both our Series C and senior loan facility underscores their conviction that our speed of execution is based on our team's experience in real-time power generation and construction," said Fermi America Co-Founder & CEO Toby Neugebauer. "Like generations of entrepreneurs and workforces before us from this very region, we are delivering on energy promises made so that America can win again."

"We are excited to be supporting Fermi America in the development of its power and data center platform," said Joshua Stevens, Managing Director in Macquarie's Commodities and Global Markets business. "Its distinctive strategy and ability to tap into near-term power solutions make it well placed to address the fast-growing needs of AI and other high-performance computing applications."

The Series C equity round and senior loan facility provide a strong foundation for Fermi America to continue locking up global long-lead time items, adding subject matter experts and executers to the Fermi team, and constructing phase one of the HyperGrid Project.

Fermi America was advised by Cantor, Newmark, and Donovan & Co. Legal counsel for the transaction was provided by Haynes Boone, Latham & Watkins, and Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Lexi Swearingen

[email protected]

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.

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For a while, the intense competition in the chip manufacturing world looked like a two-horse race. TSMC has been consistently ahead, with Samsung playing catch-up. While the South Korean giant has made significant strides in the past, his next major test is just around the corner. Samsungs 2nm chip tech (SF2P) could be a make-or-break moment for the companys future in the high-stakes foundry business.

Samsungs second-gen 2nm process (SF2P), key for its Foundrys branch

This new challenge centers on Samsungs second-generation 2nm chip manufacturing process, known as SF2P. The firm is already scheduled to begin mass production on its first-generation 2nm node later this year. The upcoming Exynos 2600 SoC aims to be the first chip on the new architecture. The company would equip a percentage of the Galaxy S26 series with said chipset. Now, an industry insider says that the SF2P node is the one that will truly determine Samsungs success or failure against its main rival.

The reason for this excitement is simple: the SF2P process promises some seriously impressive gains. It could deliver a 12% boost in performance and a 25% improvement in power efficiency over the first-generation 2nm node. All while taking up less space on the chip (reported by ZDNET Korea). In a world where every nanometer counts, these are the kinds of improvements that can win over big customers.

Tesla, a major client for Samsungs 2nm chip process

And Samsung has already landed a major one. New reports confirm that the company has secured a massive, multi-billion-dollar deal to manufacture Teslas next-generation AI chip, the AI6. Tesla will use this cutting-edge technology to power its Full Self-Driving system, robotics, and data centers. This is a critical partnership for both companies. The plan is to produce the AI6 chips at Samsungs new manufacturing plant in Taylor, Texas, which adds a new, strategic dimension to the deal.

Its not just Tesla showing interest, either. Samsung is also reportedly working with a domestic AI semiconductor company called DeepX on a new chip for on-device generative AI.

Of course, this is just the beginning. Samsung has already completed the basic design for SF2P. But the insider notes that the yields are still not stable. But with so much riding on its success, Samsung is laser-focused on overcoming this hurdle. The company is betting its future on this process, and if it can deliver on its promises, the chip foundry landscape could change for good.
A quiet but high-stakes battle is unfolding between Apple and the UK government. In a recent development, new court documents have just shed some light on the true scope of the conflict. This isnt just a simple disagreement over one security feature. Apparently, the UK government continues to pressure Apple to weaken user privacy by leaving a backdoor, with a direct impact on every single person who uses Apples iCloud services. The most surprising thing is that it would affect everyone, no matter where they live.

Some background on the legal battle

The dispute began when the UKs Home Office. Authorities resorted to the powers granted by the Investigatory Powers Act to issue a secret legal order to Apple. If you are not aware, UKs Investigatory Powers Act is a law widely dubbed the Snoopers Charter by critics. The governments goal was to gain whats commonly referred to as backdoor access to iCloud data. They claim that access is vital for law enforcement to investigate serious crimes and counter national security threats.

Apples position has always been clear and unyielding: it will never build a master key or a backdoor into its products. The company argues that once you create a loophole for a government, its only a matter of time before malicious hackers and bad actors worldwide discover and exploit it. In a dramatic show of protest, Apple pulled its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature. ADP tech offers a higher level of end-to-end encryption from all users in the UK. This move was its first public acknowledgment of the existence of the secret order.

As one cybersecurity expert cited in the sources explains, a governments demand for a backdoor isnt like asking for a spare key to one house. Its like asking a locksmith to make the same key for every house on the street. While it may make things convenient for a few, it puts everyone at risk in the process.

UKs request for an Apples iCloud backdoor remains active, legal filing reveal

Now, a new legal filing from the UKs Investigatory Powers Tribunal has added a major plot twist to the conversation. The documents reveal that the UKs request was far broader than just the data protected by ADP. The government wasnt asking for a key to one specific set of data. UK authorities were seeking access to a wide range of user information. The list includes standard iCloud services, passwords, and personal messages stored in the cloud.

The revelation also directly contradicts a recent statement from a US official who had claimed that the UK had agreed to drop its controversial request. The fact that the legal filing shows the mandate is still active adds a new layer of confusion and a public contradiction between two allied governments.

And with a global reach, not just UK

What makes this issue even more significant is its global impact. The legal filing reportedly states that the UKs request isnt limited to British citizens. It applies to all iCloud users worldwide. This means that a legal order from one country could, in theory, compromise the data security of millions of users in other nations. So, this high-stakes battle over data and privacy just seems to be starting.
Manchester United outcast Alejandro Garnacho has completed his 40million move to Chelsea, signing a deal until 2032.

The 21-year-olds Old Trafford exit was on the cards ever since the winger expressed frustration at starting Mays Europa League final loss to Tottenham on the bench.

Head coach Ruben Amorim took unkindly to that and Garnacho spent pre-season training away from Uniteds first-team having expressed a desire to leave.

Chelsea had looked at a move in January and have completed the long-expected signing of the Argentina international for 40m, with the Red Devils inserting a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

Its an incredible moment for my family and I to join this great club, Garnacho said. I cant wait to get started.

I watched the Club World Cup and to join the world champions is special  were the best team in the world! Its amazing to be here and Im very happy.

Alejandro Garnacho has completed a permanent move to Chelsea. We are thankful for his contributions to United and wish him the best of luck for this next chapter   Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2025

Garnacho joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and scored 26 goals in 144 appearances after progressing through the academy.

The winger scored in last years FA Cup final win against Manchester City and follows Marcus Rashford, another member of the so-called bomb squad, out of the door.

Real Betis are in negotiations to sign Antony, who impressed on loan with the LaLiga side last season. Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho complete that unwanted quintet.
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Aug. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global oil condition monitoring market is projected to grow from USD 1.27 billion in 2025 to USD 1.78 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.0% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of predictive maintenance practices across sectors such as automotive and transportation, oil and gas, and industrial manufacturing. Oil condition monitoring solutions are gaining prominence due to their ability to deliver real-time insights on lubricant health, contamination levels, and operational efficiency, enabling operators to reduce downtime, optimize maintenance schedules, and extend equipment life. The integration of advanced sensors, portable test kits, analyzers, and software platforms is accelerating as industries prioritize reliability, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Innovations in multi-parameter sensing technologies and cloud-enabled analytics are enhancing diagnostic precision and operational visibility. With growing emphasis on cost efficiency, sustainability, and equipment reliability, oil condition monitoring is emerging as a critical enabler of operational excellence and predictive maintenance strategies.

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Oil Condition Monitoring Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2025 $ 1.27 billion Estimated Value by 2030 $ 1.78 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% Market Size Available for 20212030 Forecast Period 20252030 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Offering, End Use, Industry, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Offline oil sampling limitations Key Market Opportunities Increasing adoption of big data analytics and IIoT Key Market Drivers Surging demand for cost-effective solutions for maintaining the health of machinery

Software Segment to Capture Considerable Market Share in the Oil Condition Monitoring Market During the Forecast Period.

The software segment is expected to capture a considerable share of the oil condition monitoring market during the forecast period, driven by its capability to deliver real-time insights, predictive analytics, and data-driven maintenance decisions. By integrating advanced algorithms with data from lubricants, portable test kits, analyzers, and monitoring systems, oil condition monitoring software allows operators to efficiently track lubricant health, contamination levels, and overall equipment performance. Its widespread adoption across automotive and transportation, oil and gas, and industrial manufacturing underscores its versatility and operational value. Continuous advancements in cloud computing, machine learning, and multi-parameter analytics are enhancing diagnostic precision, operational efficiency, and predictive maintenance. As organizations increasingly focus on cost optimization, reliability, and sustainability, oil condition monitoring software is becoming a key enabler for extending equipment life, optimizing maintenance schedules, and improving overall operational performance.

Oil & Gas Industry to Account for a Notable Share in the Oil Condition Monitoring Market.

The oil & gas sector is poised to account for a notable share of the oil condition monitoring market during the forecast period, driven by the need to maintain high equipment reliability and prevent costly operational disruptions. Harsh operating conditions, complex machinery, and continuous operations make real-time monitoring of lubricant health and contamination levels essential. Oil condition monitoring solutions help operators detect early signs of wear, optimize maintenance schedules, and extend the service life of critical assets such as turbines, compressors, engines, and hydraulic systems. Growing emphasis on operational safety, efficiency, and cost management is fueling adoption across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. As the industry navigates increasing regulatory and environmental pressures, oil monitoring is emerging as a crucial tool for sustaining performance and minimizing unplanned downtime.

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Asia Pacific to Hold a Significant Share in the Oil Condition Monitoring Market During the Forecast Period.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to hold a significant share of the oil condition monitoring industry during the forecast period, driven by rapid industrialization, expanding automotive and transportation sectors, and increasing investments in oil and gas infrastructure. Growing adoption of advanced monitoring technologies, coupled with rising awareness of predictive maintenance and equipment reliability, is fueling demand across key economies such as China, India, and Japan. The region's focus on modernizing industrial operations, improving operational efficiency, and minimizing downtime is further boosting the uptake of oil condition monitoring solutions. As industries in the Asia Pacific prioritize cost optimization, sustainability, and safety, the market is poised for steady growth, making the region a critical contributor to the global oil condition monitoring landscape.

Key Players

Major companies operating in the oil condition monitoring companies are Parker Hannifin Corp (US), Schaeffler AG (Germany), ifm electronic gmbh (Germany), Eaton (Ireland), and TE Connectivity (Ireland).

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New arrival: Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen (Getty Images)

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Gunners are set to complete a season-long loan for Hincapie, 23, that includes an option to sign the versatile defender permanently next summer for a fee of 45million (52m) rather than an obligation, though Standard Sport understands there is an expectation that it will be activated.

The deal will in turn accelerate Jakub Kiwiors exit. The Poland international is set to join Porto on loan after the two clubs struck an agreement that will see Arsenal bank around 23.4m (27m) for a permanent transfer next summer.

Ecuador international Hincapie had been set to travel with the Leverkusen squad for their Bundesliga showdown against Werder Bremen on Saturday.

Instead, he is now set to travel to England and undergo a medical as Arsenal close in on their eighth major signing of a busy summer transfer window.

On Friday, manager Erik ten Hag had said that ongoing transfer speculation surrounding Hincapie would not have any impact on his Leverkusen lineup against Bremen.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag said: I wont take it into consideration, but there are always rumours. On Tuesday, well know what it looks like.

We have good players, so theres always a lot of interest. If you ask Piero, hell travel to Bremen.

The Gunners have until 7pm BST on Monday night (September 1) to get a deal officially over the line.
The UKs care watchdog has been accused of failing to take action against a scandal-hit hospital before a catalogue of failings led to the unlawful death of a child.

Ruth Szymankiewicz, 14, died on 14 February 2022, two days after she fatally self-harmed when she was left alone at Huntercombe Hospital, in Maidenhead, by an inexperienced care worker who only had a day and a halfs training, and was hired under a fake ID.

In the five years before Ruths death, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published four reports warning about poor care at the hospital, dating back to inspections from 2017, raising concerns over repeated failures to properly monitor patients, reports of staff leaving "blood on the walls" and issues with missing patient records.

It rated the hospital, which was renamed Taplow Manor, inadequate in February 2021 but changed this in July 2021, saying improvements had been made.

Now, The Independent can reveal that just 11 days before Ruth died, the watchdog raised fresh concerns over understaffing at the hospital and found staff were not being told what was required of them.

In a joint interview with The Independent and Sky News, Ruths parents, Kate and Mark Szymankiewicz, slammed the CQC over its failure to act, despite its own warnings before their daughters death.

Mr Szymankiewicz said: Before Ruth went to Huntercombe, we had been made aware of the CQC reports, which were damning, and to the point we said, No, you cannot send our child to this institution, and we were told changes had happened, we were given a lot of assurances to alleviate our concerns.

Ms Szymankiewicz said: Regulation is complicated, but why did our daughter have to die before anyone paid attention to make some changes? They knew all of this before she died.

Charlotte Bird, from Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, who represented Ruths family, said the CQC had identified multiple patient safety concerns in the months before her death, but still authorised Ruths admission there. She warned: The period leading up to Ruths death and the CQCs actions subsequently highlight a regulatory framework which is failing to protect patients and deliver accountability.

Ruth Szymankiewicz, who was left alone by an inexperienced care worker at Huntercombe Hospital, died two days after she fatally self-harmed (Family handout)

It comes as former staff told The Independent and Sky News that the ward where Ruth was being held was understaffed daily before she died, and claimed it was common for patients not to be monitored properly.

One former Huntercombe Group executive, Philip King, speaking out for the first time, said the CQC and NHS England should have closed the hospital years ago.

Ruths death came after a 2022 investigation by The Independent and Sky News that revealed dozens of allegations of systemic abuse at the hands of the hospital group spanning more than a decade. Following the reports, its owners, Active Care Group, closed Taplow Manor Hospital in June 2023.

Despite its earlier warnings, Ruths parents were told by the CQC that it could not prosecute Huntercombe over her death because a loophole in the law prevents it from bringing prosecutions for failures that it has already issued a formal warning notice over.

The familys solicitor says the CQC had identified multiple patient safety concerns at Huntercombe in the months before Ruths death, but still authorised her admission (Family handout)

Ruths parents said that despite a jury inquest ruling that Ruth was unlawfully killed, there was no justice for their daughter.

Mr Szymankiewicz said: People often talk about justice for this or that, and we struggle with that because we feel there can be no justice for Ruth; shes dead, shes gone. And were living with that fallout, which is incredibly challenging the inquest conclusion really highlights the numerous and systemic failings. Ultimately, Ruth was let down multiple times and in multiple ways... Ruth would be outraged by her story.

His wife said: We havent really got any faith in the CQC governance that it is going to be making sure those changes have been made. It seems likely the [regulation] process has a lot wanting.

The couple said that one of Huntercombes biggest failings was that Ruth was denied visits by her family, something which caused her huge distress.

They are now urging health secretary Wes Streeting to change the Mental Health Act to protect childrens access to their families while detained in mental health hospitals.

Children's commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said no parents should have to endure the horror of knowing their child was failed by the people they trusted to protect her and warned Ruths death was not a "one-off" after hearing stories from other children in hospital.

She said the Mental Health Act needs an "urgent" change to enshrine the rights of patients and allow families to visit whenever they like, adding: This was cruelly and wrongly denied to Ruths parents, so we must act now to stop it ever happening again.

Ruths parents say one of Huntercombes biggest failings was that their daughter was denied visits by her family, causing her huge distress (Shutterstock)

The calls come as The Independent can reveal that 58 former patients are set to mount clinical negligence claims against around 30 psychiatrists who worked at Huntercombe hospitals over two decades, including at least eight who work for Active Care Group, which owned the hospitals at the time of Ruths death.

Mark McGhee, the lawyer representing them, said many had been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder because of their experiences at the hospitals.

A campaign group, called First Do No Harm, made up of former patients and families, has urged ministers to move away from inpatient care that isolates children from the community and their families.

Dr Arun Chopra, chief inspector of mental health at the Care Quality Commission, said it undertook a number of inspections of Taplow Manor and increased its monitoring after Ruths death.

In March 2022, we issued warning notices to the service provider, which required urgent action. While we saw some improvements in response to these warning notices, we were not satisfied that young people were being kept safe and so we placed the service in special measures, which involved further increasing our monitoring.

Ruth Szymankiewicz, 14, died on February 14, 2022, after she was left unsupervised at Huntercombe Hospitals psychiatric intensive care unit in Berkshire (Family Handout/PA) (Family handout)

After we rated them as inadequate following an inspection in December 2022, Active Care Group made the decision to stop providing CAMHS care at Taplow Manor and later fully closed the site.

Although the site is no longer operational, we continue to monitor the safety and quality of services at the providers other locations and across mental health services for children and young people. Everyone deserves to receive high-quality care and where we find that this is not the case we take action, including using our enforcement powers.

Addressing concerns about its inability to prosecute the hospital due to a legal loophole, the CQC said even if it was able to take into account the concerns it flagged in the days before Ruths death, there still may not have been enough evidence to prosecute.

Active Care Group said when it acquired the hospital in December 2021, there were years of well-documented mismanagement, and it had made significant investments in staff training, recruitment and hospital estate since it took over.

It added that it places quality of care at the heart of its operations and claims it has achieved 100 per cent good or outstanding ratings from the CQC over the past 12 months.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans in confidence on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 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 befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

For anyone struggling with the issues raised in this article, eating disorder charity Beats helpline is available 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677. NCFED offers information, resources and counselling for those suffering from eating disorders, as well as their support networks. Visit eating-disorders.org.uk or call 0845 838 2040
Chicago mayor announces measures to protect our people from imminent influx of federal agents on Trumps orders

Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order to take immediate, drastic action to protect the citys residents before the Trump administration deploys the military, possibly in the coming days.

After deploying National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump has threatened to target Chicago next.

Johnson laid out plans Saturday detailing how his administration would respond to any attempts by Trump to move into the city.

We have received credible reports that we have days, not weeks before our city sees some type of militarized activity by the federal government, Johnson warned Saturday. It is unclear at this time what that will look like. We must take immediate, drastic action to protect our people from federal overreach.

We may see militarized immigration enforcement. We may also see National Guard troops. We may even see active duty military and armed vehicles in our streets, the mayor said.

Trump previously called Chicago a mess and characterized it as a killing field as he hit out at Johnsons leadership.

Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order to take immediate, drastic action to protect its people (Getty Images)

Chicagos a mess. You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent. And well straighten that one out probably next, Trump threatened.

The White House dismissed Johnsons executive order signing as a publicity stunt.

If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement to The Independent. Cracking down on crime should not be a partisan issue, but Democrats suffering from [Trump Derangement Syndrome] are trying to make it one.

They should listen to fellow Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser who recently celebrated the Trump Administrations success in driving down violent crime in Washington DC, Jackson added, referring to comments made by the D.C. mayor last week.

Bowser said Wednesday that she greatly appreciate[s] the surge of officers Trump deployed to the capital. We think that theres more accountability in the system, or at least perceived accountability in the system, that is driving down illegal behavior, Bowser said.

However, the mayor did criticize the administrations tactics, particularly on immigration, and said the police takeover led to a break in trust between the community and police.

The order, titled the Protecting Chicago initiative, instructs the citys police not to collaborate with the military on immigration enforcement, Johnson said (REUTERS)

The order announced by Johnson, titled the Protecting Chicago initiative, instructs the citys police not to collaborate with the military on immigration enforcement.

This order affirms that the Chicago Police Department will not collaborate with military personnel on police patrols or civil immigration enforcement, the mayor said. We will not have our police officers who are working hard every single day to drive down crime, deputized to do traffic stops and checkpoints for the president.

Chicago Police Department officers will be directed to wear uniforms and refrain from wearing masks so that citizens can clearly distinguish them from federal agents, the mayor said.

We do not want to see tanks in our streets. You do not want to see families ripped apart. We do not want grandmothers thrown into the back of unmarked vans, Johnson said. We don't want to see homeless Chicagoans harassed or disappeared by federal agents. We don't want to see Chicagoans arrested for sitting on their porch.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has also told Trump that the nations third-largest city doesnt need or want military intervention to fight crime.

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.

Border Czar Tom Homan said this week that a large contingent of ICE officers would be sent to Chicago, but did not say how many.

The Times estimated that around 200 homeland security officials would be sent to the Midwest city.

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.
Nigel Farage has been accused by the Church of Englands current most senior bishop of an isolationist, short-term kneejerk response to the small boats crisis.

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said the Reform UK leader, who has promised mass deportations, was not offering a solution to the big issues driving people to risk the English Channel crossing.

The Reform UK leader has set out plans to remove up to 600,000 people from the country if he forms the next government.

The archbishop, the most senior figure in the Church of England in the absence of an archbishop of Canterbury, was asked for his response to people suggesting that arrivals in the UK would get locked up and deported straight away.

The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell has said the Reform UK leader is not offering a solution to the big issues (Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA Archive)

Id say to them: you havent solved the problem, he told Skys Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips.

Youve just put it somewhere else and youve done nothing to address the issue of what brings people to this country.

And so if you think thats the answer, you will discover in due course that all you have done is made the problem worse.

He said he had every sympathy with those who find this difficult but we should actively resist the kind of isolationist, short-term kneejerk send them home.

Asked directly whether that was his message to Mr Farage, the archbishop said: Well, it is. I mean, Mr Farage is saying the things hes saying, but he is not offering any long-term solution to the big issues which are convulsing our world, which lead to this.

Last week, Mr Farage rowed back on plans to deport hundreds of thousands of people in the first five years of a Reform UK government, saying this would now not include women and children.

Asked during the unveiling of his plans if it would include those groups, Mr Farage said: Yes, women and children, everybody on arrival, will be detained.

However, on Wednesday he insisted to 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.

Reforms plans, which would also see Mr Farage attempt to strike returns deals with Iran and Taliban-governed Afghanistan, have been attacked by refugee groups and some politicians.
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.

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.

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.
Cabinet office minister Pat McFadden has suggested a digital ID card for every Briton could help to combat illegal immigration and benefit fraud.

The Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East said that the UK was behind the curve technologically and could implement a system similar to the Baltic state of Estonia, where its citizens are given a unique identification number.

This allows Estonians to register births, marriages, divorces, deaths, vote, book GP appointments and access their bank accounts.

In an interview with The Times, the senior government minister said that at the moment Britons were asked to prove their identity through a multiplicity of paper-based documents but that a digital ID could improve access to services.

The issue of national identity cards was first raised by New Labour and championed by Tony Blair, before the controversial policy fell out of favour by the time the party lost the 2010 election.

Pat McFadden proposes a system similar to that used in Estonia (PA)

Mr McFadden suggested the ID scheme could be used to tackle the surge in small boat crossings and to combat benefit fraud as people would have to prove who they were before taking employment.

France has previously argued that asylum seekers are attracted to the UK because of their ability to find work in the informal economy, in roles such as takeaway delivery drivers or the service industry, despite not being allowed to work upon entry in Britain.

People shouldnt be able to come to the UK and work illegally if they dont have a right to work, he told The Times. France has talked about pull factors in the context of the migration debate. If there are pull factors like that, we should deal with them.

I think there are applications of digital ID to the immigration system, to the benefit system, to a number of areas which can show that we are interested in proper validation of peoples identity, that the people who exercise rights are the people who are entitled to rights, and good value for money for the taxpayer.

At the moment, you are meant to do that, but theres no single mechanism for you to do that. It can be done, as I say, through a number of documents of different kinds.

Mr McFadden suggested that the discussion on ID cards has since moved on from 15 to 20 years ago, because the capacity of what we do through smartphones has changed in an unrecognisable way.

No 10 was originally looking into a BritCard, stored onto a smartphone, which would be linked to government records and could check entitlements to benefits and monitor welfare fraud, according to The Times in June.

The proposal for digital ID was endorsed by think tank Labour Together, whose founders include No 10 chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.

Former MI6 boss Sir Alex Younger also backed calls for digital ID cards to help deter small boat crossings in July, telling BBC Newsnight: Its absolutely obvious to me that people should have a digital identity.
The probation watchdog chief for England and Wales has urged Sir Keir Starmer to finally put an end to the scandal of indefinite jail terms, warning prisoners are trapped in the system.

Martin Jones called for ministers to look carefully at fresh proposals to help almost 2,500 prisoners still behind bars under now-outlawed imprisonment of public protection (IPP) jail terms.

The chief inspector of probation, who previously led the Parole Board for nine years, told The Independent: I genuinely think that IPP prisoners continue to be failed by the system as a whole.

He said the government faces a stark choice of leaving such prisoners to languish  which he fears will inevitably result in many dying in prison  or taking action to put right what has long been described as a stain on the justice system.

The jail term, described as psychological torture by the UN, was scrapped in 2012, but not retrospectively, leaving those already jailed incarcerated indefinitely.

Victims of the scandal, whose tragic cases have been highlighted by The Independent, include Leroy Douglas, who has served almost 20 years for robbing a mobile phone; Thomas White, 42, who set himself alight in his cell and has served 13 years for stealing a phone; and Abdullahi Suleman, 41, who is still inside 19 years after he was jailed for a laptop robbery.

Chief inspector of probation Martin Jones said sweeping justice sector reforms offer a real opportunity to end IPP scandal (PA)

Successive governments have refused to resentence IPP prisoners. At current release rates, the number trapped in prison under the open-ended punishment is decreasing by less than 10 per cent a year  despite some prisoners having served up to 22 times longer than their original sentence.

In a rare interview, Mr Jones said new measures put forward last month by the Howard League for Penal Reform and former lord chief justice John Thomas have real merit, provided there are sufficient safeguards for the small minority whose original offence may have warranted a life sentence.

Their recommendations include giving IPP prisoners a release date within two years of their next parole review, reducing the numbers recalled to custody for breaching licence conditions, and a package of mental health support on release.

In a report being considered by ministers, Lord Thomas and a panel of experts warned that without action, some IPP prisoners will simply die in custody.

At least 94 prisoners have taken their own lives in custody after losing hope of ever getting out. A further 37 self-inflicted deaths have taken place in the community under strict licence conditions, which leave offenders in fear of being hauled back to prison indefinitely for minor breaches.

I one hundred per cent agree with the assessment that if you merely wait for the current system as it stands the way the IPP will resolve is people will die in prison  through natural deaths in custody or self-inflicted deaths, Mr Jones said.

It worries me that I think we would still be talking about IPPs in 10 or 20 years with the current situation.

Trapped on IPP sentences (clockwise, from top left): Leroy Douglas, Luke Ings, Liam Bennett, Wayne Williams, Abdullahi Suleman, Yusuf Ali, James Lawrence and Thomas White (Samantha Ings/Margaret White/Mandy Lawrence/Jacqueline Ali /Handout)

He said the majority of IPP prisoners received an original tariff of four years or less, which indicates they have not committed the most serious crimes.

He added: If you have still got people serving the IPP sentence some 30 years after the sentence was created, you would have to be sure those people committed serious crimes.

I am far from convinced that a significant number of those people have committed an offence that would never merit 10 years in custody, let alone 30 years in custody, and I think that would be an affront to justice.

All too often, IPP prisoners find themselves trapped in the sentence itself as they struggle to meet the Parole Boards stringent release test, Mr Jones said.

He also backed recommendations for IPP recalls to be overseen by a district judge or senior Parole Board member.

At the moment, recall decisions are made solely by probation workers, who are often struggling with a heavy caseload. These decisions have life-changing ramifications, with IPP prisoners serving another 25 months on average before they are re-released by the Parole Board.

I think there is considerable merit to having some judicial oversight, he added, noting many other countries require judges or the parole board to make recall decisions.

Especially when that person may spend two years in custody  that is the equivalent of a four-year sentence.

By comparison, magistrates courts in England and Wales only have the power to detain people for a maximum of 12 months.

He also warned that far too many IPPs are being recommended for open conditions, only for their transfer to be blocked by ministers. The Independent previously revealed the Ministry of Justice refused to allow IPP prisoners to progress to an open prison in 61 per cent of cases in 2024.

Prisons minister James Timpson admits there is more work to do to help IPP prisoners (PA)

He insisted the probation system is experienced in handling complex people in the community, provided it receives adequate funding and resources.

Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged to invest an additional 700m in probation services by 2028-29 as the government brings in sweeping justice sector reforms recommended by David Gauke, the Conservative former lord chancellor and justice secretary, which will see prisoners serve more of their sentences in the community.

Mr Jones said that tags are not going to be the only answer to managing the changes, and it is essential to have enough probation officers to do the job properly.

However, he said the reforms represent a real opportunity to address the IPP crisis as the justice system changes the balance between the prison and probation systems.

I think there is a real opportunity to look at IPPs here, particularly when the government is looking to increase the funding and capability of the probation service, he added.

Mr Joness calls come after three former senior judges revealed their regrets at handing out IPP jail terms as they also backed the Howard Leagues proposals.

Meanwhile, an IPP prisoner was acquitted of multiple counts of causing criminal damage to HMP Frankland after using the mental toll of the jail term as a legal defence. Joe Outlaw, 39, was cleared of 12 charges but found guilty of two after he told jurors at Teesside Crown Court the jail term is soul-destroying.

Prisons minister Lord Timpson said: It is absolutely right that the IPP sentence was abolished.

As the IPP annual report shows, we have significantly improved support for these offenders, with greater access to rehabilitation and mental health support.

There is more work to do as we reduce the number of IPP offenders in custody, but will only do so in a way that protects the public.
Emmanuel Macron reacts during a news conference, Toulon, Aug 29 - MANON CRUZ/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Editorial

We live in an era when rather too many political leaders in the western world are either incompetent, corrupt or dishonest; some are all three. So it is refreshing, and salutary, to note the recent performance of Francois Bayrou, the beleaguered prime minister of France.

Before his country went on a summer holiday it could ill afford, Mr Bayrou announced that he would be presenting a budget cutting 43.8 billion euros from French public spending, to reduce an unsustainable deficit. To do this, he proposed measures that made many of his compatriots gasp with horror.

Principally, welfare spending would be frozen; as would tax thresholds. Even more shocking, he wants to abolish two bank holidays  Easter Monday and the VE Day anniversary on 8 May  to improve productivity and growth. He said the national debt, running at 5.8 per cent of GDP, was growing by 5,000 euros a second; and in the last few days the French finance minister said that failing to tackle it could require intervention by the International Monetary Fund to keep the country solvent. Frances debt is 117 per cent of GDP and rising. As in Britain, bond yields are rising too, making the debt daily more expensive to service, and growth is slipping.

Francois Bayrou, the French prime minister, gives a speech at an agriculture fair in Chalons-en-Champagne, Aug 29 - CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON/EPA/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Editorial

Frances chronic devotion to welfarism was shown by the reluctance, two years ago, to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. This had to be forced through using special constitutional powers, against the will of the National Assembly. It is being implemented slowly and incrementally. Mr Bayrou has indicated that will have to rise further, which is more than the average citizen can compute. The state pension system has a deficit of 10 billion euros a year, and rising.

Few expected such economic brutality. Mr Bayrou is a veteran centrist and, frankly, a spectacularly boring politician. For four years in the 1990s he was education minister, first in the cohabitation between the administration of Edouard Balladur and the presidency of Francois Mitterrand; and then in the presidency of Jacques Chirac, serving under prime minister Alain Juppe.

He rejected Frances two-party system and formed something resembling our Liberal Democrats. Eventually he haemorrhaged support to the right-of-centre UMP, which carried Nicolas Sarkozy to the presidency in 2007. Mr Bayrou fought that election and was knocked out in the first round, coming third.

He tried again in 2012, winning only half the votes he had previously. He served for a month in 2017 as Minister of Justice before resigning after a corruption scandal: something more usual in Frances political system than here. Unusually for a French politician, he was eventually exonerated.

Nonetheless, he appeared finished; but then, aged 73, he was recalled by Emmanuel Macron last December to form a government after the forced resignation of Michel Barnier, whose administration had been the first since 1962 to be removed by a vote of confidence. By choosing Mr Barnier, who is a few months older than Mr Bayrou, Mr Macron had gone not so much for experience as for someone with nothing to lose; and so it was with Mr Bayrou. To become prime minister after half a century in politics, when all appeared lost, was an unexpected retirement job.

Some perceived desperation in Mr Macrons decision to recruit this old stager to keep the ship afloat; and they were right. The president had made a fundamental error in June 2024 by calling parliamentary elections when it seemed certain that his adherents could not win them; and indeed they did not.

Mr Bayrou now faces a vote of confidence on September 8 that he may well lose. The Rassemblement National, led by Marine Le Pen, and La France Insoumise, the Corbynesque socialist movement led by Jean-Luc Melenchon, are preparing to vote with the mainstream socialists and the Greens. Mr Bayrou has only lasted so long because these apparent opposites were awaiting their moment to gang up and kick him out. His threats to Frances sacred welfare state have provided such a moment.

Marine Le Pen at a Victory Day rally in Mormant-sur-Vernisson, June 9 - SADAK SOUICI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Editorial

Because lazy commentators in France and elsewhere describe the Rassemblement National as the far-Right, some believe it is. In fact, the party has the corporatism and belief in the state that the Left does; and, being unthinkingly populist, supports much of the existing apparatus of welfarism. Mr Bayrou has, faced with the responsibilities of Frances second-highest office, grasped the realities of the economic predicament. He, unlike others, admits the party is over.

There are lessons France should learn from the rest of Europe, and also lessons Britain should learn from France. Last week, shortly before a bilateral meeting on the Riviera with President Macron, Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, announced that his own countrys welfare system was no longer viable.

He will have done President Macron a favour if he stressed this to him, and the need for France  Germanys closest political partner  to reform its own welfare state. That is the reality from which our Government fled earlier this summer. In Britain, too, it will have to be confronted eventually.

In all three countries, there are too many claimants and too few contributors. Many claimants do not need to rely on the state, and if the contributors are pushed any further they will either leave or go under. If even Germany, Europes economic powerhouse, realises this cannot go on, the rest should take notice.

It is also interesting that economic collapse, which the British were confidently told by George Osborne and others in 2016 would be an inevitable consequence of leaving the European Union, appears these days more likely to happen inside it than outside it.

Frances deficit is almost double that permitted by EU rules: the Union is useless at handling its economy, and Remainers should stop pretending otherwise. If they refuse to heed the realities indicated by Chancellor Merz, perhaps they will finally wake up if the IMF takes control of the ruins of the French economy.

The French, however, seem determined to go down the British Governments route, and pretend the situation can somehow be avoided, or profound reform delayed indefinitely. In the global economy, and a very unsafe world, this cannot be. If, as seems likely, the Bayrou administration is thrown out a week tomorrow, it will be a sign both of political opportunism by Frances opposition parties, and of cowardice in the face of the enemy. For if a situation that is as unviable in France as it is in Germany  and, indeed, as it is in England  is not addressed, then the IMF will have to be brought in.

Labours avoiding serious welfare reform in Britain will not bring its administration down, at least yet: we appear to have the pleasure of this Government for at least another three years. Herr Merz may be felled by his opposition parties which, like Mr Bayrous, continue to imagine there is a vast magic money tree dropping its fruit to fund a vast, and often undeserving, dependent class. But should M Bayrou be brought down on 8 September, President Macron has three options, each of them difficult.

First, he could simply install a new prime minister. His Minister of Justice, Gerald Darmanin, who is just 42, is named as a possibility. However: Mr Darmanins friends describe his becoming premier in these circumstances as a suicide mission and feel he is too young to die. Second, Mr Macron could call new parliamentary elections, but they would almost certainly be even worse for him than last years, and present him either with a hard Left government, or a RN one, either of which would drive France rapidly into the arms of the IMF. Or, third, he could resign as president, rather as de Gaulle did in 1969 after les evenements of 1968 scarred his rule, and leave the mess for someone else to clear up.

In any event, France will give a lesson to the developed world of the consequences of a nation living beyond its means and pretending for too long that it wasnt. They have obviously been watching in Berlin and Frankfurt; but are they watching in Downing Street?
A Labour MP claimed it looked like Angela Rayner was manipulating the tax system to her own benefit - Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty

A Labour MP has become the first to publicly condemn Angela Rayner over confusion about whether she paid the correct tax on her various homes.

The Deputy Prime Minister is facing an ethics investigation after admitting on Friday night that she removed her name from the deeds of her family house before buying a seaside flat 250 miles away, saving 40,000 in stamp duty.

At the same time, Ms Rayner, who is also Housing Secretary, insisted her old home in Greater Manchester remained her main residence. In doing so, she was able to avoid paying 2,000 in council tax on a third property, a grace and favour flat in central London.

Graham Stringer, the MP for Blackley and Middleton South, said the optics of Ms Rayners actions did not look good particularly as the Government prepared for the autumn Budget.

Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Stringer said: Ive no idea if shes broken any rules. I think it is always better for ministers to be transparent and to explain their financial dealings.

He claimed it looks as if Ms Rayner was manipulating the tax system to her own benefit, adding: We all have a right to adjust our financial affairs in our own interest. But the optics of it, just before the Chancellor is going to do a Budget, doesnt look good.

The news of Ms Rayners actions will make it politically difficult for Rachel Reeves to increase taxes on landlords in this autumns Budget.

On Friday night, the Tories referred Ms Rayner to Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Ministers independent adviser on ministers interests, saying her behaviour had been unethical.

They accused her of hypocritical tax avoidance by a minister who supports higher taxes on family homes, high-value homes and second homes.

Sir Laurie will decide in the coming days whether to launch an investigation.

The Telegraph disclosed on Thursday that Ms Rayner had saved 40,000 in stamp duty on the 800,000 seaside property in Hove, East Sussex, by removing her name from the deeds of her house in Ashton-under-Lyne a few weeks before buying it.

These changes, which are legal, allowed Ms Rayner to avoid paying the full 70,000 in stamp duty, which was the rate for a second home. As it is, she is thought to have paid 30,000 in stamp duty.

However, she told Tameside council in Greater Manchester that her constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne was her primary residence, and Brighton and Hove council that the Hove flat was a second home for council tax purposes.

It also emerged on Friday night that Ms Rayner appeared not to have formally applied to be removed from the deeds of her constituency home.

The Land Registry said an application was made to change the deeds of the Ashton-under-Lyne house but told The Times: While we cannot offer any confirmation, [the application documents] do not appear to support the claim that she removed her name from the deeds.

One Labour MP previously told The Telegraph 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.

The MP said: 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.

On Friday night, Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer still had confidence in his deputy.

And sources close to Ms Rayner continued to insist that she had done nothing wrong.

In a statement, her spokesman 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.
Five people have been arrested after a group of masked men attempted to enter a hotel in London as anti-asylum protests continued across the country.

Most demonstrations appeared to be peaceful as police braced for further protests over the weekend after the Government won a court challenge on Friday, meaning asylum seekers can continue to be housed at the Bell Hotel in Essex.

In Scotland, angry activists who descended on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Falkirk on Saturday were met by hundreds of counter-protesters.

Protesters for and against asylum seekers gathered in Falkirk, Scotland (Jane Barlow/PA)

Both sides engaged in personal abuse and hurling threats and police separated both groups behind barriers.

Meanwhile in London, two anti-asylum groups marched to the Crowne Plaza near Heathrow Airport and a group of masked men attempted to enter the building through the rear entrance, damaging security fences, the Metropolitan Police said.

Other protesters moved towards the nearby Novotel on Cherry Lane and a Holiday Inn, while officers enforced cordons in the area to prevent a breach of the peace.

Two officers suffered minor injuries and five arrests were made, the force added.

Police are bracing for further protests over the weekend (Jane Barlow/PA)

A Section 35 dispersal order has been put in place, allowing officers to direct people to leave the area and not return if they suspect they may cause disorder, police said.

Commander Adam Slonecki, in charge of policing London this weekend, said: Around 500 protesters were in the area, but most people have now dispersed from the immediate vicinity. However, further arrests will be made if we need to tackle disorder.

Essex Police are preparing for a planned protest in Epping on Saturday evening and have put in place a Section 60AA order giving officers the power to order the removal of face coverings and a dispersal order.

The dispersal order, which covers the main high street and the area surrounding the Bell Hotel, where 138 asylum seekers are currently housed, will be in place until 4am on Sunday.

The Section 60AA order will run for 24 hours, police said.

It comes after three men were arrested and two charged following a protest on Friday in the Essex town where two police officers were injured.

Ross Ellis, 49, of Orchard Croft, Harlow, has been charged with failing to provide a specimen and Jimmy Hillard, 52, of Chequers Road, Loughton, has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker.

Assistant chief constable Glen Pavelin, of Essex Police, said: Weve consistently said we will always seek to facilitate lawful protest, but that does not include a right to commit crime, and well take a firm approach to anyone intent on doing that.

The strength of feeling in Epping is not lost on me  or anyone in Essex Police  and I would urge anyone who wants to make their voices heard to please do that peacefully.

Elsewhere, police said demonstrations in Northamptonshire on Saturday, where around 50 pro-immigration and 100 anti-immigration protesters had gathered outside a hotel, had been peaceful and no arrests had been made.

In Swindon, police said protests near a hotel had also been peaceful.
Nearly a Century After Simmele Massacre, Assyrians Are Still Fighting for Recognition

On an otherwise quiet day in a small village in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, visitors encircle a small plot almost indistinguishable from the dust-brown earth around it, solemn and still.

At the base of a mound of sand, a jagged slab of rock juts out of the ground, featuring the hand-painted date "1933" above the pale blue, four-pointed star of the modern Assyrian flag. Cracked plastic buckets, shreds of nylon grocery bags and snack wrappers litter the ground.

"It was full of garbage, literal garbage," said Savina Dawood, founder of the Etuti Institute, a non-profit organisation focused on serving Assyrian young people in Iraq.

In 2024, the organisation hosted its annual youth leadership programme in nearby Bakhitme and organised a trip, and a volunteer clean-up, at the site. "We said some prayers and cleaned the entire site."

Underneath the litter-strewn earth are believed to lie human remains from the Simmele Massacre of 1933. Nearly a century later, the Assyrian community in Iraq and in the widespread diaspora mark August 7 as a day of commemoration of the victims of this and other events, now known as Assyrian Martyrs Day. For Assyrians, the state of the site is a sore reminder of the fate and status quo of the shrinking community.

Assyrians make up a distinct ethnic group native to parts of what is now Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Syria. Also called Chaldeans and Syriacs, the majority of Assyrians are Christians of different denominations.

Over decades of armed conflict in Iraq, as well as targeted persecution, the Assyrian community in Iraq has dwindled. It went from about 1.5 million before the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 to what community-compiled data from sources including churches and NGOs estimated to be about 150,000 in 2024.

The population thinned further after the ISIS takeover of parts of Iraq in 2014, which killed thousands of minorities including Assyrians and Yazidis.

" There are these moments of mass ... expulsion," Sargon Donabed, professor of history at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, US, says. "But there's also a process where slowly, over time, as the community haemorrhages people one way or another, their actual reality diminishes."

Assyrian Affair

In what was then the newly established Kingdom of Iraq, Assyrian leaders, particularly the head of the Assyrian Church of the East, Shimun XXI Eshai, saw an opportunity to seek Assyrian autonomy within Iraq.

He and his allies led a public campaign, bringing a case to the League of Nations and petitioning the UK for support.

Mr Eshai was eventually exiled to Cyprus. And in response to that campaign, beginning on August 7, 1933, members of the Royal Iraqi army led a days-long assault on the Assyrian community of Simmele.

British accounts estimate 300 to 600 were killed, while the Assyrian community pegs the figure between 3,000 and 6,000 across 64 to 100 villages. The massacre also came to be known in some accounts as the "Assyrian Affair".

One key account of that week was by Lt Col RS Stafford, at the time British administrative inspector for Mosul, who witnessed many of the events of the massacre. He described Iraqi troops shooting at Assyrians seeking refuge in their homes, and the army burning corpses in the aftermath of the massacre.

Simmele lies in what is now the Duhok governorate under the jurisdiction of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where members of the community say the village is overlooked and the site neglected.

Today, the trip has become somewhat of a pilgrimage for Assyrians visiting Simmele, whether from neighbouring governorates or on tour groups from diaspora hubs in the US or Europe.

From Canada, Simmele-native Maryam Isho recounted the story of her family. "We lost half our tribe in the Simmele Massacre," she told The National. "My grandfather always used to tell us: 'I'm sure I have a brother who's still alive somewhere.'"

On a family trip to Syria in 2011, Ms Isho said, locals made them aware of a village where it appears members of her family's larger tribe, the Hakkari-native Liwan, had resettled.

The next day, Ms Isho and her family made the trip to the neighbouring village.

"A man named Issa came forward and said to my father: 'Before you speak, let me tell you my father's story, then we'll hear your father's,'" she recalled. "He began speaking with a voice full of pain and longing. He told us that his father would always say: 'I'm sure my brother is still alive somewhere, and one day I will see him again.' He described details that were identical to what we had heard from my grandfather."

It was a family reunion like no other, she said.

"For as long as we knew, the Isho clan was believed to have been wiped out, and we thought we were the only ones left," she said. "The village was full of our family members, people we had believed were lost forever."

No recognition

Neither the Iraqi government nor that of its semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region has recognised the Simmele Massacre. The site in Simmele, suspected to contain mass graves of victims, remains unprotected.

The site in Duhok falls under the Kurdistan Regional Government's jurisdiction. On August 7, President Nechirvan Barzani issued a statement on the occasion of Assyrian Martyrs Day, saying the region "advocate[s] for the protection and promotion of cultural diversity, coexistence, and mutual acceptance".

The National has reached out to the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment but has not heard back.

From afar in the US diaspora, Assyrian community organisers led persistent efforts for recognition: NGOs drafted templates to flood the social media inboxes of elected officials and delegations met their representatives to carve out avenues for pressure on their Iraqi or KRI counterparts.

Nearly a century later, the event lingers in the collective Assyrian conscience. In a Kurdistan Region roiled by ethnic tensions and abandoned by political leadership unable to assemble the current session of government, this particular frustration is palpable.

Assyrian political parties have repeatedly submitted legislation to the governments of both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region calling for recognition of the massacre. None of these attempts succeeded.

Yacoob Yaqo, secretary general of the Assyrian Democratic Movement (ADM), also known as Zowaa, said that the failure of Iraq's political organisations to adopt recognition of the massacre "reflects an unequal view of the sacrifices and tragedies of non-Muslim minorities".

A 2023 letter from the ADM addressed to Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and seen by The National calls on the President to "submit a draft law" to "recognise the Simmele Massacre as a genocide against the Assyrian people".

Meanwhile, in the diaspora around the world, recognition is a means to appeal to constituencies. At a peak of Assyrian grass roots organising and civic engagement in the US, several political figures -- from local to federal levels -- would engage the community with formal recognition of Assyrian Martyrs Day, commonly called Assyrian Remembrance Day in official communications.

US Representative from Illinois Jan Schakowsky, whose Congressional district covers one of the largest Assyrian community hubs in Chicago, has issued multiple statements recognising the massacre, most recently in 2020.

In Arizona, also home to a dense population of Assyrians, US Congresswoman Debbie Lesko introduced bipartisan legislation recognising the massacre to Congress, which was co-sponsored by representatives from across community hubs, although the bill never went to a vote.

Within Iraq, the leader of the Iran-aligned Babylon Movement, Rayan Al Kildani, has pledged on his campaign trails to petition for an amendment to the Iraqi constitution that would include mention of Assyrians and the Simmele Massacre.

He is US-sanctioned for alleged human rights abuses, and the Chaldean Church has publicly denounced Mr Al Kildani, who identifies as Chaldean Catholic. The Babylon Movement is the political wing of the Babylon Brigades, the 50th Brigade of the Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF).

Voters, rival parties and many in the Assyrian community accuse the Babylon Movement of electoral manipulation to dominate the Christian quota seats in the Iraqi parliament. They were won in previous elections by his ties to Shiite militias, they say, instead of authentic Christian votes.

In 2020, a group of NGOs issued a joint statement calling for the protection of the site of the Simmele Massacre, citing "exposed skeletal remains consistent with their designation as possible mass grave sites" that "warrant investigation".

Prof Donabed says recognition is valuable. He says there is "denial of the very existence of even the name of Assyrians".

"This is a long-term trajectory of suffering, but also a long-term attempt at recognising the continued suffering and maltreatment of Assyrians in various places."

Rooted in education

Ishtar Gabriel Hanna was 21 before she had heard of the Simmele Massacre, despite living only about 100km away in the village of Karamlesh, in Iraq's Nineveh province. Her first encounter came when she was a participant in the Etuti youth programme Ms Dawood headed in 2024.

"I was standing over the remains of my Assyrian ancestors," Ms Hanna told The National. "Imagine an entire people, as soon as they demanded their rights, being killed, their bodies left trapped under the rubble without burial or a funeral ... Our people who lived without rights and died unjustly."

Following decades of Baathist policy under the rule of Saddam Hussein, Assyrians in Iraq began establishing schools of their own, supplementing standard curriculums with Assyrian language and history, often teaching all subjects in the Assyrian language.

"It's very sad to see that in Iraq, from north to south, we do not learn about the Assyrian people, our history, especially our modern history, our cultural struggles, the massacres and the genocides," Ms Dawood said.

Assyrians in Iraq hope that formal recognition of the massacre would entail the protection of its physical site. Programmes like the ones Ms Dawood hosts through the Etuti Institute carry out regular clean-ups of the site.

"Instead of garbage, we want them to find a moment of respect, a moment of silence, a moment of learning," Ms Dawood said.

For families like Ms Isho's, recognition also brings an element of closure. "Recognising the Simmele Massacre is not just a political act -- it is an acknowledgement of our humanity and our right to exist," she said. "We want the Iraqi government to acknowledge what happened, to honour the victims, and to protect what remains of our presence and identity in Iraq."
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Ahmed al-Rahawi was confirmed dead in strikes that also targeted a large gathering of Houthi military leaders - Mohammed Huwais/AFP

The Houthis have confirmed that their prime minister was killed during an Israeli air strike on the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.

Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed on Thursday along with several ministers, who had gathered for a meeting, the Iran-backed rebels said in a statement.

Mr Rahawi was a politician  rather than a military figure  who had served as prime minister of Yemens Houthi-led government since August last year.

The Israeli military said it had precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target in the area of Sanaa in Yemen on Thursday, with footage showing explosions in and around the city.

Mr Rahawi was a member of the General Peoples Congress party and had previously served on the countrys Supreme Political Council. However, his role was largely symbolic as control resides mostly in the hands of Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the militia groups leader.

Soon after Hamass Oct 7 attacks and Israels subsequent war in Gaza, the Houthis began firing missiles and drones at Israeli cities and targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

A fire ball rises from the site of an Israeli air strike in Sanaa on Aug 24 - Reuters

The Iranian proxy, which has controlled large swathes of north-western Yemen since civil war broke out 10 years ago, claimed to have acted in solidarity with Hamas and Palestine.

After confirming Mr Rahawis death, the Houthis vowed to continue their noble stance of supporting and aiding the people of Gaza.

According to an earlier report by The Times of Israel, citing security officials, Israeli intelligence learned at around 1pm that 10 Houthi ministers, including the minister of defence, had gathered outside Sanaa with senior officials to hear a speech by the groups leader.

The IDF then launched a strike targeting the meeting. It remains unclear whether Muhammad al-Ghamari, the Houthi chief of staff, was present. The statement from the rebel group did not name the other Houthi officials killed and wounded.

Israeli intelligence enabled the strike, which was carried out despite heavy air defences in the area, by providing real-time details of the gathering, the report claimed.

Israel has cast previous strikes on the Houthis in dramatic terms but with limited obvious impact on the terrorist groups ability or willingness to target Israel.

Thursdays strike comes in the wake of a Houthi strike on Israel last week using a new missile, which carries multiple warheads and cluster bombs. The munition was shot down but its use presents a new challenge for Israel.

An Israeli air force official told The Telegraph that an initial operational review of the missile fired on Aug 22 had determined that it most likely contained several sub-munitions which were intended to be detonated upon impact.

Houthi fighters next to their missiles appear on a billboard in Sanaa - YAHYA ARHAB/EPA/Shutterstock

The new multi-headed weapon poses a serious challenge to Israels air defence systems because of the need for more interceptors to shoot it down.

Yemen has previously served as a testing ground for Iranian weaponry, said an Israeli defence expert with detailed knowledge of the strike.

In this case, [the] warhead was composed of submunitions: three warheads ... alongside another component in the warhead consisting of dozens of cluster bombs that disperse upon impact with the target.

They added: This is a game-changing weapon in the context of the conflict with Israel, where the primary challenge is penetrating the air defence system.

Typically, intercepting a ballistic missile requires at least two interceptors. In the case of a missile with a separable warhead, Israel would need to launch approximately eight interceptors to destroy an Iranian warhead that has split.

Under the Biden administration, a US-led multi-national coalition  including the UK  began a bombing campaign against Houthi targets in Yemen to rein in their attacks on international shipping.

In March, Donald Trump vowed to expand the attacks to annihilate the Houthis, but then announced an end to the strikes in May, claiming the rebel group dont want to fight anymore.

The last strike involving the Royal Air Force was on April 29.

Israel intercept Houthi drones

The IDF carried out Thursdays strike after two interceptions of Houthi drones earlier in the day.

Whoever raises a hand against Israel, his hand will be cut off, said Israel Katz, the defence minister, in a statement earlier on Thursday.

The strikes came after Israeli forces conducted an overnight airborne raid on a site near the Syrian capital of Damascus after bombing it several times.

Israeli jets had struck the site near al-Kiswah on Tuesday, killing six Syrian soldiers according to the foreign ministry, and bombed it again on Wednesday night.

Israeli troops were then flown into the area where they carried out the raid, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

Israel did not confirm the raid, but Mr Katz said its forces operate in all combat zones to ensure the countrys security.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the site contained weapons belonging to the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, a former ally of ousted president Bashar al-Assad, which has largely been defeated by Israel.
Israeli spies were able to hunt Irans top leadership during the 12-day war by tracking the mobile phones their bodyguards were carrying.

The June war saw Israel decimate the upper echelons of Irans military command and nuclear scientists and destroy key military and nuclear sites in one of the most-anticipated campaigns in modern warfare history.

The careless use of smartphones by guards  which Tehran knew that Israel could hack  played a major role in allowing Israel to assassinate 30 Iranian military commanders and more than a dozen nuclear scientists, according to a report by The New York Times.

Citing more than a dozen Iranian and Israeli officials, the publication reported that on June 16, four days into the war, Irans Supreme National Security Council had gathered at a bunker 100ft inside a mountain near Tehran.

The time and location were only known by the high-level attendees, which included Masoud Pezeshkian, the president, and a handful of other intelligence, military and judicial officials.

High-level attendees at the top secret bunker meeting included Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president - EPA

They arrived in separate cars, and none brought phones as it was well known that Israel could track them. However, Israel knew of the meeting by hacking the phones of bodyguards who accompanied them, according to the report.

The officials just managed to survive the pinpoint strike  although several guards waiting outside were killed  but the evident security lapse sent shock waves through Irans intelligence command.

Infiltration has reached the highest echelons of our decision-making, Mostafa Hashemi Taba, a former vice-president and minister, warned in late June.

Iranian officials acknowledged that the security breakdown was just one part of a long-running effort by Israel to penetrate Tehrans most-guarded circles.

Israels efforts to eliminate Irans top military officials had been dubbed Operation Red Wedding, a reference to a bloody episode of TVs Game of Thrones, the New York Times reported.

It also detailed how the opportunity arose in part because of Irans own fears over Israeli assassinations.

In the months before the war Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, had ordered increased security measures including large security details for top officials.

Israel discovered that those bodyguards were not only carrying mobile phones but also posting from them on social media.

Using so many bodyguards is a weakness that we imposed on them, and we were able to take advantage of that, one Israeli defence official said.

Iran had long suspected Israel was tracking mobile phones and banned officials in sensitive jobs from using them in the wake of Israels pager attacks against Hezbollah, but the ban did not apply to guards.

On the first day of open war with Israel, guards were only supposed to carry walkie-talkies, but one or more violated that rule ahead of the June 16 meeting, leading to the strike that almost killed the president, the sources said.

Ahead of the meeting, Israel had already killed several of Irans brightest nuclear minds as part of Operation Narnia to prevent the regime rebuilding its nuclear programme after the devastating strikes on key facilities.

Its so-called decapitation team had been tracking them since 2022. The mobile phones of their bodyguards helped Israel target all of them, the report said.

The targeted assassinations sparked a campaign of mass arrests across Iran as the regime feared that society had been infiltrated by Israeli spies. Earlier this month, officials admitted as many as 21,000 suspects  including high-ranking officials  were arrested during the war.
Two brothers Pradeep and Kapil Negi marry Sunita Chauhan in Shillai in Himachal Pradesh (Facebook)

For three days in July, folk songs and drumbeats echoed around a quiet village perched high in the Indian Himalayas as hundreds of people gathered to celebrate a wedding. What drew the large crowd  and soon national attention  to the hamlet of Shillai in Himachal Pradesh state was that Sunita Chauhan was marrying not one man but two: brothers Pradeep and Kapil Negi.

The wedding ceremony on 12 July was solemnised in accordance with Jodidara, a polyandrous tradition unique to the local Hatti tribe wherein a woman marries multiple brothers to keep the household united and family land from splitting.

After videos of the wedding showing him standing alongside his brother and their bride during the ceremony, Pradeep, a government worker, gave media interviews expressing pride in the cultural roots of their decision. We followed the tradition publicly as we are proud of it and it was a joint decision, he told the Press Trust of India.

Kapil, the younger sibling who works abroad, added: We are ensuring support, stability and love for our wife as a united family. Weve always believed in transparency.

Sunita, originally from Kunhat village in the same district, wanted to make it clear she was not coerced into the arrangement. I was aware of the tradition and made my decision without any pressure, she told the Hindustan Times.

Brothers Pradeep and Kapil with their bride (Facebook)

By the time The Independent reached the family at their home, their door was closed to the media. This is our tradition. It is a part of our culture. I do not understand why everyone is interested in a private matter, Pradeep said briefly, declining to speak further.

The wedding may have elicited viral interest on social media but local villagers say such unions are far from unusual in this remote area tucked away between high mountain ridges and sharp valleys.

It is an age-old tradition, going back to the time people first settled in this part, Shillai resident Raghuvir Tomar, 55, says, sitting in a small sweet shop overlooking the Himalayas. There were no roads, no transport. The nearest town was 70km away. Scarcity shaped everything  how we married, how we lived.

In India, families with married sons often live together in the same house. Though the law gives daughters the right to ancestral property, custom means it is usually the sons who inherit it. There is thus always the fear that more couples in the family would mean more property disputes among brothers.

Here in Shillai, with its mountainous terrain, ancestral land is limited and vital. And for some residents, Jodidara offers a pragmatic solution.

If brothers marry the same woman, theres no question of splitting farmland. The family stays united, the land stays intact, Tomar explains. Sometimes its not just two  four or five brothers may marry the same woman.

Locals say the practice traces its roots to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, in which Draupadi, the daughter of the king of Panchala, married five brothers, referred to as the Pandavas.

The Hatti community  consisting of approximately 300,000 people living in around 400 villages in the Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh and in Jaunsar Bawar in the neighbouring state of Uttarakhand  consider themselves the descendants of the Pandavas. This gives the custom the others names by which it is referred  Draupadi Vivah, loosely translating to Draupadis marriage or Pandav Pratha, the practice among Pandavas.

Raghuvir Tomar (left) shares his experience of being raised in a polyandrous household in Shillai (Namita Singh/The Independent)

Tomar has firsthand experience of Jodidara, not through his own marriage, but through his parents. My father was in such a marriage. I had one mother and two fathers. We called them elder dad and younger dad. There was no concept of a biological father  just one united family, he says.

He didnt follow the tradition himself, only because of timing, he says. I married earlier. My younger brother was still studying, and he married later. Otherwise, maybe we wouldve done the same.

He estimates that 30 to 40 households in Shillai still practise it. This couple went viral because of social media. But for us, its not news.

Sunitas insistence that she consented to the marriage with both Pradeep and Kapil speaks to an uncomfortable aspect of Jodidara arrangements  that, like with many traditional weddings across the country, a certain degree of family pressure is often involved.

At a gathering of mostly male members of the community at a tea shop in Shillai, people here were reluctant to talk about the potential pitfalls of Jodidara marriages.

But away from the crowd, and speaking on condition of anonymity, a woman in her sixties tells The Independent how she came to be married to two brothers against her wishes.

My husband has six more brothers. I was married to only one person, she recalls. But when I came here after the marriage, there were discussions  do we really need seven daughters-in-law for seven sons? And if that happens then the home will be divided into seven parts. So I was told, your husband is one person only but you have to take in another brother. Otherwise, the property would be divided.

Land for farming is limited and property disputes can deeply impact livelihoods, say locals (Namita Singh/The Independent)

She said that while she had wed one man, she was compelled to take another and told to take care of the brother as well  a euphemism for sex.

Child, this is what it was like earlier  you were forced and did not have much choice. We were told to either follow the norm or leave and return home. I am not literate, so I had to do as I was told, she said, before clarifying: No, no  not forced. Just pressured.

Her own parents, she said, accepted the arrangement without question. But she expressed puzzlement over younger women still entering into Jodidara marriages. The practice is in decline. And the girl [Sunita], unlike us, is educated. So what was the pressure for her?

Asked about any other challenges she faced, the woman was reluctant to elaborate. Let it go. It has been a while. I am old now. There are a lot of problems. The responsibility of two husbands is a lot. You should keep one husband happy or another? Then you have to look after them.

In her youth, she was one of four wives shared among seven brothers. Such arrangements, while fewer today, still dot the regions villages, both in Shillai and in the village of Kota Kwanu across the state border in Uttarakhand.

There, 62-year-old farmer Munna Singh Chauhan tells The Independent he was set up in a marriage with his wife and younger brother before he could even remember.

I got married when I was a child  maybe two or three years old, he said. Earlier, elders would fix relationships before a child was even born, [saying]: If you have a girl, she would be our daughter-in-law.

With poor infrastructural development, agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood in Shillai, Himachal Pradesh (Namita Singh/The Independent)

By the time his wife moved in, his brother hadnt even been born. It was decided beforehand  if I have a younger brother, we would be under Jodidara. One brother does the farming, another grazes goats, another takes care of cows. Thats why it is practised.

Susheel Tomar, 33, lives with his wife and not one but two of his brothers who are also married to her.

In fact, its quite normal here, he says. In some homes, there are three, four, even six or seven brothers sharing a wife. Even government officers follow this tradition.

A professional driver, Tomar says the system works because it is built on understanding, and has plenty of practical benefits. I work outside and come home every few months. When Im here, the others go away to the fields or take care of business. When theyre here, I go to work. Its all understood. No fights.

Asked how intimacy is managed, he answers plainly: Theres an understanding and its never a topic of dispute. When I come home, the others give me space. When they come back, I do the same.

Another villager explains that brothers will keep a cap outside the bedroom when spending time with their wife, a signal to the other husband or husbands that they should not be disturbed.

Under Jodidara, there is no concept of a child having a single biological father. We assign each child to a father for official records, Tomar says. But all are treated equally. Kids might call us driver father or doctor father depending on our profession. But they know were all their dads.

Munna Singh Chauhan was married off to his wife as a three-year-old child and his brother promised under Jodidara even before birth (Namita Singh/ The Independent)

Chauhan sees value in the system. Now no one looks after the farmland  they leave with their wife. Under this practice, if one brother dies, another will take care of the wife and children. Our elders had foresight.

Yet despite his conviction, he married his own children off separately. One son is a teacher, one is in a bank, one has done BA. How will they manage together? Earlier, we were not educated. We walked miles to school, and most of us worked on farms that depended on rain. If the land is divided now, whats left?

Most men refused to countenance the idea of another potential issue with a Jodidara marriage, particularly an arranged one where the parties involved dont know each other well beforehand. What happens if the bride ends up falling in love with only one groom, or expressing a strong preference for one brother over the other?

If she does, then it wont work, says Tomar. Jodidara only works if all are equally in it. A brother cant say, I want her for myself. Nor can the wife pick favourites. Everyone must consent.

Chauhan insists any such disputes can be resolved without courts or divorce settlments. If theres a fight among brothers, we go to our god of justice, take vows, and that brings wisdom. Thats how it works here.

But Kalyan Singh Negi, a lifelong resident of Shillai, says something like this happened when his Jodidara marriage did not work out.

I had a Jodidara earlier, with my brother, he said. But it broke down, and I married again.

When asked what caused the separation, Negi says: Just because of love only, without elaborating. But the other marriage is also Jodidara. As in, we brothers share the new wife also. In the new wedding, we have no issues sharing the new wife. There is no difference.

In Negis household, the shared arrangement includes seven children between the two brothers.

The children belong to both of us. It doesnt mean the kids call me or him uncle. Were both fathers. Thats how it works here.

Its part of our system, he says. When we talk to the brides family, its understood that shell be the wife of both brothers. Nobody finds it offensive.

Kundan Singh Shastri, general secretary of the Kendriya Hatti Samiti or local council, tells the Press Trust of India that Jodidara was invented thousands of years ago to save a familys agricultural land from further division.

More men in a joint family meant better security, more hands for work, and fewer internal conflicts. And while the custom is not linked to caste and cuts across the social spectrum, it is gradually fading in the face of modernity  shrinking landholdings, urban migration, education, and individualism.

Village elders believe it works, and will continue to do so as long as there are enough willing participants advocating for the practice to be carried on. These days love in society is reducing. People are getting educated, marrying separately, moving to cities, and leaving their land and people behind, a villager in Kota Kwanu says.

We urge you to spread this practice of polyandry  it keeps love among brothers and families.
Police officers and protesters stand outside the Bell Hotel in Epping after the court of appeals decision on Friday. Photograph: Carlos Jasso/AFP/Getty

A former Labour justice secretary has warned that Reform UK will continue to rise in opinion polls unless the government moves faster to close hotels housing people seeking asylum.

On Friday, the government won a court of appeal challenge against an injunction by Epping Forest district council that would have resulted in 130 asylum seekers being moved out of the Bell hotel. In recent weeks the hotel has become the focus of repeated protests, some of which have been orchestrated by far-right extremists and have turned violent.

Despite the technical victory for the Home Office, as other local councils could have brought legal challenges against the use of hotels if the appeal had not been successful, ministers are braced for further legal battles.

Charlie Falconer, who served as lord chancellor and justice secretary under Tony Blair, said the government was right to take the Epping case to the court of appeal but that people wanted 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.

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has consistently led in opinion polls since the spring, with the latest BMG poll for the i newspaper putting the party on 35%, 15 points ahead of Labour.

Lord Falconer rejected suggestions that the UK might have to pull out of the European convention on human rights (ECHR) to be able to efficiently remove people with no right to be in the country, saying it would be damaging because it would mean deporting people back into danger.

It does not mean that you can do nothing. Youve got to think of ways of deterring people from coming here. The obligation that weve got is not to deport into danger. That doesnt mean that you cant, for example, deport to third countries.

After the decision on Friday, the Home Office minister Angela Eagle 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 Refugee Councils chief executive, Enver Solomon, said using hotels to house asylum seekers was untenable, adding: Waiting until 2029 to end their use is no longer an option. 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.

The charity urged ministers to adopt its one-off scheme that would grant temporary permission to stay to those asylum seekers most likely to be recognised as refugees because of the situation in their home country. This would lead to the closure of hotels by next year, according to its own analysis.

On Friday night, two men were arrested and charged after a protest outside the Bell hotel, Essex police said.

Ross Ellis, 49, of Orchard Croft, Harlow, was charged with failing to provide a specimen and was due to appear at Chelmsford magistrates court on Saturday.

Jimmy Hillard, 52, of Chequers Road, Loughton, was charged with assaulting an emergency worker and is due to appear at Chelmsford magistrates court on Monday.

A third man arrested on suspicion of violent disorder remained in custody.

Protests are scheduled to continue throughout the weekend. On Saturday, about 200 people gathered outside a hotel in Stockport for a protest billed as Save Our Kids. Many were draped in St Georges flags or union jacks; one man wore a T-shirt that read Enoch Powell was right.

Protesters gathered on the playing fields outside the hotel before marching to the back of the building, apparently to get nearer to the rooms where the asylum seekers have been staying.

One man shouted: Where are you, Mohammed?, while another shouted: Pop the boats. Teenagers directed their middle fingers towards the bedrooms.

Many families have been housed in the hotel over the past two years, with their children attending local schools.

One man, whose shirt read I only kneel for the queen, the fallen and to take aim, led a mass singalong of If you dont like our country, fuck off home to the tune of Shell Be Coming Round the Mountain.

Asked whether he was concerned about intimidating the hotel residents, he said: By what? A 70-year-old fucking Englishman. They are not intimidated. They are fighting-aged men. Are you telling me that theyre scared of us? Were scared of them.

He added: Were at war. Asked what the war was, he replied: Between Islam and Christianity.

The protest was called by Wayne Bentley, an electrician and army veteran, who said: Somebody had to step up and do something to tell the people of Stockport that our children are not safe on the streets of Stockport.

Through a megaphone, he referred to an incident in which a man living in a hotel in Manchester allegedly tried to kidnap a 10-year-old girl in a Stockport park.

Edris Abdelrazig, 30, from Sudan, was charged with attempted child abduction on 13 July. He denies the charges and will go on trial next year.

Bentley mentioned another two alleged incidents, neither of which have been linked to asylum seekers living in the hotel outside of which he was protesting.

One incident allegedly involved a man seen filming children playing on the park. A photograph purporting to show the man being taken away by police was circulated widely online afterwards. No one was charged in connection with the incident because no crimes had been identified, according to Greater Manchester police (GMP). The man was not a resident at the hotel.

Bentley also told the crowd of an incident involving an innocent woman who was attacked in woods near the hotel. After the alleged attack in April, police issued an efit showing a man with dark hair and full beard. No one has been charged in connection with the incident and investigations continue, according to GMP.
Andriy Parubiy speaks to members of parliament in Kiev (AFP via Getty Images)

A manhunt is under way after the former speaker of Ukrainians parliament was shot dead in the western city of Lviv on Saturday.

Andriy Parubiy, 54, was reportedly fired at multiple times by a gunman dressed as a courier on an e-bike.

Parubiy died on the spot and the attacker fled, authorities said.

He had been parliamentary speaker from April 2016 to August 2019, and was one of the leaders of protests in 2013-14 calling for closer ties with the European Union.

Parubiy was also secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council from February to August 2014, a period when fighting began in eastern Ukraine and Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula.

Officials gave no immediate indication whether the murder had any direct link to Russias war in Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X, formerly Twitter: Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko have just reported on the first known circumstances of a horrific murder in Lviv. Andriy Parubiy has been killed.

He sent his condolence to Parubiys family and loved ones, and added: All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation and search for the killer.

Police officer guards Andriy Parubiy murder scene (REUTERS)

National police said the shooting in Lviv was reported at around noon (9am GMT).

Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said finding the killer and establishing the circumstances of the attack was of outmost importance.

This is a matter of security in a country at war, where, as we can see, there are no completely safe places, he wrote on Telegram.

Tributes poured in from colleagues in parliament and the government, praising Parubiys contribution to Ukraine's fight for sovereignty and independence as one of the leaders of what became known as the Euromaidan protests in 2013-14.

Former President Petro Poroshenko said on Telegram that the killing of Parubiy, who was a member of the parliamentary committee on national security, defence and intelligence, was a shot fired at the heart of Ukraine.

Andriy was a great man and a true friend. That is why they take revenge, that is what they are afraid of, he said, lauding Parubiys contribution to building out the Ukrainian army.

In a statement, foreign minister Andrii Sybiha described Parubiy as a patriot and statesman who made an enormous contribution to the defence of Ukraine's freedom, independence and sovereignty. He was a man who rightfully belongs in the history books.

Ukrainian law enforcement provided no information on the killer's identity or motives.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko called for a prompt investigation of the murder, calling it a profound loss for the country.

You always remained a patriot of Ukraine and made a great contribution to the formation of our state, she wrote on X.
Mom who didnt know she was pregnant gives birth at Burning Man: I was yelling for anyone to come help us

Many people who attend Burning Man shell out for the famous desert festival to have a transformative experience, but one attendee had an especially life-changing experience; she had a baby at Black Rock City.

Kayla Thompson, 37, and her husband, Kasey, were attending the 2025 Burning Man festival in Nevada and weathering the scorching desert conditions in their RV on Wednesday. A sharp pain woke Kayla up, and she feared she was coming down with a nasty bug or  more frighteningly  an issue with her appendix.

Cramps overtook her and it became clear that she was going to need medical attention. The couple began screaming for help, and minutes later they were no longer just a couple of Burners having a wild time on the Playa.

They were parents.

The three-pound nine-ounce baby girl, Kayla, delivered in the RV's bathroom, is their first child. Kayla had no idea that she was pregnant and the couple had not been planning on having a baby.

A fire juggler at the Burning Man festival in Nevada. Kayla Thompson was at the annual desert party on Wednesday when she unexpectedly gave birth to a baby girl in the bathroom of her RV (Getty)

Even the nurses at the hospital were like, You dont look like you were pregnant at all, Thompson told the New York Times. "I didn't have any symptoms."

Once the baby had been delivered, Kasey darted out of the RV to call for help.

"I was yelling for anyone to come help us," he told the paper.

Thankfully for the couple, Burning Man attracts all sorts, and within minutes, a neonatal nurse, an OBGYN, and a pediatric doctor attending the event had converged on their camper to offer their assistance.

According to the couple, the OBGYN showed up in nothing but his underwear, but that didn't stop him from helping Kayla deliver the placenta.

The Thompsons traveled to Black Rock City  the temporary settlement that forms every August in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada during the Burning Man festival  from their home in Salt Lake City. They initially planned to camp out in the back of a truck, but Kasey's older brother had previously attended and knew the desert could be unforgiving. He bought an RV for the three of them to stay in together during the festival.

His experience likely saved them all a lot of suffering. By Saturday, severe weather was already lashing the Burners. A seasonal monsoon swept across the desert, disrupting the festival's opening weekend festivities. Dust storms and whipping rain tore through the camp, turning the desert into a muddy, impenetrable mess.

The conditions at Black Rock City became so bad that the festival had to stop allowing revelers in for a short time.

The conditions at Black Rock City became so bad that the festival had to stop allowing revelers in for a short time (Simba Khela)

Had the Thompsons not had the foresight of Kaseys brother, Kayla would have had to deliver her baby amid the dust and morass.

Maureen OReilly, the 61-year-old neonatal nurse who rushed to help Kayla, told the NYT that she used all of the meager resources available to her to ensure the newborn was safe.

The hardest part was knowing, as a nurse, what can go wrong, Ms. OReilly said. She added, Having no resources was frightening.

That included using the camper's heat, a bath towel, and a heated water bottle to keep the baby warm.

While Burning Man is intentionally held away from the bustle of the rest of the world, as it has grown in popularity its organizers have opted, in the interest of safety, to bring a bit of civilization with them to the dunes. The festival has medical staff on hand, and within 15 minutes of Kasey's calls for help, a group of Black Rock Rangers  volunteer event staff  arrived with medical workers to assist.

The couple and the baby were driven to a medical tent, where they were informed that, due to space constraints, only the baby could be airlifted to a hospital.

That was the hardest decision of my life, Kasey told the NYT.

A temporary settlement forms every August in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada during the Burning Man festival (AFP/Getty)

Ultimately, they sent the baby to the hospital and traveled by car toward Reno, where the child was being examined. It took the couple nearly four hours to get from the Playa to the hospital, Kasey told the NYT.

Once they finally arrived the couple learned that their baby girl was healthy.

"She was safe and sound, and I was so thrilled, Kasey said.

Despite the hardships ahead  recovering their belongings they left out at Black Rock City and caring for a completely unexpected newborn, not to mention the cost of the medical assistance  Kasey said he was grateful that the spirit of community at Burning Man, despite the festival's more recent reputation as a haven for billionaires and influencers, is still alive and well.

Thats what that community is about, he said. [The Burners] will always have such a special place in my heart.
(Getty Images)

New dinosaur sails into history books

A new species of dinosaur was revealed last week on the Isle of Wight by GP- turned-palaeontologist Dr Jeremy Lockwood. The fossils are believed to be 125 million years old and were at first thought to from an iguanodon.

(James Brown/PA Wire)

But Lockwood discovered it had long neural spines, suggesting it had a long sail-like structure along its back, separating it anatomically from the iguanodon. The new species will be called Istiorachis macarthurae in honour of Dame Ellen MacArthur, who broke the record for sailing solo around the world in 2005, completing it in just 71 days.

(Getty Images)

Musk accuses tech giant of AI bias

Elon Musk filed lawsuits against Apple and OpenAI this week, accusing them of conspiring to monopolise the tech market. The worlds richest man claims Apple has shown undue favouritism to OpenAI and its AI chatbot.

In the suit, Musk argues: Apple and OpenAI have locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and prevent innovators like X and xAI from competing. He has said it was impossible for any company besides ChatGPT to reach the top spot on Apples App Store. Its the latest escalation in his battle against Silicon Valleys biggest players.

(Nature Medicine)

World-first pig lung transplant

Chinese surgeons carried out the worlds first pig-to-human lung transplant, marking a cautious step forward for xenotransplantation. The operation, published in Nature Medicine this week, involved replacing the left lung of a brain-dead man with one from a genetically engineered pig.

The organ survived for nine days, functioning briefly before the bodys immune system attacked it. Even lung transplants between humans often fail quickly, making the short-term success notable. The result shows the challenges  and potential  of using animal organs.

(PA Archive)

Shingles vaccines surprising side effect

A landmark bit of research presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress in Madrid found that the vaccine used for shingles reduced heart attacks and strokes by 20 per cent. Looking at 19 studies, the review found a clear link between vaccination and lower cardiovascular risk.

Although shingles primarily affects older people, the protective effect was observed in adults as young as 18. Scientists think this may be due to the vaccine dampening inflammation, a problem with your immune system, caused by the virus, which is known to strain the heart and blood vessels.

While experts have welcomed the findings, they caution that more research is needed to confirm the results. Next month, NHS England will broaden access to the vaccine, including more immunosuppressed individuals, amid growing interest in its wider health benefits.

(PA)

Relief for SpaceX with successful launch

After a rocky past few months for Elon Musks SpaceX, Starships successful launch this week was a much needed win for the space tech company. Starship is what SpaceX intends to use for Project Artemis  an ambitious lunar mission to put humans back on the moon by 2027. Recent months have seen SpaceX suffer some setbacks, including three failed launches and a rocket explosion during ground testing.

But this fourth test flight marked real progress: all 33 engines ignited, the booster separated smoothly, and Starship reached space, travelling nearly 200km above Earth. Though parts of the rocket appeared to catch fire on descent, SpaceX successfully gathered data from each phase of flight.

Experts say there's still a long road ahead before Starship is cleared to carry people, but the test puts Artemis back on firmer footing  even as doubts remain over whether a 2027 Moon landing is realistic.
Gene-edited foods

Britains first genetically-edited (GE) foods will be on supermarket shelves in the new year as a result of Brexit freedoms.

Crops which have been genetically edited to be tastier, longer-lasting and healthier will now be legally sold in England for the first time under the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023.

University scientists and private companies have created products such as bread with less cancer-causing chemicals, longer-lasting strawberries and bananas, sweeter tasting lettuce and disease-resistant potatoes.

Developers can apply for market status for gene-edited crops for human food or livestock feed starting on Nov 13 with applications expected to take about two months to be approved.

It is seen as a win for farmers who will be able to cultivate more profitable crops that are more resistant to unpredictable weather.

Government sources told The Telegraph that Labour accelerated the rollout of gene editing regulation after coming into power to boost food security and help farmers.

The upcoming GE food products will only be available in England as officials in devolved administrations still have reservations about their safety.

Experts in England, however, believe that GE foods, which will be known as precision-bred organisms (PBOs), are fundamentally no different to traditional alternatives. Therefore, they will not have to be labelled to identify them as gene-edited.

Gene editing is different to genetic modification (GM). It is the process of using tools to tinker with genes to snip out individual pieces of DNA, or amplify specific pathways.

2908 Gene editing

This changes the traits of a crop in a way which could be achieved naturally through traditional breeding but in a quicker and more precise fashion. GM involves inserting genes from other species. The current laws will only apply to GE crops and not to animals or GM plants.

The European Union has a more conservative approach to engineering biology than the UK and British politicians pursued legalising GE crops after Brexit. EU rules treat GE products the same as GM organisms, requiring full safety assessment, traceability, and labelling before market authorisation.

Boris Johnson, in his first Downing Street speech in 2019, said: As we prepare for a post-Brexit future  lets start now to liberate the UKs extraordinary bioscience sector from anti-genetic modification rules and lets develop the blight-resistant crops that will feed the world.

Politicians, scientists and farmers hope the introduction of the new generation of crops can help ensure national food security.

Essential for our farmers to thrive

Daniel Pearsall, co-ordinator of the Science for Sustainable Agriculture think-tank, said: England is now ahead of every other European country in adopting more progressive regulations for these technologies, the first time in more than 30 years that new legislation has been brought forward in this country which seeks to enable, rather than to further restrict, the use of genetic innovation in agriculture.

We must capitalise on that advantage by promoting early adoption and application of gene editing technologies.

Daniel Zeichner, minister for food security and rural affairs, told The Telegraph: Precision breeding could give Britain the power to create food thats more nutritious, grow crops that can withstand our changing climate and plants that naturally resist disease  all essential for our farmers to thrive and for our nations food security.

Growers will inform the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of their plans to market GE products and after this is accepted an application for approval can be made to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

This system would assign PBOs to either a Tier 1 fast-track route for low-risk organisms or Tier 2 for those with significant compositional changes.

The FSA will recommend if the food should be sold as a food or feedstuff and ministers will then make the final decision.

Dr Thomas Vincent, the deputy director of innovation policy at the FSA, said: We have developed a robust system for authorising the sale of precision bred products, so the public can be confident that any products that make it through the authorisation process are safe to eat.

This process gives businesses a clear route to market, supporting growth in the industry, while maintaining high safety standards.

Wheat with low levels of asparagine, which makes it healthier when used in bread, biscuits or breakfast cereals, has been created at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, Herts, and could transform the food industry.

Lowering the amount of cancer-causing chemicals in wheat has been a key goal of the food industry for more than 20 years and gene editing offers a silver bullet to achieve this.

The institution is also working on barley with more oil in the seed to help fatten up cattle. This will not only reduce methane emissions from flatulence but also reduce the cost of feeding up stock ahead of slaughter, improving farmers profit margins by almost 10 per cent.

The John Innes Centre in Norwich is also developing peas and beans which are able to cope with the UKs hotter, drier, and wetter climate.

The Sainsburys Laboratory at Cambridge has created GE Maris Piper potatoes which have protection against diseases such as blight which caused the Irish famine of the 1840s.

Private firms are also developing products. Bayer, a German-based, global life science company has created a GE lettuce, while Tropic, a British firm is making a banana which stays yellow, and not brown, for longer. Simplot, based in the US, has strawberries ready to go to market in the UK which have a longer shelf life.ich have a longer shelf life.

A spokesman for the Soil Association said: We dont see gene editing as a silver bullet, the solution to issues farmers face needs a wider approach, and as such we need more climate change resilient practices rather than singular changes to individual crops or their attributes. The Soil Association advocates for funding and support for farmers to enable them to adapt, develop and implement nature-friendly, agroecological practices like organic and agroforestry in the long term.
Oscar Piastri beat title rival Lando Norris in a thrilling battle for pole position at the Dutch Grand Prix as the British driver conceded he will require some magic to win the race on Sunday.

Piastri delivered a sensational lap to beat McLaren team-mate Norris by just 0.012 seconds and claim his fifth pole of the season.

Norris has won three of the last four races to close within nine points of team-mate Piastri in the drivers championship with 10 rounds remaining.

The 25-year-old had returned from the summer break in commanding fashion, topping all three practice sessions, but  as so often this season  Australian Piastri found the answer when he needed it.

Norris laid down a marker in Q2 with a Zandvoort lap record but Piastri bettered that with his first run in Q3, to sit 12 thousandths of a second ahead of his team-mate.

Neither could improve on their final runs, leaving Norris  who overtook Max Verstappen to win at Zandvoort 12 months ago  with the task of getting past his title rival in Sundays race.

Max was in a much slower car last year, Norris said.

The hardest guy to overtake is your team-mate. Its going to take some magic or some good strategy.

Its difficult to overtake in the first place but even harder when its your team-mate. Ill see what I can do.

Norris said he would need some magic to get past Piastri on Sunday (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Piastri was able to turn the tables on Norris after his team-mate dominated practice, improving throughout the sessions on his way to the pole lap in a blistering time of 1.08.662.

That was the definition of peaking at the right time, Piastri said.

It was looking like a tricky weekend so to come out with that, Im pretty stoked.

We are both trying to beat each other every weekend. Theres a few variables in there that you can mix up, so lets see what happens tomorrow.

Max Verstappen was happy to qualify third (Bradley Collyer/PA)

The McLaren pair will have to keep an eye on their mirrors, with four-time world champion Verstappen hoping to delight the fervent Dutch support from third on the grid.

Verstappen  who escaped without sanction after a trip to the stewards for driving unnecessarily slowly  was 0.263 seconds off the pole pace but was satisfied to be the best of the rest behind the dominant McLaren duo.

To be P3, Im very happy with that. The energy of the crowd has been amazing and to see so much orange is always very special, Verstappen said.

McLaren have been very fast, so its important to focus on our own race but this has been a good step forward so I hope we can keep that up in the race tomorrow.

Lewis Hamilton qualified seventh for Ferrari (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Isack Hadjar was a career-best fourth for Racing Bulls, with George Russell fifth for Mercedes and the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton seventh.

The seven-time world champion said on Thursday he was determined to enjoy his driving again, after describing himself as absolutely useless when he started and finished 12th in Hungary last time out.

Hamilton may struggle to find much joy in Ferraris pace this weekend, regularly over a second-and-a-half adrift during practice and his fastest lap over seven tenths off the pole pace.
Oxford Atlas luggage fitted to Honda CRF300L with tail harness (David Williams)

Running a motorcycle as both a road and off-road ride can be complicated... do you optimise tyres, seating position and navigation for tarmac or trail - or just compromise all-round?

Choosing luggage is particularly tricky; hard cases with permanent fixings add weight, which you dont want when trail-riding. Options include backpacks (which can be uncomfortable and hot off-road), or bungee-ing tail or tank bags in place. If you want to carry more, perhaps for overnight tours, strapping on a soft tote-style bag such as the SW-MOTECH drybag reviewed here works well.

But what if you want to carry heavy objects such as locking chains or camping gear? Ideally you want the weight as low down as possible to avoid making the bike top heavy. Several soft luggage options exist, some of them rather expensive but Oxfords ingeniously-designed and nicely fabricated Atlas range is sensibly-priced, endlessly practical and will appeal to many riders.

Ive tried Oxfords 89.99 Advanced Atlas Tail Harness, combined with three strap-on Advanced Tour Packs and am impressed. Its a modular system; you can add or subtract various components, using just one bag or multiplying your carrying capacity by strapping several - of different sizes - together, as and when needed. Theres a definite influence from competitor Kreiger, but Oxfords kit has features which make it unique.

In the loop

The Harness forms a firm (optional) base for the other parts, which are fixed with a combination of supplied straps featuring closed loops, strong aluminium alloy G-hoops and rugged plastic snap-in buckle clips. It looks bewildering at first but (slowly) makes sense as, following the instructions, you discover how best to attach the harness to your own particular bike, followed by the luggage itself. You only really need the harness if you want to sling bags at the side, low-down, pannier-style; otherwise, the packs can be mounted on your rack or pillion seat, using their own strap arrangements.

Oxford Atlas luggage (David Williams)

It took about an hour of fiddling to securely attach the harness with four separate straps and then fit two 79.99 T-10 (10-litre) Tour packs on either side of it, then top it out with the larger tail pack-style 99.99 T-20 Tour Pack, which effectively sits on the rack, or pillion seat. Et voila; enough capacity for a long tour.

The systems huge flexibility caused some head-scratching as there are multiple ways to fit it, with a plethora of self-tightening straps including an under-seat additional security fixing; Im sure Ill continue to refine the system in coming months. But once the harness is in place, it takes just seconds to clip or unclip the Tour Packs.

On my own Honda CRF300 I previously fitted a lightweight rack so I had to sling the harness over this; it works well and means that the Atlas system rides higher than it would otherwise have done, further away from the swingarm  and flying mud  looking neater, to my mind, than when slung over the pillion seat.

The beauty of the system is that on tour I can load heavier items in the side panniers where they will have less effect on the bikes stability. They are expandable and contract neatly with the various compression straps, but swallow large cargo volumes. The packs have foldable openings closed tight with snap catches and detachable, waterproof liners. The bags are also reasonably lightweight; the T10 weighing roughly 830grammes, the T20 about 1120.

Oxford Atlas Tail harness sitting lower, when slugn over the pillion seat (Handout)

Swiss Army

The Tour Packs waterproof compartments can be fitted out with additional waterproof pockets to keep contents separated. Both bags have a slim front-mounted shower-proof, zipped pocket for essentials, while the T-20 also has a decently-sized, zipped, side pocket as well as a zipped mesh pocket, as well as detachable shoulder straps. There are four useful grab handles at the top, bottom and sides and so many technical bits it seems the designer (surely a former boy Scout or Girl Guide) thought of everything. They are surely the Swiss Army knife of the bike luggage world and - once in place - give the bike a great-looking ride-round-the-world vibe.

Its takes a certain knack to unclip the G-loops quickly at journeys end, so its worth practising (and better than having them fly off en-route). While fitting the kit, riders should consider applying protection film to vulnerable bodywork and decals, to prevent the luggage leaving friction marks.

The Oxford T-20 Advanced Tourpack (Handout)

Oxford says that with the ability to combine up to five Atlas bags its possible to achieve a maximum combined capacity of 70L/15kg, although this might be overdoing it on my CRF300. The bags also come in 30-litre size, other options including full-on back packs that can be strapped on, plus Belt Packs, Strap Packs, Waist and Leg Packs, for the full Action Man or Girl look. Oxford can also supply a range of additional, different straps, just in case...

One problem is working out how to tether the long ends of the straps when the bags are more compressed; Im still working on my roll and fold technique, but am getting there, with the aid of small loops, supplied on the straps.

Oxford Atlas Advanced tail harness (Handout)

The kit carries Oxfords lifetime guarantee which, hopefully, you wont need. Im using smaller Oxford tank and tail bags from 10-15 years ago and theyre still going strong.

The final trump card? The harness will remain in situ for now but if I plan a single, muddy days off-roading, I will remove it and use some of the (many) supplied straps and webbing to simply fix a single Tour Pack, tail-pack style... and save on the cleaning up afterwards. Job done.

More information at www.oxfordluggage.com/atlas
The Queen (PA Archive)

Queen Elizabeth II believed Britain should remain in the European Union and would have voted against Brexit if she had been allowed to, according to a new book.

The late monarch, who was constitutionally bound to stay politically neutral, is reported to have told a minister in 2016: We shouldnt leave the EU. She is also said to have added: Its better to stick with the devil you know.

The claims are made in Power and the Palace, a forthcoming book by royal biographer Valentine Low, which explores the monarchys relationship with government. The account is based on nearly 100 interviews with senior politicians, civil servants and palace aides.

It appears to contradict previous reports of Elizabeth IIs views. During the referendum campaign, The Sun ran a front-page story under the headline Queen Backs Brexit, claiming that in 2011 she told thendeputy prime minister Nick Clegg that she thought the EU was heading in the wrong direction.

At the time, the Palace insisted the Queen was politically neutral and lodged a complaint with press regulator IPSO, which later ruled the headline significantly misleading. Mr Clegg also denied the report, accusing Michael Gove of leaking it.

Low writes that, although the Queen often read newspaper stories about Brussels bureaucracy and dismissed them as ridiculous, she supported European cooperation. On a fundamental level she saw the EU as part of the post-war settlement, marking an era of co-operation after two world wars, he says, quoting a palace insider.

David Cameron, prime minister during the referendum, told Low: 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 author claims news of her views reached Mr Cameron, who decided against using them in the Remain campaign. He chose not to, even though the Leave camp had no such scruples, Low writes. But it is now clear: if the Queen had had a vote, she would have voted Remain.

Buckingham Palace has not commented.

Low also quotes George Osborne, who said: I was constantly astonished by how candid she was and that none of this ever came out. 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.

The book recounts other moments where the Queen hinted at her views. During the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, she made a rare intervention, urging people to think very carefully about the future just days before the vote. Lord Cameron later admitted he had asked whether she could raise an eyebrow about independence, and apologised to her after he was overheard saying she had purred down the phone when told the result.

Other anecdotes include Boris Johnsons attempted audience with the Queen while suffering from Covid-19. Dominic Cummings, his chief adviser, is reported to have stopped him, allegedly saying: You will f---ing kill the Queen. Are you f---ing mad?

Osborne also recalled an incident during the US state visit in 2011 when the Queen asked him to intervene with President Barack Obama at a banquet. Will you tell President Obama its time to go to bed? she is said to have asked. Osborne hesitated, before the Queens private secretary, Christopher Geidt, stepped in.

The book claims palace officials even adjusted the Queens Speech under Boris Johnsons premiership, removing the phrase taking back control because of its use in Brexit campaigning.

Low writes that the Queen did not agree with her son Charless more outspoken approach to politics. A palace source is quoted as saying her view was: Just dont do it. As soon as you engage in politics, you have an opinion and you pick a side  you cause a part of the population who disagree to take a partial view of you.

The Princess Royal and Prince Andrew reportedly thought Charless campaigning, particularly on climate change, bordered on the naive.

The book also reveals last-minute concerns in government over the monarchys funding formula, agreed in 2010. The Treasury considered asking for a smaller percentage of Crown Estate profits, but the Keeper of the Privy Purse is said to have responded: Look, Her Majesty has agreed to it, leaving Osborne to finalise the deal. The settlement, set at 15 per cent, remains in place.

Power and the Palace will be published on September 11 and is being serialised by The Times.
Queen Elizabeth II was a Remainer who did not support Brexit but thought that EU bureaucracy was ridiculous, according to a new book.

The late Queen reportedly told a senior minister three months before the Brexit referendum that we shouldnt leave the EU, adding: Its better to stick with the devil you know.

The account, from a snippet of Valentine Lows book Power and the Palace in The Times, was supported by a palace insider who said the late Queen saw the EU as part of the postwar settlement, marking an era of cooperation after two world wars.

While the late Queen was a Remainer, she did find herself irritated by Brussels bureaucracy once remarking this is ridiculous while reading the papers.

Former prime minister David Cameron said: She was so careful never to express a political view, but you always sensed that, like most of her subjects, she thought that European cooperation was necessary and important, but the institutions of the EU sometimes can be infuriating.

When Mr Cameron heard of the Queens views on Brexit, he chose not to use it in the Remain campaign. This same view was not held by the Leave campaign, after a story was placed in The Sun implying the Queen supported plans to leave the European Union.

The Sun published a front page at the time which read Queen Backs Brexit, reporting on a lunch at Windsor in 2011 between deputy prime minister Nick Clegg and the late Queen, where she reportedly said she thought the EU was heading in the wrong direction.

She allegedly said: I dont understand Europe. The story was denied by Mr Clegg, who accused former Conservative MP Michael Gove of leaking the story.

Buckingham Palace complained to IPSO, although it did not issue a strong denial for the story; Mr Low says that it was understood that any official denial would imply the Queen was a Remainer, and she could not vote as a state head above politics. Other members of the royal family, while able to vote, typically adhere to the same philosophy.

An ardent environmentalist, King Charles IIIs politics have long attracted attention, particularly after reports in 2022 that he expressed his disdain for Conservative government plans to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda.

According to anonymous sources, the then-Prince was reported to have said he was more than disappointed at the policy. He said he thinks the governments whole approach is appalling. It was clear he was not impressed with the governments direction of travel.

Clarence House said in response to the leaked comments: We would not comment on supposed anonymous private conversations with the Prince of Wales, except to restate that he remains politically neutral.

Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment.
Reeves warned she will have to break manifesto commitment on tax to deal with economic black hole

Rachel Reeves has been warned she faces having to break Labours manifesto pledge not to increase taxes on working people after leading economists said fiddling around with smaller taxes  like a mansion tax and a gambling levy  would not be enough to fill the black hole in the Budget.

The warning has been led by Lord Jim ONeill, the economist, former Treasury minister and ex-Goldman Sachs chairman, who was brought in by Ms Reeves as a top adviser.

He told The Independent: I dont think fiddling around with smaller taxes any longer is likely to yield much fruit.

Instead, the chancellor has been told by leading think tanks that, if she wants to maintain her spending plans and fiscal rules on borrowing, she will likely have to raise income tax, VAT or employee national insurance  breaking one of Labours key manifesto pledges.

Rachel Reeves is faced with a potential 41.2bn black hole in government finances (Oliver McVeigh/PA) (PA Wire)

Leading economic think tank, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), has estimated that Ms Reeves will be faced with a 41.2bn black hole at her next Budget this autumn.

Senior economists, including Prof Jagjit Chadha, who recently stepped down as the head of the NIESR, and Andrew Sentance, a former member of the Bank of Englands rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee, have also suggested the UK may need to go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout.

While the Treasury dismissed the speculation, the options for Ms Reeves to fill the economic gap appear to be dwindling.

During the Spending Review earlier this year, she had headroom of just around 10bn, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS), but economic problems caused by wars and Donald Trumps tariffs have left the UK economy vulnerable.

Added to that, a rise on the gilt markets meant that long-term borrowing was at its highest cost since 1998. 30-year gilts hit 5.64 per cent  much higher than the 4.8 per cent which saw Liz Truss forced from office.

Several options have been proposed, led by a call for a mansion tax  a form of wealth tax targeting expensive properties.

Lord Jim ONeill, the economist, former Treasury minister and ex-Goldman Sachs chairman (PA)

But Professor Stephen Millard, deputy director of NIESR, warned that to tackle the huge gap in public spending, Ms Reeves will have to consider the three big taxes  income tax, VAT and national insurance.

He said: Really given the gap that we think is, shes got to go back on her manifesto pledge, raise one of the big three taxes. I think thats the only way shes going to be able to generate enough money.

Spending which is permanent needs to be financed by permanent taxation. Thats an issue. If increases in spending are expected to be temporary, they need to be financed through borrowing.

It is an assessment shared by Isaac Delestre, a tax expert at the IFS.

He said: If you were looking to raise 40bn, it would be difficult to do that without touching any of the big taxes.

He noted Ms Reeves has also committed to freezing the fourth biggest tax, corporation tax on businesses, while options like fuel duty are less attractive than they were because they raise less money with the decline in petrol and diesel cars.

He suggested the other option was reducing welfare or spending cuts, but noted the political problems within the Labour Party made that more difficult.

He added: Reducing spending seems unlikely, given the fact that theyve just concluded the spending review, so theyre probably not going to reopen that immediately.

Looking at the recent rebellions against welfare cuts, he noted: The other option would be to reduce spending, thats non-departmental spending, which comes outside of the spending review, but thats things like welfare. And so far, some seem to have had a great deal of success in trying to reduce welfare, either on winter fuel payments or on disability benefits.

According to The Times, the mansion tax plan would mean higher-rate taxpayers paying 24 per cent of any gain in the value of their home, while basic rate taxpayers would be hit with an 18 per cent levy.

Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates Ltd, who supports the concept of higher valued property owners paying more, has calculated that a new band of properties over 1.5m could raise up to 3.6bn.

This calculation was working on a series of increases, which sees the new top band go from the current situation where it is double the lowest band A to up to 12 times that level instead for the most expensive properties.

He noted: Creating a new percentage tax on top of existing council tax, on the other hand, raises more significant amounts. A flat 0.5 per cent annual tax on all property value above 2m raises about 1bn, with owners of 8m+ properties paying an average of 90,000 more tax each year.

He listed a series of problems, including people on low incomes in high-value properties not being able to pay; the policy suppressing the value of homes; people being disincentivised to improve their homes; landlords passing on the cost to tenants; and the need for regular valuations when council tax bands have not been revalued since 1991.

He said: The balance changes once were looking at wholesale reform: replacing all of council tax, business rates and stamp duty with land value tax. The boost that such a reform would give to growth and homebuilding, in my view, more than counters the downsides. But bolting on a miniature version of such a tax as a pure revenue-raiser looks less attractive.

Meanwhile, a landlord national insurance contribution plan has been proposed by the Resolution Foundation think tank, whose former director, Torsten Bell, is now a Treasury minister.

It could raise 2bn in revenue, but again could end up being passed on to tenants or get landlords to sell up in a market that is already under pressure.

The gambling tax championed by former PM Gordon Brown, after being drawn up by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), may raise around 3.2bn extra per year.

Other options include freezing income tax thresholds for a further two years to 2030, which could bring in between 7bn and 9bn over the period.
Gena Heraty ran an orphanage in the hills outside Haitis capital, Port-au-Prince. Photograph: Gena Heraty/Instagram

An Irish aid worker and seven fellow captives have been released nearly a month after they were kidnapped in Haiti.

Gena Heraty, a missionary who ran the Our Little Brothers and Sisters orphanage in the hills outside Haitis capital, Port-au-Prince, was abducted on 3 August along with seven Haitians, including a three-year-old child.

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, her family said in a statement.

Simon Harris, Irelands tanaiste, or deputy prime minister, celebrated the end of their ordeal in a statement on social media. 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, Harris said.

This has, of course, been an extraordinarily difficult and stressful situation for the Heraty family. I wish to pay tribute to their resilience and determination to support Gena and her fellow captives over these past difficult weeks, Harris added, calling Heraty a respected humanitarian and deeply courageous person who has dedicated her life to supporting the most vulnerable people in Haiti.

Related: Haitians are kidnapped every day: missionary abductions shed light on growing crisis

Heraty had reportedly been living in Haiti for 32 years and had been responsible for about 270 children at the orphanage in Kenscoff.

Haiti has been thrust into a seemingly interminable spiral of violence since February last year when politically connected and heavily armed gangs launched a coordinated uprising against the government. Criminal groups now control virtually the entire capital and a UN-backed policing mission has failed to stop gang foot-soldiers rampaging across the Caribbean city.

The situation has become so dire that authorities have resorted to using armed drones and recruiting foreign mercenaries in an attempt to win back control of the city.

Irelands department of foreign affairs strongly advises its citizens not to visit the Caribbean country as a result of the extremely volatile security situation. There are frequent clashes between gangs and security forces. Kidnappings, robberies, and violent crime are prevalent, its website warns.

According to the Irish Independent, Heratys group was abducted after armed attackers stormed the building at about 3.30am on a Sunday morning.

They broke through a wall to enter the property before heading to the building where the director was staying, leaving with nine hostages, the local mayor said at the time. Some reports claimed the kidnappers were part of Viv Ansanm (Live Together), the criminal coalition that rose up last year, plunging Haitis capital into chaos.
Anthony J Tata. Photograph: JoAnne Sorrentino/DISA/JSSC

A senior Pentagon official in Donald Trumps administration had a months-long extramarital affair with a woman claiming to be the internets most notorious astrologer  and claims in a defamation lawsuit filed in Florida that she cyberstalked him and his wife after they split up.

Court papers in Palm Beach county allege that Amy Tripp, known as Starheal to her tens of thousands of social media followers, was so upset by the end of the relationship that she repeatedly threatened and harassed the victim, identified as Anthony Tata, who assumed office as the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness in July.

Tata  a 65-year-old former Fox News contributor, retired army brigadier general and author of a series of military-themed novels  has previously made numerous Islamophobic and inflammatory comments, including calling Barack Obama a terrorist leader.

The 17-page lawsuit, reported by The Cut, reveals intimate details of his affair with Tripp, who correctly foresaw the date on which Joe Biden would drop out of the 2024 presidential race that Trump won. She subsequently predicted that Kamala Harris would become California governor. Harris announced in July she would not seek the office.

The lawsuit, seen by the Guardian, claims the pair met on the dating app Bumble in April 2024 when Tata was seeking advice for a book he was writing with astrological elements. It said Tata was having trouble in his marriage at the time  and frames their subsequent trysts as a casual sexual relationship as well as a professional relationship regarding the astrology business.

The affair ended, it said, shortly before Tata was confirmed by the US Senate to his new role on 15 July. The lawsuit identifies the plaintiff only as John Doe, but Tatas was the only defense department confirmation on that date, and the document also makes reference to his work as a novelist.

Tripp, it said, took the breakup badly and began a campaign of harassment that featured hundreds of calls and text messages to Tata and his wife. During these conversations, Ms Tripp threatened that she would beat the shit out of John Does wife, that she was going to ruin both of John Doe and John Does wifes lives, and that they needed to watch our backs, the lawsuit said.

In another message, after Tatas wife pleaded to be left alone, Tripp is said to have told Tata in a message: If your wife texts me again shes going to be picking her teeth up. Pass it on.

The document alleges Tripp wanted $25,000 to keep the affair quiet, and threatened to accuse him publicly of an unspecified crime.

She threatened his marriage, threatened to and did publicly defame him to his new employer and high-ranking Senate officials, and intentionally caused him emotional distress by putting him in the Hobsons choice between his reputation or career and his marriage, the lawsuit states.

The Guardian has contacted the defense department for comment. Lawyers for the plaintiff, contacted by The Cut, said they would not confirm or deny whether Tata was their client.

A representative for the defendant told the outlet: Ms Tripp strenuously denies the allegations in the complaint and trusts that the process will fully vindicate her.

Trump nominated Tata to serve as undersecretary of defense for policy during his first presidency in April 2020, but his confirmation hearing was canceled when allegations of his past comments surfaced.

He became senior official performing the duties of the role in November 2020 and resigned two months later, five days before Joe Biden entered the White House.

According to an investigation first published by the Raleigh News & Observer in 2015, Tata, who served in the army for 28 years, had at least two affairs during his time in uniform, a court martial offense, and forged a court document.

The Cut said he was granted a restraining order against Tripp in Palm Beach county in recent weeks under his own name.
Former Lambeth councillor Martin Abrams (LDRS)

A south London councillor has quit the Labour Party after accusing it of fostering a toxic culture of bullying and pandering to the far right while stirring up racial tensions.

Martin Abrams, a Lambeth councillor for Streatham St Leonards ward since 2022, announced his resignation on social media on Thursday (August 28).

In an official statement, Cllr Abrams said he was shocked at how bad things have become under the leadership of Keir Starmer and after one year in Government. Cllr Abrams said: Keir Starmer is now breaking records for unpopularity and is rolling out the red carpet for Nigel Farage and Reform.

Labour is now pandering to the far right, by scapegoating migrants and the most vulnerable in our society, deliberately stirring up racial tensions caused not by migrants but 45 years of failed neoliberalism.

He added: The Government is complicit in the ongoing Gaza genocide, providing military intelligence and support to Israel whilst at the same time criminalising dissent and peaceful protest which has now led to the ridiculous and shameful spectacle of the mass arrests of pensioners under the Terrorism Act.

He went on to say he was appalled that a toxic culture of bullying, racism, sexism, disablism and factionalism which he claimed has been allowed and encouraged to fester in the party under Keir Starmers leadership.

Cllr Abrams is Jewish, and was suspended by Lambeth Labour in February 2024 after he voted for a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He says due to the ongoing suspension, he has been blocked from re-standing as a Labour candidate in the 2026 local elections.

Cllr Abrams said: As an Anti-Zionist Jewish person who was always taught to stand with the oppressed and never the oppressor, this vote was a matter of conscience for me and I am proud I took this stance.

Cllr Abrams added: I still have huge amounts of energy, passion and ambitions for Streatham and to be that voice in Lambeth Council that always stands up for the whole community and I look forward to continuing this work.

He will now sit as an independent councillor. Lambeth Labour was contacted for comment.
A Filipino man has died after passing out at Disneyland Hong Kong (AP)

A tourist has died after passing out on a Frozen-themed ride at Disneyland Hong Kong.

The 53-year-old, from the Philippines, boarded the Frozen Ever After ride at the resort on Friday but soon lost consciousness.

The mans wife was sitting next to him and immediately alerted staff after he became unresponsive, Mail Online reports.

He was given CPR by first aid responders as soon as the ride returned to the dock and was taken to hospital.

Tragically, he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police were alerted to the incident at 10.18am and were given his medical history by his wife.

She told officers he had a history of heart disease and high blood pressure going back more than ten years, and needed frequent treatments.

A Disneyland Hong Kong spokesman said: The resort deeply regrets the passing of the guest and will do its utmost to provide necessary assistance to his family.

The initial investigation has shown the incident is not related to ride safety.

Today, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong confirmed that a Filipino national had died and that it was working with authorities to assist his family.

The Frozen Ever After ride is the centrepiece of the parks Frozen area and opened to much fanfare in November 2023.

It is a water lagoon ride set against a backdrop of scenes inspired by the 2013 animated film Frozen and the 2015 animated short Frozen Fever.
TV chef Gordon Ramsay has said he has undergone treatment to remove skin cancer, thanking incredible health workers for their efforts.

Ramsay, 58, said he had basal cell carcinoma, a non-melanoma form of skin cancer, removed, in a post on Instagram.

The Hells Kitchen star said: Grateful and so appreciative for the incredible team at The Skin Associates and their fast reactive work on removing this Basal Cell Carcinoma, thank you.

Please dont forget your sunscreen this weekend, I promise you its not a face lift. Id need a refund.

Ramsay received messages of support from famous friends including TV judge Robert Rinder, who posted a heart emoji.

A reply to the post from charity Cancer Research UK read: Glad to hear youre doing well, Gordon, and thanks for raising awareness of how important it is to stay safe in the sun.

Seek shade, cover up, and apply sunscreen regularly and generously.

The NHS says basal cell carcinoma is a non-melanoma form of skin cancer, which starts in the top layer of skin and is mainly caused by ultraviolet light which comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds.

It says the main symptom of the condition is a growth or unusual patch on the skin, which can vary in size and appearance, most common in areas including the head, neck and shoulders, back, hands and lower legs.

Ramsay is also known for presenting Ramsays Kitchen Nightmares and appearing in ITVs Gordon, Gino And Fred road trip series, in which he travels with fellow chef Gino DAcampo and First Dates maitre dhotel Fred Sirieix.

The chef also runs Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, whose venues have received 17 Michelin stars overall, and currently boast eight.

Ramsay has six children with his wife Tana, including Tilly, who has built her own career as a TV presenter and appeared on the 19th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021.
The scene in Lviv, where the body of Andriy Parubiy was discovered - Reuters/Roman Baluk

A prominent Ukrainian politician was gunned down in broad daylight in the western city of Lviv on Saturday.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, condemned the killing of Andriy Parubiy, a former speaker of the countrys parliament, as a horrific murder.

Police said the 54-year-old was shot by a hail of bullets at around noon local time and died at the scene.

Vowing to find the killer, Mr Zelensky said: All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation.

Unfortunately, the crime was carefully planned, he added. Some Ukrainian officials have hinted at Russian involvement.

The well-known politician served as speaker from 2016 until 2019 and was a leading figure in Ukraines pro-European protest movements of 2004 and 2014.

Prosecutors have opened a murder probe but have not mentioned any possible motives.

The gunman was on an electric bike and appeared to be dressed as a delivery driver with his face covered by a helmet, according to media reports and alleged footage of the assailant.

He reportedly approached Mr Parubiy on the street, opened fire, and rapidly fled the scene.

Andriy Parubiy, who served as speaker of parliament, speaking in 2018 - Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty

An unidentified man fired several shots at the politician, killing Andriy Parubiy on the spot, the prosecutor generals office said.

Andriy Sadovyi, mayor of Lviv, said finding the killer was of utmost importance. This is a matter of security in a country at war, where, as we can see, there are no completely safe places, he wrote on Telegram.

Kyrylo Budanov, Kyivs intelligence chief, claimed Mr Parubiy had been killed by enemy bullets, without elaborating.

Since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, both sides have accused each other of assassinations of key political and military figures.

Russian state media said Mr Parubiy has been wanted by Russian authorities since 2023.

Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraines prime minister, called for a prompt investigation of the murder, calling it a profound loss for the country.

Andrii Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister, described Mr Parubiy as a patriot and statesman who made an enormous contribution to the defence of Ukraines freedom, independence and sovereignty. He was a man who rightfully belongs in the history books.

Petro Poroshenko, the former president, Yanukovych, paid tribute to a brother-in-arms and said his murder was a shot at the heart of Ukraine.

Mr Parubiy was a key supporter of the pro-European Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Maidan Revolution in 2014.

During the widespread protests against the decision by Viktor Yanukovych, president at the time, not to sign an agreement to bring Ukraine closer to the EU, Mr Parubiy led self-defence volunteer units protecting the demonstrators from government troops.

After the ousting of Yanukovych later in 2014, Mr Parubiy was appointed secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council.

He held that role during Moscows illegal occupation of Crimea and its backing of separatists who seized control of parts of the Donbas region, making him a prime target of Russian threats and intimidation.

He reportedly survived an assassination by a grenade that year.

Latest in a series of killings

The daylight murder of Mr Parubiy comes after a former Ukrainian lawyer and politician was shot dead in a suburb of Madrid by an assassin.

The high-profile killing of Andriy Portnov, a controversial figure connected to Yanukovychs pro-Russian government, remains unsolved. There have been no arrests and the motive is still unknown.

In July, a Ukrainian intelligence officer, Ivan Voronych, was shot dead as he walked through Kyiv by a masked assailant reportedly linked to Russias security service.

Ukraine has conducted a series of assassinations on Russian soil, targeting high-ranking military figures connected to the war including Igor Kirillov, the Russian general, in December 2024.

Earlier this year, Yaroslav Moskalik, another general, was killed in a Moscow car bomb attack widely attributed to Kyiv. Ukraines security services do not officially admit responsibility for the deaths.
The court ruled that it was illegal for Mr Trump to use emergency powers to unilaterally impose import taxes on Americas trading partners - Andrew Harnik

A court has ruled that Donald Trumps tariffs are illegal, potentially opening the door for the administration to have to repay billions of dollars in duties.

The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Friday evening ruled that it was against the law for Mr Trump to use emergency powers to unilaterally impose import taxes on Americas trading partners.

The 7-4 ruling raises doubts about deals the president has struck with the European Union, Japan, South Korea and other major trading partners to lower the tariff rates from those originally set on Aprils Liberation Day.

It also potentially delegitimises tariffs Mr Trump has imposed on China, Canada and Mexico in order to pressure the countries to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States.

The court said: The statute bestows significant authority on the President to undertake a number of actions in response to a declared national emergency, but none of these actions explicitly include the power to impose tariffs, duties, or the like, or the power to tax.

The ruling raises doubts about deals the president has struck with major trading partners - Evelyn Hockstein

In response to the courts ruling, Mr Trump posted on social media: ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end.

If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong.

In the post, Mr Trump also said the US will not tolerate enormous trade deficits and unfair tariffs imposed by other countries.

If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America. At the start of this Labor Day weekend, we should all remember that TARIFFS are the best tool to help our Workers, and support Companies that produce great MADE IN AMERICA products.

On Friday night the US attorney general confirmed the administration would appeal the court decision.

The president has made tariffs a key pillar of foreign policy in his second term, using them to exert political pressure and renegotiate trade deals with countries that export goods to the United States.

His measures have given the Trump administration leverage to extract economic concessions from trading partners but have also shaken financial markets.

The courts decision, which largely upheld a May decision by a specialised federal trade court in New York, does not impact tariffs issued under other legal means, such as Mr Trumps tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

Its ruling allows the tariffs to remain in place until October 14, giving the Trump administration a chance to file an appeal with the US Supreme Court.

Mr Trump justified both sets of tariffs  as well as more recent tariffs  under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The Act gives the president the power to address unusual and extraordinary threats during national emergencies.

It seems unlikely that Congress intended, in enacting IEEPA, to depart from its past practice and grant the President unlimited authority to impose tariffs, the ruling said. The statute neither mentions tariffs (or any of its synonyms) nor has procedural safeguards that contain clear limits on the Presidents power to impose tariffs.

The 1977 law had historically been used for imposing sanctions on enemies or freezing their assets. Mr Trump, the first president to use IEEPA to impose tariffs, said the measures were justified given trade imbalances, declining US manufacturing power and the cross-border flow of drugs.

The ruling could deal a devastating financial blow to the US treasury, potentially forcing the government to refund some of the billions of dollars in import taxes it has collected.

It could also sow chaos in removing a major source of income to help pay for the massive tax cuts Mr Trump signed into law under his One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

Revenue from tariffs totalled $142 billion by July, more than double what it was at the same point the year before.

Mr Trump has previously warned that a ruling upholding that his tariffs are illegal would risk plunging the country into recession.

Taking to Truth Social earlier this month, he wrote: It would be 1929 all over again, a GREAT DEPRESSION!

In a secondary blow dealt to Mr Trump on Friday, a federal judge blocked his administrations efforts to fast-track deportations of migrants.



The judge, siding with immigrant rights groups, ruled that the policies violate the constitutional due process rights of migrants who could be apprehended anywhere nationally.



In January, the Trump administration expanded the scope of an expedited removal process  previously used to apprehend migrants at the border  to cover non-citizens seized anywhere in the US who could not prove they had been in the country for two years.



The move exposed millions of additional migrants to the risk of rapid expulsion.



Judge Jia Cobb, nominated by former president Joe Biden, argued that it meant that not only non-citizens, but everyone would be at risk.

She said in her ruling: The Government could accuse you of entering unlawfully, relegate you to a bare-bones proceeding where it would prove your unlawful entry, and then immediately remove you.



A Homeland Security official said the ruling ignored Trumps legal authority, adding he has a mandate to arrest and deport the worst of the worst.
When it comes to appointing key people, Keir Starmer has a poor record. Nin Pandit, who is being moved from her post as his principal private secretary after only 10 months, is merely the latest example.

Before that, there was Sue Gray, the Whitehall veteran, who Starmer now admits was not the right person to be his chief of staff. Bad appointments matter: Gray was the main reason Labour arrived in office last year with no plan for government.

Pandits move to a policy role will be followed by a wider shake-up of Downing Street, and a reshuffle of junior and middle-ranking ministers, soon after parliament returns from its summer break on Monday.

The No 10 changes reflect Starmers frustration at the government machine. The PM is finally addressing the paradox of his administration: why is his strong performance on foreign affairs not matched on the domestic agenda? Having the brilliant Jonathan Powell as his national security adviser is only part of the answer.

Were told he now wants to take personal charge of domestic policy delivery. That is a remarkable admission after almost 14 months in power. Shock news: Starmer has decided to do what is a vital part of any PMs job.

Critics claim Starmer is weak on personnel matters because he is reluctant to sack longstanding, trusted aides. One example: Chris Ward, one of two parliamentary aides, along with Liz Twist, was first recruited soon after Starmer became an MP in 2015. Both are described as ineffectual.

Starmer will have to bite the bullet in his forthcoming shake-up. He needs more advisers prepared to speak uncomfortable truths to power. Tony Blair had a rule: If advisers have nothing original to say, they wont last.

Another valid criticism is the macho, aggressive briefing to the media by some Starmer aides, suggesting people will soon be ousted. It happened to Pandit and to Gray  in spades. It has happened to the cabinet ministers Bridget Phillipson and Lisa Nandy, though both survive. Starmer is appalled by such briefings  often against women and blamed on what Gray saw as a boys club headed by Morgan McSweeney, her successor as chief of staff  but they keep on coming.

Claire Reynolds, the political director, is in the firing line for the debacle over welfare cuts. She got her numbers wrong as Labour MPs threatened rebellion, ignoring former US president Lyndon B Johnsons edict that the first rule of politics is to be able to count.

However, one insider told me there would be resentment among women if Reynolds is pushed out and Matt Faulding keeps his job as parliamentary Labour Party secretary, since he was blamed by many for the worst mistakes during the welfare shambles.

The hostile briefings are not only against women. There are rumblings against Chris Wormald, a surprise choice by Starmer as cabinet secretary. He is viewed as not the reformer the PM wanted  but was never likely to be. Wormald will probably survive, but other changes may reduce his influence  such as the appointment of a senior civil servant (perhaps Louise Casey) to drive Starmers agenda through government departments.

Pandits successor is expected to be Dan York-Smith, a Treasury official  a long-overdue recognition that Starmer lacks economic expertise. A heavyweight economic adviser is also coming soon, but it has taken an age to fill this yawning gap. The PM ceded too much power to Rachel Reeves. He is closing the stable door but only after much damage has been done, requiring U-turns on the winter fuel allowance and welfare cuts.

Pandits new policy role has raised eyebrows because two policy chiefs are already vying to be top dog  Liz Lloyd, a former senior Blair aide, and Stuart Ingham, a longstanding Starmer adviser. One colleague whispered: Liz is good, but Stuart sometimes goes to Keir through the back door to block what she wants.

Frustration at a slow Whitehall machine is hardly new but partly reflects our politicians tendency to blame someone else. Civil servants rightly complain that all they want are clear instructions and a sense of direction from their political masters. Senior Whitehall figures tell me Starmer is too indecisive for his own good. As one put it: His lawyers mentality, looking at something from every angle, holds him back.

Blaming the individuals Starmer has placed in the wrong jobs is a diversion. As is attributing all the governments woes to poor communications. The common factor is Starmer himself; perhaps the real problem is him.

Close allies admit he doesnt always get things right first time, but insist he is ruthless and decisive in correcting mistakes. True, he did recover from a similar crisis as opposition leader by shaking up his team after a 2021 by-election defeat in Hartlepool.

Starmer must get his changes right this time because he might not get another chance to install a grade-A team. As Nigel Farage makes the political weather, even some Starmer loyalists are no longer sure the PM can turn the tide. They forecast a dangerous storm after a dismal Labour showing at next Mays elections to the Scottish and Welsh parliaments and English local authorities.

Starmer might well need a very strong crew around him to ensure he remains captain of the ship.
Prime minister Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahawi in Sanaa in January this year (AFP via Getty Images)

The prime minister of Yemens Houthi government, Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahawi, has been killed in an Israeli strike, according to a news agency run by the group.

Several other ministers were killed in the strike, according to the Houthi-run agency, though they were not named.

Israel said on Friday that the airstrike had targeted the Iran-aligned groups chief of staff, defence minister and other senior officials and that it was verifying the outcome.

A statement was released from defence minister Mohamed al-Atifi, shortly after the prime minister's death was confirmed, which quoted him as saying the group was ready to confront Israel.

Saudi Arabian news site Al-Hadath has reported that the Houthis foreign minister, as well as the ministers for justice, youth and sports, social affairs and labour, were killed.

Rahawi, third from right, and other members of the Houthi government (Reuters)

The office of Mahdi Al-Mashat, the Houthi president, said that several other ministers sustained moderate and serious injuries as a result of the strike, according to the BBC.

An IDF spokesperson told The Independent that the strike was made possible by seizing an intelligence opportunity and completing a rapid operational cycle, which took place within a few hours.

They confirmed that the Houthi prime minister was killed in the strike, alongside other senior officials who they said were responsible for the use of force, the military building of the Houthi terror regime, and the advancement of terror actions against Israel.

Rahawi became prime minister nearly a year ago but the de facto leader of the government was his deputy, Mohamed Moftah, who was assigned on Saturday to carry out the prime minister's duties. He was seen largely as a figurehead who was not part of the inner circle of the Houthi leadership.

Formerly an ally to ex-Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh, Rahawi allied himself with the Houthis when the rebels overran Sanaa, and much of the north and centre of the country in 2014, initiating the countrys long-running civil war.

The Israeli military said its fighter jets had 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.

The Houthis have attacked Israeli vessels in the Red Sea since the war in Gaza began (AP)

On Thursday, Israeli security sources had said the targets had been various locations where a large number of senior Houthi officials had gathered to watch a televised speech recorded by leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi.

Since Israel began its war in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis  who are aligned with Iran  have attacked vessels in the Red Sea in acts they have described as solidarity with the Palestinians.

They have also frequently 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.

The US and Israeli strikes have killed dozens of people in Yemen. One US strike in April hit a prison holding African migrants in northern Sadaa province, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others.

During the last year, Israel carried out a series of assassinations of the top leaders and commanders of Hamas and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah that significantly weakened the two groups.

We remain steadfast in our genuine position of supporting and standing with the people of Gaza, and in building and developing the capabilities of our armed forces to confront all challenges and dangers, Mahdi al-Mashats statement said.
Four women were arrested in Alabama after police said they may have encouraged a fight between middle school students.

Jasmine Heidelberg, 27; Tiara Williams, 30; Khadijah Weaver, 31; and Dianna Young, 32, were charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor on Thursday, Aug. 28, the Birmingham Police Department said in a Facebook post. Williams was additionally charged with child endangerment, according to police.

The women were arrested after police responded to a neigborhood after receiving a report about a fight involving students from Hayes Middle School. Once at the scene, officers "learned that several adults may have encouraged the fight" between students, police said.

Once arrested, all four women were taken to the Birmingham City Jail. Jail records do not show the women as current inmates, and it is unclear if either of them has retained an attorney for the case.

USA TODAY contacted the Birmingham Police Department and the Birmingham City School System on Saturday, August 30, but has not received a response.

'This kind of parental neglect is a disgrace to our community'

In a statement shared on Facebook, Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett said, "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," Pickett's statement continued. "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."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 4 women accused of encouraging Alabama middle school students to fight
Pima County Sheriff's Department/Facebook Ronald Woolf real photo and AI generated image of him

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.

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

It didn't take long before they got a response.

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

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.

"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
GettyImages-2232255618 (Photo by Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)

A federal appeals court has struck down President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs, ruling that his administration overstepped its legal authority by invoking emergency powers to impose duties on goods, according to a court filing.

A federal court blocked Trumps emergency tariff orders in May, ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the sweeping reciprocal tariffs he imposed in April. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Aug. 29 upheld a lower court decision invalidating five executive orders that levied tariffs under the IEEPA.

Writing for the majority, the judges said that the IEEPAs authorization to regulate importation does not grant the president the power to unilaterally impose taxes on trade. The dispute centered on two sets of tariffs issued early in 2025.

WASHINGTON, DC  AUGUST 26: U.S. 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. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The first, dubbed the Trafficking Tariffs, followed Trumps declaration of a national emergency at the southern border. Citing the flow of opioids and criminal activity from Mexico, Canada, and China, Trump ordered 25% duties on nearly all Mexican and Canadian imports and a 10% duty on Chinese goods, later raised to 20%. (RELATED: Jonathan Turley Says Trump Has Authority To Slap Tariffs On World)

The second package, the Reciprocal Tariffs, was broader. In April 2025, Trump imposed a baseline 10% duty on imports from almost every U.S. trading partner, with additional duties ranging up to 50% depending on the country. Chinas rate was ratcheted up as high as 125% before being rolled back during negotiations.

These tariffs were to remain in place indefinitely, subject only to presidential modification. The orders prompted lawsuits from both private companies and a coalition of 12 states. They said that Congress, not the White House, holds the constitutional power to impose tariffs and that Trumps actions far exceeded any authority delegated under IEEPA.

Trump responded on Truth Social and said the decision was incorrect. He warned that removing the tariffs would devastate the country and vowed to defend them with the help of the Supreme Court.

The Trump administration faced several lawsuits after the presidents April Liberation Day announcement. Shortly after, Trump ordered a 90-day pause on all tariffs except those targeting China, citing its retaliation against the United States.

Trump has been actively negotiating tariff agreements, granting Mexico more time to strike a deal following a very successful call with President Claudia Sheinbaum. While the U.S. and China extended a temporary trade truce to avoid returning to Aprils 100% tariff levels, Trump doubled tariffs on India to 50% in response to its Russian oil purchases, potentially straining relations with a key U.S. ally.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced some adventurous escapes for folks to coolcation at this holiday. If you dream of penguins and icy locations then youre in luck. Sail away and chill out this holiday with Atlas Ocean Voyages.



"Celebrating the holidays in Antarctica allows guests to create unforgettable memories that transcend the ordinary," James A. Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, said in a press release.

Where can you go?

Three different expeditions await you, starting in November and continuing through the end of the year. The trips start at Ushuaia, a southern city in Argentina, before embarking on the trek further to the last stops in Antarctica.



There are three different Ushuaia round-trip stories to explore.

Exploring the Last Continent

The first to set sail is called Exploring the Last Continent. Atlas will have two 11-night-long trips with this itinerary. The first trip starts on November 18th, 2025. The second starts two days later, on November 20th, 2025.



Each of the trips on this expedition follows a similar line of activities.



Youll start by leaving the docking port of Ushuaia before making your way through the Drake Passage (the body of water between Argentina and Antarctica), before being able to explore Antarctica. The trip down there will take approximately three days, with boats leaving port at 6 pm on the first date and taking two days to navigate through the Drake Passage.

Related: Beat the Summer Heat with a Coolcation

Youll then spend six days exploring the captains choice of activities in Antarctica. For this excursion, which includes possible shore landings and zodiac safaris among the icebergs. After your thrilling six days of icey dreaming, youll head back up the Drake Passage to Argentina again.



The cheapest available option for one of these is $10,854 for a 183-square-foot Adventure Oceanview Stateroom on the November 20th excursion.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

The next series to set sail is called Crossing the Antarctic Circle. Atlas will have two 11-night-long trips with this itinerary. The first trip starts on December 17th, 2025. The second starts eleven days later, on December 28th, 2025. Take the last one if you want to celebrate New Years in Antarctica.



Since these are eleven-day trips as well, the format is similar for time spent in Antarctica and through the passage.



The cheapest available option for one of these is $15,444 for a 270-square-foot Horizon Stateroom on the December 28th trip. Take note that prices increase from there, including those that require a call to find out.

Antarctic Discovery

The final series to set sail is called Antarctic Discovery. Atlas will have three nine-night-long trips with this itinerary. The first trip starts on December 18th, 2025. The second starts 11 days later, on December 27th, 2025. The final one takes place a day later, on December 28th, 2025. Take the last one if you want to celebrate New Years in Antarctica.



These shorter trips have a slightly different format than the eleven-day trips. Time spent to and from Antarctica means that your journey to and from is about half the trip itself. Youll only have four days to explore Antarctica on these excursions.



The cheapest available option for one of these is $10,394 for a 183-square-foot Adventure Oceanview Stateroom on the December 18th excursion.

This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Aug 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Nearly three months since the search for fugitive Travis Decker commenced, officials are now working to determine whether recently discovered bones belong to the Washington man wanted in the murder of his three young daughters.

Bones were located around the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County earlier in the week as part of the ongoing manhunt, FBI Seattle spokesperson Ted Halla said in a statement Aug. 29. However, its not yet clear whether the bones belong to Decker or if they are even human.

"These bones will be further analyzed to determine if they are animal or human," Halla told USA TODAY via email.

The girls, Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia Decker, were found near the Rock Island Campground near Leavenworth, Washington on June 2, three days after they were reported missing by their mother following a planned custody visit with their father.

The former U.S. Army member is wanted on three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of kidnapping in connection to the death of his daughters.

The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force has taken over the search for Decker deploying personnel while overseeing in depth investigations, interviews and assessments. Law enforcement has been scouring across rugged terrain and harsh conditions among other environmental challenges for three months now.

Authorities released dashcam footage showing wanted fugitive Travis Decker days before his three young daughters went missing.

Did they find Travis Decker yet?

No, officials have not found Decker as of Saturday, Aug 30. The manhunt for the 33-year-old fugitive has reached three months.

Is Travis Decker alive?

Officials have not yet determined whether Decker is alive or dead.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison previously told USA TODAY that a decline in tips has hindered finding Decker and also suggested that there's a possibility he is dead.

"Tips have slowed but the U.S. Marshals are still on the ground with us," Morrison said. "Clearly its looking more like the probability hes deceased. Its possible, but for now were presuming he is still alive."

When was Travis Decker last seen?

Decker was last seen alive with his three daughters on May 30, according to Morrison.

Travis Decker

Before disappearing, he was homeless and primarily living in his truck in the Wenatchee area, investigators said. Court papers say he exhibited mental health issues before the girls' killings.

Where were the girls last seen?

At the time of their deaths, the sisters lived with their mother, Whitney Decker, in Wenatchee, a city in Chelan County about 150 miles east of Seattle.

Whitney reported her children missing on May 30 after the siblings left their home for a planned custody visit with Decker, the Wenatchee Police Department reported. The girls were found dead in Chelan County near the campsite close to Leavenworth, three days later, on June 2.

The Decker sisters from left, Evelyn, 8; Olivia, 5; and Paityn, 9.

How did the Decker girls die?

Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia Decker died as a result of homicide from suffocation, a preliminary report from a medical examiner revealed.

Their bodies were found lifeless with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied near their father's truck, court filings obtained by USA TODAY show.

What does Travis Decker look like?

Police described Decker as a white man with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds.

At the time of his disappearance, he was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.

Authorities said Decker "may pose a significant risk, if approached."

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

Anyone who sees Decker or with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911. Tipsters can also call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit information at https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/forms/submit-a-tip.

Tipsters can also call the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-800-336-0102 or submit a tip online at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Travis Decker update: Bones located by campsite where girls were found
Food & Wine / Getty Images

When I ask myself who I want to be like in the kitchen, Carla Hall immediately comes to mind. The Top Chef All Star, cookbook author, and Southern cooking expert isnt just an excellent chef  shes also hilarious and adept at distilling kitchen advice into easy-to-understand tips.

Earlier this summer, Hall shared a quick clip on YouTube revealing the three things you wont see chefs doing in the kitchen. The common cooking techniques she goes on to highlight might not be par for the course for professional chefs but are often used in home kitchens across the country.

Some of these habits have been passed down from parents to children, and it may be controversial to suggest avoiding these familiar cooking methods  but, as always, the Chasing Home host has good reason for calling out each action that she says chefs avoid.

Of course, how you cook at home is entirely up to you, but Halls insights might change the way you prepare two popular ingredients, and at the very least, theyll give you a glimpse into the mind and methods of a culinary professional.

Dont add oil to pasta water

Adding olive oil to boiling water when cooking pasta makes sense because it acts as a lubricant and helps prevent the noodles from sticking. However, coating the pasta in oil can make it much harder for a sauce to stick to it after cooking, which is an essential step in creating a restaurant-quality dish.

There are other ways to prevent pasta from sticking together without ruining your ability to thoroughly coat it in a sauce. Make sure to use a large pot of water so the noodles have plenty of room, and salt the water generously.

Stir the pasta as soon as it hits the boiling water, and stir occasionally as it cooks. Finally, avoid overcooking the pasta. Overcooked noodles will not only stick together but also have a soft, gummy texture.

Dont break pasta before cooking it

If youve ever cooked spaghetti, angel hair, linguine, or another long pasta shape, youve probably broken the noodles in half. (Hall even says, "Contrary to how I had my pasta growing up, do not break it.") Its a logical action; when half the pasta doesnt fit in the boiling water, you break it to ensure all the noodles can be submerged and start cooking at the same time.

Related: Top Chef Winner Tristen Epps Says This Seasoning Is the Lifeblood of Marinating Meat in the Caribbean

For many Italians, breaking pasta is considered disrespectful to the ingredient, but there are practical reasons to avoid doing it too. Keeping the noodles at their full length makes it easier to twirl them when eating. Twirling longer strands also helps gather more sauce into each bite, which can be hard to do with short or smooth noodles that lack crevices for holding sauce.

Dont worry about the pasta not cooking evenly. If your spaghetti doesnt all fit into the pot at once, wait a few seconds until the submerged parts soften, then push the rest of the noodles in.

Dont wash chicken

This is where Hall gives the most in-depth explanation for why she cautions against a specific kitchen habit. Many American home cooks do wash raw chicken, but the best-selling author explains that you wont see chefs doing this because youre adding moisture. Especially if youre frying it, youre never going to get that moisture out. When frying or searing chicken for crispy skin, moisture works against you, and wet chicken skin will stay soggy.

Related: 7 Food Myths You Shouldnt Believe

In addition to the effects of added moisture on the cooking process, Hall adds that I understand why people were washing their chicken before; they were preserving it because there werent fridges. However, we now know that you need to cook your chicken to 165 degrees. Salmonella is not going to live at 165 degrees  youre going to cook it out.

In her short video, the chef also displays a tip from the United States Department of Health (USDA), which explains that washing or rinsing poultry can increase the risk of cross-contamination with foodborne pathogens in the kitchen.

As Hall points out in the very beginning of her video, shes invested in your successes in the kitchen. So if you want to cook more like this Top Chef star, you might want to snag her cookbooks and start incorporating  or avoiding  these three kitchen habits.



Read the original article on Food & Wine
Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry speaks to the media during a protest outside the CDC campus, a day after the White House fired CDC director Susan Monarez and several top officials resigned. - Alyssa Pointer/Reuters

Workers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been told to return to the office September 15  a little over a month after a gunman attacked the agencys Atlanta campus, firing almost 500 shots and killing a police officer before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The push for workers to return to the office was shared in an email to staff, a Health and Human Services spokesperson confirmed. The announcement comes just weeks after the August 8 attack left CDC staff reeling, with one staffer saying employees felt like sitting ducks as the shooter unloaded hundreds of bullets, around 200 of which struck six CDC buildings, leaving bullet holes in windows.

Employees, who were preparing to leave for the weekend, say they took cover under their desks as bullets flew over their heads. Many workers have been working remotely since.

CDC staffers whose workspaces remain impacted by the shooting will be assigned alternate spaces, according to the HHS spokesperson. The agencys return-to-office plan was first reported by CNBC.

The shooting unfolded during a tumultuous time for the CDC: The agency, which is tasked with protecting Americans health, lost about a quarter of its staff during widespread reduction-in-force layoffs of federal employees led by the Trump administration earlier this year. And just earlier this week, at least 600 CDC employees received permanent termination notices, according to the American Federation of Government Employees.

This week, CDC Director Susan Monarez was ousted from her position after clashing with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy over vaccine policy and her refusal to fire several veteran CDC leaders, according to people familiar with the situation. Her removal was followed by the resignations of several senior leaders. Late this week, Kennedy said Deputy HHS Secretary Jim ONeill will serve as acting director of the CDC.

Tom Frieden, who was appointed to serve as the CDCs director by President Barack Obama, described Monarezs firing as unprecedented in an interview with CNNs Manu Raju.

Its no longer possible to have any confidence in whats coming out of HHS or CDC, he said.

Our agency is crumbling, a source within the CDC, who is not allowed to speak to the media and did not want to be identified for fear of retribution, told CNN after Monarezs departure.

The agency has also been the subject of dogged conspiracy theories surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine  which may have contributed to the deadly attack. The gunman, 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White, had expressed discontent with the Covid-19 vaccine in written documents recovered from his home. He wanted to make the public aware of his public distrust of the vaccines, Georgia Bureau of Investigation director Chris Hosey previously said.

No CDC scientists have ever briefed Kennedy  a longtime critic of vaccines, including the Covid-19 shot  on vaccines, according to Deb Houry, the former CDC chief medical officer who resigned after Monarezs ouster. Houry told Raju that she regularly provided such briefings to staff during the first Trump administration.

With the loss of so many staff at the agency, we will not be ready for the next pandemic, she added.

More than 750 HHS employees implored Kennedy to stop spreading false information about vaccines and denigrating public health workers in a letter last week.

The letter tied the deadly August shooting to political attacks on health agencies.

The attack came amid growing mistrust in public institutions, driven by politicized rhetoric that has turned public health professionals from trusted experts into targets of villainization  and now, violence, wrote the staffers, who emphasized they signed the letter in our own personal capacities.

Some signed anonymously out of fear of retaliation and personal safety.

911 audio released

The shooter who attacked the CDC stole five weapons from his fathers safe, including a long gun, which was used for most of the shots, according to state investigators.

White, wearing what appeared to be a surgical mask and armed with two handguns, a rifle, a shotgun and two backpacks filled with ammo, began shooting at the CDC campus and triggered a lockdown at the agency as well as nearby Emory University. Almost 100 children at a daycare on the campus were locked down, too.

One unidentified witness described seeing the gunman shoot at a police officer on a 911 call, according to audio released this week by the Atlanta Police Department.

Hes still shooting, the caller said. Hes shooting at the officer.

The sound of gunfire is audible during the call.

Officers hit, officers down, the caller said.

David Rose, a DeKalb County Police officer who arrived during the attack, was fatally shot. He left behind a pregnant wife and two children.

No one at the CDC was injured in the shooting.

White had no known criminal history. He was found dead on the second floor of the CVS store, directly across from the CDCs main entrance.

Aliki Pappas Weakland, who works at the CDC, recalled in a social media post earlier this month the terror she felt during the attack.

I dropped to the floor when the shooting started. The fear that gripped me as the gunfire continued in a steady stream for an endless 15 minutes, she wrote after the attack. My knees are chafed and hurting from crawling on the floor with my colleagues as we scrambled to seek shelter.

CNNs Meg Tirrell, Chris Youd, Brenda Goodman, Ryan Young, Jason Morris, Dakin Andone, Dalia Faheid, and Sarah Dewberry contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
NEW YORK  Relief is the best way to explain how Coco Gauff is feeling, considering in her last match at the US Open, a 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 second-round victory over unseeded Donna Vekic, she was crying on the bench, unable to figure out why her serve was once again betraying her and searching for answers on the fly.

Gauff set those concerns aside Saturday and is into the fourth round for the fourth straight year with an efficient and dominant 6-3, 6-1 win in the third round over No. 28 seed Magdalena Frech of Poland, who failed in her attempt to reach the final 32 of a Grand Slam tournament for only the second time.

The No. 3 seed and 2023 US Open champion had only four double faults in the match after combining for 18 in the first two rounds. Her serve looked cleaner from the beginning, winning 71% of her first serves, and she didn't need to be overpowering with her forehand, as she only had 12 winners. Much has been made of her hiring biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan just a week before this tournament to help address her issues with her serve.

Was that 'fun'? Coco Gauff's intense US Open embodies what word means in sports

'It's been an emotional week," Gauff said after the match, "but I think I needed those tough moments to move forward. I was putting so much pressure on myself, but today I showed I was really having fun out there. I think for me, I guess I'm more proud of, like, the mental effort of things and trying to remember the things that we worked on in practice. Today I definitely think was a step in the right direction. I would love to continue to build and improve on that."

Top photos from the 2025 US Open, the year's final tennis Grand Slam Aug. 24: Novak Djokovic hits to Learner Tien during their first-round match.

The 21-year-old Gauff now moves on to face No. 23 seed Naomi Osaka, and she now has 74 wins in Grand Slam matches before the age of 22. Since 2000, only Maria Sharapova (85) has more.

The last time the two played at the US Open was in 2019, when Osaka won their third-round match 6-3, 6-0, in which a then 15-year-old Gauff was making her Arthur Ashe Stadium debut and was emotional after the match.

"Naomi and I, we aren't super close or anything, but we're definitely friendly with each other. I support her from afar in all the things that she's done on and off the court," Gauff said, adding she would hope to play Osaka on Ashe at night again. "It would be a cool kind of deja vu type of situation, but hopefully it will be a different result."

After Frech won the first game of the second set, Gauff exerted her dominance, forcing Frech into 29 unforced errors for the match, with Frech sometimes shaking her head in frustration or staring at the baseline after another ball went out of play.

Gauff started the match dominating, going up 3-0, before Frech rallied after Gauff double-faulted into the net to break serve. It was tied at three games each before Gauff went on another rally to close out the set, winning three straight games.

She had little trouble in the second set after losing the first game, easing her way through her now confident serve, finishing the set in 20 minutes.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coco Gauff: No. 3 seed beats Magdalena Frech to reach fourth round
August 30, 2025: The U.S. and South Korea are once again publicly considering deploying a small number of U.S. air-delivered nuclear bombs (non-strategic tactical nukes) on South Korean territory. Advocates contend that forward-deploying low-yield tactical nuclear gravity bombs to U.S. airbases within South Korea will strengthen nuclear deterrence on the Korean Peninsula.

Nuclear deterrence on the Korean Peninsula and throughout Northeast Asia is threatened. Over the last two years, Chinas diplomatic relations with the U.S., South Korea, and Japan have deteriorated. Four years ago, North Korea began a new round of nuclear threats against South Korea. Tokyo, Honolulu, and Los Angeles are on Pyongyangs public target list. Earlier this year, Western government sources confirmed that North Korea has a ballistic missile base near China, and several of the missiles may have intercontinental range. There are indications North Korea is also building more sophisticated nuclear weapons, possibly with Russian assistance.

The U.S. had tactical nukes in South Korea from the late 1950s until the early 1990s. In the mid-1990s, Washington began reducing the number of nuclear weapons stored or deployed on the ground elsewhere in Asia. Some very vocal strategists argued that forward-deployed American nukes in South Korea were simply too vulnerable to destruction by conventional air and missile attacks, much less a nuclear strike. The Pentagon concluded the U.S. could provide nuclear deterrence with naval forces and strategic air power (with Guam as a key forward base). To be frank, many of the U.S. nukes withdrawn from Asia were deemed obsolete (Cold War relic tube artillery-delivered nuclear shells and aerial bombs).

But time marches on. The U.S. Defense Department believes Beijing currently has 500 nuclear warheads and plans to double that figure to 1,000 warheads in the next five years.

Chinas nuclear weapons buildup, its expanded naval capabilities, and its new mid-range and hypersonic missiles have changed Seouls and Washingtons assessments about nukes on the Korean Peninsula.

Nuclear weapons proliferation is another consideration in Washingtonproliferation by frightened allies. If high-tech and wealthy South Korea and Japan conclude the U.S. nuclear umbrella is unreliablei.e., the U.S. wont risk nuclear war with China should North Korea or China attack either of themboth nations can develop their own nuclear weapons. And they will build them quickly. In 2023, South Koreas then-president (Yoon Suk-yeol) raised the possibility of building its own nuclear weapons, and Korean media reported it.

Washington insists its commitment to defend South Korea and Japan is firm and absolute. Additionally, there are human tripwires on the ground. The U.S. still has around 28,000 military personnel stationed in South Koreaprimarily U.S. Army ground forces and USAF personnel. (AB)
The Utah Supreme Court has stopped a firing squad execution set for next week over concerns that the inmate being put to death has dementia so severe, that he doesn't understand why he's being killed.

The court's ruling on Friday, Aug. 29, vacates the execution warrant for Ralph Menzies and sends the case back to a lower court so that his mental capacity can be reevaluated.

Menzies, 67, had been set to die by firing squad just after midnight on Friday, Sept. 5, for the 1986 murder of 26-year-old Maurine Hunsaker, a married mother of three who was kidnapped, robbed, strangled, and found tied to a tree with her throat slit.

Menzies' attorney, Lindsey Layer, told USA TODAY that Menzies' dementia has "significantly worsened" since his last evaluation over a year ago.

"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," she said. "We look forward to presenting our case in the trial court."

Ralph Menzies is pictured in August 2024.

The Utah Attorney General's Office did not immediately respond to questions about whether it will appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court or accept a new mental evaluation for Menzies.

Jared Garcia, executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections, said in a statement that the agency "will continue to carefully monitor the situation and remains prepared to carry out the sentence of the court when and if we are called upon to do so.

Utah's 3rd District Court Judge Matthew Bates previously rejected arguments about Menzies' dementia, ruling in June that while the inmate exhibited cognitive decline during his last evaulation, he "consistently and rationally understands the reasons for his death sentence.

Here's what you need to know about the case, including how Maurine Hunsaker's family feels.

Photos show firing squad chair in Utah's execution chamber The firing squad chair is pictured in Utah.

What was Ralph Menzies convicted of?

Menzies was convicted of murdering Maurine Hunsaker, who was just a few days shy of turning 27 when she was kidnapped from the gas station where she worked as an attendant in the Salt Lake City suburb of Kearns on Feb. 23, 1986.

No one witnessed the abduction but authorities became concerned when customers at the gas station reported that there was no attendant. Police found some of Hunsaker's belongings behind the counter and $70 missing from the register.

Later that night, Hunsaker called her husband, who was with a sheriff's deputy, and told him that she had been robbed and kidnapped but that her abductor intended to release her, according to court records.

Soon after, the line went dead. A hiker found Hunsaker's body two days later in a picnic area of Big Cottonwood Canyon just south of Salt Lake City. She had been strangled and her throat had been cut.

Maurine Hunsaker is pictured.

Detectives connected Menzies to the crime when they say they found Hunsaker's identification cards among his belongings when he was picked up on unrelated charges. Menzies maintained his innocence.

At trial, prosecutor Ernie Jones called Menzies a "psychopath," saying that "there is no therapy for the evil inside" him, according to an archived story in the Salt Lake Tribune. His defense attorney at the time, Brooke Wells, argued for leniency, saying that Menzies had a long history of being abused and neglected as a child and had been diagnosed with mental disorders, the Tribune reported.

Third District Court Judge Raymond Uno appeared to struggle with the death decision but ultimately said he needed to protect the community, citing Menzies' long history of violent offenses.

"It is with the heaviest of heart that I make this most difficult decision," he said, according to an another archived Salt Lake Tribune story. "I find the death penalty is appropriate."

What are the arguments over Ralph Menzies' competency?

Now nearly 40 years after the crime, Menzies' attorneys say he "no longer exhibits an awareness that he is being executed for the crime of murder," according to a competency petition.

That awareness is critical. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that an inmate can't be executed if they don't understand why they're being executed.

The court criticized Judge Bates' decisions to schedule Menzies' execution and reject all new evidence that the inmate's cognitive function has continued to deteriorate.

Citing two expert reports that "raise serious and significant questions about whether Menzies is competent to be executed," the court said: "For the district court to weigh the evidence and conclude otherwise at this stage was error."

In his June ruling about Menzies' competency hearing in November, Bates found that "Menzies consistently and rationally understands the reasons for his death sentence." Bates declined to approve a new competency evaluation in July, though it had been eight months since the previous one.

Ralph Menzies is pictured.

How do the victim's family members feel?

Maurine Hunsaker's son, Matthew Hunsaker, declined to comment on the latest development, asking for privacy.

He previously told USA TODAY that he believes Menzies' dementia arguments are a ploy and that the inmate's condition is being exaggerated in an effort to spare his life.

"I'm not buying that he doesn't understand what's going on," he said, adding that Menzies' attorneys "have brought no evidence before the court by any doctors, staff cellmates, anybody, that when he wakes up in the morning he doesnt know where he's at. He knows he's in prison for killing my mom."

He had been planning to attend the execution "just to see the closure myself."

The Utah Supreme Court justices said that they understand their ruling could distress the Hunsaker family.

We acknowledge that this uncertainty has caused the family of Maurine Hunsaker immense suffering, and it is not our desire to prolong that suffering," the ruling said. "But we are bound by the rule of law."

What's next?

The Utah Attorney General's Office can appeal the ruling the U.S. Supreme Court, which has the power to reverse it and allow the execution to proceed, though it has previously stopped other executions over dementia concerns.

If an appeal isn't filed or the U.S. Supreme Court does not overturn the lower court's decision, Menzies will need to undergo a new competency evaluation.

Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter for USA TODAY. Follow her on X at @amandaleeusat.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Court halts firing squad execution for mom's murder in Utah. Why?
FILE - Student Marianna Torres, 11, center, cries as she evacuates Park Avenue Elementary School after jet fuel fell on the school in Cudahy, Calif., Jan. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP)  Delta Air Lines has agreed to pay $79 million to settle a class-action lawsuit filed in 2020 after one of its airplanes that was experiencing engine trouble dumped its fuel over schoolyards and densely populated neighborhoods near Los Angeles.

The Delta jet had departed from Los Angeles to Shanghai on Jan. 14, 2020 when it needed to quickly return to Los Angeles International Airport. The Boeing 777-200 landed safely after circling back over Los Angeles while dumping 15,000 gallons of fuel to reach a safe landing weight.

Los Angeles County firefighters were called to schools in the city of Cudahy where nearly 60 schoolchildren and teachers were examined for minor skin and lung irritations. None required hospitalization.

Shortly after, teachers from Park Avenue Elementary School in Cudahy filed a lawsuit against the airline, saying they were exposed to jet fuel that drizzled down like raindrops with overwhelming fumes. They described feeling the fuel on their clothes, skin and eyes. Later, several Cudahy homeowners filed a class-action suit.

The teachers said they sought medical treatment after the incident and experienced physical and emotional pain.

Delta said in the lawsuit settlement reached Monday that one of the plane's two engines lost thrust shortly after takeoff and that the plane, which was carrying enough fuel for the 13-hour flight, exceeded its maximum landing weight by around 160,000 pounds.

The weight of a full load of fuel carries a risk of damaging a jetliner during landing  which can be expensive for an airline to fix. Even if there isnt damage, airlines try to avoid overweight landings because they are required to inspect planes, which puts them out of service.

The pilots decided to dump fuel to reduce the serious risks of flying and landing an overweight airplane on just one engine. the airline said in court documents.

Delta said in court documents that it agreed to the settlement without any admission of liability to avoid the legal expenses of a trial and to eliminate the distraction and other burdens this litigation has caused to Deltas business.

Delta did not immediately respond Friday to a request for comment.
Curtis McDowald, an American fencer who competed at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, is ineligible to participate in USA Fencing activities for five years after a disciplinary matter, USA Fencing disclosed Aug. 29.

McDowalds membership to USA Fencing has been terminated for five years following multiple violations of USA Fencings Code of Conduct and Athlete Code of Conduct, according to a notice USA Fencing emailed to members Aug. 29.

McDowald, 29, will be eligible to apply for reinstatement Aug. 29, 2030, two years after the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. His reinstatement would be subject to approval by the USA Fencing Grievance and Disciplinary Committee and the USA Fencing Board of Directors, according to the USA Fencing notice.

In 2023, McDowald was temporarily suspended for allegations of misconduct, according to the U.S. Center for SafeSport website. SafeSport notified USA Fencing in January 2024 it had concluded its investigation into the matter and made the decision to administratively close the case, according to a notice issued at the time by USA Fencing.

Curtis McDowald during the 2023 Pan American Games.

SafeSport is an independent body tasked by Congress with protecting athletes in the Olympic movement.

In 2023, McDowalds behavior undermined the chances of the mens epee team to qualify for the Paris Olympics in 2024. During the final touch of Team USA's semifinal bout in the Pan-American Senior Games, McDowald kicked a freestanding banner near the strip, among other actions, according to a press release issued at the time by USA Fencing.

The actions resulted in Team USA being awarded no qualifying points for the Paris Olympics. The mens epee team did not qualify for the Paris Olympics.

(This story was updated with additional information.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: U.S. Olympic fencer Curtis McDowald suspended for five years
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to the media following a bill signing as Texas senators debate a bill on a redrawn U.S. congressional map during a special session in the Senate Chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  A federal appeals court is set to decide whether a Texas law to give police broad powers to arrest migrants suspected of illegally entering the U.S. can take effect.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday vacated an earlier ruling by a three-judge panel that the law is unconstitutional, and now the full court will consider whether the law can take effect.

The Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 4 in 2023, but a federal judge in Texas ruled the law was unconstitutional. Texas then appealed that ruling.

Under the proposed law, state law enforcement officers could arrest people suspected of entering the country illegally. Once in custody, they could agree to a Texas judges order to leave the country or face a misdemeanor charge for entering the U.S. illegally. Migrants who dont leave after being ordered to do so could be arrested again and charged with a more serious felony.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a social media post on Friday that the courts decision was a hopeful sign.
Kostensuchus atrox  life restauration, 3 meters long. Art by Gabriel Diaz Yanten. (CREDIT: Gabriel Diaz Yanten, CC-BY 4.0)

Seventy million years ago, southern Patagonia was a warm, seasonally wet landscape where dinosaurs, turtles, frogs, and mammals thrived. Hidden within its floodplains, a powerful predator stalked its prey. Thanks to a remarkably complete fossil unearthed near El Calafate in Argentinas Santa Cruz Province, you now know its name: Kostensuchus atrox.

An Exceptional Discovery

The fossil, described in PLOS One by Fernando Novas of the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales and colleagues, is one of the best-preserved examples of its kind. Found in the Chorrillo Formation, the skeleton includes an intact skull, jaws, and several body bones. That level of preservation is rare for peirosaurids, the extinct group of reptiles related to todays crocodiles and alligators.

Novas called the find remarkable for the completeness of its skeleton, which allows us to understand not only its skull but also the body structure and musculature that supported its predatory lifestyle.

Skeletal reconstruction of Kostensuchus atrox gen. et sp. nov. (CREDIT: PLOS One)

Physical Traits and Power

Kostensuchus atrox stood out with a wide, short snout that made up just over half its skull length. Inside its jaws sat sharp, blade-like ziphodont teeth. Combined with a deep chamber for jaw muscles, the reptile had the tools for an exceptionally strong bite.

Its skeleton also suggests a body built for strength. A broad shoulder blade and sturdy upper arm bones reveal an animal with significant muscle mass. This predator likely relied on brute force to overpower prey.

At roughly 3.5 meters long, or about 11.5 feet, and weighing around 250 kilograms (550 pounds), it matched the size of a large adult human in length but was far more dangerous. Scientists believe it preyed on medium-sized dinosaurs and other animals sharing its environment.

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Naming a Predator

The name Kostensuchus atrox draws from both local and ancient traditions. Kosten is the strong wind of Patagonia in the Tehuelche language, while Souchos refers to the crocodile-headed god of ancient Egypt. Atrox means fierce or harsh in Latin. Together, the name captures the strength and power of a predator shaped by its windswept land.

In its ecosystem, K. atrox was one of the top predators, second only to the giant dinosaur Maip macrothorax, which reached up to nine meters in length. Its presence reveals that late Cretaceous Patagonia hosted a complex food web where even powerful hunters had rivals.

The Chorrillo Formation has long fascinated paleontologists for its rich fossil record. Alongside dinosaurs, it has yielded fossils of mammals, birds, turtles, frogs, and insects. Adding K. atrox to this mix completes the picture of a vibrant ecosystem teeming with both prey and predators.

Map of the fossil locality of Kostensuchus gen. nov. The map shows the locality in southern Patagonia (Santa Cruz Province, Argentina). (CREDIT: PLOS One)

Extending the Reach of Peirosaurids

The discovery matters for more than its dramatic appearance. Kostensuchus atrox is the first peirosaurid known from the Chorrillo Formation. That makes it the southernmost record of this group, showing these crocodile relatives lived much farther south than previously confirmed. Even more, its existence so late in the Cretaceous suggests peirosaurids endured until the very end of the age of dinosaurs.

Because most peirosaurid fossils are fragmentary, scientists have struggled to piece together their evolutionary story. The completeness of K. atrox provides a rare opportunity to compare its features to similar fossils from other parts of Argentina and even Madagascar. These comparisons help reveal how crocodyliforms spread and adapted across continents during the Cretaceous.

During the Maastrichtian stage, Patagonias climate was warm and seasonally humid, with rivers and floodplains supporting diverse plant and animal life. Against this backdrop, K. atrox hunted, competed, and thrived. The fossil record suggests a landscape alive with dinosaurs, amphibians, reptiles, and early mammals.

3D model of remains of Kostensuchus atrox n.gen et sp. as found in the concretion in left lateral view. (CREDIT: PLOS One)

Finding a predator of this size in that environment confirms that southern Patagonia supported not just large dinosaurs but also formidable crocodyliforms. It paints a fuller picture of survival and competition in the closing chapter of the dinosaur era.

Practical Implications of the Research

Discoveries like Kostensuchus atrox matter because they connect more than bones. They show how ecosystems evolved, how predators competed, and how groups of animals spread across continents.

For paleontologists, this fossil helps refine evolutionary trees of crocodile relatives and clarifies how life adapted to different climates and landscapes before the mass extinction event. For the public, it underscores that Earths history is full of creatures just as remarkable and fearsome as the dinosaurs themselves.

Details of rostral anatomy of Kostensuchus atrox gen. et sp. nov. Photographs of right antorbital region in lateral view (A) and left surface of rostrum in anterolateral view (B). (CREDIT: PLOS One)

In the future, studies like this can guide research into biodiversity, extinction, and survival, offering lessons for how modern species might respond to changing environments.

Note: The article above provided above by The Brighter Side of News.

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BYD dealership; Ford CEO Jim Farley; Elon Musk

Teslas future in the European market is grim, according to recent data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.

The American electric vehicle (EV) company has seen its sales in Europe drop by almost half, according to CNBC, as its lightning-rod CEO, Elon Musk, warns that the struggling sales might continue into the near future.

Trending Now

But Tesla isnt the only automaker finding itself falling behind. International manufacturers are struggling against a surging Chinese EV market that benefits from state support, much greater technological integration and, most importantly, significantly lower prices.

How has China managed to flip the script in electric car manufacturing, and what is the long-term outlook for Western brands like Ford and Tesla?

Teslas European struggles

Tesla registered just 8,837 new vehicles in Europe in July of this year  a 40% drop compared to the same period last year. Even more worrying? This marks Teslas seventh consecutive month of declining sales in a region where overall EV adoption is actually on the rise.

And theres reason to believe the decline will persist  at least for the near future. Last month, Musk warned that the automaker could have a few rough quarters ahead.

Other international brands experienced a decline in European registrations in July, including Stellantis (the parent company of Jeep), Hyundai, Toyota, and Suzuki.

At the same time, Chinese automaker BYD is experiencing an explosion in popularity in European showrooms, with 13,503 new registrations in July  a massive 225% increase year-over-year. All told, Chinese EV manufacturers have a European market share of 5.9%  a record, according to JATO Dynamics.

Western automakers losing ground to Chinese brands

Tesla is just one of the many EV automakers feeling the intense pressure from Chinese manufacturers. Ford CEO Jim Farleys recent comments at the Aspen Ideas Festival described Chinas rapid rise in the EV market as the most humbling experience of his career.

Their cost, their quality of their vehicles is far superior to what I see in the West, Farley said.

His candid comments presaged what may prove to be a seismic shift in the automotive world.

And the stakes couldnt be higher. As Farley bluntly put it: We are in a global competition with China, and its not just EVs. And if we lose this, we do not have a future.

While Tesla, Ford, and GM's electric vehicles typically start in the $40,000 to $60,000 range, Chinese manufacturers like BYD are producing models like the Seagull for under $10,000.

Read more: Do you own rental properties in the US? These 6 hacks can help you boost your income and lower your tax burden

Chinese EVs arent just cheaper  theyre often better equipped, with Chinese vehicles offering seamless tech integration.

They have far superior in-vehicle technology. Huawei and Xiaomi are in every car, Farley said. You get in, you dont have to pair your phone. Automatically, your whole digital life is mirrored in the car.

US automakers are trying to catch up. Ford is developing a next-generation, affordable EV platform designed to match Chinas costs, but it wont be available until 2027  practically a lifetime in tech years.

Tesla is also aiming to launch a $25,000 Model 2, but the timeline for that project remains uncertain. Until then, a major price gap persists.

American EV shoppers need to be smart

US car buyers are unlikely to see new EVs priced under $20,000 on the market in the immediate future  but pressure is mounting.

The US government has imposed steep tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which may shield domestic automakers in the short term. But the policy also risks stymying innovation and frustrating consumers in the long term, should those low-cost alternatives fail to materialize.

If youre in the market for an EV but dont want to empty your retirement account to afford one, here are some tips to consider:

Look out for EV incentives that can help offset the cost of US-made electric cars.

Compare dealer financing offers, including no money down or 0% APR.

Consider used EVs to save money.

Opt for an EV with a lower range to help reduce the sticker price.

What to read next

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
President Donald Trump holds up a chart while speaking during a Make America Wealthy Again trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2. (Chip SomodevillaGetty Images)

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that most of President Donald Trumps so-called reciprocal tariffs on global trading partners are illegal, upholding an earlier ruling by the Court of International Trade, which found that the tariffs legal basis under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act wasnt valid.

President Donald Trumps trade war suffered a severe blow late Friday, when a federal appeals court stuck down most of his so-called reciprocal tariffs against global trading partners.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld an earlier ruling by the Court of International Trade, which found that the tariffs legal basis under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) wasnt valid, saying that the administrations argument for the tariffs didnt constitute an emergency.

Both the Trafficking Tariffs and the Reciprocal Tariffs are unbounded in scope, amount, and duration, the majority wrote. These tariffs apply to nearly all articles imported into the United States (and, in the case of the Reciprocal Tariffs, apply to almost all countries), impose high rates which are ever-changing and exceed those set out in the [U.S. tariff system], and are not limited in duration.

The 7-4 ruling wont take effect until Oct. 14, as the court sought to give the Trump administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court. The decision also doesnt cover sectoral tariffs, such as those on aluminum and steel, that were imposed under a separate legal basis.

The judges also sent the case back to the trade court, which must decide if the ruling applies to anyone affected by the global tariffs or just the plaintiffs who filed the case. They include a collection of Democratic-led states and a group of small businesses.

ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end.

In fact, the latest ruling marks the administrations third defeat in court. In addition to the Court of International Trade, U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras had also found that IEEPA doesnt give Trump the power to impose most of his tariffs.

Trumps Liberation Day tariffswhich shocked global markets on April 2 and triggered a massive selloffhelped leverage a series of trade deals. That includes an agreement with the European Union, which pledged to invest $600 billion in the U.S. and buy $750 billion worth of U.S. energy products, with vast amounts of American weapons in the mix. Similarly, the U.S.-Japan trade deal entails $550 billion in investments from Tokyo.

Meanwhile, the reciprocal and sectoral tariffs are expected to generate $300 billion-$400 billion a year, a huge revenue windfall that was seen propping up the fiscal outlook.

Last week, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that tariffs would shave trillions of dollars off the federal budget deficit. Meanwhile, S&P Global reaffirmed its AA+ credit rating and stable outlook on U.S. debt last week owing in part to robust tariff income, which should help offset the impact of tax cuts and spending in the federal budget.

But if the decision remains in place and applies to everyone affected, importers that paid the IEEPA tariffs could demand reimbursement from the federal government.

Ahead of the ruling, there were hints that the court might rule against the administration. Earlier this month, Solicitor General D. John Sauer and Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate sent at letter to the court warning of an apocalyptic doomsday outcome if the tariffs were struck down.

In such a scenario, people would be forced from their homes, millions of jobs would be eliminated, hardworking Americans would lose their savings, and even Social Security and Medicare could be threatened, they wrote. In short, the economic consequences would be ruinous, instead of unprecedented success.

The sudden dire tone suggested to some on Wall Street that the Trump administration expected to lose in the federal appeals court.

James Lucier at Capital Alpha Partners said in a note earlier this month that Trump doesnt have the legal authority to replicate the IEEPA tariffs under other tariff statutes. For example, the sectoral tariffs were imposed under separate authorization based on national security.

In other words, the president is in a jam because if the court strikes down the IEEPA tariffs, his trade deals have no legal basis, he wrote.

In another note on Wednesday, Lucier predicted that while the case is appealed to the Supreme Court, most countries would adhere to their trade deals with the U.S. to avoid antagonizing Trump, even if the administration has to come up with a new legal justification for its tariffs.

But trading partners that held off on immediately retaliating against the U.S. may become more willing to strike back over time, changing negotiations over the details of any trade deals that havent been fully fleshed out, he added.

This could lead to months of uncertainty in global trade as the tariffs collected under IEEPA are refunded and the U.S. switches to a different set of levies, Lucier warned. Trading partners who cooperated with Trump may be less willing to cooperate the second time around.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Texas Gov Greg Abbott signs bills into law Texas Governor's Office

(The Center Square)  Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed the states new congressional redistricting bill into law. The new maps could swing up to five seats in Congress currently held by Democrats to Republican in the 2026 midterms.

He did so after adding it to the agenda of two special sessions. During the first special session, more than 50 House Democrats left the state in protest, halting legislative proceedings. The bill eventually passed in the second special session along party lines.

At least two lawsuits have been filed claiming the redistricting plan is illegal and discriminatory. Republicans not only argue it is legal but necessary to reflect voter trends and political preferences after more voters voted Republican in the last two elections, The Center Square reported.

Abbott posted a video on social media of him signing the bill into law, saying it ensures fairer representation in the United States Congress for Texans. He also thanked all state lawmakers who stayed in Austin to pass it.

Texas is now more red in the United States Congress, he said.

To counter Texas, California has sent a ballot measure to voters to approve in November that could swing several Republican-held seats to Democrats.

Today, I signed the One Big Beautiful Map into law. This map ensures fairer representation in Congress. Texas will be more RED in Congress. pic.twitter.com/aOT7QCoSF8 Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 29, 2025

The Texas House and Senate passed additional bills this week on the special session agenda.

The Senate also passed SB 19, Banning Campaign Fundraising During Special Sessions, filed by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston.

For decades, Texas law has prohibited the Governor, Lt. Governor, and legislators from raising campaign funds during regular legislative sessions, Patrick said. The bill bans campaign fundraising during special sessions to align with existing law that applies to regular sessions. It will also prevent Democrats from breaking quorum in the future, since these vacations are very hard to maintain without donor funds, he said, referring to House Democrats absconding for more than two weeks. It will also reduce the number of special sessions in the future, as well as their length, and encourage legislators to remain present and on task, saving taxpayers money, he said.

Bettencourt explained the need for the bill, stating on social media that Democratic Senate Caucus Chair [Sen.] Carol Alvarado engaged in what could only be described as active fundraising in the Capitol prior to an attempted filibuster on the Senate floor.

He pointed to an Alvarado campaign email asking supporters to watch a planned filibuster on the Senate floor and to donate to support her. The whole purpose of the email was to rush donations to her campaign and in an enormous breach of Senate tradition and possible illegality, it was also accompanied by a series of short videos of her all around the Senate chamber to Stand with Carol and watch her filibuster, Bettencourt said.

The filibuster never happened because of procedural maneuvers Republicans took. In response, Alvarado said the Senate silenced her; Texas Senate Democrats said the Senate crossed a line by preventing her filibuster.

Bettencourt argues she turned the entire Senate chamber, Senate gallery, staff, and other Senate members into props for an active political fundraiser at the Capitol as an active fundraiser, which the new bill will prevent from occurring in the future.

The Texas Senate passed another three bills, SB 8, SB 19, and HB 25, which already passed the House.

SB 8 phases out the STAAR Test public school students are required to take every year.

For far too long, Texas students and teachers have been burdened by the STAAR test, a cumbersome one-size-fits-all assessment that fails to actually measure student educational achievement, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. SB 8 replaces the test with a system to assess student growth and improve educational outcomes, Patrick said, adding that its a victory for Texas parents, educators, and most importantly, students.

The Senate also passed HB 25 after it already passed the House, which makes Ivermectin easily accessible, including over the counter at pharmacies. During COVID-19-era lockdowns, vaccine mandates and restrictions on alternative approaches to treatment were implemented, and a need for increased medical freedom in Texas arose, Patrick said. The Texas Senate is committed to increasing medical freedom and ensuring Texans have access to the medical drugs they need.

The House also passed key bills on the legislative agenda, including HB 7, which prohibits abortion-inducing medication by mail. The bill notably establishes a civil liability for individuals or entities who prescribe, dispense, ship, or provide abortion inducing medication, including providers located outside of Texas, in violation of state law. It also allows for a private right of action enforcement mechanism similar to other anti-abortion laws in the state.

The House also passed SB 8, after it already passed the Senate, which protects women and girls in public spaces including public restrooms, locker rooms, and other facilities.

House Speaker Dustin Burrows had originally hoped the House would be able to pass all bills on the legislative agenda by Labor Day weekend. However, that didnt happen and the House is reconvening on Tuesday.
lfonso Catalano / DVF; Stefano Trovati / DVF Grace Burns, Kim Kardashian at the 16th annual DVF Awards

NEED TO KNOW

Kim Kardashian gave her thoughts on the ICE raids being carried out around the country before attending the annual DVF awards in Venice, Italy

The awards are held every year to honor women making a difference  this year that included Kardashian and Christy Turlington Burns

Grace Burns, Christy's model daughter with actor Ed Burns, was on hand to present the award to her mom

Stars like Christy Turlington Burns, Kim Kardashian, Billie Lourd and Tina Brown came out to celebrate at the 16th annual DVF Awards in Venice on August 28.

Model Grace Burns was on hand to present an award to her mom, Christy Turlington Burns, who was being honored for her commitment to making a difference with her charity Every Mother Counts. (Grace Burns' dad is actor Ed Burns.)

Alfonso Catalano / DVF Grace Burns, Christy Turlington Burns at the 16th annual DVF Awards

Other honorees this year included Hanin Ahmed, Fany Kuiru Castro, Kim Kardashian, and Giulia Minoli. Presenters included Tina Brown, Pierfrancesco Favino, Giulia Foscari and Chris Young.

The mission of these awards has always been to support and amplify the voices of women who have demonstrated the courage to fight, the strength to survive, and the leadership to inspire, said Diane von Furstenberg in a statement.

Stefano Trovati / DVF Diane von Furstenberg, Kim Kardashian at the 16th annual DVF Awards

The designer, along with her Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, first founded The DVF Awards in 2010.

Over the years, the Awards "have amplified the voices of women from more than thirty countries with grants to further their important work in the areas of climate change, immigration, fighting human trafficking, promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women," her statement continued.

Kardashian was also honored by presenter Chris Young  a man she helped free from prison  for her advocacy work with criminal justice reform. She's helped to release wrongly incarcerated Americans, and championed policy changes to the legal system. According to Variety, before the awards, Kardashian opened up to journalists about her thoughts on the current ICE Raids being carried out around the country.

Alfonso Catalano / DVF Diane von Furstenberg, Kim Kardashian at the 16th annual DVF Awards

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 said.

Kardashian added, 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.

After the awards, which were held at the Goldoni Theatre in Venice, attendees were treated to a performance by Iranian dancer-choreographer Sahar Dehghan.

Stefano Trovati / DVF Awards recipients and presenters at the 16th annual DVF awards in Venice

Von Furstenberg added of the event, In these chaotic times, it is more important than ever that this years honorees are incredible women who have had the courage to fight, the strength to survive and the leadership to inspire. I am thrilled to draw attention to their important work and to celebrate in Venice, a city that I love and is herself an extraordinary woman.

Read the original article on People
Jacob Elordi poses for photographers at the red carpet for the film 'Frankenstein' during the 82nd edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

VENICE, Italy (AP)  Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi arrived at the Venice Film Festival Saturday for the world premiere of Guillermo del Toros Frankenstein, the kickoff to what's expected to be the film's major awards season push. The audience gave it a 13-minute standing ovation, one of the most enthusastic of the 82nd edition of the festival.

Isaac plays Victor Frankenstein and Elordi is the monster in this adaptation of Mary Shelleys classic novel, which del Toro has been dreaming about making for decades.

Its the movie that Ive been in training for 30 years to do, del Toro told The Associated Press.

Speaking in Venice, del Toro said he feels like he's in postpartum depression now that he's completed the film, a gothic feast of sets.

Isaac said before they started making Frankenstein, del Toro told him, Im creating this banquet for you, you just have to show up and eat.

This film feels particularly personal," Isaac added. I think ultimately it is about outsiders."

Elordi joined the production fairly late in the process, and threw himself into the childlike monster, who he didn't find so hard to relate to.

Its a vessel that I could put every part of myself into, Elordi said. In so many ways the creature that is on screen in that movie is the purest form of myself, hes more me than I am.

Outside the red carpet, several hundred anti-war protested gathered peacefully, hoping to turn the spotlight to the war in Gaza.

The last time del Toro was at Venice was with The Shape of Water in 2017, which won the festivals top prize that year before going on to pick up the best picture and best director Oscar in 2018. Netflix does not yet have a best picture winner in their arsenal, but is betting big on Frankenstein. Del Toros last film, Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio, won the streamer its first best animated film Oscar.

Like The Shape of Water, Frankenstein is up for the big awards at Venice, where it will be competing with films like Yorgos Lanthimoss Bugonia,Kathryn Bigelows A House of Dynamite, Park Chan-wooks No Other Choice and Kaouther Ben Hanias The Voice of Hind Rajab. Winners will be announced by the Alexander Payne-led jury on Sept. 6.

Netflix plans to release Frankenstein in theaters on Oct. 17, before it comes to streaming Nov. 7.

___

For more coverage of the 2025 Venice Film Festival, visit https://apnews.com/hub/venice-film-festival.
Google is still optimizing the appearance and usability of its most widely used apps. Fortunately, Gmail gets the spotlight with a new Material 3 Expressive redesign.

Though the improvements will seem minimal at first blush, they provide smoother interactions, neater graphics, and a fresher design that ties in with Google's overall initiative for platform consistency.

Gmail's New Visual Upgrade

In the last few months, Google rolled out Material 3 Expressive gradually across its platform, bringing more rounded edges, polished layouts, and themed overhauls to the user interface. Android Police reports that the newest update to Gmail follows the same track, making subtle but significant changes aimed at streamlining navigation and email management.

The update is all about enhancing readability and ease of use. When opening an email, users shall experience simpler separation of the subject line, sender information, and body text. The three now have clear borders and a touch of color, which makes emails easier to read at a glance.

Pill-Shaped Buttons for a Contemporary Appearance

One of the most glaring differences between this redesign and previous models is the addition of pill-shaped buttons. These soft-edged controls supplant the sharper, more angular edges of earlier models, making Gmail conform to Google's new design philosophy. The change not only appears more contemporary but also makes the user interface friendlier and less strict.

From writing a new message, responding, to browsing through inbox sections, you will notice that the new buttons harmonize with Material 3's expressive design principles.

Seamless User Experience

The updates are intended to make Gmail more intuitive without burdening users with radical overhauls. The tech giant wants to minimize friction in handling emails on Android by improving section organization and streamlining interactions, according to 9to5Google.

While the redesign does not introduce any significant functionality changes, it does improve the overall sheen of the app. In the near future, we are yet to see the rest of Google's suite to bear Gmail's aesthetic through incremental updates.

More Changes on the Horizon

While this rollout focuses on subtle design tweaks, rumors suggest additional updates are in development. One possible upcoming change includes a redesigned search bar, though it has not yet appeared in the current release. Given Google's ongoing updates across Android 16 and other apps, Gmail users can expect even more refinements in the near future.

How to Get the Update

Those who want to try out Gmail's new look can visit the Google Play Store and download the updated app. The modifications might not seem game-changing. But it's a great way to continue a trend of making Google's offerings streamlined, visually pleasing, and intuitive on all levels.
Twenty years ago, on Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina cemented itself in history as one of the deadliest and most devastating disasters to strike the United States.

Katrina claimed the lives of 1,392 people, according to the National Hurricane Center, with most of the lives lost in Louisiana and Mississippi. This made Katrina the deadliest hurricane for the U.S. since the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane.

ABC News, Files - PHOTO: Hurricane Katrina.

The storm caused more than $125 billion in damage across the Southeast U.S., making it the costliest hurricane in the nation's history before it was tied by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Most of the damage was due to the levee and water pump failures in New Orleans, the historic storm surge in Mississippi and Katrina's expansive wind field.

MORE: Hurricane Katrina: ABC's Robin Roberts Personal Essay

Katrina's beginnings

What would eventually become Hurricane Katrina began as a tropical wave that merged with the remnants of a tropical depression near the Lesser Antilles on Aug. 19.

The combined disturbance became more organized as it moved northwest of the Bahamas over the following few days, becoming a tropical depression on Aug. 23.

At 11 a.m. ET the next morning, a Hurricane Hunters flight into the storm found that it had reached tropical storm strength with max sustained winds of 40 mph. At that point, it received the name Katrina.

Vincent Laforet/Pool/AFP via Getty Images, Files - PHOTO: People are stranded on a roof due to flood waters from Hurricane Katrina, August 30, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Tropical Storm Katrina then began to turn west toward South Florida and quickly strengthened into a hurricane less than two hours before landfall on the evening of Aug. 25 near Hollywood, Florida, with max sustained winds of 80 mph.

Katrina tracked over the Florida Everglades and weakened to a tropical storm before reemerging over the Gulf on Aug. 26.

MORE: 'Katrina babies' describe their ongoing recovery 20 years after deadly storm

Katrina underwent rapid intensification twice

As Katrina began to track in the Gulf, it restrengthened into a Category 1 hurricane with max winds of 75 mph. A perfect storm of conditions helped Katrina not only rapidly intensify in strength, but do so twice within a 48-hour span.

Rapid intensification is a process where a tropical cyclone quickly ramps up in strength, increasing in its max winds by at least 35 mph within 24 hours.

With abnormally warm sea temperatures reaching down deep in the Gulf and low wind shear, Katrina rapidly intensified with max winds increasing from 75 mph on Aug. 26 to near 110 mph by the next morning.

Katrina then underwent rapid intensification again beginning Aug. 27 after slightly weakening from an eyewall replacement cycle, a natural fluctuation that allows a tropical cyclone to better take advantage of its environment.

Noaa, Files - PHOTO: Hurricane Katrina.

After completing the eyewall replacement cycle, Katrina went from a Category 3 hurricane with winds at 115 mph to a powerful Category 5 hurricane with max winds near 165 mph on Aug. 28 as it began to turn north toward Louisiana.

Katrina reached its peak strength about 300 miles south of New Orleans with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph. At that time, it became the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Gulf. Katrina would be surpassed by Hurricane Rita later that year and by Hurricane Milton in 2024.

MORE: Above-normal activity predicted for remainder of 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA says

Dire forecasts and warnings of Katrina's wrath

Leading up to Katrina's fateful landfalls over the Gulf Coast, the National Hurricane Center and the local National Weather Service office for New Orleans issued chilling forecasts for the Louisiana and Mississippi Coasts.

The National Weather Service office for New Orleans and Baton Rouge issued an unusually dire warning on Aug. 28, urging residents to evacuate and avoid the devastation Katrina was expected to bring.

Vincent Laforet/Pool/AFP via Getty Images, Files - PHOTO: Water spills over a levee along the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, August 30, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The office warned that "most of the area [would be] uninhabitable for weeksperhaps longer," and that anyone exposed "will face certain death if struck." This stark language is rarely used by the National Weather Service -- it's only reserved for the most extreme situations.

That same day, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin ordered the first-ever mandatory evacuation of the city, fearing that Katrina would be "an unprecedented event in the history of the city of New Orleans, and we want everybody to get out."

Katrina's turn north toward Louisiana

An area of high pressure was situated over the Gulf Coast, forcing Katrina to make its turn west into Florida before emerging into the Gulf. The area of high pressure began to shift east toward the Atlantic Ocean, allowing for Katrina to turn north toward Louisiana as the week progressed.

On Aug. 29 at 6:10 a.m. CT, Katrina made its second landfall over Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana -- about 45 miles southeast of New Orleans -- as a Category 3 hurricane with max winds of 125 mph. Although Katrina had weakened slightly, its hurricane-force winds extended almost 120 miles from the system's center at the time of landfall.

Later that morning, Katrina made its third and final landfall at the mouth of the Pearl River near the Louisiana-Mississippi border with winds up to 120 mph after crossing the Breton Sound.

Rob Carr/AP, Files - PHOTO: Rhonda Braden walks through the destruction in her childhood neighborhood in Long Beach, Miss., Aug. 31, 2005, after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the area.

As it moved over Louisiana and Mississippi and went further inland away from its fuel source, Katrina began to quickly weaken. Katrina weakened to a Category 1 hurricane by 2 p.m. ET on Aug. 29, then to a tropical storm only six hours later.

By the morning of Aug. 30, Katrina had weakened to a tropical depression near Clarksville, Tennessee, with max winds near 35 mph. The next day, Katrina dissolved into a remnant low -- a shell of its former self -- as it moved over the Ohio Valley.

The World Meteorological Organization, the organization responsible for maintaining the list of names used for tropical cyclones, retired the name "Katrina" from the Atlantic hurricane naming list in April 2006.
The Southern California bookmaker who was a central figure in the Shohei Ohtani-Ippei Mizuhara scandal received a prison sentence of one year and one day on Friday, further closing the book on a saga that captivated MLB last year.

Mathew Bowyer, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of operating an unlawful gambling business, one count of money laundering and one count of subscribing to a false tax return in August 2024. In addition to his prison time, he was ordered to pay $1,613,280 in restitution.

As part of his plea agreement, he also agreed to forfeit $257,923 in U.S. currency and $14,830 in casino chips seized by law enforcement in 2023.

Speaking with reporters after his hearing, Bowyer said he accepted the consequences of his actions:

"When you do a crime, you've got to do the time. So at the end of the day, I was doing something illegal, and my message has never changed from Day 1. My children are here. Everyone who cares about me is here, and if you do something wrong, you can't enjoy all the perks and all the good things, all the illegal activities you're doing and then not expect something to happen."

Everyone involved in the Shohei Ohtani scandal, including the bookie involved, has said the Dodgers star was a victim. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

It was Bowyer's illegal gambling operation that received the bulk of money that Mizuhara stole from Ohtani. Per the criminal complaint against Ohtani's former friend and interpreter, Mizuhara made more than 19,000 wagers with Bowyer from December 2021 to January 2024, racking up a net loss of $40.7 million.

To pay off the debt, Mizuhara stole $16 million from an Ohtani bank account and at one point was sending Bowyer $500,000 per week out of the account, which he controlled by changing the phone number and email address the bank had on file. When Mizuhara didn't respond to some calls, Bowyer reportedly sent him a text saying he was watching Ohtani and threatening to talk to him.

The federal investigation into Bowyer ultimately doomed Mizuhara, as investigators had some understandable questions when they found all those wire transfers from an account with Ohtani's name on it. Mizuhara was eventually sentenced to 57 months in prison for bank fraud and tax fraud.

While there was initial confusion surrounding Ohtani's involvement and concerns that he made bets himself, everyone involved in the situation, including Bowyer, Mizuhara, the IRS, the DOJ and MLB, has unanimously concluded that Ohtani was the unknowing victim. Bowyer reiterated that Friday, saying part of the reason he pleaded guilty was to close the book for MLB:

"We wanted to make sure that MLB, the Dodgers organization, Angels were able to get back on the field and have no distractions by telling the truth and giving all the facts ... Shohei Ohtani doesn't deserve to have any negative connotation to his name."

Former Angels player David Fletcher is also alleged to have made bets with Bowyer.

Bowyer's operation went well beyond a couple of players. Per the authorities, he ran his illegal business in Los Angeles, Orange County and Las Vegas with a network of agents and sub-agents, some of them casino hosts. He also reportedly used several Costa Rica-based websites and a call center to receive and track bets.

It was previously alleged that Bowyer laundered much of the money he received by gambling it at legitimate Las Vegas casinos, racking up $7.9 million in losses at one of them.
Getty Images Jenna Ortega on August 28, 2025.

The Gist

Jenna Ortega attended a New York City gala in honor of Wednesday season 2 on August 28.

She wore a custom GapStudio mauve acid wash gown with distressed details.

Part two of Wednesday's second season debuts September 3

Jenna Ortega's latest look is a flash from the past. This evening, the actress attended a New York City gala celebrating Wednesday season 2, where she served 1980s-inspired gothic glamour.

Ortega walked the purple carpet in a matching acid wash gown custom made by GapStudio, which featured a knot detail and distressed cutouts. Her dress's shredded train trailed to the floor, while underneath, Ortega wore a black lace bustier.

Getty Images Jenna Ortega on August 28, 2025.

Silver necklaces and bracelets, as well as chunky black platforms, completed Ortega's ensemble. The Beetlejuice Beetlejuice star wore her brunette tresses in a slick "wet" look with tiny braids, while her makeup included a gradient smoky eye, terracotta blush, and a matte mauve lip.

Earlier this month, Ortega continued her Wednesday-inspired style streak on the streets of New York, attending a screening of the Netflix show's second season.

Getty Images Jenna Ortega on August 28, 2025.

Ortega modeled a plunging black slip dress featuring leather accents. She also added on a pair of Miista's knee-high lace-up bootscomplete with a gothic square toe.

The actress wore her medium-length mane in a middle part, while her glam consisted of a taupe smoky eye, smudged black liner, and a nude lip.

Getty Images Jenna Ortega on August 5, 2025.

Ortega has leaned into method dressing throughout Wednesday's season 2 press tour, favoring bleached eyebrows, moody beauty, and vampy gowns.

Part one of Wednesday's highly anticipated second season is out now, nearly three years since the premiere of season 1. Part two will hit the streaming platform on September 3.



Read the original article on InStyle
Getty Images Julia Roberts at the photocall for 'After the Hunt' at Venice Film Festival.

The Gist

Julia Roberts wore a black asymmetrical gown to the premiere of After the Hunt at Venice International Film Festival.

The Erin Brockovich star's look was designed by Roger Vivier.

She accessorized with over 100 carats of diamonds from Chopard.

Julia Roberts has officially made her Venice International Film Festival red carpet debut. Stepping out for the premiere of her new film After the Hunt, the actress turned heads in a show-stopping long-sleeve gown designed by Roger Vivier. The asymmetrical look featured a unique diamond pattern that fanned out from a panel at the waist.

Getty Images Julia Roberts at the premiere of 'After the Hunt' during Venice International Film Festival.

In the accessories department, meanwhile, the Erin Brockovich star's ensemble was made all the more dazzling thanks to a generous serving of actual diamonds totaling over 100 carats. Courtesy of Chopard, her platinum and titanium earrings featured 36.15 carats of diamonds; her bracelet, meanwhile, was set in 18k white gold with 44.43 carats of sapphires and 22.66 carats of diamonds.

Getty Images Julia Roberts at the premiere of 'After the Hunt' during Venice International Film Festival.

Roberts stars in After the Hunt alongside Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri. The film takes place at Yale University and chronicles the aftermath of a sexual assault accusation. At a recent press conference, Roberts acknowledged that the movie would spark debate in the wake of #MeToo.

"Theres a lot of old arguments that get rejuvenated in this movie in a way that does create conversation," she said, per The Hollywood Reporter. "The best part of your question is you talking about how you all came out of the theater talking about [the film], and thats how we wanted it to feelthat everybody comes out with all these different feelings, emotions and points of views."



Roberts added that, "You realize what you believe in strongly and what your convictions are because we stir it all up for you. So, youre welcome.

Getty Images Andrew Garfield, Luca Guadagnino, Julia Roberts, and Ayo Edebiri at the premiere of 'After the Hunt.'

As for her co-star Edebiri, The Bear actress called her role in the film "a dream" precisely because of the challenges associated with the subject matter. Thats how you grow, she said. Thats the type of movie I enjoy watching.

Read the original article on InStyle
The attacker in a Catholic church school shooting in Minnesota that killed two children and injured 18 others arrived at the scene heavily armed with an AR-15-style rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun and a 9mm pistol, according to court records obtained by the St. Cloud Times, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Among items police found at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis was ammunition, a 2x4 wood board with what appeared to be smoke canisters affixed to it and a belt of magazine pouches around the suspect's body. The items are detailed in search warrant affidavits filed in Hennepin County District Court by Minneapolis police.

Police found the suspected shooter, Robin Westman, 23, at the back of the church dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The 23-year-old wore a mask and black "tactical" gear, according to police affidavits. The two children who died - Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10  were found in the pews, according to the records.

Westman drove to the church in a gray Ram ProMaster City utility van with Minnesota plates, according to Minneapolis police records. The car belonged to the suspects father, according to a police affidavit.

Revelations about what police found at the scene come days after the attack on Aug. 27 that left 15 other children and three parishioners in their 80s injured. The school is for grades preschool through 8th grade.

Heres what else the new files reveal:

Police interview family members

In the wake of the attack, police went to interview the suspects father.

Westmans father told police that the suspected shooter had been staying at an address in Richfield, Minnesota, outside the city. Westman had moved in with a friend in St. Louis Park after a breakup, according to a police affidavit.

The suspects father told police that his child had previously attended the Annunciation church and school. Westmans mother worked at the church and school in some manner, the suspects father told police.

What records show about the scene

Inside the church, police found "blood and other biological evidence in multiple areas of the church," including bloodstains on the carpet and pews, police affidavits say. Outside the church police found two discarded bloodstained green shirts.

Police collected dozens of blood samples to be processed as part of the investigation into the attack, according to an inventory.

What else are police looking for?

Search warrants indicate that investigators expect to find additional evidence at addresses connected with the suspected shooter.

Among the items police expect to find, according to a search warrant, are weapons including firearms, explosive materials, ammo and financial records indicating how Westman obtained weapons.

Investigators also hope to uncover what motivated the shooting. Other items police expected to collect from Westmans residences were cell phones, laptops, memory cards and any written documents, including a manifesto or "notes referencing planning, motive, targets, ideology, or grievances."

Michael Loria is a breaking news reporter with USA TODAY. Corey Schmidt is a reporter for the St. Cloud Times, part of the USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota shooter went to church school with arsenal, records show
Officials in Wyoming have located the body of missing hiker Grant Gardner nearly a month after he went missing in the Bighorn Mountains.

Search and rescue officials found the Minnesota man dead in the Cloud Peak Wilderness after a professional climbing team from North Carolina noticed a backpack underneath a ledge late Aug. 26, according to the Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriff's Office.

The group notified the sheriff's office about the backpack, located a few hundred feet above them, and waited for search and rescue teams to arrive at daylight. Personnel later found Gardner's body near the backpack and completed a dangerous recovery operation ahead of an incoming storm, the sheriff's office confirmed on Aug. 28.

"The following update is bittersweet," the sheriff's office wrote. "While its not the outcome we hoped for, we are hopeful this will provide much needed peace and closure to the family."

Sheriff Ken Blackburn said that Gardner's body was brought to his family.

What happened to Grant Gardner?

The office said Gardner went missing during a three-day hike through the Misty Moon Lake area with the goal of reaching the Cloud Peak summit, the highest peak in the Bighorn National Forest.

He was last heard from on July 29 and phone records revealed that he reached the 13,000 feet summit at around 7 p.m., the sheriff's office said. Search officials were concerned by the late hour as he had to grapple with a "lack of visible trails through cliffs, timber line, boulder fields and other hazards that had to be navigated after dark before reaching clear trails and safe terrain."

The Big Horn County Coroners Office is working to determine the time, cause and manner of Gardner's death, according to the sheriff.

New Orleans remembers Hurricane Katrina 20 years later The Flooded House Museum is a one-of-a-kind life-sized diorama replicating what neighborhood homes looked like after Hurricane Katrina's floodwall failures, created by Levees.org in a gutted house next to the London Avenue Canal and completed in 2019, as New Orleans marks the 20th anniversary of Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Aug. 20, 2025.

Blackburn said the sherrif's office believes that Gardner "succumbed to a tragic accident as we all have surmised."

His body was located in one of two primary search areas but search efforts were complicated by "air and other means," Blackburn said. He also applauded search and rescue teams for "not giving up" as well as the North Carolina team that located Gardner.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Missing hiker Grant Gardner's body found in Cloud Peak Wilderness
The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, Missouri, is seen on September 16, 2022. - Jeff Roberson/AP/File

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe on Friday announced a special session to draw new congressional maps  becoming the latest governor of a Republican-run state to accede to President Donald Trump s demands to undertake mid-decade redistricting.

Kehoe ordered lawmakers to return to the state capitol next week to take up the map-drawing, along with legislation aimed at weakening the states citizen initiative process.

The proposed map unveiled by Kehoe takes aim at long-serving Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleavers Kansas City-area district and could put Republicans on track to win seven out of the states eight US House seats in next years midterm elections. Cleaver, in his 11th term, has previously vowed to take legal action to block any map that targets his seat.

In a statement, Kehoe said the measures before lawmakers will ensure our districts and Constitution truly put Missouri values first.

On Friday, Trump hailed Kehoes move in a social media post, saying the session would yield a new, much fairer, and much improved, Congressional Map, that will give the incredible people of Missouri the tremendous opportunity to elect an additional MAGA Republican next year.

Kehoes action came the same day that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law new maps in Texas, which Republicans hope could net them five additional House seats.

The Missouri special session will start Wednesday.

Trump and his allies have urged Republicans in several states  including Missouri Ohio, Indiana and South Carolina  to take aim at a handful of Democratic seats in their states in a quest to preserve or grow the GOPs narrow majority in the US House after the 2026 midterm elections. Florida has also launched a legislative committee to examine redistricting, but any action is likely to occur next year.

Earlier this week, a contingent of Indiana lawmakers visited the White House to discuss redistricting.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin denounced Kehoes action Friday. Another Republican governor just caved to the demands of Donald Trump at the expense of Missouri families and American democracy, he said in a statement.

Mid-decade redistricting is rare, and the effort to draw new lines marks an extraordinary campaign by the president to keep Democrats from controlling the House during the last two years of Trumps second term in the White House.

In a counterpunch to Texas action, the California legislature recently advanced a plan to set aside maps drawn by a nonpartisan commission to create five more Democratic-friendly seats. Voters in California will decide in a November referendum whether to approve that plan in what is expected to be a costly campaign.

Other Democratic states are weighing redistricting efforts of their own. But Republicans  who control the governors offices and legislatures in 23 states compared to just 15 held by Democrats  have more avenues to squeeze out additional seats that benefit their party as the redistricting battles spread.

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Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe in Jefferson City, Mo., in 2024. (Emily Curiel / Kansas City Star / Getty Images)

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Friday that he will convene the states General Assembly for a special session next week to redraw congressional maps as Republicans push to create more GOP-leaning districts ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Kehoe said in a statement outlining the move that for the special session starting Wednesday he is directing the states Republican-controlled Legislature to take action on redistricting to ensure districts truly put Missouri values first.

Missourians are more alike than we are different, and our Missouri values, across both sides of the aisle, are closer to each other than those of the extreme Left representation of New York, California, and Illinois, he said.

The Missouri General Assembly has a Republican supermajority, with the party controlling two-thirds of the seats in both the House and Senate.

Though Democrats in Missouri are limited in their ability to prevent their GOP colleagues from moving ahead with new maps, state Sen. Doug Beck, the top Democrat in the chamber, said in a fundraising post on X that the party will fight this at every step.

If Democrats retake the House, they will release the Epstein Files, and this scares the hell out of President Trump. 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, Beck said in a statement.

Kehoes directive makes Missouri the second Republican-led state to move ahead with redrawing its congressional maps to favor the GOP heading into the 2026 midterm elections. The effort is backed by President Donald Trump as the party seeks to keep control of the House, where Republicans have a slim majority over Democrats.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed new congressional maps into law that could create as many as five new pickup opportunities for the party. The Republican governor said in a post on X that the maps ensure a fairer representation of Texas, which he posited will be more RED in Congress.

Several Democratic governors have promised to respond to the Republican effort with partisan redistricting moves of their own, with Californias Gavin Newsom and New Yorks Kathy Hochul among the most vocal proponents.

The Democratic-controlled Legislature in California recently passed a bill that will allow voters to decide in November whether the state should adopt new gerrymandered maps that could yield the party up to five new seats, a direct response to the GOP gains in Texas.

New York Democrats last month introduced a bill that would allow their state to conduct mid-decade redistricting if another state does so first, but that effort would require a state constitutional amendment and referendum, likely taking years to accomplish.

Utah will also redraw its congressional boundaries after a judge found that the states Republican-controlled Legislature unconstitutionally repealed a ballot measure in 2020 that banned partisan redistricting and weakened the role of an independent commission in drawing maps. The judge prohibited the state from holding future elections with its current congressional maps and said it must submit a new map before the end of September.
u/Patrick86br via Reddit.com

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to make a business succeed, as long as the food actually deserves it. But sometimes that word of mouth takes on a life of its own, and suddenly the expectations are through the roof. Thats when you get the chains everybody swears by, lines out the door, all this hype  and then you finally try it and its just fine.

So, the good Samaritans of the internet want to save you from falling for the same hype they did, and theyve listed the most overrated fast-food chains. According to the customers, here are the seven most overrated fast-food chains in America.

In-N-Out

Wilder Shaw / Cheapism

We are fully aware this entry is polarizing and patiently await the inevitable death threat from Gordon Ramsay, who once said hed choose a Double-Double, Animal Style, as part of his last meal. But the people have spoken, and in the endless is it really that good? debate, In-N-Out is average at best.

The California burger shrine, which somehow makes a 40-car drive-thru line sound appealing, has long marketed itself as a simple, West Coast-only secret  even though it has recently expanded into states like Colorado, Utah, and soon Tennessee.

And like most overhyped things, the problem isnt the burger itself, its the unrealistic expectations. While nobody has a problem with the Double Double, which has been called mid more than once, people are livid about the fries that taste like garbage. Any fast-food burger joint where you have to know the secret code (well done) just to get edible fries is overrated, said one Redditor.

Panera Bread

Jesse Grant/Getty Images

Technically, fast casual, Panera Bread is on every overrated list due to the disconnect between its marketing and reality, which borders on delusional. The whole brand is built on a wholesome and fresh image, but the reality is youre looking at calorie counts that could go toe-to-toe with McDonalds  plus a hefty price tag.

Panera is fast food for people who say they dont like how unhealthy fast food is but dont actually care about being healthy, one user wrote. Insanely expensive for extremely average food, another user added.

McDonalds

Remus Kotsell/istockphoto

If there ever was a chain thats both worshiped and reviled in equal measure, its the Golden Arches. McDonalds built a global empire by convincing the world that a 99-cent cheeseburger was the height of modern convenience, but the cracks are showing. Prices have ballooned, service is sluggish, and the food quality hasnt exactly evolved since the Reagan era.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index puts McDonalds dead last among major fast-food chains, and TripAdvisor reviews rank it right alongside KFC at the bottom of the barrel.

Its not cheap. Its not fast. Its not good, one Redditor said flatly. Another called the burgers dry as sawdust and wondered how the place still inspires so much loyalty.

Chick-fil-A

Emil C. / Yelp

Few things are more American than the cult of the Chick-fil-A sandwich. The phenomenon of a buttered bun, one fried filet, and two pickle slices pulling in Black Fridaylevel lines is something that belongs in a sociology textbook. For everyone outside the church of Chick-fil-A, though, the sandwich is aggressively fine.



Its just chicken. Plenty of other places have it, one Redditor ranted. These part-time workers get paid $11 to work non-stop for 8 hours a day just because you guys like to form lines all the way to the highway.

Taco Bell

u/k130patra via Reddit.com

There was a time when Taco Bell was the broke college kids best friend, and five bucks could buy you a sack of tacos and enough sodium to pickle your insides. Today, however, $5 barely covers a burrito and a drink, while the quality has nosedived into mushy lettuce and mystery meat territory. People are mostly going after Taco Bell and calling it overrated because it has somehow made Mexican food synonymous with a $4 Chalupa.

It was great when you could eat for five bucks. Now, it costs more than a real Mexican restaurant, one Redditor said.

Shake Shack

Hesper W. / Yelp

Shake Shack is fine, really. The chain does things the right way, using fresh beef and making everything in-house. But theres a big gap between something being good and being worth the hype. Twelve bucks for a burger thats just fine doesnt add up.

Many people point out that sixty percent of what youre paying is for the hype. It was even named the most expensive fast food chain in America, which makes the obsession even more challenging to justify.

Expensive and overrated. Dont get me wrong, its not bad, its actually pretty good. Its a good burger, not a great burger, one Redditor said.

Chipotle

Nikki H. / Yelp

Chipotle gained popularity in the early 2000s because it stood out with burritos the size of your arm, an assembly line, and the concept of food with integrity, which made fast food sound healthier. Nowadays, many people feel the only thing still hyped is the idea of eating at Chipotle. The quality has gone downhill. 20 years ago Chipotle was goat, now they just make shareholders money, one Redditor 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.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo. Photo: Gage Skidmore / Flickr /CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original

(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.

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.

 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.
There are certain animals throughout the world whom we love who are very vulnerable. Pandas happen to be one of them. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there have been many efforts from Chinese conservation organizations and groups over the last 30 years that have helped move pandas off of the endangered list. Even so, there are only around "1,864 pandas left in the wild."

That's why so many are excited to hear that six newborn panda cubs have been born in China. CNN's TikTok account recently posted a video of these little ones making their first public debut, and it's absolutely precious.

Aww! They are beyond cute! Chinese state media, Xinhua, shared this footage, and people all over the world are celebrating their arrival. And they can't get enough of these panda cubs.

In fact, commenters on the post are fawning over them, and no one could get upset about it. One wrote, "These gorgeous creatures are such a joy to watch," and another added, "Welcome to the world." Yes, indeed! And scrolling down through the comments, there are so many smiley face emojis that it's clear these precious pandas are melting hearts everywhere.

Related: Baby Elephant Makes Public Debut at Columbus Zoo and Visitors Are Totally in Love

What Happened At Their First Appearance?

In the video, the six panda cubs are carefully placed on a blanket in the grass by staff at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. These cubs are so tiny and curious. They were crawling about ready to discover new things, even though they just got here. Many of them have a pink tint to their skin. According to National Geographic, the pink will eventually be covered by black and white fur as they grow.

Hopefully, audiences will get to see more of these adorable panda babies in the future. It's noted in the video text that "dozens of baby pandas have been born in China's breeding programs since 2023," as stated by the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. This bunch are the latest additions.

These panda cubs don't have names yet, but they'll be given them later. As they seem pretty playful in the video, maybe they'll each get a name that matches their developing personalities. We can't wait to see more of these cuties soon!

This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Aug 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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.

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.

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)
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.

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.

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.

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.

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)
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Sen. Joni Ernst speaking at a Republican Party event, Image 2 shows Sen. Joni Ernst

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is expected to announce next week that she will not seek a third term in next years midterm elections.

CBS News first reported on the anticipated move by Ernst, 55, an Iraq War combat veteran and the first woman elected to Congress from the Hawkeye State.

Ernst was elected to the Senate in 2014 and rose to become vice chair of the Senate GOP caucus in 2019 and chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee in 2023.

Sen. Joni Ernst is expected to announce next month she will not seek reelection. AP

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina also recently turned down a reelection bid after clashing with President Donald Trump. AP

In 2016, Ernst was a contender to join Donald Trump on the Republican presidential ticket. The running mate slot ultimately went to then-Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.

Earlier this year, Ernst ignited a rage amongst President Trumps supporters after signaling that she was hesitant to support Pete Hegseths nomination to lead the Department of Defense  after the former Fox News host was criticized for past comments about women serving in combat roles and allegations of sexual assault, which Hegseth vehemently denied.

An Iraq War combat veteran and Iowas first woman elected to Congress, Ernst was first elected to an open Senate seat in 2014. AP

Ernst, a survivor of sexual assault and champion of improving how the military responds to claims of misconduct, eventually voted to confirm Hegseths nomination.

The Iowan is the latest of her GOP colleagues to turn down the opportunity to stand for another term in 2026.

Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have previously announced that they will not seek re-election.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has opted to run for governor of the Volunteer State rather than serve the remainder of her term, which does not expire until January 2031.

Ernst went head-to-head with Trump supporters when she was hesitant to support Trumps pick for the secretary of the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, who previously said he did not think women should be in combat roles. AP

Former Iowa GOP state Sen. Jim Carlin and military veteran Joshua Smith had already entered the primary race to challenge Ernst.

Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) and the Hawkeye States GOP governor, Kim Reynolds, who announced in April that she would not seek re-election, are also viewed as potential contenders for the open Senate seat.

On the Democratic side, state Sen. Zach Wahls; state Rep. Josh Turek; Jackie Norris, chair of the Des Moines School Board; and Nathan Sage, a former local chamber of commerce president, are all seeking the partys nomination for the seat.

Third-term Rep. Ashley Hinson is widely viewed as likely to enter the race. AP

Ernsts predecessor in the Senate, Tom Harkin, was the last Democratic senator to represent the once-competitive state.

Iowas senior senator, Republican Chuck Grassley, was first elected to his seat in 1980.

Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Posts signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here!

Ernsts seat is rated likely Republican by the Cook Political Report.

President Trump has won Iowa in all three of his presidential contests, beating former Vice President Kamala Harris by more than 13 percentage points last year.

Former President Barack Obama, a Democrat, carried the state in 2008 and 2012.

Ernsts office did not respond to The Posts request for comment.

With Post wires
(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.

"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."

"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)
Attorney General Pam Bondi Testifies In Senate Hearing Image not from the story (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Attorney General Pam Bondi terminated a Department of Justice paralegal Friday after the employee repeatedly made obscene gestures and cursed at National Guard members stationed in Washington, D.C., Fox News reported.

Elizabeth Baxter, who worked in the departments environmental division, lost her position following an investigation into multiple incidents that occurred this month at the DOJs 4CON building in the NoMa district, according to Fox News. Security footage captured Baxter arriving at work on Aug. 18 just after 8:20 a.m., where she bragged to a security guard about flipping off a guardsman at Metro Center Metro Stop.

Fk the National Guard, she told the guard, the New York Post reported. Later that day, cameras recorded her demonstrating the gesture to department security personnel while exclaiming Fk you! The behavior continued on Aug. 25 when Baxter again boasted to security staff that she hated the National Guard and had told them to Fk off!

Today, I took action to terminate a DOJ employee for inappropriate conduct towards National Guard service members in DC, Bondi said, the outlet reported. This DOJ remains committed to defending President Trumps agenda and fighting to make America safe again. If you oppose our mission and disrespect law enforcement  you will NO LONGER work at DOJ.

Bondis termination letter removed Baxter from her GS-11 Paralegal Specialist position effective immediately, according to the outlet. The firing follows the termination of Sean Charles Dunn, another DOJ paralegal who allegedly threw a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent earlier this month. Dunn faces misdemeanor charges that could result in up to one year in jail. (RELATED: Pam Bondi Reveals Guy Who Allegedly Threw Subway Sub At Officer Worked For DOJ  Hes Now Out Of A Job)

The Trump administration recently deployed hundreds of federal agents and National Guard troops to Washingtons streets as part of efforts to reduce crime in the district.
Getty Images

Key Points

Vinegar-based hot sauces (like Tabasco) are safe at room temperature but should be kept out of sunlight to preserve flavor.

Sauces with fresh ingredients or high water content (like sambal oelek or sweet chili) should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.

Fermented sauces are shelf-stable but last longer and taste better when chilled.

As a proud spicy food fiend, I keep a sizable collection of hot sauces in my kitchen at all times. I like to include sauces of different flavors, different heat levels, different textures, and different ingredient blends, and I store most of them in the door of my refrigerator. I put hot sauce on pretty much everything I cook and eat, so my bottles dont tend to stay full for very longwhich leads me to wonder whether Id even be able to tell if one of my beloved condiments "went bad."

Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D, founder and principal consultant of Mendocino Food Consulting, admits that "its not easy to tell" when a hot sauce is past its prime. Unless you happen to spot "mold growing on the surface of the hot sauce," youll likely be able to taste a decline in the sauces flavor and heat quotient well before pathogens become an issue.

But when it comes to keeping hot sauce as fresh and potent as possible, should the bottles be stored in the fridge or on the counter? Does the answer differ depending on the hot sauce style or ingredients? To get the real hot sauce scoop, we turned to a group of professional chefs, sauce makers, and food scientists.

Where To Store Vinegar-Based Hot Sauces

"The majority of hot sauces are stable at room temperature because they contain high concentrations of vinegar or other acids, Quoc Le explains.

This particularly applies to hot sauces that are, as Blackwell Smith, chef/owner of Lucky Cajun Seasonings, which recently developed its first retail hot sauce, puts it, thin, generally unthickened, and have vinegar as one of the first two ingredients. Louisiana-style sauces like Tabasco, Crystal, and Louisiana Brand all fit into this category.

The "why" is pretty simple: "Vinegar acts as a natural preservative by lowering the pH, inhibiting bacterial growth," explains Ty Thames, a Starkville, Mississippi-based chef and restaurateur and the founder of Mississippi Red Pepper Sauce.

But although vinegar sauces remain stable at room temperature, "proper storage is crucial. Vinegar-based sauces with lower acidity might undergo secondary fermentation, which, while not necessarily harmfulit introduces beneficial probioticscan result in bubbling."



Where To Store Vinegar-Based Hot Sauces With Fresh Ingredients

Our experts overwhelmingly agreed that determining where to store hot sauce depends on the sauce's specific ingredients: "The presence of fresh ingredients like onions, garlic, and carrots significantly increases the likelihood of needing refrigeration to prevent spoilage, Thames tells us.

Smith acknowledges that these hot sauces "need to be cooked before bottling because they have less acidity; the pH levels require [cooking] for them to be safe. He also says that the flavor will last longer in a cool environment because they tend to flow less easily when chilled. I would definitely refer to the label and the manufacturers suggestions here; they are all different and all behave differently.

Examples of popular sauces that should be refrigerated for ultimate freshness are sambal oelek, which has a "higher water content that makes it prone to spoilage if not refrigerated," says Marisa Baggett, a sushi chef based in Nashville, Tennessee, and sweet chili sauce. Baggett tells us that in spite of its high sugar content, sweet chili sauce can spoil very quickly after opening if not refrigerated."



Where To Store Fermented Hot Sauces

Fermentation adds several extra layers of depth to a hot sauce, which makes it a desirable product for flavor fanatics. These sauces can remain food-safe at room temperature, but the chefs we spoke with encouraged home cooks to be vigilant about store their fermented condiments in a cool, dark space. I would definitely recommend putting these in the refrigerator, says Blackwell Smith.

Baggett agrees, pointing to gochujang as an example of a fermented sauce that is best in the fridge.

Gochujang is a very thick, fermented hot sauce with Korean origins. Since the fermentation process can subtly continue after opening, keeping it in the fridge helps maintain its balance and prevents overly spunky, Baggett explains, adding that while its safe on the counter for short periods, refrigeration slows any further fermentation. Overly fermented sauce can change the flavor.



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How To Store Hot Sauce At Room Temperature

Even with vinegar-based hot sauces that can be stored at room temperature without compromising the flavor or safety, Smith recommends keeping the sauces away from the direct sun.

Just like any food, if you leave it open in the window where direct sunlight hits itor if you leave it on the stove, slowly cooking ityou can and probably will kill the flavor before it's time. It will probably not be dangerous to consume, but it will not be as good as if you just kept it in your dark cabinet, Smith says.

A Final Note On Storage

Even though most hot sauces wont spoil when stored at room temperature, the chefs and scientists we interviewed tell us that if youre at all unsure, go ahead and put your hot sauce bottle in the refrigerator. "Refrigerated hot sauces can stay fresh for over a year," Quoc Le says.

Baggett says that fridge storage is the right default option because "if you err on the side of caution and refrigerate all of your hot sauce, its very easy to allow the sauce to come to room temperature for best flavor before using it versus trying to fix a hot sauce that may have separated or dried out slightly from pantry storage."



Related: 13 Things You Should Never Store On Top Of Your Fridge

Read the original article on Southern Living
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Aug. 21, 2025)  The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has restored Guaranteed Access Grants to hundreds of college students after funds were inadvertently rescinded due to a computer glitch, authorities confirmed Thursday.

The grants, originally awarded in the spring, had been canceled just days before the fall semester began. The error stemmed from the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS), where a software malfunction falsely identified students as ineligible.

Michael Sandler, speaking for the University System of Maryland, acknowledged the disruption's impact on students. "We were stunned to learn that hundreds of students ... were notified ... that their Guaranteed Access Grants ... had been canceled. This is devastating for them and must be addressed quickly," he said. He added that campuses are coordinating with MHEC and the governor's office to reassure affected students.

Among those affected is Frostburg State freshman Andrew Farmer, who was preparing for dorm move-in when his $18,000 grant disappeared from his financial aid portal. His mother, Amy Sawyer, described the situation as "complete and utter panic" and said the family is scrambling to cover tuition amid the uncertainty.
Many of us remember calling a parent at work to have them pick us up from school for a sick day, or several. Once we got home, they were out of the office and the designated caretaker until everything was better again. Now parents can juggle telehealth appointments during lunch breaks, create mobile office setups in childrens bedrooms, and coordinate care through family group chats and shared calendars. Thanks to virtual doctor visits and hybrid schedules that didnt exist a generation ago, families are now able to handle sick days with remote work flexibility.



No sick day is a good day, but thanks to remote work and telehealth, now they are as good as they can be, says Dr. Tracy Burton, MD, pediatrician and chief medical officer at As You Are. Dr. Burton adds that before telehealth was a thing, the struggle and the juggle were real. It still is, but as a mom of a 10-year-old and a pediatrician who works in telehealth for a living, I am so thankful for how far we have come, she adds.

Dr. Burton points out that lots of telehealth companies allow parents the convenience of scheduling appointments on their own schedule. This is especially important for kids who are too sick to travel or have specific needs. Dr. Burton says, For a child, especially one with special needs, leaving the house causes a lot of stress. Being in the comfort of their own home is everything for some kids.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than two-thirds of schoolchildren missed at least one day of school because of illness or injury last year, with half being absent for up to three days.

How do you know when your child should stay home?

Beyond a teacher calling from school to tell you your child says they dont feel well, Dr. Burton says there are other clear signs and symptoms that indicate a day or two at home may be required.



Your child has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. Sending a child to school with a temperature over 100 not only risks spreading germs, but your child may also be feeling too bad to be able to pay attention.





Your child has thrown up or has had diarrhea within the last 24 hours. Dr. Burton says it's important to keep your child home to prevent transmission and to properly rehydrate.





Your child has a constant cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath. A child with a constant cough is going to have a hard time paying attention during the school day, and that cough could also be a sign of a contagious respiratory illness.





Your child has red, watery, or pus-like eye discharge. It may be a sign of conjunctivitis (Pink eye), which is highly contagious and can quickly spread in classrooms



Whatever the reason for keeping your child at home, handling these sick days often requires parents to manage childcare alongside work responsibilities.

The old sick day scrabble vs. a new normal

Thanks in part to the pandemic, many parents have move toward some form of remote work which has helped them maintain a more flexible schedule than what parents had a generation ago.



Andria Ortiz, a mom who works full-time and co-owns a business with her husband in Bellingham, Washington, says as a working parent, remote work has changed everything for her. When I worked in an office, if our kids got sick, one of us would have to take the day off work (usually me) and miss a day of work. Now, as a fully remote employee, I have the ability to give my kids a sick day and not miss work.

Ortiz notes one important difference between how her parents handled sick days to how she handles sick days for her kids is that she and her husband consider mental health in addition to physical health. Sometimes even the mildest cold can make you feel awful. Going to school and being expected to learn and absorb new information in that condition isn't something we push on our kids.

Oriz says there's been a shift in values present in this generation. Modern parents prioritize the need for rest. Perfect attendance, which was highly praised when I was in school, isn't important to us. What's more important is our kids' overall health and well-being.

Ortiz points out that parents in this generation are also more aware of how quickly germs spread which may be largely due to living through a pandemic where there was a strong emphasis on informing the public on the importance of frequent handwashing and isolation to prevent the spread of the virus. Were hyper aware of how quickly germs spread throughout a classroom, so we are thinking of their classmates and teachers as well by keeping them home, she says.

When is it okay to return to school?

Its sometimes hard to know when its safe for your child to return to school. It may depend on a variety of factors, from a childs ability to stay awake for long stretches of time to how long they have been without a fever.



The CDC provides guidance for parents on when to allow a child to return to school. Here are their guidelines:





The child has not had a fever (and is not using fever-reducing medicine) for at least 24 hours.

Fever with a new rash has been evaluated by a healthcare provider and fever has resolved.

Uncovered skin sores are crusting, and the child is under treatment from a provider.

Vomiting has resolved overnight, and the child can hold down food/liquids in the morning.

If diarrhea was present, it has improved, and the child is no longer having 'accidents' or is having bowel movements no more than 2 above normal per 24-hour period for the child. (Note: Any blood in stool should be evaluated by a healthcare provider prior to return.)

Respiratory virus symptoms are getting better overall for at least 24 hours.

Redefining Sick Days

The shift toward remote work and digital connectivity has transformed how modern parents navigate their childrens sick days. Unlike previous generations who often faced an all-or-nothing choice between staying home or going to work, todays parents can leverage flexible work arrangements, telemedicine consultations, and digital health monitoring tools to provide care while maintaining some professional responsibilities. However, this increased flexibility also requires more nuanced decision-making about when virtual care is sufficient and when hands-on parenting must take precedence.

Despite these technological advances, maintaining open communication with your childs pediatrician remains essential. Telehealth appointments can help parents assess symptoms and determine appropriate care levels without exposing sick children to additional germs in waiting rooms. Yet parents should remember that flexibility doesnt mean stretching themselves thin during their childs illness.



If your kid is very sick, its okay to take the day off work, says Oritz. Just because you can work from home doesnt mean work takes priority. If you need to take your kid to the doctor, or you need to be more focused on helping them rather than letting them rest, then take the day off work!

5 Tips for Handling Kids' Sick Days

The parents we asked shared these tips for how parents can handle sick days at home or in collaboration with caregivers, whether working at home, hybrid, or completely remote.



Expand your options. If you are unable to be seen by your childs pediatrician, ask your pediatrician for telehealth options. As most parents know, if your child is out of school for a certain number of days or has a fever (even if it's a cold), schools require a doctor's note. Telehealth allows me to have the doctor see my son sooner. - Ashley Legitme, New York City



Take advantage of naps. I truly believe that no one gets more done than a mom during a kid's nap. Plug in and get as much work done while they nap so you don't have to worry about work tasks later. - Andria Ortiz, Bellingham, Washington



Keep a flash drive handy. I don't store all of my materials on the cloud, but I carry a flash drive. It makes unexpected days outside of the office easier to manage, because I have all my materials with me. - Legitime



Enjoy the snuggles. If you can, work from your laptop while snuggling with your sick kiddo. - Ortiz

It's also always okay to just take the sick day.



Read the original article on Parents
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The Gist

The last year of Princess Diana's life was marked by taking fashion risks, including at December 1996s Met Galathe first and only Met Diana ever attended.

In her final days, she wore the Famous Five dresses designed by Jacques Azagury.

The "final goodbye" dress Jacques Azagury was designing at the time of her death would've been her most daring lookand came to represent her newfound independence and personal style.

If Princess Dianas fashion renaissance began with 1994s revenge dress, it was taken up a notch at her one and only Met Gala appearance in December 1996.

Before the annual event shifted to the first Monday in May (and long before Karlie Kloss ever looked "camp right in the eye"), the Met Ball was more of a fancy fashion fundraiser than the sartorial extravaganza we know and love today. But that doesn't mean Princess Diana didn't take some style risks for her appearance. That night, Diana wore a midnight blue, lingerie-inspired silk John Galliano for Dior slip dress with lace negligee trim and matching dressing-gown style robe.

Richard Corkery/NY Daily News via Getty Images Diana, Princess of Wales at the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

As Vogue put it, this stood out as her most un-royal look to date, and signaled that the recent divorcee was enjoying a new phase of her life unshackled from Kensington Palace protocol. Royal biographer Katie Nicholl wrote in her 2010 book William and Harry that Diana had reservations about the risque dressmostly because it might embarrass her eldest son, Prince William, who was 14 at the time and struggling with his parents divorce. Ultimately, the desire to make a fashion statement won out.

That was one of her most shocking dresses, Eloise Moran, author of The Lady Di Look Book: What Diana Was Trying to Tell Us Through Her Clothes, would later say. But I thought she looked fabulous. She just looked so happy and confident.

This was the moment, according to Moran, where Diana went from royal to international celebrity. Charles who?

Patrick McMullan/Getty Images Diana wore a Dior slip dress, designed by John Galliano, to event.

No one would have known it at the time, but on that chilly December day in New York City, the Princess of Walesthen just 35 years oldhad just eight months to live. Shed turn 36 just two months before a Paris car crash took her life. Just over a year before that awful dayAugust 31, 1997Diana and Prince Charles finalized their divorce on August 28, 1996. The clock was ticking, but everyone was unaware. The former couple had separated in 1992, and most of the divorce process was contentious, but by the end of it, Charles and Diana had found a modicum of peace.

In the brief but transformative post-divorce era of her life, Diana embraced her single status, taking on a more daring and personal style in her last yearand not just at the Met Gala. A prime example was her champagne Catherine Walker dress worn on June 23, 1997 to a party in New York City with Jimmy Choo heels.

The designer was Dianas go-to collaborator throughout her royal lifeDiana was buried in a black Catherine Walker dressand this floral embellished number was a clear standout. Another Catherinethe Princess of Walesstill wears the label up to the present day, often in homage to the mother-in-law she never knew.

Getty Princess Diana on June 23, 1997 in New York.

"She certainly knew how to pull a front page."

By the end of Dianas far-too-short life, Charles and Dianas relationship had mellowed onto a more civilized plain, royal historian Hugo Vickers told TIME. I wont say they had suddenly become bosom friends, but, as is the case with many divorced parents, in time things settle down and it does not get more difficult.

Former Vanity Fair and The New Yorker editor-in-chief Tina Brown had lunch with Diana and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour in New York City during Dianas final summer. At the end of Dianas life, she and Charles were on the best terms theyd been for a very long time, Brown later wrote. Charles got into the habit of dropping in on her at Kensington Palace, and they would have tea and a sort of rueful exchange. They even had some laughs together.

Getty Images An ice blue Catherine Walker dress worn by Diana in 1997.

Of Camilla Parker Bowleswhose relationship with Charles caused Diana to deem her marriage "crowded"Brown wrote that Diana had accepted Camilla. One thing she had finally done was really understand that Camilla was the love of his life, and there was just nothing she could do about it.

That said, Brown admitted that Diana was incredibly lonely, and she would go back to Charles in a heartbeat if he wanted her.

In July 1997the same month that Camilla turned 50, and the same month that Charles threw a birthday party for herroyal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told TIME that Charles and Dianas competition in public was out in full force. Charles threw a party; Diana hit back by showing off her swimwear on her holiday in St. Tropez. She certainly knew how to pull a front page, he said. Diana spent much of the last days of her life on holiday with a new boyfriend, Dodi Fayed. He would die alongside her in that Paris tunnel.

Getty Princess Diana vacationing in St. Tropez on July 17, 1997.

Outwardly, she seemed almost deliriously happy, royal biographer Christopher Andersen said. Privately things were different. Her longtime lawyer and friend Lord Palumbo told me, Imagine, incredible adulation during the day, then dinner on a tray in front of the television at Kensington Palacealone.'

That isolation was part of why she accepted businessman Mohamed Al-Fayeds invitation to join him in the South of France in July 1997. It was there that Diana was introduced to Dodi, and the two hit it off. Diana was determined not to be seen as a victim, Andersen said, adding, She was looking forward to what she thought would be a bright future. Thats what made her death at the age of 36 so heartbreaking.

"She wanted to go super short on the skirts."

That final summer of 1997 was marked by a lot of swimsuitsbut also a lot of Versace (a new favorite), Catherine Walker (an old standby), and Jacques Azagury, who designed Dianas Famous Five dresses. These five looks towards the end of her life (worn from June 1995 to July 1997) pushed the envelope. She was appearing in more daring and sexy looks than ever beforeand Diana wanted to go even bolder, he said on Hello!s A Right Royal Podcast.

The only time Diana and Azagury disagreed, he said, was when she wanted to go super short on the skirts."

Getty Princess Diana wearing one of Jacques Azagury's "famous five" on June 17, 1997 in Washington, D.C.

Paul Burrell, her butler, and myself would say, Thats as short as you can go, Azagury explained. Take the blue dress [known later as the Swan Lake dress, referencing the ballet performance she wore it to]. She even wanted to go shorter than that on the dress. And we said, Well, look. Theres not much dress at the top, theres not much dress at the bottom. Youll end up with nothing in between.



Azagury designed several memorable looks for Diana's final summerthe aforementioned Swan Lake dress, worn on June 3, 1997; the red Washington dress, worn on June 18, 1997 in Washington, D.C.; and Dianas final birthday dress, a black number worn on July 1, 1997. The birthday dress would ultimately be Dianas last red carpet dress before her death almost exactly two months later.

She was always very excited by fashion, and she knew she would please so many people just waiting for her to come out in the next dress, whether they were waiting in the streets or watching her on the television, Azagury told People. She took a long time making sure that everything was just right, choosing the right shoes and jewelry.

After the breakup of the marriage, she rediscovered herself and she turned into this unbelievably stunning womannot that she wasnt before, but thats when her personality really started to shine, he added. She had everythingthe most amazing legs, that great hair, those blue eyes.

At the time of the Princess of Waless death, Azagury was designing what would've been her most statement-making look yet. It was meant be worn to a Disney premiere in September, the designer told Vogue. And when Azagury last saw Diana before her trip to Paris, she was the best and happiest I had ever seen her."

The design would become known as Diana's "goodbye dress." According to Azagury, the garment was really stunning on her, he said. It was cut very, very low at the frontmore daring. This was going to be the dress that sort of outed all the other dresses. And she looked absolutely amazing.

Though never worn, the design represents Diana's bold approach to fashion and growing self-assurance.

"Shes found herself."

Shy Di no more, Diana had blossomed post-divorce into a woman with confidence in what was coming in her life, Azagury said. And its a distinct difference to the earlier years in posture, in look, in confidenceeverything is quite an extreme change. The Famous Five dresses, he said, were just reflecting her confidence in the woman that she had become.

Gone were the days of adhering to the royal dress codewhich Diana sometimes eschewed even when she was a working royal. Whatever I wear, Ill be criticized, so lets go for it, she told French designer Roland Klein when demanding he shorten the hem of her skirt, Vanity Fair reported.

Getty Images Princess Diana wears a Jacques Azagury dress in one of her final public appearances.

When someone dies at 36 years old, theres little comfort to be found. If any can be, however, its this: Diana felt freedom in her final days. One of her favorite designers, Gianni Versacewho was tragically murdered about six weeks before Dianas own deathsaid in the July 1997 issue of Vanity Fair, I had a fitting with her last week for new suits and clothing for spring, and she is so serene. It is a moment in her life, I think, when shes found herselfthe way she wants to live.

It's forever bittersweet that Diana had finally found herself, just before the world tragically lost her.

Read the original article on InStyle
Spoiler alert! This story contains major spoilers for the book and movie adaptation of Thursday Murder Club. Proceed with caution, readers.

Your favorite crime-solving senior citizens are hitting the screen.

The Thursday Murder Club hits Netflix this week, an adaptation of Richard Osmans popular cozy mystery series. It stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie as the titular core four. The story follows a group of armchair detectives at senior living village Coopers Chase who turn their magnifying glasses inward after a murder close to home.

The movie adaptation will be followed by Osmans fifth Thursday Murder Club novel, The Impossible Fortune, out Sept. 30.

At a runtime of about two hours, the movie is largely faithful to the major plot points, though trims many red herrings and sideplots. Whats the same, and whats different?

A rookie British cop (Naomi Ackie, center) befriends a group of elderly amateur sleuths (Celia Imrie, Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and Ben Kingsley) in "The Thursday Murder Club."

Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie make a charmingly faithful Thursday Murder Club

The cast in "The Thursday Murder Club" is a delight. Mirren plays retired detective Elizabeth, Imrie the chirpy newcomer and former nurse Joyce, Kingsley as psychiatrist Ibrahim and Brosnan as the former union bigwig Ron.

With quirky, charming humor, these four bring the Thursday Murder Club to life. Elizabeth and Joyce make for a delightful black-cat, golden-retriever pair, and Ron and Ibrahim bring about hilarious shenanigans of their own. One loss is Elizabeths global-trotting MI6 background and espionage skills, reduced to only a few mentions in the film.

Passports, not drugs, rule in movies villain gang

The four are tasked with solving not one, not two, but three murders  Tony Curran (a Coopers Chase coowner in the movie, mere lead builder in the book), Ian Ventham (Coopers Chase co-owner) and mysterious, unmarked bones dug up in the cemetery.

In the book, several of the murders and crimes in Thursday Murder Club connect back to a gang of Tony, Jason Ritchie (Rons ex-boxer son) and drug dealers Bobby Tanner and Turkish Johnny/Gianni. Theyve all been up to some shady dealings, mostly involving drugs. In the book, Detective Hudson even travels to Cyprus, attempting to track down Gianni in connection to Tonys murder.

The movie stays a bit closer to home, and it does away with Johnny altogether. The movie's Tony and Bobby Tanner smuggle immigrants into the UK under the guise of better work and pay, only to withhold their passports and trap them into work. Bogdan, Ian's new lead builder and Tonys murderer, is one of these workers. He confronted Tony to get his passport back so he can visit his sick mother.

But in the book, its a carefully planned revenge killing  Bogdan killed both Johnny and Tony for murdering his friend, a taxi driver who witnessed a drug deal gone wrong. He's not arrested for the murder in the book, but is in the movie.

The movie version also changes Jason's role  at one point, he's arrested on suspicion of Ian's murder (a scene that didnt occur in the book), but it's revealed that his lack of alibi is because he was sleeping with Ians wife. And while movie Jason used to help out Tony and Ian with odd jobs, he isnt wrapped up in the drug business like he is in the book.

Author Richard Osman (center) poses with the actors from the movie adaptation of his book "The Thursday Murder Club": Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren and Celia Imrie.

Father Mackie's backstory hits the cutting room floor

Loyal Osman readers might be surprised to learn that Father Mackie only has a few on-screen moments in the movie adaptation, and his heartbreaking backstory is largely cut for time.

In the movie, Father Mackie appears as an outraged Coopers Chase community member and priest, mostly present at the cemetery protest. Hes quickly dismissed as a suspect by the core four.

But in the book, it's more than piety causing his distress. Father Mackie is not actually a priest, but a doctor who fell in love with one of the nuns at the church in the 70s. The nun got pregnant and killed herself after another nun found out about their affair. She was buried in the cemetery, and Father Mackie does not want to see her disturbed by Ian's plan to dig up the cemetery.

From left, Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan join forces as retirees hoping to solve a murder mystery in "The Thursday Murder Club."

Hes not the only side character with a cut backstory  the books Gordon and Karen Playfair (a landowner and his daughter) are missing from the adaptation, despite playing a major role in the murder discovery. Coopers Chase resident Bernards story of burying his wifes ashes in the cemetery and then committing suicide is also cut. Patrice, PC Donna de Freitas' mother, was also cut from the film.

Killing for love: Ian Venthams murderer remains

The movie stays faithful to the books shocking end twist: Founding club member and former detective Penny and her husband John are at the center of the murders in both. In an act of vigilante justice, Penny killed a young man who got away with murdering his girlfriend. She buried his body in the cemetery. Now, decades later, it is these unmarked bones the club investigates.

John killed Ian to stop the excavation project before the bones could be discovered and Penny incriminated. But he didnt realize that Bogdan  in both the movie and the book  would dig them up anyway and flag the Thursday Murder Club, rendering his efforts futile.

Clare Mulroy is USA TODAYs Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what youre reading at cmulroy@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Thursday Murder Club' book vs. movie and biggest changes
Courtesy of Netflix Lauryn and Owen in Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.

NEED TO KNOW

Unknown Number: The High School Catfish follows the real story of Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny

The high school couple were cyberstalked and bullied by an unknown aggressor until the FBI uncovered the shocking identity of the perpetrator

Netflix's documentary, out Aug. 29, revisits the shocking case

Netflixs documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish tells the real-life account of a teenage couple who were cyberbullied for nearly two years before the culprit was identified as someone no one expected.

In the small town of Beal City, Mich., Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny were called the Golden Couple. Together since junior high, they entered high school closer than ever.

Out of nowhere, a group text was sent to both Licari and McKenny from an unknown number claiming he was cheating on her. They found it odd, but dismissed it. A year later, the texts returned at an alarming rate, up to 40-50 a day. The messages, as shown in the documentary, threatened Licari and made sexually explicit advances toward McKenny.

Because the sender used an app that kept regenerating new phone numbers, Licari and McKenny were unable to block them. It also prevented law enforcement from tracing the texts.

After nearly two years of harassment, the FBI finally cracked the case, and the senders identity was revealed in a twist that shocked the entire town. The Netflix documentary, which premiered on Aug. 29, retraces the steps of the case and sees where Licari and McKenny are now.

Heres everything to know about the true story behind Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.

Licari and McKenny received the first menacing text in October 2020

Courtesy of Netflix Owen in Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.

Having grown up next to each other, McKenny officially asked Licari out in eighth grade. They spent so much time together that their parents became good friends, having each other over for barbecues and other family activities.

In 2020, shortly before Halloween, Licari and McKenny received the first round of texts from an unknown number. The first read, Hi Lauryn, Owen is breaking up with you. Others included, "He no longer likes you and hasn't liked you for a while, and It's obvious he wants me.

Then they stopped.

Friends and family were accused of sending the texts

Courtesy of Netflix Craig Wilson and Tami Wilson in Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.

Then, the texts returned the following year, with Licari and McKenny receiving messages all day and often through the night.

The sender also started calling Licari by her nickname, Lo, indicating they knew her personally. They would also comment on the outfit she was wearing in class and how she styled her hair that day, leading everyone to believe it was someone at school.

The principal contacted state police, who questioned Licari and McKennys friends. All claimed they had nothing to do with it.

At one point, a student named Khloe was suspected because she had several burner accounts on her phone, and some of the texts mimicked the language she used online. Khloe insisted she was being framed, possibly by McKennys young cousin Adrianna, who Khloe claimed disliked her.

Unable to find phone records that matched Khloes number, the police moved on.

Licari and McKenny later broke up because of the stress of the harassment

Courtesy of Netflix Lauryn in Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.

The nonstop harassment caused tension in Licari and McKenny's relationship. The couple fought and Licari said she grew increasingly insecure and started questioning McKennys loyalty. He decided they should give the relationship a break in hopes the sender would leave them alone.

Instead, the messages got worse. Licari began receiving physical threats and messages encouraging her to die by suicide. Other texts made reference to McKenny's new girlfriend, who lived in another town, which implied the sender was stalking him.

The FBI eventually solved the case after years of investigating

Courtesy of Netflix Shawn Licari, Kendra Licari, and Lauryn in Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.

The case reached a cyber expert from the FBI Computer Crimes Tax Force, who subpoenaed the app companys phone records, then meticulously went through every number used by the sender to find an IP address (an individual number assigned to every cell phone and laptop) that matched.

There was only one match: Licaris mother, Kendra.

The police went to the Licaris' home, where Kendra admitted to being the perpetrator nearly right away. Using police cam footage, Unknown Number shows video of the confrontation. Upon being told Kendra was the culprit, Licari appeared in disbelief, and her father was irate.

Kendra also confessed she had been lying about her employment for the past year, claiming to have a job that didnt exist.

Licari's mom was arrested and charged with two counts of stalking a minor and two counts of communicating with another to commit a crime, according to NBC News. In April 2023, Kendra pleaded guilty to the two stalking counts and was sentenced to 19 months to five years in prison.

She was released on parole in August 2024, per the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Mckenny's mom later said it made sense that Kendra was the culprit

Courtesy of Netflix Bill Chillman in Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.

For McKennys mom, Jill, things began adding up as she started remembering details only Kendra could have known.

At one point, the sender texted a photo of McKenny taken at their Christmas party, which meant that only someone who attended the celebration could have been the perpetrator. At first, this was another reason Adrianna was suspected of framing Khloe, but Kendra was also present at the party.

McKennys mother also said that after Licari and McKenny's breakup, Kendra continued to quiz her about her sons love life. After Kendra confessed, Jill realized thats how the texter knew about her son's new girlfriend.

Licari and her mother have since stopped speaking

Courtesy of Netflix Owen in Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.

After Kendra's arrest, the story made national news. Licaris father divorced Kendra and won full custody of his daughter, per The Cut.

Kendra emailed her from prison, but once she was out, Licari explained in the documentary that she is no longer allowed to see her. The teenager added, though, that she would like to rebuild their relationship when the time is right.

The documentary also revealed that Licari and McKenny never got back together and are no longer close.

Read the original article on People
An Army captain walks outside unoccupied detainee cells inside Camp 6 at the US detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2016. - Ben Fox/AP

Migrants sent by the United States to the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba earlier this year faced abusive and inhumane detention conditions that seriously affected their physical and mental health and even led to some suicide attempts, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch, which called on Washington to halt the possible transfer of people to these facilities.

Human Rights Watch says it interviewed 20 Venezuelan migrants who were held at Guantanamo in February for 11 to 16 days. They were part of the group of 177 Venezuelans who were sent there and later flown to Honduras before being deported to Venezuela.

According to Human Rights Watch, the migrants said they suffered human rights violations even before being sent to Guantanamo.

Some said they were detained after crossing the southern US border solely based on their nationality and tattoos, which immigration authorities used to link them to the criminal gang Tren de Aragua.

The Donald Trump administration has designated Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization, but the Venezuelan government denies the migrants are members of the group, saying most have no criminal record and that those who do, have been brought to justice.

Human Rights Watch says other migrants reported being taken into custody immediately after attending appointments with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and not being told they would be transferred from US detention centers to Guantanamo Bay.

The US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, rejected Human Rights Watchs claims.

Any claim that conditions are poor at ICE detention centers is false. All detainees are provided adequate food, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with their families and attorneys. Ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of those in our custody is a top priority at ICE, the department said in an email to CNN.

In January, days after starting his second term as president, Trump announced plans to send 30,000 undocumented migrants to Guantanamo. So far, only a few hundred have been sent there, including the group of 177 Venezuelans.

The number of migrants detained at the base temporarily dropped to zero in March, when the US Navys Southern Command said 40 had been transferred to another location. This came as civil rights organizations were challenging the policy in court.

When asked on Thursday if there are still migrants at Guantanamo, the Department of Homeland Security told CNN that there are, without specifying the number or nationalities, and said the possibility of sending more migrants remains open.

Confinement and suicide attempts

Once at Guantanamo, Venezuelan migrants were not informed about their legal status and were held in confinement under conditions they described as harsh and unsanitary, the Human Rights Watch report says.

Most of the migrants interviewed by the organization said they were placed in a high-security unit known as Camp 6, where each person was detained in two-by-three-meter cells, with a concrete bed and a sink-and-toilet combination. According to testimonies, guards gave them a sheet and a pillow, and only a few received a mattress.

In both Camp 6 and another detention facility, migrants reported unsanitary conditions, poor hygiene and deteriorating infrastructure. One said his cell was dirty and had a strong smell of sewage.

The migrants also reported that they were only allowed to bathe every three days, and though they were fed three times a day, the food was insufficient and of poor quality, including spoiled rice and beans.

I was hungry all the time, and my stomach hurt, one told Human Rights Watch. I arrived there weighing 78 kilos and returned to Venezuela weighing 52.

The migrants said they spent 23 hours a day in the cells and were only allowed out to a courtyard for the remaining hour, without being able to communicate with each other. Confinement coupled with not knowing what would happen to them seriously affected their mental health, they recounted. One said he was so desperate he attempted suicide twice.

No immigrant or asylum seeker who leaves their country in search of protection should be taken to a place like this, said Juanita Goebertus, Human Rights Watchs Americas director.

Guantanamo in US immigration policy

This is not the first time testimonies have been made public about migrants conditions at Guantanamo Bay.

In March, Jose Daniel Simancas Rodriguez, one of the 177 Venezuelans held there in February, told CNN about his experience.

Jose Daniel Simancas Rodriguez - CNN

Thats what torture is, confinement. You are not alive. You are there and you are not alive, where you dont know if it is day or night, you dont really know the time, you are eating poorly, every day that you are there you are dying little by little. I cried every day during those 15 days, he said at the time.

His testimony matches some of those described by the migrants Human Rights Watch spoke with, such as being isolated, having only a sheet and a pillow and receiving little food.

Faced with cases like these, Human Rights Watch urged the United States to halt the potential transfer of migrants to Guantanamo, a call that comes amid the Trump administrations tightening of immigration policy and its plans to send people to third countries with which it has agreements, such as Costa Rica, Panama, Paraguay and Uganda.

Human Rights Watchs Americas director said every migrant in detention must be treated with basic humanity. This isnt a privilege. Its a fundamental right, Goebertus said.

CNNs Michael Rios contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Former McNairy County Sheriff Buford Pusser - the focus of the 1973 cult film "Walking Tall" and several sequels and remakes - is believed to have been responsible for his wife Pauline Pusser's death, authorities in Tennessee announced Aug. 29.

Mark E. Davidson, District Attorney General for the 25th Judicial District, pointed to inconsistencies in Pussers account and said that the famous sheriff, who died in 1974 at the age of 36, would likely face indictment if her were alive today. Decades after Pauline Pusser was buried, her body was exhumed in February 2024 by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in an effort to determine how she died. No previous autopsy was done.

Davidson said Pauline was slain in what he described as "an act of intimate, deliberate violence" and that Buford Pusser was responsible.

Justice for Pauline has been a long time coming, Davidson said.

The Pussers have been the subject of books, movies and websites, including "Walking Tall" (which starred Joe Don Baker in 1973, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in 2004). Buford Pusser became a legend in the aftermath of the 1973 film, which showed him as a sympathetic southern lawman trying to clean up corruption.

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.

On Aug. 12, 1967, Pusser said he was answering a disturbance call south of Selmer, Tennessee. The story in popular culture was that Pusser took his 33-year-old wife with him, and they were ambushed. Pusser said Pauline was shot and wounded, then the couple was ambushed again and she was shot and killed about three miles from the Mississippi border. Buford said he was inside the car when he was shot in the jaw in the second ambush.

More: Nashville Then: Folk hero Buford Pusser in his hometown and trip here in August of 1973

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 . . . 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 to Buford's cheek was likely self-inflicted at close range, as opposed to long range, as Buford reported. Blood stain patterns point to someone being injured both in and out of the car.

"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 said the attack was executed by unknown assailants, who were never charged or prosecuted, in what he said was an ambush intended for him.

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.

"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."

Mullins concluded by noting that he thanks God for the newfound sense of closure.

Law enforcement encourages public review of the case

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."

Rauch added that TBI is nearly complete with its redactions and will soon transfer the case over to the University of Tennessee at Martin

University of Tennessee at 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."

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: Buford Pusser responsible for wife's 1967 death, investigators say
Warren Buffett's 95th birthday will be his last as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Daniel Zuchnik / Getty Images

It's Warren Buffett's 95th birthday, his last as Berkshire Hathaway CEO after 55 years in charge.

The legendary investor bought his first stock at 11 and built a $1 trillion company.

Buffett made billions by investing in stocks like Coca-Cola and buying businesses like Geico.

It's Warren Buffett's 95th birthday, his last as Berkshire Hathaway CEO.

When he steps down in December, it will mark the end of an era that saw the legendary investor transform a failing textile mill into a $1 trillion conglomerate over six decades.

Here's a look back at Buffett's remarkable life.

Born to do business

A family heads to California during the Great Depression. Bettmann/Getty Images

Buffett was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 30, 1930, at the height of the Great Depression. He was the second of three children and the only son of Howard, a stockbroker and later a congressman, and Leila, a homemaker.

The investor started his business career at six, selling Juicy Fruit chewing gum door to door. He later resold individual bottles of Coca-Cola from a pack, delivered newspapers, and built up a pinball machine business, which he later sold.

Buffett was 11 when he bought his first stock, Cities Service Preferred, and filed his first tax return at 13. He bought a farm at 14 and rented it to a tenant farmer.

When he was 16, he had amassed $5,000, around $53,000 in today's money.

Learning from the best

Woodrow Wilson High School; Bill Pugliano/Getty

Buffett majored in business at Wharton before transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduating in 1950, at the age of 19.

Around that time, he read Benjamin Graham's "The Intelligent Investor, "which introduced him to the key tenets of value investing, such as buying stocks so cheap that they provide a "margin of safety."

Buffett enrolled at Columbia Business School after learning Graham taught there. After Columbia, he worked for his father's company for a year before joining Graham's investment firm, where he received a masterclass in analyzing companies and identifying undervalued stocks.

In 1952, at age 22, he married a college student, Susan Thompson, and the pair had their first child, Susan or "Little Susie," in 1953. He began teaching night classes on investing and inviting family and friends to invest their money with him. In 1956, as Graham prepared to retire, Buffett moved back to Omaha and prepared to launch his firm, Buffett Partnership.

Buying and building

KMTV Omaha/Jeremy Harris Lipschultz/YouTube

Buffett embraced Graham's trademark "cigar butt" approach of sniffing out cheap stocks with "one last puff" of value, such as Sanborn Map Company and Dempster Mill Manufacturing. His partnership's assets grew from about $100,000 to $20 million as his outperformance attracted more investors and his returns compounded.

He and his wife had their second child, Howard, in 1954, and their third, Peter, in 1958. Buffett also met Charlie Munger in 1959, who encouraged him to shift from buying dirt-cheap businesses to "wonderful companies at fair prices."

In 1962, Buffett began acquiring shares of Berkshire Hathaway, a struggling textile mill. He seized control of the company in 1965 after its management agreed to buy him out, then tried to shortchange him.

Buffett Partnership also invested in American Express after its stock plunged during the Salad Oil Scandal, and in Disney after Walt Disney gave Buffett a personal tour of Disneyland and sold the investor on his vision.

Partnerships, old and new

A billboard welcoming Berkshire Hathaway shareholders displays a vintage picture of Chairman Buffett and Vice Chairman Munger at the company's annual meeting in Omaha Thomson Reuters

Buffett acquired insurers such as National Indemnity, paving the way for him to use "float"  premiums collected before claims are paid  as a source of low-cost, permanent capital for investing.

In 1969, the investor grew concerned about overvalued assets and a lack of compelling opportunities, so he decided to wind down his Buffett Partnership and return his partners' money while retaining a significant stake in Berkshire. The firm's assets had reached $104 million in 1970, reflecting, in part, a compounded annual return of 31% since 1956.

Buffett invested in the Illinois Bank and Trust Company in 1969, acquired See's Candies in 1972, built a stake in the Washington Post Company, and bet on other businesses such as Blue Chip Stamps. Munger also became his formal business partner and joined Berkshire as vice-chair.

By age 45, Buffett's wealth had grown to about $34 million, or roughly $200 million today.

Deals of a lifetime

NBC News

Berkshire invested in car insurer Geico and other companies such as Capital Cities/ABC and Wesco Financial, as Buffett began seeking out businesses with "moats" or durable competitive advantages.

His wife moved to San Francisco in 1977 to pursue singing and activism. She introduced Buffett to a friend, Astrid Menks, who moved in with Buffett and took care of him, and whom Buffett would marry after Susan died in 2004.

In 1983, Berkshire acquired Nebraska Furniture Mart. In 1985, Buffett became a billionaire at age 55, appearing on the Forbes 400 list that year.

Status and scandals

Warren Buffett, 1995 AP Images

Buffett's yearly shareholder letters, colorful interviews, and annual shareholder gatherings made him a celebrity and earned him the moniker the "Oracle of Omaha."

He had built a billion-dollar stake in Coca-Cola by 1989, drawn by its global brand, pricing power, and cash generation. He also invested in Gillette and established a stake in Wells Fargo.

Buffett met Bill Gates at a 4th of July event in 1991 and became fast friends with the Microsoft cofounder. He also stepped in as interim chairman of Salomon Brothers after a Treasury bond scandal threatened his investment in the bank. He delivered a message to employees in testimony to Congress in 1991: "Lose money for the firm, and I will be understanding. Lose a shred of reputation for the firm, and I will be ruthless."

Buffett's buying spree

Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, sits in the front row with his wife Susan before the opening of the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting in Omaha, Neb., Saturday, April 28, 2001. AP/Nati Harnik

Berkshire acquired the other half of Geico for $2.3 billion in 1996, paid $22 billion of its stock to take over reinsurer General Re in 1998, and led an investor group to buy MidAmerican Energy in 1999.

Buffett capitalized on the dot-com crash, scooping up Benjamin Moore in 2000, Shaw Carpets in 2001, Fruit of the Loom and Pampered Chef in 2002, and Clayton Homes in 2003.

Capitalizing on crisis

Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett (L) gestures before a table tennis game with Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates in Omaha May 5, 2013 the day after the company's annual meeting. Rick Wilking/Reuters

After Susan's death in 2004, Buffett made philanthropy a greater priority. In 2006, he pledged the vast majority of his Berkshire stock to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and four of his family's foundations, foreshadowing his cofounding of the Giving Pledge in 2010.

Buffett continued to make acquisitions, including Iscar, an Israeli precision toolmaker, in 2006, and Marmon, an industrial conglomerate, in 2007. He also acquired BNSF Railway for $34 billion in 2010: Berkshire's largest acquisition up to that point.

During the financial crisis, Berkshire's cash reserves, risk management, and willingness to "be greedy when others are fearful" led to a flurry of lucrative deals with Goldman Sachs, General Electric, Dow Chemical, Mars, Harley-Davidson, and other companies.

Buffett hired Todd Combs in 2010 and Ted Weschler in 2011 as investment managers to help him oversee Berkshire's stock portfolio. A year later, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent successful radiation treatment. He also gained public prominence for supporting a "Buffett Rule" that would close loopholes to prevent situations like his own, where his secretary paid a higher tax rate than he did.

Berkshire partnered with 3G Capital to acquire Heinz, which later became Kraft Heinz, for $23 billion in 2013.

Preparing for a new era

Warren Buffett at the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders' meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 3, 2024. Scott Morgan/REUTERS

In 2015, Berkshire made its biggest deal yet when it shelled out $37 billion for Precision Castparts. Between 2016 and 2018, Berkshire spent around $36 billion to build a roughly 5% stake in Apple, which more than quadrupled in value to above $170 billion by 2023, making it easily Berkshire's number-one holding and one of the most lucrative bets in its history. Berkshire has pared the position by two-thirds over the last few quarters.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Buffett to cash out his stakes in the "Big Four" US airlines. But he's made several big bets since, such as buying Dominion Energy's natural gas assets for $10 billion, purchasing stakes in five of the largest Japanese trading companies, and acquiring Alleghany for $12 billion, which added businesses such as Squishmallows-maker Jazwares to Berkshire's stable.

Berkshire also paid more than $11 billion over about seven years to acquire Pilot Flying J, a truck-stop chain that had been one of the country's biggest private companies.

Munger died in November 2023, a few weeks shy of his 100th birthday and still in the job. Berkshire's market cap passed $1 trillion in late 2024.

The company's shares gained 5,500,000% or nearly 20% a year between 1964 and 2024, far above the benchmark S&P 500's roughly 39,000% or 10% annual return with dividends included over the same period.

Buffett had prepared his shareholders for his eventual departure, outlining his estate plan and naming Greg Abel, Berkshire's head of non-insurance operations, as his successor in 2021.

But he still stunned the business world this May by saying he would step down later this year, and Abel would take the reins in early January.

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Waymo is available in major US cities. Smith Collection/Gado/Gado via Getty Images

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.

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."

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.

"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
NEED TO KNOW

Universal's Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) returned to Orlando, Florida, on Aug. 29, and kicks off in Hollywood on Sept. 4

PEOPLE staffer Jen Juneau shares her thoughts after attending the event almost every year since 2002

"This year, HHN feels like it has ushered itself into a new era of being able to perfectly straddle the old and the new," she says

As someone who has only missed a couple of annual Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) in Orlando, Florida, since 2002 (one being in 2021 when I gave birth and one in 2020 amid the COVID pandemic), not a lot about it scares me anymore. I go for the fun and to "oooh" and "aaah" at the spectacle and creativity  everything that so many people work hard to bring to life annually and have done for the better part of 35 years, while still managing to inject something new every year too.

And HHN has morphed, over the past 20+ years Ive been going, into something bigger than a haunted attraction for so many. I have a friend who vlogs about the event every year, getting people psyched up for whats to come. There are fan sites and YouTube channels galore, dedicated to not only speculation and current HHN goings-on but chronicling the lore of past years and icons.

And while admittedly there are drawbacks to this kind of attention (namely, the fact that the event is more crowded than ever), the pros of having HHN continually evolve into something fresh and exciting to kick off the Halloween season for me are more than worth the trade-off of having to weave through throngs of people. (Im still figuring out the heat aspect.)



I will say that, as a horror fan, I have steered clear of overly gory movies since I was in my early 20s and saw House of 1000 Corpses. I turned off the TV and distinctly remember saying NOPE. So I was hesitant to watch the Terrifier films until I finally worked up the nerve last fall, because I cant resist the idea of a Christmas slasher and I needed to see the first two before the third, obviously. Do I regret it? Somewhat. But also, Art the Clown has become an iconic modern horror villain before our eyes - and now, hes making his HHN debut.



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Jen Juneau Haupt Jen Juneau with an Art the Clown impersonator in Oviedo, Florida (not at Halloween Horror Nights)

One of the first horror movies I can ever remember watching was the 1990 It miniseries, with Tim Curry  and it cemented my fear of clowns for life. Ive been fine with comedic clown horror like Killer Klowns from Outer Space  and even the more recent It films didnt send the same chill through me, maybe because I was so familiar with the story already from both the book and original miniseries.

Maybe for the first time since I was 17, I was scared out of my mind to go into a house. Needless to say, Art and his silent-yet-hellish gorefests had me on the edge of my nerve as I entered Terrifier at HHN, knowing I was in for not only a visual spectacle but also a full sensory one, between the questionable scents and choice of wet vs. dry path (I chose wet, and let's just say I'm glad I brought that poncho).



And I was not disappointed. For the first time since maybe my inaugural HHN in 2002, I actually felt my heartbeat speeding up at some of the scenes that were recreated from the movies, including a particularly gnarly hacksaw kill (ladies, IYKYK (if you know, you know)) and a bleach-related one. I looked down at my Fitbit at one point and wasn't surprised to see a higher heart rate than usual for my walking pace.

The way the Art character has a knack for tapping into the innocence of your youth and then turning it on its head was a standout theme throughout, which is something it shares with one of this year's original houses: Dolls: Let's Play Dead.

Another house that played on nostalgia? Five Nights at Freddy's  which may be a more modern intellectual property, but, for those of us who grew up going to Chuck E. Cheese (or, if you're an elder millennial like me, ShowBiz Pizza Place first).

It's hard to pinpoint exactly what makes 2025 stand out from years past without sounding like I'm putting those years down, because I truly have never had a bad experience with the content slate at HHN. There have been favorite years (2003's debut of The Director icon comes to mind) and not-so-favorite years (mainly owing to the pandemic, most likely), but this year, HHN feels like it has ushered itself into a new era of being able to perfectly straddle the old and the new.



Jen Juneau Haupt Media presentation for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando, Florida, on Aug. 29, 2025

For me, one example of this is the expanded HHN Tribute Store, which is a nice antidote to the claustrophobic feeling of a couple of this year's houses - primarily Grave of Flesh, where you feel like you're getting buried alive, and are at one point plunged into near-total darkness.

David Howard Thornton, who plays the sinister Art the Clown in the Terrifier films, tells PEOPLE that he feels the Terrifier houses in both Orlando and Hollywood are "tastefully done" around Universal's rules, but still "pretty gory" overall and pay solid tribute to the Damien Leone-directed franchise.

"Also be prepared for some scents in there, some interesting smells, especially in the bathroom," continues the actor, adding that "You can tell everybody who's gone through the Terrifier house" due to the full sensory experience.

As for who would win in a fight between Art and HHN's own 25-year veteran clown icon Jack, Thornton thinks it's no contest.

"Definitely Art," he says. "He's extremely resilient, as we've been able to find out. And he's very wily - I mean it would definitely be an interesting fight, but knowing what I know about Art, Art would win."

Tickets for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights - running on select nights now through Nov. 2 in Orlando, and from Sept. 4 through Nov. 2 in Hollywood - are available at universalorlando.com and universalstudioshollywood.com, respectively.

Read the original article on People
FAIRFAX, Va. (Aug. 22, 2025)  The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has determined that George Mason University violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by using race and other immutable traits in faculty hiring and promotion practices.

Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor accused university leadership, under President Gregory Washington, of leading "a university-wide campaign to implement unlawful DEI policies that intentionally discriminate on the basis of race," adding bluntly, "You can't make this up." The administration has offered GMU an opportunity to remedy the violations by entering into a Resolution Agreement.

The proposed agreement would require Washington to:

Issue a personal apology and statement reaffirming GMU's commitment to Title VI compliance.

Post the statement on the university's website and remove any contradictory content.

Review and revise hiring and promotional policies to eliminate race-based preferences.

Provide annual Title VI training for staff involved in recruitment, hiring, and advancement decisions.

GMU has ten days to voluntarily accept the resolution or risk further federal action.

This finding follows a July launch of federal investigations into GMU's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, triggered by faculty complaints that raised similar concerns.

GMU's Board of Visitors responded that it is reviewing the proposed terms. In a statement, board members emphasized their commitment to full cooperation with the Department of Education, Department of Justice and Congress.

Faculty Senate President Solon Simmons criticized the demand for an apology: "Why would you demand an apology? ... The university has already eliminated programs and policies that the Trump administration deemed discriminatory."
by Mathias Hariyadi

Triggered by an allowance increase for parliamentarians, the protests were exacerbated by a harsh police crackdown, during which an armoured vehicle ran over a motorcycle taxi driver. In South Sulawesi, the regional parliament is set on fire. The backdrop to the discontent was Prabowo honouring certain prominent individuals. A retired general blames foreign forces. The Catholic NGO slams violence against protesters, calling for action to restore democracy to its rightful course.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  After three days of violent protests in Jakarta, which included the death of a motorcycle taxi driver run over by a police armoured vehicle, Indonesia is shaken by more outbursts of violence. The wave of protests represents the first major test for President Prabowo Subianto's government.

The authorities confirmed today that at least three more people were killed, five injured, and dozens of cars and motorcycles destroyed during riots that broke out last night in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province, during which protesters set fire to the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD).

In Bandung, the capital of West Java province, several commercial buildings and private homes were also set ablaze.

In Jakarta, where the protests began, the main roads were back to normal today after three days of unrest that caused massive traffic jams and generated widespread anxiety similar to the 1998 uprisings that led to the end of President Suharto's 30-year authoritarian regime.

Small groups of protesters remain in front of police stations to monitor the situation, calling for the removal of National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and Jakarta Police Chief General Asep Edi Suheri, for failing to ensure public safety and using excessive force, which led to the taxi driver's death.

The protests broke out four days ago in response to a proposed rise in lawmakers allowance. The increase in the monthly allowance for members of the House of Representatives (lower house of parliament) to 50 million rupiah (about US$ 3,000) sparked public outrage, especially after videos began circulating showing some lawmakers dancing during the plenary session.

This kind of behaviour compounded discontent over President Prabowo Subianto's decision to honour certain prominent individuals with questionable pasts, a choice that has undermined his credibility.

The killing of the taxi driver by police during the protests further inflamed passions, raising fears of even more serious riots in the coming days.

Against this background, former intelligence chief General (Ret) AM Hendropriyono blamed foreign capitalist interests of using local "proxies" to destabilise Indonesia.

"I know the details but I will not disclose the names yet," he said, promising to inform President Prabowo directly before making the matter public.

Political analyst Eddy Suhardono spoke to AsiaNews about the death of the taxi driver, expressing concern that panic among security forces could trigger unintended acts with unwanted consequences.

Yesterday, the Indonesian Catholic Society Forum (FMKI) issued a strong public statement regarding the incident, expressing deep condolences for the victim. It also described it as part of a "tragedy of democracy" caused by state violence that infringes upon human rights and democratic principles.

Condemning this action, the Catholic NGO called for an immediate end to all forms of state violence against civilians exercising their right to free expression.

The Forum goes on to urge political elites, including parliamentarians and party leaders, to end the arrogance and insensitivity that harm public trust" and calls on President Prabowo and other national and regional leaders to adopt concrete and measurable actions to restore democracy to its rightful course and ensure accountability for this tragedy.

The FMKI also exhorts political elites to put an end to the power struggles that are draining the country of its energy and moving it away from its founding ideals: it also demands that they safeguard public order and stability to prevent any further escalation.
Today's news: North Korea's economy is experiencing record growth thanks to Russian military contracts. The United States revokes visas for Mahmoud Abbas and 80 Palestinian officials to prevent them from attending the UN General Assembly. China released a list of "authorised sources" for news on digital platforms. In Japan, a government-sponsored video simulation shows the effects of a possible volcanic eruption of Mount Fuji.

THAILAND

The Bhumjaithai Party  a former ally of Pheu Thai, which left the government a few weeks ago following the allegations against former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, sacked yesterday by the Supreme Court  has declared its readiness to form an interim government with the support of the reformist People's Party, heir to Move Forward, the party that won the 2023 elections, also dissolved by a court, and still the largest party in the House of Representatives. The new government would stay in power for four months before new elections are called. Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul said that such a coalition has enough votes in the house form the next government, adding that he is ready to serve as prime minister. The People's Party has made it known that it will support the formation of a new government on the condition that the House is dissolved by the end of the year and a referendum is held to draft a new constitution.

NORTH KOREA

According to estimates released yesterday by the South Korean central bank, North Korea's economy  supported by expanding economic ties with Russia  grew by 3.7 per cent in 2024, the highest annual growth rate in eight years. GDP growth was 3.1 per cent in 2023, while in 2022 it contracted by 0.2 per cent. In particular, the heavy chemicals sector expanded by 10.7 per cent, the highest rate ever recorded, driven by the expansion of production of metal products for weapons exports to Russia.

PALESTINE  UNITED STATES

The United States has revoked the entry visa for President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other Palestinian officials to prevent them from attending the next session of the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled to take place in New York on 9 September. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Palestinian officials of hindering peace efforts by seeking "unilateral recognition of a conjectural Palestinian state. Palestinian representatives already present at the UN mission in New York will still be able to participate in meetings, according to the United Nations Headquarters Agreement, the document that regulates UN operations in the United States.

CHINA

Chinese authorities have released the updated list of approved online news sources, a registry of outlets first established a decade ago to limit the sharing of articles and news from unauthorised sources  those without close ties to the Communist Party of China and the government. The 2025 list, released by the Cyberspace Administration of China, includes 1,456 outlets. All digital platforms are prohibited from republishing news from sources not included in the approved list, including those of international media and public accounts on platforms such as WeChat and Weibo.

INDIA

For the first time in India's history, personal income tax has surpassed corporate tax, according to a report by JM Financial Institutional Securities. The share of personal income tax in total direct taxes has increased significantly, from 38.1 per cent in fiscal year 2014 to 53.4 per cent in 2024. This is due to a sharp increase in the number of individual taxpayers: including those paying taxes through deduction at the source, the number of individual taxpayers has nearly doubled, from 53.8 million to 99.2 million.

JAPAN

The Japanese government has released a video showing a simulation of the aftermath of a major volcanic eruption of Mount Fuji in an effort to better prepare the population for such a disaster. The 10-minute video uses computer graphics to depict the scenes following an eruption of intensity equivalent to the last one in 1707. The footage warns that infrastructure affected would include electricity supplies, sewage systems, roads, and railways. It is a bit unusual that Mt. Fuji has not erupted for over 300 years, says Toshitsugu Fujii, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, in the footage.

RUSSIA

Starting 1 September, new migration registration procedures will come into effect in Moscow and surrounding provinces. The mediation of third parties or the landlord will no longer be required, and will be implemented through the Amina mobile app. This simplifies the process but requires migrants to share their geolocation, effectively a form of digital tracking.

KYRGYZSTAN

According to data released by the Central Bank of Kyrgyzstan, the total number of credit cards in Kyrgyzstan had exceeded 10 million as of 30 June 2025, far greater than the number of Kyrgyz citizens. Nearly half of these were registered in the capital, up from last year's number by over two million, largely to the benefit of Russians.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 22, 2025)  Howard University President Ben Vinson III announced his resignation effective Aug. 31, 2025, following student protests over housing shortages and billing errors. He served as the university's 18th president for nearly two years, having assumed the role in September 2023.

In a statement, Vinson expressed gratitude for his tenure: "It has been an honor to serve Howard. At this point, I will be taking some time to be with my family and continue my research activities. I look forward to using my experiences as president to continue to serve higher education in the future."

The university's Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, Howard alumnus and 17th president, as interim president, effective Sept. 1.

Student activists, notably from the group Whose Howard Is It?, had criticized the administration for unresolved billing discrepancies and inadequate housing for upperclassmen. These issues intensified after a billing system transition led to account errors affecting thousands of students.

Frederick, a practicing surgeon and professor of surgery at Howard University College of Medicine, previously served as president from 2017 to 2023. His prior tenure was marked by increased donations and funding, though it also faced criticism over responses to student protests regarding housing and faculty pay.
30 August 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

From August 31 to September 1, all eyes will turn toward Tianjin, China, as it hosts the 25th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This landmark event, not only the largest in SCO's two-decade history but also a cornerstone of Chinas chairmanship, signifies more than diplomatic pageantry. It represents a turning point in shaping multilateral cooperation in a fractured global order.

China will roll out the red carpet for leaders, including Xi Jinping, Modi, Putin, Irans President Pezeshkian, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, gathering over 20 heads of state and 10 international organizations. This display of unity is seen as a strategic counterweight to U.S. influence.

Earlier in April, SCO members already signed 18 industrial and new-energy projects worth nearly 4.8 billion yuan ($665 million) in Tianjin. This was a prelude to what many expect to be a breakthrough economic axis. The summit will also navigate delicate geopolitical terrain. Tensions between India and Pakistan may hinder consensus, especially on the summits anti-terrorism declaration. India has already withheld support in past sessions.

Moreover, SCOs newly expanded membership, including Iran (2023) and Belarus (2024), adds complexity. India's reluctant approach to taking a unified position on conflicts involving Iran underscores the diplomatic tightrope ahead. As a dialogue partner, Azerbaijan hopes to elevate its status to observer, a status that could become crucial at this summit. This would deepen its diplomatic and economic engagement across Central Asia and beyond. The relations with China are improving. However, while it is highly unlikely, there is a possibility that Russia may attempt to delay/hinder Azerbaijan's membership. This would primarily serve as a demonstration of the current political dynamics at play. However, we can observe various meetings and contacts among Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia, including those involving all three countries.

Azerbaijan is currently a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and aims to become a full member. The upcoming summit in China could be pivotal in this pursuit, although discussions about expanding the organization are ongoing. Azerbaijans foreign policy in the Asian direction cannot be envisioned without its cooperation with the SCO. Therefore, participation in this organization plays a crucial role in its relations with China.

The SCO covers all Central Asian nations (except Turkmenistan), regions with which Azerbaijan shares strong strategic and cultural ties. Its geographic location positions it to benefit from expanded transport and logistics corridors emerging through SCO-linked initiatives.

This situation indicates that both Azerbaijan and Armenia may pursue their membership applications concurrently. It would also be beneficial for Georgia to be included in this framework to foster a unified regional vision. The economic aspects of the SCO are particularly significant for Azerbaijan, and it is essential to engage with these opportunities.

Nevertheless, with the opening of the Zangazur corridor (recently labelled as TRIPP), both Azerbaijan and Armenia have gained strategic economic and trade importance for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Azerbaijan's role in transport, communication, and logistics has grown even more. After the Zangazur corridor opens, Armenia may also be likely to join this list. It is not ruled out that this issue will be widely discussed. It is very likely that the potential of China's Central Corridor will be further developed in the direction of activation, and that the corridor to be opened will no longer be just theoretical but will be activated to reveal its true potential.

The Tianjin summit is more than a diplomatic gathering; it is a stress test for the SCOs ability to evolve from symbolism into substance...
30 August 2025 15:05 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is increasingly positioning itself as a significant geopolitical and economic actor in the Eurasian region. Azerbaijan, one of its founding members, has consistently demonstrated strong political will and practical commitment toward deepening cooperation among Turkic-speaking nations. Rooted in shared language, cultural heritage, and historical legacy, Azerbaijan's engagement with the OTS goes beyond symbolism - it is anchored in strategy and vision.

Notably, two OTS summits are planned for this year: one official and one informal. The informal summit was held on May 2021 in Budapest, Hungary, where member states adopted a far-reaching 71-point Declaration. Among its key priorities, the Declaration underscored the importance of deepening collaboration between the OTS and relevant international organizations. It also called for enhanced coordination and mutual support for member states candidacies, resolutions, and initiatives in international forums - reflecting a growing commitment to collective diplomacy based on common interests.

The 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is set to take place in Azerbaijan on October 67, 2025. For Baku, the OTS represents more than a cultural alliance - it is a strategic platform for fostering regional economic integration and strengthening geopolitical cooperation. From customs harmonization and energy partnerships to digital infrastructure and transnational transport corridors, Azerbaijan sees the OTS as a vital mechanism for advancing shared development goals.

Azerbaijan has been a consistent advocate of the Turkic World 2040 Vision and the OTS Strategy for 20222026, aiming to transform the OTS into a dynamic and influential regional bloc. A clear example of Azerbaijans leadership was the 10th Meeting of the Heads of Customs Services of OTS member states, held in Baku on January 16, 2025. The meeting produced concrete outcomes in customs simplification, cross-border data exchange, and trade facilitation. Major Azerbaijani-backed initiativessuch as the development of the Trans-Caspian Customs Transit Portal and the enhancement of the Single Window and Single Stop systemsare laying the technical groundwork for a more integrated Turkic economic space.

Alliance agreements: Azerbaijans deepening ties with Turkiye and Uzbekistan

Azerbaijans robust foreign policy in the Turkic world is further exemplified by its deepening bilateral alliances, particularly with Turkiye and Uzbekistan - two key pillars of the OTS.

The Ankara Declaration adopted on January 29, 2025, following the trilateral meeting of the foreign, trade, and transport ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan, affirmed mutual commitments to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of international law. This trilateral framework is evolving into a strategic triangle of influence within the OTS. It aims to promote large-scale cooperation across trade, energy, logistics, and digitalization - centered on the strategic Middle Corridor.

Turkiye and Azerbaijan, bound by the historic Shusha Declaration, already maintain relations akin to a defense alliance. Meanwhile, Azerbaijans relationship with Uzbekistan has entered a new strategic phase, following President Ilham Aliyevs state visit to Tashkent and the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations in August 2023. This landmark agreement - described by President Aliyev as a "historic moment" - symbolizes the highest level of interstate partnership.

A long list of sector-specific agreements between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan followed, covering energy, agriculture, education, vocational training, trade, defense, and environmental cooperation. The roadmap to elevate bilateral trade to $1 billion by 2030 is both ambitious and realistic, given the growing economic synergy between the two nations.

Notably, Uzbekistans contribution to the post-conflict reconstruction of Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur, including the building of schools and industrial facilities, reflects not just political alignment but genuine fraternal solidarity.

Political stability and strategic harmony among OTS members

The strategic coherence among OTS members is underpinned by political stability and mutual trust. Member states - including Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan - enjoy amicable bilateral relations with one another and broadly cooperative relations with external partners.

This internal harmony is a strategic asset. Unlike many other regional groupings plagued by internal divisions, the OTS benefits from shared civilizational values, aligned national interests, and increasing coordination in regional security, transport, and digital transformation.

The collective focus on modernizing customs operations, advancing logistics corridors such as TRACECA and the Middle Corridor, and adopting digital technologies reflects the members' shared understanding of global economic trends and the need to remain competitive.

In this context, Azerbaijans geographic position, infrastructure investments (e.g., Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, Alat Free Economic Zone, Baku International Sea Trade Port), and diplomatic agility have made it a cornerstone in linking the Turkic world with Europe, Asia, and beyond.

OTS: An emerging global player in the making

As global power centers shift and regional connectivity becomes a defining feature of international relations, the OTS stands on the verge of evolving from a cultural bloc into a strategic coalition with global relevance. The organization's coordinated efforts in energy, trade, transport, and digital governance show that it is no longer a symbolic entity but a functional and results-driven institution.

Azerbaijans vision for the OTS aligns with broader regional trends - such as the diversification of supply chains, the rise of middle-power diplomacy, and the need for multilateral platforms that reflect shared cultural and economic identities. The Middle Corridor project, backed by Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Central Asian states, is not just a transport route; its a geopolitical statement about autonomy, connectivity, and cooperation across Eurasia.

As the world grapples with emerging security challenges, technological disruptions, and shifting alliances, the OTS offers a model rooted in stability, mutual respect, and shared development. With Azerbaijan actively shaping its institutional and strategic agenda, the OTS is poised to become one of the most influential multilateral organizations of the 21st century.
30 August 2025 19:44 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The debate over constitutional reform in Armenia has become one of the key stumbling blocks in the peace process with Azerbaijan. While Yerevans leadership insists that constitutional changes are part of its domestic agenda rather than the result of external pressure, Baku has repeatedly argued that the Armenian Constitution contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan that must be removed if a sustainable peace agreement is to be signed.

Armenia has not committed to amending its Constitution as part of the agreements with Azerbaijan. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated this in an interview with Public Television. He also mentioned that he does not agree with the Azerbaijani view that there are issues within the Armenian Constitution:

"The issue of the Constitution was not discussed in Washington, although we have previously heard statements about this from Azerbaijan. We also observe problems in their Constitution, but we believe a peace agreement can resolve these issues without requiring amendments...

Armenia has not agreed to amend its Constitution at the request of any country. We have been discussing the possibility since 2018, and only a section related to the Declaration has been added to these talks."

Last year, N. Pashinyan announced plans to adopt a new constitution, and he reaffirmed these plans last week. He even mentioned that if there are any discrepancies, he would intervene to accelerate the process.

What are the reasons behind these disagreements in Yerevan? What do they suggest about the future of the peace agreement? In such a scenario, could Azerbaijan include claims to its historical lands, specifically Western Azerbaijan, and propose adding clauses about the return of these territories to its Constitution, as well as demand the immediate evacuation of Yerevan and other territories due to the expiration of the lease?

Azernews sought insights from leading political experts in Azerbaijan.

According to Ilyas Huseynov, Senior Advisor to the Center for Social Research and a Political Scientist, if Armenia resists the amendments, Baku may consider reciprocal constitutional measures that introduce claims to historical lands or escalate diplomatic and legal pressure:

The Armenian constitution must be changed without any condition. Azerbaijans demands must be met here. Because this constitution contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan, and only if those claims are removed can a peace agreement be signed. Unfortunately, the agreements reached in Washington are presented to the domestic audience by Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan in a completely different form, which is certainly unacceptable. Because Armenia has taken on obligations at the request of the Azerbaijani side, and these are also related to the amendment of the Constitution.

I believe that such a statement by Ararat Mirzoyan is calculated to protect the image of the Armenian delegation before the domestic audience. The Armenian Constitution will undoubtedly change. However, they are trying to present it in such a way that this is not being fulfilled at the request of Azerbaijan, these changes are related to the countrys European integration. It will hold a referendum based on the priorities it has put forward.

However, even if Azerbaijans demand is met in these changes, it will not be conveyed to the domestic audience as our pressure on Armenia. Because parliamentary elections will be held in Armenia next year, the ruling party will show its strength, successes and achievements over the past period.

In one form or another, I think that changing the constitution in the context of official Baku's demands is a must. Otherwise, the Azerbaijani side can also take adequate steps. It can make constitutional amendments, add the issue of Western Azerbaijan to its constitution on a legal level. Its demands can increase and become tougher, and the Armenian side should not forget that Azerbaijan leased Yerevan and other territories. It can appeal to international instances, citing the expiration of its term. In short, Azerbaijan has enough arguments to present to the Armenian side. It would be better for Azerbaijan to take steps against Armenia within the framework of its current demands, because history and the processes taking place in the near future show that after its demands are not met, our subsequent demands become more consistent, and in this case, of course, it can implement all options.

Moscow-based political analyst Andrew Korybko, on the other hand, warns that continued ambiguity in Yerevans stance could complicate regional dynamics, particularly as Azerbaijan pursues its own integration strategies through the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP):

Azerbaijan's demand that Armenia amend its constitution to remove references to what was once known as Nagorno-Karabakh as the final prerequisite for a peace treaty has divided Armenian society. The newly announced Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) has been similarly contentious. Those who oppose both believe that they represent unacceptable concessions of Armenian sovereignty that could possibly presage the de facto re-erasure of their state.

The Foreign and Prime Ministers might be sincere in their respective stances of opposing and supporting such an amendment, or they might be playing a game of good cop, bad cop whereby they speculatively already agreed to push through this amendment but want to manage public opinion first. Whichever it may be, this rhetoric will predictably cause concern in Azerbaijan that Armenia might either only partially implement the Washington Pact or possibly renege on it in the future.

Its possible that Azerbaijani-Armenian relations can normalize even in the absence of a peace agreement, upon which the associated amendment is required, so long as TRIPP becomes operational. From Azerbaijans perspective, obtaining more direct access to Nakhchivan and thenceforth Turkiye and beyond is a priority since itll position the country as one of Eurasias geo-economic pivot states for connecting East (China, Central Asia) and West (EU), so it might use TRIPP even without a peace treaty.

From Armenias perspective, if it continues to refuse to amend its constitution in the way thats demanded (or it tries to via a failed referendum), politicians (whether from the ruling party or the opposition depending on the aforesaid scenario) can claim that they saved Armenias sovereignty. Either way, while the issue is certainly significant due to what that part of the current Armenian Constitution implies, TRIPP might help them normalize their relations even without a peace treaty.

If Azerbaijan includes amendments in its constitution that mirror Armenias implied claims to neighboring land, that could imperil the peace process and lead to negative media attention from the West (with whom Azerbaijan is attempting to enter into a rapprochement) even though it has the right. Such a move might only be done if TRIPP doesnt enter into operation for whatever reason and Armenia continues to refuse to amend its constitution in the way thats demanded.

If bilateral relations normalize through TRIPP even in the absence of a peace treaty and Azerbaijan suddenly signals interest in this move, then it could spook Armenia into fearing that Azerbaijan might seek to advance such similarly implied claims via military means. In that scenario, the US would likely have to mediate between them, especially if Armenia then expresses newfound reservations about continuing TRIPPs operations in such a tense political context. Once again, Azerbaijan has the full legal right to amend its constitution however it wants, but the context in which that might happen could lead to the opposite reaction from Armenia than might be expected.
30 August 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The BakuAghdam passenger train service has officially resumed after a 32-year suspension, Azernews reports.

The first train departed from Baku Railway Station today at 07:10, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of transportation links to the region.

According to the schedule, the train will operate once a week on Saturdays. It will depart Baku at 07:00 and arrive in Aghdam at 11:53. The return journey from Aghdam is scheduled for 18:20, arriving back in Baku at 22:55.

Passengers can board the train at several stations along the route, including Baku, Bilajari, Ujar, Laki, Yevlakh, Barda, Kocharli, Tezekend, and Aghdam.

The service offers four travel classes: Standard, Standard+, Business, and First Class. Ticket prices start at 12 AZN for travel to stations such as Barda, Kocharli, and Tezekend, while fares to the Aghdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex begin at 12.80 AZN.

This development marks an important step in reconnecting communities and enhancing regional mobility in Azerbaijan.
30 August 2025 14:20 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan is capable of receiving two to three times more tourists than it currently does,said Kenan Guluzade, Advisor to the Chairman of the State Tourism Agency.

Azernews reports that Kenan Guluzade made the remarks during a media tour organized by the Agency to the beaches in Shuvalan settlement.

There are no serious problems with the service sector in Azerbaijan. The number of employees in tourism is growing every year, and new jobs are being created, he noted.
30 August 2025 11:49 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan plays a significant role as a member of the "SCO family," said Lu Mei, Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan, ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit to be held in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, Azernews reports.

"Azerbaijan obtained dialogue partner status within the SCO in 2016 and has since become an important member of the SCO family. China and Azerbaijan maintain close cooperation within the SCO framework. As an active participant, Azerbaijan has strongly supported China's work during its SCO chairmanship and sent high-level delegations to various SCO platformsincluding the Political Parties Forum, the Energy Ministers' Forum, the Green Development Forum, the Foreign Ministers' Forum, and the Peoples Forum," the ambassador stated.

Ambassador Lu also emphasized the historical contributions of both countries to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, noting that China and Azerbaijan are both key forces in defending multilateralism, global equality, and justice.

"As history shows, the more turbulent the international landscape becomes, the more China and Azerbaijan must strengthen solidarity and cooperation. Together, we can help shape a model of international relations based on equality, mutual benefit, and collaboration, and bring more stability and positive energy to the world," she added.

Lu Mei reaffirmed Chinas readiness to work closely with Azerbaijan to implement important agreements reached by the two countries leaders and to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation.

"We are committed to deepening cooperation between our two nations, achieving greater results, and making stronger contributions to global peace, development, and the protection of fairness and justice," she concluded.
30 August 2025 14:46 (UTC+04:00)

The first group of residents is expected to return to Aghdam city in the autumn of this year, said Emin Huseynov, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, Azernews reports.

He told journalists that large-scale reconstruction works are advancing rapidly.

Major infrastructure projects are being implemented at a fast pace. The first resettlement will start in the coming months. By the end of next year, the central and historical-cultural part of Aghdam will be fully restored and opened for residents, he noted.
30 August 2025 16:19 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

On August 30, the International Day of the Disappeared, the Garabagh Missing Families Public Union held a protest in Geneva, in front of the symbolic Broken Chair monument near the UNs European headquarters at the Palais des Nations, Azernews reports.

The demonstration featured the personal belongings and documents of Azerbaijani missing persons, displayed alongside powerful messages that conveyed their untold stories. Each exhibit symbolized a life cut short: My time stopped! Who noticed? read the banner about Zahid Gasimov, whose watch was shown; No scarf warms me, said the sign for Gurbat Hasanov, remembered only by his scarf; My story has no end, was written for Telman Yusifov, whose shirt and manuscripts were displayed.

The protest carried deeply personal testimonies from families. Konul Behbudova, chair of the union, held her missing brother Abbas Behbudovs documents alongside a sign reading: Documents are here, life is missing. Mothers, wives, and children of the disappeared shared similar heartbreaking messages: Born to live, not to disappear, read the banner of Ilham Dadashovs mother; Hope is as tiny as these dice, said the wife of Azad Jabbarov, displaying the two backgammon dice left from her husband. One empty box symbolized the Mammadov family, wiped out entirely in the 1992 Khojaly massacre: The Mammadovs  a lost family. No graves, only echoes.

This was the first overseas protest organized by families of missing Azerbaijanis. Just days earlier, on August 28, relatives were received for the first time at the UN, where they met with the Secretariat of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Families expressed declining trust in the International Committee of the Red Cross, saying their hopes of receiving information had been severely undermined. They also called for the appointment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Missing Persons, stressing that enforced disappearances are a global problem.

According to official figures, 3,990 Azerbaijani citizens went missing as a result of Armenias military aggression, including 71 children, 284 women, and 316 elderly people. Six of them disappeared during the 44-day war in 2020. Families highlighted that in the past five years, 28 mass graves have been discovered in formerly occupied territories, revealing evidence of large-scale killings and inhumane burials. They demanded that Armenia hand over maps of the burial sites and bring to justice those responsible for war crimes, noting that none of the perpetrators have faced accountability.

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30 August 2025 12:23 (UTC+04:00)

Turkiye is marking the 103rd anniversary of Victory Day with grand celebrations across the country, Azernews reports.

To honor this national holiday, large-scale eventsincluding parades, public gatherings, concerts, and commemorative ceremoniesare being held in cities and towns throughout the country.

As part of the tradition, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other top officials will visit the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkiye, in Ankara. The ceremony will pay tribute to all those who played a role in Turkiyes national independence struggle.

President Erdogan, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Turkish Armed Forces, will also receive official greetings at the Presidential Palace in Ankara in honor of the occasion.

Victory Day commemorates the decisive Battle of Dumlupnar, which began on August 26, 1922, under the command of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The battle lasted four days and ended with the complete defeat of occupying forces.

This historic victory was a turning point in Turkiyes national liberation movement, paving the way for the withdrawal of foreign troops and the eventual proclamation of the Turkish Republic.

Victory Day was officially declared a national holiday in 1926 and has been celebrated every year since as a symbol of Turkish unity, resilience, and independence.
30 August 2025 20:21 (UTC+04:00)

The Belgian government has allocated 100 million for the purchase of weapons from the United States for Ukraine.

Azernews reports, citing foreign media, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib made the announcement while attending the informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Copenhagen.

"The Belgian government has allocated 100 million for the program to purchase arms from the United States for Ukraine," the minister stated.
Has the City of Washington, NC been managed by their elected local government, and their bureaucrats, in a fiscally responsible manner to better serve the people who pay their ever advancing property taxes?

0% Yes, rising property taxes are a necessity to maintain a progressive city.100% No, excessive funding of a poorly managed government can become a shell game of corruption.0% I am afraid to say.
By Rev. Mark Creech

revmarkcreech.org

According to E. Calvin Beisner, president and founder of the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, a sobering number of young Americans are allowing fears of climate change to shape their lives in dramatic ways. One-third of childless men and women between the ages of 20 and 45, and a staggering 40 percent of Generation Z, say concerns about the planet are a factor in their decision to remain childless.

This is a tragic reflection of how deeply climate alarm has unsettled todays youth.

Young people today have been raised under a steady stream of apocalyptic warnings. From school textbooks to documentaries to news outlets and politicians, they have been told, over and over again, that the planet has only a few years left and the human race is facing near extinction. Although many of these predictions have proven exaggerated or outright false, the repetition has done its work: it has created a culture of dread.

The late James Gregory, one of the funniest comedians ever, used to mock this kind of overblown rhetoric in his stand-up routine:

Let me tell you folks about global warming, especially you young folks out there. Dont worry about itand Ill tell you why.For as long as I have been alive, its been hot in the summer. Now this right here is almost unbelievable  some summers have been hotter than others.

You know what it is? Its just weather. There are so many things in this world that we should worry about, but we worry about what we should not worry about, and the weather is one of them.

You know, let me give you an exampleThis was in USA Today just a couple of days ago. Alright, we all know that usually August is the hottest month of the year, and theyre predicting for this coming August its going to be about 2 degrees hotter than the previous August.

Well, lets take a minute and think about that. Heres what we should ask ourselvesWhy is that even in the news?

All theyre saying is this: Seven months from now! It might be two degrees hotter than it was five months ago. Whats gone is gone, and between now and August, we all might get hit by a big old truck.

Gregory makes us laugh, and that laughter comes from the absurdity of how climate reporting often functions: hyped, speculative, and oddly detached from the realities of everyday life.

Yet for many young people, its no laughing matter. Psychologists now use the term eco-anxiety to describe the fear, despair, and depression associated with climate fears.

Why is this happening? When young people, still forming their sense of stability and hope, are told by trusted authority figures that their world is ending, it doesnt prepare them for life; it wounds them. Its a form of emotional abuse that clips them at the knees.

At just 16 years old, Greta Thunberg delivered her fiery speech to the United Nations Climate Action Summit in 2019, shocking the nations with her repeated refrain, How dare you! One can almost imagine someone taking her aside, touching her on the shoulder, and gently saying, Slow down, child. Take a deep breath. Theyve scared you with stories that are far worse than reality. Dont let them steal your peace. Youre getting all worked up over nothing. Her voice, trembling with anger, was not just youthful intensity but from anxieties borne of indoctrinations by so-called experts that the world was on fire. She had been repeatedly told that the earth was now balanced on a knifes edge  warnings too heavy for a teenager to carry.

Without the anchor of a biblical worldview, nature itself becomes the ultimate. The earth is seen as fragile, and survival depends solely on human management. If we dont save the planet, then all is lost. Utter, foolishness! Bunk! Poppycock!

Scripture gives us an entirely different perspective. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease (Genesis 8:22). The earth is the Lords, not ours (Psalm 24:1). Christ Himself upholds all things by the word of His power (Colossians 1:1617).

This means that while stewardship is a Christian duty, the continuation of the earth does not rest on human shoulders. It rests on Gods promise and providence.

At the heart of climate alarmism is a misplaced faith in humanitys power to control what only God can control. Policies, protests, and personal sacrifices are heralded as ways to stabilize the planet. But the Bible reminds us that God controls the climate, the seas, and the storms. He alone commands the weather.

Young people today need more than warnings of impending catastrophe. Instead, they need hope rooted in something unshakable. Climate fears have filled a void where faith in God ought to be.

Christians are called to be responsible stewards of creation. But the notion that this planet hangs by a thread of human effort is not wisdom but ignorance  ignorance of the most incredible truth: that a Sovereign and Benevolent God rules the universe, and none of His purposes can fail. He upholds His world, and His will shall prevail.

As Isaac Newton observed, This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being. The Lord set these things in motion, and only He can bring them to an end.

The solution to climate fear is a return to faith in the God who made the heavens and the earth. Only then will young people be free from despair and empowered to live with hope, courage, and purpose.

As James Gregory once quipped, Dont worry about it. Who knows, one day we all might get hit by a big old truck. His point was simple: life is short, and none of us really knows what tomorrow will bring.

So get on with living. But above all, give your life to the Lord. Turn from your sins and turn to Christ, for God has prepared an incredible future for all who trust Him.

https://revmarkcreech.org/climate-fears-are-robbing-our-youth-of-hope
Why giving up movie stardom was Tom Hiddlestons smartest career move

The Life of Chuck is Hiddlestons first substantial movie role in six years. Louis Chilton looks at the career of an actor who flirted with mainstream stardom but refused to settle down

The 2016 adaptation of John le Carres The Night Manager, starring Tom Hiddleston, became a global phenomenon

Louis Chilton UK Independent Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 10:00







To date, the career of Tom Hiddleston has been defined, largely, by two roles: the one he got, and the one he didnt. The first of these  Loki, the machiavellian god of mischief in Marvels Thor  was the part that made his name, hoisting him to stardom in the early 2010s.
Deacon Blues Ricky Ross: My grandchildren love that my wife and I are rock stars

The Scot on his band Deacon Blues ascent to fame in the late 1980s, returning to perform in Dublin this October, and being considered cool by his grandkids

Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross. Photo: Gerry Mooney

John Meagher Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 13:45

Ricky Ross can pinpoint the moment his life changed forever. It was October 3, 1988, the day that his band, Deacon Blue, released their single Real Gone Kid.
Van Morrison at 80: The man doesnt even stop for birthdays, he works every day that God gives him

Poet, prolific performer, Belfast man  Van Morrison turns 80 this week. Those working in and writing about the music industry speak to Aine Toner about the artists career

Van Morrison performing in 2021

Aine Toner Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 12:30

An expressive voice in music with a characteristic growl. A maverick in his path through the industry who is powerfully inward. The Belfast Cowboy is turning 80 this weekend celebrating the only way he knows how: performing on stage in his home city.
Armenian Prime Minister Warns Against Politicizing the Genocide of Assyrians, Greeks and Armenians

In a striking statement that has reignited debate over the Sayfo Genocide against Armenians, Syriacs (Arameans-Chaldeans-Assyrians), and Greeks in 1915 by the hands of Ottoman Turks and Kurds, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said his country has reaped no tangible benefits from the growing international recognition of the tragedy. Pashinyan's remarks came in response to comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who, in a rare admission during a YouTube interview with American podcast host Patrick Bet-David, personally acknowledged the genocide. Israel's parliament and government have not, since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, recognized the Sayfo Genocide of 1915.

Pashinyan, in turn, struck a cautious note, warning against attempts to use the genocide for global political maneuvering. "Do we want the recognition or non-recognition of the Armenian Genocide to be a geopolitical pawn in the hands of others, which has nothing to do with the interests of our state and the interests of the people? Do we want the Armenian Genocide to be something expressed in an interview as a result of coincidence or confusion? I do not want us to put our martyrs in such a status. We must focus on the interests of our state," Pashinyan stated.

For decades, he implied, Armenia has seen little concrete gain from the parliaments and governments that have recognized the Sayfo Genocide. Such recognition, he argues, is often wielded as leverage in bilateral relations with Turkey, rather than serving the interests of the Armenian people or addressing their most pressing national concerns.

Armenians, Syriacs (Arameans-Chaldeans-Assyrians), and Greeks, have long sought to cement global acknowledgment of the genocide that took the lives of millions of Armenians and hundreds of thousands of Syriac (Assyrian-Chaldean-Aramean) lives in 1915, and in later years Greek lives.

Yet Pashinyan warned that turning the issue into a political bargaining chip risks stripping it of its historical and moral weight. Comprehensive international recognition has not yet been achieved at the official level, he said. Adding that the issue has been exploited more in politics than it has served the truth.

Netanyahu's words, despite their personal framing, were seen as unprecedented for an Israeli leader, given the delicate balance in relations between Tel Aviv and Ankara. In Yerevan, meanwhile, Pashinyan's remarks sparked internal debate over the utility of ongoing international campaigns for recognition, at a time when Armenia faces immediate challenges to its national security and strained relations with its neighbors.
Retiring NI teacher honoured after going above and beyond for pupils: The role has changed

Supporting children a way of life for our deserving Spirit of Education winner Susan Jones from Fort Hill Integrated Primary

Susan Jones after being named the winner of our award (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)

David O'Dornan Tue 21 Oct 2025 at 15:07







Supporting children as they make their way in the world has been a passion for Spirit of Education winner Susan Jones for decades.
From Timothee Chalamets 1984 to SJP with Sally Rooney  what the books we want to be seen reading say about us

Just as we judge books by their covers, we judge people by their books, writes Emily Hourican who muses on the worthy works we keep on show versus the guilty pleasures stashed under our pillows

"When Marilyn Monroe was photographed reading Ulysses, we all saw a different side of her: Marilyn-the-misunderstood-intellectual became as much a trope as Marilyn-the-insouciant-sex-bomb." Image: Clare Meredith

Emily Hourican Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 14:50

I cant get shops to take my second-hand books for anything. And this is despite the fact that, because I occasionally review books for this newspaper, I get sent many, many brand spanking new ones. These are not dog-eared copies of Nausea or The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, they are the thriller of the summer, the Book of the Year, the new Sally Rooney.
Eamonn Holmes spotted with staff at Murphys Bar in Downpatrick on 29th August 2025

Staff and diners at Murphys bar and restaurant in Downpatrick got a pleasant surprise on Friday evening when well-known broadcaster Eamonn Holmes stopped by for dinner.

The Belfast native who was dining with a small group, said he had been highly recommended to try the bars popular honey chilli chicken, with the hospitality staff sharing his glowing review to their business Facebook page.

The television personality was in good spirits, chatting with workers and even taking selfies using their phones, much to everyones delight.

The team at Murphys described the visit as such a pleasure, adding that it was a memorable evening for all involved.

The 65-year-old was also photographed outside the pubs premises.

Holmes has been battling issues for years after dislodging discs in his back which he said impinged on his sciatic nerve, affecting the mobility of his right leg.

The former ITV star previously underwent spinal surgery and a double hip replacement, and in March told his online followers he is in constant pain.

In May, Holmes suffered a serious fall at home after slipping on a wet floor, resulting in what he described as the sorest and most powerful head injury he had ever experienced.

The incident required hospital treatment and left him fearing for his life, admitting he thought he was dead.

The NI journalists health challenges continued in June when he lost balance and slipped from his chair during a live segment on GB News.

Speaking candidly on his GB News show, Holmes opened up about the impact his health issues have had on his daily life.

I used to be pro-exercise, but I can't move. I'm in a wheelchair now, he said.

I can't put on the right trainers, I can't change, I can't go to the showers, I can't do things I can't stand up.
See if you can spot anyone you know from Saturdays parades in our above photo gallery

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades. The Royal Black Institution is marking the finale of the parading season with six major Last Saturday demonstrations, also known as Black Saturday. Organised by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter and hosted by Antrim Royal Black District Chapter 3 involved 79 preceptories and 75 marching bands. Around 4,500 participants, comprising 2,500 sir knights and 2,000 band members, on parade. The organisers have confirmed six districts will attend: Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6. Assembling at Fountain Hill, the parade made its way to the demonstration field on the Randalstown Road, starting at 12 noon. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Thousands of people gathered across Northern Ireland for parades today, as the Royal Black Institution held its annual 'Last Saturday' event.

Parades took place at six locations in the finale to the marching season.

In Cookstown, Co Tyrone, Sovereign Grand Master Rev William Anderson addressed around 8,000 participants.

Other parades were held in Antrim, Castlederg, Ballyclare, Dundrum and Limavady.

The events featured 350 preceptories and 300 marching bands, drawing thousands of supporters.

Rev. Anderson, the keynote speaker, delivered a powerful address centred on the institution's 2025 Resolutions: Faith, Loyalty, and the Constitution.

He criticised the current political climate, highlighting a growing sense of instability and loss of trust in government.

He called for a return to faith and adherence to Christian principles, while reaffirming loyalty to King Charles III and his commitment to defending the Protestant faith.

On the Constitution, Rev Anderson voiced concern over the imposition of foreign laws on Northern Ireland, urging the UK government to restore full citizenship rights as outlined in the Act of Union.

Unless you live in a parallel universe, you cant help but wonder what is going on in our world today, said Rev Anderson.

We struggle from one crisis to the next, we no longer trust our political leaders, our country is being overrun, and our national Government lacks the will to deal with our problems.

He believes that the biggest casualty is trust, undermining confidence and creating an air of hopelessness.

On the Constitution, he asked: Why does our national Government persist in allowing a foreign power to make laws over this part of the United Kingdom?

It is a question that goes unanswered, unless you examine closely the political manoeuvring that is going on in the background to remove us as citizens of the United Kingdom.

There is simply no economic gain, no political gain for such a plan, yet we rock from one crisis to another, which only creates more instability, at a time when the nation is crying out for stability.

Our hope for a stable future lies within the United Kingdom and not in some hybrid state, wobbling from one crisis to another.

On the Resolution of Loyalty to His Majesty King Charles, he said: Leadership requires resolve, firmness in decision-making, and a true upholding of that which we promised to uphold.

Our King has resolved to uphold the Protestant faith, and that should be the guiding principle of his reign.

If he keeps that as his focus, then he can be assured of our support.

Rev Anderson said that, overall, hope for the future and the answer to todays problems was to be found in the Lord.

Pacemaker Press 30-08-2025: Royal Black Institution holding Last Saturday parades.

He said: Our biggest problem is we talk the talk, but we dont walk the walk.

Today, more than ever, we need to turn to God, set aside our foolish ways and plead with Him to save us from our sins and in so doing save our nation.

Today, may I urge you to turn to God, to seek his forgiveness.

He continued: Remember that He died for you. His sacrifice on the cross was the price He paid for your sin. What a Saviour! What hope He gives to those that are lost in their sin.

Our hope today is not found in man, or political ideologies, but in Christ alone.

So, today as we pass these Resolutions, let us set aside our hopelessness, and trust in Christ the Saviour of mankind.

The day's events were part of a larger regional celebration, with additional parades hosted by County Antrim Grand Black Chapter, which included 79 preceptories and 75 bands in Antrim.

The parades highlighted the continued cultural and political significance of the Royal Black Institution in Northern Ireland.
The heartbroken sister of a young girl who died after attending a music festival in Belfast has said no words can make sense of the tragedy.

Mia Keevan (17) passed away after falling unwell at the Emerge dance event last weekend.

Her funeral today heard how she was so young, so full of dreams, as well as pleas for young people to take care with the choices they make in life.

In a eulogy, her older sister Kyah said the last couple of months had been the happiest of Mias short life.

She said her sister ran her own race, always on her terms.

Mia, from Co Tipperary, became ill at the Emerge festival at Boucher Road playing fields and died in hospital last Sunday.

Requiem Mass was held in St Nicholas' Church in her native Carrick-on-Suir this morning.

Addressing mourners, Kyah said her sister was feisty, loving and full of life.

She was real, unique and thats what made her so special.

She had that way of making everyone laugh. No matter how annoyed you were at her, you couldnt stay mad for long, because shed already be on to her next plan, scheming of what she was going to do next.

She ran her own race, always on her terms, and we loved that about her.

She had big dreams - visiting me in Australia was one - and there were always new ones popping into her head every single minute.

She ran her own race, always on her terms, and we loved that about her

Kyah described how her sister had recently bought her first car, saying it was her absolute pride and joy.

Over the last couple of months, Mia was the happiest she had ever been - everything was falling into place, she continued.

So many dreams had come true - her car, her boyfriend Jack, and she was so close to her 18th birthday.

Describing the familys close bond, Kyah added: She loved deeply and when she loved you, you felt it. She was fiercely loyal.

She added: What happened to her was tragic and I have no words that can make sense of it.

But what I do know is that her sprit and her laughter, her honesty, her dreams and her love will never leave us. She lived her life boldly and she made an impact on everyone who knew her."

To applause from mourners, Kyah concluded: Rest easy Mia, you will always be with us.

Read more PSNI urge public to respect inquest process following two deaths after Emerge festival

Earlier, as the coffin was brought into the church, the Tom Odell song Another Love was played.

A framed photograph of Mia had been placed on top of the coffin.

During the service, items representing her life were brought forward, including her car keys and hair straighteners.

Addressing mourners, parish priest Fr Paul Waldron spoke of the sense of shock in the community.

He described how difficult is was to come and say goodbye to someone so young, so full of dreams, so beautifully alive.

He added: Mia was one not just to walk quietly through life. She ran, she danced, she climbed.

The priest recalled a young girl with a spark in her eye.

Her heart knew the direction it wanted to go, and maybe rules were just suggestions, he said.

But behind that roguish grin was something deeper.

The family were telling me how determined she was - she didnt just dream, she chased after her dreams with everything she had.

Mia Keevan

News Catch Up - Friday 29th August

Fr Waldron said Mia lived a life greater than her 17 years on earth.

He added: She didnt just wait for life to come to her, she lived it  it was an unforgettable life, and in doing that she has left behind a legacy for all of us gathered here in the church far bigger than her 17 years.

Fr Waldron told mourners that the log book for Mia's new car had arrived at her family home on Friday.

He said: "She would have been jumping around the room with joy; she had her alloy wheels, she had her windows tinted and she had a big fluffy keyring.

Fr Waldron said he - with the support of the Keevan family - had a message for young people.

They just want you to be careful, to watch out for yourself, to be cautious, to think about the choices that we make, he said.

To be there for each other - thats what we want for you and Mias family want it. They asked me to say that - that you would mind yourself and that you would care for yourselves.

All of us make different choices each and every day. So of them are the right choices, some are the wrong choices.

But please, to all the young people, just mind yourselves.

Following the service, burial took place in St Mary's cemetery.

Mia was one of two young people to die following the music festival, which was attended by around 40,000 dance fans each day last weekend.

In a separate incident, 24-year-old Trae Keenan, from Castlewellan, Co Down, died in rented accommodation in Belfast city centre a few hours after the event ended.

It has been reported that Mr Keenan had previously suffered from heart complications and asthma and his family said his death was not linked to drugs.

Police have said they are investigating but have not commented on what caused the deaths.

Two other people remain in hospital after attending the event.

Event organisers told the BBC they were "saddened by the death of Mia Keevan and offer our sincerest condolences to her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

"We are fully engaging with all the relevant stakeholders and statutory bodies, providing as much information and assistance as required.

"The safety and wellbeing of everyone attending our events remains our highest priority.
The AI-powered stethoscope allows doctors to test for three different heart conditions within seconds (Imperial College London/PA)

Stethoscopes powered by artificial intelligence (AI) could help medics detect three different heart conditions in seconds, according to researchers.

The technology is able to analyse subtle difference in heartbeats and blood flow which human ears cannot pick up, all while performing a rapid test to record the electrical activity in the heart at the same time.

Using AI in this way could be a real game-changer, experts suggest, and would allow patients with heart failure, heart valve disease and abnormal heart rhythms, also known as atrial fibrillation, to be treated sooner.

The stethoscope, invented in 1816, allows doctors to listen to the internal sounds of a patients body.

Its chest piece  the part of the tool which is placed on the body  includes a bell, a small cup-shape used to hear low-frequency sounds from the heart.

The new AI stethoscope has been upgraded for the 21st century, and replaces this chest piece with a device around the size of a playing card.

This is placed on a patients chest to take an ECG (electrocardiogram)  which records electrical signals from the heart  with a microphone recording the sound of blood flowing through the heart.

This information is then sent to the cloud and analysed by AI trained on data from tens of thousands of people.

A test result flagging if a patient is at risk of heart failure or not is then sent to a smartphone.

Another algorithm is able to detect atrial fibrillation, which often has no symptoms but can increase the risk of strokes.

Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and consultant cardiologist, said: This is an elegant example of how the humble stethoscope, invented more than 200 years ago, can be upgraded for the 21st century.

We need innovations like these, providing early detection of heart failure, because so often this condition is only diagnosed at an advanced stage when patients attend hospital as an emergency.

Given an earlier diagnosis, people can access the treatment they need to help them live well for longer.

The AI-powered stethoscope allows doctors to test for three different heart conditions within seconds (Eko Health/PA)

The study by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust involved more than 200 GP surgeries in London.

The AI stethoscope was trialled on those with certain symptoms  breathlessness, fatigue or swelling of the lower legs or feet, which are all signs of heart failure.

Some 12,725 patients from 96 surgeries were examined with the AI stethoscope and were then compared to patients from 109 GP surgeries where the technology was not used.

Researchers found those examined with the device were 2.33 times more likely to be diagnosed with heart failure in the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, the stethoscope was 3.45 times more likely to pick up cases of atrial fibrillation, and 1.92 times more likely to diagnose heart valve disease, when one of more of the hearts four valves do not work properly.

Dr Mihir Kelshiker, a member of the research team from Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: Most people with heart failure are only diagnosed when they arrive in A&E seriously ill.

This trial shows that AI-enabled stethoscopes could change that  giving GPs a quick, simple tool to spot problems earlier, so patients can get the right treatment sooner.

Dr Patrik Bachtiger, of Imperial College Londons National Heart and Lung Institute and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, added: The design of the stethoscope has been unchanged for 200 years  until now.

So it is incredible that a smart stethoscope can be used for a 15-second examination, and then AI can quickly deliver a test result indicating whether someone has heart failure, atrial fibrillation or heart valve disease.

The findings of the trial, known as Tricorder, are being presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress in Madrid.

Researchers are now planning to roll out the stethoscopes to GP practices in Wales, south London and Sussex.

Professor Mike Lewis, scientific director for innovation at the NIHR, which supported the study, said: This tool could be a real game-changer for patients, bringing innovation directly into the hands of GPs.

The AI stethoscope gives local clinicians the ability to spot problems earlier, diagnose patients in the community, and address some of the big killers in society.

Professor Nicholas Peters, senior investigator from Imperial College London and consultant cardiologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, added: Our study shows that three heart conditions can now be identified in one sitting.

Importantly, this technology is already available to some patients and being widely used in GP surgeries.
In May last year, this column said that the migration question was going to be the new politics in Britain and Ireland on a daily basis throughout this century. The idea that this was a novelty item, not central or only of interest to lunatic fringes, has been debunked completely by time, revelations and the level of alarm around this topic.
A rapist who sexually assaulted an 18-year-old as she slept before laughing in her face over the attack has been convicted of drug driving.
Co Down man who hit his own child with an iron bar jailed for wrecking spree

Reprobate admits litany of charges during crazy day including dangerous driving, assault, threats to kill and having a weapon

Downpatrick Courthouse

Paul Higgins Sat 30 Aug 2025 at 18:00

A Co Down man who assaulted his ex-partner and child has been caged for 18 months for what a court heard was a despicable set of events.
Personal trainer spared jail after court told of previously clear criminal record

A personal trainer who became aggressive in hospital after drunkenly crashing and abandoning her car has avoided jail.

Mum-of-two Jordonna McCartan pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drink or drugs, failing to report and remain at the scene of an accident and disorderly behaviour.
BENNINGTON  Bennington College President Laura Walker will leave at the end of the fall term, the chair of the schools board of trustees announced Friday in an message to the college community.

According to Board Chair Nick Stephens, As the end of Laura's initial contract approached this summer, she chose not to renew a full contract, but graciously agreed to continue to serve as president through the end of the fall term to ensure consistent and steady leadership.

The board will will shortly name an interim president who will assume the presidency in 2026 and begin a national search for a permanent president immediately after that, Stephens wrote.

Walker, he said, will continue as a strategic advisor concentrating on new revenue projects and fundraising next year.

Stephens praised Walkers leadership since becoming president, saying, Laura joined the college five years ago, at the height of the COVID-19 crisis. Thanks to her leadership during that period of extraordinary difficulty, Bennington emerged from the pandemic strong and growing  progress that continued over the ensuing years, which were marked by transformative initiatives that have strengthened the college's foundation.

During her tenure, he said, the school received the largest gifts in Bennington's history  and more than doubled the number of applicants, leading to the largest enrollment in the college's history.

The college currently faces some fiscal challenges, however. An August 21 announcement said 15 staff positions at the college would be cut "as part of ongoing efforts to address budget challenges, with the reductions necessary to place the college on a more sustainable financial path while ensuring our ability to support our returning and incoming students.

In January, Stephens said, Walker will return to New York City, where she will assume the role of strategic advisor to the board to help build new revenue and programs for Bennington. In addition, she will resume her lifelong commitment to public media, developing new projects in both media and education, at a critical time for both sectors.

Walker, the 11th president in the colleges history, previously served as the longtime founding president and CEO of New York Public Media.
MILL RIVER  When the sale of Limestone Farm became a matter of record last week, county and area dairymen and others were not sure whether to offer the former owners congratulations or condolences.
Justin F. Jackson is a historian and visiting lecturer and scholar with the Department of History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His book, "The Work of Empire: War, Occupation, and the Making of American Colonialism in Cuba and the Philippines," was recently published with the University of North Carolina Press.
Dalton Delan can be reached @UnspinRoom on X and berkshireeaglereels@gmail.com. His Eagle Reels conversations can be found on YouTube .
Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access.

Stewart Edelstein, a Stockbridge resident, is author of several books, including The Covid-19 Zeitgeist: Fifty Essays and An Alphabetical Romp Through the Flora of Berkshire Botanical Garden from Agave to Zinnia.
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data.
The Irish arm of social media giant TikTok last year returned to profit to record pre-tax profits of $146.52 million (125.2 million).

New accounts filed by TikTok Technology Ltd show that the company recorded the return to profit as revenues increased by 32 per cent rising from $654.67 million to $862 million.

The company recorded the pre-tax profit of $146.5 million after sustaining a pre-tax loss of $1 billion in the prior year due to setting aside $1bn for potential fines arising from regulatory investigations and legal proceedings.

In March of this year, the Chinese video-sharing platform informed Government that it was planning to make redundant up to 300 of its Dublin-based staff.

In May, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined TikTok Technology 530 million for breaching data privacy rules in transferring European users personal data to China, following a lengthy investigation.

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In July, the High Court granted permission to TikTok Technology to appeal what the company described as the penal fine.

The average numbers employed at the Dublin unit last year decreased by 212 from 2,920 to 2,708 made up of 1,973 in operation and administration and 735 in sales and marketing.

During the same period, staff costs increased from $229.47 million to $245.77 million made up of $214.47 million in salaries, $17.07 million in social welfare costs, $9.7 million in share based payments and $4.49 million in pension costs.

Three directors served during the year and pay to directors increased from $608,000 to $899,000 made up of $848,000 in emoluments and $51,000 in pension contributions.

The Dublin based business provides services related to content moderation, data controlling of TikTok in EEA, and sales, marketing and routine support to other TikTok entities.

The directors state that the companys activities continued to grow throughout 2024.

They state the company will continue to provide support services to other TikTok entities and following the launch of TikTok Shop in Ireland and Spain in December 2024, intend to continue expanding the business within Europe.

The directors state that the company has performed in line with expectations and a higher demand for the companys services, rise in data centre expenses and other related costs resulted in an increase in recurring operating expenses

The accounts were signed off by directors Elaine McGovern and Adam Michael Presser on August 19th.

The company recorded operating profits of $173.58 million and interest payments of $27 million reduced the profits to a pre-tax profit of $146.52 million.

The firms operating lease charges increased from $38.2m to $45.6m while non-cash depreciation costs increased from $47.44 million to $58.9 million.

The company recorded a post tax profit of $133.35 million after incurring a corporation tax charge of $13.16 million.

In September 2024, TikTok pulled back from its plan to locate hundreds of its employees in offices at the Tropical Fruit Warehouse in Dublins south docklands.

This followed a company decision to bring all of the companys Dublin-based staff together at its European headquarters in the Sorting Office on nearby Cardiff Lane.
Madness guitarist Chris Foreman has said he has treatable, but not curable cancer.

The musician, 69, is best known for being part of the 80s pop group behind the hit songs Our House, It Must Be Love, and House Of Fun.

Foreman announced to fans on Friday that he has been diagnosed myeloma, a form of cancer that he is currently being treated for  and which has been described by the NHS as a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.

In a post shared on the bands social media channels, Foreman said: Earlier this year I had severe pain in my upper back and shoulders. On the 28th of June we played a show in France and it had become unbearable.

I had an MRI scan at the end of June and they found a tumour on my spine. On the 4th of July I went to the Royal Sussex and had all sorts of stuff done to me.

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I had radiotherapy which blasted it and stopped the pain. I actually had a Spinal Tap too  rock n roll! I wasnt in good shape, to say the least. My kidneys were only at 14% function, which has greatly improved since then.

What Ive got is a form of cancer called myeloma. Its treatable but not curable. When I get it into remission (I will!) I should be able to get back to normal life.

Some people have had this for 20 years or more. I have a long way to go before I get back onstage but I aim to be back next year. The band, my family, my road crew family and my management team have all been very loving and supportive.

Daniel Woodgate, Mark Bedford, Chris Foreman and Graham Suggs McPherson of Madness on Blackheath Common. Photo: Hannah McKay/PA.

One of the worst side effects is that I cant drink alcohol but Ive mastered a non alcoholic Margarita and those Zero alcohol beers aint too bad these days.

Entertainment TV chef Gordon Ramsay reveals skin cancer treatment Read more

Its been really hard not being onstage with the band this year. Theyve worked really hard and the shows looked great. I dont know how they did it without me, to be fair. I wont be able to do Butlins or the tour this year, which is a great shame but ILL BE BACK!

The group recently performed on the Castle Stage at Victorious festival, reeling off their greatest hits including House Of Fun, Baggy Trousers and It Must Be Love.

Since forming in 1976, Madness have released a number of chart-topping albums including Complete Madness, Divine Madness and Theatre Of The Absurd Presents Cest la Vie.
Saturday saw one of the biggest acts of the weekend perform, as Kneecap took to the stage in Stradbally.

The Belfast rappers have gone from strength to strength every year, with thousands of fans gathering to see them perform in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

It has been a hectic week for the trio, who had to cancel their US dates due to their next court hearing in London.

On Friday night, they performed in Belfast with Fontaines DC, as they joked on Saturday, they were "very hungover boys".

Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, appeared in court in London charged with displaying the flag of Hizbullah, a proscribed terrorist organisation in Britain, an offence he denies.

No matter the location or date, Kneecap will never stay quiet on what they feel strongly about.

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From showing solidarity with Palestine, promoting the Irish language, to condemning politicians across the world, their performance at Electric Picnic was no different.

Their hits that grabbed people's attention, such as Get Your Brits out, to C.E.A.R.T.A, and H.O.O.D, to Better Way to live, the fans loved every moment.

The Irish Times gave their performance five stars, as Mo Chara said he is a "free man" when discussing his charges.

A priority for the band in every performance, they spoke up on Palestine, as Mo Chara condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"Our brothers and sisters in Palestine are under tremendous pressure. I dont mean to lecture you, but until something changes, Ill take time out of every gig to talk about this on stage or whatever platform we have.

"Netanyahu is a war criminal. Its about time politicians started doing something about it. Its not fair to put the burden on the people when elected representatives are doing f**k all.

The actions of the Irish Government also came under the spotlight, with screens flashing up at the beginning of their performance, No more Israeli war bonds and Get the US military out of Ireland.

As the Irish Examiner noted, political leaders were condemned through the set, with fans chanting "free Mo Chara", as the paper predicts it will not be long before they headline.

Viktor Orban, who banned the group from Hungary for the next three years, and the leader of the British Conservative Party, who initially blocked the trio from receiving funding from the British Government, were only to be overturned by a court ruling in 2024.

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The group also referenced themselves as the Wolfe Tones on cocaine."

As RTE included in their review, Kneecap have always had a special connection with Electric Picnic.

At a time when many acts have suffered from speaking out in support of Palestine, the organisers of Electric Picnic ensured Kneecap would be allowed to speak freely.

Mo Chara looked back on performing in front of 60 people, compared to the thousands of people they performed in front of on Saturday.

Moglai Bap thanked the fans for their support through the years, as he said, "We werent on the radios, we werent on the TV, and the only reason that we are here on the main stage at EP is because of all you Fenian b*******".
David Cullinane, Sinn Feins health spokesperson has revealed he has gotten engaged.

The long-time Waterford politician took to his official Facebook page to announce his engagement to his partner Sinead.

Deputy Cullinane was previously married to party colleague Ireland South MEP Kathleen Funchion, and they have two sons.

The 51-year-old said on his Facebook post that he was delighted to announce his engagement to the wonderful Sinead and shared a photograph of them both and of the diamond solitaire ring.

It remains unclear when the couple became engaged, but deputy Cullinane had been on holiday until last Thursday and has not yet replied to attempts to contact him. Deputy Cullinane made the announcement on Friday evening.

Hundreds of members of the public congratulated the couple with one person commenting that the announcement was absolutely terrific news and wished them many years of happiness together.

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He was first elected to Waterford City Council in 2004 and became a TD in 2016 after three failed attempts.

Last April deputy Cullinane had to apologise for comments he made regarding the Trans community following a UK Supreme Court ruling in the UK.

The deputy apologised after welcoming as common sense a judgment by the court that the term woman means a biological female.

The landmark decision on April 16th ruled that the terms woman, man and sex are defined solely by a persons biological sex in the UK Equality Act of 2010. It means a person born male who identifies as a woman does not have a right to use women-only spaces.

Deputy Cullinane backtracked and apologised for the hurt and offence that I have caused to the Trans community following a tweet.
The Iranian-backed Houthis said on Saturday that an Israeli airstrike killed the prime minister of the rebel-controlled government in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.

Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed in a Thursday strike in Sanaa along with a number of ministers, the rebels said in a statement.

The Israeli military said on Thursday that it precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target in the area of Sanaa in Yemen.

Mr Al-Rahawi, who had served as prime minister to the Houthi-led government since August 2024, was targeted along with other members of his Houthi-controlled government during a routine workshop held by the government to evaluate its activities and performance over the past year, the rebels statement said.

The Houthis have repeatedly launched missiles against Israel throughout Israels war against Hamas in Gaza.

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The group says the attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians. Though most of the missiles launched by Yemen are intercepted by Israel, or fragment mid-air, this has done little to deter the attacks.

Earlier in the week, Israeli strikes hit multiple areas across Sanaa, killing at least 10 people and wounding 102 others, according to the Houthi-run health ministry and government officials.

The Houthis have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea throughout Israels war against Hamas in Gaza. The rebels say their attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians.

In response to the Houthi attacks, Israel and a US-led coalition pounded the rebel-held areas in Yemen, including Sanaa and the strategic coastal city of Hodeida. Israeli strikes knocked the Sanaa airport out of service in May.

The Trump administration announced a deal with the Houthis to end the airstrikes 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.
Israel will soon slow or halt humanitarian aid into parts of northern Gaza as it expands its offensive attempting to cripple Hamas, an official said on Saturday.

The official told The Associated Press that Israel will stop airdrops over Gaza City in the coming days and reduce the arrival of aid trucks into the northern part of the strip, as it prepares to evacuate hundreds of thousands of residents south.

Israel on Friday declared Gaza City a combat zone, calling it a Hamas stronghold and alleging that a network of tunnels remains in use despite several previous large-scale raids on the area throughout the nearly 23-month-long war.

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.





Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC President, warns that a mass evacuation of Gaza City is "unfeasible and incomprehensible".



All civilians are protected by the rules of war, whether they leave or stay behind, and must be allowed to return home.



Read more: https://t.co/Vn6d90MB89 pic.twitter.com/EfU4nE6Ooz  ICRC (@ICRC) August 30, 2025

In recent days, the military has ramped up strikes on the citys outskirts. AP video footage overnight on Friday showed several large explosions across Gaza.

The militarys announcement to resume fighting came as the death toll in Gaza rose to more than 63,000 people.

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On Saturday, four people were killed by Israeli gunfire while trying to get aid in central Gaza, according to health officials at Awda hospital, where the bodies were taken.

It was unclear when the pause in aid would begin and when the airdrops would fully stop.

By Saturday there had been no airdrops for several days across Gaza, a break from the almost daily drops of the past few weeks.

Israels army did not respond to a request for comment about the airdrops or how it would provide aid to Palestinians as Israel ramped up its offensive.

On Friday, Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee urged Palestinians to flee south, calling evacuation inevitable.

Aid groups warn that a largescale evacuation of Gaza City would exacerbate the dire humanitarian crisis.



Palestinians flee with their belongings on a street in Gaza City (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Earlier this month the leading authority on food crises said that Gaza City was in famine and that half a million people across the strip were facing catastrophic levels of hunger.

On Saturday the health ministry in Gaza said 10 people died as a result of starvation and malnutrition over the past 24 hours, among them three children.

Such an evacuation would trigger a massive population movement that no area in the Gaza Strip can absorb, given the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and the extreme shortages of food, water, shelter and medical care, said Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, in a statement on Saturday.

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It is impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City could be done in a safe and dignified way, she said.

Hundreds of residents have begun leaving Gaza City, piling their few remaining possessions on to pickup trucks or donkey carts. Many have been forced to leave their homes more than once.

The UN said on Thursday that 23,000 people had evacuated this past week, but many in Gaza City say there is nowhere safe to go.

Others who have been displaced south say that the area cannot support an influx of people.

There is no food and even water is not available. When it is available, it is not safe to drink, said Amer Zayed as he waited for food from a charity kitchen in the southern city of Deir Al-Balah.

What exacerbates the situation is the displacement of residents. The suffering gets worse when there are more displaced people, he said.
A federal appeals court ruled on Friday that US 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 US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found Mr Trump overstepped his authority under an emergency powers law, a major legal blow that largely upheld a May decision by a specialised 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.

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 US President Donald Trump

If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America, Mr Trump wrote on his social media platform.

White House spokesman Kush Desai said Mr Trump had acted lawfully, and we look forward to ultimate victory on this matter.

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A lawyer for small businesses affected by the tariffs, meanwhile, said the ruling shows Mr Trump does not 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 Centre.

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 US businesses and relief for consumers, Mr Colvin said.

The ruling complicates Mr Trumps ambitions to upend decades of American trade policy completely on his own.

Mr Trump has alternative laws for imposing import taxes, but they would limit the speed and severity with which he could act.

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 Centre Jeffrey Schwab, Liberty Justice Centre

His tariffs, and the erratic way he has rolled them out, have shaken global markets, alienated US trading partners and allies and raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth.

But he has 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 on July 4.

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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 Mr 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 it has collected, delivering a financial blow to the US Treasury.

Revenue from tariffs now totals 159 billion dollars (118 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.

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 US businesses and relief for consumers Jake Colvin, National Foreign Trade Council

For all the tariffs that have been collected under IEEPA, youre going to see folks request refunds and more refunds, said trade lawyer 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 presidents central role in foreign policy and vowed to appeal.

The ruling involves two sets of import taxes, both of which Mr Trump justified by declaring a national emergency under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA):

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 The sweeping tariffs he announced on April 2, which he called Liberation Day, when he imposed reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% on countries with which the US runs trade deficits and a baseline 10% tariff on just about everyone else.

Those tariff rates have since been revised by Mr Trump, in some cases after trade negotiations, and generally came into effect on August 7.

 The trafficking tariffs he announced on February 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 US.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. But over the decades, lawmakers have ceded authority to the president, and Mr Trump has made the most of the power vacuum.
US President Donald Trump stated for two consecutive days that the US welcomes Chinese students, attracting public attention. The first instance was on the 25th, during a White House press briefing, when Trump announced that he plans to allow 600,000 Chinese students into the country. "It's very important," he said, adding that "we're going to get along good with China." This announcement sparked controversy among the American right-wing camp. The next day, Trump reiterated this view during a cabinet meeting, saying that "it's very insulting to say students can't come here" and warning that without Chinese students, "our college system would go to hell very quickly." He also said that "we're honored to have the students here," while also adding that the students would be vetted.

Trump only stated some basic common sense, yet it triggered all kinds of noises within the US. Fox News host Laura Ingraham questioned US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, asking how allowing 600,000 students from China is "putting America first"? Far-right figure Laura Loomer claimed that nobody wants 600,000 "Chinese spies." These voices echo the extreme rhetoric of former Republican congressman Mike Gallagher to "send Harvard's Chinese students back." They all carry strong racist undertones and ideological bias, prominently reflecting the demonization of China by some in the US in recent years.

This logic of stigmatizing academic exchange as "Chinese infiltration" ignores the significant contributions Chinese students have long made to the US economy, science and technology, and education, and contradicts the original purpose of educational exchanges, which is to promote mutual understanding between peoples. In recent years, the US has taken a series of discriminatory measures against Chinese students: visa restrictions for STEM programs, unreasonable inspections of electronic devices at entry points, scrutiny of social media content, obstacles to academic cooperation projects, and so on. Although Chinese students account for roughly a quarter of the total international student population in the US, they have long been subject to discriminatory policies. The main reason behind this is the serious demonization of China in the US. Even The New York Times has acknowledged that Chinese doctoral students carry out sophisticated research in science and technology fields that would founder without them, but they have often been portrayed as spies.

As early as in June, Trump made a clear and official statement that "the US loves to have Chinese students coming to study in America." Yet this statement has not been truly translated into action; instead, unwarranted questioning and harassment of Chinese students at the entry have only increased. Some US border officers have carried out induced interrogations in hallways and other informal areas, even claiming that since bilateral relations are poor, such treatment is unavoidable. Some students were even held in the "small black room" for as long as 80 hours, without being allowed to take medication on schedule for health reasons. Houston has been the "hardest hit area," and the Chinese Embassy in the US issued a notice on Monday, urging Chinese students to exercise caution when entering the country through Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The controversy sparked by Trump's "welcome Chinese students" statement highlights the importance and urgency of "steering clear of the various disturbances and disruptions" to China-US relations. This is not limited to people-to-people exchanges; in many other areas, including the Taiwan question and trade, there is no shortage of examples of the US "saying one thing but doing another." On the one hand, it claims to "value China-US relations" and seeks continued economic benefits from engagement with China; on the other hand, it panders to domestic xenophobic sentiment and exaggerates the "China threat" for strategic purposes, resulting in the lack of consistency and stability in implementing policies. In all this, some US individuals hold a Cold War mentality, constantly interfering with and undermining the foundation of China-US relations, and are actually digging a hole for the US.

Whether Washington can truly deliver on its promise of "welcoming Chinese students" will test its ability to "steer clear of the various disturbances and disruptions."

There are at least three areas where the US can take meaningful actions. First, immediately end the unjustified harassment, interrogation, and deportation of Chinese students and other legitimate Chinese groups traveling to the US, and hold accountable any border officers who act unlawfully. Second, lift unreasonable visa restrictions on Chinese students and put an end to the discriminatory and selective law enforcement against them. Third, at the policy level, further implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, turning it into concrete institutional safeguards and enforcement measures to foster a positive environment for people-to-people exchanges. People are watching this closely.

Educational exchange and cooperation help promote mutual understanding among peoples. This logic should not be hard to grasp. The so-called "backlash" presented by US media is far from the full picture of China-US engagement. Recently, the Oregon State Senate passed a resolution once again reaffirming friendly ties with China and recognizing openness and cooperation in the field of education, demonstrating the deep momentum and strong vitality of exchanges between the two peoples. It is hoped that the US will listen more to such authentic voices from the people and earn the trust of others with concrete actions in implementing the consensus reached by the heads of state. SourceGlobal Times)
Kenneth Fox

The Irish arm of social media giant TikTok last year returned to profit to record pre-tax profits of $146.52 million (125.2 million).

New accounts filed by TikTok Technology Ltd show that the company recorded the return to profit as revenues increased by 32 per cent rising from $654.67 million to $862 million.

The company recorded the pre-tax profit of $146.5 million after sustaining a pre-tax loss of $1 billion in the prior year due to setting aside $1bn for potential fines arising from regulatory investigations and legal proceedings.

In March of this year, the Chinese video-sharing platform informed Government that it was planning to make redundant up to 300 of its Dublin-based staff.

In May, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined TikTok Technology 530 million for breaching data privacy rules in transferring European users personal data to China, following a lengthy investigation.

In July, the High Court granted permission to TikTok Technology to appeal what the company described as the penal fine.

The average numbers employed at the Dublin unit last year decreased by 212 from 2,920 to 2,708 made up of 1,973 in operation and administration and 735 in sales and marketing.

During the same period, staff costs increased from $229.47 million to $245.77 million made up of $214.47 million in salaries, $17.07 million in social welfare costs, $9.7 million in share based payments and $4.49 million in pension costs.

Three directors served during the year and pay to directors increased from $608,000 to $899,000 made up of $848,000 in emoluments and $51,000 in pension contributions.

The Dublin based business provides services related to content moderation, data controlling of TikTok in EEA, and sales, marketing and routine support to other TikTok entities.

The directors state that the companys activities continued to grow throughout 2024.

They state the company will continue to provide support services to other TikTok entities and following the launch of TikTok Shop in Ireland and Spain in December 2024, intend to continue expanding the business within Europe.

The directors state that the company has performed in line with expectations and a higher demand for the companys services, rise in data centre expenses and other related costs resulted in an increase in recurring operating expenses

The accounts were signed off by directors Elaine McGovern and Adam Michael Presser on August 19th.

The company recorded operating profits of $173.58 million and interest payments of $27 million reduced the profits to a pre-tax profit of $146.52 million.

The firms operating lease charges increased from $38.2m to $45.6m while non-cash depreciation costs increased from $47.44 million to $58.9 million.

The company recorded a post tax profit of $133.35 million after incurring a corporation tax charge of $13.16 million.

In September 2024, TikTok pulled back from its plan to locate hundreds of its employees in offices at the Tropical Fruit Warehouse in Dublins south docklands.

This followed a company decision to bring all of the companys Dublin-based staff together at its European headquarters in the Sorting Office on nearby Cardiff Lane.
Businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and flooding on Aug. 12, in Catoosa County can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to assist Georgians in the declared county applying for SBA disaster loan assistance at Fort Oglethorpe Constitution Hall in Fort Oglethorpe on Friday.

Georgia received the SBA declaration for Catoosa County and the two contiguous counties (Walker and Whitfield) in response to a request made by Governor Brian Kemps authorized representative and the Deputy Director of Recovery at the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), Valarie Grooms. All counties included in the SBA declaration are eligible to apply for Physical Damage disaster loans (homes and businesses) and Economic Injury disaster loans (businesses).

I know how devastating these storms and floods have been for families and businesses in northwest Georgia, said GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb. The SBA loans are an important resource to help people get back on their feet, and I want to encourage everyone who was affected to visit the Disaster Loan Outreach Center and apply. Recovery takes time, but help is available, and were committed to standing with these communities every step of the way.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBAs secure website at https://lending.sba.gov. Please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by email at disastercustomerservice@ sba.gov or by phone at 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance. The address and hours of operation for the DLOC are provided below.

Fort Oglethorpe Constitution Hall

205 Forrest Rd

Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. 30742

Opening: Friday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours: Monday  Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed on Sunday.

Temporarily Closing: Saturday, Aug. 30 and Monday, Sept. 1, Labor Day

The DLOC will permanently close on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.

The filing deadline to return applications for Physical Damage disaster loans is Oct. 27. The deadline to return Economic Injury disaster loan applications is May 26, 2026.
Lee University alumna Laura Stilltrotter has been named the 2025-26 Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year for the Southeast CORE Region by the Tennessee Department of Education.

Ms. Stilltrotter, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K5 Certification) from Lee University in 2022, was honored at the Excellence in Education celebration hosted by the Tennessee Department of Education in Nashville. She is one of only eight educators statewide to receive this recognition.

The Novice Teacher of the Year award honors early-career teachersthose in their first three yearswho demonstrate instructional excellence, a passion for student growth, and a commitment to professional development. Honorees are selected from each of Tennessees Grand Divisions and CORE regions.

A second-grade teacher at Blythe-Bower Elementary School in Cleveland, Ms. Stilltrotter is known for her compassionate and rigorous approach to education. Now in her fourth year of teaching, she began her career at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary in Chattanooga before joining Cleveland City Schools.

Being named Tennessees Novice Teacher of the Year is an honor that holds deep personal and professional meaning for me, said Ms. Stilltrotter. It affirms that Im living out the calling that once felt impossible for me as a child who struggled with reading and confidence. This recognition motivates me to continue building relationships, fostering belonging, and creating a classroom where every student feels seen, capable, and valued.

Ms. Stilltrotter credits her time at Lee University for shaping her both personally and professionally as an educator.

My Lee professors taught with passion and empathy, modeling the very qualities I now strive to extend to my own students, said Ms. Stilltrotter. They believed in me and showed me what it means to teach with both skill and heart.

Her current classroom at Blythe-Bower reflects a teaching style rooted in connection, compassion, and academic rigor.

What I love most about teaching is, without question, the students themselves, she said. There is no greater joy than seeing the spark of understanding in a student who has been struggling. Their joy, resilience, empathy, and curiosity continually inspire me.

Dr. Bill Estes, dean of Lees Helen DeVos College of Education, commented on Ms. Stilltrotters recognition and her role as a teacher.

Laura exemplifies what we hope every future educator from Lee becomessomeone who teaches with excellence, empathy, and purpose, said Dr. Estes. Her commitment to student growth and relationship-building reflects the best of our colleges values. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the difference shes making in our regions schools.

This is the second consecutive year a Cleveland City Schools teacher and Lee alum has received this honorone in 2025 and three in 2024highlighting the districts support for new educators and Lees continued impact in teacher preparation.

For more information about the Tennessee Department of Educations Novice Teacher of the Year award, click here.
John Scott Jack Muller Sr. passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, at the age of 82.

He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., to his parents Edward and Matilda Muller. His older brother Eddie preceded him in death.

Jack is survived by his wife Sarah Peggy Muller, three children and eight grandchildren: Scott Muller (Stacy) and Avery, Laney and Darcy; Beth Muller Capecchi (Remo) and Brogan, Cullie and Brynne; and Stephen Muller (Courtney) and Lyla and Alexis.

In 1964, Jack received a bachelor's degree at Covenant Colleges prior location in St. Louis, Mo. He completed his masters degree in Divinity at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa., served as a youth pastor in Greenville, S.C., and then earned a Ph.D. in Sociology at Florida State University.

He and wife Peggy moved to Lookout Mountain, Ga., in 1971. Here Jack taught sociology as a professor at Covenant College until 2017. Classes included marriage and the family, crime and delinquency, as well as counseling and sociology. During his early teaching years, he co-taught some courses with his wife Peggy, also a licensed marriage and family therapist, and team-taught a marriage and family counseling course with his daughter Beth, also a Ph.D. Jack cherished these years working with students, faculty and staff.

During the early 1980s, he and Peggy produced The Heart of the Family, a video series focusing on helping families communicate, spend time together and develop strong bonds. They traveled around the country showing this video and speaking at churches. He won Covenant Colleges Iron Thistle Award, which is awarded to the alumnus of the year, in 1987.

In 2014, he helped Peggy, Beth and Stephen establish a counseling practice called Grounded Counseling in a beautiful old house in North Chattanooga and helped with many developments during its foundational years.



Jack was his childrens and grandchildrens biggest cheerleader. When his children were young, he loved having summers off to travel and play every sport with them. He rarely missed an event. When he and Peggy became grandparents, they babysat, did drop-offs at school or Mothers Day Out, visited Rock City, and hosted slumber parties (complete with his famous scrambled eggs and pancakes). Lovingly called Poppy by his grandchildren, Jack told legendary stories and taught them about God and His love for them. He thoroughly enjoyed having his youngest grandchildren at church with him the last two years of his life.



Besides family and teaching people, Jacks driving forces in life included loving and serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.



Knowing he could never repay God for the gift of salvation, Jack served Him by using his gifts to do His will. Until his last breath, he gave his all to glorify God, share the Gospel and love his neighbors. Jack served Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church as an elder, taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school and volunteered for Child Evangelism Fellowship. He became a mentor for prisoners through Metanoia Prison Ministries and continued to lead a mens group at the Thrive at Brow Wood assisted living facility. Jack was active through July of 2025.



Although his life was modest, humble and simple, it was incredibly rich because he cared most about things that are eternal.



On Aug. 31, the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church will host visitation with family from 3-5 p.m. and the memorial service afterwards at 5 p.m. A livestream of the memorial service can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/event/5339836.Immediate family attended a private burial service.



In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Covenant Colleges Jack Muller Memorial Scholarship Fund or Metanoia Prison Ministries.


The mayor got the tax increase he sought. What will he do with the money? If the past is prologue, the money will be used for special interst projects that leave our community none the better.

* $1 million to rebrand the city of Chattanooga.





* $2 million to fund the Office of Equity and Community Engagement, funding the "Office of New Americans.

* $1.75 million to Community Haven.

While the city pays for nonsense of the kind listed above, the city pays nothing to the District Attorneys Office - despite the fact that all criminal cases from the city of Chattanooga are handled by the District Attorney.

Heres an idea: Take $1 million and allocate that money, over the next two years, towards grant funded positions in the 11th Judicial District Attorneys Office. Why? Because Tennessee now has stronger felon in possession laws than the federal government. And these laws can be used to further reduce crime because they target those who are most willing to use violence.

Our Distrist Attorney General, Coty Wamp, has been hard at work reducing crime, prosecuting criminals, and trying cases at a record pace. Its time for the city of Chattanooga to contribute to District Attorney Wamps office and her proven track record of success.

Crime is down, thanks to our District Attorney and Sheriff. As a constituent, I want to see more efforts and resources put towards getting violent criminals off of our streets. Its time for the city to get in the fight.

Thankfully, we have a District Attorney who is up for the fight, and who will use the resources given to better all of Chattanooga.

The city has the money. The huge tax increase made sure of that. So, lets use some of that money to get serious, violent offenders off the streets.

Where are your priorities, member of the City Council?

Miller Leonard


A 2020 designation of the county Haz-Mat Team as the county fire department is now causing concerns about possible higher insurance costs in the unincorporated county.

Another concern is the ability of the volunteer fire departments to obtain grants.

The County Commission is expected to consider a resolution on Wednesday declaring that the Haz-Mat Team is not the county fire department.

The unincorporated county has fire coverage from several volunteer fire departments that receive some support from the county.

The Haz-Mat Team is a specialty team dealing with hazardous materials, but does not have the same firefighter training as members of fire departments.

Winston Shields, deputy director of the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management, outlined the issue in a letter to county fire chiefs this week.

He said, according to OEM Director Chris Adams, the move was made so that employees could obtain heart and lung insurance.

A records search of County Commission records did not locate a resolution aproving the change.

Mr. Shields said in his letter:

Per Director Adams, the Haz-Mat Team was created to a fire department for the benefit of heart and lung benefit for the employees of OEM.

Per the state of Tennessee and the state attorney, Director Adams will need to send a copy of all the fire department district lines and department coverage on a pdf map per Hamilton County GIs Department to the State Fire Marshal's Office directed to Jason Driver.

Per Jason, the FDR Site communicates to the FD TN Site via the maps that are on the FDR.

All departments are still recognized under the State Fire Marshal's Office. However, because of the mapping, that is why the FD TN site is only showing Hamilton County Hazardous Materials Department.

However, a resolution needs to be made before the Hamilton County Commissioners to state the following and sent to the State Fire Marshal's Office as well as including Jason Driver.

The resolution should quote:

Hamilton County Hazardous Materials Department

Resolution of Dilution of Hamilton County Hazardous Materials Department as a fire department in Hamilton County and we request that you pull their FDR from your records.

County officials on Sunday afternoon said:

The County Attorney has spoken with the General Counsel for the State Fire Marshals Office regarding concerns raised by the Hamilton County Volunteer Fire Departments. According to the State Fire Marshals Office, there has never been any disruption to the services provided by our Volunteer Fire Departments, nor has this issue impacted grants or insurance ratings.

The public website referenced in the Chattanoogan article is operated by the State Fire Marshals Office but has not been properly updated. This has notand will notaffect the ability of our Volunteer Fire Departments to provide services within their districts. They remain fully recognized by the State Fire Marshals Office as operational Volunteer Fire Departments in Hamilton County.

Regarding the letter mentioned in the article: Deputy Director of Emergency Management Winston Shields did not write it. He only made minor grammar corrections at the request of a volunteer chief and returned it to that chief. He was not involved in creating or sharing any misinformation.
As Hamilton County leaders move forward with Plan Hamilton - the controversial countywide growth strategy scheduled for a Sept. 8 vote before the Regional Planning Commission - officials from the Town of Walden are voicing strong concerns about how the plan would affect the mountaintop communities of Walden and Signal Mountain.

Although Walden and Signal Mountain are incorporated towns with their own land use plans, both municipalities are directly impacted by development in nearby unincorporated areas, officials said.

Plan Hamilton, which ties density allowances to sewer availability, would permit far greater housing density on Waldens Ridge than either town currently allows, it was stated.

Mayor Lee Davis of Walden said the countys approach risks overwhelming the plateaus limited infrastructure:

For more than 40 years, Walden has required two-acre minimum lots, not as an arbitrary restriction, but because our community understands the limits of wastewater systems and the fragile topography of Waldens Ridge. Unlike much of the county, we have no sewer infrastructure. Our land use policies, embedded in the award-winning 2022 Walden Land Use Plan, are rooted in decades of experience balancing growth with safety, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure limits. Plan Hamilton ignores those lessons and risks creating fire, traffic, and public safety crises.

Vice Mayor Lizzy Schmidt pointed to public safety as her primary concern, We have only four roads off the plateau. In the event of a wildfire or other disaster, our evacuation capacity is already strained. Increasing population density beyond what our land and roads can handle isnt just unwise -its dangerous. The density levels in Plan Hamilton would overwhelm our evacuation routes and create life-threatening risks for families who live here.

Alderwoman Angela Cassidy, who also helped craft Waldens Land Use Plan, said the countys proposal undermines responsible planning already in place.

She said, Walden has already done the hard work of planning responsibly. Our Land Use Plan provides for carefully considered development along Taft Highway while preserving the two-acre standard in residential areas. Plan Hamilton would allow adjacent county areas to greatly increase the density allowed in Walden. Thats not responsible growth - its out of control growth. It will lead to more congestion on narrow neighborhood streets, overcrowded schools, and wastewater failures that put our environment and residents at risk.

County Commissioner Chip Baker, who represents Signal Mountain and voted against recent changes to Plan Hamilton, said, Weve tried to impress upon my brethren on the commission that each part of this county is different. Some are urban, some are rural, some are suburban. And they all have different needs. They have different topography. The one-size-fits-all approach just doesnt work for Waldens Ridge.

Walden officials said Waldens 2022 Land Use Plan, which received national recognition, "already sets clear standards for future development. It allows for commercial growth along Taft Highway while maintaining long-standing two-acre minimums in residential areas to ensure land capacity for wastewater systems and preserve the mountains character."

Mayor Davis concluded, We stand united with our neighbors in Signal Mountain. Growth in Hamilton County must recognize that not every community is the same. Our safety, our roads, our schools, and our environment demand a plan that respects the realities of mountain living - not a cookie-cutter policy that could undermine everything weve built.

The Walden Town Council plans to adopt a formal resolution on Sept. 9 opposing the density provisions of Plan Hamilton and urging Hamilton County leaders to amend the plan to include area-specific policies for Waldens Ridge.

Here is the resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF WALDEN, TENNESSEE, EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO THE DENSITY PROVISIONS OF PLAN HAMILTON AND CALLING FOR AREA-SPECIFIC GROWTH POLICIES FOR WALDENS RIDGE

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency has prepared a comprehensive growth plan entitled Plan Hamilton for consideration by the Regional Planning Commission on Sept. 8, 2025, the Tennessee State Planning Office, and ultimately the Hamilton County Commission;

WHEREAS, while Plan Hamilton is intended to provide guidance for development across Hamilton Countys unincorporated areas, its proposed density standards would also directly impact the incorporated towns of Walden and Signal Mountain by increasing population growth pressure on the limited infrastructure of Waldens Ridge;

WHEREAS, the Town of Walden has historically maintained two-acre minimum residential lot sizes since the 1980s in order to address the absence of a public sewer system, to ensure sufficient land area for wastewater systems, and to protect the environmental health of the Plateau; WHEREAS, the Town of Walden undertook an extensive planning process resulting in the Town of Walden Land Use Plan (2022), which has been nationally recognized for its balance of sustainable development, protection of civic assets, transportation safety, and targeted commercial growth along the Taft Highway corridor;

WHEREAS, the proposed density allowances in Plan Hamilton are inconsistent with the standards adopted by Walden and would double the permitted density on Waldens Ridge, creating unacceptable risks of septic system failures, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation; WHEREAS, public safety on Waldens Ridge depends on just four evacuation routes, and current population levels already strain the ability to evacuate residents during emergencies such as wildfires, ice storms, or other disasters; WHEREAS, uncontrolled density increases would also overwhelm existing roadways, increase cut-through traffic in residential neighborhoods, and place further strain on already crowded local schools;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE TOWN OF WALDEN, TENNESSEE, AS FOLLOWS:

1. The Town of Walden hereby expressly opposes the adoption of Plan Hamilton in its current form, particularly the proposed density standards for Waldens Ridge and surrounding unincorporated areas.

2. The Town urges the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission and Hamilton County Commission to amend Plan Hamilton to provide area-specific growth policies for Waldens Ridge that recognize the unique environmental, infrastructure, and public safety constraints of the mountaintop.

3. The Town reaffirms its commitment to the Walden Land Use Plan (2022) as the guiding document for local development and calls upon County officials to respect and align with the adopted plans of incorporated municipalities.

4. The Town Clerk is directed to transmit this resolution to the Regional Planning Commission, the Hamilton County Commission, and other relevant state and county officials following its adoption at the Sept. 9, 2025 meeting.

ADOPTED this 9th day of September, 2025. ___________________________ Lee Davis, Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________ Mariah Prescott, Town Administrator
Home News 'Deserving to be killed': Christian convert lured to his death for being first in family to renounce Islam

NAIROBI, Kenya  A Muslim who converted to Christianity and professed his faith in Jesus Christ was murdered for being the first in his family to renounce Islam.

Mohammed Nagi, 38, a father of five children, ages 4 to 15, in Uganda, converted to Christianity in March and was killed on Aug. 19 after a Muslim friend lured him to a village with the promise of work.

Nagi, along with his wife and children, had embraced Christianity after a pastor from a church in Mbale visited their home on March 2 and shared the Gospel, said Nagis wife, Katooko Nusula.

Two weeks later, the family began attending the pastors church (unidentified for security reasons), but soon after, a relative, along with one of Nagis friends, identified only as Rajabu, saw them near the worship site and questioned them.

We did not respond to his question, Nusula said. When we realized that we were under surveillance, we decided to start attending another church.

In July, Nagis brothers, parents and friends then confronted him about his reasons for not attending Friday prayers at the local mosque.

Nusula said they told her husband that he was deserving to be killed, because ever since the creation of this world, they have never seen anybody becoming a Christian in the family and could not understand why anyone should forsake the true religion of Islam that came directly from heaven through [the Islamic] prophet Muhammad.

At about 8 p.m. on Aug. 19, Nagi received a call from Rajabu, telling him to meet him at the Mailo 5 trading center in Nyanza South village, Nusula said.

I heard the voice of Rajabu on the phone, the one who called my husband, telling him that he had got him a job which my husband was to do in the morning, but requested my husband to first meet that night so that he could give him all the details, she told Morning Star News. I told my husband to postpone that night's meeting, but he told me that Rajabu said it was urgent and if they didn't meet, he could lose the job offer."

Nagi left immediately in order to secure the work, she said.

We waited and waited as time started moving towards midnight, Nusula said. I tried to reach him on the phone, but it was all in vain. In the morning, a neighbor, Naisu Isima, saw my husband dead at around 6 a.m. and called me by phone.

She reported the killing to police (Ref. No. CRB 070/2025) at Budaka central police station. Officers arrived at the scene, led by Kwebiiha Sarapio of Budaka police post.

The body of the deceased was found with physical injuries on the head and was also dragged on a muddy road a distance of 20 meters, Sarabio said. There were no signs of strangling.

The body was taken to Mbale City mortuary for a postmortem.

Rajabu, the prime suspect, has evaded arrest.

The killing was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented.

Ugandas constitution and other laws are supposed to protect religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12% of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country.
Home News Christian MP dragged back to court for 'offense' of quoting the Bible

The consequences of one tweet posted seven years ago continue to reverberate for Finnish MP Paivi Rasanen, who is at the center of an ongoing legal case for hate speech.

In 2019, Rasanen, who is also a former government minister, posted a tweet questioning the appropriateness of the Evangelical Lutheran Church being a sponsor for an LGBT pride event in Helsinki.

Her tweet also included an image of a Bible verse from Romans Chapter 1, which states, The men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

In 2021, Rasanen was charged with agitation against a minority group under the section of the Finnish criminal code that deals with war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges relate to the tweet, as well as her comments in a radio debate and a church pamphlet published in 2004. The co-publisher of the pamphlet, Bishop Juhana Pohjola, was also charged.

In the debate, Rasanen argued that, according to the Bible, marriage is between one man and one woman and that homosexual relationships are sinful. The pamphlet also included these biblical beliefs.

Both Rasanen and Pohjola were acquitted of all charges in 2022 and again in 2023. However, the prosecutor has appealed yet again, taking the case to Finland's Supreme Court, which is set to hear oral arguments on Oct. 30.

One of the key issues in the trial is Rasanens use of the word sin. Described as hateful and insulting by the prosecution, Rasanens defense notes that this is the term used in the Bible and that, as such, it is not she who is on trial, but the Bible itself.

The Finnish State prosecutor, Anu Mantila, said, You can cite the Bible, but it is Rasanens interpretation and opinion about the Bible verses that are criminal."

Speaking of her ongoing ordeal, Rasanen said, It isnt a crime to tweet a Bible verse, or to engage in public discourse from a Christian perspective.

"The attempts to criminalize me for expressing my beliefs have resulted in an immensely trying last few years, but I still hope for a positive result that will stand as a key precedent to protect the human right to free speech in Finland.

Paul Coleman, executive director of ADF International and part of Rasanens legal defense team, expressed disbelief that the state was continuing to go after her.

It is shocking that after two unanimous acquittals, Paivi Rasanen is again being dragged to court to defend her fundamental right to freedom of speech," he said.

"As we have warned for years, vaguely worded hate speech laws allow ideological prosecutions like this to take place.

"We stand behind Paivi and we will continue to work toward the bigger victory when such ludicrous cases are no longer brought. In a free and democratic society, all should be allowed to share their beliefs without fear of punishment."

This article was originally published at Christian Today
Home News Former University of Wisconsin campus to be sold to Christian school for $3M

A former University of Wisconsin campus will be sold for $3 million to a Christian school and a land conservation group.

The Washington County Board voted this week to move forward with the sale following a closed session. County Executive Josh Schoemann and the county attorney will negotiate the sale of the shuttered UW-Milwaukee at Washington County campus to Ozaukee Christian School and the Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation, Wisconsin Public Radio has reported.

The proposed sale splits the 80-acre campus between the two buyers.

If Ozaukee Christian acquires the entire property, it will pay $3 million. If Cedar Lakes also participates, it will pay $300,000 for 60 acres of open land, reducing the schools cost to $2.7 million.

The school, which serves nearly 100 students from pre-K through eighth grade, intends to expand to include high school grades, Schoemann told the board.

The campus, which closed in June 2024, was one of six two-year colleges in the University of Wisconsin system shut down due to low enrollment and financial strain. The county holds 74% ownership of the land and buildings, while the city of West Bend owns the remaining 26%.

The board also directed Schoemann to enter talks with the city over its stake.

County Treasurer Scott Henke previously estimated annual maintenance costs for the 200,000-square-foot facility and the surrounding land at $750,000, with a separate $2 million expenditure needed this year to upgrade the buildings electrical systems. The property has an assessed value of $5 million.

Since the closure, several alternative uses were considered for the site, including proposals from local school districts, an out-of-state charter school, and a daycare provider. None progressed beyond the idea stage.

The county did not list the property for public sale, which it was not legally required to do, spokesperson Fran McLaughlin was quoted as saying.

Schoemann assessed that the proposed deal is both the best and only viable option, citing a 2024 law providing counties with $2 million in redevelopment funds if they lost a two-year UW campus.

At public listening sessions, some residents alleged a lack of transparency and raised concerns about the tax-exempt status of the buyers.

Ozaukee Christian School reported $935,830 in revenue in 2024, but $982,434 in expenses, based on its latest available tax filing.
Home News Ex-porn star who found Jesus is now challenging the adult film industry

Joshua Broome spent seven years in the pits of the pornography industry before hitting rock bottom and leaving it all behind in 2013.

Over the last 12 years, Broome told The Christian Post that God has completely transformed his life, leading him from a career that left him desperate and rudderless to a faith-filled, pastoral ministry and calling.

Broome now warns others about the dangers of pornography, proclaims the hope of the Gospel and works diligently to strengthen laws that protect children and society from the perils of the adult film industry.

I was in the porn industry from 2006 to 2013. I left in January of 2013, Broome said. Over the last 11 years, I found Jesus, started a relationship with Him, surrendered my life, met an incredible girl, got married, got a theological education.

He sees his own transformation as evidence of the power of the Gospel, drawing parallels between his story and that of biblical figures like the Apostle Paul.

As wild as it is to hear that there is this guy that was in the porn industry that now travels and preaches the Gospel, I think about Paul, who used to persecute and kill Christians, writing most of the New Testament, Broome said. God doesnt waste anything.  When you are rescued from something, its instinctive to reciprocate what youve been given.

Broome said his mission today is deeply personal, as he seeks to push back against the very industry that once dominated his life. Hes hoping to help others embroiled in the adult film space see their inherent value.

I care deeply about each and every person who is currently in the porn industry, he said. Im not mad at you. I dont hate you. I want the best for you. You are created in the image of God.

He continued, But what youre doing with your life is not what God designed, and its not what is best for you. I feel the same way about the person consuming the content.

And thats where a lot of Broomes efforts have been spent of late, helping warn of the dangers of porn consumption. In recent years, he has become an advocate for stronger laws around pornography  both for performer protection and for preventing minors from accessing explicit material.

Ive had people pour into me and educate me around the legislation  or lack thereof  around pornography  consent, performer rights, and consumption side regulations like age verification, Broome said.

Thats why he has been so vocal about the U.S. Supreme Courts recent decision to uphold Texas age verification law for porn sites. As The Christian Post previously reported, in June, the high court ruled 6-3 in Free Speech Coalition et al. v Paxton, Attorney General of Texas, that a state law requiring pornography websites to use reasonable age verification to ensure users were old enough to access adult material doesnt violate the U.S. Constitution.

Broome was elated over the conclusion of this case, though he was surprised the high court took as strong of a position as it did.

I was shocked that it was upheld, for sure, he said. I thought the best-case scenario was going to be a remand.  Ive been working on age verification [laws].

Opponents argued the law violated First Amendment rights, but Broome doesnt buy into that narrative.

Its not an infringement on your rights. Its a boundary, not a barrier, he said. If you want to consume it, prove youre of age. You live in America, youre an adult  then you can choose to make a bad decision. But you shouldnt be able to as a child.

The data surrounding pornography use and exposure, he said, is alarming, particularly regarding children.

The average age of first exposure went from 11, and its trending toward 8 years old, Broome said. Most kids are seeing it for the first time on a smartphone or iPad.  If youre on an unprotected device, theres a 100 percent chance youll see something that falls under the category of pornography.

The danger, he explained, isnt just moral  its neurological.

The prefrontal cortex in your brain isnt even 50 percent developed at age 8.  Thats the part of your brain that allows you to control impulse and regulate emotions, Broome continued. Pornography damages it. Strategically, by Satan, the thing that allows you to regulate emotion is damaged by something we ought not consume.

According to Broome, this creates distorted beliefs about intimacy.

It teaches you to  use people, he said. Thats why theres such a correlation between depression, suicidal ideation and porn consumption.

Broome believes the Texas laws enforcement could be a game-changer for other states across the U.S., as age verification picks up steam and support.

Texas was actually implementing fines for websites that werent following the checks, he said. Thats how you get a huge corporations attention  you impact their money. Until there are repercussions, they wont change.

For Broome, the fight against pornography is both legislative and spiritual. He believes his story shows that change is possible  and hes on a mission to help others escape porn while simultaneously getting culture to shift in its approach to adult material.
Home News Greg Laurie, Franklin Graham respond to critics of prayer for Minneapolis Catholic school shooting victims

Two prominent faith leaders are rejecting the criticisms of prayer as ineffective following Wednesdays shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

After a trans-identified gunman opened fire at the Catholic school, leaving two children dead and 17 others wounded, several political figures and pundits dismissed calls for prayers in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Jen Psaki, who served as press secretary to former President Joe Biden, declared on X on Wednesday, Prayer is not freaking enough.

Prayers does [sic] not end school shootings, she added. 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.

Psakis comments received condemnation from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who called them incredibly insensitive, and Vice President JD Vance, who defended the power of prayer. Now, faith leaders are weighing in.

In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Ministries responded to a post shared by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which encouraged people to pray without ceasing. Laurie insisted that No truer thing could be said about our nation right now than this: we need prayer.

Those who criticize prayer could not be more mistaken, he added. Laurie also directly addressed one of the arguments that emerged from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and others following the school shooting: Yes, it is heartbreaking that children were praying when they were shot in the Church in Minneapolis. Yet let us remember that Christ Himself prayed as He was crucified, Stephen prayed as he was martyred, and countless other courageous Christians lifted their voices to God in their final moments of life.

Laurie further shared his belief that America desperately needs a spiritual awakening before posting the Bible verse 2 Chronicles 7:14: If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Lets remember to pray for our nation  no matter what the pundits may say, he concluded.

The Rev. Franklin Graham, CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the charity Samaritans Purse, shared his thoughts on the debate about the effectiveness of prayer in a Facebook post Friday that specifically called out Minneapolis Democratic mayor for publishing a post on X that implored people, Dont just say we need thoughts and prayers. These kids were literally in a church praying.

To the Democratic mayor of Minneapolis and the other socialist left who have criticized calling for prayer in the aftermath of the tragic school shooting  your words do not change or diminish the power and importance of prayer, Graham wrote. Because someone calls for prayer doesnt mean bad things arent going to happen or that the emergency is going to disappear, we all know that. But prayer is our opportunity to communicate directly with the God of Heaven and take our petitions to Him.

After expressing certainty that God does see, God does hear, and God can intervene, Graham shared the Bible verse Hebrews 4:16, which states, Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Graham added, The Bible tells us that Jesus Himself prayed fervently when He was facing death on the cross.

In the case of these students who were shot and killed while praying, God can give comfort and peace to the families who have been devastated. The god of this age is Satan  he is the one who wants to steal, kill and destroy.

Identifying Satan as the author of all lies and the turmoil and violence that ensues  like this senseless shooting, Graham explained how the Bible teaches that one day Jesus Christ will return and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. Graham vowed that He will wipe away every tear, and peace will come upon this world, because He is the Prince of Peace  He is the embodiment of peace, truth, and righteousness.

He will judge those who are alive and those who are dead. Yes, we pray, and I will continue to encourage people to pray. Satan would like nothing better than to thwart the most vital tool Good has given us: prayer, Graham proclaimed before delivering a message to Frey: I hope that you will come to know the price that was paid for your sins and that you will understand the value of prayer in your own life.
Home News University on mission to 'train champions for Christ' claims top spot in most conservative colleges list

A Virginia university whose mission is to train champions for Christ, topped Niches Most Conservative Colleges in America list, which included multiple institutions that focus on helping students develop their faith and relationship with God as they earn their degrees.

The research platform Niche, which conducts annual reviews of academic institutions, placed Liberty University at the top of its 2026 list. Niche calculated its rankings based on students reflections of their political views and the campus communitys political leanings.

"Liberty is proud to be recognized for its longstanding commitment to Christian education that promotes the synthesis of academic knowledge and a biblical worldview," a Liberty University spokesperson told The Christian Post.

"Our model of education has become even more essential in this ever-changing cultural landscape," the spokesperson continued. "Liberty remains steadfast in equipping our students to live out their faith with conviction, impacting the world as champions for Christ."

Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, has over 52,000 undergraduate students and a 99% acceptance rate and 63% graduation rate, according to Niche.

On the mission statement page, Liberty University vows to develop Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world. The Christian university also stresses that it not only helps students achieve a degree, but it also exists to train students to use their God-given gifts to make a difference.

In second place is Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania, which has over 2,200 undergraduate students, a 73% acceptance rate and an 80% graduation rate. The institution states on its website that it equips students to pursue their unique callings through a Christ-centered, academically excellent, and affordable learning and living experience.

Next on the list is Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho, which is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon religion). The Idaho-based university has a 97% acceptance rate and a 55% graduation rate, according to Niche, which also reported that a total of 22,409 undergraduate students attend BYU.

Taking the fourth spot on Niches list is Colorado Christian University, which requires all students in its College of Undergraduate Studies to sign a lifestyle covenant. By signing the covenant, students agree to intervene when a peer is struggling and to commit to living their lives in a manner that is consistent with biblical principles and standards.

Colorado Christian University is honored to be recognized among the most conservative colleges in America, Eric Hogue, the president of Colorado Christian University, said in a statement provided to CP. As a GREAT university, our vision is to be the nations most trusted and respected Christ-centered, biblically sound, evangelical, conservative institution of higher learning.

This recognition affirms our calling to advance truth, defend liberty, and equip the next generation of Christian leaders to impact the world with grace and truth, Hogue added.

The faith-based university, located in Lakewood, Colorado, is described as a small institution by Niche. With over 6,700 undergraduate students, of which almost 2,000 undergraduate students are enrolled full-time and 4,841 undergraduate students are enrolled part-time.

Colorado Christian University also has a 100% acceptance rate and a 55% graduation rate, according to the research platform. Some of the most popular majors offered by the institution include psychology, business and biblical studies.

Other schools that made Niches list include: Bob Jones University in South Carolina, Cedarville University in Ohio, and Pensacola Christian College in Florida, which ranked fifth, sixth and seventh, respectively.
Home Opinion Armenia: The first Christian nation still in need of defenders

In the summer of 2023, I had the privilege of visiting Armenia on a study tour supported by the Save Armenia Judeo-Christian Alliance. What I encountered there was a country of extraordinary resilience, a people holding firmly to faith and tradition despite centuries of pressure from hostile neighbors.



Armenia is not merely another nation on the mapit is a spiritual landmark for all Christians. And at this moment in history, Armenia desperately needs the solidarity of the Christian world.

Armenias claim to fame is singular: it was the first official Christian nation. In 301AD, under King Tiridates III and the witness of St. Gregory the Illuminator, Armenia declared Christianity its state religion. This moment came a dozen years before Constantines Edict of Milan legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire. The Armenian highlands thus became the first place where the cross stood not merely as a personal profession of faith, but as a national identity.

Yet that sacred heritage is imperiled. Surrounded by Muslim-majority nations  Turkey to the west, Iran to the south, and Azerbaijan to the east  Armenia is caught in a geopolitical vise. Turkey has closed its border with Armenia for decades, cutting off trade and, more grievously, denying Armenian Christians access to important biblical sites, including Mount Ararat itself. To the east, Azerbaijan has waged a relentless campaign of pressure and intimidation. The tragedy of 2023, when Azerbaijan cut off the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) region, was only the latest example of this aggression. The blockade starved the Armenian population into submission and forced tens of thousands to flee their ancestral lands. For Armenians, Artsakh is more than territory  it is sacred ground, home to centuries-old churches and monasteries that testify to the endurance of faith in a hostile world.

What is happening in Armenia should alarm all Christians. Armenia is more than a geopolitical pawn caught between East and West  it is a frontline defense for Christian civilization itself. If Armenia falls, what message will that send about the worlds willingness to defend the very first Christian nation? The threats are not hypothetical. There are those, particularly in Ankara, who dream of reviving the Ottoman map: An Islamic empire stretching from Turkey through the Caucasus, wiping Armenia from existence in the process. That dream would require the erasure of Armenia, its borders redrawn, its culture suppressed, and its faith silenced.

Christians around the globe should not remain silent. We must be bold defenders of Armenia  through advocacy, prayer, and political action. We should demand from our leaders and from the international community that Armenias borders be respected, its sovereignty upheld, and its people protected from harassment and violence. To do less is to betray our brothers and sisters in Christ who have preserved the flame of faith for nearly two millennia in the most difficult of circumstances.

There are moments when the world has shown leadership on this issue, and they should not be forgotten. The Trump administration, for example, deserves praise for recognizing Armenias importance and working to secure a peace agreement with Azerbaijan. That diplomatic breakthrough demonstrated that strong U.S. leadership can help restrain aggression in the region and preserve Armenias fragile security. While the work remains unfinished, it was a vital step in the right direction  one that should be built upon, not abandoned.

The question for today is whether Christians  and the nations shaped by Christian heritage  will rise to Armenias defense. Armenias survival is not just a matter of national self-interest for Armenians. It is a test of our own faithfulness. Do we believe that the heritage of the worlds first Christian nation is worth protecting? Do we care enough to stand against those who would erase it from history?

My brief time in Armenia left me with deep admiration for the courage of its people. Despite their small numbers and limited resources, Armenians continue to hold fast to their faith. Armenia has kept the faith for nearly two thousand years. Now the question is whether we will keep faith with Armenia. To remain silent in the face of its trials is to risk not only the loss of a nation but the dimming of a light that has shone since the earliest centuries of Christianity. Christians must speak, pray, and act with urgency  so that the first Christian nation will not become a forgotten one.
BROOKLYN, Ohio

Drunken driving, Meadowbrook Avenue: On July 30, a concerned passerby called police about a vehicle driving recklessly near the intersection of Meadowbrook Avenue and Ridge Road.

An arriving officer located a weaving blue 2006 Dodge, which was all over the road.

While talking to the Brooklyn driver, the officer smelled booze.

After failing a field sobriety test, the man was arrested for drunken driving.

He was also cited for weaving.

Stolen vehicle, Cascade Crossing: On July 30, police were dispatched to Sheetz regarding a stolen vehicle call from the Cascade Crossing parking lot.

An arriving officer talked to the Macedonia caller, who said his 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen.

The man said the suspect got out of a black Nissan Altima before jumping into the Jeep, which was left running.

There are no suspects.

Police are investigating.

Theft, Brookpark Road: On July 30, a Walmart loss prevention officer called police after witnessing a customer stealing merchandise from the Brookpark Road store.

An arriving officer talked to the caller, who identified the female suspect attempting to take items valued at more than $108.

She was arrested for shoplifting.

No bueno, Tiedeman Road: On July 30, police were dispatched to El Palenque regarding a disturbance at the Tiedeman Road restaurant.

An arriving officer talked to the caller, who said a man was causing a scene at the establishment.

The intoxicated suspect was arrested for disorderly conduct.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation on Saturday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which the two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict, humanitarian concerns and efforts to restore peace and stability.Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction, the Prime Minister wrote on X.He reaffirmed Indias consistent position favouring dialogue and a peaceful settlement of the conflict.President Zelenskyy, in his post on social media, said he had briefed Modi on his talks with former US President Donald Trump and European leaders in Washington.He reiterated Kyivs readiness to engage with Russia but criticised Moscow for cynical strikes on civilian targets instead of preparing for diplomacy. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine and India had coordinated positions ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, stressing that the end of this war must begin with an immediate ceasefire.The Ukrainian leader also said both sides discussed strengthening bilateral ties, including a future exchange of visits and convening the Joint Intergovernmental Commission.The phone call came as Prime Minister Modi concluded a two-day visit to Japan and travelled to Tianjin, China, to attend the SCO Summit on August 31 and September 1.The visit marks his first trip to China in over seven years, drawing attention amid strained IndiaUS relations and shifting global alignments.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL) recently announced that Kuwait Airways will expand its services from the state capital, increasing to six flights per week beginning September 3. The airport authority shared the update through its Facebook page, highlighting the enhanced connectivity to the Gulf region.More ways to connect! Starting 3 September 2025, #KuwaitAirways expands its schedule to 6 flights a week from #ThiruvananthapuramAirport to #Kuwait. Stronger connectivity, smoother journeys. Kuwait Airways, the post read.The expansion is expected to provide a boost for regular Gulf-bound travellers, offering greater flexibility and smoother travel options. Meanwhile, as global aviation continues to grapple with challenges around pilot availability, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents around 350 airlines worldwide including Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet, has urged the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to raise the upper age limit for commercial pilots from 65 years to 67.In a working paper titled 'Proposal to Raise the Multi-Pilot Commercial Air Transport Pilot Age Limit to 67 years, IATA said the growth of civil aviation had driven demand for pilots beyond available supply. It stressed that increasing the age limit would help sustain the workforce while maintaining safety standards.The association argued that the proposed adjustment was a cautious but reasonable step consistent with safety, noting that the earlier increase in 2006 from 60 to 65 years had not compromised aviation integrity. IATA also pointed out that countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand impose no age limit on commercial pilots.The paper emphasised the need for standardised global medical risk assessments to support the change, while also noting that issues such as mental health conditions and substance misuse  which tend to occur more in younger demographics  were greater concerns than pilot age.India, while maintaining a retirement age of 65 for commercial pilots, has separately raised concerns before ICAO about the practice of foreign airlines recruiting trained pilots from Indian carriers without prior consultation. In a working paper submitted last month, India urged ICAO to frame a code of conduct to prevent disruption to domestic aviation operations.The proposals will be taken up for discussion at the 42nd ICAO Assembly, scheduled in Montreal from 23 September to 3 October.
The Trump administration is planning to remove nearly 700 Guatemalan children who had come to the US without their parents, according to a letter sent Friday (August 29) by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon.The removals would violate the Office of Refugee Resettlement's child welfare mandate and this country's 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 US alone.Unaccompanied children are some of the most vulnerable children entrusted to the government's care, the Democratic senator wrote, asking for the deportation plans to be terminated. In many cases, these children and their families have had to make the unthinkable choice to face danger and separation in search of safety.Quoting unidentified whistleblowers, Wyden's letter said children who do not have a parent or legal guardian as a sponsor or who don't have an asylum case already underway, will be forcibly removed from the country.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.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. The Guatemalan government declined to comment.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, Wyden's letter says.Due to their young age and the trauma unaccompanied immigrant children have often experienced getting to the US, 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.In July, the head of Guatemala's immigration service said the government was looking to repatriate 341 unaccompanied minors who were being held in US 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 Guatemala's 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 US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Guatemala.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 US-Mexico border. Once in the US, 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.The idea of repatriating such a large number of children to their home country raised concerns with activists who work with children navigating the immigration process.We are outraged by the Trump administration's 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.
The richest people and brands are out here digging their own graves with smiles on their faces

Whether its brought you great success or great shame, we can all agree: The internet was a huge mistake.

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12 Sydney Sweeney Although its possible, even likely, that they both sucked in their own right, shes had two box-office bombs since her weird commercial for eugenics. Americana and Eden have both flopped spectacularly. Advertisement

11 Burger King They wanted to promote their culinary sponsorship for women to celebrate International Womens Day, but the cheeky copy they chose made them go viral for all the wrong reasons: Women belong in the kitchen.

10 Kendall Jenner and Pepsi In 2012, they finally answered the question: What if an iconic racial protest was about nothing, had no stakes and starred a white billionaire? The ad featured Jenner solving racism by offering cops a Pepsi, evoking the imagery of a famous Baton Rouge protest in which Ieshia Evanss was arrested for calmly, peacefully approaching a gaggle of cops in riot gear.

9 The NYPD In 2014, the NYPD asked bootlickers to post nice interactions with cops and use the hashtag #myNYPD. This was an alley-oop for protesters, who flooded the hashtag with the unending hours of police brutality content the NYPD had so graciously provided over the years. Advertisement Advertisement

8 H&M After their U.K. app featured a Black model wearing a Coolest Monkey in the Jungle shirt, they immediately lost deals with celebrities like The Weeknd and G-Eazy. There was worldwide backlash, and they had to close some locations in South Africa.

7 Jimmy Fallon and Paris Hilton At the height of NFT mass hysteria, Fallon had Hilton come on his show to lamely, tepidly, pathetically compare their computer-generated monkey cartoons. Both were later sued for promoting Bored Ape Yacht Club without disclosing their financial stake, along with stars like Justin Bieber and Madonna. Advertisement

6 Little Mix The British pop group posted a picture of a promotional taxi wrap to their Instagram, writing, So surreal were on the side of a taxi. But that message was preempted by a message obviously intended for a social media manager: Hows this copy jade: Advertisement

5 Scott Disick and BooTea Shakes When Disick went to post a supposedly organic Instagram picture with his tub of diarrhea tea, he also sloppily pasted in an entire email from BooTeas marketing team: Here you go, at 4pm est write the below. This probably got the pointless post more attention that it otherwise would have, so maybe it was the work of a marketing mastermind. Advertisement

4 Mattel The packages for their line of Wicked dolls included a QR code that, somewhere along the line, they lost control of. Instead of pointing to the planned promotional material, it pointed to a porn site.

3 Dove They couldnt have designed a better example of choice feminism if they tried. A 2017 ad went viral because it showed a white woman transforming into a Black woman by removing her shirt, and then into another woman of color by removing another shirt. People were quick to point out that women of color arent able to choose or conceal their identity, and thats one of the fundamental problems of patriarchy and white supremacy. Advertisement

2 Balenciaga Georgia fashion designer Demnas created two different, subconsciously creepy campaigns for Balenciaga  in one, child models were holding teddy bears in bondage gear, and in another, Nicole Kidman and Isabelle Huppert posed with a book about child sexual abuse law. Advertisement
Women in Britain  and in much of the world  are having fewer and fewer babies. It is easy to work out why this will be bad news over the years to come. But why is anyone surprised? Since the second-wave feminists took over Western societies about 40 years ago, babies have become a nuisance to the standard lifestyle. I know men are not really allowed to discuss this, but I am so old that I no longer care about such rules.

The whole thing was brought home to me many years ago during a visit to Germany, where, in an airport lavatory, I encountered a contraceptive machine selling a brand of condom called, with total frankness, and in large red block capitals ANTI-BABY.

Of course, I had realised before that Western tax systems, welfare states, housing policies and employment rules all worked hard together to force women out of the home and into paid work, egged on by the endless anti-family yelling of womens magazines.

It was around about then that the word housewife turned into a sort of sneer. Oddly, Germany was one of the last places where anyone resisted this. I wonder if anyone there still refers to women who go to work and leave their children to the care of paid strangers as Raven Mothers, a rather rude expression implying neglect and selfishness?

But this was only in what had been the free West. Communist East Germany had for years marched mothers off to factories and offices, and crammed their children into state nurseries where they could indoctrinate them from the earliest possible age. Sound familiar?

Since the second-wave feminists took over Western societies about 40 years ago, babies have become a nuisance to the standard lifestyle, writes Peter Hitchens

East German family policy from the 1980s wasnt all that different from the measures adopted by the Tory Party 30 years later, under which the only form of childcare not subsidised was that provided by a stay-at-home parent.

The anti-family, anti-marriage movement proclaimed from the beginning that paid wage-slavery was somehow more fulfilling than the mighty task of raising the next generation. Almost all modern fiction, drama and debate is based on this belief. But it isnt true.

Young mothers are forced into lives of overwork, sleeplessness, endless hurry and distress at being parted from their small sons and daughters. Why are we surprised that fewer and fewer choose this way of life?

The amazing thing is that so many still try so hard to raise families in our anti-baby society.

Last week Nigel Farage had a hint of what it would be like to be Prime Minister, not least because this is now possible. I did not get the impression he enjoyed his whiff of office. All those I have known who achieved power of any sort have been dismayed to find it narrows their freedom to choose. Suddenly your desires have consequences, many unintended. You may get what you want, then wish you had not asked for it. Only careful preparations can avoid the dangers. Is he making them?

Suranne Jones, left, stars as Abigail, and Julie Delpy as Vivienne, in Netflix series The Hostage

The Netflix series Hostage, starring Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy was an engaging enough drama. It moved a lot faster than HS2. But is this what politics has been reduced to  the NHS, immigration, Right-wing extremists, terrorists and feminism? How dull and narrow.

Never silence us over Letby case again

For very good reasons, there are tough limits about what the media can say about criminal trials with juries  to protect people who have been charged but not convicted.

Under the wonderful, unique laws of England, a heritage which we have lately allowed to rust and rot, the accused is presumed innocent until guilt is proved. So I am still baffled that for many months, I could not write about the case of Lucy Letby. This was because, although already convicted of several murders and attempted murders, she faced a second attempted murder trial as the first jury had failed to reach a verdict. Given no one could have been unaware of her earlier convictions, it is impossible to see how such a trial could have been fair.

I have also never understood the point of it. She had already been sentenced to die in prison without hope of parole. Those of us who campaign for the case to be reopened are ceaselessly told that raking over the matter distresses the parents of the dead or harmed babies. Surely a further trial did this too?

I am still not sure how the imposed silence, from September 2023 to July 2024, served justice. Now we may be threatened with another long silence. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has spent two months studying further evidence against Ms Letby, submitted to it by Cheshire Police. On any day, the CPS could announce new charges.

I ask again, what would be the point of this? Even if convicted, she cannot be held for longer.

The only effect would be to hamper efforts to reopen the case. If such charges do go ahead, I hope the media will challenge any attempt to halt this important national debate.

Alas Vine & Hitchens: What's the big idea? Get the Mail's new politics podcast, hosted by columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens - wherever you listen to podcasts now.

Lethal price of allowing marijuana

Within hours of the Minneapolis murders, it was revealed the shooter had been working at a Marijuana Dispensary, of the sort campaigners want here too. Cash or debit cards accepted. Kerbside pick-up available, offering an amazing variety of vape cartridges.

This is almost certainly the most important thing you need to know about this unhinged crime and its perpetrator.

Yet it was barely reported. Forty years hence, if we still have media and police, or indeed a civilisation, people will be astounded at the complacent stupidity and indulgence with which we regard this terrifying mind poison.

I refer readers again to the book Attacker Smoked Cannabis, by my friend Ross Grainger, who studied some of the many insanely violent crimes in this country carried out by marijuana users.
A great American judge, the wonderfully named Learned Hand, once ruled that: 'Any one may so arrange his affairs that his taxes shall be as low as possible.'

This is of course a conservative view, and there are some on the Left who claim to feel a duty to pay more tax  though whether they ever actually do so is not clear.

Legally paying as little tax as you have to is known as 'Tax Avoidance' as opposed to 'Tax Evasion' which is a crime.

Avoidance is very common in modern Britain. Everyone who has an ISA is doing it. But recently, some politicians have started preaching about the alleged evils of legal tax avoidance.

One of them is Angela Rayner, the noted property owner, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing. In 2017 she said 'the public are furious with those who get away with tax avoidance while they pay'. She has also demanded more resources to 'tackle tax avoidance', which she said was 'damaging our country'.

So it is not enough for her supporters to say she has broken no law. Nobody says she has. It appears that she has legally reduced her council tax liabilities and the stamp duty on her recent purchase in Hove. And it has also emerged that she has used the services of a company which specialises in 'wealth protection'. To which most of us would say 'good luck' to her. The rule she has broken is the ancient maxim that, while living in a glass house, you do not throw stones.

And why has this even come up? Because governments have grown ever greedier for tax, and taxpayers increasingly resent it. And it is getting worse. The current Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has signalled her enthusiasm for squeezing the middle class in her November Budget by seeking the help of the taxation zealot Torsten Bell. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, may just be starting to realise that all this looks really bad, and threatens to ensure that he never wins a second term.

That could explain his new appointment of Minouche Shafik as his chief economic adviser. Unlike Ms Reeves, whose expertise was exaggerated, Lady Shafik is a real heavyweight economist, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England and a sometime senior official in Whitehall, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Ms Reeves and Mr Bell had better look out.

Angela Rayner has demanded more resources to 'tackle tax avoidance', which she said was 'damaging our country'

The current Chancellor, Rachel Reeves , has signalled her enthusiasm for squeezing the middle class in her November Budget by seeking the help of the taxation zealot Torsten Bell

Those with long memories will be reminded of Margaret Thatcher's appointment of her personal economic guru, Alan Walters, in 1989. This enraged Chancellor, Nigel Lawson, who eventually resigned, an action which led directly to Mrs Thatcher's fall in 1990. These are dangerous waters.

The final curtain for sanity

The age of the stiff upper lip is over. Britons no longer need to prepare for harsh lives in remote and dangerous places. This is the age of gentle parenting.

But have we gone too soft? Patrons at the Royal Opera House are now considered so sensitive that they must be warned of the loud and startling ringing of the bell which signals the start of the performance.

If a bell is too much, whatever will they make of the operas, especially the titanic noise of Wagner, or when the Fat Lady (if we can still call her that) finally sings?
The daughter of serial killer Dennis Rader has spoken about what it's like being the child of a murderer in a podcast.

Kerri Rawson's father is known as the BTK killer - a nickname he gave himself which related to his MO - binding, torturing and killing his victims. Rader terrified residents of Wichita, Kansas for decades, continuing the BTK murders and ridiculing letters for years until he stopped in 1991.

The killer, 80, has confessed to murdering 10 people - including two children aged nine and 11 - in Wichita, Kansas between 1974 and 1991, before going dark. However, Investigators have linked him to two other potential victims.

His arrest was the result of his hubris: the then-married father-of-two had been anonymously corresponding with police - notably Wichita Police Lieutenant Ken Landwehr, with whom Rader believed he had a special bond - about the violent crimes. Rader's letters were marked with his bizarre BTK logo and spelling mistakes, and he would taunt police with crude jokes about what he did to his victims.

By 2004, 13 years had passed since BTK had claimed his last victim, prompting a newspaper to print an article suggesting people had forgotten about BTK. This is said to have irritated Rader, and so he resumed his correspondence with the police.

In his communications with Lieutenant Ken Landwehr, Rader asked if it was possible to send a floppy disk to police, without them being able to trace the computer the disk came from. Landwehr lied, and assured the killer that it would be untraceable. When Rader sent the disk to the police via a local TV station, law enforcement were able to trace it back to a local Lutheran church, where Rader was president of the congregation.

Kerri was in her mid twenties when she learnt about her father's gruesome crimes. She has been open about how difficult it was to come to terms with what he had done, detailing her struggle in several books.

She has also appeared in a number of interviews, and was the subject of an episode of ABC's 20/20 True Crime Vault podcast, titled My Father BTK, which was published in July this year (after originally airing in 2019).

Kerri Rawson (pictured, left) is seen with her father, the serial killer Dennis Rader in May 1999 - after he had killed 10 people

Rader committed his first murder four years before his daughter was born, and continued in nightmarish secrecy through her childhood until she was 12.

After being convicted of 10 murders, Rader was handed 10 consecutive life sentences and, with no chance of parole for 175 years, will die in prison. He escaped execution because Kansas had no death penalty at the time of the murders.

Speaking on the podcast about when she learnt the FBI had arrested her father on suspicion of the murders, Kerri said she wanted to 'pass out'.

She added: 'I was like, my father's a good guy. He's Boy Scout leader, president of the church. You've got the wrong man, because you don't believe it's true, and you don't want it to be true. You know, the father, you know, is not capable of any of [that].'

In fact, it was holding down this facade as a family man with an everyday job that meant Rader was able to remain above suspicion for the notorious killings.

However, one of his jobs helped him commit the crimes: from 1974 to 1988, Rader worked a humdrum job for ADT Security installing home security alarms. The role gave him eerie access to people's homes and an intricate understanding of personal security, which he would use in his crimes such as cutting the phone lines before creeping inside.

According to Kerri, learning the truth about her father made her feel that 'every moment of [her] whole life was a lie, even back to before [she was] born'.

When asked if she was worried her mother had also been involved in the crimes, Kerrie said: 'No, I never imagined that my mom was involved in anything bad. I was very worried about her, and wanted to call her and let her know I was okay, and I wanted to know how my brother was doing.

Kerri (pictured, right) has said 'nobody wants to believe their father could be capable of such monstrous things' (Dennis Rader, pictured left)

'He was stationed in Connecticut with the Navy and so I wasn't able to talk to my mom or my brother for six or seven hours after the arrest.'

Mrs Rader - who was granted an emergency divorce from her killer husband in 2005 - sounded heartbroken and grief stricken after hearing about the arrest Kerri revealed.

Kerrie has spoken about how difficult it was to learn about the crimes, telling PEOPLE in 2019: 'It took more than 10 years before I could even sit across from someone and even talk about this. Nobody wants to believe their father could be capable of such monstrous things.

'If my mother, brother or I ever had any inkling, we would've gone screaming to the police.'

Despite his unimaginable acts, Kerrie has said that during her childhood, Rader would normally resemble an average middle-America dad - but he would occasionally show flashes of a violent temper.

In her book A Serial Killer's Daughter: My Story of Faith, Love, and Overcoming, she wrote: 'The key to surviving life with dad? Watch the pot closely, turn down the heat, and know when to get out of its way before it blows.'

Describing the moment she was told about the killings, she wrote: 'I grabbed at the wall jutting out near the stove. I was shaking all over. The room turned red. Dark splotches came into view. I was falling into a black hole, with no idea of how I was ever going to get out.'

Despite the extreme trauma of learning her father was a serial killer, Kerri has gone on to help law enforcement solve cold cases.

Dennis Rader (pictured) was convicted of killing 10 people - but it is believed that he may be responsible for more murders

In January 2023, she first became aware of new cold cases linked to her father through the investigation into the disappearance of Cynthia 'Cyndi' Dawn Kinney, a 16-year-old cheerleader who was last seen in 1976.

In June that year, she said she then became aware of the unsolved murder case of Shawna Garber, whose remains were found near Pineville, MO, in December 1990, which motivated her to volunteer to help investigators.

At the time, Osage County, Oklahoma, Undersheriff Gary Upton said the investigation into whether he was responsible for additional crimes started with the re-examination last year of the 1976 disappearance of Kinney in Pawhuska.

Rader has been questioned over the two disappearances before, and denied killing either woman but did previously say he 'enjoyed' his meeting with investigators over the Garber's disappearance.

The cases were reopened, and Kerrie was enrolled to help. She had not seen her father face-to-face since his arrest in 2005. Rader had been unhelpful in discussing the unsolved cases with police, and it was hoped his daughter could help break him down and reveal further details of his gruesome crimes.

She fly out to see her father in Kansas for a total of three hours in June and July of 2023.

Speaking about the meeting at the time, she said: 'I hadn't had contact with him for 18 years, besides letters. To sit across from him was quite staggering.'

She added that Rader was 'shocked' by her visit as she hadn't told him she was coming, and she found that her father's health has deteriorated significantly to the point where she 'doesn't know how much time he has left.'

BTK's ten victims: (L-R) January 15, 1974: #1 Julie Otero (aged 33) Strangled with a rope; #2 Joseph Otero (aged 38) Suffocated with a plastic bag; #3 Josephine Otero (aged 11) Hanged with a rope; #4 Joseph Otero, Jr. (aged 9) Suffocated with a plastic bag; April 4, 1974: #5 Kathryn Bright (aged 21) Stabbed 3 times in abdomen with a knife

(L-R) March 17, 1977: #6 Shirley Vian (aged 24) Strangled with a rope; December 8, 1977: #7 Nancy Fox (aged 25) Strangled with a belt; April 27, 1985: #8 Marine Hedge (aged 53) Strangled with hands; September 16, 1986: #9 Vicki Wegerle (aged 28) Strangled with Nylon stocking; January 19, 1991: #10 Dolores E. Davis (aged 62) Strangled with pantyhose

DENNIS RADER'S 10 KNOWN VICTIMS

January 15, 1974: Julie Otero (aged 33) Strangled with a rope 2 Joseph Otero (aged 38) suffocated with a plastic bag Josephine Otero (aged 11) Hanged with a rope Joseph Otero, Jr. (aged nine) Suffocated with a plastic bag. April 4, 1974: Kathryn Bright (aged 21) stabbed three times in abdomen with a knife. March 17, 1977: Shirley Vian (aged 24) strangled with a rope December 8, 1977: Nancy Fox (aged 25) strangled with a belt April 27, 1985: 8 Marine Hedge (aged 53) strangled with hands September 16, 1986: Vicki Wegerle (aged 28) strangled with Nylon stocking January 19, 1991: Dolores E. Davis (aged 62) Strangled with pantyhose Advertisement

She described him as 'fragile', and was wheeled into their visitation in shackles and a wheelchair. Due to his poor eyesight, Kerrie said he didn't even recognise her at first.

'His eyesight is really bad and he couldn't tell who I was right away, but he was shocked,' she said. 'He's in a wheelchair, but he could still give me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. It was like a reunion.'

However, when she started pressing for details about the cold cases, Rader brushed her off, dashing hopes he would give grieving families some relief after previously refusing to cooperate with police.

'He's still sharp as a tack,' she said, despite his ailing health. 'He was coming up with alibis, I mean he could tell I was there for answers. It was surreal.'

Another issue Kerrie spoke about was her father's court appearances. Rader plead guilty to 10 counts of murder, thereby waiving his right to a jury trial.

However, he appeared in court in June 2005, where he allocuted about the crimes in chilling detail.

Kerrie revealed she had not attended the hearings, explaining: 'I wouldn't have been able to do it. I was torn because you want to be there supportive for your father, but the media presence was massively heavy.'

Having this type of crisis of identity when a parent has been found guilty of gruesome crimes is not uncommon, according to Dr. Katherine Ramsland, a Professor Emerita of Forensic Psychology at DeSales University, and the author of Confession of a Serial Killer  The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer.

She worked with Rader himself to analyse his psyche, and delve into the motivations behind his gruesome crimes.

Speaking to Daily Mail, she that there is no single response among those whose parents are serial killers.

'The daughters of serial killers I've known have struggled over the shock and betrayal of a father (or mother) who has turned out to be a monster,' Dr Ramsland explained.

'The responses differ. Some withdraw, some go public, some change their name and try to live a normal life. A few have been forced into crimes, and some of them have turned their parent in.'

She continued: 'Whether they forgive or they reject, theyve been emotionally damaged. Their sense of instability might continue for years. Maybe they'll never trust again. Some find solace in religion, community, and family. Others hope for the offender to revert back to the person they once knew. A few just cut the offender out of their lives.

'Their entire sense of identity has been altered. How they deal with it depends on their perception of the circumstances and their level of resilience.'
Thousands of miles away from where they once lived in Frogmore cottage, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would seem, on the face of it, to have forgotten all about what life in the UK is like.

Now based in Montecito, California, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex lead a different life compared to what they used to enjoy in Prince Harry's native England after they fled in 2020 to escape royal life.

The Duchess, who last week released the second season of her lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, hasn't visited the UK since the late Queen Elizabeth's funeral in 2022.

But during the eight-episode series, which features celebrity guests including US model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen and Queer Eye's Tan France, Meghan surprised many when she revealed there are parts of UK life she misses.

Meghan has not returned to England in over three years, since she attended the Queen's funeral. Meanwhile, Harry himself has only made the journey back a handful of times to attend funerals, including Prince Philip's, and to visit King Charles following his cancer diagnosis.

Meghan, an American native, had planned to apply for British citizenship but pressed pause on the plan after the couple decided to set sail for the States instead after stepping down from their role as working royals.

The Duchess only spent a short period living in the UK between the years of 2017 to 2020, including raising her first child, Prince Archie, six, for the first few months of his life at Frogmore Cottage.

Despite only spending a short stint in the UK, many fans of the show were struck by the strong English undertones of many of Meghan's recipes - as well as her claim that she misses British radio.

The Duchess, who last week released the second season of her lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, hasn't visited the UK since the late Queen Elizabeth's funeral in 2022. The couple pictured in Colombia in 2024

Now based in California-based Montecito, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have a somewhat fraught relationship Prince Harry 's native England after they fled in 2020 to escape royal life

In an episode of the new show, which premiered on Tuesday, Meghan spoke tenderly of the UK, telling Doncaster-born Tan France that what she misses most about the UK is it's radio.

'One of the things I miss most about the UK is the radio stations,' she said, specifically pointing out that Magic FM was her favourite of them.

When teased that it is a 'grandma' station, she insisted that her new favourite station to listen to in the car is called Mom Jeans and plays vintage soft rock.

Elsewhere, in episode six, she told Clare Smyth, the Northern Irish-born Michelin-starred chef who cooked at the couple's wedding, that their children mix British and American pronunciations.

'My kids, they'll say a little bit of both, but never cooking terms because I guess Papa's not cooking as much. They both say 'Zebra' though instead of 'Zeebra'.'

In episode four of the new season of the show, the Duchess showed chef Samin Nosrat her signature roast chicken recipe, taking the moment to share the tale of how she first prepared the dish for Harry on the night they got engaged.

'This is a by-heart recipe. It's a classic and it's nourishing, and I have done it so many times that now I can do it with my eyes closed,' the Duchess of Sussex said about the roast chicken.

A classic Sunday roast choice that is loved by many across the British Isles, it is possible that Meghan, who admitted she now makes it at least once a week, first picked up the recipe from her time in the UK.

Meghan, an American native, had planned to apply for British citizenship but pressed pause on the plan after the couple decided to set sail for the States instead after stepping down from their role as working royals. Pictured at their wedding in 2018

Meghan was also seen celebrating Mother's Day according to the English calendar. In March earlier this year, the Duchess shared a sweet tribute acknowledging the annual holiday

Several times during the show, Meghan is seeing getting up to brew herself a cup of tea, the hot beverage beloved by Brits.

She has been seen making nods to various English recipes, including with the release of her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in March, when she revealed a line of products including her famous preserves, a crepe mix and flower sprinkles among other things.

Another was a 'cookie mix' for shortbread, which is traditionally Scottish, perhaps a sign that she was missing the flavours of the UK.

Her brand newsletter read: 'Crunchy and delicious shortbread cookies that remind me of my time in England, with tiny flower sprinkles to add extra beauty and charm to enjoy each delicate bite.'

Elsewhere in the newsletter, she made reference to another UK tradition that she and her family had embraced.

'In the UK, they call it a 'duvet day,' and I've always found that sweet. Our little family, snuggled up for an easy family morning followed by pancakes and bacon. The dream,' she said.

Meghan was also seen celebrating Mother's Day according to the English calendar. In March earlier this year, the Duchess shared a sweet tribute acknowledging the annual holiday.

In a post uploaded to Instagram, she shared a picture of a lemon tart, insisting it is a 'family tradition' to mark the annual UK holiday with the delicacy.

In an episode of the new show, which premiered on Tuesday, Meghan spoke tenderly of the UK, telling Doncaster-born Tan France that what she misses most about the UK is it's radio. Pictured

She has been seen making nods to various English recipes, including with the release of her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in March, when she revealed a line of products including her famous preserves, a crepe mix and flower sprinkles among other things (seen in 2019)

A smaller hand can be seen clinging onto the plate which holds the dessert, covered in halved slices of lemon and topped by a red rose.

The Duchess has also hinted at missing parts of the UK on her social media. Sharing a montage of pictures from their couples love story on Instagram, she posted images from special moments they shared while in Britain - suggesting the UK still holds a special place in her heart.

One of the earliest photos featured on the board showed the Duke and Duchess pose for a selfie taken in London in 2016, when they first started dating.

In the photograph, which is tabbed up as '2016' in 'London', Meghan posed in a flannel shirt while Harry stood behind smiling.

Additionally, there were pictures from their wedding, which was held at St George's Chapel, Windsor, in May 2018.

The then-newly minted Duke and Duchess of Sussex were joined by all the leading members of the Royal Family who gathered to celebrate their marriage.

The mother-of-two provided her three million Instagram followers with a sneak peak into her previous UK residence that she shared with Prince Harry - Frogmore Cottage.

Harry and Meghan haven't lived in Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate since they moved to the US in 2020.

The Duchess, who last week released the second season of her lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, hasn't visited the UK since the late Queen Elizabeth's funeral in 2022. Pictured at the funeral in London

The couple quit the country in 2020, and Meghan later talked about having struggled and having no one to help her in her new royal role. She added that she had her passport taken away after marrying Harry

In the image, Harry and Meghan stood kissing in the home's kitchen on the Windsor estate.

Also pinned onto Meghan's mood board was a photo of Harry and Meghan taken in Norfolk during what appears to be a visit to Holkham Bay - the Sandringham beach frequented by Prince William and Princess Catherine.

The couple quit the country in 2020, and Meghan later talked about having struggled and having no one to help her in her new royal role. She added that she had her passport taken away after marrying Harry.

She has not set foot in the UK since September 2022, when the couple were on a charity visit and the Queen died. Harry has since said that he believes that the country is unsafe for his wife and children, and also has let it be known that he is never returning to live in the UK from California.

Around the time of the Queen's death, Prince Harry flew solo to Balmoral, in a last-minute dash to try to see his grandmother before she died - but Meghan remained in Windsor after Charles asked Harry not to bring his wife to Scotland, he claimed in his autobiography.

The Sussexes had left Archie, then three, and one-year-old Lili, in the hands of Meghan's mother Doria Ragland in LA, after travelling to Manchester for a One World Summit on September 5, 2022, before heading to Dusseldorf for an Invictus event and then returning to London.

They ended up having to extend their stay when Harry's grandmother died on September 8, staying to make various public appearances including greeting mourners with William and the Princess of Wales at Windsor despite the brothers' rift, and attending the funeral on September 19.

Many also believe that Prince Harry has done his fair share of pining for his home country.

Several times during the show, Meghan is seeing getting up to brew herself a cup of tea, the hot beverage beloved by Brits

Another was a 'cookie mix' for shortbread, which is traditionally Scottish, perhaps a sign that she was missing the flavours of the UK

In his bombshell interview with the BBC in May, the Duke explicitly addressed his missing the UK, adding that he was 'really quite sad' that he hadn't been able to show his children his homeland.

During the interview - where he claimed his father, King Charles 'won't speak to me' - Harry expressed his desire to reach 'reconciliation' with his family.

Despite his desperate to desire to make amends, he added that he couldn't 'see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK.'

'The things they are going to miss is everything. I love my country and always have done...despite what some people in that country have done,' he said.

He said it would be 'impossible' to bring his family back to the UK after losing a legal challenge over the withdrawal of his security detail.

Harry said that he still loved the UK 'despite what some people in that country have done' and added that it was 'really quite sad that I won't be able to show my children my homeland'.

He said hew was 'devastated' after sensationally losing his battle over taxpayer-funded police bodyguards - putting him on the hook for 1.5million in legal costs.

At the time of the hearings for their case, Harry expressed his sadness about leaving his 'home' in the UK, adding that he wanted his children to 'feel at home' in the country where they have dual heritage.

In his bombshell interview with the BBC in May, the Duke explicitly addressed his missing the UK, adding that he was 'really quite sad' that he hadn't been able to show his children his homeland

'The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home, as much as where they live at the moment in the United States,' he wrote.

Continuing, he said: 'That cannot happen if it's not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil. I cannot put my wife in danger like that and, given my experiences in life, I am reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm's way too.'

Last year, a source reportedly close to the Prince, claimed that Harry was 'increasingly bored' in the States and looking back to home.

'Harry is increasingly bored and looking back across the Atlantic where most of his army and school friends still live,' royal expert, Tom Quinn told The Mirror.

Additionally, distance isn't the only reason that he is struggling to meet some of his childhood friends, according to Quinn.

He said: 'They won't visit him in the States because they find Meghan difficult'.

Around the same time, King Charles' former butler, Grant Harrold, said the couple were looking to buy a home in the UK and were considering spending up to half a year there.

'If Harry does buy a place in the UK, he and Meghan will live there for part of the year and part of the year in the States, that was the original idea,' he said.

Though, he didn't believe that it was likely Meghan would make the move 'permanently'.

'I can believe that Harry would like to be back here, he loves the UK. He had an amazing upbringing here, he loved living here and I remember that,' the former butler said.

One of Harry's oldest friends told The Times that Harry is an 'angry boy' who wishes things had turned out differently.

'I think he misses being over here [in Britain] desperately and wants to be admired more. Anyone who knows him feels he'd rather be top of the pops here with everyone loving him, as they do with William and Kate,' they said.
More adults over the age of 50 are divorcing than ever before - and the explanation is heartbreaking.

While divorce among those who have passed the half-century mark has traditionally been low, the tide has turned in recent years.

And, despite it going against a key marriage vow, the upturn may have to do with a spouse's worry - more commonly a wife's concern - that they will have to spend their later years caring for a partner with a chronic health condition.

Given that people are living longer - the average lifespan in 2020 was 80.7 compared with 70.6 in 1960 - the impact of looking after an ailing partner would be greater.

In 1990, only 8.7 per cent of all US divorces occurred in relationships where the spouses were over 50, according to research in The Journals of Gerontology co-authored by Professor Susan Brown, but by 2019 that figure had increased to 36 per cent.

A slew of reasons might explain this change, according to experts.

But, while some explanations have roots in the women's liberation movement of the 1970s as well as the UK's Equal Pay Act of 1970, both of which made divorce more acceptable and realistic, others highlight the fact that unions between older people are more likely to be marred by sickness.

During the 70s, Brown writes, legally separating became a more acceptable way of leaving a miserable marriage.

Divorce amongst the over 50s - commonly known as 'grey divorce' - has been on the rise in recent years (stock image)

She argues that members of the Baby Boomer generation (people born between 1946 and 1964) who married young and got divorced at this time are now divorcing again due to the less stable nature of second marriages.

'If you've divorced once, your norm about marriage and the idea that you have to stay in it "till death do us part" is already a little bit weaker,' adds Professor Kelly Cichy.

Yet Cichy, who's based at Ohio's Kent State University, warned that women particularly are becoming more aware that marriage can involve a large amount of caretaking, especially later on.

She suggests that if someone already has doubts about their marriage, the prospect of having to be there for their spouse 'in sickness and in health' is far less appealing.

There are, of course, other reasons why divorce amongst the over 50s - commonly known as 'grey divorce' - is on the rise.

The fact that people are living longer means that they are less likely to put up with unhappy marriages.

In addition, greater financial independence, especially among women, means there are fewer reasons to stay.

Others have suggested that 'empty nest syndrome' - the feeling of loss experienced when grown-up children have left home - may prove to be a catalyst for divorce since couples start to notice that they don't have as much in common as they once thought when their offspring have moved out.

When it comes to older couples going their separate ways, fathers are more likely to lose touch with their children, a study suggests (stock image)

Forced to reevaluate their relationship in light of this change, they might also be driven to pursue personal goals with their newfound free time - goals which may be at odds with those of their spouse.

While divorce is always messy, when it comes to older couples going their separate ways, fathers are more likely to lose touch with their children, a recent study suggests.

There has been a growing trend in recent years for grey divorce, when couples in long-term marriages split after the age of 50. Now, researchers have studied the impact this has on their children.

Scientists analysed data on 9,000 individuals, focusing on the frequency of contact with their parents, emotional closeness and the provision of support  and how these were affected by the occurrence of a grey divorce.

They discovered the effects vary significantly depending on the gender of both the parent and the child involved.

Firstly, the study found that grey divorce generally leads to a decrease in the frequency of contact between adult children and their fathers.

On the other hand, there was an increase in the frequency of contact and in emotional closeness with mothers.

The researchers also found the consequences of divorce were generally more pronounced in father-daughter relationships, which experienced greater declines in both contact frequency and emotional closeness compared to father-son relationships.

Meanwhile, mother-daughter relationships often showed a strengthening in emotional bonds.

Zafer Buyukkececi, from the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Germany, led the research.

He said: 'Fathers tend to experience greater post-divorce strain on parent-child relationships compared to mothers.

'Reasons for the disparity could be that traditionally, mothers often maintain closer bonds with children.

'Adult children might even strengthen ties with mothers to compensate for the loss of a spousal confidante. Studies also show stronger emotional and practical support for mothers later in life.'

The study, published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, reads: 'Health, wellbeing and social integration of older parents is strongly linked to the presence of a partner in the household and to intergenerational solidarity from adult children.

'The rise in grey divorce could undermine both of these critical resources, as older people who separate not only lose their partner but may also damage relationships to their adult children.

'Our central finding is the contrasting impact for mothers and fathers. A grey divorce tilts adult child solidarity towards mothers and puts fathers at a higher risk of social isolation.'
When middle-aged billionaire Brian planned to get married for the third time - and to a 25-year-old woman no less - he knew his teenage daughter Jules would hit the roof.

His solution was to distract her with a lavish $200,000 overseas vacation - that he hoped would keep her out of his hair after she had refused to attend the wedding.

But he could not have been more wrong. His masterplan has since sparked a wild - and very public - back and forth as Jules seeks to punish her father with ever more outrageous demands for her 'revenge trip'.

A $50,000-a-night penthouse suite, private jets, caviar shipped across the world - there is no limit to her quest to drive up his credit card bill.

And it's all been documented on social media by luxury travel agent Olivia 'Liv' Ferney, 24, who has acted as middleman between the pair and regularly shares video recordings of her phone conversations with them on her Travel with Livii accounts.

Yet, as eager viewers flock to catch the latest episode in this obscene saga, one question arises again and again in the comments: Do Brian and Jules REALLY exist?

Olivia Ferney, 24, is a luxury travel advisor with Top Tier Travel

Ferney's videos, which highlight the insane demands from her high-profile clients, have taken over social media

Ferney's TikTok and Instagram accounts have exploded in popularity in recent months as she promotes her company Top Tier Travel by highlighting absurd travel requests from the insufferable 1 per cent.

And the complaints grow more ridiculous by the day. One client was furious his fruit welcome basket was not labeled organic. Another was enraged by how slow other resort guests were walking. Then there was the woman who was apoplectic that her designer bags had not each been given their own individual porter.

Yet through it all, Ferney has won admiration from thousands of followers for her unwavering patience and elite problem-solving skills when responding to her clients' over-the-top behavior.

Then came Brian and Jules.

The soap opera began with a video of Brian asking Ferney to book his daughter and her friends a $200,000 trip to the Amalfi Coast to 'get her out of my hair for a little bit'.

Then it swiftly moved on to videos of Jules's increasingly erratic temper tantrums.

In one clip, which has been viewed on TikTok over seven million times, Jules threatened to fire Ferney after her dad capped her budget at a measly $25,000 for her trip to Monaco.

'That's not even half of what we agreed on. We agreed on $60,000 Does he think this is a joke?' Jules told Ferney over the phone.

'I can have you replaced, Liv, in two seconds.'

In another video she demanded to take her family's private jet to the United Arab Emirates and rent out an entire arm of the five-star hotel Atlantis, The Palm.

'Liv, I'm f***ing fuming,' she began.

'She's 20-freaking-five, that's only a couple years older than me. I can't have everybody knowing how old she is. That's embarrassing. It's ridiculous,' Jules said of her father's new wife.

'So, this is what we're gonna do. We're going to run his card up, book the jet I'm going to Dubai.'

There was just one problem: you can't rent out an entire wing of The Palm and they can't fly her dad's private plane all the way to Dubai.

The entire family drama between 'Jules' and her billionaire father has played out on Ferney's social media like scenes from a soap opera

Another insane demand from Jules included flying out a caviar baked potato from her favorite Miami restaurant to her penthouse in Dubai.

Of course, it was Ferney's job to remind her client that such a delicacy surely wouldn't taste that good after flying in the air for 10 hours and would she prefer a private dining experience where they could attempt to recreate the recipe instead?

However, it was Jules's request to book a three-night stay in a $50,000-a-night penthouse suite that proved a step too far.

And when Ferney told Brian his daughter's trip would cost $410,000, he said: 'I'm not spending a dime over $300,000,' and financially cut Jules off.

With videos of the spat still landing on Ferney's social media accounts almost daily, more and more viewers are questioning their authenticity.

And the truth is that they are not real - only inspired by real events.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Ferney said the clips are reenactments of demands she has received from clients in the past.

'We have a Rolodex and a little black book of years and years of stories,' she said.

'A lot of those clients we're close with still, so we're able to be like, "Hey, this is exactly what happened on this day. Are you fine with us resharing that story in a way that's going to help our business grow?"'

It is easy to assume that such high-profile individuals would object to having their ostentatious behavior blasted all over the internet.

But according to Ferney, these one-percenters enjoy looking crazy.

'They are bubble people,' she said. 'They don't wanna be looped in with the rest of the world. They like being in their 0.01 percent.'

In each clip, Ferney responds to her clients' over-the-top behavior with resounding calmness and elite problem-solving skills

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ferney said her viral videos are reenactments of actual demands she's received from clients in the past

Ferney also claimed that the Brian and Jules storyline was not unusual and that she can often find herself acting more of a 'family therapist' than travel agent.

She added that it was not the first time a rich daughter has threatened to fire her.

'I have to be very stern with my boundaries,' she said.

'If a daughter calls and she wants something done and she threatens to fire me, well you're not my client. You don't pay the bills, your dad does.'

'People keep asking me, "How do you deal with all this stuff? How are you reacting in the moment?"' she continued. 'I deal with stuff that's 10 times crazier than those conversations. This stuff is so normal to me at this point.'

But her videos about the lives of the wealthy elite are a far cry from her humble beginnings in Dundas, Ontario, which has a population of 20,000.

While studying at University of Western Ontario, she launched her own marketing company in the midst of Covid-19.

It was during a trip to Miami where she met Troy Arnold, the owner of Top Tier Travel, and fell in love with the business of babysitting rich adults.

'I thought it was such an interesting concept, like dealing with these insane people and these insane requests all the time,' she told the Daily Mail.

The idea to begin filming her phone calls came earlier this year after a 'brutal berating' from one of her clients, to which she and Arnold decided to reenact the frustrating call and post it to their social media.

That clip went on to receive 1.6 million views.

During a trip to Miami, Ferney met Troy Arnold (seen), the owner of Top Tier Travel

With the help of her viral videos, Ferney said she has tripled Top Tier Travel's clientele in just four months

With the help of her viral videos, Ferney said she has tripled Top Tier Travel's clientele in just four months, and their waitlist consistently sits at 2,500 people hoping to book a luxury trip.

But to fellow travel agents in the luxury space, things aren't always as they appear online.

McLean Robbins, the founder of Lily Pond Luxury and one of Conde Nast Traveler's top travel specialists in the world, told the Daily Mail she finds Ferney's videos clever and entertaining, but they 'read more like parody than reality'.

'I'm sure there is truth behind them  people do let their children run wild sometimes. But the idea that you could repeat a client call and post actual details online? Never,' she said.

'Discretion is everything. If I posted my clients' actual hotels or requests on TikTok, I'd be out of business tomorrow.'

Ferney is well aware of the skepticism surrounding her videos.

'There's so many conspiracy theories,' she said.

'Somebody was saying last week, "I can't believe this girl went so far as to make a fake travel website." Like, I do not have enough time on my hands, but thank you. I wish this was creativity.'

And while non-disclosure agreements keep her from sharing too much about her clients online, she maintained her videos are inspired by real life clients.

One thing is for sure, the internet is waiting with bated breath to see how the drama between Brian and Jules unfolds - real or not.
Princess Marie Caroline Of Liechtenstein was a vision in white as she wed Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer in a lavish ceremony on Saturday.

The couple, who announced their engagement in October 2024, held their ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Florin in Vaduz - although they are based in London.

The 28-year-old, who is the only daughter of Prince Alois - heir to the throne - and Princess Sophie, looked appropriately regal for her big day, donning traditional bridal white.

In true royal style, the bride sported a tiara, which she wore atop her blonde locks, which were styled into a chignon.

While the royal chose traditional white for her bridal gown, the design was bold, incorporating chic touches like sheer shoulders, and different fabrics including lace and tulle, giving the frock a textured look.

However, she did not shy away from the most traditional of bridal accessories - opting for a long veil which cascaded down the steps of the chapel.

Marie Caroline kept her make-up simple and elegant, letting her natural beauty shine through.

She opted for a dewy base, light berry lip, and natural eye shadow to make her eyes pop.

The happy couple (pictured) sealed their vows with a kiss on the steps of the cathedral after their wedding ceremony

Princess Marie Caroline of Liechtenstein and her new husband Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer are pictured on their wedding day

Princess Marie Caroline revealed she was engaged to Leopoldo Maduro last year via an official press release issued by the Liechtenstein royal household.

The newlyweds couldn't conceal their joy at tying the knot, and were seen beaming and waving at the assembled crowds

She was accompanied by her father as she made her way into the Cathedral, while her bridesmaids helped with her long train.

Crowds had gathered to share their well wishes with the happy couple, and as she waved at them, the princess beamed.

Princess Marie Caroline, who has three brothers, was the first of the siblings to announce an engagement and walk down the aisle.

She has one older brother, Prince Joseph Wenzel, and two younger - Prince Georg and Prince Nikolaus.

Princess Marie Caroline revealed she was engaged to Leopoldo Maduro last year via an official press release issued by the Liechtenstein royal household.

It read: 'H.S.H. the Hereditary Prince and H.R.H. The Hereditary Princess von und zu Liechtenstein are delighted to announce the engagement of their daughter, Princess Marie Caroline, to Mr Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer.

'The wedding is planned for late summer next year.'

The statement was accompanied by a portrait of the happy couple, which showed a beaming Princess Marie Caroline sporting a teal frock, while her beau looked dapper in a navy suit.

Princess Marie Caroline is pictured with her father Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein ahead of the service

Marie Caroline and Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer (pictured) announced their engagement in October 2024

The royal opted for the most traditional of bridal accessories - a long, flowing veil to accompany her white gown

The bride looked spirited as she exited the Cathedral, accompanied by her brand new husband Leopoldo

Princess Marie Caroline's new husband Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer is an investment manager from Caracas

The couple (pictured), who are based in London, held their ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Florin in Vaduz

While the couple (pictured) appeared totally besotted with each other, they also took the time to acknowledge the gathered crowds

In traditional royal style, the bride wore a tiara, pairing it with a long veil. Her blonde locks were styled into a chignon

The groom, 33-year-old Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer is an investment manager.

Born in Caracas, he was educated in the UK, attending Harrow.

He then studied for his undergraduate degree at St Andrews. His postgraduate degree is from Queens College, University of London.

Meanwhile, his new wife got her Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design in Paris and New York.

The guest list included a number of royals, including Prince Philipp and Princess Isabelle of Liechtenstein, Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein and Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg, and Count Franz Clemens von Waldburg-Zei among others.

Although Princess Marie Caroline's father is destined to be king, because Liechtenstein still operates under agnatic primogeniture rules - the only European monarchy to do so - she is not in the line of succession.

However, her eldest brother and her two younger brothers are all in the line of succession.
A new 'young adult' re-imagining of the Wizard of Oz is in the works, and the internet has been left divided over the news.

Deadline reported earlier this week that the beloved 1939 movie is being transformed into a modern Amazon Prime series produced by Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton.

The new show, entitled Dorothy, will be created by Gina Matthews and is described as a 'contemporary, music-infused YA retelling of based on L. Frank Baums books using the Yellow Brick Road as a metaphor for the challenges and choices facing young adults today.'

Immediately after the news hit the web, fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts - and while some were overjoyed by the classic story getting a new take, others were not so excited.

'This sounds truly dreadful. Who wanted this?' asked one user.

'Not another classic film getting a pointless revamp,' scathed another.

'This is going to be cringe AF,' theorized someone else.

'Me: "There are no bad ideas!" Me after reading this: "OK theres at least one bad idea,"' a different person replied to the announcement.

A new 'young adult' re-imagining of the Wizard of Oz is in the works, and the internet has been left divided over the news. Seen is a still from the original film

Deadline reported earlier this week that the beloved 1939 movie is being transformed into a modern Amazon Prime series produced by Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton (seen in March)

'Each word is more horrifying than the last,' read a fifth tweet.

A sixth said, 'Bruh this bouta be the most woke remake in film history.'

'This is completely unnecessary,' someone else penned, while another added, 'Not a single soul asked for this.'

'What the f**k is wrong with Hollywood? Stop remaking s**t,' begged a different person.

Other tweets simply said, 'Vomit,' 'Gross,' 'Leave this movie alone,' and 'Please don't.'

Some users, however, shared their happiness over their announcement.

'Love that idea, its a fresh way to connect classic stories with youth journeys,' gushed one person.

'Im... intrigued,' admitted another.

The new show, entitled Dorothy, is described as a 'contemporary, music-infused YA retelling of based on L. Frank Baums books.' Judy Garland is seen as Dorothy in the original 1939 film

It will 'use the Yellow Brick Road as a metaphor for the challenges and choices facing young adults today.' A still from the original film is seen

In a statement to Deadline, Matthews, whose previous credits include What Women Want, 13 Going on 30, and Isn't It Romantic, said, 'Ive been in love with The Wizard of Oz books since I was a child.

'The story reminds us of the qualities we need to get through hard times, and Dorothy is a symbol of strength who shows us that with a little kindness - and a lot of grit - we can not only achieve great things but also lift up those around us.

'Im excited to bring that message to the world, now more than ever.'

Shelton added, 'Were really excited about all the possibilities this show brings, and Im so grateful that Gina shared the idea with me and [co-producer] Lee Metzger.

'I knew right away it was something Gwen would connect with. Her creativity and perspective are such a natural fit for this project.'

Stefani described it as 'a creative and modern take on a classic.'

'Being part of something that blends music, emotion, and the character of Dorothy is inspiring to me,' she gushed.

Immediately after the news hit the web, fans took to X to share their thoughts - and while some were overjoyed by the classic story getting a new take, others were not so excited

'Being part of something that blends music, emotion, and the character of Dorothy is inspiring to me,' Stefani gushed

The original movie starred Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Billie Burke, and Margaret Hamilton.

It followed a young girl named Dorothy who got transported from her farm in Kansas into a magical world during a massive tornado.

There, she embarked on a journey down a yellow bring road to find the wizard in the hopes that he'll help her get home.

Along the way, she makes a slew of friends like the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, and comes across a slew of creatures, including Munchkins, flying monkeys and evil witches.

The movie was a massive success, earning five Academy Award nominations, and has since become a cult classic beloved by millions.
A man who suffered a bite from his dog contracted the life-threatening infection sepsis and has been left permanently disfigured.

The man, from Australia, was asleep in his bed when his dog laid down next to him. Not knowing his dog was there, the anonymous man rolled over and accidentally punched his dog in the face.

Startled, the pet bit his owner on wrist.

Though he thought nothing of the bite at first, he went to his local urgent care three days later after his arm became swollen and covered in red, coin-sized pustules.

He then was admitted to the hospital. Not long after that, his blood pressure dropped to 53/30, dangerously low compared to healthy pressure of 120/80.

Low blood pressure means there is less oxygen in the blood, and if left untreated, the condition can cause vital organs like the heart and brain to die.

Doctors found the man was suffering from necrotizing fasciitis, also known as 'flesh-eating disease,' a severe bacterial infection that spreads quickly and kills healthy tissues.

As the disease destroyed his tissues and infiltrated his bloodstream, it caused sepsis, a life-threatening overreaction to an infection that causes blood pressure to plummet and the immune system to attack healthy organs and tissues.

The low blood pressure deprives tissues and organs of oxygen, causing them to fail and die.

The man's dog, Scotty, is pictured here. Scotty still lives with his owner and has caused no further issues

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It's unclear what bacteria exactly caused the infection, but doctors told the man it 'lives on human skin.'

About 1,000 species of bacteria are naturally found on human skin and are generally harmless. The most common are Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and Streptococcus pyogenes (strep), which live inside the nose and on the skin of between 10 and 30 percent of Americans.

Doctors treating the man estimated there was just a one in 10,000 chance the bacteria would enter his bloodstream through an opening like a dog bite.

The man wrote in a Reddit post: '[Doctors] told me that it was almost certainly not from his mouth but from my skin.'

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria is the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis, in which bacteria eats at skin, muscle and tissue until they shrivel up and die.

It kills about one in five patients.

The man said: 'I knew as soon as I woke up and looked at my arm that I was in a lot of trouble. I'm lucky I woke up in time, if I'd stayed asleep I wouldn't be here.'

His arm had turned 'bright red' and tripled in size. It was also covered in coin-sized pustules. Despite the alarming appearance, he only had minimal pain that felt like a sunburn, though he was also dizzy and nauseous.

The bacteria entering the man's bloodstream triggered a whole-body immune reaction, called sepsis, which affects 350,000 Americans every year and kills one every 90 seconds.

The blurred image shows the man's arm with skin torn away and his tendons showing due to the flesh-eating bacteria

Sepsis is usually treated with antibiotics for the underlying infection and medications called vasopressors, which divert blood flow back to vital organs.

However, this takes blood from 'non-vital' areas like limbs, increasing the risk of tissue death and amputations. This is why the man's blood pressure dropped dangerously low.

After being rushed into surgery, doctors managed to save his arm, 'although it was close going,' he said.

Though the infection didn't reach the bone, in the past four years, he's undergone 20 surgeries to remove dead tissue, graft skin from other parts of his body on to the affected arm and reconstruct his hip and Achilles tendon due to long-term damage from the infection.

He said his arm has regained 'about 90 percent function,' but he needs regular monitoring due to lasting organ damage from the sepsis.

The man said: 'We're still trying to quantify exactly how bad the damage is, but at this stage I'm pretty optimistic. My final liver scan is this Friday, my kidneys appear to be ok, heart only took minor damage, brain is still a question.

'I'm slower than I was, and struggling with memory a bit, but I'm still pretty medicated.'

The man said he has had 20 surgeries to repair the damage. The above images show his progress from several years ago (left) and what the arm looks like now

The man said his treatment totaled $500,000 AUD ($325,000 USD), but because Australia has universal healthcare, he only paid about $1,000 AUD ($650 USD).

Though the dog bite triggered the cascade of events, the man doesn't blame his pup, Scotty, and still has him.

The man said: 'He's kept me company, and sane, through all of this.

'Animals don't intend to hurt people, they just sometimes do.'

He urged people who suffer deep wounds like his to 'immediately clean, disinfect and dress it once you've stemmed the bleeding.'

He added: 'Get your backside to a medical professional ASAP. I waited a day because my regular doctor was booked out for the day.

'I should have gone straight to an [emergency department] or urgent care and gotten antibiotics.'
A man has been left with a mutilated penis after risky enlargement surgery went horrifically wrong.

The doctor who performed the operation has been ordered to pay damages after leaving his patient with a loss of sexual function, trouble urinating and psychological distress following the botched procedure.

The unidentified patient, 35, had the operation in the Gangnam district of southern Seoul, South Korea, in 2020.

During the botched procedure, the surgeon cut through all of the corpus cavernosum, the tissue in the shaft which is vital for erections.

The doc also cut through the corpus spongiosum, the tissue that surrounds the urethra.

The two critical errors left the man with a penis severed horizontally.

The urologist who performed the procedure was ordered by a court in January 2024 to pay the equivalent of around 13,100 in damages; however, the physician has appealed this ruling.

Earlier this month, the doctor was ordered to pay another 3,000 in medical negligence compensation after losing the appeal.

During the trial, it was alleged that the doctor had not informed the patient of the risks of the procedure, which he denied.

A Korean man has been left with a severed penis after two critical errors during an enlargement surgery

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The enlargement procedure was even higher risk for this patient as he already had a penis implant, which had fused to his penile tissue.

'There is a possibility that the patient would have refused the surgery had the risks been properly explained,' the court heard.

The court also heard that the injury could have been avoided during the procedure if warning signs were spotted.

'In a case with serious adhesion, the dissection should have been halted before causing injury, and suturing [stitches] should have been considered to prevent complications.

'Attempting dissection despite poor visibility of the penile anatomy led to the injury.'

A global ranking of penis size by the World Population Review found that South Koreans have one of the smallest manhoods globally, measuring in at 4.32' when erect.

Research suggests only a third of men are happy with what they have got downstairs.

And a 2015 YouGov study found that young British men are more likely than Germans or Americans to want a larger penis.

Nearly half (42 per cent) of men in Britain said they wanted a larger penis, compared to 30 per cent in Germany and 23 per cent in the US.
A four-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital after swallowing a button battery from a broken electronic tracking device, a device her mother had purchased initially to keep her family safe during a trip to Disneyland.

Lisa Marie realized while on the trip with her four children that the $29 Oreo-sized trackers did not work, so she stowed them in her cars glove compartment with a plan to bring them to a store for repair.

The trip ended, and the family returned home to Vancouver Island, Canada, leaving the dysfunctional trackers forgotten in the glove box.

Until one day, Lisa heard a gulping sound come from the backseat. Her four-year-old daughter Lily had reached the device and swallowed what she told her parents was a quarter.

But an X-ray at the hospital that day revealed she had actually swallowed a small button battery taken from within one of the tags.

Marie said: As a mom, when we figured out it was a button battery, I was like, okay, her whole insides are burned out. I was on the bathroom floor of the hospital crying.

Swallowing a button battery is a serious medical emergency. Once inside the body, the moist environment of the esophagus or throat completes an electrical circuit between the battery's positive and negative terminals.

A chemical reaction occurs when the circuit is completed, generating sodium hydroxide, a powerful, industrial-strength chemical that burns and liquefies the surrounding flesh.

The chemical, which is also used to unclog drains, can burn a hole through the esophagus within a couple of hours. If it reaches the digestive tract, it can become lodged there, where it can start to burn through the intestinal wall, potentially leading to a hole, infection, and severe internal damage.

Four-year-old Lily, pictured in her hospital bed, swallowed the button battery inside a tracking device. She narrowly avoided a deadly chemical burn in her esophagus

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The small round trackers Marie purchased are popular devices used to track the location of electronics, but are commonly used now to track everything from luggage to pets and children.

Disneyland is scary so I bought them to track my kids, Marie said. The things that I thought would keep my kids safe are actually what caused harm.

A generally cautious parent, Marie has always been careful with batteries around her children.

She said she had repeatedly warned them of the dangers of button batteries over the years, with the latest warning issued just two weeks prior to the incident.

She never believed her children would go into the glove box and take the small metal tags, let alone open them up and swallow their contents.

The button battery that Lily swallowed did not stay in her esophagus, sparing her from a deadly chemical burn.

But the X-ray revealed that it had reached her bowel, still a dangerous position.

Doctors chose not to operate on the little girl to remove the battery, which would have involved a major invasive procedure with significant risks of its own, including infection and anesthesia complications.

The button battery that Lily swallowed is pictured. Her mother had stored the tracking devices in her car's glove compartment when she realized while on a trip to Disneyland that the devices did not work

The button battery reached Lily's digestive system. Typically, once inside the esophagus, moisture completes an electrical circuit between the batterys terminals, triggering a reaction that produces a potent chemical that rapidly burns and dissolves surrounding tissue

Instead, they sent the family home with laxatives to allow Lily to pass the battery naturally.

I was giving her laxatives and all kinds of things to try and get this thing out of her, Marie said. I had her on trampolines, on a vibration plate, eating prunes, everything.

The anxiety took a toll on her family. Lilys siblings asked if their sister was going to die, while Marie exhausted all options to help speed her digestion along.

After four days, Lily passed the battery.

Marie said: I wouldn't want that to happen to anybody else. It was very scary.

If you have any toys that have button batteries in them, then throw them out, get rid of them.

In 2020, nearly two-year-old Johnathan Huff suddenly fell ill at daycare. He became lethargic and had a bloody nose. When he vomited, there was blood there too.

Doctors believed Johnathan was suffering from a viral illness that caused fever and vomiting. A few days after getting sick, Johnathan had a fatal seizure.

Lily was allowed to leave the hospital to pass the battery naturally. Her mother fed her laxatives to speed the process along, but it took four days

Lily, second from right in front of her father, is pictured with her family. After the terrifying ordeal, her mother disposed of her toys that used the same type of batteries

A routine autopsy revealed that a small button battery was lodged in Johnathan's intestines.

The official cause of his death was a massive hemorrhage, caused by the battery's corrosive chemicals burning through his esophageal and aortic walls.

His mother, Jackie, said: 'It immediately felt like it was something we had done, we were desperately trying to figure out where this battery had come from.

'It wasn't a long search. We went to where we kept the remotes and discovered the key finder remote's back was off.

Poison control gets around 3,000 calls a year about kids swallowing button batteries.

And researchers have tallied more than 70 deaths from ingesting them, recorded in a poison control database dating back to the 70s, though the actual number is likely far higher, as many cases are never documented in medical research or the media, and the official reporting hotline has been closed for six years.
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


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.
As many of you will know, There may be trouble ahead is the opening line to a 1930s Irving Berlin song (Lets Face The Music And Dance), made famous by, among others, jazz legend Nat King Cole.

There may be trouble ahead

But while theres moonlight and music

And love and romance

Lets face the music and dance.

Its a line which sprang to mind when I learnt last Tuesday that pensions minister Torsten Bell will help the Chancellor prepare her autumn Budget  although with a wee change. There WILL be trouble ahead.

Indeed, massive trouble, double trouble for the wealth we have accumulated over our lifetime. Be it our home, pensions, savings, investments or other assets such as a buy-to-let property. Its all about to come under attack.

Pensions minister Torsten Bell believes in reducing societal inequality by soaking the relatively well-off in a cascade of frightening taxes, writes Jeff Prestridge

Dear readers, Im not having a rant. Bell has form. Its time to shelter as much of your wealth as possible in tax-friendly vehicles so Mr Trouble cant get his clutches on it. Time is of the essence.

Throughout his working life  be it as an economic adviser, head of think-tank the Resolution Foundation and now as a government minister  Bell has railed against wealth and how it is taxed.

Hes a well-off socialist (some would say a champagne socialist), who believes in reducing societal inequality by soaking the relatively well-off in a cascade of frightening taxes.

A stance that is more in line with the tax assault approach of threeproperties Angela Rayner than the slightly more pragmatic (but incompetent) Rachel Reeves from Accounts.

With Bell now shaping the content of the Budget, I fear more of Berlins lyrics will ring true.

We are facing the music for doing the right thing and building a nest egg to see us through retirement.

Mr Bell will help Chancellor Rachel Reeves with her autumn Budget, as she searches for 50billion of extra revenue to shore up the nations finances

As for the dancing, we will have to wait until New Years Eve because we wont feel like dancing post-Budget (more like crying into our pillows).

With the Chancellor seeking 50billion of extra revenue to shore up the nations finances Bell must be licking his lips in anticipation. Its as if all his dreams have come true at once.

Bell has never been backward in coming forward when sharing his views on what politicians should do to make the UK a more forgiving place to live.

Rather than encouraging people to better themselves, he believes the less well-off (not pensioners, mind you) should be helped by a more friendly welfare system. For example, in April last year, he described the two-child cap on child-related benefits as damaging. Its abolition, he argued, would lift half a million children out of poverty. Dont be surprised if this happens in the Budget.

The cost of this spending, Bell believes, should be funded by taxes on the better-off.

This pursuit of greater societal equality was fervent when he ruled the roost at the Resolution Foundation.

Time after time, he called for an inheritance tax (IHT) clampdown, a fairer system of tax relief on contributions we make into our pensions, a squeezing of the amount of tax-free cash that we can take from our pension when we come to retire, and an Isa overhaul.

Theres more. He has demanded an end to the state pension triple lock, higher taxes on capital gains and share dividends  and National Insurance (NI) on rental income earned by landlords (a tax now under consideration, according to reports in recent days).

He also said that family homes should not be exempt from capital gains tax  a potentially explosive idea that, like NI on rental income, now seems under consideration. On Friday, I read the mound of reports on wealth taxes which Bell wrote while at the Resolution Foundation. An early 2019 report gives you an indication as to how he views wealth.

It was headed How wealth taxes can raise billions more without scaring any horses  and written during the Conservative minority government led by Theresa May.

He argued for numerous changes  some of which have already been embraced by either Conservative governments or the current Labour administration.

On inheritance tax, he said that the nil-rate and residence nil-rate bands should be frozen at 325,000 and 175,000.

Stopping there, he wrote, would be very sensible. That is exactly what has happened with both nil-rate bands now frozen until April 2030 after Reeves extended the existing freeze by two years.

Bell also called for a tightening of the agricultural and business property reliefs which have enabled farmers and business owners to pass on assets without being clobbered by IHT. In 2019, he claimed the reliefs were hugely abused.

In last years Budget, Bell got his way when the Chancellor announced a capping of the reliefs, which kicks in from the start of the new tax year in April.

Another win for Bell was Reevess decision last year to include unused pension pots in the IHT net.

Back in 2019, Bell called for such a measure, describing their exclusion as a totally unjustifiable risk to the governments finances. He went on to say: This has the ludicrous effect that people will perversely be encouraged to spend all other assets in retirement before touching their pensions.

On the taxation of pensions, Bell has not had as much success, which suggests that an assault on pension tax breaks could well feature in the Budget.

Six years ago, he argued for three changes.

First, a draconian cut in the tax-free cash that can be taken from your pension. He called for a cap of 40,000 compared to the current rules which typically allow 25 per cent of a pension pot to be tax-free, subject to a cash cap of 268,275.

Secondly, he said a flat rate of tax relief on pension contributions should be introduced, replacing the current system where tax relief is based on whether you are a basic, higher rate or additional rate taxpayer.

Thirdly, he suggested employers should pay NI on payments they make into workers pensions.

While this latter idea is probably a no-go, given the devastating NI assault already launched on businesses by Labour, a horrible curb in tax-free pension cash looks increasingly likely by the day.

And if Bell helps out in future Budgets (or heaven forbid, delivers them as Chancellor), flat rate tax relief could well come into play.

Bells final thought in his 2019 missive was to take a pop at tax-friendly Isas, saying they exempt huge amounts of better-off individuals savings income from tax  when they should be a means to encourage lower-income families to save.

We already know the annual Isa allowance for cash savers is likely to take a severe haircut at some stage. But with Bell now dictating Budget policy, I imagine details of the savaging will be announced on Budget Day with a reduced allowance (4,000 if I was a betting man) kicking in from April 6.

Given Bells loathing of tax breaks for well-off savers, I wouldnt be surprised if the tax-free personal savings allowance was limited to basic rate taxpayers. Currently, 40 per cent taxpayers get an allowance of 500, half that available to basic rate taxpayers.

Yes, dear readers, theres trouble ahead. Big trouble. Get your finances in order. The Bell tolls for our wealth.
Arriving at Darwin's Supreme Court for the trial of Netflix star Matt Wright, the wives and partners of the Northern Territory crocodile industry staged a daily procession of style.

Inside, the court heard extraordinary stories of men who wrangle giant saltwater crocodiles and fly helicopters in remote northern Australia.

Wright, the Outback Wrangler, was on trial over the 2022 helicopter crash that claimed the life of Chris 'Willow' Wilson and left pilot Sebastian Robinson paralysed.

He was accused of lying to crash investigators about the amount of fuel in the machine, of trying to get Mr Robinson to falsify flying hours and of asking a friend to 'torch' the helicopter's maintenance release.

On Friday, the jury in the Supreme Court in Darwin found him guilty on the first two counts but could not reach a verdict on the third count regarding the 'torch' claim.

But over the four weeks of the trial, the partners and wives of key figures in the case arrived each day of the proceedings, dressed immaculately in the 31C Darwin winter.

Wright's glamorous wife, Kaia, was regularly seen in designer outfits, always carrying her signature $5,000 Goyard bag.

Her ensembles included a cream H&M waistcoat, navy trousers, high-heeled sandals, and a $1,120 Hermes enamel bracelet.

Day four of Matt Wright's trial in Darwin, the Outback Wrangler arrived with his wife Kaia, who is wearing a The Stars Outside The City $800 vest, a $1120 white Hermes enamel bangle and Alaia $1200 ballet flat shoes, and carrying a $5000 Goyard tote bag

Kaia Wright dressed in a cream H&M suit waistcoat and navy trousers with high-heeled sandals, wearing her $1120 Hermes enamel bracelet and carrying her Goyard tote

Dani Wilson, the widow of crocodile egg collector Chris 'Willow' Wilson, who died in the 2022 fatal chopper crash is at the centre of Matt Wright's trial, arrives at Darwin Supreme Court

On the trial's first day, Kaia and Wright wore matching beige trousers, with Wright donning a white shirt and tie and Kaia pairing hers with a black turtleneck top.

The next day, former model Kaia teamed a pair of Scanlan Theodore tan leather trousers with a sleeveless black turtleneck top.

Other outfits have included a cream H&M suit waistcoat and navy trousers with high-heeled sandals and a sleeveless denim mini dress.

On the second day of evidence from helicopter pilot Seb Robinson, who was left paralysed by the crash, Kaia appeared head-to-toe in designer gear.

She walked into court wearing an $800 vest by The Stars Outside The City, an $1120 white Hermes enamel bangle and Alaia $1200 ballet flat shoes.

After court, she often met up with her friend Jade Burbidge, wife of chief helicopter pilot Michael Keith Burbidge, who also gave evidence.

In quiet contrast, Dani Wilson, widow of Chris 'Willow' Wilson, attended every day carrying a simple Laura Jones laptop tote.

For the opening submissions, Dani wore a black shirt, black jeans, and RM Williams boots.

Kaia also teamed a pair of Scanlan Theodore tan leather trousers with a sleeveless black turtleneck top and carried her Goyard tote

On the trial's first day, Kaia and husband Matt wore matching beige pants, the Outback Wrangler wearing a tie as a mark of respect to the court

Dani Wilson, who lost her husband in the 2022 fatal crash, turned up for the trial's first day of submissions dressed in a black shirt and jeans, and a pair of RM Williams boots

And that style was maintained, with Dani favouring jeans, T-shirts, and understated blouses, once arriving in a mid-blue silk satin collarless shirt tucked into her jeans.

Wright was freed on bail ahead of his sentencing in October and pending an appeal against his convictions.

He also faces a civil case brought against him and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority by Dani Wilson over her husband's death.

After the jury handed down its verdicts on Friday, Wright came under a two-pronged attack from Dani and Mr Robinson, the injured pilot.

Ms Wilson told reporters outside court Wright had attempted to pervert the course of justice and in doing so 'denied a complete, thorough and unimpeded investigation into the crash'.

Her two sons would soon spend their fourth Father's Day without their dad, she said.

'Once again there will be an empty seat at the table, a constant reminder of all that has been taken from us,' she said.

Senior defence counsel David Edwardson KC worked hard during the trial to focus blame on Mr Robinson, who was painted as a cocaine-trafficking 'party animal'.

Pilot Seb Robinson (left) lost the use of his legs in the 2022 crash, while Chris 'Willow' Wilson (right) lost his life while suspended in a crocodile egg-collecting sling beneath the helicopter

Zac Chellingworth (left), the brother of injured pilot Sebastian Robinson, hugs family members outside the Supreme Court in Darwin

The crash occurred during a crocodile-egg collecting trip in Arnhem Land in Northern Territory

Mr Edwardson accused Mr Robinson, his mother and two brothers of colluding when they gave evidence Wright asked at the injured pilot's hospital bedside for him to falsify flying hours.

Their aim, he alleged, was to put the focus on Wright in order to avoid serious charges against Mr Robinson.

Mr Robinson's brother Zac Chellingworth also read a statement from the pilot saying the verdicts brought some closure for the family 'but the scars of the defendant's conduct are huge and permanent'.

Mr Robinson said the trauma for his family had been relentless as he learned to live in a wheelchair, the wounds made worse by the defendant's cover-up and failure to tell the truth.

'I also faced a malicious and sustained campaign of lies aimed at destroying my reputation and that of my family. The jury saw the truth.'
Members of a notorious London gang who plotted to gun down a rival rapper and flooded the city with drugs have been pictured throwing gun signs in a boastful photo behind bars.

The Harrow Road Boys wreaked havoc in the Mozart Estate 'and beyond' as they engaged in a tit-for-tat postcode war with the CGM (Cherish God More) gang, which would eventually see them attempt to hunt down and shoot rival rapper Digga D.

The war between the feuding gangs began when a member of the HRB, which flooded the streets of west London with drugs and enlisted children to expand their operation, was shot for entering the rival gang's territory.

Their bloody feud escalated to Jayvon Tison, also known as Lil Dotz, 'lead[ing]' the search for the drill rapper, and sending out a list of rival gang members to target after his brother Daneche, 26, was shot in the heart outside a block of flats in west Kilburn.

This August, seven members of the gang - including Tison - were jailed for a total of 116 years for conspiracy to possess firearms with the intent to danger life, for smuggling phones into London prisons, and other drug offences.

A fellow member of the group and rapper, Marvin William Bailey  better known by his stage name of Fredo  was also named as a conspirator in the trial. However, he failed to appear, with the court being told he is believed to be living abroad.

Now the Daily Mail can exclusively reveal members of the gang, who were described as a 'blight on their community' due to drug dealing and the serious violence they caused, arrogantly pose for a group photo on a prison yard.

Herman Yikalo, 31, can be seen casually leaning against the prison yard fence alongside three unidentified men throwing up gun signs towards the camera.

Harrow Road Boys gang members pictured second from right in a green shirt, Herman Yikalo, 31, and below front, Jayvon Tison, posing behind bars. The man in blue, the individual next to him and the man in white are unidentified

The seven Harrow Road Boys members were jailed over a plot to shoot British rapper Digga D (pictured) as part of a gang war in west London

Rapper Fredo (pictured) was named as a conspirator in the trial, but did not take part in proceedings, with the court hearing he is currently living abroad

Jayvon Tison, posing with another male who is obscuring his face, from inside a jail cell. The letters 'HRB' are written in graffiti on the door

Tison, 24, who had added status within the brutal gang due to being a 'successful recording artist in his own right', can be seen crouching down in front of the four men wearing a dark grey tracksuit.

Earlier this year, HRB members - Tison, Kylann Grannum, Mustafa Abdalla, Romello BriggsLeon, Harry Crump, Yasin Abdulla and Herman Yikalo - were found guilty for conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Abraham Safo Frimpong was found not guilty of the charge, but was found guilty of contravening the Prisons Act, by smuggling phones behind bars.

At the sentencing in Kingston Crown Court, it was heard how Tison lead the search for Digga D, whose rap songs glorifying violence and goading rivals has seen him dubbed 'London's most hated rapper' due to his long list of enemies.

The first killing in between the warring gangs happened in July 2020, when Billy McCullagh, known as Billy da Kid, was gunned down by rival gang members in Harlesdan, with Jeffrey Wegbe, 26, shot and killed in Kilburn just a month later.

Tison 'glorified' Wegbe's death in a video for a drill rap song titled 'Roll Up', where he bragged about taking a dead person's ashes and rolling them up into a cigarette as a sign of disrespect.

But the postcode rivalry came to a head when the criminal's older brother and only remaining sibling, Daneche, was gunned in the heart outside a block of flats in 2022.

In turn, this sparked Tison to send a target list of rival gang members, as well as 'leading' the hunt for Digga D, who he and his six accomplices intended to 'cause significant harm'.

Jayvon Tison (pictured) 'led the search' for Digga D as part of the 'tit for tat' postcode war with the rapper's CGM gang. He has been jailed for 17 years

The gang feud began in 2020 after Billy McCullagh (pictured), known as Billy da Kid, was killed for going into a rival group's territory

This was quickly followed by the killing of Jeffrey Wegbe (pictured) in Kilburn in August 2020

The feud deepened in July 2022 when Daneche Tison, brother of high ranking HRB member Jayvon Tison, was shot dead

One of the guns recovered by police as they investigated the gang's activities

The 24-year-old also abused a woman, who he referred to as 'a deeme' in Snapchat correspondence, to store a firearm before paying a 500-a-month 'lock' to hold the weapon.

On October, 24, 2022, police found two guns in a bag in a service cupboard next to a flat on the Mozart estate which were forensically linked to Tison and Grannum. A month later they also found a gun hidden in a panel in a tower block in Vauxhall.

The guns included a firearm used to shoot at a group of CGM gang members in 2022, and which they hoped to use to gun down Digga D.

The gang, who acted 'above the law', replaced the firearms after police had found them locked away.

But their crimes weren't only exclusive to violence, with members of the gang involved in smuggling phones into prisons across London using drones, which in turn were used by prisoners to order illicit substances and tobaccos.

Police Constable, Davice Hammond, told the court how the gang wreaked havoc on the Mozart estate 'and beyond', with locals afraid to leave their own home and one abandoning their tenancy entirely out of fear.

Children were recruited by the gang to expand the drug dealing operation outside of the capital, with offences by the Harrow Road Boys leaving the community in fear of 'when the next attack will be.'

'Gang violence has been a ward priority for several years. This is without a doubt the issue that concerns my residents the most,' the statement from the officer read.

Kylan Grannum, who was part of the gang searching for Digga D, was jailed for 17 years

Mustafa Abdalla (pictured left) was also jailed for 17 years after being found guilty of firearms offences. Romello Briggs-Leon (pictured right) was also part of the plot

Yasin Abdulla was jailed for 17 years after being found guilty of taking part in the plot. He was also found guilty of drugs offences

Herman Yikalo was jailed for 17 years for conspiracy to posses a firearm with intent to endanger life

'The hardest thing I have had to do is to deal with families who have lost their children to gang violence.'

He added that gang violence 'destroy[s] the lives of entire families in split seconds,' and that the network 'need[s] to be broken before another person is killed.'

At their sentencing on August 18, Judge Marcus TregilgasDavey said the gang was 'involved in a long running and deadly rivalry with CGM including 'a long series of shootings and violent reprisals.'

He added: 'The rivalry was further fuelled by tension between prominent members of the HRB CGM gangs, Fredo, and Digga D.

'One of the guns used by the HRB gang had been discharged. The firearm was recovered by police on a beach three days later.

'The gang used a woman to store the firearm. A conversation recovered in a Snapchat group chat also showed how the gang discussed buying a lock for the gun.

'There were fatal shootings throughout 2022 in the Harrow area, and at the same time, there were videos of the CGM gang taunting their rivals and claiming responsibility for the violent attacks.

'The HRB gang actively searching for Digga D in what in my view was clearly going to be a hit involving a firearm after they learnt about his whereabouts in a music video in central London.

Harry Crump was jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life

Abraham Safo Frimpong was found not guilty of the firearms offence, but was jailed for two years after smuggling a mobile phone into prison

'There was significant planning. There was the use of a female to move the firearm around, and a youth to store the firearm and ammunition at an address in Harrow.

'It is also clear that there were significant discussions about sourcing locks for the guns on Snapchat.

'The gang posed a high risk due to the firearms, but there was also a high risk of disorder, as a hit on Digga D would have inevitably led to repercussions from CGM.'

The judge added that the defendants were 'immersed in gang culture and violence' adding:

'You were living in the shadows of civilised society.'

'Not one of you have shed an ounce of remorse for what you have done,' he said.

'The truth is that you as members of the HRB are a blight on your own community.'

Tison of Westminster, Mustafa Abdallah of Kensington and Chelsea, BriggsLeon of Westminster, Yasin Abdulla of Kensington and Chelsea, Yikalo of Westminster, and Grannum of no fixed address were sentenced to 17 years behind bars for conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life and conspiring to contravene the Prisons Act by supplying phones to people in jail, with the sentences running concurrently.

Crump of Westminster was jailed for 14 years for conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life, while Safo Frimpong, Westminster, was sentenced to two years imprisonment for conspiracy to contravene the Prisons Act.

Detective Sergeant Cassie Hazell, who led the investigation, said: 'This trial has brought to light the true nature of criminal gangs intent on bringing violence, intimidation and lawlessness to this city's streets.

Police forensics work at a crime scene in Kilburn, north-west London in August 2020 after the shooting of Jeffrey Wegbe amid the gang feud

Digga D, pictured here performing at Wireless Festival in Birmingham in July 2022, is currently in prison for importing 3.6 kilos of cannabis

'This gang thought they were acting above the law and obtained lethal weapons they planned to use in attacks against rival factions.

'Officers were able to pick their plan apart through months of tireless investigation, including the identification of high-ranking gang members, the analysis of more than 100 phones and tackling the suspects of crime head on. We're treating organised crime gangs like terrorists, employing similar tactics to disrupt their activity.

'That eight men have now been taken off the streets is a testament to how officers are taking the fight to organised crime networks.

'But we cannot do this alone. If you are aware of criminal activity in your area, please contact police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'

A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'We are aware of these videos and have requested their removal.

'Any offender caught using a phone or social media in prison will face punishment, which could include additional time behind bars.'
A blundering police force has admitted it tipped off an alleged rapist before he was questioned - allowing him the chance to delete crucial evidence off his phone, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The alleged victim fumed she has 'absolutely no trust' in the police after her rape allegation was mistakenly leaked to the suspect - her ex-partner - in February last year before he was interviewed over it.

Essex Police has apologised to the mother, admitting the shocking blunder was 'caused by human error' when using Athena - the policing system it uses to log all of its crimes.

We can reveal how the woman, who wished to stay anonymous, made a formal rape allegation to the force after she was allegedly attacked by the firefighter on July 1 2023.

She officially reported the crime in January 2024, but requested that police waited until she had been through counselling before pursuing charges against him as she was too traumatised.

The data breach occurred because the suspect had been arrested on separate allegations - including threats to kill the woman.

A 'No Further Action' letter, produced from the force's Athena crime reporting system, was sent to the suspect, detailing that police were unable to proceed with charges based on the current evidence.

But in the same letter, they tipped off the suspect that an allegation of rape had also been made against him in a major privacy breach.

Essex Police (headquarters pictured) has apologised to the mother, admitting the shocking blunder was 'caused by human error' when using Athena - the policing system it uses to log all of its crimes.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, the alleged victim revealed: 'I've absolutely got no trust in the police at the moment. To tell a suspect that a victim is reporting them for rape is just shocking because I now can't get justice.

'Them putting their hands up doesn't get me justice in the long term. I've got to live with this for the rest of my life now knowing he's not going to be convicted for this because of Essex Police's failures even though they're supposed to help people'.

The woman claims that in texts exchanged between her and the suspect, he sent messages including saying 'I don't want the police to get involved' after he allegedly raped her while she was heavily intoxicated on July 1 2023.

She says the messages would have supported her case but that he deleted them when he was tipped off.

In a letter seen by the Mail, the force admits: 'I wanted to confirm that the disclosure of data to the suspect in your case in relation to the offence for which they were not interviewed does constitute a personal data breach.'

They add: 'This data breach was discovered on 17th February 2024. This data breach was caused by human error in the use of the policing system which created an automatic letter which was sent to the suspect.

'For this error Essex Police do wish to apologise to you.'

The woman claims that she only found out about the breach through a court disclosure, rather than the police informing her.

She explained: 'I made this allegation in complete confidence to Essex Police - and told them that at the moment I needed counselling. I wasn't mentally ready to go through with the process, and they said, that's absolutely fine, you can let us know when you want to reopen the case, or when you want to take it further.

The blundering police force has admitted it tipped off an alleged rapist before he was questioned (File image of Essex Police car)

'I then read on the court disclosure that the suspect had been informed of the rape report, which meant he was given the heads up and was able to delete the evidence from his phone that he had.

'That's when I contacted the data protection officer for Essex Police, and they've admitted that there is a major fault with their Athena system that they use to log crimes.'

The alleged victim says she has major concerns that this could be happening to other women across the country.

She added: 'It impacted my safety quite a lot, because he made threats to kill, so I was already protecting myself from that, and then to find out that he'd been made aware of this allegation, and now I can't take it any further, has really impacted justice.

'And my mental health's gone backwards because of it. I feel like I can't trust the police if they're going to tell suspects the allegations when it's completely confidential.'

A spokesman for Essex Police said: 'We treat data privacy extremely seriously  the impact of any breach on a victim is not lost on us.

'Any reports of breaches are thoroughly investigated to assess whether it has taken place and what remedial action needs to be taken to improve our processes.

'In this case, a claim has been made against Essex Police. Whilst this is reviewed, it would be inappropriate for us to comment.'
An Arizona SUV driver who was accused of homicide after she struck a cop who ran out into the road is accusing the police of hiding key evidence which exonerated her.

Nubia Rodriguez was ultimately cleared over the death of Officer Paul Rutherford after three agonizing years when a judge ruled that Phoenix police had deliberately withheld vital surveillance footage related to the crash.

Rodriguez is now suing city officials for the alleged malicious prosecution, after a years-long battle to reach a settlement fell apart at the eleventh hour.

Rutherford was investigating a crash in the area on March 21, 2019 when he was killed. Police then charged Rodriguez with negligent homicide, which she denied.

Surveillance footage later obtained by ABC 15 showed Rutherford suddenly dashing out into oncoming traffic before he was hit.

In 2022, Maricopa County Superior Court judge Joseph Kreamer concluded this video was improperly withheld from the grand jury which indicted her.

Kreamer also admonished Detective Michael Davidson for failing to mention during his testimony that Rutherford did not look both ways when he attempted to cross the road.

In her lawsuit, Rodriguez accuses Detective Davidson of 'knowingly and intentionally' turning her into a 'scapegoat', which she claims led to the loss of her job and her vehicle.

Nubia Rodriguez accidentally hit and killed a Phoenix police officer with her car in March 2019, a finding that two judges agreed upon when prosecutors tried to charge her with negligent homicide

The officer, Paul Rutherford, had been investigating a crash moments before he was hit by Rodriguez after failing to look before crossing the road

The complaint against the city of Phoenix, former Chief of Police Michael Sullivan, Detective Davidson and several other officials who were involved in the case against her was first filed in 2023.

Sullivan is no longer with the Phoenix Police Department after becoming the Capitol Police Chief in June 2025.

Rodriguez's complaint details all the ways her life was allegedly harmed by the state's wrongful prosecution of her.

'Nubia was fired from her job, lost her vehicle (which was impounded by the State), was forced to file for bankruptcy, and had her foster parent qualifications revoked by the State (which prevented her from adopting her foster child as planned),' according to the suit.

Her mental health also worsened during this time, her lawyers said, with her experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stomach pains, headaches and insomnia.

'For nearly two years, Nubia spent every day wondering whether she would spend the rest of her life in prison for a crime she did not commit,' the suit said.

The complaint reiterated that on the day of the crash, Rodriguez wasn't intoxicated, wasn't distracted and was 'driving lawfully...at a reasonable and prudent speed'.

Police body camera video shortly after showed the distraught driver tearfully explaining how Rutherford 'jumped' out in front of her.

The lawsuit also cited quotes from the judges presiding over her criminal case to further bolster her claims.

Pictured: The moment before Rutherford was hit by Rodriguez's white SUV. This surveillance video was withheld from grand jurors and was a big factor in why the charges against Rodriguez were dropped

Rodriguez cries in court after the charges against her were dropped in September 2022

'What matters is [Rutherford] appeared from a place he shouldnt have been to a regular driver. Whether he was an officer or not, he ran out in front of [Rodriguez],' the lawsuit said, quoting Judge Kreamer during the hearing when the charges were dropped.

After years of dueling legal filings, the city told the court in April 2025 that it was nearing a settlement with Rodriguez.

Whatever agreement existed then has since fallen apart, as court records show that the city replaced its outside counsel and restarted the discovery process.

Rodriguez's attorney, Larry Wulkan, has not commented on the failed settlement but tore into the city for continuing the case.

'The City of Phoenix's treatment of Nubia Rodriguez remains, in a word, abhorrent. The City falsely accused Nubia of the homicide of a police officer who, by all accounts, was a good man who made a tragic mistake by running into traffic,' Wulkan said in a statement.

'The city refuses to take accountability for its officers' actions and the absolute destruction of an innocent woman's life,' he added.

The defendants' decision to fight the case means it is due to proceed to a trial.
An Albanian thug who threatened to shoot a motorist in a road rage row was an illegal immigrant who had previously been extradited from the UK for a horrific murder in his home country, the Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Edmond Kallmi, 50, aimed an imitation firearm at the woman on a street in the small Welsh mining town of Ferndale before telling her: 'How about f****** shoot you, you b****?'.

He was jailed for 18 months over the incident in October 2022, with his sentencing hearing in 2023 told he did not have leave to remain in the UK.

But the full reality is even more shocking, with court documents seen by the MoS revealing Kallmi was a repeat violent offender who had previously been convicted of murder in Albania.

The harrowing 1998 attack saw him and another man burst into a family home and shoot a woman dead while she held her one-year-old son. Kallmi and his friend had been in a bar fight with the victim's husband - the intended target.

The killer fled to Britain following the shooting, only to be convicted in 2007 over a stabbing.

After being extradited to Albania and serving his sentence for murder in the country, he was able to enter the UK for a second time and settle with his wife and daughter.

Campaigners today said the way such an 'unpleasant and brutal' offender was able to remain in Britain illegally to pursue his life of crime not once, but twice, provided the 'perfect case study' of the shambolic state of our borders.

Extradition proceedings in 2008 heard that Kallmi had sought asylum in the UK using false information under the name Martin Buzi.

Edmond Kallmi - pictured in 2023 near his home - was convicted in Albania of a horrific murder

Court records show Kallmi fled to Britain a day after the shooting on September 12, 1998. Two years later, he was found guilty in absentia of murder and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Kallmi continued his life of crime in the UK, and in March 2007 was jailed for two years at Harrow Crown Court after being convicted of wounding with intent and affray for trying to knife a bailiff.

Extradition proceedings that had been delayed by the trial started up again while he was in prison, and in March 2008 a judge at Westminster Magistrates' Court gave the go ahead for Kallmi to be sent back to Albania for a retrial.

The killer appealed on several grounds, including Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights - which protects the right to a family life - but this was thrown out by the High Court, and he was finally extradited in July 2009.

In November 2012, following his retrial in Albania, three judges passed a verdict upholding his murder conviction.

The retrial heard Kallmi had been drinking at a bar in Perondi village in south-central Albania with his friend Dritan Vila when they got into an argument with a man called Hamit Baci and began hitting each other with beer bottles.

Mr Baci left the bar and went home. Gunshots were later heard near the house and his wife, Arjana Baci, was found dead on the floor next to her one-year-old son - who she had previously been holding in her arms.

Her husband was also in the house alongside his mother-in-law, but both escaped with their lives.

A social media photo showing Kallmi out walking with his dog. He sought to avoid his extradition to Albania on human rights grounds

A mugshot of Kallmi after he was taking into custody for threatening to shoot a female driver in South Wales

A witness said they saw Kallmi and Vila armed with Kalashnikov rifles. They later fled over the border with Greece before Kallmi smuggled himself into the UK.

Despite receiving a new jail term of eight years - timed to begin in 2009 when he was extradited - Kallmi appears to have left prison just six months into his sentence.

The Albanian illegally entered Britain a second time and settled with his British wife and daughter in Pontypridd in Rhondda.

On October 21, 2022, he was driving through the nearby town of Ferndale when he pulled out from a side street in front of a woman driver, whose mother was in the passenger seat.

An argument ensued that ended with Kallmi threatening the driver with a fake gun before she drove off.

At his subsequent trial, Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard the victim was left 'shocked and scared' by the incident.

The police were called but Kallmi had managed to hide or dispose of the weapon. This has never been recovered, although officers did find gas canisters and ball bearings.

Kallmi was found guilty of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

A general view of the road Kallmi lived on in the South Wales town of Pontypridd

Sentencing, Recorder Duncan Bould said: 'This was an extremely threatening gesture reinforced by the production of a realistic-looking firearm with the intention of causing [the victim] to believe unlawful violence would have been used against her, of being shot at point-blank range.

'It convinced your victim and others it was a genuine gun. You carried that item with you anticipating you'd have recourse to use it. You claimed you used a mobile phone you didn't elaborate on that explanation and the jury rejected it.'

Kallmi was sentenced to 18 months in prison in October 2023 before being released into Colnbrook immigration removal centre in December.

Robert Bates, Research Director at the Centre for Migration Control said: 'This man is a serial threat whose presence in Britain is inexpressibly undesirable.

'The fact he was removed from our country, but able to break in again, is the perfect case study as to how shambolic our borders are.

'Politicians are failing the public by allowing the world's most unpleasant and brutal to treat our streets as their own playground.

'We need to get much tougher and ensure any foreign convict never has a chance of re-entering Britain.'

The Home Office refused to say whether he would be deported and when.

A spokesman said: 'It is our longstanding policy not to comment on individual cases, but when foreign nationals commit serious crimes in our country, we will always do everything in our power to deport them.

'This government deported almost 5,200 foreign national offenders in its first year in office, a 14% increase on the previous year, and we will continue to do everything we can to remove these vile criminals from our streets.'
A mother whose one-year-old daughter died after her babysitter left her in the back of an overheating car has revealed why she has forgiven the woman responsible.

Deona Bien, now 59, lost her baby girl Aslyn Paige Ryan more than 20 years ago, but still grapples with grief and anger over her death.

Aslyn was in the back of babysitter Shawna Akin's car as she was running errands on February 5, 2004 when she forgot to unload her from the vehicle.

She began to overheat and despite being raced to the hospital, her organs shut down and she died two day's later.

Tragically Aslyn's story is not unique, as the latest figures indicate that at least 27 children have died in a similar manner so far this year.

It is partly this realization which has led Bien to come to forgive Akin, even though she did not bother to show up at a court hearing following the tragedy.

'I forgive her, I understand. I think the only thing that I would have wanted was more of the truth of what happened that day,' Bien told Daily Mail.

At the time of Aslyn's death, the family was living in Honolulu, Hawaii, where Bien's then-husband Timothy Ryan was stationed at an Air Force base.

Deona Bien is pictured with her daughter, Aslyn Paige Ryan. Aslyn died in February 2004 after her babysitter left her in the car for nearly an hour while running errands on an 85 degree day

Akin ended up leaving Aslyn inside her vehicle for almost an hour in 85 degree heat, Bien told Daily Mail.

By the time Akin remembered and got her out, Aslyn's body temperature had soared to around 106 degrees.

She was rushed to the hospital and admitted into the ICU with a case of severe oxygen deprivation to the brain.

'Two days after she was admitted into ICU, her body began to shut down, and she passed away. She just couldn't overcome it,' Bien told Daily Mail.

Aslyn had multiple strokes and needed continuous blood transfusions from the bleeding in her intestines, kidneys and nose.

'A parent's most heart-breaking moment in life has to be having the neurologist tell you your baby was no longer the baby you once knew and the medical staff was prolonging her death,' Bien said in testimony she delivered to the Hawaii state legislature in 2008.

Bien and Ryan eventually took Akin to court and secured a $2 million judgment in December 2007.

She told Daily Mail that her goal in filing the lawsuit wasn't to get compensated but justice for her daughter.

Neither Bien or Ryan, whom she split up with a few years after the lawsuit, have ever seen a penny of that money, nor did they expect to. Akin never showed up to court or hired an attorney, so the penalty was given to them by default.

But despite that, Bien told Daily Mail she forgives Akin and understands that what happened to Aslyn was an accident.

Bien noted that on the day she died, Akin was driving a different car than usual, with the break in routine potentially contributing to her memory lapse.

Aslyn is pictured during her first birthday party just days before she died from severe anoxia

Bien explained that Akin, who was in her mid thirties at the time, never offered a full account of what led up to her daughter's death.

She even held her tongue while was with the family at the hospital when doctors told them Aslyn was brain dead, Bien said.

Bien already believed her daughter died from being left in the hot car, but filed an FOIA request to get answers.

Roughly a year later, Bien said an individual at the Pentagon confirmed that the investigation into her daughter's death concluded that she died just the way doctors had suspected.

But that revelation failed to give her much comfort and she is tortured by the knowledge that Akin was the last person Aslyn saw.

'She holds the last moments of my child's life. When she was playing, when she was happy. She knows those memories, I don't,' she said.

'As a parent, you also wonder, was my child crying for me and I wasn't there to save her?'

Bien went through seven years of IVF to conceive Aslyn and the family had celebrated her first birthday just days before the tragedy.

Bien (pictured today) insists that human memory is 'not perfect,' something that research has concluded to be accurate

She has since come to appreciate a scientific understanding of why and how people could leave children in swelteringly hot cars.

'I can say I'm like most parents. I went through my angry phase, but the more I understood what happened that day, I think that it was very different for me,' Bien said.

Today, an average of 40 children a year die from being left in hot cars, according to nonprofit Kids and Car Safety.

A study published in March 2019 by neuroscientist David Diamond explained that parents sometimes unknowingly leave their kids behind in dangerous situations because of a failure in 'prospective memory'.

Prospective memory uses the information already stored in the brain  such as phone numbers or dates  to make plans for the future, including taking your child out of the car when you get to the store.

Diamond said that this kind of memory is 'uniquely fragile' and can fail if a person is stressed, distracted or isn't on their normal routine.

Additionally, he found that the brain can create false memories that can have parents convinced for 'many hours or even overnight' that they did not leave their child in the car.

Bien took Aslyn's babysitter to court, not to get a financial judgment from her, but to change the law in an effort to protect other children

Bien still mourns Aslyn to this day and revealed that she had to undergo seven years of fertility treatments to give birth to her

Of the 541 cases of children who died in hot cars from 1990 to 2016, just over 78 percent of them were due to parents who accidentally forgot them, according to a study in the Pediatric Emergency Care Journal.

'Our brains are not perfect. If you can leave your cell phone somewhere and you can't remember where it's at, then that's as easy as it is to forget,' Bien said.

'This also happens to parents with young children. They may have had a sleepless night, their child was sick, and so when they go into autopilot to drive into work, they forget. They lose a sense of where they're at. So, exhaustion plays a factor.'

Three years after Aslyn's death, Bien proudly stood next to then-governor of Hawaii, Linda Lingle, as she signed a bill into law named after her daughter.

The law now mandates that people are educated about how to avoid this exact tragedy during state drivers exams. Locals and tourists renting cars in the state need to receive the same education as well.

But Bien says there are steps parents can take to prevent the worst case scenario from ever occurring.

She suggests placing an item you will need at your destination on the back seat and making a habit of opening the back door even if your child isn't with you.

Bien and organizations like Kids and Car Safety are also putting pressure on lawmakers and car companies to adopt technologies that detect children left behind in vehicles. The 2025 Toyota Sienna (pictured) has a system that does just that

'It takes three seconds to open that back door and see if you've left anything behind, and that three seconds can save you a lifetime of heartache,' she said.

Bien and organizations like Kids and Car Safety are also putting pressure on lawmakers and car companies to adopt technologies that detect children left behind in vehicles.

Bien praised the Advanced Rear Seat Reminder system that was introduced last year as a standard feature in all 2025 Toyota Sienna minivans.

The sensor is able to detect movement in the second or third row of seats and deploy a series of notifications on the vehicle and via the Toyota app.

Bien said it dangerous to assume that it could never happen to you.

'This has happened to NASA scientists. It's happened to doctors. It's happened to attorneys. A lot of people are affected by things like this, and I don't think we realize how these are educated people who love their children.

'I think it's very hard for some people to understand, but I think they need to understand how easily it can happen.'
The judgment in Linda Reynolds' high-profile defamation action against Brittany Higgins last week is another reminder that defaming someone on social media has consequences.

Put simply, words matter.

The Supreme Court of Western Australia ruled in Reynolds' favour, awarding her $341,000 in damages and interest, with costs to be determined.

This bill alone will hurt Higgins - but the costs order will matter most.

Depending on how it is ultimately quantified, Higgins could be liable for a sum well into seven figures - an amount far beyond the capacity of most individuals to pay.

Bankruptcy looms as a likely outcome for her, notwithstanding her controversial multimillion-dollar payout by the Commonwealth.

The case itself was narrowly framed. It centred on social media posts in which Higgins alleged Reynolds was involved in a political cover-up and serious misconduct.

Justice Paul Tottle found two of those posts defamatory and rejected the defence arguments. A third post survived on the grounds of honest opinion.

Linda Reynolds (left) is pictured with Brittany Higgins(second from left) in Perth in 2019

Reynolds' broader claims of conspiracy did not succeed, and no injunction was issued.

This was not about money so much as it was about public vindication for Reynolds - which is precisely why she took the risky decision to issue proceedings.

It is worth remembering that Higgins herself first floated defamation threats after Reynolds' infamous 'lying cow' remark shortly after the sexual assault allegations came to light.

That comment was widely misreported at the time - especially on social media, incidentally - as Reynolds attacking Higgins' rape allegation.

In fact, Reynolds was referring only to claims Higgins did not receive support in the office.

Nonetheless, the former senator swiftly apologised and agreed to pay Higgins' legal costs, which Higgins donated to charity. That episode, early in the saga, seems to have hardened Reynolds' resolve not to let later allegations stand unchallenged.

The judge encouraged both sides to find a settlement early in the matter, conscious of the financial and emotional toll that litigation can have.

But despite Supreme Court judge Marcus Solomon urging the parties to resolve the issue before going to trial - citing immense costs that are often associated with defamation proceedings - no agreement was reached.

Bankruptcy looms as a probable outcome for Higgins (pictured with husband David Sharaz)

A lawyer acting for Higgins' partner David Sharaz - who would later withdraw from the defamation case - also wisely noted that the matter would 'end in tears financially' for both parties, regardless of the outcome.

Whether Reynolds pressed for too much during settlement talks or Higgins was unwilling to retreat from her claims and apologise is unclear.

We may never know what was said in those closed-door discussions.

What is clear is that the court has now delivered Reynolds the vindication she wanted, and Higgins has emerged the unequivocal loser.

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.

In April 2024, Justice Michael Lee ruled that, on the balance of probabilities, Lehrmann had raped Higgins in Parliament House after a night out drinking in Canberra. Lehrmann maintains his innocence and hasn't been convicted in a criminal court.

Crucially, the civil trial Justice Lee presided over also dismissed the idea of a political cover-up - an assessment that undercut Higgins' later claims against Reynolds.

Reynolds no doubt read those findings as a further basis to pursue her own case. She was right - and this week's outcome confirms her judgment.

The broader lesson extends beyond politics: if an allegation is serious enough to destroy reputations, it is serious enough to test in court before broadcasting online.

As for the political fallout from this saga, while the Canberra bubble has already moved on, there should be some reflection within Labor's ranks with the way senior members of Albo's team used the political cover-up allegations as a weapon against the then Morrison government.

They did so in coward's castle, under parliamentary privilege, so there won't be any legal ramifications from such politicking. But it serves as a reminder that political smear often has little basis in fact. On this matter, the courts have now twice dismissed the smear as baseless and grounded in falsehoods.

Food for thought the next time you hear politicians throwing mud at their opponents.
A woman was shocked after a regular clean out of her kitchen cupboards unearthed a horrifying item.

Charlie Henry, 24, from Paisley, Scotland, was left in tears after discovering what appeared to be drug paraphernalia under her kitchen sink.

The student had recently moved in to her new council flat and was being helped by a family and friends who stumbled across the shocking object, squirrelled away in a cupboard.

The Paisley resident had moved in to her new home in mid July but didn't unearth the object until August 23.

Ms Henry was decorating with her father and a friend when they found the alarming bottle hidden in the back of a cupboard.

Pulling it out, Ms Henry inspected it and believed it was a smoking apparatus and believes he former tenant had used it.

The contraption appeared to be made up of a plastic water bottle with tin foil wrapped over the lid with holes poked in to it while an empty pen case was stuck through the side and secured with Blu Tack

Speaking to the Daily Record, the student said she believes the find may be a 'crack pipe' and said she was 'mortified' after he fathers friend discovered it.

Charlie Henry, 24, (pictured) from Paisley, Scotland, was left in tears after discovering what appeared to be drug paraphernalia under her kitchen sink earlier this month

She added she had been completely unaware and would never have noticed it if it weren't for the redecoration.

She said: 'I have been using that cupboard since I moved in completely unaware that it was sitting there.'

She added that the find brought her to tears and she was disgusted at the idea that the flat hadn't even been properly cleaned.

Me Henry said: 'The discovery has deeply disturbed me. I just burst into tears. I can't believe I've been allowed to move into a new home that hasn't even been cleared out properly after the old tenant.

'It's really unsettling to think someone was using drugs in here before. I'm really worried about what I'll find next.'

The student has since disposed of the device and has said she will continue to demand answers from the council.

She told the publication that she felt 'uneasy' and doesn't feel comfortable in the lfat any longer.

She added that she had even invited her young nephew over and thought it was shocking that a six-year-old could have been exposed to something so dangerous.

Ms Henry was decorating when she made the alarming find in the back of a cupboard and is now too scared to do any more cleaning in case she discovers more drug paraphernalia

Since discovering the homemade bong Ms Henry has said she's terrified to look in other cupboards and od do any more cleaning out in case she discovers more grim finds.

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said: 'We're sorry to hear of this issue and will be investigating it thoroughly and updating our tenant.

'This flat followed the standard process we have for any property we are preparing to re-let. It was cleared out by a specialist contractor prior to being made ready-to-let by our Building Services department. This included cleaning inside the kitchen units. The property was then inspected by our Repairs and Maintenance Officer before being re-let.'
He escaped an abusive father, wrote scientific papers by flashlight during power outages, and scored a university scholarship  all before turning 18.

But now, Pooya Karemi, a once-homeless Iranian teenager with dreams of changing the world, is seeing them shattered by Trump's travel ban.

'We, the Iranian students, are the youth who never had a childhood,' Karemi told Daily Mail in an exclusive interview from inside Shiraz, Iran.

After a year of meticulous preparation of crafting university applications and pouring his heart into personal essaysKaremi finally received his golden ticket: admission to Pittsburg State University's polymer chemistry program in April this year.

'In a country crushed under unbearable economic, social and political pressures, I managed, despite all hardships, to publish two scientific papers, something that might be ordinary for many people my age around the world, but for a young Iranian like me, it is nothing short of a miracle.'

Just a few months later, the travel ban was announced, and Karemi's world was turned upside down.

Iran is among a dozen countries included in that travel ban signed by President Donald Trump in June.

Unlike the travel ban implemented during Trump's first term, this version includes no exceptions for admitted students.

Experts suggest the move is tied to Trump's campaign rhetoric and ongoing regional tensions, particularly the conflicts involving Israel and Iran. Iran's support for proxy groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthiswidely seen as contributing to Middle East instabilityfurther underscores the policy's geopolitical context.

Besides Iran, the countries include: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Pooya Karemi, a once-homeless Iranian team with dreams of changing the world, is blocked by Trump's 2025 travel ban

Karemi was admitted to Pittsburg State University in Polymer Chemistry after preparing his university applications, taking the required standardized tests and writing personal essays. Something he had been working on since this time last year

Karemi was admitted to Pittsburg State University in Polymer Chemistry after preparing his university applications, taking the required standardized tests and writing personal essays. Something he had been working on since this time last year

The restrictions apply to both immigrants and non-immigrants, though they differentiate between the two groups.

A study of US State Department data shows a sharp decline in F-1 visa approvals for Iranian students in 2024, with some applicants reportedly incurring more than $3,700 in application and related visa expenses.

According to U.S. government figures, the number of F-1 visas issued to Iranian students in fiscal year 2024 dropped by 42% compared to the average of the previous two years.

The State Department referenced a list of narrow exceptions to the ban, including visas granted to ethnic and religious minorities persecuted in Iran, individuals adopted by American citizens, and those taking part in certain major international sporting events.

The State Department responded to the Daily Mail with a statement in reference to the story.

They said, 'The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security and Director of National Intelligence, determined that a number of countries were deficient with regard to screening and vetting information and that the unrestricted entry of its nationals would be detrimental to U.S. national interests. This was serious enough to warrant a partial or full suspension of admission to the United States.'

After Karemi's fatherbattling severe mental illnesscast his wife and children from their home, they scraped together borrowed money from financially strapped relatives to rent a cramped 40-square-meter basement on Shiraz's outskirts.

To get by, Karemi's mother and six-year-old sister sold their modest collection of jewelry to fund a single university application fee. His mother's sacrifice of her precious gold jewelry became a defining moment for Karemi, as he realized the profound devotion of his mother sustained him through unimaginable hardship.

'With a bitter smile, she told me, 'These were never my dreams, they are your future. That was the first time I cried, not for myself, but for my mother, who sacrificed everything she had for me,' he recalled.

Night after night, as his six-year-old sister trembled beside him in their pitch-black, centipede-crawling basement, Karemi hunched over his ancient laptop, editing research articles by the dying light of his phone. Every unanswered email to foreign professors felt like a dagger to his hopes.

His one salvation was a small rechargeable fan he'd won in a research competitionhis family's only relief from suffocating heat in their electricity-free home, powered by connecting its USB cable to his decade-old donated computer.

Iran is among a dozen countries included in a travel ban signed by President Donald Trump in June. Unlike the ban from his first term, this version does not allow exceptions for admitted students

'Sometimes I wonder if all this effort will be in vain. Will I, like countless other Iranian youth, end up frozen in place, with no escape? In those moments, I look at my mother's trembling hands as she washes dishes, or my little sister who asks: 'Brother, when will you go abroad to study?' and I have no answer. I just smile, hiding my tears behind that smile'

'I stayed awake, drenched in sweat, editing my research in those conditions. Every once in a while, my heart would sink again when thinking about the high costs of applications and exams, knowing that no matter how hard I worked, I might never save enough,' he said.

In January 2025, Karemi began earning small amounts of money by helping students with academic papers, hoping to save money for the remaining application fees.

He also started collaborating with a researcher from Israel on a study combining agriculture and chemistry to improve the quality of agricultural products.

Then the Iranian government called.

Karemi says he received a phone call from a governmental organization of the Islamic Republic, through a private number, threatening Karemi, saying that if he continued this collaboration, he would be banned from education for six years.

A few days later, Karemi's high school contacted him, temporarily suspending him.

'Sometimes I wonder if all this effort will be in vain. Will I, like countless other Iranian youth, end up frozen in place, with no escape?,' he asked.

He added, 'Leading universities and advanced countries either refuse our visas or impose impossible conditions. We live with one of the weakest currencies in the world, with no way out. And now, because of the 2025 travel ban, we are once again deprived of studying in the United States.'

Pitt State sent Karemi details on his scholarship upon acceptance, noting that the tuition deposit would be refunded if his visa was denied

The aspiring student says that two of his own friends have already taken their own lives as a result of a similar situation.

Karemi tells Daily Mail he wants to share his story before the 90-day review deadline of the travel ban, which falls on September 2. During that time, the process will reportedly be 're-assessed' and as well as every 180 days afterwards.

Karemi waits in hope before the review.

'I am not just one student. I am the voice of all the young people here who never had a childhood, who see no future, and who find refuge only in books and dreams. If this small flame is extinguished, nothing of us will remain.'

Iranians declined from university due to the travel ban have been taking to academic blogs, posting their stories anonymously.

Many Iranians fear retaliation from their government, who have historically punished, jailed, tortured and even killed those who speak against the regime.

Daily Mail reached out to the White House for a response on Karemi's future.

A senior administration official said the Trump administration is 'protecting our nation' by revoking visas when potential security concerns arise, but declined to provide specific numbers or address Karemi's individual case.
The Home Secretary may today be celebrating victory after the Court of Appeal ruling that 140 male asylum seekers can remain at the Epping hotel which lies at the centre of anti-immigrant protests, but she has unquestionably lost hands-down in the court of public opinion.

Yvette Cooper, let us remember, is a member of a party that claims to represent working people against vested interests.

But today saw the Government's finest legal minds working at her behest to block Epping Forest District Council's attempt to close down the de facto migrant hostel for the sake of its voters.

Yes, the court's decision buys some time for Ms Cooper in the short term, but it also reveals the Government's deep contempt not only for the for the people of Epping but for anyone living in the shadow of an asylum hotel who is worried about the threat of crime and disorder in their midst.

It is no exaggeration to say the Government's position is so disastrously at odds with the will of the people that the case is little short of a slow-burn time-bomb, particularly at a time when the issue of border control and asylum seekers is the subject of such heated public debate.

The Government's lawyers appear to have convinced the Appeal Court judges on a number of debatable issues.

In overturning an earlier High Court judgment, Lord Justice Bean ruled that closing the hotel because of public protests would only have incentivised similar protests elsewhere.

But surely the argument can just as easily be made the other way round - that unrest can also be provoked by overturning the initial injunction.

The Home Secretary may today be celebrating victory after the Court of Appeal ruling that 140 male asylum seekers can remain at the Epping hotel which lies at the centre of anti-immigrant protests (pictured, demonstrators outside the hotel)

But Yvette Cooper (pictured) has unquestionably lost hands-down in the court of public opinion, says Sir Michael Ellis

Today saw the Government's finest legal minds working at her behest to block Epping Forest District Council's attempt to close down the de facto migrant hostel for the sake of its voters. Pictured: Protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Horley, Surrey, on August 23

The Appeal Court judge also mentioned his discomfort with legal arguments about a 'hierarchy of rights', yet appeared to give more weight to the rights of the asylum seekers staying at the hotel at taxpayers' expense than the local people who have had a migrant hotel foisted upon them.

Being told the human rights of asylum seekers are more important than the rights of local residents is a deeply unpopular argument to make - and is one that will surely come back to haunt the Labour Government.

What credence will voters give now to Labour's frequent promises to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers, when they argue in court that they are 'an integral part of the asylum system'?

And why should voters believe Labour's blandishments about the importance of local democracy and the ever-increasing devolution of powers to regional mayors and devolved governments, when they argued the opposite to win this case?

Indeed, the court has effectively ruled that Yvette Cooper's duties as Home Secretary trumped any concerns local people might have about the safety of their own neighbourhood.

Such are the appalling political optics of today's hearing that I am sure whether the Government technically won or lost will be seen as irrelevant in the long run.

What will stick in voters' minds is that Labour can't be trusted - and that belief will eventually be reflected at the ballot box.

What people will remember about this case is how Ms Cooper put short-term political expediency over the rights and freedoms of those who have to live next door to a hotel that remains open as a consequence of her decisions.

It's hard not to conclude that the Government's behaviour over the Epping issue will only further embolden those from all political backgrounds - who are campaigning for Britain to withdraw from the European Convention of Human Rights.

Sir Michael Ellis KC is a former attorney general in the previous Tory government.
In 2019 a nursery worker who was dubbed Britain's youngest named female paedophile was jailed for seven years and ten months for sex attacks on two young girls.

Now, just six years later, the monster who preyed on the children in her care could be released.

Locals in the Wiltshire market town of Royal Wootton Bassett have been left terrified that Sophie Elms could be released from prison early.

The family of her two victims were so terrified by the prospect of encountering her following her prison sentence that felt they had no other option but to flee abroad.

Elms, now 24, was jailed for multiple charges, including sexual assault of a child by penetration, sexual assault of a child by touching, distributing an indecent image of a child, possession of indecent images of a child and possession of extreme pornographic images of an animal.

At the time, the teenager was on a placement at a nursery in Swindon as part of her childcare course at college, although none of the incidents took place at the nursery or at her college.

She committed the sickening attacks after a sex offender called David Geering contacted the teen online and incited her to abuse the youngsters and send him pictures.

Now, one year and three months shy of her release date, locals may finally get an update on whether Elms, who pleaded guilty to all the charges, will be allowed back to the Wiltshire town.

The case caused shockwaves, not least for Elms' friends and family who had described her as 'really nice'.

Sophie Elms was dubbed Britain's youngest named female paedophile after she was jailed in 2019 for seven years and ten months for sex attacks on two young girls

At the time the teenager (pictured in 2019, aged 18) was on a placement at a nursery in Swindon as part of her childcare course at college

During her time at a local nursery in Swindon, Elms was left in charge of two children in 2016 and 2017.

But in early 2017, Elms began having online contact with sex offender Geering - who was later sentenced in November 2018 to 15 years in jail for child sex offences.

Prosecutor Hannah Squire said during the sentencing: 'The contact started off non-sexual. But what is relevant is that Miss Elms was out there online, and receptive, one might suggest susceptible, to contact from men like David Geering.

'Miss Elms did not seek to hide her identity. The contact moved quickly into sexualised communication, and commission from David Geering to commit sexual offences.'

Miss Squire added: 'Miss Elms started out with innocuous photos of the two children - that is, fully clothed - sent to David Geering.

'But this soon moved on to pictures of the children naked, and images of Miss Elms touching the children - which, to an extent, were requested by David Geering.'

Following the trial of Elms, the family, who were local to her, said their 'beautiful daughters' had been left traumatised and that they no longer felt they could leave their children with trained childcare professionals.

The father added that they were so terrified of running in to her following her release that they fled abroad for safety.

In a police interview in April 2018, following her arrest on March 10, Elms told police that Geering must have obtained her details from somewhere online.

She said that she liked talking to him, as she had 'low confidence' and he 'made her feel good'.

In early 2017, Elms began having online contact with sex offender David Geering who asked her to send him pictures of the children in her care naked, and images of her touching them

Elms pictured before going to court for sentencing where she was jailed for seven years and ten months

Geering, was sentenced to 15 years in a separate trial in November 2018.

The paedophile, 65, is a former detective with the Metropolitan Police's Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

Elms' lawyer Chris Smyth said at the time that his client had been groomed from the age of 13 by four separate males - at least two of whom have been prosecuted.

He added: 'From the age of 13, her details were put online as a joke by one of her friends, and she was made to perform sexual acts for men in front of a webcam.'

At the time of her sentencing Elms lived with her mother and stepfather, who worked for a packaging company.

After she left school, she enrolled at Swindon College, which runs several 'early years' childcare programmes.

Neighbours said they occasionally saw her walking her dog. But she was 'naive, immature for her age' and 'lacking the social skills one might expect from an 18-year-old', according to her barrister.

Following an joke between friends which saw her mobile phone posted online and a dating profile set up by her friends, listing Elms' age as 22, she began to receive messages from strangers.

Following her conviction, Det Insp Simon Childe reassured the public she would never be allowed to work with children again but locals are waiting for an update on her release

One such stranger was Geering, who messaged her 'Hi sexy' before bombarding her with follow up messages.

Eventually the teenager replied and that one response kick-started years of abuse.

At 13 she was persuaded to send vile footage of herself to him from her webcam. The abuse continued for the next four years.

Police believe she was groomed by four different men online. One of them was Geering.

His 'relationship' with Sophie Elms began in 2017. Elms told detectives he must have obtained her details 'from somewhere online' and that she 'liked talking to him'.

Elms had just begun babysitting and Geering seized his opportunity and began to request perverted images of the children in her care.

The teenager obligingly sent him images and video of her sexually abusing the sisters left in her charge.

Geering used the messaging service WhatsApp to share the vile content with a group of paedophiles. Two mobile phones found during a police raid on his home revealed his involvement with the network and his links with Elms.

Following the sentencing, the father of her victims read a heartbreaking impact statement to the court.

He said: 'The damage Sophie Elms has caused to our family is unimaginable. Our two beautiful daughters looked up to you.

'We asked you if you wanted to care for them overnight, to help with your studies. Not for one moment would we have imagined that this decision would change our lives forever.

'We honestly do not know the full extent of damage you have left on our two beautiful babies. What you did could have serious long-term effects on them in their later lives.

'We have such a complete lack of trust to anyone with our children now. Even leaving them at pre-school is a challenge to us, as this was the profession in which you were training.

'Our youngest daughter is so distraught at bedtime that we have to stay with her for several hours.

'We have made the decision that we cannot stay in Swindon for fear of bumping into you  and that it will be better for us to move [abroad].

'This whole horrific event has damaged us beyond words.'

Following her conviction, Det Insp Simon Childe reassured the public she would never be allowed to work with children again.

He said: 'Understandably, this case has shocked the local community as well as those further afield.

'Elms is just 18-years-old making her one of the youngest women in the country to be convicted of these types of offences, and at the time of committing these atrocious crimes, she was studying child care with a long term aim of working with very young children in the future.

'I am extremely grateful to my team of dedicated officers who have been able to intercept and prevent her from working with children ever again.'
The mother of Minneapolis shooter Robin Westman appeared in a movie about her reunion with a daughter she put up for adoption as a child, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Years after giving up her baby, Mary Grace Westman, now 67, went on to became a devout Catholic and anti-abortion activist who once held a crucifix in protest outside a Planned Parenthood clinic.

Mary Grace has so far refused to cooperate with police seeking information about her son.

She flew to Minnesota on Wednesday afternoon, within hours of the shocking attack at the Church of the Annunciation Catholic School that left two children dead and 18 injured.

Faryl Amadeus, 44, a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, wrote and directed the film 'Mary Meet Grace' in 2021, a fictional retelling of her real-life reunion with her biological mother, Mary Grace.

In interviews, Amadeus - who grew up in Brooklyn, New York, with her adoptive family and was then known as Rachel Millet - has since formed a close bond with Mary Grace.

Amadeus, who did not return calls or emails from the Daily Mail, writes on her website that she was adopted and 'shipped from Kentucky, like a box of whiskey' to New York.

'I was in foster care for a month before I was adopted, and that family sent me a card every birthday,' Amadeus said in 2021.

'It meant so much to me to know I wasn't just, like, in a basket somewhere.'

Mary Grace Westman, 67, (left) mother of the Minneapolis church shooter had given up her daughter, Faryl Amadeus (right), for adoption in Kentucky years earlier, before reuniting with her in 2005

Years after giving up her baby, Mary Grace Westman, now 67, went on to became a devout Catholic and anti-abortion activist who once held a crucifix in protest outside a Planned Parenthood clinic

Her transgender child, Robin Westman, opened fire through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic Church where he had attended school and where Mary Grace had worked until 2021

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

Amadeus was adopted by the Millet family in Brooklyn. The woman believed to be her adoptive mother, Jamie Millet, was not reachable by the Daily Mail on Friday.

Amadeus told the Nerd Daily in 2021 that her film was 'inspired by that intense yearning an adoptee can feel for who they are and where they come from'.

'My birth mother, who appears in the film, found me in 2005 and we later reunited with my bio dad in 2012. The emotional mystery of adoption could fuel countless stories,' she added.

'I love being adopted. It's strange and sad and wonderful.'

Amadeus writes about her birth mother contacting her in 2005 and eventually travelling to Minnesota to meet her 'five half-siblings', who include Robin Westman.

Amadeus reunited with Mary Grace (right) in 2005, and her mother helped bring their painful journey to life in her short film, providing photos and even a cameo

She also told an outlet that she had an emotional reunion with her bio father (pictured) in 2012, seven years after she reconnected with Mary Grace

On social media, Amadeus (bottom right) posted photos of her mother Mary Grace (top center), together with her half-siblings, with one being her transgender half-sister Robin, born Robert Westman (top right)

On social media, Amadeus has posted photos of Mary Grace and her half-siblings, including transgender Robin, born Robert Westman.

Mary Grace did not return messages from the Daily Mail on Friday, nor did Ryan Garry, the criminal defense attorney she hired this week in Minneapolis.

FBI agents descended on Mary Grace's first floor condo in Naples, Florida, on Wednesday after she reportedly refused to cooperate with authorities investigating the mass shooting.

But she had already flown to Minnesota, in such a hurry that she called a friend to tell her she feared she had left the patio door open. Police were dispatched to check on the home's security.

Robin Westman graduated from Annunciation Catholic School in 2017. Mary Grace used to work at the school's church but retired five years ago, social media posts show.

Amadeus's last name is courtesy of her husband of many years, Nick Amadeus, also a native New Yorker who is a writer and composer. Among other projects, he co-wrote the screenplay for the 2021 film Separation, co-starring Meryl Streep's daughter Mamie Gummer.

He is the son of actor and writer John Scoullar and actress Linda Robbins, who appeared in the original Broadway production of Amadeus, which her son chose as a stage name.

The couple have two daughters and currently live in LA, according to information online. Faryl received a BFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.

Mary Grace's brother, Robert Heleringer, a longtime Louisville member of the Kentucky House of Representatives. He told the AP this week that he was Robin Westman's uncle but hardly knew his nephew.

He hung up on a Daily Mail reporter on Friday.
A Florida grandmother planned to flee to Vietnam days after her son was convicted of murdering her son-in-law, as she now stands accused of orchestrating the execution.

Donna Adelson, 75, is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in connection with the 2014 killing of Daniel Markel, a Florida State University law professor who was shot in the head in his garage.

Prosecutors allege the killing was the culmination of a plot by Adelson and other family members to eliminate Markel, who had blocked her daughter, Wendi Adelson, from moving their two young sons to South Florida.

During trial testimony on Friday, the court heard calls which revealed Adelson's plans to flee to Vietnam just one week after her son Charlie Adelson's murder conviction in 2023.

In a phone call one day after his conviction, Adelson was heard discussing 'extradition from Vietnam' and that they had 'looked at all the places,' WCTV reported.

Adelson was arrested at Miami International Airport in 2023, just one week after her son's conviction.

She and her husband, Harvey Adelson, were at the airport reportedly preparing to board a one-way flight to Vietnam - a country that does not have an extradition treaty with the United States.

The court heard phone calls between Donna Adelson, 75, and her son, Charlie, one day after his murder conviction during which Adelson discusses 'extradition from Vietnam'

Adelson (pictured) is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in connection with the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law, a Florida State University law professor who was found shot in the head

After the call with her son disconnected, Adelson, unaware the call had not been disconnected, said, 'I just want to go to sleep.'

'Im old. I had a life....We bought our cemetery property a couple months ago, were good. Im good,' she continued.

Adelson then read several texts from her daughter, Wendi Adelson, aloud which the phone call also recorded.

'I know you are upset by the verdict, but the anger directed at me is not justified,' Wendi wrote to Adelson.

'I am not guilty because I did not do anything wrong and I was not involved in any way with Danny death,' Wendi continued. 'Please do not text me about this case anymore.'

Adelson was then heard saying: '[I] have one son that I dont speak with, I have one son whose hopes seem dead, and my daughter, whom I love, is doing this?'

At the time, Markel and Wendi had been divorced for a year and were locked in a bitter custody dispute, the Associated Press reported.

Adelson broke down last week as a forensic specialist took the stand, describing evidence recovered from the crime scene - including Markel's eyeglasses and cell phone - found near his vehicle in the garage.

Daniel Markel, 41, was found shot dead outside his garage in what police believe was a murder for hire plot

After Wendi Adelson (pictured) divorced Markel she left for South Florida with the couple's children, but was forced to return after a court ruling which prosecutors say could have motivated the murder

As the specialist testified there were no signs of a struggle or burglary and the house was otherwise secured, Adelson sat in the background with her lip quivering and tears rolling down her cheeks.

During opening statements last week, prosecutors painted Adelson as a controlling and calculating matriarch of a wealthy South Florida family who 'hated' Markel and was determined to remove him as an obstacle to her daughter's move.

'The defendant said that she would never, never, never give up and never stop fighting for Wendi and the boys to be relocated to Miami. And she never did,' prosecutor Sarah Kathryn Dugan told jurors.

'The defendant acted in furtherance of this murder plot that went beyond just thinking about it or talking about it,' Dugan added.

'And these acts make her guilty as a principal in first-degree murder, just as if she was the one pulling the trigger in the garage herself,' she continued.

Four people are already serving prison sentences for their roles in the killing, including Adelson's son, Charles Adelson, who was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to life in prison.

Prosecutors allege the killing was the culmination of a plot by Adelson and other family members to eliminate Markel, who had blocked her daughter from moving their two young sons to South Florida. Pictured: The defense team uses a display depicting photos and arrows of how people are connected in the murder of Dan Markel

Adelson, visibly emotional as trial testimony began last week, broke down as a forensic specialist took the stand, describing evidence recovered from the crime scene

Prosecutors say the family at one point considered offering Markel $1 million to allow Wendi to move the children to Miami - before allegedly turning to murder, with Adelson as a key player.

Throughout the trial however, Adelson has remained active in her defense, taking notes on a legal pad and closely watching testimony from behind tortoise-shell-style glasses, according to the Associated Press.

Prosecutors say Sigfredo Garcia (pictured) killed Markel on request

Her attorneys argue there is no direct evidence linking her to the crime, and insist the prosecution's theory relies solely on motive and speculation.

'It is truly outrageous,' defense attorney Jackie Fulford said of the killing.

'But what's more outrageous is, without any evidence, only motive and theory, they put her at the top of this pyramid.'

During court on Friday, the defense took issue with the Adelson's arrest in Miami International Airport after it was revealed that no warrant was obtained for Adelson's arrest until they learnt of her travel plans.

'From the date Mr. Markel was murdered...hundreds of thousands of emails...youve got all of that,' Adelsons attorney Jackie Fulford said.

'Youve got all the call detail records. No warrant.'

FBI Special Agent Patrick Sanford said in court that after intercepting the couple on the jet bridge as they began boarding the plane, Adelson resisted handing over her cellphone.

Throughout the trial however, Adelson has remained active in her defense, taking notes on a legal pad and closely watching testimony from behind tortoise-shell-style glasses

If convicted, Adelson could spend the rest of her life in prison. Her trial is expected to extend into September

'When I grabbed a hold of it, she pulled it away and said "No,"' Sanford said. 'Another officer actually grabbed her arm and held it.'

Harvey and Wendi Adelson have denied involvement in the murder and have not been charged.

Prosecutors plan to call both Charles and Wendi Adelson as witnesses during the trial, along with Katherine Magbanua - Charles's former girlfriend - who prosecutors say acted as the go-between with the two hired gunmen, Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera.

Rivera also took the stand Friday and testified that he did not believe Adelson was involved in the plot, which he said was carried out to give Wendi full custody of her two sons.

If convicted, Adelson could spend the rest of her life in prison. Her trial is expected to extend into September.
Staff at Nottingham University are set to strike over plans to cut more than 250 jobs.

The university launched a 90-day consultation in April outlining its proposals to cut 356 positions from its workforce, including the removal of 98 vacant job posts.

Now employees, including security officers, library personnel and administrators, are set to walk out over the plans.

Trade union Unison said the proposed job cuts would see Nottingham University staff 'bearing the brunt of cost-cutting'.

It said 78 per cent of staff had voted to back strike action, although a date for the walk out is yet to be set.

The union claimed it had submitted a proposal that would save the institution up to 50million without the need for compulsory job losses.

'Despite university leaders accepting elements of the union's plans, just five posts have been saved,' it said.

Elliot Dean, Unison's head of higher education, said: 'It's extremely concerning that the university continues to spend tens of millions on new developments while claiming financial hardship and proposing to axe hundreds of jobs as a result.'

Staff at Nottingham University (pictured) are set to strike over plans to cut more than 250 jobs

Trade union Unison said the proposed job cuts would see Nottingham University staff 'bearing the brunt of cost-cutting' (File Image)

Nottingham University said it 'respected' the rights of employees to strike.

'We remain committed to meaningful dialogue and have been engaging with trade union representatives throughout the process,' a spokesman added.

'The proposals are part of our Future Nottingham programme, which outlines ambitious future plans, while addressing the serious financial challenges facing the higher education sector.

'We will continue to work with union representatives to address their concerns while ensuring the university's long-term sustainability.'

It follows similar strike action at other Russell Group universities including Newcastle University and Durham University over job cuts.

While staff at the University of Sheffield are being balloted for strikes over potential job cuts at the institution.
Karen Read has spoken out for the first time since being acquitted for the death of her boyfriend revealing she intends to write a book documenting her horrific ordeal.

Read was dramatically acquitted of murdering John O'Keefe, a Boston police officer, in June of this year, in a retrial that both gripped and divided America.

On Thursday, Read appeared on the Howie Carr Show and spoke publicly - the first time since her acquittal - revealing what life had been like since she was granted her freedom again.

Post-trial, Read said, it's 'not quite what I expected.' 'It's a little like a dimmer where the lights are coming on a little brighter each week,' she continued.

'There's moments I have every day, these little epiphanies of, "Wow, this is the first time I've done, fill in the blank, in the last four years that I was living with this nightmare".'

Read, who is now living with her parents, added: 'I feel lucky. I've lost a lot, but I still have what's most important. My parents are in their late 70s, and I'm grateful they're still here.'

She revealed her plans to tell her story in a book, adding: 'I don't always know what's next, but I do want to write a book. There's so much more people need to hear.'

Her story is set to be made into an upcoming Amazon Prime series, with Hunger Games actress Elizabeth Banks rumored to take on the role of Read.

'It's not authorized by me in any way. I've never spoken to her. This is my story to tell,' Read said

Read was dramatically acquitted of murdering John O'Keefe in June of this year, in a retrial that both gripped and divided America

Attorney Alan Jackson (right) revealed on Thursday afternoon that he and his client are exploring filing a civil suit over her murder prosecution that saw Read acquitted in June

Read and her attorney, Alan Jackson, appeared on the podcast where Jackson discussed their potential civil suit being filed over her prosecution on the segment.

Jackson said: 'I'll say this I'm back here for a reason, it's not just a pleasure tour.

'We've met with the legal team back here dealing with the civil issue. There's obviously a lot to unpack where that's concerned.

'So, had and will continue to have significant meetings about that, what Karen's next options - what her options are in general, but what her next moves might be. And we're considering all options.'

He declined to go into specifics about what the civil case could entail, but added 'nothing's off the table and no one's off the table'.

Read's attorney noted that, in order to fund her legal battle, she had given up her home, her car, lost her career, and four years of her freedom.

Read's acquittal is far from the end of the grueling legal process and she is now facing another round in court.

On Thursday, Read's Attorney Jackson said on the Howie Carr Show that the O'Keefe family is 'going to have a very, very, very, significant uphill battle. Very obviously, the jury has spoken'

The suit alleges that Read and O'Keefe argued into the midnight hour of Jan. 29, 2022, and that O'Keefe left Read's car and 'in a state of intoxication,' Read drove her SUV into O'Keefe, who 'suffered serious injury and died'

Read and her legal team are gearing up for a civil trial - a $50,000 wrongful death lawsuit filed by O'Keefe's family against her and two local bars.

Jackson said on the Howie Carr Show that the O'Keefe family is 'going to have a very, very, very, significant uphill battle. Very obviously, the jury has spoken.'

'It wasn't like there wasn't an enormous amount of scrutiny that was put through all the evidence against her. Two times, not once, the jury determined there was no collision,' he continued.

Now, as they prepare their own civil suit, Read's attorney said that he is 'back here for a reason, it's not just a pleasure tour.'

'We're not finished with the court system and the court system is going to allow me another opportunity and another platform, and allow Karen another platform, to get the truth out. And we damn well intend to do it,' he said.

Read's attorney noted that, in order to fund her legal battle, she had given up her home, her car, lost her career, and four years of her freedom, O'Keefe is seen here

Read was accused of drunkenly ramming her SUV into her boyfriend, former Boston police officer John O'Keefe (left), and leaving him to die in blizzard conditions on January 29, 2022

'We've met with the legal team back here dealing with the civil issue. There's obviously a lot to unpack where that's concerned,' he continued.

'So, had and will continue to have significant meetings about that, what Karen's next options  what her options are in general, but what her next moves might be. And we're considering all options.'

Jackson said that he wasn't sure 'any amount of money' could 'reasonably compensate her.'

'I can guarantee you, that civil case will be righteously defended  righteously defended  and that means getting every single scrap of information that we're entitled to and that we did not get during the criminal case,' he added.

'She was jailed twice. Twice too many timesand both times jurors determined there was no collision,' Jackson said.

Read directed a chilling accusation at the Massachusetts State Police, who investigated her, and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey, who prosecuted her.

'You lost. You lost big time. And you know what you did, what you've done,' Read said.
Matt Wright found guilty of trying to pervert court of justice

The trial of reality TV star Matt Wright is over but the legal fight continues after he was found guilty of trying to pervert the course of justice over a deadly helicopter crash.

The Outback Wrangler star lost his best mate and co-star, Chris 'Willow' Wilson, in the February 2022 crash that left pilot Sebastian Robinson a paraplegic.

The crash occurred during a crocodile-egg collecting trip in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, with Mr Wilson slung on a line below the chopper to drop onto croc nests in remote swampland.

Wright was accused of lying to crash investigators about the amount of fuel in the machine, of trying to get Mr Robinson to falsify flying hours and of asking a friend to 'torch' the helicopter's maintenance release.

The jury in the Supreme Court in Darwin on Friday found him guilty on the first two counts but could not reach a verdict on the third count regarding the 'torch' claim.

Prosecutors alleged Wright was worried investigators would learn his choppers' flying-hour meters were regularly disconnected to extend flying hours beyond official thresholds and paperwork was falsified to match.

Outside court Wright told reporters there were 'no winners' from the trial.

'The ordeal has been incredibly tough on everyone and it's always been hard to understand why the focus of these investigations has been solely on me and not into the cause of the crash,' he said.

Mr Wight is seen arriving at Darwin's Supreme Court with his wife Kaia earlier this month

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright (pictured) was found guilty of trying to pervert the course of justice in the Supreme Court in Darwin on Friday over a deadly helicopter crash

The crash occurred during a crocodile-egg collecting trip in Arnhem Land in Northern Territory

But, after the verdicts, Wright came under a two-pronged attack from Mr Wilson's widow Dani and Mr Robinson, the injured pilot.

Ms Wilson told reporters outside court Wright had attempted to pervert the course of justice and in doing so 'denied a complete, thorough and unimpeded investigation into the crash'.

Her two sons would soon spend their fourth Father's Day without their dad, she said.

'Once again there will be an empty seat at the table, a constant reminder of all that has been taken from us,' she said.

Senior defence counsel David Edwardson KC worked hard during the trial to focus blame on Mr Robinson, who was painted as a cocaine-trafficking 'party animal'.

Mr Edwardson accused Mr Robinson, his mother and two brothers of colluding when they gave evidence Wright asked at the injured pilot's hospital bedside for him to falsify flying hours.

Their aim, he alleged, was to put the focus on Wright in order to avoid serious charges against Mr Robinson.

Outside court on Friday, Mr Robinson's brother Zac Chellingworth read a statement from the pilot saying the verdicts brought some closure for the family 'but the scars of the defendant's conduct are huge and permanent'.

The TV star lost his best mate and co-star, Chris 'Willow' Wilson, in the February 2022 crash

After the verdict, Mr Wilson's widow Dani (pictured) said her two sons would soon spend their fourth Father's Day without their dad

Pictured, Zac Chellingworth, the brother of injured pilot Sebastian Robinson, hugs family members outside the Supreme Court in Darwin

Mr Robinson said the trauma for his family had been relentless as he learned to live in a wheelchair, the wounds made worse by the defendant's cover-up and failure to tell the truth.

'I also faced a malicious and sustained campaign of lies aimed at destroying my reputation and that of my family. The jury saw the truth.'

Ms Wilson is pursuing a civil case against Wright and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority over the crash that killed her husband.

Wright has a sentencing hearing in October but is also appealing the guilty verdicts through the Court of Criminal Appeal.

Detective Senior Sergeant Corey Borton, the lead investigator in the case, told reporters there was still a coronial inquiry to come but it was up to the coroner whether to run a full inquest.

'My investigation team has spent three years on the job and got the result that we did,' he said.

Wright is set to be sentenced by Acting Justice Allan Blow on October 16.
The bodies of two Israeli hostages have been recovered from Gaza, during an operation by Israel's military.

The news came as Israel launched an offensive on the region, forcing thousands of Palestinians to flee.

During the recovery of the bodies, Israeli troops retrieved the remains of Ilan Weiss and those of an unnamed captive.

Mr Weiss, 56, was killed on the morning of October 7, 2023, during Hamas's onslaught while defending Kibbutz Be'eri but his body was held by Hamas for 693 days.

His wife, Shiri, 53, and daughter, Noga, 18, were also taken hostage but returned to Israel in November 2023 as part of a week-long truce.

The identification process of the second body is being carried out at a forensics institute.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu said: 'The campaign to return the hostages continues. We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our hostages home  both the living and the dead.'

According to official statistics, 48 hostages now remain in Gaza and Israel believes only 22 are alive.

During the recovery of the bodies, Israeli troops retrieved the remains of Ilan Weiss (pictured) and those of an unnamed captive

The news came as Israel launched an offensive on the region (Pictured: Smoke billowing after an Israeli airstrike on Palestinian territory on August 29, 2025)

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) said Israel 'will not rest or be silent' the hostages in Gaza are returned, whether they are alive or dead

Yesterday Israeli military declared Gaza City 'a dangerous combat zone' and was preparing to seize the Palestinian territory's largest city after almost two years of war.

IDF spokesman, Colonel Avichay Adraee wrote on X: 'We have begun preliminary operations and the initial stages of the attack on Gaza City...

'We will intensify our strikes and will not hesitate until we bring back all the hostages and dismantle Hamas militarily and politically.'

The IDF had been implementing military pauses in the Strip to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian supplies.

But the military said it would suspend the pause in the region where around half of Gaza's 2.1million residents are sheltering.
European defence leaders yesterday vowed to tighten sanctions on Russia after a missile barrage on Kyiv killed 23 and left a diplomatic compound badly damaged.

The attack saw two missiles land just 50 yards from the EU mission in the Ukrainian capital, shattering doors and windows.

It also damaged the British Council's headquarters nearby, resulting in the Russian ambassador being summoned to the Foreign Office.

Yesterday, French president Emmanuel Macron said Vladimir Putin will have 'played' Donald Trump if he refuses to meet Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky as agreed.

He added that the EU would push for new 'primary and secondary sanctions' to pressure Moscow, and indicated both he and German chancellor Friedrich Merz could speak with Trump at the weekend.

The outrage over Russia's air strikes on Thursday galvanised Europe's leaders before their meeting in Copenhagen yesterday.

Calls grew for seizing frozen Russian assets, ramping up weapons deliveries and accelerating Ukraine's path towards EU membership.

'Everybody understands that, considering how Putin is mocking the peace efforts, the only thing that works is pressure,' said Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief.

European defence leaders yesterday vowed to tighten sanctions on Russia after a missile barrage on Kyiv killed 23 (Pictured: firefighters search for survivors in the rubble)

Yesterday, French president Emmanuel Macron (pictured) said Vladimir Putin will have 'played' Donald Trump if he refuses to meet Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky as agreed

In a joint statement, the 27 EU member states said: 'We will continue working with international partners including the US in order to end Russia's war of aggression with a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

'The EU will continue and increase its comprehensive support for Ukraine, including by accelerating work on new sanctions.'

Ministers also discussed setting up a European-led security force in Ukraine once a ceasefire is agreed.
Labour was last night accused of using the courts against the British people after a judge ruled asylum seekers can stay in a migrant hotel.

In a victory for the Home Office, the Court of Appeal overturned an injunction ordering the removal of migrants from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.

MPs and the local council reacted furiously, with Reform leader Nigel Farage saying illegal migrants now had more rights than Britons under Sir Keir Starmer.

The Tories said Labour was 'using the courts against the British public', while Epping Forest District Council said it was 'not the end of the matter'.

Last night anger began building outside the hotel at news of the ruling. After weeks of protest, the council obtained a temporary court order to stop 138 asylum seekers being housed there.

The council said the owners of the three-star hotel had breached planning rules by using it as accommodation for small-boat migrants.

Somani Hotels, which owns the establishment, and the Home Office challenged the injunction.

The three Court of Appeal judges said last week's decision by High Court judge Mr Justice Eyre was 'seriously flawed'.

In a victory for the Home Office, the Court of Appeal overturned an injunction ordering the removal of migrants from the Bell Hotel (pictured) in Epping

Anger was brewing last night as groups of protestors (pictured) gathered at the hotel following the ruling

Reform leader Nigel Farage (pictured) said illegal migrants now had more rights than Britons under Sir Keir Starmer

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.

'The judge's approach ignores the obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere.'

Lord Justice Bean added that such an injunction 'may incentivise' other councils to take steps similar to those taken by Epping.

Lawyers for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had argued that shutting the hotel would set a 'dangerous precedent' which would have encouraged similar litigation by other councils.

Mr Farage claimed the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) had been 'used' by the Government 'against the people of Epping'.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch told the Daily Mail that Sir Keir 'speaks from both sides of his mouth'.

'He says he wants to close migrant hotels yet went to court to keep them open. He promised to smash the gangs but Britain now has record small-boat arrivals. How on earth can we trust this man?.'

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the Epping case had 'seen the Labour Government using the courts against the British public'.

Lord Justice Bean (left), sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies (centre) and Lord Justice Cobb (right), said: 'We conclude that the judge made a number of errors in principle, which undermine this decision'

Protesters (pictured) marched towards the Bell Hotel on Friday evening, waving England flags and Union Jacks

Lawyers for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (pictured) had argued that shutting the hotel would set a 'dangerous precedent'

He added: '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.'

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick called the ruling 'extremely disappointing' as he urged councils to still take action to close asylum hotels in their areas.

He said: 'Yvette Cooper's decision to put two fingers up to the legitimate anger of the British public will surely inspire even more protests across the country. People are fed up with the Government siding with illegal migrants over the British people.'

Epping council said it was 'deeply disappointed' by the ruling, which had led to 'doubt and confusion'.

Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon said while the Government was successful in its appeal, the reality of using hotels to house asylum seekers was 'untenable' and called for refugees to be housed in neighbourhoods.

He said: 'Waiting until 2029 to end their use is no longer an option. As long as hotels remain open, they will continue to be flashpoints for protest.'

Border security minister Dame Angela Eagle said: 'We inherited a chaotic asylum accommodation system costing billions.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick (pictured) called the ruling 'extremely disappointing' as he urged councils to still take action to close asylum hotels in their areas

A protester (pictured) was seen holding a St George's Cross outside the Court of Appeal this afternoon

'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 9million a day.'

Epping's legal challenge followed a series of protests outside the hotel amid accusations of sexual assault regarding two men being housed there.

Some protests involved clashes with police, resulting in six men being charged with violent disorder, two of whom have pleaded guilty. Two residents of the Bell Hotel have been charged with sexual assault.

Essex Police were anticipating trouble last night, with as many as four marked vans parked on the hotel's forecourt from early in the afternoon, and ten officers standing outside. Migrants had reportedly been advised to stay inside.

Within minutes of the judges' decision, local Conservative councillor Shane Yerrell arrived at the hotel.

He said: 'This decision is 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.

There have been fresh protests (pictured) outside the Bell Hotel in Epping this week prior to today's ruling

'This decision is disgusting for them. Local mums and dads want the hotel closed  as the first judgment said.'

The number of protesters outside the hotel was growing by 5pm, with new arrivals including 'pink ladies' great-grandmother-of-five Shirley Mooney, 68, alongside her neighbour and fellow grandmother Carmen MacDonald, 60.

Both were wearing T-shirts with 'The only way is Epping' on the front  and 'Send them home, protect our kids' on the back.

Ms Mooney worked in the Bell as a manager until 1998, said of the latest judgment: 'I am absolutely disgusted. It's horrific, a joke.

'Whose side are these judges on? They need the sack. As soon as we heard the news, we came down here to show our support. We won't stop.'

The only person here celebrating the judgment last night was a migrant resident.

Advised by staff not to speak or leave his room, he texted your reporter to say of the judges' decision: 'I am pleased. 'It had been a worry.'
Every school should have a pond and bird box to help children appreciate nature, Country Life magazine has declared.

The publication's editor Mark Hedges said that to get pupils interested in the environment, they needed to witness nature first-hand.

He believes having a pond and a 'swift brick' bird box  a small box specifically built for nesting swifts  will turn the 'heads and hearts' of children alongside the launch of a natural history GCSE.

The qualification was introduced by the previous Tory government and aims to increase understanding of the climate and natural world.

This Government will publish a report on the proposed subject content this autumn.

But Mr Hedges claimed children won't appreciate nature if it's compulsory.

He said: 'The disconnect of children from flora, fauna and farming, apart from a few admirable but isolated initiatives, and the soulless barrenness of young lives with faces transfixed by mobile phones, is an issue of these times.

'It was so much easier "back in the day". A child's love of all things countryside came naturally through home life  walks with grandparents, accompanying father on a "gone fishing" trip or weeding alongside mother.

Every school should have a pond and bird box to help children appreciate nature, Country Life magazine has declared. Pictured: File photo

The publication's editor Mark Hedges said that to get pupils interested in the environment, they needed to witness nature first-hand. Pictured: File photo

He believes having a pond and a 'swift brick' bird box  a small box specifically built for nesting swifts  will turn the 'heads and hearts' of children alongside the launch of a natural history GCSE. Pictured: File photo

'There is a danger with the [natural history] GCSE, although absolutely laudable, that school, on which so much responsibility is lumped, will assign nature appreciation to following an academic syllabus.

'We would suggest a right-here, bottom-up approach. Every school would have a pond and a swift brick. These are achievable even in the inner city.'

...or how about a 2,700 outfit from Burberry?

It promises to take 'childrenswear from the playground to the classroom in style'.

But Burberry's back-to-school range will cost parents thousands for the privilege  with a pencil case alone costing 210.

In the luxury British brand's new range for stylish children, a full ensemble  which includes a hat, coat, polo shirt, trousers, socks, trainers, backpack and the pencil case  is 2,700.

Inspired by its heritage styles, a trench coat in shower-resistant cotton gabardine is 1,050.

Style site Fashion Network said: 'Burberry is taking childrenswear from the playground to the classroom in style with its Winter campaign.

'With Burberry, this means mini iterations of its house codes alongside playful new prints.'

It promises to take 'childrenswear from the playground to the classroom in style'. But Burberry's back-to-school range (pictured) will cost parents thousands for the privilege  with a pencil case alone costing 210
Alleged cop killer Dezi Freeman has the ability to evade police for weeks or even months, a leading criminologist has warned, as the hunt for the so-called sovereign citizen enters its fifth day.

Previously known as Desmond Filby, the 56-year-old remains on the run after he allegedly murdered two police officers and wounded another at his Porepunkah property in Victoria's High Country on Tuesday.

Dr Vincent Hurley, who was a NSW police officer and negotiator for 30 years, predicted Freeman could hide for a while as he is familiar with the area, but the weather could give police an advantage.

'My gut feeling is that he won't come out of his own free will because he's already allegedly murdered two people,' he told Weekend Today on Saturday.

'And being that right-wing extremist, I don't think it's going to end well.'

Asked whether Freeman has the capability to evade police for weeks or even months, Dr Hurley said: 'Absolutely because it's his backyard.

'The thing that's going against him will be the weather and whether he's got anything out there, like ammunition stashed away, or food or extra clothing.

'The weather conditions will wear him down, physically as well as psychologically, because he'll be out there having no rest.'

The search for fugitive gunman Dezi Freeman (pictured), previously known as Desmond Filby, continued into its fifth day on Saturday

Criminologist and former NSW police officer Dr Vincent Hurley (pictured on Saturday) doesn't believe Freeman will come out of hiding of his own free will

Formerly Dezi Filby, Freeman is accused of killing Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, on Tuesday

Tough conditions have impacted search efforts as rain and hail batter the rural town along with blizzard-like conditions on Saturday.

Dr Hurley suggested Freeman would 'always be on edge' believing that officers are watching him, adding 'so the police have got the advantage at this point in time'.

'He could well have a bunker or something stashed out there,' he said.

'(But) I would tend to think that, whilst it's a possibility, possibly not because it would appear it was a bit of a spur of the moment thing.

'That makes me think, as a former negotiator, that he doesn't have anything out there. There's a possibility but I tend to think not.'

There have been no confirmed sightings of Freeman since he fled into bushland near Porepunkah, about 300km northeast of Melbourne, on Tuesday morning.

Formerly Dezi Filby, he is accused of killing Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35.

It's been revealed that 10 officers attended Freeman's property on Tuesday to execute a search warrant and to speak with him about alleged sexual offences against a child under the age of 16.

Special tactics groups and other specialist police were briefed on the hunt for Freeman on Friday as weather and conditions made the search for the wanted man difficult

On Thursday night, Freeman's wife Mali (pictured) and 16-year-old son were arrested at a home in Porepunkah. They were questioned by police before they were both released

Heavily-armed officers searched several properties and nearby bushland in the area on Thursday as the manhunt ramped up.

Police then issued a direct message to the fugitive gunman, with Superintendent Brett Kahan saying: 'Ring 000 and we will provide a surrender plan.'

Dr Hurley said the video message was a strong strategy as it ensures Freeman knows there are options available to him and that 'he's not boxed in by police'.

'That will play on his mind. It will give him an 'out', an open door so he can come out of his own free will, if he wishes,' the criminologist said.

'The police don't want to close the door and say "this is what's going to happen" without giving him options... whether he surrenders or not is entirely up to him.'

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.

'There may or may not be charges that follow,' Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said.

By speaking to the family, police would not only be trying to understand the psychology of Freeman but also gathering intelligence, Dr Hurley said.

Porepunkah residents were urged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel

'For example, (they might ask about) the firearm capacity that he might have, his state of mind, what actually triggered this event,' he said.

'That information will be passed on to the negotiators to get an understanding because, being a sovereign citizen, he's (a) right-wing extremist.

'That group of individuals are very much anti-police so they'll be trying to work out his frame of mind.'

Porepunkah residents have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel as the manhunt continues.
A Rhode Island city hall meeting was thrown into chaos after the president resigned, followed by the council's attorney, amid rumors they are in a romantic relationship.

In a stunning shake-up inside Cranston City Hall three-term citywide councilor Jessica Marino announced her immediate resignation on Wednesday.

Speaking during a special meeting, Marino said she could no longer serve effectively amid ongoing criticism and speculation.

'I no longer feel the joy that I felt in public service,' Marino said, adding that she doesn't 'see how I can make a difference any longer.'

She was closely followed by Stephen Angell, who served as legal counsel to the council for more than five years, who submitted his resignation moments later.

The relationship between Marino and Angell has been a topic of intense discussion in city political circles in recent weeks, especially after a proposed modification to Angell's contract drew backlash, WPRI reported.

At the meeting, Marino defended her alleged actions claiming she has 'done nothing wrong.'

'I have done nothing wrong, and any suggestion otherwise is simply malicious,' she continued, adding that she 'hesitated from resigning because the haters are so ignorant that they will take it as vindication of their malicious behavior.

A Rhode Island city hall was thrown into chaos as the city council president, Jessica Marino, abruptly resigned, followed closely by the council's attorney, Stephen Angell, amid escalating controversy over their rumored romantic relationship

Both Marino and Angell were previously married and have children from those relationships, though it remains unclear whether they are still with their former spouses

'This resignation, let me be clear, is not because of them, it is in spite of them,' she said.

Leading up to the contentious meeting however, Council Minority Leader Richard Campopiano raised concerns about his colleagues' potential violation of the Open Meetings Act, the outlet reported.

Mayor Ken Hopkins had also previously commented on the suspected relationship between the city officials, reportedly referring to the situation as a 'questionable affair' and 'a distraction'.

Hopkins also requested an internal review from Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist, who later confirmed no crime had been committed.

However, in announcing his resignation, Angell directly accused Hopkins' administration of fueling the controversy.

'This is now the full-blown circus that the Hopkins administration sought to achieve from the time he took office,' Angell said. 'They have crossed the line into deeply personal matters. Their conduct has been appalling and wrong.'

He added: 'The rock throwing directed at me recently has never been about integrity of government, ethics or the law. This is about targeting me personally and professionally.'

But, Hopkins' chief of staff, Anthony Moretti, denied that the administration played a role in the resignations.

'Absolutely not. We had the council handle the council matters. The mayor did not have hands on this at all,' Moretti told NBC10.

The relationship between Marino (right) and Angell (left) has been a topic of intense discussion in city political circles in recent weeks, especially after a proposed modification to Angell's contract drew backlash

Mayor Ken Hopkins had also previously commented on the suspected relationship between the city officials, reportedly referring to the situation as a 'questionable affair' and 'a distraction.' Pictured: Cranston City Hall in Providence County, Rhode Island

While calling Marino's resignation 'disappointing,' Moretti said Angell's exit was in the city's best interest.

'Mr. Angell self-destructed with his conduct recently, and it's the best thing for the city of Cranston that he is not in that seat,' Moretti said. 'It's clearly a conflict of interest.'

He also confirmed that while rumors had circulated for some time, the administration only became aware of the relationship about six weeks ago.

In light of the shocking resignations, Vice President Dan Wall will temporary assume the role of council president until a replacement - with final approval from the council - is nominated, as per the city charter.

However, Wall said Thursday that there's no formal timeline for filling the seat but indicated he hopes to move quickly.

Councilman Chris Buonanno has since extended his 'best wishes' to Marino and Angell following their resignations.

Buonanno noted how difficult it can be for families and spouses to endure personal challenges in the public eye.

'As a child of divorced parents... I realize and appreciate how difficult it is for a family to go through difficult circumstances in private, let alone in the public eye,' Buonanno said.

'It is my fervent hope that they and their families can now resolve these deeply personal situations in private.'

Both Marino and Angell were previously married and have children from those relationships, though it remains unclear whether they are still with their former spouses.

Following the meeting, both Marino and Angell exited through a back door and did not take questions from the media, NBC10 reported.
A young Australian man has been found dead in a hotel in Thailand as police discover a series of illicit substances in his room.

Emergency services rushed to the hotel on Soi Ta-iad in Phuket about 2.30pm on Wednesday after staff discovered the 36-year-old man motionless on his bed.

Police found no signs of assault on the man's body and are not treating his death as suspicious, local media outlet Thaiger reports.

It's understood detectives discovered several substances in the man's hotel room, including Viagra, sleeping pills, marijuana, and alcohol.

Police and a forensic doctor have suggested they may have contributed to the cause of death, though further testing is underway.

The man was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Local Chalong Police have informed the Australian Embassy.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told the Daily Mail it is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Phuket.

Staff at a hotel on Soi Ta-iad in Phuket found a 36-year-old Australian man motionless in his room about 2.30pm on Wednesday. He was declared dead at the scene

Police found Viagra, sleeping pills, marijuana, and alcohol in the hotel room (pictured)

'We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,' they said.

'Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.'

Consular assistance may include support and guidance to families and liaising with local and Australian authorities to assist with funeral arrangements or repatriation of remains.

The investigation is ongoing, with police awaiting toxicology results, questioning employees at the hotel and reviewing CCTV footage from the property.
Spirit Airlines revealed on Friday that the budget airline has filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in a year just months after Chapter 11 protection in March.

The airline has vowed to keep flying during the restructuring process, meaning passengers can still book trips and use their tickets, credits and loyalty points.

Employees and contractors will also continue to get paid, the company said.

The airline said in a post on Instagram on Friday that its actions are a 'proactive step to build a stronger foundation and future for our company.'

'As always we remain committed to delivering a safe, reliable operation and look forward to welcoming you on board again soon,' CEO Dave Davis wrote in the post.

Davis said the airline's previous Chapter 11 petition focused on reducing debt and raising capital.

But since March, 'it has become clear that there is much more work to be done and many more tools are available to best position Spirit for the future.'

Debt holders in the airline previously agreed to exchange $795 million in debt for equity in its last bankruptcy, but the airline avoided bigger cost cutting measures such as slashing planes.

Spirit Airlines revealed on Friday that it has filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in a year just months after Chapter 11 protection in March

CEO Dave Davis (pictured) said the airline's actions are a 'proactive step to build a stronger foundation and future for our company'

The airline has struggled with mounting debt and rising operational costs since the Covid-19 pandemic. By the time of its first Chapter 11 filing in November, Spirit had lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020.

Now, however, the airline has said it will reduce its network and shrink its fleet, efforts which are said to reduce costs by 'hundreds of millions of dollars' a year, CNBC reported.

'Since emerging from our previous restructuring, which was targeted exclusively on reducing Spirits funded debt and raising equity capital, it has become clear that there is much more work to be done and many more tools are available to best position Spirit for the future,' Davis said in the release.

Spirit listed its assets and liabilities of between $1 billion and $10 billion, according to the outlet.

Flight attendants, meanwhile, were warned by union leaders to 'prepare for all possible scenarios.'

'We are being direct because even as we have many ways to fight because of our union, we also want to get you the truth about the situation at our airline and how each of us can take actions to protect and prepare ourselves for any challenge,' the Association of Flight Attendants said Friday in a letter to its members.

The airline has struggled with mounting debt and rising operational costs since the Covid-19 pandemic.

By the time of its first Chapter 11 filing in November, Spirit had lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020.

Cost-cutting efforts continued after the airlines emergence from bankruptcy protection in March, including plans to furlough about 270 pilots and downgrade some 140 captains to first officers in the coming months.

The airline now carries $2.4 billion in long-term debt, most due in 2030, and reported a negative free cash flow of $1 billion at the end of the second quarter.

Spirit operates 5,013 flights to 88 destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Panama and Colombia, according to travel search engine Skyscanner.net.
Anti-DEI activist and conservative political commentator Robby Starbuck has joined Meta in the hopes of getting rid of alleged biases in its AI technology.

Starbuck, 36, has been a vocal opponent of DEI in corporate America in recent years and sued the tech giant after claiming its AI tool defamed him.

He alleged the company's AI chatbot falsely assert that he was arrested for and pled guilty to participating in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

The two parties settled in August and as part of that settlement, Meta is bringing Starbuck onboard to try and stop its AI from showing 'ideological and political bias.'

In a statement announcing the hiring, Meta said that is has worked on improving the accuracy of its artificial intelligence but Starbuck will give it a bigger boosts.

'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.'

Starbuck told The Tennessean that his conservative views 'aren't a secret' but he's simply looking for Meta AI to be 'neutral' and 'fact driven.'

'It's my goal to ensure fairness for everyone and ethical responses about everyone,' he said.

Anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck has joined Meta to try and get rid of the biases in its artificial intelligence technology after the conservative sued the company after its AI lied about him

Starbuck went after Mark Zuckerberg's Meta, suing them for defamation after searching his name into Meta AI returned false statements, including that he participated in, was arrested for and pled guilty to participating in the January 6 , 2021 Capitol riot

'Regardless of your politics, I want to help shape a future where you don't 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. It's my goal to be a part of making that happen.'

Starbuck is seen as a rising star on the right after leading the charge in pushing corporations to end DEI programs.

In 2024, he predicted that within two years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the US and even overseas will be in the rearview mirror.

Before then, the dad-of-four, who's pressured everyone from Ford to Lowe's to ditch DEI, says his biggest targets are yet to come.

Those targets coincidentally included his new employers at Meta and other big tech firms  not just over their internal procedures but also for content streams that he says harm kids.

Starbuck has this year emerged as a hugely divisive character in America's culture wars.

He once directed music videos for Snoop Dogg and Megadeth in LA, but swapped that for rural living near Nashville, Tennessee, where he tried  and failed  to win a Republican House seat in 2022.

From a farm in Franklin, he's had greater success in posting X/Twitter videos exposing the DEI programs of top firms and getting their conservative customers to stop spending until executives scrap them.

Starbuck is seen as a rising star on the right after leading the charge to get corporations to end DEI programs

So far, Ford, Harley-Davidson, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Molson Coors, Caterpillar, and Brown-Forman, which makes Jack Daniel's, have all folded. Starbuck lauds his '100 percent success rate.'

His wins echo the past backlashes against Bud Light over its tie-up with a trans TikToker and Target for its Pride range, which some consumers said was inflammatory.

Starbuck and other activists gained momentum after the US Supreme Court banned affirmative action in college admissions in 2023.

That ruling sparked a series of lawsuits and complaints against companies for discriminating against white workers.

Many companies that embraced DEI policies in the wake of the cop killing of unarmed black man George Floyd in May 2020 have stepped back from them for fear of irking conservative patrons.

'People deserve to be able to shop without thinking they're supporting some cause or having somebody else's social value shoved down their throat,' says Starbuck.

'Companies should be neutral and stay out of politics and divisive social issues.'

He's now planning the final stage of his anti-DEI campaign by targeting 'wokery' at big tech firms.

It's a phase shift for Starbuck, as the DEI issues are more complicated, and the companies in question  from Meta to TikTok, and YouTube  are much wealthier than his past targets.

He seeks to halt not only their internal DEI systems, but also how they expose kids to violence, pornography, and posts that promote eating disorders, a negative self-image and radical gender ideology.

Starbuck's campaigns to date have been successful as niche attacks on DEI. He may well struggle to make as much noise  and impact  when wrestling the world's wealthiest and most powerful corporations.
Australians are questioning why people who identify as 'sovereign citizens' are not classed as terrorists by the federal government after two police officers were allegedly murdered in cold blood by a self-proclaimed citizen this week.

Authorities continue to hunt Dezi Freeman after the 56-year-old fled into bushland near Porepunkah, about 300km northeast of Melbourne, on Tuesday morning.

Formerly Dezi Filby, Freeman is accused of killing Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35.

A third officer was also allegedly wounded by Freeman during the operation.

Freeman is understood to have subscribed to the sovereign citizen movement's ideology, which believes the government is illegitimate and the law does not apply to them.

The Australian Federal Police have identified the sovereign citizens movement as a threat since at least 2022, unclassified briefings suggest.

The shooting in Porepunkah has renewed public debate over why the movement is yet to be classed as a 'terror group' following a series of escalating incidents.

'Police officers have (allegedly) died in Australia at the hands of 'sovereign citizens',' one person wrote on a Reddit thread that gained 700 comments in six hours on Saturday.

Authorities continue to hunt fugitive Dezi Freeman (pictured) after he fled into bushland near Porepunkah, Victoria, on Tuesday morning

The self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizen' is accused of killing Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart (pictured, cops at the scene)

'Why isn't this movement declared a terrorist organisation?'

Another added: 'Or at least why aren't these incidents called a terrorist act?'

'I've been thinking about this lately and have the exact same thought,' a third said.

When asked about calls to classify sovereign citizens as a terrorist organisation, a spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs declined to comment.

'It is the Australian Government's longstanding practice not to comment on whether or not an organisation is being, or has been, considered for listing,' they said.

Aussies speculated that the sovereign citizenship movement was yet to be classed as a terrorist group because it is closer to an ideology than a formal group.

'These (alleged) attacks are not organised, and the sovereign citizen movement isn't actually an organisation with a structure. It's just a worldview really,' one person said.

Another said the groups are 'hardly a terrorist organisation'.

Australians have questioned why sovereign citizens have not been classed as a terror group

'It's just a bunch of stupid individuals with superiority complexes, who create funny videos that we all get to laugh at,' they wrote.

Earlier this week, Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly warned that members of the sovereign citizen's movement pose a unique threat to Australia's security.

'The thing that I find particularly disturbing is that the sovereign citizens movement is largely, largely embedded in conspiracy theories,' she told ABC Afternoon Briefing.

'Terrorism in all its forms, historically and most recently, has always had an element of conspiracy theories.

'But in a world where we have rising misinformation, disinformation, (and) the capacity of AI to emphasise and increase misinformation and disinformation, conspiracy theories are more and more becoming part of a radicalising narrative for people.

'So I'm very concerned about the sovereign citizens' movement, and I think it speaks to the much more complex environment in which our security agencies.'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed that members of the ideology were of 'real concern' in an interview with the ABC on Tuesday evening.

Sovereign citizens generally tend to believe the law does not apply to them (Pictured, special tactics groups and police were briefed on day four of the hunt for Dezi Freeman)

'We know that the director-general of ASIO has warned about far-right extremism... This is something that has permeated other nations as well,' he said.

'We see it being multiplied in the United States... this ideology of not seeing themselves being subject to our laws and our society. ASIO have warned that this threat is very real, and that we need to be very vigilant about it.'

Dr Kaz Ross, an independent researcher into conspiracies and right-wing politics in Australia, said while the uniting feature of the ideology is of 'living 'outside' society, some citizens work alone while others join organised groups with hierarchies.

'They've designated sheriffs, they've designated magistrates, they have court hearings. They take it very seriously. They have sheriffs who go around in little sheriff's uniforms. Some have badges on them,' Ross said.

Dr Ross said that while most sovereign citizens claim to be peaceful, there can be incidents of violence from individuals.

'They believe they've woken up to the truth... in some ways, they have good intentions. There's a huge risk if you've got groups of people running around calling themselves sheriffs, serving arrest warrants on random people and taking the law into their own hands,' she said.
A seasoned pilot had to be pulled from the wreckage of his plane after having to make an emergency water landing, which went horribly wrong.

Mark Finkelstein was pulled from his single engine aircraft on August 2 near Oak Island Pier, North Carolina, after having to ditch the plane into the water.

The plane started to suffer engine failure leaving Finkelstein, a pilot of 17 years, unable to circle back to an airport - having to land it in the ocean instead.

Footage shows his plane coming in low and skidding across the top of the surface, before it flips over and lands in the water upside down.

Images taken of the plane after show it mostly submerged in an upright position, with a small pocket of air on the back of the cabin.

Finkelstein had to be guided out by rescuers feet-first under the water and out through the windshield, according to the Oak Island Fire Department.

He had only been in the air for 13 minutes when he recalled that the 'engine just stopped' to WECT 6.

'It was literally going to be about a 20-minute flight just down the length of Oak Island, turn around and come back in,' he said.

Dramatic footage showed the rescue of a pilot from a plane crash near Oak Island Pier in North Carolina after an emergency water landing on August 2 went horribly wrong

Finkelstein hadn't been able to make it back to Cape Fear Regional Jetport, and saw the beach near Oak Island Pier was too crowded, so he attempted to land on the water

The pilot, Mark Finkelstein (pictured), was pulled from the plane after it began to experience engine trouble and made an emergency water landing just after 7.30pm

'At some point, the engine started to lose power so the RPM started to go down. The engine just stopped altogether and the propeller just stopped and at that point it was very clear that I was going to be making a landing in the water,' he added.

Finkelstein hadn't been able to make it back to Cape Fear Regional Jetport, and saw the beach near Oak Island Pier was too crowded, so he attempted to land on the water.

The Fire Department said in a release: 'The plane came to rest mostly submerged in an upright position.

'Surviving on a small pocket of air in the back of the aircrafts cabin, Finkelstein was guided by rescuers feet-first, under the water and out through the windshield.'

It took less than 30 seconds for Finkelstein to be pulled from the wreck, according to the release.

The video captured Finkelstein being rescued from the front window of the aircraft and helped onto a water rescue raft.

Finkelstein amazingly only sustained a cut to his leg, which he received stitches for at hospital.

The video captured Finkelstein being rescued from the front window of the aircraft and helped onto a water rescue raft

Finkelstein said that he was grateful for the swift response of emergency services who rescued him from the wreckage

'Members of the Oak Island Beach Safety Unit, as well as the Southport Fire Department and Oak Island Water Rescue were already in the area, having just responded to a water rescue call nearby,' the release said.

'Within minutes of his landing in the water, units from multiple agencies were at the plane, and able to swiftly recover Mr. Finkelstein, transporting him back to shore.'

'I wasnt focused on what I was going to do as a result of the crash, I was focused on the training and what I felt I needed to do,' Finkelstein said.

'You know, get the door open before I landed, that sort of thing. I just focused on what I needed to do and wasnt thinking further ahead than that.'

The pilot only sustained a cut to his leg, which he received stitches for at hospital

Finkelstein said that he was grateful for the swift response of emergency services who rescued him from the wreckage.

'I was so fortunate that the impact didnt injure me and doubly fortunate that the Oak Island Water Rescue got to me so quickly. That was huge. That was the key to the whole thing,' he said.
A man who first felt the wrath of alleged cop killer Dezi Freeman in 2018 fears it is only a matter of time until the dangerous fugitive comes looking for him.

Zar Saccutelli, whose neighbour war with Freeman aired on A Current Affair - in which the Saccutellis were portrayed as the antagonists - is having trouble sleeping as the suspected gunman remains at large in Victoria's high country bush for a fifth day.

'This is the sort of guy who is so bitter and twisted that he might decide, 'If I'm going to die, I may as well take out the people I don't like with me',' he told Daily Mail.

'I'm having trouble sleeping.

'I keep waking up expecting to find him at the foot of my bed.'

Freeman, 56, is accused of murdering Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, on Tuesday, when they entered his Rayner Track address outside Porepunkah to execute a warrant for alleged historical sex abuse against a child.

Tensions are running high in the usually tranquil town, with locals divided over whether or not Freeman is still in the area. On Saturday afternoon, police once again attended Rayner Track and momentarily converged around the fugitive's home.

It came as police appeared to find a new area of focus on the other side of Mount Buffalo from the original crime scene - where Mr Saccutelli and his neighbours have homes.

Dezi Freeman did an interview with A Current Affair in 2018 labelling Zar as a neighbour from hell

Zar Saccutelli, who has a long history with Freeman, says he can't sleep while the alleged gunman is at large

Daily Mail reporter Karleigh Smith checked Zar's property for him on Saturday (pictured)

Mr Saccutelli, 59, fled his Buffalo Creek Road property on Wednesday on friends' advice, amid fears Freeman may seek revenge over their neighbourhood disputes.

Freeman used to live on that side of the mountain, where he allegedly terrorised the Saccutellis, threatening to kill Zar's 15-year-old son, and stalked and spied on fellow local Loretta Quinn.

Freeman and his wife Mali gave an interview to A Current Affair in 2018, where they portrayed the Saccutellis as 'bogans from Buffalo' who would rev dirt bikes and chainsaws, shattering the supposed peace of their rented home.

The war became so unbearable that the Saccutellis considered selling the lifestyle block that had been in their family for 30 years.

Mr Saccutelli was relieved when the Freemans moved out, but has sought an apology from Channel Nine's A Current Affair for portraying himself and his family as the villains in the now infamous 2018 segment.

Now, the terrified father has made an emotional plea for police to find Freeman so he can stop living in fear.

Mr Saccutelli, who has a home in a nearby town where he has remained since leaving Buffalo Creek on Wednesday, implored police to check his property, where he had an unlocked caravan.

He feared Freeman knew of the caravan and may be using it to hide.

Neighbours near Dezi Freeman's former home are concerned he might still be in the area (the self-proclaimed sovereign citizen is pictured)

Dezi and Mali Freeman claimed the Saccutellis were disturbing the peace in 2018 to ACA

Saccutelli fled his property on Wednesday, where a caravan is on the site (pictured)

Zar's family considered selling their lifestyle block because of Dezi Freeman, before he moved in 2023

Mr Saccutelli is unsure whether police attended the property, so this reporter agreed to check on the buildings for him on Saturday and entered with permission - the caravan and main dwelling appeared untouched.

Fellow Buffalo Creek neighbour Serge Parisotto, who used to be Freeman's landlord and sometime drinking buddy when he rented his home on Buffalo Creek Road until 2023, said Mr Saccutelli's fears were founded.

'I told Zar when he was here on Wednesday that he should get out of here,' he revealed.

Mr Parisotto also has had run-ins with Freeman and is currently living in a state of high alert.

When Freeman left his property, he siliconed the windows shut.

He said police had searched the area with sniffer dogs on Wednesday but haven't been back since then.

On Saturday, a police convoy which included Special Operations Group officers in a Bearcat, along with detectives, uniformed police and dogs raced to Clemens Lane - just minutes from Mr Saccutelli, Mr Parisotto and Ms Quinn's homes.

This marked a dramatic change in direction for the 450-strong personnel operation.

Clemens Lane is more than a 30-minute drive from the Rayner Track site where Freeman fled, heavily armed, into the bush - and is minutes from Buffalo Creek Drive.

Police converged on Clemens Lane on Saturday morning, near Zar's Buffalo Creek Road property

Special tactics groups and other specialist police continued the manhunt for Dezi Freeman on Saturday

Freeman once lived in this home, owned by Serge Parisotto

According to neighbours, Ms Quinn's dogs were set off on Saturday morning - but it's understood she was not home.

Ms Quinn, who lives alone and once successfully secured a restraining order against Freeman, told Daily Mail she has been 'peering into the bush' and was 'freaked out'.

Freeman entered her property and had a furious confrontation with her son in 2018. Even after the restraining order, Ms Quinn would find rock cairns built on her land, and suspected it was Freeman leaving chilling reminders that he was still around.

Mr Parisotto said it was 'very feasible' that skilled bushman Freeman could have made his way over the mountain range to their cluster of residences.

Mr Parisotto, who was once on good terms with Freeman and would 'have a few beers with him' explained that there were multiple tracks he could have taken.

'He was always out in that bush - he would disappear in there for days on end,' he said.

Some locals have speculated Freeman may have fled the area, but Mr Parisotto doesn't agree - he shook his head at this suggestion and looked meaningfully at this reporter.

He nodded when asked if Freeman was in the bush nearby.

Before Freeman moved to Rayner Track, Ms Quinn caught him on her land on camera

Freeman is pictured in this photo taken by Ms Quinn

Both Mr Parisotto and Ms Quinn declined to be photographed.

Residents on nearby Clemens Lane were left frightened and frustrated this morning when police barricaded the entrance to their rural road.

One man trying to access the street told police his wife and dog were alone in their home, while another couple was trying to get back to their teenage children.

Police reassured concerned locals that the barricade was only there to prevent media access.

One officer revealed to a local that the convoy had stormed the area to question someone.

On Friday, a locked-down Porepunkah slowly reopened to locals, while tourists wanting to access Victoria's nearby snowfields were still advised to seek alternate routes.

Punkah Pub resumed business on Friday night and did a roaring trade for both residents and the nation's media.

Police Special Operations Group forces are in the frantic hunt for Freeman

Venue manager Misty-Rose Wilson told Daily Mail she knew Freeman in passing, and detailed his exceptional bush skills.

She said he was capable of precision shooting from 200metre distances, and was adept at making snares.

On Tuesday morning, 10 officers arrived at the Freemans' remote farmhouse in Porepunkah with a warrant over historic sexual assault charges

Instead of surrendering, Freeman allegedly grabbed a homemade shotgun and opened fire. Detective Leading Thompson, 59, was killed in the ambush. Senior Constable De Waart, 35, was also gunned down.

A third officer was wounded but survived.

The manhunt continues to be hampered by bad weather conditions, with a blizzard descending on Mt Buffalo on Friday night.

Dezi's wife, Mali Freeman, 42, and their 15-year-old son were arrested during a dramatic police raid at a property in Porepunkah on Thursday night. They were interviewed and released without charge, pending further inquiries.

Hours after her arrest, Ms Freeman was spotted visiting Wangaratta Magistrates' Court for unknown reasons. She was flanked by several supporters, who tried to shield Ms Freeman from the television cameras.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush has urged Freeman 'to lay down your firearms and give yourself up'.

'I can assure you that we have every resource we require to locate the person responsible for this horrific homicide,' he told a press conference.
An alleged mass kidnapping in Virginia has left cops scrambling to respond to worried parents with state police saying the rumors aren't true, despite a surge in reports.

Virginia State Police issued a statement over a surge of viral TikTok videos that claimed a mass of abduction of children has been taking place since August 1.

Many other videos followed up by raising concerns of an alleged 'mass kidnapper', one of the viral videos urged users, 'be careful everyone.'

'A mass kidnapper in VA, 19 kids missing in 10 DAYS, watch your kids please,' the video said.

But police shot down these claims in a damning statement, saying there is 'no evidence' of any mass abductions in the state.

They said they have had a surge in reports of missing children than other states on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Kids (NCMEC) website.

However, this is because 'Virginia State Police forwards EVERY missing child case to NCMEC' and is the most 'pro-active' in sending cases to the website.

'Virginia State Police is not investigating any reports of mass abductions in Virginia, nor is there evidence of mass abductions occurring in Virginia,' state police said in a release.

Virginia State Police issued a statement over a surge of viral TikTok videos that claimed a mass of abduction of children has been taking place since August 1

One of the viral videos told users, 'be careful everyone. A mass kidnapper in VA, 19 kids missing in 10 DAYS, watch your kids please,' the video said

'Virginia does this to centralize missing childrens cases so they can all be reviewed in one location. Many other clearinghouses post their cases to their own website. In Virginia, the MCC uses NCMEC as the clearinghouse site,' the release said.

From August 3 to August 9, 88 children were reported missing to the MCC, according to the release.

An average of 98 children were reported missing each week in the state, police said.

'Since January 2025 to current, a total of 3,274 children have been reported missing to the MCC. Of these, 141 (as of 10:30 am Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025) are still missing or approximately 4%,' the release said.

As well as the missing children, some social media users have expressed their discomfort over ice cream trucks seemingly patrolling late at night.

Police noted that many recent missing child reports stemmed from children running away from home, 13 News Now reported.

Authorities noted that almost all missing children cases are investigated at the local level, from the town where they are reported missing.

Viral videos raised concerns over ice cream trucks showing up in the late evening and overnight, but police have said there is 'no evidence' of any mass abductions in the state

Viral videos raised concerns over ice cream trucks showing up in the late evening and overnight, but police have said there is 'no evidence' of any mass abductions in the state

When a child is missing, local agencies have two hours to report it to state authorities in order for them to issue a CODI or Amber Alert, the release said.

Police urged parents to have children 'practice making 911 calls' from a cellphone and landline.

They also asked to make sure children know 'not to accept rides from strangers and not to trust a stranger who suggests they go off alone together for any reason, for example, to find a lost puppy, etc.'

'Tell your child to let you know immediately if another adult suggests keeping secrets from you. Never leave your child alone in the car, even for a minute', police said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi fired a Department of Justice staffer after they went on a vulgar tirade and gave the middle finger to a National Guard member.

Elizabeth Baxter was fired from her role according to a statement issued by Bondi on Friday night.

In a report by The New York Post, Baxter is said to have came into work on August 18 and told a security guard she had just flipped off the guardsman at her DC Metro stop, according to the outlet.

Bondi also claimed Baxter, a paralegal, bragged about yelling: 'F*** the National Guard!'

Nearly four hours later, DOJ security cameras caught Baxter flipping the bird to a National Guard member again and repeating 'F**k you!' She reportedly told another co-worker about it the following week.

News of her dismissal comes just days after DOJ specialist Sean Charles Dunn was fired after allegedly throwing a Subway salami sandwich at a border agent in DC.

It has also since emerged that Baxter and Dunn had worked in the environmental division in the same building together.

'Today, I took action to terminate a DOJ employee for inappropriate conduct towards National Guard service members in DC,' Bondi said on social media.

Baxter had came into work on August 18 and told a security guard she had just flipped off the guardsman at her DC Metro stop, according to a memo seen by The Post. Bondi is seen here

DOJ security cameras caught Baxter flipping the bird to a National Guard member again and repeating: 'F**k you!'

'The Justice Department remains committed to defending President Trumps agenda and fighting to make America safe again.'

'If you oppose our mission and disrespect law enforcement  you will NO LONGER work at DOJ.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Department of Justice for further comment.

Baxter becomes the second paralegal to lose their job at the DOJ following Dunn's bizarre sandwich slinging.

A video allegedly showing Dunn throwing the Subway sandwich at the officer and running away before being arrested went viral earlier this month.

After Dunns arrest, Bondi fired him from the Justice Department where he worked as an international affairs specialist.

A video of Dunns arrest shows him allegedly screaming at a group of border agents by calling them f*cking fascists.

The DC-local then allegedly shouts shame before tossing his dinner sandwich at the officers.

Baxter becomes the second paralegal to lose their job at the DOJ following Dunn's bizarre sandwich slinging

Baxter follows the story of sacked DOJ international affairs specialist Sean Charles Dunn , the alleged viral DC Subway salami sandwich thrower

The video spread across social media as anti-Trump users adopted Dunns sandwich throw as a symbol of resistance to the federal take over of DC.

Following his arrest, US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who styles herself as a tough on crime prosecutor, decided to punish Dunn to the full extent of the law.

He thought it was funny,' Pirro said in a video about Dunn. 'Well, he doesn't think it's funny today cause we charged him with a felony - assault on a police officer.'

Pirro added, And were going to back the police to the hilt. So there, stick your Subway sandwich somewhere else!

Department of Justice prosecutors failed to obtain a felony indictment against Dunn.

It is rare for grand jurors not to grant an indictment to federal prosecutors especially in a case involving felony assault of a law enforcement officer.

According to CNN, grand jurors believed there is not enough evidence for an indictment for the charges outlined by the prosecution. The DOJ could try again to convince a jury to greenlight an indictment for Dunns case.

The case showcases the liberal outcry to Donald Trumps rampant takeover of the capital.

Since Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department and sent the National Guard into DC, law enforcement claims to have made over 1,000 arrests.
ProPalestinian protesters were booed after disrupting a BBC Proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall last night, accusing the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra of having 'blood on its hands'.

The disruption began moments into the performance at the renowned venue, forcing the orchestra to stop playing for more than ten minutes.

Jewish Artists for Palestine, a group which describes itself as 'antiZionist Jewish writers, visual and performance artists', has claimed responsibility, saying the action was aimed at exposing 'Zionist funding, censorship and complicity' in the arts.

Footage shared online showed demonstrators in the upper balcony holding signs and shouting: 'The MSO is complicit in genocide' and 'You silence artists'.

'The MSO has blood on its hands,' another woman can be heard shouting.

As they continued, members of the audience responded with loud boos while the orchestra remained silent.

The group said it targeted the MSO because it cancelled a Sydney concert by pianist Jayson Gillham last year after his proGaza remarks, a decision which the orchestra has since admitted was wrong.

The group said in a statement that it had targeted the MSO's concert after they cancelled a performance by acclaimed pianist Jayson Gillham last year.

The disruption began moments into the performance at the renowned venue, forcing the orchestra to stop playing for more than ten minutes

Jewish Artists for Palestine, a group which describes itself as 'antiZionist Jewish writers, visual and performance artists', has claimed responsibility

The group said in a statement that it had targeted the MSO's concert after they cancelled a performance by acclaimed pianist Jayson Gillham, pictured, last year

Mr Gillham's performance in Sydney was cancelled due to comments he made in support of Gazans. The MSO has since said the cancellation had been a mistake.

Shouts of 'you silenced Jayson Gillham' and the 'MSO is complicit in genocide' was also heard, followed by booing from the audience.

The BBC apologised for the disruption but said it was dealt with by the venue.

The interruption was captured on BBC Radio 3, which was broadcasting the performance.

Announcer Ian Skelly could be heard narrating what was happening during the interruption, including that security was brought in to remove the protesters.

Angela Tanner, who was in the stalls, told the BBC that it took quite a while for the protesters to be removed.

'The whole programme had to start again and has been put into a different order after the piano was put onto the stage and taken off again,' she said.

'There was lots of booing from the audience, then eventually they [the organisers] announced, thanks for our patience.'

Shouts of 'you silenced Jayson Gillham' and the 'MSO is complicit in genocide' was also heard, followed by booing from the audience

Post shared by the group on their social media post

A spokesperson for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra said: 'We are proud of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for the resilience and professionalism demonstrated in its performance in London.

'The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was making its first visit to the BBC Proms under Chief Conductor Jaime Martin, with a sold-out performance at Royal Albert Hall.

'The London performance was the culmination of the MSO's successful tour of Europe. We are proud of our musicians for delivering a world-class performance at one of the world's great music venues.'

It comes as parents were left outraged after proPalestinian activists stormed a children's science show in Wimbledon, leaving youngsters in tears as chaos erupted inside the theatre.

The New Wimbledon Theatre descended into uproar earlier this month when a group calling itself Parents for Palestine barged into the venue, chanting in front of an audience packed with children as young as seven.

Shaken parents said children were 'crying their eyes out', with some forced to cover their ears as the protest dragged on.

The activists were eventually bundled out by staff, but not before leaving families stunned and frightened.

One mother, Rose, said how her autistic sevenyearold daughter was left 'really upset' by the disruption.

She said: 'We're sitting there getting ready for the show and then there's this lady with a mask over her face and then she starts chanting.

A woman, carrying a baby appears on stage during a protest at the New Wimbledon Theatre

A group of 'Parents for Palestine' protesters stormed the venue and began chanting in front of an audience of terrified youngsters

'And then after that, I see a big banner drop from the top of the theatre and then from that everything is just disrupted.

'There are parents with their children next to me, and their kids are crying their eyes out cause it's quite scary.

'Security has come along and ushered some people out, but then some other people who have got up on the stage to make sure their voices are getting heard.'

'You can do a peaceful protest, but this isn't the way. Why would you do this at a kids show? The children do not need to know this, this is not an appropriate time.

'It was about 4:25pm  the show was supposed to start at 4:30pm  and that's when they jump out of their seats and start chanting their nonsense.

'We had to wait half an hour for the show to begin. The show did go ahead and it was quite a good show.'

Rose claimed that one parent sitting next to her later called the police and there was subsequently a 'large police presence' outside.
Police have arrested protesters in angry scenes outside an Epping migrants hotel at the centre of a Government court case - with warnings of more demos to come.

Three men were detained after police officers were injured during a protest outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers in the east London town.

The clashes outside the Bell Hotel came after the Government won a court challenge which means asylum seekers can continue to be housed at the Essex hotel.

A fresh wave of action is planned after that court verdict - while a group of councils reportedly aim to press ahead with separate legal challenges aimed at ending the use of hotels to accommodate migrants in their areas.

Essex Police said today that one man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, a second man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

A third man was held on suspicion of drink driving after a car was driven on the wrong side of the road towards a cordon. All three remained in custody, police said.

The force added that a group coming to Epping after attending a protest in Cheshunt 'remain in the area' and that a dispersal order has been put in place.

Assistant chief constable Glen Pavelin said: 'Protest is a democratic right, and we'll always do all we can to facilitate that, for every group seeking to make their voice heard.

Police have been called to a protest near to an Epping migrants hotel

The protest outside the Bell Hotel came after the Government won a court challenge which means asylum seekers can continue to be housed at the Essex hotel

The Bell Hotel in Epping became the focal point of several protests and counter-protests in recent weeks

'The overwhelming majority of people in Epping tonight clearly wanted their voices to be heard and they did that safely and without the need for a police response.

'However, the right to protest does not include a right to commit crime and tonight a small number of people were arrested. Two officers sustained injuries which are thankfully not serious.

'Officers will remain in the area in the coming hours to ensure the dispersal order which remains in place is adhered to.'

ACC Pavelin added: 'The strength of feeling in Epping throughout the summer is not lost on me. My continued plea to those people who want their voices to be heard is to please do that safely and peacefully.'

The Bell Hotel in Epping 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. He has denied the charges.

Somani Hotels, which owns the Epping building, and the Home Office won their challenge against the High Court ruling on Friday, which would have stopped 138 asylum seekers from being housed there.

On Friday evening, a small number of protesters carrying England and Union flags gathered outside, and police officers guarded the entrance.

One protester who appeared outside the hotel told the PA News Agency the Court of Appeal ruling could result in civil unrest.

Protesters wave flags outside the Bell Hotel following the major ruling

There was a heavy police presence outside the Bell Hotel before Friday's High Court verdict

A woman waves a Union Jack flag outside the Park Hotel in Chichester, West Sussex

Carmen, who wore a pink top branded with 'Pink Ladies Say, The Only Way is Epping, Send Them Home' on it, said: 'We come every week - march, protest - and today's ruling is just devastating, absolutely devastating. It will probably cause civil unrest.'

In nearby Cheshunt in Hertfordshire, a video posted on YouTube showed dozens of protesters behind barriers near the Delta Marriott hotel, which has also been used to house asylum seekers.

Police stood in front of the barriers and some roads were closed with counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism also in attendance.

At one point, protesters appeared to clash with officers.

Councillor Corina Gander, the leader of Broxbourne Council in Hertfordshire, said in a statement on Thursday that she 'remains concerned' about the impact the use of the Delta Marriott hotel is having on local services.

The council said it has taken legal advice about use of the hotel and said it intends to take enforcement action.

'This action will help us to meet our objective of seeking the closure of the Delta Marriott hotel for housing asylum seekers,' Cllr Gander said.

On Friday, the Court of Appeal overturned Epping Forest District Council's interim injunction, which would prevent the Bell Hotel from being used as an asylum hotel.

There were fresh protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping last night prior to the court 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

Some 138 asylum seekers would no longer have been able to be housed there beyond September 12 under the injunction.

But the Home Office and Somani Hotels, which owns the Bell Hotel, challenged the High Court ruling.

Three appeal judges described the previous judgment as 'seriously flawed in principle' and said the hotel could continue to be used to house migrants.

The High Court's original ruling followed weeks of protests in Essex after an asylum seeker housed at the Bell Hotel was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl last month. He has denied the charges.

The courtroom victory by ministers triggered criticism from the Government's political opponents, while protesters insisted they would now hold regular demonstrations against the use of hotels to house asylum seekers.

A group calling themselves the Great British National Protest said they would hold demonstrations on Saturday and for every 'foreseeable' Saturday, including outside the Home Office in Westminster.

Epping Forest District Council said it is 'ruling nothing out' following the Court of Appeal decision, 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.

The Bell Hotel will continue to be used to house asylum seekers before a full trial of the council's case

Among them are several Labour-run authorities, the newspaper said.

On Friday night, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged Tory councils to pursue such legal action.

'Local communities should not pay the price for Labour's 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,' Mrs Badenoch said.

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

Home Office lawyers had argued that the Government's duties towards asylum seekers under the ECHR were 'fundamentally different' from the local council's planning responsibilities.

Reacting to the ruling, Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle said the Government was committed to closing all asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament.

But she added that it appealed against the High Court ruling so that hotel use can be ended in a 'controlled and orderly way'.

Local councillor Shane Yerrell said the government should 'hang their heads in shame'

A small number of protesters gathered outside the hotel after the High Court judgment

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

A counter demonstrator holds a sign which reads, 'sanctuary' with several red hearts

Anti immigration protests have taken place outside the Park Hotel in Chichester, were migrants are believed to be housed, in recent weeks

Protests took place outside the Bell Hotel on Friday night following the Court of Appeal ruling.

Essex Police put in place two dispersal orders to ensure protesters left the areas they were gathered before too late in the night.

Three men were arrested during the evening, Essex Police said.

They added that the detentions involved 'one man on suspicion of violent disorder, a second on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, and a third man on suspicion of drink driving after a car was driven on the wrong side of the road towards a police cordon'.
NATO has scrambled fighter jets after Putin launched a major air attack across Ukraine overnight.

The bombardment of 537 drones and 45 missiles unleashed by Russian forces caused yet more death and destruction as civilians and energy and rail facilities were targeted.

The brutal attacks piled more agony on Ukraine at the end of a week which has seen dozens slaughtered in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as 'vile' strikes 'demonstrating Putin's true intentions  to continue killings, not to take steps towards peace'.

Ukraine hit back with targeted strikes at key Russian oil refineries and a chemical plant.

NATO was forced to scramble Polish and other Allied warplanes on Ukraine's border due to the intensity of the Russian strikes, which included Putin's nuclear capable strategic Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers.

A statement from Warsaw's armed forces operational command said: 'In connection with another attack by the Russian Federation striking objects on the territory of Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation has begun operating in our airspace.'

The Operational Commander 'activated all available forces and resources at his disposal, on-duty fighter pairs were scrambled, and ground systems of air defence and radio-location detection reached maximum alert.'

Russia unleashed dozens of Iskander-M, Iskander-K, Kalibr, Kh-59 and Kh-101 missiles as well as hundreds of killer Shahed drones.

NATO has scrambled fighter jets after Putin launched a major air attack across Ukraine overnight. Screen grab shows a firefighter putting out flames in the Dnipropetrovsk region after it was attacked by Russian strikes

Ukraine hit back with targeted strikes at key Russian oil refineries and a chemical plant. Pictured: A Ukrainian strike hits the Syzran Oil Refinery in Russia's Samara region, triggering a huge inferno

Pictured: Flames are ignited as a Ukrainian strike hits the strategic Krasnodar Oil Refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region

In total, there were 537 strike drones and 45 missiles - one of the heaviest bombardments of the war.

Ukraine downed 548 of the 582 incoming strikes but still suffered acute damage.

Footage shows how Russian airstrikes targeted different buildings across Ukraine, with missiles seen hitting different buildings across the country, sparking massive infernos.

Other videos reportedly show Kyiv's retaliation, with Ukrainian airstrikes hitting Russian oil refineries.

In the Ukrainiian city of Zaporizhzhia, 14 multi-story buildings and more than 40 private houses were hit by the Russians.

One person was killed, with at least 22 injured, including three children.

Rescue efforts were ongoing amid fears of casualties.

Fires broke out, and power outages recorded.

Residential buildings were ablaze in Dnipro city, and gas distribution infrastructure facilities were hit in Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk region.

Some ten rockets hit Dnipro in 15 minutes, according to local reports.

NATO was forced to scramble Polish and other Allied warplanes on Ukraine's border due to the intensity of the Russian strikes. Screen grab shows the moment Ukrainian forces hit the Syzran oil refinery

Ukraine downed 548 of the 582 incoming strikes but still suffered acute damage

Another video shows the moment Ukraine hit the strategic Krasnodar Oil Refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region

A firefighter is seen trying to put out flames in the Dnipropetrovsk region after an attack from Russia damaged infrastructure and private housing

The night of fighting came after a week which saw Russia kill 25 civilians in Kyiv on one night - and hit the British Council building in the Ukrainian capital

At least one civilian was killed and several dozens injured - including children - as a result of a savage new Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia

Targets included Pavlohrad Chemical Plant, where solid rocket fuel is produced, and Pavlohrad Mechanical Plant.

Thunderous explosions hit Lutsk and Cherkasy, reportedly targeting energy infrastructure.

Russia hit railways in Kyiv region, delaying long-distance trains.

Strikes also hit Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Ivano-Frankivsk, Rivne, Sumy, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Chernivtsi, Chernihiv and Volyn regions in Russia's latest attack.

Ukraine ignited two key Russian oil refineries crucial to Putin's military machine, with both seen ablaze early Saturday.

One - in Krasnodar - produces three million tons of oil a year.

The other - Syzran Refinery in Samara region - produces some eight million tons of petrol, diesel fuel, and aviation kerosene annually.

A strike in Tula was believed to be targeted at a chemical plant producing gunpowder and explosives for the Russian armed forces.

A local resident carries his pet after Russian air strike that destroyed residential neighbourhood in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025

A local resident carries his pet after Russian air strike that destroyed residential neighbourhood in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025

A resident stands near the resident's destroyed home following Russian air strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025

Local residents stand near their destroyed home following Russian air strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025

Local residents look at their destroyed home following Russian air strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025

A resident looks at his destroyed home following Russian air strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025

A police officer inspects fragments of the Russian rocket after Russian missile attack in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025

Residents stand at the site of an apartment building hit during a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine August 30, 2025

Local residents look at their destroyed home following Russian air strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025

Medical workers treat a resident at the site of an apartment building hit during Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine August 30, 2025

A firefighter and a resident stand at the site of an apartment building hit during a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine August 30, 2025

A firefighter works at the site of an apartment building hit during a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine August 30, 2025

Ukraine also staged a 'massive attack' with air and sea drones on occupied Crimea.

The night of fighting came after a week which saw Russia kill 25 civilians in Kyiv on one night - and hit the British Council building in the Ukrainian capital.

Russian ambassador to the UK Andrei Kelin - called in by the Foreign Office this week over the Kyiv strikes - said: 'For my part, I will remind the British that the military carries out carefully calibrated and highly accurate strikes only on military targets and facilities that are associated with them.

'I must say that one such facility of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex is in close proximity to the British Council building. It is literally across the street.

'As far as I understand from here, it was successfully hit.'

Zelensky said: 'We saw the world's reaction to the previous shelling.

'But now, when Russia is once again showing that it doesn't care about words, we are counting on real action.'

It comes as Russia on Thursday launched a major air attack on Kyiv that included a rare strike on the centre of Ukraine's capital, killing at least 21 people, wounding 48 and damaging European diplomatic offices.

Britian said the attack sabotaged peace efforts, while top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas summoned Russia's EU envoy to Brussels over the strikes that damaged EU offices.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting on airstrikes against Ukraine on Friday afternoon at the request of Ukraine and the five European council members  Britain, France, Slovenia, Denmark and Greece.
Controversial Irish rap group Kneecap have called for a boycott of McDonald's in their latest gig, just days after their US tour was cancelled with one of its members facing a court case for allegedly supporting Hezbollah.

The trio took aim at McDonald's alongside Kemi Badenoch, the US military and the DUP in front of a rapturous crowd at a homecoming concert at Vital festival in Belfast.

Kneecap's 15-stop US tour was spiked on Monday, with the band blaming it on the 'proximity of our next court hearing in London to the first date of the tour'.

Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of the Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in November last year.

He was charged with a terrorism offence for displaying the flag 'in such a way or in such a circumstance as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation'.

The band said they would 'embark on an even bigger tour' of the US after 'we win our court case, which we will.'

They also accused the British government of perpetrating a 'witch-hunt' against them.

On Friday, the band called for a boycott of McDonald's in front of thousands of supporters, many donning keffiyehs and waving Palestine flags, who chanted 'Free Palestine' throughout the concert.

Controversial Northern Irish rap group Kneecap have called for a boycott of McDonald's in their latest gig

The trio also projected a message saying 'Get The US Military Out of Ireland' during their performance in Dublin

Kneecap's 15-stop US tour was spiked on Monday, with the band blaming it on the 'proximity of our next court hearing in London to the first date of the tour'

The fast food giant has been hit with a boycott campaign over its perceived support for Israel since the outbreak of war with Hamas in October 2023.

It was sparked after Muslim-majority countries, such as Kuwait, Malaysia and Pakistan, issued statements distancing themselves from the company.

McDonald's last year admitted that they were experiencing a 'meaningful business impact' due to the Israel-Hamas conflict as well as 'associated misinformation' about the brand.

It followed a dispute when McDonald's Israel announced it had donated thousands of free meals to IDF troops involved in the war.

McDonald's restaurants are franchises, meaning that individual stores are owned by local operators.

While last year McDonald's bought back ownership of all 225 restaurants in Israel.

Kneecap also lashed out at the US military during their performance in Belfast, beginning their set with an on screen message that said: 'Get the US military out of Ireland'.

That slogan appears to be in reference to the US use of Shannon Airport as a stopover point.

Almost 2,000 military aircraft and US civil flights, with munitions of war on board, have stopped at Irish airports, mostly at Shannon, over the last three years.

The band called for a boycott of McDonald's in front of thousands of supporters who chanted 'Free Palestine' throughout the concert.

Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of the Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in November last year

The fast food giant has been hit with a boycott campaign over its perceived support for Israel since the outbreak of war with Hamas

The controversial trio also hit out at Conservatives leader Kemi Badenoch, projecting a 'F*** Badenoch' message onto the screen.

Kneecap have previously been investigated by police after a band member was filmed saying 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.'

They have also been accused of anti-semitism and last month were banned from Hungary for three years for 'repeatedly engaging in anti-semitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups' ahead of a performance at the Sziget Festival in Budapest.

They claim the controversies surrounding the group are part of a campaign against them because of their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza.

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 trio of British brothers have set a new world record after completing the fastest human-powered crossing of the Pacific Ocean.

Jamie, Ewan and Lachlan Maclean arrived in the Australian city of Cairns on Saturday at 1.52am BST, marking the end of their 139-day, five hour and 52 minute journey crossing the world's largest ocean.

And what was the first thing they wanted when they finally reached land? Pizza.

Middle brother Jamie, 31, said all he wanted upon landing was a pizza - calling the journey the most 'incredible, relentless and often surreal experience' of his life.

'Things got tough towards the end and we seriously thought we might run out of food.

'Despite how exhausted we were, we had to step up a gear and make it before supplies ran out, but now we get to eat proper food.

'Ocean rowing has given us newfound appreciation for things we used to take for granted - like going for a shower, lying in bed, or simply leaning on something stationary,' he said.

The Edinburgh-born team is the first team ever recorded to row from South America to Australia.

The brothers tuck into hard-earned pizza after completing their world record voyage

Jamie, Ewan and Lachlan Maclean arrived in Cairns, Australia, on Saturday, marking the end of their 139-day journey crossing the world's largest ocean

The brothers hoped to raise 1 million for The Maclean Foundation - the clean water charity the brothers founded with their father, whisky writer Charles Maclean MBE

Middle brother Jamie said all he wanted upon landing was a 'pizza'

The previous record was held by Russian Fedor Konyukhov, who rowed 7,393 miles from Chile to Australia over 159 days and 16 hours and 58 minutes in 2014.

Arriving on Australian shores following their 9,000-mile journey, the Brits were reunited with more than 50 family members and friends who made the trip from the UK, including their mother Sheila.

The brothers had earlier been expected to arrive on Friday, but their arrival was pushed back.

When they set off in April, the boat was cheered on by hundreds of supporters and the Peruvian Navy brass band while Jamie played the bagpipes.

The siblings from Edinburgh became the fastest and youngest trio to row the Atlantic Ocean in 2020, raising more than 200,000 for charity.

This new expedition is considered one of the most remote and physically demanding open-water rows ever attempted.

The brothers, born in Edinburgh, were greeted by bagpipes as friends and family met them when they finished the crossing in Australia

Pictured: The British brothers overjoyed at finally being able to tuck into a hot pizza

Jamie Maclean said things got tough towards the end when the brothers feared they might run out of food

The Edinburgh-born team is the first team ever recorded to row from South America to Australia

Arriving on Australian shores following their 9,000-mile journey, the Brits were reunited with more than 50 family members and friends who made the trip from the UK, including their mother Sheila

Custom-built carbon fibre vessel the 'Rose Emily' was launched from Yacht Club Peruano, with the brothers rowing in two-hour shifts and with no resupplies or safety boat on the 280kg vessel.

The brothers hoped to raise 1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar - and have so far raised 814,401 according to their website.

Oldest brother Ewan, 33, said the experience was the 'hardest' thing he had ever done.

'There have been countless setbacks to overcome, some leaving us lost, but we've always lifted each other up,' he said.

'We've shed tears of joy and laughed till our cheeks hurt.

'And at times we've cried with sadness and with fear, but our spirits have been lifted, time and time again, by the support of so many rallying behind us.'

This new expedition is considered one of the most remote and physically demanding open-water rows ever attempted

The brothers hoped to raise 1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar - and have so far raised 814,401

Oldest brother Ewan, 33, said the experience was the 'hardest' thing he had ever done

The trio of brothers embraced as they celebrated the completion of their rowing challenge

On board, they brought 500kg of food, including 75kg of oats and a menu of high-calorie comfort meals.

The Rare Whisky 101 Pacific Row aimed to raise funds for The Maclean Foundation - the clean water charity the brothers founded with their father, whisky writer Charles Maclean MBE.

According to their webpage, they are less than 200,000 away from their target of 1 million.

They have gained the support of a number of celebrities, including actor Mark Wahlberg, who called the trio 'warriors' for their endeavour.

They were also applauded by Michael 'Flea' Balzary, the bassist for rock superstars Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Residents at Chamberlain Care Home in Edinburgh also took up rowing lessons in support of the brothers, which Jamie previously described as 'humbling'.
A terror boss who plotted to bomb the London Stock Exchange and was a close friend of London Bridge double killer Usman Khan has been freed from prison.

Mohammed Shahjahan - who grew up in Burslem and Cobridge - was put behind bars back in 2012 over a planned bombing spree, intending to target Boris Johnson, Big Ben and the Stock Exchange.

He was jailed alongside terrorist pal and former Haywood High School student Khan over the plot and both men were sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Shahjahan was automatically released in 2019 under controversial legislation which lets terrorists walk free halfway through their sentence.

But he was recalled a year later for breaching licence conditions after his tag showed he had been able to slip surveillance to visit his wife.

Khan - who was also released early - went on to commit the Fishmonger's Hall terror attack in 2019, stabbing two young people to death despite claiming to be rehabilitated.

The Parole Board confirmed to StokeonTrentLive last year that it was 'assessing the potential release of Shahjahan'.

Now GB News host Patrick Christys has reported that Shahjahan has been granted parole.

Mohammed Shahjahan (pictured) was put behind bars back in 2012 over a planned bombing spree, intending to target Boris Johnson, Big Ben and the Stock Exchange

He was jailed alongside London Bridge double killer Usman Khan (pictured) over a planned bombing spree

All three had been watched by MI5 before their planned attack. Surveillance photograph of Cardiff meeting. Terrorists Left to right: Mohibur Raham, Gurukanth Desai, Abdul Miah, Usman Khan, Mohammed Chowdhury, Mohammed Shahjahan

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'This decision was made by the independent Parole Board. A view opposing release was entered by the Lord Chancellor in September 2024.

'After thorough consideration of the Parole Board's decision, it was concluded there was no legal basis to ask for reconsideration.'

Shahjahan, Khan and key sidekick Nazam Hussain, also formerly of Cobridge, initially acted as a self-contained radical cell, preaching an extreme version of Islam on the streets of Stoke-on-Trent and from a market stall in Waterloo Road.

The trio, who are all British-born and of Pakistani origin, then began to communicate with two groups in other cities in the autumn of 2010.

The three cells had common extreme beliefs, including that terror attacks on targets in the UK were permitted under Islam due to British involvement in military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Stoke-on-Trent men were also recorded talking about planting bombs in pub toilets in Stoke-on-Trent.

While they never got to the stage of building the bombs or selecting targets, they were already considering what would come after this initial campaign.

Now GB News host Patrick Christys has reported that Shahjahan has been granted parole

When it emerged The Parole Board was considering the potential release of Shahjahan Tory MP Nigel Mills said: 'I sincerely hope he is not released. 'Usman Khan was and he went on to commit a horrific terrorist attack. This is clearly a man who is one of the most dangerous people in the country'

After his early release in 2018, Khan stabbed and killed two prison rehabilitation workers at an event at Fishmongers' Hall in 2019. Armed cops then shot him dead.

Another terrorist, Nazam Hussain, 38, was jailed alongside Khan and Shahjahan in 2012.

All three admitted engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terror and were jailed. All three had been watched by MI5 before their planned attack.

Shahjahan was refused Parole in 2023 but was granted it earlier this year, despite a prison psychologist previously ruling he had a 'tendency to overlook the consequences of his actions'.

When it emerged The Parole Board was considering the potential release of Shahjahan Tory MP Nigel Mills said: 'I sincerely hope he is not released.

'Usman Khan was and he went on to commit a horrific terrorist attack.

'This is clearly a man who is one of the most dangerous people in the country.'
A council employee who made nearly 250,000 by holding down four different jobs at multiple local authorities has been jailed for three years.

Bryn Howells, 66, from Stroud, Gloucestershire, worked for two district councils and another company which provided services to three more before he was caught.

The fraudster failed to declare his existing jobs and submitted false timesheets, allowing him to gain a salary and benefits totalling a whopping 236,000 between February 2022 and June 2023.

Howells worked simultaneously for Tewkesbury borough council, South Gloucestershire council and Publica Group.

He denied any wrongdoing, saying he was instead motivated by a desire to support local councils where skilled staff were in short supply.

Howells also claimed that none of the local authorities suffered financially as a result of his actions and that he had always completed his work.

However, jailing him at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday, Judge Malcom Gibney said the 66-year-old had 'made hay while the sun shined'.

He said Howells worked multiple jobs in the knowledge that the councils would not be checking up on him.

Bryn Howells (pictured), 66, from Stroud, Gloucestershire, worked for two district councils and another company which provided services to three more before he was caught

Howells was jailed for three years at Gloucester Crown Court (pictured) on Thursday

Howells worked simultaneously for Tewkesbury borough council (pictured), South Gloucestershire council and Publica Group between February 2022 and June 2023

Gloucester Crown Court previously heard that Howells was employed as a strategic housing and enabling officer at Tewkesbury council, a senior development surveyor at South Gloucestershire council and a valuer and estates surveyor at Publica Group.

He was convicted in July of six counts of fraud by false representation and three counts of fraud by failing to disclose information.

Howells's wrongdoing was uncovered in a review of payroll data by Tewkesbury council's fraud unit.

At the time he had just resigned from South Gloucestershire council but was still employed by Tewkesbury council and the Publica Group.

Sentencing Howells to three years in prison, Judge Gibney said according to the BBC: 'It's clear that when you did work, the work was good.

'You are an experienced man in your profession. You are a man with a passion for your job.

'You took the view this was an opportunity to make hay while the sun shined and you could earn significant sums of money doing work for local authorities confident in the knowledge they weren't as diligent in establishing you were doing all that was set you.'
A couple launched a vile racist tirade against a British NHS nurse during a shocking attack as they walked their dog in a park in West Yorkshire.

The couple, believed to be in their 60s, demanded to know if the nurse, who has worked for the NHS for 12 years, 'came here on a rubber boat' and hurled water and grabbed her hair during the assault at Manor Heath Park in Halifax on Thursday.

Apple Moorhouse, from Huddersfield, was racially abused alongside her parents and six and 11-year-old daughters, after she asked the couple to control their dog which made her youngest daughter feel 'unsafe and scared'.

The nurse and British resident of 15 years ended up in A&E for a pulled rib and has bruising on her hands after being grabbed by the hair and pushed to the floor by the woman, who also claimed to be a nurse.

She told the Daily Mail she now fears returning to the park with her children.

Ms Moorhouse, who is of Filipino descent, said the row was sparked after a group of dogwalkers with the couple, who are wanted by police, 'found it funny that that their dog was making my daughter uncomfortable'.

After she asked the dog owner to put its lead on, a white man, who police are trying to identify, told her to 'shut up, f*** off and go back to where you came from on the dinghy boat.'

In shocking footage, recorded by the nurse and her daughter, he can be seen telling his small white dog to 'kill' her as it manically barks at her.

Do you know the racist couple? Email adam.pogrund@dailymail.co.uk

Apple Moorhouse (pictured), from Huddersfield, an NHS nurse of 12 years, was the victim of a racist attack in Halifax on Thursday

The nurse was told to 'F*** off' and was asked if she came to the UK in a 'rubber dinghy' by the man

The woman squared up to Ms Moorhouse, who asked the couple to put their dog on a lead after it scared her six-year-old daughter

Another video shows a white woman saying she 'will kill her' before aggressively grabbing her hair and snatching her phone, before falling to the floor herself.

The man asks the nurse if she has 'got off a rubber boat?' and 'did you come here across the channel?'

'Ban the immigrants,' he adds, while raising his right arm in the air.

He then repeats the statement, raising his left arm, before rudely flipping the family off.

'I look after you,' Ms Moorhouse responds. 'I'm a healthcare worker.'

The man then tells her to 'f*** off', before his partner squares up to Ms Moorhouse.

'Give it a rest,' the woman said. 'If you are a healthcare worker you should know I'm an SRN [State Registered Nurse], I could be right above you.

'Just shut up now. I'll make you so bloody sick, you will wonder what the hell is going on.

She can also be seen approaching Ms Moorhouse's father, mocking his accent, before saying 'you can't even speak English' and laughing.

'As for you, do you know what you are, that is what we call slavery,' she said in reference to the nurse's job.

'I'm going to get you', she added, after her partner hurled water at the family.

'If you are a healthcare worker you should know I'm an SRN [State Registered Nurse], I could be right above you,' the woman said

The woman, described as in her 60s, grabbed Ms Moorhouse's hair and is now wanted by police in relation to the assault

The man, who is also described as being in his 60s, is wanted by West Yorkshire police after the racist tirade

Ms Moorhouse said she fears returning to the park after suffering the attack.

She told the Daily Mail: 'It is very upsetting every time I watch it back.

'If it was just me it would be a different matter but I was with my parents and two daughters'.

'I was thinking, "what did I do wrong?". They made my little girl very scared'

'The woman pulled my hair, I have bruises on my hands after she grabbed them. I went to A&E after I woke up with pain in my ribs. The GP said I must have pulled something.

She added: 'My six-year-old daughter was really scared.

'It started when the dog ran up to my daughter when my dad took her to the play area. She was walking and the dog went and chased them.

'The owner did nothing but laughed. My daughter felt unsafe, uncomfortable and scared, and was holding my dad's leg in fear. My 11-year-old daughter went to interfere and to catch the dog and it ran away.

The man told her to 'Shut up, f*** off and go back to where you came from on the dingy boat'

The woman, who also claimed to be a nurse, tried to snatch Ms Moorhouse's phone from her

The mother then tried to grab her phone back from the woman, who is wanted by the police

'When I pushed her and struggled to get up, I felt so bad about it,' the British resident of 15 years said

The attack eventually ended after the older lady fell to the floor, and a passerby later intervened

'I told the couple "If you can't control your dog it should be on a lead. They said "F*** off, did you come here in a dinghy?"'

Her parents, who were visiting on holiday, were told they were poor by the lady, before a passerby intervened and helped the family.

Mrs Moorhouse said she 'doesn't normally confront people, but I felt like I had to' after her six-year-old daughter was terrified of the dog.

'But the response that I received was, "Shut up, f*** off and go back to where you came from on the dingy boat." So that's when I decided to film the scene.

'I was raised to respect the elderly, and that's kept my cool down. I could have fought back, but I didn't because I still respected her because I saw her just like she's my mother. When I pushed her and struggled to get up, I felt so bad about it.

'I didn't expect that it was going to get out of proportion. I am just thinking now. If I hadn't said anything to him, this shouldn't have happened.

'But maybe this happened for a reason, an eye-opener that racism still does exist, unfortunately.'

West Yorkshire Police have since launched an appeal to find the couple, with the pair wanted for 'assault'.

The couple, described as both being in their 60s, launched a vile racist attack against the mother and her family

A spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'Police received a report at 1:49pm on Thursday, 28 August, that a man and woman were being racist towards a family in Manor Heath Park, Halifax.

'The caller further reported that she had intervened and been assaulted with the man and woman also assaulting the mother of the family they had targeted. Neither victim was seriously injured.

'The suspects are described as white and aged in their 60s. The male suspect was described as wearing a pink/purple t-shirt and jeans and the female suspect as wearing jeans and a vest top.

'Officers are keen to identify the two people pictured in these images. Anyone with any information about their identities or who has any other information that could assist with the investigation into this incident, is asked to contact police in Calderdale via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13250493580.

Alternatively, information can be provided to independent charity Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111 or online.

Do you know the racist couple? Email adam.pogrund@dailymail.co.uk
An Irish missionary has been freed in Haiti by kidnappers after spending almost a month in captivity following an attack by gunmen on an orphanage.

Gena Heraty - a director of a special needs program for children and adults at the Saint-Helene orphanage in the commune of Kescoff - was released alongside seven others.

'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.'

Simon Harris, Ireland's deputy prime minister, confirmed the release on his X account.

Haitian authorities have yet to comment.

Heraty, a three-year-old boy and six other employees were taken hostage during the attack on August 3 on the orphanage, which is run by Nos Petits Freres et Surs, an international charity with offices in Mexico and France.

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.

Irish missionary Gena Heraty (pictured) has been freed in Haiti by kidnappers after being held captive for almost a month

Gena Heraty is a director of a special needs program for children and adults at the Saint-Helene orphanage in the commune of Kescoff

Ms Heraty is originally from Westport in Co Mayo and she oversees the orphanage, which is run by the humanitarian organisation Nos Petits Freres Et Soeurs

Heraty, who has lived in Haiti since 1993, runs the orphanage which cares for up to 270 children.

She is the latest foreign missionary to become the victim of kidnapping in Haiti.

In April 2021, two French priests were among 10 people kidnapped in Croix des Bouquets before they were released nearly three weeks later.

The same group behind that kidnapping, the '400 Mawazo' gang, took a group of 17 American and Canadian missionaries hostage six months later.

Since the start of this year, Kenscoff has found itself in the crosshairs of the 'Viv Ansanm' ('Living Together') gang, which has already taken control of several other localities.

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.

Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea made the announcement at a U.N. Security Council meeting, but she didn't 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.

Heraty is the latest foreign missionary to become the victim of a kidnapping in Haiti

Haiti has seen an escalating violence with gangs controlling most of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Pictured: Residents return to the Delmas 30 neighborhood after gang leader Jimmy "Barbeque" Cherizier withdrew his soldiers from several neighborhoods in northeastern Port-au-Prince and urged former residents to return to their homes, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti August 27

At least 3,141 people have been killed in Haiti in the first half of this year due to gang violence

Members of the Haitian National Police search a coffin for weapons after an operation with the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to recapture the Teleco communications site and surrounding community from armed gangs, on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, in Kenscoff, Haiti August 26, 2025

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said at least 3,141 people have been killed in Haiti in the first half of this year, where the growing impact of gang violence threatens to further destabilize the nation.

An estimated 90 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince is now under control of criminal groups who are expanding attacks not only into surrounding areas but beyond into previously peaceful areas.

Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021 and previously were estimated to control 85 percent of the capital.
A grinning migrant was caught on camera giving protesters outside an asylum hotel the middle finger just hours after the government won a controversial court victory.

The young man was seen at the window of the Roundhouse hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset last night as around 200 demonstrators called for it to be shut down.

Protests erupted up and down the country yesterday after the Court of Appeal overturned an injunction ordering the removal of 138 migrants from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.

There has also been more mass unrest today amid accusations the Labour government is 'taking the side of migrants over Britons'.

Photos show campaigners holding Union Jacks and England flags gathering outside hotels in Swindon, Oldham, Newcastle, Falkirk and Stoke-on-Trent, among other places this afternoon.

Counter demonstrations are also underway - with the group Stand Up To Racism calling on its supporters to rally against what it called 'far-right and fascist thugs'.

In Newcastle, cries of 'send them back' and 'stop the boats' were met with loud choruses of 'no hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here' by an equal number of counter protesters.

At one point, the far-right protesters, decked out in Union Jack flags, broke into a spontaneous rendition of 'Rule Britannia.'

The young man was seen at the window of the Roundhouse hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset, last night, as 200 demonstrators gathered outside

Anti-migrant protesters demonstrate in Falkirk, Scotland on Saturday

Rival protest groups clash outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle this afternoon

Counter protesters from Stand Up To Racism come out in support of refugees in Scotland on Saturday

Meanwhile, angry activists who descended on a Falkirk hotel were met by hundreds of counter protesters.

Two separate demonstrations were called by the Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures group in the town on Saturday, amid fears of local people about alleged crimes linked to those housed at the Cladhan Hotel.

The first saw hundreds gather outside the office of Labour MP Euan Stainbank, where speeches were made, and people took aim at the UK Government, the police and journalists who were covering the protest.

More than 200 later assembled outside the nearby Cladhan Hotel, which is believed to house asylum seekers waiting for their claims to be processed.

It comes as at least 13 councils have vowed to fight back against the Court of Appeal's decision and press ahead with campaigns to shut down asylum hotels in their areas.

According to The Times, this includes at least four Labour-run authorities - Wirral Council, Stevenage Borough Council, Tamworth Borough Council and Rushmoor Borough Council.

Reform UK has called on the 12 councils it controls to start exploring legal options to stop asylum seekers being housed in local hotels.

Broxbourne Council in Hertfordshire, which is run by the Conservatives, also said it would press on with pursuing legal action.

Sir Keir Starmer responded to the unrest by promising small boat migrants will be 'detained and sent back'.

In a social media post, Sir Keir said: 'I am clear: we will not reward illegal entry. If you cross the Channel unlawfully, you will be detained and sent back.'

A counter-demonstration protest gathers to face an anti-immigration protest outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on August 30

Demonstrators gather during an anti-immigration protest outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on Saturday

The protest comes a day after the Court of Appeal overturned a lower court ruling that would have evicted asylum seekers housed at a hotel in Epping, north of London

Anti-migrant protesters (pictured) hold a demonstration outside the Thistle Hotel in Swindon

The government has previously argued that the need to protect the human rights of asylum seekers by housing them in hotels, outweighed the safety concerns of local families.

However, MPs and the local council reacted furiously to the decision to keep housing asylum seekers in Epping, with Reform leader Nigel Farage saying illegal migrants now had more rights than Britons under Sir Keir Starmer.

Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch also accused the prime minister of 'putting the rights of illegal immigrants above the rights of British people'.

It comes as former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer said the Government was right to take the Epping case to the Court of Appeal but said people wanted action to close asylum hotels.

He rejected suggestions that the UK may have to pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights to be able to efficiently remove people with no right to be in the country.

Lord Falconer, who served under former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'We've obviously got to move forward in relation to closing the hotels and also stopping the crossings.'

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

The case could have had wider ramifications, as more than 200 hotels are being used to house asylum seekers around the country.

Lord Falconer said: 'The Government always has the burden of doing what's possible and the Government is doing the right thing in relation to it, but there's a lot more to do, and if we don't, as a government, do it, then you'll see those opinion polls raised yet further for Reform, because they don't have the burden of having to be practical.

'But the country wants some action in relation to it.'

Last night anger began building outside The Bell Hotel in Epping at the news of the ruling.

The council said the owners of the three-star hotel had breached planning rules by using it as accommodation for small-boat migrants.

Photos show campaigners holding Union Jacks and England flags gathering outside hotels in Newcastle, Swindon (pictured), Falkirk and Stoke-on-Trent this afternoon

Police officers stand by protesters outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex last night

Anti-migrant protesters (pictured) hold a demonstration outside the Thistle Hotel in Swindon

Rival protest groups clash outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle this afternoon

Rival protest groups clash outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on Saturday afternoon

Somani Hotels, which owns the establishment, and the Home Office challenged the injunction.

The three Court of Appeal judges said last week's decision by High Court judge Mr Justice Eyre was 'seriously flawed'.

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.

'The judge's approach ignores the obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere.'

Lord Justice Bean added that such an injunction 'may incentivise' other councils to take steps similar to those taken by Epping.

Lawyers for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had argued that shutting the hotel would set a 'dangerous precedent' which would have encouraged similar litigation by other councils.

Mr Farage claimed the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) had been 'used' by the Government 'against the people of Epping'.

Demonstrators are seen wearing Union Jack and England flags during an anti-immigration protest outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on Saturday

An anti-immigration protester poses with a Union Jack flag with the slogan: 'Stop the boats'

Counter-protesters hold banners reading: 'Newcastle welcomes refugees' and 'Your racism isn't patriotic it's idiotic'

Anti-migrant protesters demonstrate outside the Cladhan Hotel on August 30 in Falkirk, Scotland

Protesters block the road outside The Delta Marriott Hotel in Cheshunt after the local council announced plans to try to prevent asylum seekers from staying there

More than 200 protesters against asylum seekers being housed in hotels gather outside The Roundhouse in Bournemouth on Friday night

The Court of Appeal overturned an injunction ordering the removal of migrants from the Bell Hotel (pictured) in Epping

Anger was brewing last night as groups of protestors (pictured) gathered at the Bell Hotel in Epping following the ruling

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the Epping case had 'seen the Labour Government using the courts against the British public'.

He added: '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.'

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick called the ruling 'extremely disappointing' as he urged councils to still take action to close asylum hotels in their areas.

He said: 'Yvette Cooper's decision to put two fingers up to the legitimate anger of the British public will surely inspire even more protests across the country. People are fed up with the Government siding with illegal migrants over the British people.'

Epping council said it was 'deeply disappointed' by the ruling, which had led to 'doubt and confusion'.

Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon said while the Government was successful in its appeal, the reality of using hotels to house asylum seekers was 'untenable' and called for refugees to be housed in neighbourhoods.

He said: 'Waiting until 2029 to end their use is no longer an option. As long as hotels remain open, they will continue to be flashpoints for protest.'

Police officers secure the area as a protester dubbed one of the 'Pink Ladies' hold a union flag outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on August 29

Protesters (pictured) marched towards the Bell Hotel on Friday evening, waving England flags and Union Jacks

Anti-racism groups holding Palestinian flags gather in Newcastle on Saturday

A protester (pictured) was seen holding a St George's Cross outside the Court of Appeal this afternoon

Border security minister Dame Angela Eagle 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 9million a day.'

Epping's legal challenge followed a series of protests outside the hotel amid accusations of sexual assault regarding two men being housed there.

Some protests involved clashes with police, resulting in six men being charged with violent disorder, two of whom have pleaded guilty. Two residents of the Bell Hotel have been charged with sexual assault.

Essex Police were anticipating trouble last night, with as many as four marked vans parked on the hotel's forecourt from early in the afternoon, and ten officers standing outside. Migrants had reportedly been advised to stay inside.

Within minutes of the judges' decision, local Conservative councillor Shane Yerrell arrived at the hotel.

He said: 'This decision is 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. Local mums and dads want the hotel closed  as the first judgment said.'

There have been fresh protests (pictured) outside the Bell Hotel in Epping this week prior to today's ruling

A protester holding an England flag stands outside the High Court in London yesterday

Reform leader Nigel Farage (pictured) said illegal migrants now had more rights than Britons under Sir Keir Starmer

The number of protesters outside the hotel was growing by 5pm, with new arrivals including 'pink ladies' great-grandmother-of-five Shirley Mooney, 68, alongside her neighbour and fellow grandmother Carmen MacDonald, 60.

Both were wearing T-shirts with 'The only way is Epping' on the front  and 'Send them home, protect our kids' on the back.

Ms Mooney worked in the Bell as a manager until 1998, said of the latest judgment: 'I am absolutely disgusted. It's horrific, a joke.

'Whose side are these judges on? They need the sack. As soon as we heard the news, we came down here to show our support. We won't stop.'

The only person here celebrating the judgment last night was a migrant resident.

Advised by staff not to speak or leave his room, he texted your reporter to say of the judges' decision: 'I am pleased. 'It had been a worry.'
This is the moment Emirates cabin crew were forced to pin down a drunken passenger on a flight to Dubai after he exploded in rage and called a flight attendant a 'stupid b****' when she refused to pour him more booze.

Shocking footage shows the row erupting mid-air on February 27, 2023 leaving passengers stunned as the man lashed out at staff.

Fellow passenger India Sherwin, 20, said the traveller was clearly intoxicated and grew 'increasingly loud and disruptive' as the flight wore on.

Around four hours in, a stewardess refused him another drink, sparking a furious outburst.

He is said to have hurled abuse at her before turning on another traveller, threatening to 'wipe the smile' off their face.

Other passengers jumped in as he 'kicked off', with staff eventually forcing him to the floor and binding his hands with cable ties.

Sherwin said he carried on 'shouting and swearing' even as he was pinned down.

She said: 'It was a frightening and surreal experience, especially in such a confined space thousands of feet in the air.

Shocking footage shows the row erupting mid-air on February 27, leaving passengers stunned as the man lashed out at staff

Fellow passenger India Sherwin, 20, said the traveller was clearly intoxicated and grew 'louder and more disruptive' as the flight wore on

Other passengers jumped in as he 'kicked off', with staff eventually forcing him to the floor and binding his hands with cable ties

'For the most part, everything seemed completely normal and peaceful. I began to notice a male passenger who had clearly had too much to drink.

'At one point, I saw a flight attendant refuse to serve him any more alcohol, explaining that he was already intoxicated.'

She continued: 'He began shouting and verbally abusing the crew, calling the flight attendant a 'stupid b****', even after being restrained, the man continued shouting, swearing, and making a scene.

'The crew handled it very well under pressure, and I was proud of how quickly and bravely my dad and the other passenger acted to protect those around them.'

When the plane touched down in Dubai, the passenger was escorted off by local police.

An Emirates spokesperson said: ''Emirates can confirm that on 27 February 2023 there was an unruly passenger travelling on flight EK036 from Newcastle to Dubai.

'The passenger was restrained by cabin crew and upon arrival, was handed over to the local authorities.

'The safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance and will not be compromised.'

This comes after earlier this month, the Mail reported on dramatic footage of a Ryanair flight descending into chaos after a row, reportedly sparked by a crying baby, erupted.

The bust-up broke out on the flight from London Stansted to Lisbon on August 12, and saw passengers screaming at each other as children wailed in the background.

At one point, a man had to physically restrain another passenger just feet away from a mother trying to calm her terrified child.

Witnesses said tempers boiled over when the aircraft touched down at the Portuguese capital, forcing police to storm the plane, whilst he was held on the tarmac for around an hour as officers tried to restore order.

Police were called after a fight broke out between two passengers on the flight, understood to be flight FR1882, on August 12

Local media reported that tempers only flared when the plane landed in Lisbon and headed for the gate

One man appeared to restrain another in front of the mum trying to console her young child

One mother was seen trying to console her child, telling them: 'It's okay, it's okay. We're going now.'

A man appeared to restrain another in front of the mother, trying to console her young child.

Local media reported that tempers only flared when the plane landed in Lisbon and headed for the gate.

Because police were called to deal with the escalating tensions, everyone on board was held on the plane for roughly an hour.

A Ryanair spokesperson told the Mail: 'The crew of this flight from London Stansted to Lisbon called for police assistance after two passengers became disruptive onboard. The aircraft was met by local police, and these passengers were removed.

'Ryanair has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards passenger misconduct and will continue to take decisive action to combat unruly passenger behaviour, ensuring that all passengers and crew travel in a safe and respectful environment, without unnecessary disruption.

'This is a matter for local police.'
A top Ukrainian politician has died after being gunned down in the western city of Lviv.

Andriy Parubiy, a former parliamentary speaker, was shot dead on Saturday in the city's Sykhovsky district by a gunman disguised as a delivery driver, who later fled the scene on a bike, according to local media.

Sickening footage shows the killer waiting for Parubiy behind a car.

When Parubiy passes him, the gunman follows him and begins to fire bullets into his head and back before fleeing the scene.

The 54-year-old's death was confirmed today by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on X.

'Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko have just reported on the first known circumstances of a horrific murder in Lviv. Andriy Parubiy has been killed.

'My condolences to the family and friends'.

The search for the assassin is ongoing, he added, but did not provide any further details.

Ukrainian politican Andriy Parubiy was murdered on Saturday in the city of Lviv

Sickening footage shows the killer waiting for the former parliamentary speaker partly concealed next to a car

The gunman was captured on video running away after shooting his victim

National police said the shooting in Lviv was reported at around noon local time.

Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said finding the killer and establishing the circumstances of the attack was of utmost importance.

'This is a matter of security in a country at war, where, as we can see, there are no completely safe places,' he wrote on Telegram.

A murder investigation has been launched, involving officers from the National Police, the Lviv region police and the Security Service of Ukraine.

Parubiy, 54, was a member of parliament, had been parliamentary speaker from April 2016 to August 2019, and was one of the leaders of protests in 2013-14 calling for closer ties with the European Union.

He was also secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council from February to August 2014, a period when fighting began in eastern Ukraine and Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula.

Officials gave no immediate indication whether the murder had any direct link to Russia's war in Ukraine.

In 2014, Parubiy was victim to an assassination attempt after an unknown attacker threw a grenade at his feet, but he was spared after the explosive device rolled under a car.

The assassin fled the scene on a bike, according to local reports

A murder investigation has been launched following the shooting on Saturday

Law enforcement members work at the site of murder of former Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Of Ukraine Andriy Parubiy on August 30, 2025 in Lviv, Ukraine

Parubiy pictured at the NATO Parliamentary spring session in the assembly hall of the House of Magnates in the Hungarian parliament building in Budapest on May 18, 2015

Tributes poured in from colleagues in parliament and the government, praising Parubiy's contribution to Ukraine's fight for sovereignty and independence as one of the leaders of what became known as the Euromaidan protests in 2013-14.

Former President Petro Poroshenko said on Telegram that the killing of Parubiy, who was a member of the parliamentary committee on national security, defence and intelligence, was 'a shot fired at the heart of Ukraine.'

'Andriy was a great man and a true friend. That is why they take revenge, that is what they are afraid of,' he said, lauding Parubiy's contribution to building out the Ukrainian army.

Parubiy's murder comes after unidentified gunmen shot dead a former Ukrainian politician outside a school in a wealthy suburb of Madrid earlier this year.

Andriy Portnov, 51, was previously a senior aide to a pro-Russian former Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovich, who was in a 2014 popular uprising.

Police reached the scene after receiving calls about a man with gunshot wounds on the street outside the American School of Madrid, in the Pozuelo de Alarcon suburb west of the capital.

'Several persons shot him in the back and the head and then fled towards a forested area,' an Interior Ministry source said.

When emergency services arrived they found Portnov dead with at least three gunshot wounds, a spokesperson said.

Portnov left for Russia in 2014 and faced investigations in Ukraine over accusations of treason and embezzlement.

He was targeted with European Union sanctions, although those and the charges were later dropped.
A huge ship is due to be blown apart by military forces in an explosive training exercise off the coast of Scotland.

The joint US and UK operation to sink the vessel is due to take place next year as the UKs armed forces test out the effectiveness of their cutting-edge hardware.

Dubbed Atlantic Thunder 26, the training exercise will also see robots despatched 6,000 feet down to the seabed to assess the damage to the sunken ship, which is likely to be a frigate, and determine how well the weapons performed.

Known as a SINKEX exercise, the bombardment of the ship will take place at the Ministry of Defences Hebrides Range off the northwest coast of Scotland.

In a document outlining its plans and filled with military jargon, the MoD stated the exercise will validate kill chains, build resilient kill webs and deliver strategic messaging through kinetic demonstration.

The military exercise will see the ship bombarded until it sinks, much like this previous operation the US military carried out off the Hawaiian Islands in 2021

Once the ship has been sunk it will be analysed by unmanned underwater drones. These types of machines, such as the vehicle above, are being increasingly tested for the military

The sinking exercise will take place at the same MoD testing range where it tried out its futuristic DragonFire laser last year. Above, the laser destroys its target during the test

Tests such as the DragonFire laser exercise, above, are carried out as the military looks to gain an advantage over its rivals

It also said it hopes the test will demonstrate how artificial intelligence and machine learning can provide an advantage in future missions.

The upcoming exercise builds on a series of successful trials carried out at the Scottish range, including a dramatic demonstration of the MoDs DragonFire laser last year.

The futuristic weapon uses an intense beam of light to cut through targets, leading to structural failure or more significant damage if a missile warhead is targeted.

Following the test of DraonFire, the MoD said the precision required was equivalent to hitting a 1 coin from a kilometre away.

The use of autonomous robots to survey the sunken ship ties in with the US and UK military's efforts in that area of technology.

Although still in the development stages, the machines have developed in recent years to be able to overcome the vast difficulties of operating underwater.

Water pressure can be crushing at great depths, while communication is severely limited, meaning vehicles may be required to navigate on their own without being remotely piloted.

Despite the immense difficulties, the US navy has been testing and fielding several new systems designed to map the ocean floor, seek out mines, search for submarines and even launch attacks.

While the unmanned crafts are now able to stay out for days or weeks, the goal is to create an underwater network of service stations that would allow the vehicles to do their jobs for months - and eventually years.

US military officials have previously said there is a sense of urgency because the undersea domain could one day be as contested as the surface of the sea, the skies - and even space.

While Russia and China are investing in their submarine fleets, the Pentagon has sought to seize an advantage by introducing new technologies, especially those where humans team up with highly capable robots and autonomous systems.
A tourist has died at a Disneyland after passing out on it's famous Frozen ride.

A 53-year-old man from the Philippines died after losing consciousness while on the Frozen Ever After ride in the theme park's Hong Kong site on Friday.

His wife, who was with him, noticed he had fallen into a coma and immediately alerted the staff.

First-aid responders performed boarded he ride as it returned to the dock and performed CPR.

He was then rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after.

Police received a report of the incident at 10:18am and the the man's wife had told them he had pre-existing health conditions.

He had a history of heart disease and high blood pressure spanning more than a decade, which required regular treatment.

A resort spokesperson said: 'The resort deeply regrets the passing of the guest and will do its utmost to provide necessary assistance to his family.'

A tourist has died at a Disneyland after passing out on it's famous Frozen ride

A 53-year-old man from the Philippines died after losing consciousness while on the Frozen Ever After ride in the theme park's Hong Kong site on Friday

They added: 'The initial investigation has shown the incident is not related to ride safety.'

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong confirmed the death on Saturday and said it was coordinating with authorities to help the family.

The Frozen Ever After ride is part of the World of Frozen attraction, which opened in late 2023.

It is a slow-moving boat ride that transports guests through an immersive experience into the world of Frozen.
A 61-year-old man has been charged as the hunt for a dangerous fugitive accused of killing two cops continues.

The hunt for alleged gunman Dezi Freeman has entered its sixth day after hundreds of police scoured Victoria's high country wilderness amid strong winds and chilly conditions.

Freeman, 56, fled into the bush on Tuesday following a deadly ambush at his property in Porepunkah, about 300km north-east of Melbourne.

Victoria Police confirmed that a 61-year-old man was arrested at a property in Bright, about 6km from Porepunkah, on Friday afternoon.

The arrest follows the execution of a search warrant, where guns and cannabis were allegedly seized from the home.

Victoria Police provided an update on Sunday to reveal the man had been charged with possessing a prohibited imitation firearm and possessing a drug of dependence.

The man will appear before Myrtleford Magistrates Court on October 3.

Freeman is accused of shooting dead Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35. The slain officers will be farewelled at separate funerals in the coming days.

The massive manhunt for alleged gunman Dezi Freeman in Victorias high country entered its fifth day on Saturday

A 61-year-old man was arrested in nearby Bright on Friday by detectives investigating the whereabouts of Dezi Freeman. Pictured is the ongoing manhunt on Saturday

Tough conditions have impacted search efforts in recent days with thunderstorms, lashings of rain and hail battering the rural town.

Temperatures plunged below 6C early Saturday, with wind gusts of more than 60km/h in Porepunkah after blizzard-like conditions.

Snow was predicted down to levels of 700m.

More than 450 police officers have been deployed to Porepunkah as part of the search, which has included examining disused mines, caves, and dugouts in and around the rural community.

Victoria Police issued a statement on Saturday afternoon to announce the relocation of its forward command post from Feathertop Winery just outside Porepunkah to a government office in the town of Ovens, about 12km away.

'The new site is a fit-for-purpose facility and will best support Victoria Police's operational activity moving forward,' the statement said.

'We would like to reassure the community that police are not leaving the area.'

Freeman's 42-year-old wife Mali and 15-year-old son were arrested on Thursday night following an operation at an address in Porepunkah before they were interviewed and released, pending further inquiries.

More than 450 police officers have been deployed as part of the search effort (pictured, officers in the Victorian high country)

The hunt for alleged gunman Dezi Freeman (pictured) continues

'There may or may not be charges that follow,' Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said.

Police helicopters and drones have been circling the area for days in the hope of catching a sign of the fugitive's whereabouts.

Freeman, who has bush survival experience, was last seen in dark green tracksuit pants, a dark green rain jacket, Blundstone boots and reading glasses.

Meanwhile Detective Thompson and Sen Const De Waart will be farewelled with full police honours next week at Melbourne's Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley.

Hundreds of police scoured Victoria's high country wilderness amid strong winds and chilly conditions

Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, (left) and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, (right) will be farewelled in the coming days

Senior Constable De Waart's service will take place next Friday (September 5).

Detective Thompson will be farewelled the following Monday (September 8).

The pair were killed while serving a warrant on Freeman for alleged child sex offences.

A third officer who was shot in the thigh remains in hospital.

Players, umpires and officials from local sporting associations wore blue arm bands during this weekend's finals in honour of the two fallen officers.
Bones have been found in the search for Travis Decker, the man accused of murdering his three daughters before he vanished.

Police have been searching for Decker since early June, when he went on the run after allegedly suffocating his daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, prior to a custody exchange with his ex-wife in Leavenworth, Washington.

The FBI said on Thursday it had concluded an extensive two-day search of the Rock Island Campground in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where the girls' bodies were found.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said bones were among the discovery, but it's not clear whether they belonged to a human or animal.

The remains were sent to Central Washington Universitys anthropology department, Morrison added.

Authorities stressed that there had been no break in the case and they still havent determined whether Decker is still alive.

Travis Decker went on the run in early June after allegedly suffocating his daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, before a custody exchange with his ex-wife in Washington

The FBI cornered off huge swathes in and around the Rock Island Campground area on Monday and Tuesday to conduct a sweeping search for the missing father

Decker is accused of killing his daughters by tying plastic bags over their heads, their bodies were found in a campground in Leavenworth, Washington

'Finding this potential evidence emphasizes the value in having various teams search an area multiple times, especially in such challenging conditions,' Morrison said.

Decker, a former soldier, has been wanted since June 2, when a sheriffs deputy found his truck and the bodies of his three daughters at a campground.

The discovery came three days after he failed to return the girls to their mothers home in Wenatchee, about 100 miles east of Seattle, following a scheduled visit.

Search crews, comprised of officers from two sheriff's offices, the US Marshals Service, two police departments and Central Washington University's anthropology department, used electronic mapping to document the scope of their search.

They ultimately went beyond their planned perimeter to cover as much ground as they possibly could.

Morrison insisted investigators 'have not given up' on finding him.

'We understand the frustration, we feel it as well,' he said at a news conference Monday night.

'We will not relent, we will not give up until Travis Decker is taken into custody.'

Several items discovered in the Washington wilderness are being examined by the FBI to determine whether they're linked to Decker, including bones

The mission was to locate Decker or discover signs that he had been in the area, or otherwise new evidence about the crimes he is accused of committing

'This is not going to go away until Travis is located, whether he is alive or not,' the sheriff continued, as he expressed doubts about the former soldier's ability to survive in the wilderness this long despite his military survival training.

'He has to be perfect every single day,' Morrison explained. 'We just have to be perfect once.'

Police said he was also homeless and living out of his car by the time he picked up his three girls from their mother's house on May 30.

His ex-wife Whitney told police she didn't believe Decker was dangerous, and that he loved his daughters, with whom he had a 'good relationship'.

The US Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to Deckers capture.
A murder investigation is underway after a 29-year-old woman was knifed to death in her London home.

Police responded to reports of a stabbing on Trafalgar Road, Greenwich, on Wednesday.

Emergency crews, including London's Air Ambulance and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, rushed to the scene where the woman died from her injuries.

A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, police said, and remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

He is believed to have been known to the victim.

The Metropolitan Police said it is waiting to formally identify the woman and an autopsy has been carried out.

Commenting on the tragedy, Detective Inspector Mark Franklin, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Our thoughts are with the victim's family, who at this unimaginably difficult time, are being supported by specialist officers.

'We know this incident will cause great concern within the community. While we are confident this is an isolated incident, residents will see an increased police presence in the area. If you are concerned please speak to one of those officers on patrol.'

A murder investigation is underway after a 29-year-old woman was knifed to death in her London home. Pictured: A police cordon has been put in place following the stabbing in Greenwich

A police investigation is ongoing and detectives are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to report it on 101, quoting 8218/27AUG.

The deadly stabbing comes after a woman was found knifed to death inside a London home following a 'gas explosion'.

A 46-year-old female was found with knife wounds inside a house in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, at around 5am on June 17.

Emergency crews, including six fire engines and 40 firefighters, had initially raced to the road, where homes cost an average of 1.4million, to reports of a gas explosion.

But they made the grim discovery once inside the home, and despite paramedics' attempts to save her life she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 44-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of murder. He was taken to hospital with slash wounds.

Two children, aged 9 and 7, were also taken to hospital as a precaution.
A group of fed-up residents are suing a Democrat-run city for allegedly turning their neighborhood into a drug-ridden hellhole.

Five anonymous plaintiffs and three businesses accused officials of turning their district into a drug 'containment zone', where 'drug dealers brazenly sell narcotics on the streets'.

The lawsuit, reviewed by The Times, claimed the City of San Francisco, 'effectively herds fentanyl users into the Tenderloin  with some organizations going so far as to deliver drug kits to their sidewalk encampments'.

One of the anonymous claimants, described as an immigrant housekeeper with two children, said she often encounters drug dealers and 'users openly injecting or smoking narcotics and people lying on the street who appear unconscious or dead'.

The woman claimed drug users had, 'threatened her with knives and hammers' and started bonfires on the street that aggravated her daughter's asthma. She said the drug users 'threatened to cut her throat' when she asked them to stop.

At the Phoenix Hotel, one of the businesses involved in the suit, 'people who appear to be gang members now openly sell fentanyl and other potent drugs,' per the filing.

A lawsuit filed by five anonymous plaintiffs and three businesses accused San Francisco officials of making the Tenderloin district into a drug 'containment zone'

The suit cited the San Francisco Department of Public Health's 'harm-reduction' strategy, which sees officials distributing drug kits to addicts

Mayor Daniel Lurie speaks during a Lunar New Year Celebration at City Hall in February

The complaint cited the San Francisco Department of Public Health's 'harm-reduction' strategy, which sees officials distributing needles, pipes, straws and foils to addicts in order to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

The iconic hotel recently announced its decision to close, citing the untenable conditions of the neighborhood as one of the reasons why.

Claimants said officials turned the area into a 'containment zone' where the law does not apply and 'drug dealers brazenly sell narcotics on the streets'.

They are not looking for a payout, but want a preliminary injunction that stops the city from distributing drug paraphernalia near their homes and businesses.

Mayor Daniel Lurie implemented a rule so drug users must receive counseling before they receive drug kits, but the claimants said it has made no real difference.

The city issued a statement addressing the lawsuit and stood by its practice of handing out drug paraphernalia to addicts.

'The city has made great progress in reducing crime, disrupting open-air drug markets, getting people into treatment and addressing homelessness in the Tenderloin and across the city. We are reviewing the motion and will reply in court,' said the city's communications director Jen Kwart.

'We firmly believe that lawsuits of this kind do not improve conditions on our streets. The courts are not equipped to step into the shoes of elected policymakers and voters in order to craft broad strategies to address crime, substance use and homelessness.'

The Phoenix Hotel is one of three businesses part of the lawsuit

Claimants said officials turned the area into a 'containment zone' where the law does not apply and 'drug dealers brazenly sell narcotics on the streets'

Long known for its brazen open-air drug markets, chronic addiction, mental illness and homelessness, the Tenderloin neighborhood is also home to the highest concentration of kids in San Francisco, an estimated 3,000 children largely from immigrant families.

The crisis has heavily impacted San Francisco's retail scene, with the once-bustling Union Square being forced to close several stores due to theft.

A huge Macy's store which had been a fixture in the square since 1947 said last year that it would be shuttering its doors alongside 150 other 'unproductive' stores.

Daily Mail has reached out to the city for comment.
Two Florida church leaders are accused of enslaving workers and forcing them to help solicit $50 million in donations to fund their lavish lifestyle of fast cars, jet skis and luxury sea food.

David Taylor, the leader of Kingdom of God Global Church, was arrested in North Carolina, while Michelle Brannon, Taylor's number two, was taken into custody in Florida, according to the Department of Justice.

Their shiny, beige-colored headquarters in Houston, Texas, were also raided by the FBI and SWAT teams on Wednesday, with officers walking out 17 people, some of them handcuffed.

An unsealed indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Michigan charged Taylor and Brannon with forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor and money laundering conspiracy.

Taylor, who allegedly called himself 'Apostle' and 'Jesus' best friend', was accused of running a multi-state call center operation staffed by unpaid recruits who allegedly told donors their funds were going to charitable causes.

The staff were not allowed to leave the call centers, which were located Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri and faced starvation and psychological abuse if they missed fundraising targets per the indictment.

Others were forced by Taylor, 53, and Brannon, 56, to work as Taylor's 'armor bearers,' or his personal servants, the DOJ said.

The unpaid armor bearers were compelled to make food for Taylor, transport him wherever he wanted to go, maintain his fleet of cars and deliver him women who had to take Plan B pills after, according to the indictment.

David Taylor (pictured preaching) was arrested this week after being charged with running a forced labor scheme in multiple states

His right-hand woman, Michelle Brannon, faces the same forced labor charges and was also arrested by federal authorities

The alleged slaves were also subject to punishments if they failed to live up to his expectations, per the indictment.

These punishments allegedly included public humiliation, psychological abuse, forced repentance, sleep deprivation, and physical assaults.

In one text message allegedly sent by Taylor to one of his call center workers, he said, 'If you don't work you can't eat.'

In an all caps message, Taylor allegedly wrote: 'POUR WATER ON EVERYONES FACES THAT'S HALFWAY SLEEPING AND NOT WORKING WAKE THEM UP NOW!!'

The indictment claims Taylor gave his alleged victims 'unobtainable' selling quotas to meet, such as raising $164,000 in a single day.

The complaint identifies eight potential victims and alleges the abuse stemmed back as far as 2009.

Eight potential victims were identified as people that Taylor and Brannon had allegedly coaxed into their operation as far back as 2009.

Those who worked in the call centers were allegedly forced to cut off their family members, give up any outside employment and forsake any and all romantic relationships, the indictment said.

Pictured: The early morning raid on the Kingdom of God Global Church's headquarters in Houston, Texas

Taylor and Brannon allegedly bought a a Rolls Royce Cullinan, a luxury SUV that can retail for nearly $630,000

The alleged victims were told to say that people's donations would be spent on charitable works, such as providing water to poor communities or supporting victims of human trafficking, per the indictment.

Prosecutors say the donations actually went toward buying four Mercedes Benzes, three Bentleys, and a Rolls Royce Cullinan, a luxury SUV that can retail for nearly $630,000.

Funds also allegedly went toward four jet skis, two trailers to haul them, and five ATVs.

One of the most bizarre purchases came in 2021 when Taylor and Brannon allegedly bought 125 pounds of crab legs for just over $10,000.

In total, Taylor received approximately $50 million in donations since 2014, according to the DOJ.

Vincent Escobedo, a man who worked next door to the Houston building owned by the church that was raided, spoke to FOX 26 about the 'cult-like' behavior he noticed over the years.

'They were guided everywhere, couldnt talk to anyone, and even had to be escorted to the restroom. It was just weird stuff,' Escobedo said.

He also believed he saw one of the alleged punishments of one of the church members happening right out in the open.

A man who worked next door to the Houston building told FOX 26 that members of the church were forced to mow this massive lawn with only a push mower. He believed that was likely one of the punishments that was alleged in the indictment

'There'd be like one guy with just a push mower out there mowing this large field. One guy. And it was never the same person either. It was always different people,' he said.

If Taylor and Brannon are convicted, each of the ten charges they face carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines as great as $500,000.

Daily Mail has contacted the church and the public defender assigned to Taylor. Daily Mail wasn't able to reach any attorney possibly representing Brannon.
A man has died after losing control of his car in wet weather just weeks before returning to India to marry his fiancee.

Jagseer Boparai, 37, was on his way to work early Saturday when his Honda sedan veered off the road in the Adelaide suburb of Salisbury.

His car slammed into a tree and bus shelter before it ended up wrapped around a power pole.

Mr Boparai could not be revived at the scene, despite the efforts of emergency services and residents woken by the crash.

The concrete truck driver had been saving up to return to India with his brother in December, where he was due to reunite with his fiancee and marry.

Shattered family and friends broke down in tears when they visited the confronting crash site on Saturday.

The tragedy has also shattered the Salisbury community, where Mr Boparai lived.

'I can't imagine how his partner would feel,' resident Duhsak Lal told Nine News.

Jagseer Boparai was on his way to work on Saturday morning when tragedy struck

His car crashed into a tree, bus shelter and power pole in Adelaides north

'They're a few days or maybe months away from having the happiest moment of their life and now all that has been taken away.'

Cross Keys Road was closed in both directions for much of Saturday, as major crash detectives examined the wreckage.

Nearby homes and businesses spent hours without power after the power pole was bent 90 degrees in the crash.

'We can't even open the gates. We can't go to church either and we're just stuck here just looking at this scene every now and then,' Ms Lal said.

Mr Boparai's death takes the South Australian road toll to 57 lives lost in 2025. Another 527 have been seriously injured.

Anyone who witnessed the fatal crash or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Jagseer Boparai (pictured) was due to return to India in December to marry his fiancee
A former inmate's assassination of a prison officer who exposed his jail romance with a guard left even the dark underworld of criminals shocked, a top cop has revealed.

Elias Morgan, 35, was convicted by a jury of the murder of dad-of-three and ex-Altcourse prison officer Lenny Scott yesterday, Friday, at Preston Crown Court.

The criminal was a 'loose cannon' who broke the code of Liverpool's underworld, where even hardened criminals were 'wary' of the 'incredibly twisted' man.

Lenny, 33, from Prescot, Merseyside, was shot six times outside a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on February 8 last year by the gunman in a hi-vis jacket.

The revenge attack came nearly four years after Lenny exposed the contents of a mobile phone in Morgan's cell, which contained evidence that he was having a 'sexual relationship' with prison officer Sarah Williams, the court heard.

Both Morgan and Williams were prosecuted and he threatened the father, 'I'll bide my time, but I promise I will get you'.

Lancashire Constabulary's investigating officer Det Chief Insp Lee Wilson said: 'Hardened criminals in Merseyside appear to be wary of him. Make of this what you will, but I don't actually think organised crime generally in Liverpool think that what he did was in any way shape or form justified.

'Criminals do have a code and there may be a consideration here that Morgan overstepped the mark.'

Elias Morgan's (pictured) assassination of a prison officer who exposed his jail romance with a guard left even the dark underworld of criminals shocked, a top cop has revealed

He was convicted by a jury of the murder of ex-Altcourse prison officer Lenny Scott (pictured) yesterday, Friday, at Preston Crown Court

Lenny, 33, from Prescot, Merseyside, was shot six times outside a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on February 8 last year by the gunman in a hi-vis jacket (pictured)

DCI Wilson added: 'In terms of the character of Morgan, we saw him give evidence. He seems to me to be an incredibly twisted, dark and malevolent soul with a very strong sense of values, but they are values that no sane person would recognise as normal.'

The chief took over as the investigating officer in the days after the shooting. He said in its infancy the case was a 'true whodunit' but as their investigations continued the threats Morgan issued to Mr Scott during his time in Altcourse became the case theory.

While the team looked into other suspects as Lenny's profession often involved violent incidents, it was Morgan that was truly under the investigating detectives' spotlight.

An early challenge for the team was that Morgan was still out in the public. The killer handed himself into police on February 19 when he realised his name was being circulated in connection with the murder.

But DCI Wilson said they did not have enough evidence to charge him at that time so he was released into the community.

'He had access to money,' DCI Wilson said. 'He had a very well trodden path, some might say, suspicious, in and out of the country, flying invariably through Belfast and Dublin to avoid passport controls.

'My concern was that he would flee and we would never get him back, or of course, that he may interfere and threaten witnesses.'

Morgan murdered Lenny outside the Peel House gym where he knew his target trained in ju-jitsu.

The revenge attack came after nearly four years after Lenny exposed the contents of a mobile phone in Morgan's cell, which contained evidence that Morgan was having a 'sexual relationship' with prison officer Sarah Williams (pictured), the court heard

Lenny, a father of three, was shot six times outside the gym in a 'twisted' revenge attack

Lenny left the gym shortly before 5:30pm and stood chatting to someone in the car park

As Lenny stood chatting, Morgan approached him before rounding the corner with a gun

In the weeks before the shooting, he stalked his victim and learned his schedule, trying to find the 'optimum time' to attack.

DCI Wilson said: 'Mr Morgan was a diminutive figure. He would, in no way, shape or form, be able to get the drop on Lenny Scott physically.

'I would go so far to suggest that he'd taken the bladed weapon, that he would have run the risk that Lenny would have been able to disarm him, take that from him and definitely restrain him because of his background in ju-jitsu and obviously his training in the Prison Service.

'The only way that Morgan was going to get the drop on Lenny Scott was to take a firearm.

'We heard that chilling moment when he said 'I'll bide my time but I'll get you' and he made the gun gesture. He was sort of predicting the future, wasn't he. He had it in his mind as early as that, I think. And that festered over the subsequent years.

'There's no doubt in my mind that Morgan set out, identified that as the optimum time and place...The minute Lenny emerges [Morgan] becomes active, he knows exactly who he's walking towards. The gunman, Morgan, was straight down the car park, the gun is out.

'There are no words spoken. He fired six shots. We'll never know how many rounds were in that firearm, but he probably emptied the firearm into Lenny Scott. He had no chance.'

Throughout the nine-week trial, the jury, and Lenny's heartbroken parents Paula and Neil, had to listen to Morgan claim that the victim was a corrupt prison officer with links to gang crime, while the gunman was an innocent party in the whole situation.

Former prisoner Elias Morgan, 35, was found guilty of murder by a jury at Preston Crown Court

But DCI Wilson said their extensive investigation found no link at all that Lenny was involved in criminality.

The chief said the scale of the operation, involved 68 police staff, more than 1,100 statements taken and over five-and-a-half years-worth of CCTV footage downloaded and watched.

Wendy Logan, deputy head of the Crown Prosecution Service's North West complex casework unit, said at the trial: '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.'

Morgan will return to the same court on Tuesday to be sentenced by high court judge Mr Justice Goose. He will be given a mandatory life sentence.
Scotland's jails may soon have to turn prisoners away - as an overcrowding crisis threatens to plunge the criminal justice system into chaos.

Official predictions suggest the number of inmates could reach a record 8,750 by the end of the year - an astonishing 700 more than the jails are designed to accommodate.

Amid fears of escalating violence and disorder, the Scottish Mail on Sunday can reveal ministers are now planning a new emergency release of offenders to relieve pressure on the system - with around 500 criminals set to be freed early.

However the body which represents the countrys prison governors has issued a stark warning that, despite the move, overcrowding could still reach unsustainable levels - meaning jails would simply not be able to admit any more inmates.

A spokesman for the Prison Governors Association (Scotland) said: If the population reaches the numbers that have been forecast, the prison system simply wont have the beds or the space to take anyone else.

The courts would not be able to sentence offenders. The entire criminal justice system would grind to a halt.

It remains unclear what would happen if jails were unable to accept more people - although options could include using police cells, stopping judges and sheriffs from locking up criminals, or else ordering the mass release of serving prisoners to make room for new inmates.

The PGA(S) is now demanding Justice Secretary Angela Constance spell out how she will prevent the alarming and unprecedented situation.

The body which represents the countrys prison governors has issued the stark warning

Bosses are demanding Justice Secretary Angela Constance spell out how she will prevent the alarming and unprecedented situation

The spokesman said: If the government has a strategy to deal with this, wed really like to know about it.

Opposition politicians have now warned that releasing dangerous criminals will threaten public safety - and have blamed the SNP for mismanagement of the prison system.

Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr said: The Nationalists first port of call is to release dangerous criminals back onto Scotlands streets. But going forward it seems our jails wont be able to accommodate criminals in the first place.

Scotlands desperate lack of prison capacity is a direct result of SNP incompetence. Their abject failure to deliver new prisons in Glasgow and the Highlands on time and on budget is putting public safety at risk, and their lack of proper strategy or planning over nearly two decades of government is a disgrace.

Prison over-crowding has been a long-standing problem for the Scottish government.

During the pandemic, emergency legislation was drawn up to allow hundreds of prisoners to be released - as a way of reducing the spread of coronavirus.

Last summer 477 more were released as an emergency measure to lower the prison population - although research later showed that 57 of them - around one in eight - were back behind bars again within weeks after being accused of further offences.

Earlier this year new rules were introduced meaning that most prisoners serving less than four years are automatically released after 40 per cent of their sentence.

The move - which critics branded an insult to the victims of crime - also allowed hundred more offenders to be released in successive tranches.

But despite these measures, jails remain full beyond capacity.

The prison system is designed to accommodate just over 8,000 inmates. Official figures show the number last week stood at near-record levels - at 8,356.

However the prison service has published new predictions showing the population could rise as high as 8,750 by the end of December - almost 10 per cent above capacity.

Sources within the prison system have told the MoS ministers are now planning a further emergency release of around 500 offenders.

The PGA(S) is worried the move will have little long-term impact on numbers.

The spokesman said: Early release gives us maybe six to eight weeks of respite - but it doesnt solve anything or significantly change the pressures we face daily.

He explained that various factors heighten the problems of over-crowding.

He said: The presence of serious and organised crime groups means there are warring factions and enemies that must be kept apart.

The number of prisoners taking psycho-active substances is a real problem too. It affects their mental health and behaviour. Sometimes an establishment can have eight or ten prisoners at any time who end up needing to be taken to hospital.

All of these things have an impact on staffing - which has a knock-on effect on other prisoners in terms of their time in the fresh air and access to work, which then leads to frustration.

He added: Prisons need to run on good-will... There are far more of them than there are of us. But the more overcrowded prisons become, the more fractious the relationships between staff and prisoners. Theres a real risk of large-scale disorder.

The Scottish Government declined to discuss details of the plan to release 500 extra prisoners - but confirmed further measures were being considered to tackle the rising jail population.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: Scotland is not alone in facing challenges as a result of a rise in the prison population. There is no single reason for the increase and there is no single solution.

We have taken a range of actions to address this, including changing the point of release for some short-term prisoners and bringing forward regulations to widen the use of home detention curfew, which enables selected individuals to be released to serve the last part of their sentence under curfew and clear licence conditions.

'We are continuing to work with the Scottish Prison Service and partners on further measures to manage the complex prison population in a sustainable way.

Earlier this month we revealed that prison officers across Scotland are to be issued with body-worn video cameras in a bid to tackle cell-block violence.

Every guard in the countrys 16 state-run prisons is to be equipped with a high-tech bodycam while on duty., allowing them to record footage of any fights, drug-taking or abuse, which can then be used as evidence in a potential criminal prosecution.

Figures released in June showed attacks on prison staff have increased alarmingly - with an officer assaulted by inmates almost every day in Scotlands jails.

Data from the SPS showed 350 officers were attacked during 2024-25 the highest number in five years.
Moscow has waded into the case of a missing British boy, three, amid fears the child has been 'kidnapped' by his Russian mother.

A state media pundit has declared that the boy is 'Russian' and demanded the Putin regime should 'do everything possible' to 'protect the mother's right' to be with the child.

Little Oliver Pugh is the subject of a major police search after going missing from Marbella, on the Costa del Sol. The boy has a British father and Russian mother, now separated.

The family had lived in Spain and a court order was in place banning the child being removed from the country.

Spanish police fear Oliver has been taken from Spain to Russia where he is out of reach of the boy's father.

There has been no official comment from the Russian authorities as to whether the child is in the country.

But Kremlin-funded Russian state propaganda media columnist Vladimir Kornilov said today on his Telegram channel: 'It is suspected that she [the mother] took her son to Russia. This, of course, is not yet a fact.

Little Oliver Pugh is the subject of a major police search after going missing from Marbella, on the Costa del Sol

The boy has a British father and Russian mother, now separated. The family had lived in Spain and a court order was in place banning the child being removed from the country.

Kremlin-funded Russian state propaganda media columnist Vladimir Kornilov (pictured) said today on his Telegram channel: 'It is suspected that she [the mother] took her son to Russia. This, of course, is not yet a fact

'But if this is indeed the case, it seems to me that we must do everything possible to protect the mother's right to be with her Russian child!

'Well, if London can call him British, why can't I call him Russian by the same logic?'

He asked: 'How [do] you determine that the boy is British if his mother might think otherwise?'

If Oliver and his mother are located in Russia, it's likely that both British and Spanish authorities will have no power to make her return with the child.

Although they can order an extradition - the process by which wanted people are recalled - it's unlikely Moscow would honour the request.

This is because Russia does not have extradition treaties with either Spain or the UK.

Oliver is described as 2ft 7in tall, and has blond hair and distinctive grey eyes.

Spain's National Police have asked for anyone with information to contact them.

A spokesman 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.'

Neither the mother nor the father has been named.

The Foreign Office is 'supporting the family of a British child who has been reported missing in Spain'.

Diplomats are in contact with the Spanish authorities.

It is not immediately clear if the boy has joint Russian citizenship, nor whether an international arrest warrant has been issued for the mother.

Russia always refuses to extradite its own citizens.

The boy disappeared on 4 July 2025.
The UK government has barred Israeli officials from attending the country's biggest arms fair over growing concern about the war in Gaza.

The decision does not cover representatives of Israeli defense contractors, who will be allowed to attend the DSEI UK exhibition, scheduled for September 9-12 in London.

'The Israeli Government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong,' the British government said in a statement.

'As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.'

The decision comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel takes steps to end the crisis in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire with Hamas and commits to a long-term peace agreement.

Britain previously barred sales to Israel of any arms that could be used in the nearly 23-month war in Gaza.

Israel's Defense Ministry said the decision was based on politics and 'serves extremists.'

'These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel's representatives,' the ministry said.

The UK government has barred Israeli officials from attending the country's biggest arms fair. Pictured: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz pictured on July 18

Palestinians, including children, try to receive hot meals, distributed by charity organizations, as people struggle to access food due to Israeli food blockade in Gaza City, Gaza on August 30, 2025

The DSEI UK exhibition is scheduled for September 9-12 in London. Pictured: A delegate studies a Challenger II tank on day two of the DSEI arms fair at ExCel on September 11, 2019 in London, England

The Israeli ministry said it would withdraw from the exhibition and will not establish a national pavilion.

Pro-Palestinian and anti-war groups have announced plans to for protests during DSEI, which will take place at the Excel center in east London.

It comes as an Israeli official said on Saturday that it will soon slow or halt humanitarian aid into parts of northern Gaza as it expands its offensive attempting to cripple Hamas.

The official who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Associated Press that Israel will stop airdrops over Gaza City in the coming days and reduce the arrival of aid trucks into the northern part of the strip as it prepares to evacuate hundreds of thousands of residents south.

Israel on Friday declared Gaza City a combat zone, calling it a Hamas stronghold and alleging that a network of tunnels remains in use despite several previous large-scale raids on the area throughout the war.

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.

In recent days, the military has ramped up strikes on the city's outskirts.

The military's announcement to resume fighting came as the death toll in Gaza rose to more than 63,000 people.

A boy climbs from out of the rubble of a collapsed building that was hit by bombardment in the Nuseirat camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on August 30, 2025

Displaced Palestinians fleeing south react as they ride in the back of a truck with belongings along the coastal road through the Nuseirat camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on August 30

Displaced Palestinians fleeing south ride atop a truck with belongings along the coastal road through the Nuseirat camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on August 30

Mourners react during the funeral of Palestinians who were killed by Israeli fire while trying to receive aid and another killed in a strike on Friday, according to medics, at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, August 30, 2025

Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli military strike in the northern Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike during a military operation in the east of Al Sheikh Redwan neighbourhood in Gaza City, 30 August 2025

Internally displaced Palestinians flee during a military operation in the east of Al Sheikh Redwan neighbourhood in Gaza City, 30 August 2025

Palestinians flee their homes as intense Israeli attacks on northern Gaza force them to head toward central Gaza via al-Rashid Road, carrying whatever belongings they can, on August 29, 2025 in Gaza

On Saturday, four people were killed by Israeli gunfire while trying to get aid in central Gaza, according to health officials at Awda hospital, were the bodies were brought.

It was unclear when the pause in aid would begin and when the airdrops would fully stop.

By Saturday there had been no airdrops for several days across Gaza, a break from the almost daily drops for the past few weeks.

Israel's army didn't respond to a request for comment about the airdrops or how it would provide aid to Palestinians as Israel ramped up its offensive.

On Friday, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged Palestinians to flee south, calling evacuation 'inevitable.'

Aid groups warn that a large-scale evacuation of Gaza City would exacerbate the dire humanitarian crisis.
A former stripper who claims a priest paid her nearly $300,000 to be his secret sugar baby has been arrested for allegedly illegally practicing law.

Heather Jones, 33, claimed Fr Robert 'Bob' Sullivan, 61, began a sexual relationship with her in 2009 after meeting her the a strip club when she was 17.

Their alleged relationship ended this year after she reported his alleged celibacy vow betrayal to his church, Our Lady of Sorrows in Homewood, near Birmingham, Alabama.

Sullivan is not facing any criminal charges, but took leave from his parish while church leaders consider his future.

Jones was arrested on August 21 and booked into the Marshall County Jail charged with practicing law without a license, a misdemeanor.

She was released the next day on $6,000 bail after she tested positive for meth. She listed herself as a 'law student/advocate' in court documents.

Marshall County District Attorney Jennifer Bray alleged Jones even tried to appear in court for her 'client', a 36-year-old drug user.

'Its someone thats in our drug court program. He has quite the lengthy history,' she said.

Heather Jones, 33, said Fr. Robert 'Bob' Sullivan, 61, began a sexual relationship with her after meeting her at a strip club where she danced at when she was 17 in 2009

Jones, 33, claimed Fr Robert 'Bob' Sullivan, 61, began a sexual relationship with her in 2009 after meeting her the a strip club when she was 17

'She filed some motions acting as an attorney, and shes not an attorney. She was filing motions for a hearing. She actually came to court and tried to argue as an attorney.'

Bray said Jones and the man 'appeared to be in a relationship' and she was giving him free legal assistance.

Jones got a psychology degree from Argosy University, a for-profit college that collapsed on March 8, 2019.

She refused to comment when local paper Advance Local called her about the charges.

Jones previously claimed the Sullivan gave her $273,000 and forced her to sign an NDA, which she broke to tell her story, she told The Guardian.

She told the newspaper during that interview that she was studying to become a lawyer.

Sullivan allegedly paid her a total of $120,000 via 125 Venmo transactions between July 18, 2024, to March 26, 2025.

He allegedly gave her $273,000 and forced her to sign an NDA. The Auburn University graduate additionally paid her a total of $120,000 via 125 Venmo transactions between July 18, 2024, to March 26, 2025, as part of their sugar baby agreement

According to Jones, Sullivan - then allegedly a regular patron at the club - offered her financial support in exchange for what he described as 'private companionship,' a term Jones says included sex.

She also submitted a formal written statement to the Diocese of Birmingham, detailing the alleged years-long relationship with the priest, who was ordained in 1993.

'I was a minor with no experience navigating adult relationships,' Jones wrote in her statement.

She added that she felt compelled to speak out so many years later because Sullivan continued working closely with families and children as a pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Homewood - about 5 miles outside Birmingham.

'Others may be vulnerable to the same type of manipulation and exploitation,' she told The Guardian.

Daily Mail contacted the church and Sullivan for comment.

Jones says she requested a revision to the NDA and an additional $100,000, arguing the original agreement, 'heavily favored his interests and offered no meaningful protection, healing or justice'.

But, she said her request was ignored and ultimately chose to violate the NDA, stating she believed 'it would not hold up in court'.

Their relationship ended this year after she reported his vow betrayal to his church, Our Lady of Sorrows in Homewood (pictured)

Jones, who recently began law school, said she could provide additional evidence, such as phone records and photos if requested by investigators.

The Auburn University graduate has since taken a 'personal leave,' announcing on August 3 that he would be absent after 'after prayer and reflection'.

Bishop Steven Raica of the Diocese of Birmingham later confirmed in a letter to parishioners that Sullivan had been placed on leave set to begin on August 4 and that the matter had been referred to the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

'Father Sullivan was granted a leave of absence and is currently removed from all priestly service pending the outcome of the investigation,' Raica wrote to the diocese.

The Diocese also reported the allegations to the Alabama Department of Human Resources. However, the DHR eventually determined the claims did not meet the criteria for an investigation.

Alabama law allows individuals aged 16 and older to legally consent to sex, and the state does not have laws specifically prohibiting clergy from engaging in sexual relationships with adult congregants under their spiritual care, according to the Alabama DHR.

However, under Catholic canon law, anyone under 18 is considered a minor, and sexual contact with them is considered abusive.

According to Jones, Sullivan - then allegedly a regular patron at the club - offered her financial support in exchange for what he described as 'private companionship,' a term Jones says included sex

The Church began enforcing such rules more strictly in the early 2000s following widespread clergy abuse scandals.

Diocese spokesperson Donald Carson said that while civil authorities may not pursue the matter, Sullivan is prohibited from public ministry pending the outcome of the Church's internal investigation.

'We keep Father Sullivan and the woman who's making the allegations certainly in our prayers,' Carson said.

The bishop also revealed the church had no plans on revealing Sullivan's reason for a leave of absence until after the investigation was complete - as is policy. However, he changed course after The Guardian article was published.

Raica wrote in a statement to the diocese that Sullivan had 'a presumption of innocence until proven otherwise' as the investigations pending against him progressed.

'Anyone accused in the Church possesses a presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, equivalent to the right granted in civil law,' he wrote to the diocese.

Following Sullivan's 'absence,' Birmingham diocese vicar general Kevin Bazzel told congregants on Sunday that Raica had appointed him as Our Lady of Sorrows temporary administrator in Sullivans absence.
The number of councils vowing to take legal action to kick asylum seekers out of hotels has grown to at least 19 as mass unrest continues to spread across the UK today.

Furious protesters have gathered outside migrant hotels in towns and cities such as Newcastle, Swindon and Falkirk after the Court of Appeal yesterday overturned an injunction ordering the removal of 138 migrants from an accommodation in Essex.

It comes as the Labour government was last night facing accusations from senior Tories that it is 'taking the side of migrants over Britons'.

On Saturday, more and more councils promised to fight back against asylum hotels in light of the Court of Appeal's decision on The Bell Hotel in Epping.

Reform UK has said that all 12 councils it controls should be exploring legal options to stop asylum seekers being housed in local hotels.

The leader of West Northamptonshire council Mark Arnull said Friday's ruling had made no impact on his plans to try and shut asylum seeker accommodation in the area down.

He told the BBC: 'It also doesn't change our view that the use and locations of the three hotels have never been suitable for asylum accommodation and place unreasonable and unsustainable strain on local services.'

The other Reform-controlled councils include Durham, North Northamptonshire, Doncaster, Derbyshire, Kent, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire.

Crowds of anti-migrant demonstrators holding English flags and Union Jacks gather outside the Crowne Plaza hotel in West Drayton

Protestors outside the Crowne Hotel adorned in England flags as a police van patrols the scene

The crowds carried England flags and Union flags as they gathered outside the cordon surrounding the hotel in West Drayton

A protester displays a tattoo of Tommy Robinson on her arm as rival protest groups clash outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle

The young man was seen at the window of the Roundhouse hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset, last night, as 200 demonstrators gathered outside

Demonstrators gather during an anti-immigration protest outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle

And at least four Labour-run authorities - Wirral Council, Stevenage Borough Council, Tamworth Borough Council and Rushmoor Borough Council - have also vowed to take action.

Meanwhile Kemi Badenoch on Friday urged Conservative-run councils looking to shut down migrant hotels to 'keep going'.

Both Broxbourne Council in Hertfordshire and Spelthorne Council in Surrey have said there have been 'no changes' in their plans to fight back against the Labour government's policies.

And when Epping Council is also considered, that brings the total number of local authorities vowing to take action against asylum hotels to at least 19.

Photos from today show campaigners outside hotels across the UK holding England flags and placards calling for migrants to go home.

Counter demonstrations are also underway - with the group Stand Up To Racism calling on its supporters to rally against what it called 'far-right and fascist thugs'.

In Newcastle, cries of 'send them back' and 'stop the boats' were met with loud choruses of 'no hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here' by an equal number of counter protesters.

At one point, the far-right protesters, decked out in Union Jack flags, broke into a spontaneous rendition of 'Rule Britannia.'

People take part in a Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures protest outside the Cladhan Hotel in Falkirk

A man is handcuffed and led away by police during a Save Our Future & Our Kids Futures protest

Crowds of anti-migrant demonstrators holding English flags and Union Jacks gather outside the Crowne Plaza hotel in West Drayton

Meanwhile, angry activists who descended on a Falkirk hotel were met by hundreds of counter protesters.

Two separate demonstrations were called by the Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures group in the town on Saturday, amid fears of local people about alleged crimes linked to those housed at the Cladhan Hotel.

The first saw hundreds gather outside the office of Labour MP Euan Stainbank, where speeches were made, and people took aim at the UK Government, the police and journalists who were covering the protest.

More than 200 later assembled outside the nearby Cladhan Hotel, which is believed to house asylum seekers waiting for their claims to be processed.

Meanwhile, yesterday a grinning migrant was caught on camera giving protesters outside an asylum hotel the middle finger just hours the Court of Appeal's decision.

The young man was seen at the window of the Roundhouse hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset as around 200 demonstrators called for it to be shut down.

Sir Keir Starmer responded to the unrest by promising small boat migrants will be 'detained and sent back'.

In a social media post, Sir Keir said: 'I am clear: we will not reward illegal entry. If you cross the Channel unlawfully, you will be detained and sent back.'

St George's crosses painted over two mini roundabouts at the junction of Hitcham Lane and Gore Road in Taplow, Berkshire

Hotel residents walk past Police Van as they arrive at The Bell Hotel, Epping, Essex

Counter protesters from Stand Up To Racism come out in support of refugees in Scotland on Saturday

The government has previously argued that the need to protect the human rights of asylum seekers by housing them in hotels, outweighed the safety concerns of local families.

However, MPs and the local council reacted furiously to the decision to keep housing asylum seekers in Epping, with Reform leader Nigel Farage saying illegal migrants now had more rights than Britons under Sir Keir Starmer.

Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch also accused the prime minister of 'putting the rights of illegal immigrants above the rights of British people'.

It comes as former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer said the Government was right to take the Epping case to the Court of Appeal but said people wanted action to close asylum hotels.

He rejected suggestions that the UK may have to pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights to be able to efficiently remove people with no right to be in the country.

Lord Falconer, who served under former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'We've obviously got to move forward in relation to closing the hotels and also stopping the crossings.'

A counter-demonstration protest gathers to face an anti-immigration protest outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on August 30

Demonstrators gather during an anti-immigration protest outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on Saturday

The protest comes a day after the Court of Appeal overturned a lower court ruling that would have evicted asylum seekers housed at a hotel in Epping, north of London

Anti-migrant protesters (pictured) hold a demonstration outside the Thistle Hotel in Swindon

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

The case could have had wider ramifications, as more than 200 hotels are being used to house asylum seekers around the country.

Lord Falconer said: 'The Government always has the burden of doing what's possible and the Government is doing the right thing in relation to it, but there's a lot more to do, and if we don't, as a government, do it, then you'll see those opinion polls raised yet further for Reform, because they don't have the burden of having to be practical.

'But the country wants some action in relation to it.'

Last night anger began building outside The Bell Hotel in Epping at the news of the ruling.

The council said the owners of the three-star hotel had breached planning rules by using it as accommodation for small-boat migrants.

Photos show campaigners holding Union Jacks and England flags gathering outside hotels in Newcastle, Swindon (pictured), Falkirk and Stoke-on-Trent this afternoon

Police officers stand by protesters outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex last night

Anti-migrant protesters (pictured) hold a demonstration outside the Thistle Hotel in Swindon

Rival protest groups clash outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle this afternoon

Rival protest groups clash outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on Saturday afternoon

Somani Hotels, which owns the establishment, and the Home Office challenged the injunction.

The three Court of Appeal judges said last week's decision by High Court judge Mr Justice Eyre was 'seriously flawed'.

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.

'The judge's approach ignores the obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere.'

Lord Justice Bean added that such an injunction 'may incentivise' other councils to take steps similar to those taken by Epping.

Lawyers for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had argued that shutting the hotel would set a 'dangerous precedent' which would have encouraged similar litigation by other councils.

Mr Farage claimed the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) had been 'used' by the Government 'against the people of Epping'.

Demonstrators are seen wearing Union Jack and England flags during an anti-immigration protest outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on Saturday

An anti-immigration protester poses with a Union Jack flag with the slogan: 'Stop the boats'

Counter-protesters hold banners reading: 'Newcastle welcomes refugees' and 'Your racism isn't patriotic it's idiotic'

Anti-migrant protesters demonstrate outside the Cladhan Hotel on August 30 in Falkirk, Scotland

Protesters block the road outside The Delta Marriott Hotel in Cheshunt after the local council announced plans to try to prevent asylum seekers from staying there

More than 200 protesters against asylum seekers being housed in hotels gather outside The Roundhouse in Bournemouth on Friday night

The Court of Appeal overturned an injunction ordering the removal of migrants from the Bell Hotel (pictured) in Epping

Anger was brewing last night as groups of protestors (pictured) gathered at the Bell Hotel in Epping following the ruling

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the Epping case had 'seen the Labour Government using the courts against the British public'.

He added: '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.'

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick called the ruling 'extremely disappointing' as he urged councils to still take action to close asylum hotels in their areas.

He said: 'Yvette Cooper's decision to put two fingers up to the legitimate anger of the British public will surely inspire even more protests across the country. People are fed up with the Government siding with illegal migrants over the British people.'

Epping council said it was 'deeply disappointed' by the ruling, which had led to 'doubt and confusion'.

Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon said while the Government was successful in its appeal, the reality of using hotels to house asylum seekers was 'untenable' and called for refugees to be housed in neighbourhoods.

He said: 'Waiting until 2029 to end their use is no longer an option. As long as hotels remain open, they will continue to be flashpoints for protest.'

Police officers secure the area as a protester dubbed one of the 'Pink Ladies' hold a union flag outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on August 29

Protesters (pictured) marched towards the Bell Hotel on Friday evening, waving England flags and Union Jacks

Anti-racism groups holding Palestinian flags gather in Newcastle on Saturday

A protester (pictured) was seen holding a St George's Cross outside the Court of Appeal this afternoon

Border security minister Dame Angela Eagle 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 9million a day.'

Epping's legal challenge followed a series of protests outside the hotel amid accusations of sexual assault regarding two men being housed there.

Some protests involved clashes with police, resulting in six men being charged with violent disorder, two of whom have pleaded guilty. Two residents of the Bell Hotel have been charged with sexual assault.

Essex Police were anticipating trouble last night, with as many as four marked vans parked on the hotel's forecourt from early in the afternoon, and ten officers standing outside. Migrants had reportedly been advised to stay inside.

Within minutes of the judges' decision, local Conservative councillor Shane Yerrell arrived at the hotel.

He said: 'This decision is 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. Local mums and dads want the hotel closed  as the first judgment said.'

There have been fresh protests (pictured) outside the Bell Hotel in Epping this week prior to today's ruling

A protester holding an England flag stands outside the High Court in London yesterday

Reform leader Nigel Farage (pictured) said illegal migrants now had more rights than Britons under Sir Keir Starmer

The number of protesters outside the hotel was growing by 5pm, with new arrivals including 'pink ladies' great-grandmother-of-five Shirley Mooney, 68, alongside her neighbour and fellow grandmother Carmen MacDonald, 60.

Both were wearing T-shirts with 'The only way is Epping' on the front  and 'Send them home, protect our kids' on the back.

Ms Mooney worked in the Bell as a manager until 1998, said of the latest judgment: 'I am absolutely disgusted. It's horrific, a joke.

'Whose side are these judges on? They need the sack. As soon as we heard the news, we came down here to show our support. We won't stop.'

The only person here celebrating the judgment last night was a migrant resident.

Advised by staff not to speak or leave his room, he texted your reporter to say of the judges' decision: 'I am pleased. 'It had been a worry.'
A surge in the number of missing children in one Midwest state is sparking panic among parents.

A total of 21 juveniles disappeared in August alone, data from local police and the state's missing persons register showed.

By midway through the month, a staggering 11 children had vanished in North Dakota.

A further nine children aged between 13 and 16-years-old were reported missing as of August 27, Newsweek and The Forum reported.

On Saturday, 12-year-old Olivia Johnson from Fargo became the 21st missing child. Police issued an alert urging the public to look out for her.

She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black shorts and was wearing a cream colored backpack.

So far ten children have been located, but fears remain over those still unaccounted for.

North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation Chief Agent Steven Harstad said his agency is encouraging parents to treat children who run away as missing and not ignore it.

On Saturday, 12-year-old Olivia Johnson from Fargo became the 21st missing child. Police issued an alert urging the public to look out for her

Kartor Stewart, 16, was last seen on August 24. His case is being investigated by the Grand Forks Police Department

Angel Peltier, 15, was last seen on August 10. His case is being investigated by the Minot Police Department

'There's no such thing as a runaway, especially when it comes to kids; because of that, we're seeing more missing persons reports, including those youngsters,' he said.

The North Dakota Office of the Attorney General currently has nine missing children listed, five of whom vanished in August.

Brayden Desjarlais, 16, was last seen on August 21. His case is being investigated by the Minot Police Department.

Grand Forks Police Department confirmed it is still hunting for Kartor Stewart, 16, who was last seen on August 24.

The missing person database also lists Elaxander Greywater, 16. He was last seen on August 25 according to the Bismarck Police Department.

Two children who went missing earlier this month, nine-year-old Naara Juarez Perez and 15-year-old Angel Peltier, still have not been found

Gabriel Tapia and Jaxton Counts, 13 and 14 years old respectively, have been taken off the missing person's database, but their whereabouts are still unknown.

Others who were delisted from the database include 14-year-old Dystiny Rivers, 16-year-old Courtney Garcia-Rollness and 16-year-old Alexa Taylor.

North Dakota authorities have found 10 missing juveniles who ran away this month (Pictured: North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation Chief Agent Steven Harstad)

Elijah Whitelightning, a 15-year-old American Indian boy, still hasn't been found after being declared missing on November 21, 2024

Others who were delisted from the database include 14-year-old Dystiny Rivers, 16-year-old Courtney Garcia-Rollness and 16-year-old Alexa Taylor.

Daily Mail approached the attorney general's office for comment on the status of these five children..

And Elijah Whitelightning, a 15-year-old American Indian boy, still hasn't been found after being declared missing on November 21, 2024.

About half of the children who have been deemed missing this month are Indigenous.

'I don't know if it's a problem we ever fix, because the reasons are so wide-stretched  substance abuse, mental illness, family issues,' Harstad said.

'But the information is getting out there, and the more people that see it is a good thing, because it raises the awareness of the number of kids who are in a bad situation or trying to get out of those situations, or putting themselves in bad situations by leaving.'

Anyone who has information about a child reported missing in the state can contact the agency investigating the disappearance.
A beloved Arizona TV news anchor has died at the age of 75, his family confirmed.

Frank Camacho had been battling prostate cancer and died on Friday, according to a Facebook post penned by his loved ones.

He was known as a pioneer in the journalism industry and was credited as one of the first Mexican-American anchors on air in the Phoenix area.

Camacho's celebrated career, which included interviews with presidents Gerald Ford and Barack Obama, began at local radio stations, as reported by AZ Central.

The journalist also spent some time working at the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.

He then started working on television first as a reporter at CBS affiliate KPHO and then at Channel 3, where he also served as a weekend anchor.

'Frank was a respected journalist known for his objective, intelligent, and witty style,' his family said on Facebook.

'While he interviewed numerous dignitaries, including U.S. Presidents Gerald Ford and Barack Obama, his favorite interviews were always with the everyday people of Arizona.'

Beloved Phoenix news anchor Frank Camacho died on Friday after a battle with cancer

Camacho was known as a pioneer in the journalism industry and was credited as one of the first Mexican-American anchors on air in the Phoenix area

Camacho retired from TV in 2012 and went on to work as communications director for the Arizona Democratic party.

Camacho's family noted that, 'Beyond his professional life, Frank was a passionate social justice activist, a devout Catholic, and a lifelong fan of the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks.'

They added: 'He cherished every moment with his family, creating a legacy of love and treasured memories that will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.'

Camacho is survived by his wife Margie Camacho, their six children and 10 grandchildren.

Camacho's colleague Daryn Kagan issued a statement honoring the late journalist, saying there, 'simply was not a finer human.'

'Somehow, I was lucky enough to have my desk right across from his for my 5+ years at Channel 3. When I think of all the things I learned during that time, far beyond what I learned as a journalist, is what I learned just watching Frank move through the world, his loyalty, his morals, his IMMENSE love for his family, these are the things I know I was meant to learn in my time in Phoenix,' Kagan wrote on Facebook.

Journalist Tyson Milanovich also took a moment to remember Camacho on X.

Camacho retired from TV in 2012 and went on to work as communications director for the Arizona Democratic party

Camacho is survived by his wife Margie Camacho, their six children and 10 grandchildren

He wrote: 'I started my career at @AZFamily on weekends and Frank Camacho was our longtime weekend anchor.

'He covered some of the biggest political stories in Arizona history, yet was down to earth, kind and could be hilariously funny. A mentor, a true gentleman and a class act. RIP Frank.'

Fans of Camacho also posted tributes for him on Saturday after news of his passing.

'I didnt know Frank Camacho personally, but I watched him deliver the news for years,' wrote Jim Omohundro.

'He always seemed so kind, even through the TV screen. Seeing what others are saying after his passing, that kindness was real. Rest in peace, Frank.'
A 12-year-old boy has died after falling from playground apparatus in a Cheshire park.

The child was pronounced dead at the scene at Wharton Recreation Ground near Ledward Street in Winsford on Friday evening.

Police have now launched an investigation into the incident after being called in by the North West Ambulance Service.

Cheshire Police said the child's family have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

'The force is also urging anyone who was in the area or has information on the 'deeply tragic' incident to come forward.

'As part of our investigation into this incident, we are asking anyone who may have been in or around the Wharton Recreation Ground area just off Ledward Street in Winsford at around the time of the incident and saw anything that may aid us in our enquiries, to please get in touch.

'At this stage I would also like to ask the public not to feed into any speculation, particularly on social media, as this remains an ongoing investigation.'

The child was pronounced dead at the scene at Wharton Recreation Ground near Ledward Street in Winsford on Friday evening

'Anyone with information is asked to contact Cheshire Police via the website or 101, quoting IML-216564.'

The tragedy comes after a six-year-old boy died after suffering a head injury in a fall last year.

Mohammed Yaseen Uddin, who attended Marlborough Primary School in Small Heath, Birmingham, died in December 2024.

He was remembered in a tribute as a 'wonderful and much-loved pupil' who was 'incredibly helpful, kind and caring'.

Razia Ali, executive headteacher at Marlborough, said: 'Our school community has been left devastated by the tragic passing of one of our wonderful and much-loved pupils'.

The head paid tribute to Yaseen and said the school's thoughts and prayers were with the youngster's family and friends.

She also said the school would be offering support to pupils affected by the loss of their schoolmate.

Ali added: 'Yaseen was an incredibly helpful, kind and caring pupil who brought a smile to the face of everyone who came across him.

'I know I speak for everyone when I say he will be deeply missed. All our thoughts and prayers are with Yaseen's family and friends.

'This has come as a huge shock and we know it will be extremely upsetting for many within our school community.

'We are so grateful that he was part of our community, and are very proud of all he achieved, as is his family. He was a young boy who very much enjoyed coming to school and he was an integral member of our school community.'
A hero helicopter pilot shot a crazed XL bully dead which savaged three people in the countryside.

Jon Earp landed his helicopter on a farm where he was called to the multiple attacks on three victims that were 'seriously injured' by the rampaging dog.

The chopper pilot was given a shotgun by a neighbouring farmer - and coolly shot the dog called Ricoh four times before anyone else was injured.

The dog was so ferocious it was completely unaffected by the first shot and needed four to be euthanised.

A judge commended Capt Earp, 52, for his courage after shooting the 18-month old XL Bully during the almost deadly attack on multiple people.

Judge Nicola Jones said the dog was 'relentless' in the 'sustained' attack - and someone could have died because the police armed response unit was too far away.

The judge said he would be receiving a Crown Court commendation for his actions on the day.

He joined the Wales Air Ambulance Service 12 years ago after surviving lung cancer - and promised he wanted to 'make a difference.'

Jon Earp, a helicopter pilot, shot a crazed XL bully dead which savaged three people in the countryside

The dog was so ferocious it was completely unaffected by the first shot and needed four to be euthanised (file photo)

The judge said: 'On that day the police armed response team were so far away that they couldn't come to euthanise that dog.

'It took four shots to destroy the dog at the scene.

'The first shot had no impact whatsoever - which goes to the ferocity, strength and danger of that animal.'

Caernarfon Crown Court heard the drama at the farm in Rhoshirwaun, Gwynedd in November 2023 was 'triggered' when the landlord blew his horn as he arrived to collect the rent.

Dog owner Lisa Grant, 56, admitted being the owner of the XL Bully dangerously out of control.

Ms Grant and her partner were tenants on the farm belonging to Gwilym Wyn Roberts who called to collect rent.

On his approach, he sounded the horn of his vehicle - which 'triggered' the dog.

Mr Roberts saw the dog it's owner and her partner Roger.

The dog then attacked Mr Roberts - who suffered bite mark injuries to his arm which required hospital treatment.

William Griffin, prosecuting, said that shortly before 11.30am on November 17, North Wales Police received reports that multiple individuals had been bitten by a dog at the farm.

The chopper pilot was given a shotgun by a neighbouring farmer - and coolly shot the dog called Ricoh four times before anyone else was injured

Mr Roberts' son called for the assistance of an air ambulance.

After the air ambulance landed, Capt Earp killed the dog using a shotgun and then airlifted Grant and her partner to hospital with 'serious injuries'.

In police interview, Ms Grant said that Ricoh had been living at the farm with others dogs with 'no issue', but had been 'triggered' by the horn of the car.

Mr Roberts said the physical scars from the 'horrible' attack remain, and said 'everyone is lucky to be alive'.

Amy Edwards, defending, said Ms Grant was remorseful for Mr Roberts having been injured, and is 'incredibly grateful' to him and his son for their actions on the day.

Ms Edwards said that Ms Grant intervened to try and regain control of the dog during the attack, and suffered serious injuries as a result.

She added that there was 'no prior knowledge or concerns' regarding the dog's behaviour.

The judge said: 'Mr Earp recognised that the dog still posed a risk to other people at the scene, including the emergency services, and that if swift action was not taken then the defendant's partner could have lost his life.

'It took four shots to destroy the dog at the scene' she said.

'The first shot had no impact whatsoever - which goes to the ferocity, strength and danger of that animal. Without his actions, your partner's life would not have been saved.

'What he did was incredibly brave and he no doubt saved all parties at the scene from more serious injury, and saved your partner's life.'

She sentenced Grant, now of Criccieth, to eight months imprisonment - which was suspended for a year. She is also banned from keeping dogs for an indefinite period.
Stephen King has discussed his dementia fears, revealing that he experiences a great horror when he struggles to remember a word.

Widely renowned as one of the world's most successful authors with a career spanning nearly 60 years, Mr King has made millions of dollars from his popular stories filled with his trademark 'dread and wonder'.

Now, ahead of his new adaptation set to hit theatres next month, the 77-year-old writer has revealed his deep anxieties around suffering from dementia, stating that he is 'afraid of that happening to me'.

Speaking to The Times, the bestselling American novelist, often dubbed 'The King of Horror', added: 'Every time that I can't remember a word or something, I think, 'This is the start'.'

His fears come more than 10 years after the tragic death of British fantasy author Terry Pratchett, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2007.

Mr Pratchett, who passed away aged 66 having sold more than 85million books worldwide, was best known for the Discworld series of 41 comic fantasy novels.

Following his diagnosis with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), a rare form of Alzheimer's, he was forced to rely on technology to assist him with his writing, with the disease often forcing him to 'fight for the right word'.

Now, Mr King has shared his acute anxieties surrounding dementia. His next book, a retelling of the classic tale 'Hansel and Gretel', is set to be released on September 2 and could, he adds, be his last to hit the shelves.

Widely renowned as one of the world's most successful authors in a career spanning nearly 60 years, Stephen King, 77 (pictured) has made millions of dollars from his popular stories filled with his trademark 'dread and wonder'

Now, ahead of his new adaptation set to hit theatres next month, the 77-year-old writer has revealed his deep anxieties around suffering from dementia, stating that he is 'afraid of that happening to me'

Mr King has also revealed that his next book could be his last to hit the shelves, adding that in the future he 'might' continue writing for his own enjoyment, but described it as 'creepy' imagining a scenario whether somebody else may publish his work in future

The award-winning novelist adds that, at present, he writes up to 1,200 words a day, six or seven days a week.

When questioned if he will continue to write in the future, Mr King responded: 'I have at least one more book that I would like to write, and beyond that, man, I'm not going to say... I'd like to go out where people say, 'I'd like another one.'

The beloved author did, however, add that in the absence of being published, he 'might' continue writing for his own enjoyment, but described it as 'creepy' imagining a scenario whether somebody else may publish his work in future.

It comes ahead of a new adaptation of Mr King's 1979 novel The Long Walk, set to be released on September 12.

The award-winning dystopian thriller novel follows a group of teenage boys who compete in an annual walking contest with deadly consequences.

The boys must maintain walking at a certain speed or get shot, with the last person standing walking away with a cash prize - and their life.

In a special 'biometrics screening' of the upcoming film held recently, moviegowers' heart rates were found to have been pushed to over 200 beats per minute, which can be considered 'hazardous' outside of extremely intense exercise.

While the average human heart rate is around 70 to 80 beats per minute, the heart rates of viewers more than doubled within the first 20 minutes of the film.

According to a promotional video of the screening, moviegoers' heart rates were the equivalent of a fighter pilot's body under 9gs of force.

Mr King's next book, a retelling of the classic tale 'Hansel and Gretel', is set to be released on September 2. When questioned if he will continue to write in the future, Mr King told The Times: 'I have at least one more book that I would like to write'

Mr King's fears come more than 10 years after the tragic death of British fantasy author Terry Pratchett (pictured), who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2007. Mr Pratchett passed away aged 66 having sold more than 85million books worldwide

A new adaptation of Mr King's 1979 novel The Long Walk, is set to be released on September 12. The award-winning dystopian thriller novel follows a group of teenage boys who compete in an annual walking contest with deadly consequences

The award-winning dystopian thriller novel follows a group of teenage boys who compete in an annual walking contest with deadly consequences. The boys must maintain walking at a certain speed or get shot, with the last person standing walking away with a cash prize - and their life

'I finished reading the book last month, and I am even more pumped for this movie now more than ever!' gushed one fan in the comments section.

A chilling trailer for the film was released in May, with fans predicting that it could become one of the best Stephen King adaptations ever made.

It acts as just one of a number of adaptations of Mr King's famous horror books made in recent years, including The Monkey (1980), a Salem's Lot (1975) remake, alongside The Boogeyman (1973).

According to Deadline, Doug Liman is also set to direct a theatrical adaptation of Mr King's The Stand.

Released in 1978, Mr King's epic post-apocalyptic novel centers on factions of people trying to survive after a deadly pandemic.

The lengthy tome was acclaimed by critics and went on to become one of the author's bestselling books.

It's been adapted twice before for television, first in 1994 as a four episode miniseries that took home two Emmys.

The 1994 version starred Molly Ringwald and Rob Lowe, and was written and produced by King himself.

In a special 'biometrics screening' of the upcoming film held recently, moviegowers' heart rates were found to have been pushed to over 200 beats per minute, which can be considered 'hazardous' outside of extremely intense exercise

It acts as just one of a number of adaptations of Mr King's famous horror books made in recent years, including The Monkey (1980), a Salem's Lot (1975) remake, alongside The Boogeyman (1973)

Released in 1978, Mr King's epic post-apocalyptic novel centers on factions of people trying to survive after a deadly pandemic. The lengthy tome was acclaimed by critics and went on to become one of the author's bestselling books

It was then revived once again by CBS in 2020 as a nine-episode limited series starring James Marsden, Alexander Skarsgard, Whoopi Goldberg, Amber Heard.

Liman's upcoming version will be the first time that The Stand has been adapted theatrically.

Alongside his novels, Mr King has embarked on a number of projects based on his repertoire of books, including The Institute, which hit MGM+ in early July.

The eight-part limited series follows the terrifying story of Luke Ellis, a 12-year-old prodigy whose life is shattered overnight when he's kidnapped and wakes up inside a shadowy facility known only as The Institute.

Inside, he meets other children with psychic abilities who are being subjected to disturbing and painful experiments under the watchful eye of the calculating Ms. Sigsby, played by Emmy-winner Mary-Louise Parker.

While the children initially believe that they're there to be taught and cared for, they soon discover that the staff at The Institute are trying to weaponize their powers for evil.

It was then revived once again by CBS in 2020 (pictured) as a nine-episode limited series starring James Marsden, Alexander Skarsgard, Whoopi Goldberg, Amber Heard. Liman's upcoming version will be the first time that The Stand has been adapted theatrically

In July, Mr King sparked backlash from his followers on X (formerly Twitter) after sharing a condescending post about convicted sex offender Epstein

King's fans were furious earlier this year when Netflix announced it would be making a reboot of his novel Cujo.

Meanwhile, Amazon Prime also revealed that they are turning his iconic novel Carrie into a series.

In July, Mr King sparked backlash from his followers on X (formerly Twitter) after sharing a condescending post about convicted sex offender Epstein.

'The Epstein client list is real. So is the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus,' he posted on Tuesday.

Later that day, the 77-year-old followed it up with, 'Boy, I hit a nerve with that Epstein post. The 'list' is like UFOs: Everyone knows someone who's seen one.'

The second post also contained two crying-laughing emojis.
Furious protestors have vowed to hold week after week of angry demonstrations over the housing of asylum seekers in the heart of Scottish communities.

And it appears certain the issue is set to become the hottest topic in the run-up to next Mays elections to the Scottish Parliament.

It was the first public display of opposition since a poll last week found that illegal immigration has now become a top political priority for people across Scotland.

Up to 1,000 people gathered outside the former Cladhan Hotel in Falkirk yesterday (Sat), the scene of another demonstration two weeks ago which attracted around 700 demonstrators and counter-demonstrators.

The building once housed Afghan asylum seeker Sadeq Nikzad, jailed in June for raping a 15-year-old local girl during a harrowing daylight assault in the town centre.

Last week, the Mail on Sunday revealed the travel route taken by the 29-year-old through tourist hotspots in a string of safe European countries before taking a small boat to England.

Several hundred people, draped in union flags and waving saltires, gathered yesterday outside the offices of local Labour MP Euan Stainbank, who has called for an end to the housing of refugees in hotels.

One of the organisers of yesterdays protest, Connor Graham, used a loudhailer to tell the crowd: We are not going away. We will continue to organise and we will continue to grow. We will campaign to have Falkirks voice heard.

Protestors took to the streets of Falkirk again to voice their anger over the use of asylum hotels

A protestor holds a Scottish flag at the event in Falkirk

A demonstrator for a group that came out in support of the migrants dressed as Jesus

Mr Graham insisted the crowd were neither racist not far-right.

He added: We will be back at the Cladhan Hotel next Saturday.and the Saturday after that.and the Saturday after that.

One of the protestors, who gave his name as Kevin from Livingston, said: The Government are ignoring us. I am not saying everyone in the Cladhan Hotel is a rapist but local women and children are fearful for their safety.

The only way to bring about change is at the ballot box. And the first opportunity to effect that change is at next years Holyrood elections.

Some protestors chanted: Stop the Boats.Stop the Boats. However, one lone voice could be heard bawling Sink the Boats.

Around 400 counter-protestors stood between the main crowd and the hotel entrance. With drones hovering overhead, a man dressed as Jesus carried a sign, stating: I was a stranger.and you took me in.

Others chanted Refugees are welcome here. However, the gathering also included a hotch potch of fringe political groups such as Antifaschiste Aktion, a Communist anti-Nazi group formed in Germany. Their following of around a dozen were dressed all in black and used masks to hide their faces.

Others handed out leaflets advertising a Stop Arming Israel demonstration in Edinburgh this Saturday.

A boombox operated by the counter-demonstrators blasted out music by Kneecap the Belfast group banned from this years TRNSMT music festival in Glasgow because of their extreme views on Israel.

One of the organisers of the counter demonstration, Gary Clark, 57, said:We will come back here as long as it takes. We want to ensure the safety of refugees and we want to campaign for decent facilities and jobs for everyone.

Afghan asylum seeker Sadeq Nikzad was jailed in June for raping a 15-year-old girl

Mother Sam Lee from Falkirk brought her five-year-old son along to the noisy rally. She said: We used to go to the Cladhan Hotel every year for the Battle of Falkirk commemoration events.

Now I am here protesting at the illegal asylum seekers. I am scared to go into the park as they are gathered together in groups.

Local Labour MP Euan Stainbank said he had tried to engage with protestors, without success. He wasnt present at yesterdays demo but he told the Mail on Sunday: The asylum system has been broken for too long, which is why Labour quickly ended the unworkable, costly Rwanda scheme and is processing and making decisions to remove people from the country or accept their asylum application.

This brought the amount of people in the system down by 59,000 by the start of this year and will allow us to finally close Tory created asylum hotels in this Parliament.

While the organisers of this campaign continue to blank my offer of a meeting made over a week ago, Im always happy to discuss asylum or any other responsibility of the UK Government with any of the people I represent.

As Ive done this week and will be doing while out and about today.
The Church of England's most senior bishop has launched a blistering attack on Nigel Farage's small boats policy.

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell branded the Reform UK leader's proposals for mass deportations as being 'isolationist, short-term' and 'kneejerk'.

Mr Farage this week set out plans to deport 600,000 migrants through 'Operation Restoring Justice' which he hopes to implement should his party win the next election.

But the archbishop, who is the most senior figure in the CofE in the absence of an Archbishop of Canterbury, said Mr Farage was not offering a solution to the 'big issues' which are driving people to risk the English Channel crossing.

Mr Cottrell said any plans to lock up and deport migrants would not solve the growing crisis which has seen more than 50,000 small boat arrivals since Sir Keir Starmer's Labour came to power last July.

'You've just put it somewhere else and you've done nothing to address the issue of what brings people to this country,' he continued.

'And so if you think that's the answer, you will discover in due course that all you have done is made the problem worse.'

Mr Cottrell added that he has 'every sympathy with those who find this difficult' but that Britons 'should actively resist the kind of isolationist, short-term kneejerk 'send them home"' messaging.

Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell (pictured) has branded Nigel Farage's plans for mass deportations as being 'isolationist, short-term' and 'kneejerk'

Mr Farage (pictured) has set out to deport 600,000 asylum seekers, a plan labelled 'Operation Restoring Justice', if his party wins the next election

Mr Cottrell said the Reform leader was not offering a solution to the 'big issues' which are driving people to risk the English Channel crossing (File Image)

Asked whether that was his message to Mr Farage, the archbishop said: 'Well, it is. I mean, Mr Farage is saying the things he's saying, but he is not offering any long-term solution to the big issues which are convulsing our world, which lead to this.'

It comes just one day after the senior church official labelled the Reform leader's deportation plans as being 'beneath us as a nation' and 'not the Christian way'.

Speaking to The Mirror, Mr Cottrell urged Britons to show asylum seekers the Christian traits of 'compassion and understanding' instead of calling for them to be sent home.

He said: '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 also emphasised the need for a 'fair and functional' system 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.

The senior church official yesterday even labelled the Reform leader's deportation plans as being 'not the Christian way' and 'beneath us as a nation'

Mr Farage (pictured) has previously said Christianity 'should be recognised by Government at all levels'

But with the Archbishop scolding his plans, it suggests he faces butting heads with the country's most senior Christian in implementing them.

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.'

The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, resigned in November last year following a damning review of his role into the handling of a child sex abuse scandal.

The bishop's calls for compassion come amid heightened tension which has seen Britain gripped by protests for weeks.

Such demonstrations initially broke out at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, after one of the asylum seekers living 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.

The alleged assault led to widespread calls for the Bell Hotel to be shut down as a network of protests grew wider outside asylum hotels across Britain, but the Home Office yesterday won an appeal against its closure.

Lawyers for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had argued that shutting the hotel would set a 'dangerous precedent' which would have encouraged similar litigation by other councils.

The bishop's comments come amid heightened tension which has seen Britain gripped by protests (as seen above) for weeks

Demonstrations initially broke out at the Bell Hotel (pictured) in Epping, Essex, after one of the asylum seekers living there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl last month - claims which have been denied during the man's trial

Lawyers for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (pictured) had argued that shutting the hotel would set a 'dangerous precedent' that would have encouraged similar litigation by other councils

The decision enraged Essex locals who have protested outside the hotel for weeks.

Last night 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.'

Meanwhile, Mr Farage posted on X: 'Illegal migrants have more rights than the people of Essex. Reform UK will put an end to this.'
Five people have been arrested after a group of masked men tried to storm a hotel housing asylum seekers in west London.

It comes as demonstrations have taken place at hotels across the country today after the Government won a court challenge on Friday, meaning asylum seekers can continue to be housed at the Bell Hotel in Essex.

The Metropolitan Police said a group of masked protestors attempted to enter the Crowne Hotel in West Drayton via the rear entrance, damaging the security hoarding which surrounds the building.

The force said officers were already at the hotel and called for more support to stop the men breaking in.

A separate group then made their way towards a nearby Novotel on Cherry Lane, while another group moved towards a Holiday Inn. Three people were arrested and cordons were put in place in the surrounding area.

Two officers suffered minor injuries, the force said.

Members of the public were ordered to disperse by police two more people were arrested as officers tried to clear the scene.

Police said the dispersal order remains in place and will be reviewed as the evening continues.

Crowds of anti-migrant demonstrators holding English flags and Union Jacks gather outside the Crowne Plaza hotel in West Drayton

Crowds of anti-migrant demonstrators holding English flags and Union Jacks gather outside the Crowne Plaza hotel in West Drayton

Police said a group of masked protestors attempted to enter the Crowne Hotel in West Drayton via the rear entrance

A protester displays a tattoo of Tommy Robinson on her arm as rival protest groups clash outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle

People take part in a Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures protest outside the Cladhan Hotel in Falkirk

Commander Adam Slonecki, in charge of policing London this weekend, said: 'We have prepared with additional resources to police protests at migrant hotels over the last few weeks and this weekend is no exception.

'We understand strength of feeling on these issues, but where peaceful protest crosses the line into criminality, including injuries to our officers, we will take immediate action.

'We deployed additional officers to the area and five arrests have been made for offences including assault on a police officer, affray and violent disorder.

'Around 500 protesters were in the area, but most people have now dispersed from the immediate vicinity. However, further arrests will be made if we need to tackle disorder.

'Local residents and businesses can expect to see our continued presence and patrols in the area.'

Essex Police has also put a dispersal order in place and an order giving officers the power to force the removal of face coverings ahead of a planned protest in Epping this evening.

The Section 60AA order will run for 24 hours and the dispersal order, which covers the main high street and the area surrounding the Bell Hotel, will be in place until 4am on Sunday, police said.

Ross Ellis, 49, of Orchard Croft, Harlow, has been charged with failing to provide a specimen and Jimmy Hillard, 52, of Chequers Road, Loughton, has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker.

Assistant chief constable Glen Pavelin, of Essex Police, said: 'We never take the decision to impose restrictions on members of the public lightly.

Anti-migrant protesters demonstrate outside the Cladhan Hotel in Falkirk, Scotland

Hotels housing migrants in Scotland have become a target for anti-migrant protests

The young man was seen at the window of the Roundhouse hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset, last night, as 200 demonstrators gathered outside

'However, we must guard against the impact of anti-social behaviour on our community and these orders will give us extra powers to deal with that should it become necessary to do so.'

ACC Pavelin added: 'We've consistently said we will always seek to facilitate lawful protest, but that does not include a right to commit crime, and we'll take a firm approach to anyone intent on doing that.

'The strength of feeling in Epping is not lost on me - or anyone in Essex Police - and I would urge anyone who wants to make their voices heard to please do that peacefully.'

Elsewhere, police said demonstrations in Northamptonshire on Saturday, where around 50 pro-immigration and 100 anti-immigration protesters had gathered outside a hotel, had been peaceful and no arrests had been made.

In Swindon, police said protests near a hotel had also been peaceful.

The number of councils vowing to take legal action to kick asylum seekers out of hotels has grown to at least 19 as mass unrest continues to spread across the UK today.

Furious protesters have gathered outside migrant hotels in towns and cities such as Newcastle, Swindon and Falkirk after the Court of Appeal yesterday overturned an injunction ordering the removal of 138 migrants from an accommodation in Essex.

It comes as the Labour government was last night facing accusations from senior Tories that it is 'taking the side of migrants over Britons'.

On Saturday, more and more councils promised to fight back against asylum hotels in light of the Court of Appeal's decision on The Bell Hotel in Epping.

Reform UK has said that all 12 councils it controls should be exploring legal options to stop asylum seekers being housed in local hotels.

Demonstrators gather during an anti-immigration protest outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle

A man is handcuffed and led away by police during a Save Our Future & Our Kids Futures protest

Crowds of anti-migrant demonstrators holding English flags and Union Jacks gather outside the Crowne Plaza hotel in West Drayton

The leader of West Northamptonshire council Mark Arnull said Friday's ruling had made no impact on his plans to try and shut asylum seeker accommodation in the area down.

He told the BBC: 'It also doesn't change our view that the use and locations of the three hotels have never been suitable for asylum accommodation and place unreasonable and unsustainable strain on local services.'

The other Reform-controlled councils include Durham, North Northamptonshire, Doncaster, Derbyshire, Kent, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire.

And at least four Labour-run authorities - Wirral Council, Stevenage Borough Council, Tamworth Borough Council and Rushmoor Borough Council - have also vowed to take action.

Meanwhile Kemi Badenoch on Friday urged Conservative-run councils looking to shut down migrant hotels to 'keep going'.

Both Broxbourne Council in Hertfordshire and Spelthorne Council in Surrey have said there have been 'no changes' in their plans to fight back against the Labour government's policies.

And when Epping Council is also considered, that brings the total number of local authorities vowing to take action against asylum hotels to at least 19.

Photos from today show campaigners outside hotels across the UK holding England flags and placards calling for migrants to go home.

Counter demonstrations are also underway - with the group Stand Up To Racism calling on its supporters to rally against what it called 'far-right and fascist thugs'.

In Newcastle, cries of 'send them back' and 'stop the boats' were met with loud choruses of 'no hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here' by an equal number of counter protesters.

St George's crosses painted over two mini roundabouts at the junction of Hitcham Lane and Gore Road in Taplow, Berkshire

Hotel residents walk past Police Van as they arrive at The Bell Hotel, Epping, Essex

At one point, the far-right protesters, decked out in Union Jack flags, broke into a spontaneous rendition of 'Rule Britannia.'

Meanwhile, angry activists who descended on a Falkirk hotel were met by hundreds of counter protesters.

Two separate demonstrations were called by the Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures group in the town on Saturday, amid fears of local people about alleged crimes linked to those housed at the Cladhan Hotel.

The first saw hundreds gather outside the office of Labour MP Euan Stainbank, where speeches were made, and people took aim at the UK Government, the police and journalists who were covering the protest.

More than 200 later assembled outside the nearby Cladhan Hotel, which is believed to house asylum seekers waiting for their claims to be processed.

Meanwhile, yesterday a grinning migrant was caught on camera giving protesters outside an asylum hotel the middle finger just hours the Court of Appeal's decision.

The young man was seen at the window of the Roundhouse hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset as around 200 demonstrators called for it to be shut down.

Sir Keir Starmer responded to the unrest by promising small boat migrants will be 'detained and sent back'.

In a social media post, Sir Keir said: 'I am clear: we will not reward illegal entry. If you cross the Channel unlawfully, you will be detained and sent back.'

Counter protesters from Stand Up To Racism come out in support of refugees in Scotland on Saturday

The government has previously argued that the need to protect the human rights of asylum seekers by housing them in hotels, outweighed the safety concerns of local families.

However, MPs and the local council reacted furiously to the decision to keep housing asylum seekers in Epping, with Reform leader Nigel Farage saying illegal migrants now had more rights than Britons under Sir Keir Starmer.

Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch also accused the prime minister of 'putting the rights of illegal immigrants above the rights of British people'.

It comes as former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer said the Government was right to take the Epping case to the Court of Appeal but said people wanted action to close asylum hotels.

He rejected suggestions that the UK may have to pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights to be able to efficiently remove people with no right to be in the country.

Lord Falconer, who served under former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'We've obviously got to move forward in relation to closing the hotels and also stopping the crossings.'

A counter-demonstration protest gathers to face an anti-immigration protest outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on August 30

Demonstrators gather during an anti-immigration protest outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on Saturday

The protest comes a day after the Court of Appeal overturned a lower court ruling that would have evicted asylum seekers housed at a hotel in Epping, north of London

Anti-migrant protesters (pictured) hold a demonstration outside the Thistle Hotel in Swindon

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

The case could have had wider ramifications, as more than 200 hotels are being used to house asylum seekers around the country.

Lord Falconer said: 'The Government always has the burden of doing what's possible and the Government is doing the right thing in relation to it, but there's a lot more to do, and if we don't, as a government, do it, then you'll see those opinion polls raised yet further for Reform, because they don't have the burden of having to be practical.

'But the country wants some action in relation to it.'

Last night anger began building outside The Bell Hotel in Epping at the news of the ruling.

The council said the owners of the three-star hotel had breached planning rules by using it as accommodation for small-boat migrants.

Photos show campaigners holding Union Jacks and England flags gathering outside hotels in Newcastle, Swindon (pictured), Falkirk and Stoke-on-Trent this afternoon

Police officers stand by protesters outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex last night

Anti-migrant protesters (pictured) hold a demonstration outside the Thistle Hotel in Swindon

Rival protest groups clash outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle this afternoon

Rival protest groups clash outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on Saturday afternoon

Somani Hotels, which owns the establishment, and the Home Office challenged the injunction.

The three Court of Appeal judges said last week's decision by High Court judge Mr Justice Eyre was 'seriously flawed'.

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.

'The judge's approach ignores the obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere.'

Lord Justice Bean added that such an injunction 'may incentivise' other councils to take steps similar to those taken by Epping.

Lawyers for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had argued that shutting the hotel would set a 'dangerous precedent' which would have encouraged similar litigation by other councils.

Mr Farage claimed the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) had been 'used' by the Government 'against the people of Epping'.

Demonstrators are seen wearing Union Jack and England flags during an anti-immigration protest outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on Saturday

An anti-immigration protester poses with a Union Jack flag with the slogan: 'Stop the boats'

Counter-protesters hold banners reading: 'Newcastle welcomes refugees' and 'Your racism isn't patriotic it's idiotic'

Anti-migrant protesters demonstrate outside the Cladhan Hotel on August 30 in Falkirk, Scotland

Protesters block the road outside The Delta Marriott Hotel in Cheshunt after the local council announced plans to try to prevent asylum seekers from staying there

More than 200 protesters against asylum seekers being housed in hotels gather outside The Roundhouse in Bournemouth on Friday night

The Court of Appeal overturned an injunction ordering the removal of migrants from the Bell Hotel (pictured) in Epping

Anger was brewing last night as groups of protestors (pictured) gathered at the Bell Hotel in Epping following the ruling

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the Epping case had 'seen the Labour Government using the courts against the British public'.

He added: '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.'

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick called the ruling 'extremely disappointing' as he urged councils to still take action to close asylum hotels in their areas.

He said: 'Yvette Cooper's decision to put two fingers up to the legitimate anger of the British public will surely inspire even more protests across the country. People are fed up with the Government siding with illegal migrants over the British people.'

Epping council said it was 'deeply disappointed' by the ruling, which had led to 'doubt and confusion'.

Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon said while the Government was successful in its appeal, the reality of using hotels to house asylum seekers was 'untenable' and called for refugees to be housed in neighbourhoods.

He said: 'Waiting until 2029 to end their use is no longer an option. As long as hotels remain open, they will continue to be flashpoints for protest.'

Police officers secure the area as a protester dubbed one of the 'Pink Ladies' hold a union flag outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on August 29

Protesters (pictured) marched towards the Bell Hotel on Friday evening, waving England flags and Union Jacks

Anti-racism groups holding Palestinian flags gather in Newcastle on Saturday

A protester (pictured) was seen holding a St George's Cross outside the Court of Appeal this afternoon

Border security minister Dame Angela Eagle 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 9million a day.'

Epping's legal challenge followed a series of protests outside the hotel amid accusations of sexual assault regarding two men being housed there.

Some protests involved clashes with police, resulting in six men being charged with violent disorder, two of whom have pleaded guilty. Two residents of the Bell Hotel have been charged with sexual assault.

Essex Police were anticipating trouble last night, with as many as four marked vans parked on the hotel's forecourt from early in the afternoon, and ten officers standing outside. Migrants had reportedly been advised to stay inside.

Within minutes of the judges' decision, local Conservative councillor Shane Yerrell arrived at the hotel.

He said: 'This decision is 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. Local mums and dads want the hotel closed  as the first judgment said.'

There have been fresh protests (pictured) outside the Bell Hotel in Epping this week prior to today's ruling

A protester holding an England flag stands outside the High Court in London yesterday

Reform leader Nigel Farage (pictured) said illegal migrants now had more rights than Britons under Sir Keir Starmer

The number of protesters outside the hotel was growing by 5pm, with new arrivals including 'pink ladies' great-grandmother-of-five Shirley Mooney, 68, alongside her neighbour and fellow grandmother Carmen MacDonald, 60.

Both were wearing T-shirts with 'The only way is Epping' on the front  and 'Send them home, protect our kids' on the back.

Ms Mooney worked in the Bell as a manager until 1998, said of the latest judgment: 'I am absolutely disgusted. It's horrific, a joke.

'Whose side are these judges on? They need the sack. As soon as we heard the news, we came down here to show our support. We won't stop.'

The only person here celebrating the judgment last night was a migrant resident.

Advised by staff not to speak or leave his room, he texted your reporter to say of the judges' decision: 'I am pleased. 'It had been a worry.'
A squad of police officers swooped on a 16-year-old boy near Stamford Bridge after an imitation firearm sparked fears of a 'mass shooter' in the area.

The teenager was dramatically arrested in Fulham Broadway at around 2.40pm, shortly after Chelsea's Premier League clash with west London rivals Fulham drew to a close.

Officers had received reports about a boy 'displaying a weapon and walking towards a crowded area'.

Multiple posts on social media claimed there was a gunman in the area - including one on X, which had over 200k views within half an hour, saying: 'An attempted mass shooter has been arrested near Stamford Bridge after the Chelsea game.

'He was wearing a helmet, had a vest on, armed with a gun while carrying extra ammunition.'

But the Metropolitan Police dismissed these claims as untrue and believe he may have been on his way to a nearby comic convention. He remains in police custody.

Footage posted on social media shows a squad of police wrestling a teen on the floor.

Officers removed what looked to be a balaclava from the boys face and held him down, kneeling on his legs and back.

Officers removed what looked to be a balaclava from the boys face and held him down, kneeling on his legs and back

While police held the boy's face to the ground they placed him in handcuffs outside a nearby tube station

The post on X, which had over 200k views within half an hour claimed: 'An attempted mass shooter has been arrested near Stamford Bridge after the Chelsea game.' Pictured: Police vans and forensic services at the scene

While police held the boy's face to the ground they placed him in handcuffs outside a nearby tube station.

Other officers searched the suspect's bag and maintained a cordon around the area as astonished Chelsea fans passed by.

The boy was then made to stand up and taken away. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm.

Police and forensic vans were also situated at the scene.

The X user posted a follow up minutes later, claiming: 'There is a possibility that the police have got it wrong as there is a comic-con going on in Hammersmith today, with the person they are arresting potentially dressing up like an.

'Awaiting confirmation.'

A Met Police spokesperson said: 'A 16-year-old boy remains in police custody after he was arrested by unarmed officers this afternoon on suspicion of possessing a realistic-looking imitation firearm in Fulham Broadway.

'It was reported he was displaying a weapon and walking towards a crowded area. No one was injured.'

They added: 'An investigation has begun into the circumstances, however one line of enquiry is that the boy was on his way to a comic convention.'

Other officers searched the suspect's bag and maintained a cordon around the area as astonished Chelsea fans passed by

He was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm in Fulham Broadway

It's not clear which event he was on is way to but there was a London Anime and Gaming Convention held in west London today.

It is a three-day event for speculative fiction fans and is one of the biggest pop culture celebrations in the UK.

The incident unfolded just after Chelsea beat Fulham 2-0 to go top of the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Prime Minister of Yemen's Houthi rebel-controlled government has been killed in an Israeli airstrike.

The deadly missile strike occurred in Yemen's capital Sanaa on Thursday and the Houthis confirmed the death on Saturday in a national broadcast.

Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed along with a number of ministers in a villa in Beit Baws, an ancient village in southern Sanaa.

Other ministers and officials were wounded, but no further details were provided by the Houthi rebels.

Al-Rahawi was the most senior Houthi official killed in the Israeli-US campaign against the Iranian-backed rebels.

He was targeted along with other members of his Houthi-controlled government during a 'routine workshop held by the government to evaluate its activities and performance over the past year,' the Houthi statement said.

Following the strike, a broadcast went out on national television, announcing al-Rahawi's death.

Thursday's strike occurred during broadcast of a speech by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the secretive leader of the rebel group on the Houthi-owned television station.

Ahmed al-Rahawi (pictured) was killed along with a number of ministers in a villa in Beit Baws in Yemen as part of a US and Israeli airstrike on Thursday

Following the strike, a broadcast went out on national television, announcing al-Rahawi's death (pictured)

Pictured: Members of the Houthi rebel government - the strike occurred during broadcast of a speech by Abdul Malik al-Houthi

During the programme, al-Houthi, shared updates on the latest Gaza developments and vowed retaliation against Israel.

On Thursday, the Israeli military said that it 'precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target in the area of Sanaa in Yemen.'

The military had no immediate comment on Saturday's announcement of the prime minister's killing.

During a broadcast they said: 'We announce the martyrdom of the warrior Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the change and development government, along with a number of his ministers.

'They were targeted by the criminal and treacherous Israeli enemy, during a workshop which the government holds regularly to evaluate its performance during its year in office. Some of their other companions sustained a range of medium to serious injuries and are all currently receiving medical care, and this (the strike) was on Thursday.

'We want to reassure the great Yemeni people that the government, with God's help, will carry on its duties, and institutions will continue to provide services to the resilient Yemeni people, and it will never be impacted no matter how severe the situation gets. The blood of the martyrs will be the fuel and the push forward to continue on this path.

'We assure the Yemeni people, the oppressed Palestinian people, all the people of our nation, and all of the free people of the world that we will continue on our path in the support and triumph of the people of Gaza, and to build and develop our armed forces in order to face any challenges or dangers.'

Last week following another strike on an oil facility owned by the country's main oil company, which is controlled by the rebels in Sanaa, al-Rahawi recommitted yemen to the struggle for palestinian freedom, saying: 'Yemen endures a lot for the victory of the Palestinian people.'

Al-Rahawi was the most senior Houthi official killed in the Israeli-US campaign against the Iranian-backed rebels (Al-Rahawi, left, pictured with other officials)

During the broadcast confirming his death (pictured) the Houthis' confirmed their commitment to supporting Palestine

The strike last Sunday came three days after the Houthis launched a ballistic missile toward Israel that its military described as the first cluster bomb the rebels had launched at it since 2023.

Al-Rahawi is the most senior Houthi official to be killed since the United States and Israel began their air and naval campaign in response to the rebels' missile and drone attacks on Israel and on ships in the Red Sea.

The prime minister hailed from the southern province of Abyan, and was an ally to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

He allied himself with the Houthis when the rebels overran Sanaa, and much of the north and center of the country in 2014, initiating the country's long-running civil war. He was appointed as prime minister in August 2024.

The US and Israeli strikes have so far killed dozens of people.

One. strike in April hit a prison holding African migrants in the northern Sadaa province, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others.

Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst with the Crisis Group International, a Brussels-based think-tank, called the killing of the Houthi prime minister a 'serious setback' for the rebels.

He said the escalation marks an Israeli shift from striking the rebels' infrastructure to targeting their leaders, including senior military figures, which 'poses a greater threat to their command structure.'

The Houthis launched a campaign targeting ships in response to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, saying they were doing so in solidarity with the Palestinians. Their attacks over the past two years have upended shipping in the Red Sea, through which about $1 trillion of goods pass each year.

In May, the Trump administration announced a deal with the Houthis to end the airstrikes in return for an end to attacks on shipping. The rebels, however, said the agreement did not include halting attacks on targets it believed were aligned with Israel.
Scotland's newest quangocrat has been branded the SNPs laziest fat cat, working from home up to three days a week on a pay package of 150,000.

The Scottish Government has advertised for a kind, inclusive chief executive for its National Social Work Agency (NSWA), which is already months behind schedule.

But the gold-plated post will likely stick in the throat of hard-pressed taxpayers as critics warn Scots are fed up of the SNP administrations out-of-control quango culture.

The new NSWA chief will receive an annual salary of between 108,393 and 117,329 with a pension contribution in the range of 31,401 to 33,990.

However, the winning candidate will only be expected to work 37 hours per week with as much as 60 per cent of their time spent at home.

Callum McGoldrick, spokesman for the TaxPayers Alliance campaign group, said: Taxpayers will find it ridiculous that the SNP are hiring for what seems like the laziest fat cat role yet.

This new job comes with all the perks, a gold-plated pension, a six-figure salary, short hours and work-from-home perks  courtesy of hardworking taxpayers.

Instead of splurging on cosy quango posts, ministers should be cutting waste and putting money back in the pockets of taxpayers.

The winning candidate will be able to do as much as 60 per cent of their work from home

The latest row comes hot on the heels of fury over another Scottish quango that allowed staff to work from a slew of foreign destinations including India

The advert posted for the new top job with Scottish quango the National Social Work Agency

In the advert for the chief executive role, chief social work adviser Professor Iona Colvin said: The NSWA is being established to champion and shape the profession.

The CEO will be in charge of training for more than 6,000 social workers, working closely with Chief Social Work Officers across all 32 local authorities to promote professional accountability and drive service improvement.

They will also be responsible for cultivating a kind, inclusive, and values-led organisational culture among the quangos staff of 40 and will also give advice to ministers. But the huge pay packet comes with flexible working options which means spending only 40 per cent of the time either in an office or other agreed location.

Plans for the NSWA were unveiled in 2021 to opposition from many within the profession opposed to centralising powers.

But Justice Secretary Angela Constance  herself a former social worker  told doubters in 2023: Normally Im a bit reticent about creating new organisations, but I really do feel that for the profession theres something missing here.

Ministers said the NSWA would be fully operational by 2025. However, that deadline has been put back to next spring.

And no decision has yet been taken on whether it will be based in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: Yet again, the SNP are indulging their out-of-control quango culture.

Scots dont need is another taxpayer-funded fat cat with a woolly job description raking in a six-figure salary.

Applications for the post closed last Thursday.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The agency will be created from within existing budget and staff resources and will not add any cost to the public purse.

The latest row comes after it emerged earlier this year that another Scottish quango had allowed staff to work abroad nearly 140 times over a three-year period for reasons including 'family events'.

Employees of taxpayer-funded NatureScot worked remotely from countries including Iceland, Chile, Hungary, Spain and India.

The public body - which receives 89.4million a year from the SNP government to improve the natural environment - said overseas working was allowed for up to 30 days each year.

In response to a query under freedom of information laws, Nature- Scot said staff travelled abroad to attend conferences.

However, they could also work overseas if they were attending family events.

There were 137 approvals for employees working abroad between 2022-23 and 2024-25 in countries such as

Finland, Denmark, Germany, the US, Croatia, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

Information was withheld about the roles of those who worked abroad where they 'cannot be sufficiently anonymised, because releasing personal data into the public domain would breach the Data Protection Act 2018'.

Last year, it emerged that council bosses across the UK had approved at least 731 staff requests to work from abroad in 2023-24.
Thousands of pro-Palestinian activists have descended on the Venice Film Festival this evening.

Chants of 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' were heard as the group of around 5,000 marched down the street waving flags and banners which read 'Stop Starving Gaza'.

As they neared the film festival, which is the world's oldest, Italian police deployed a cordon to keep the demonstrators away from the Frankenstein premiere where celebrities had been walking the red carpet.

Since it began on August 27, a catalogue of A-list stars have jetted to northern Italy for the festival including Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Adam Sandler and Kim Kardashian.

However, Israeli actress Gal Gadot has been a notable absence, despite her upcoming film with co-star Gerard Butler, In The Hand of Dante, premiering at the event.

The Daily Mail reported yesterday that it was feared both Gadot and Butler could act as a 'lightning rod' for protests against Israel's military offensive into Gaza - given their perceived support of Netanyahu's regime.

Demonstrators arrived wielding megaphones tonight despite the actors' absences, but found themselves drowned out by the noise of paparazzi and celebrity commotion at the premiere.

There has been a heavy security presence at this year's festival in anticipation for such protests, with a ring of steel erected around the collection of cinemas at the centre of the festival.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protestors have descended on the Venice Film Festival this evening

Chants of 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' were heard as the group marched down the street waving flags and banners which read 'Stop Starving Gaza

A placard reading 'Free Palestine' decorated with watermelons - which make up the colours of the Palestinian flag - were on show outside the festival

Israeli actress Gal Gadot (above) has been a notable absence at this year's Venice Film Festival

Gadot's co-star Gerard Butler has also not attended, despite their movie premiering at this year's festival

A huge banner was displayed at the front of the demonstrators which read 'Free Palestine. Stop Genocide' near the event

Body scanners, bag checks and security passes are also being used to monitor delegates and ticket holders until it ends on September 6.

Pressure group Artists 4 Palestine had demanded that festival organisers withdrew invitations from both Gadot and Butler 'along with any artist and celebrity who publicly and actively supports genocide.'

Venice Film Festival boss Alberto Barbero confirmed this week that the actress is not coming to Venice, but said that Gadot and Butler's invitations were not revoked.

'The position of the Biennale is on the one hand we are an Italian cultural institution, a place of openness and debate that does not censor anybody,' Mr Barbero said.

'We've been asked to turn down invitations to artists  we will not do that, if they want to be here they will be here.

'On the other hand we have never hesitated to clearly declare our huge sadness and suffering vis-a-vis what is happening in Gaza and Palestine.

'The death of civilians and especially children who are victims  they are the collateral damage of a war nobody has been able to terminate yet.'

Kim Kardashian is one of many A-list celebrities to have jetted to northern Italy for the historic festival

A vessel decorated with Palestinian flags was seen arriving at the Venice Ledo as protestors moved to the Maria Elisabetta square

Italian police deployed a cordon to keep the demonstrators away from the Frankenstein premiere where celebrities had been walking the red carpet

A huge Palestinian flag was revealed by the protestors who shook it among a sea of flags as they chanted

There has been a heavy security presence at this year's festival in anticipation for such protests, with a ring of steel erected around the collection of cinemas at its centre

Banners on the boat called to 'Stop the Genocide' as Israel continues its offensive into Gaza

Another huge banner held in front of those who gathered to march read 'Stop Genocide' and was decorated with the colours of the Palestinian flag

Isabella De Monte, Forza Italia MP and deputy head of the party's Foreign Affairs Department, said: 'Dialogue and a plurality of ideas are the main tools that culture deploys to overcome sectarianism.

'It's good that Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco emphasized this to the 1,500 artists who were calling for a boycott of Gal Gadot and her film with Gerard Butler.

'A reckless protest, because in the eyes of those protesting, Gadot's only crime is being Israeli. The Venice Film Festival deserves respect.'

The conflict appears to be continually dividing Hollywood and the wider film industry.

Brad Pitt is among those who have taken on executive producer roles on the Gaza drama, The Voice of Hind Rajab, which is also premiering in Venice.

Directed by Oscar-nominated Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania with actors Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara also executive producing, the film tells the story of a young Palestinian girl - Hind Rajab - who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza last year along with six of her family members when they were fleeing Gaza City.

Rajab and another cousin initially survived and contacted the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) by phone from the car seeking aid, but she was dead by the time paramedics came to help.
Chicago's Democratic mayor is ordering local officials to resist president Donald Trump's planned immigration crackdown in the sanctuary city.

Brandon Johnson signed an executive order on Saturday outlining guidelines for Chicago's agencies and police department 'in the midst of escalating threats from the federal government,' as reported by CNN.

It says Chicago law enforcement will not, 'collaborate with federal agents on joint law enforcement patrols, arrest operations, or other law enforcement duties including civil immigration enforcement.'

Johnson's move comes after it was revealed that the Trump administration plans to deploy officers to Chicago as it looks to expand the federal law enforcement presence in major Democratic-run cities, as US officials told the Associated Press.

The mayor's executive order directs local officials to, 'pursue all available legal and legislative avenues to resist coordinated efforts from the federal government'.

'We may see militarized immigration enforcement. We may also see National Guard troops. We may even see active duty military and armed vehicles in our streets,' Johnson said before signing the order.

'We have not called for this. Our people have not asked for this, but nevertheless, we find ourselves having to respond to this.'

Johnson's executive order also 'urges' local law enforcement, 'to refrain from wearing masks, to wear and use body cameras and to identify themselves to members of the public with names and badge numbers.'

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks at a news conference to address President Donald Trump's plan to send National Guard troops into the city on August 25, 2025 in Chicago

The Trump administration plans to surge officers to Chicago for an immigration crackdown as it looks to expand the federal law enforcement presence in major Democratic-run cities. Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting Tuesday alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L), Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (2R), and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick (R)

Trump said the Windy City would be 'next' target of his efforts to crack down on crime

The White House-ordered operation in Chicago, the countrys third-largest city, is expected to last about 30 days and could start as early as September 5, a Department of Homeland Security official told The Associated Press on Friday.

Another US official said the timing for what could be a sustained immigration enforcement effort resembling this summers operations in Los Angeles is awaiting final approval.

Chicago is home to a large immigrant population, and both the city and the state of Illinois have some of the countrys strongest rules against cooperating with federal government immigration enforcement efforts.

That has often put the city and the state at odds with Trumps administration as it tries to carry out his mass deportation agenda.

The Trump administration asked the military this week for use of the Naval Station Great Lakes, north of Chicago, to support immigration enforcement.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection and other federal agencies would take part in the planned Chicago operation, according to the federal officials who spoke to The Associated Press.

Unlike the recent federal takeover of policing in Washington, it is not expected to rely on the National Guard or military and is focused exclusively on immigration instead of being cast as part of a broad campaign against crime.

Chicago has long been one of Trumps favorite targets, with him likening it to a war zone, and this week, a 'hellhole'.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conduct an arrest as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's wide-ranging immigration crackdown in Chicago on January 26

The citys decades-old sanctuary status has also irked the Trump administration and prompted lawsuits.

In January, Trump kicked off a nationwide crackdown on immigration in Chicago, with arrests livestreamed by television personality 'Dr. Phil' McGraw.

'Panic stricken Governor Pritzker says that crime is under control, when in fact it is just the opposite. He is an incompetent Governor who should call me for HELP,' Trump posted Tuesday on his Truth Social media platform.

Mayor Johnson previously scoffed at Trumps remarks. He conceded there was a crime spike in Chicago during the Covid-19 pandemic but hailed the citys 'historic progress driving down homicides by more than 30 percent and shootings by almost 40 percent in the last year alone'.

Johnson called Trumps approach 'uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound,' arguing it 'has the potential to inflame tensions between residents and law enforcement.'
A US Army veteran who burned an American flag in front of the White House has dared Donald Trump to prosecute him.

Jay Carey was arrested after setting fire to the flag in Lafayette Square on Monday as a 'direct challenge' to Trump's executive order banning the act.

Trump signed an order that morning demanding prison time for anyone destroying a US flag and deportation if they were an immigrant.

'If you burn a flag, you get one year in jail, no early exits, no nothing,' Trump declared from the Oval Office.

Carey, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran, was appalled as the Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that flag burning is protected by the First Amendment.

He was already in DC when he saw the news, traveling with a group of veterans to protest against Trump deploying the National Guard to DC.

Jay Carey, a US Army veteran who burned an American flag in front of the White House, has dared Donald Trump to prosecute him

He said he is 'looking forward' to his day in court should any charges come and confident Trump would lose.

'Presidents don't make law, and Congress will make no law that infringes upon our rights in accordance with the First Amendment,' he told Newsweek.

Videos posted online showed him shouting to a crowd of protesters and onlookers as the flag burned next to him.

'I served over 20 years in the US Army. I fought for every single one of your rights to express yourself in however you feel that you may want to express yourself,' he yelled.

Carey earned a Bronze Star while fighting the Iraq war, along with two Meritorious Service Medals, eight Army Commendation Medals and six Army Achievement Medals.

He was deployed to Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan and retired as a sergeant first class.

Secret Service agents arrested him during the flag burning, due to his proximity to the White House, then handed him over to the US Park Police.

Carey was arrested after setting fire to the flag in Lafayette Square on Monday as a 'direct challenge' to Trump's executive order banning it

Videos posted online showed him shouting to a crowd of protesters and onlookers as the flag burned next to him

Carey earned a Bronze Star while fighting the Iraq war, along with two Meritorious Service Medals, eight Army Commendation Medals and six Army Achievement Medals

He was released after five hours in custody and given a summons to faces charges of lighting a fire in a federal park, unrelated to the flag itself.

However, Carey believes he is being investigated for federal charges under Trump's executive order, whose ego he feels he bruised by immediately defying him.

His claims his family received voicemails from people identifying themselves as Secret Service agents wanting to ask questions about him.

In his executive order Trump instructed the Justice Department to find test cases to challenge the 1989 Supreme Court ruling.

The order claimed people could still be charged if the flag burning is likely to incite imminent lawless action' or amounts to 'fighting words'.

'I realized that I needed to, that day, go and burn a flag in front of the White House to have the biggest impact and send the message to the president that he's not allowed to do that.'

Carey was deployed to Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan and retired as a sergeant first class

Carey in front of the US Supreme Court, where he hopes to return in defiance of Trump's flag burning ban

Carey's said the whole point of his protest was to become a test case and defeat Trump at the Supreme Court.

'I welcome it. I went there with the intention of them trying to make like, trying to pin stuff on me that they couldn't prove, that wasn't justified,' he said.

'And I'm looking forward to going to the Supreme Court if necessary to fight this and to once again, reaffirm that we are protected in burning the US flag under the First Amendment.'

Flag burning first become popular during protests in the US in the Vietnam War but it took years to be confirmed as constitutionally protected.

Since the start of his career in politics, Trump has advocated for imposing legal penalties on protesters who destroy the American flag despite the Supreme Court's prior ruling.

In the past, the president has called for stripping the citizenship from naturalized American citizens who burn the flag and advocated for jail time as a punishment.

During the 2024 campaign season Trump even floated the idea of introducing a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning as a form of protected protest.

Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing the DOJ to punish Americans who burn the US flag

Trump referred to protesters who burn the flag as 'animals' and demanded they be given jail time

'My administration will act to restore respect and sanctity to the American flag and prosecute those who incite violence or otherwise violate our laws while desecrating this symbol of our country, to the fullest extent permissible under any available authority,' his order read.

Attorney General Pam Bondi is directed to review all cases where the flag has been burned and find what other charges could be brought forward.

Trump called for throwing anti-ICE demonstrators in jail for a year for setting the flag on fire during protests earlier this year.

'These are animals, but they proudly carry the flags of other countries. They don't carry the American flag,' Trump told a crowd of servicemembers at Fort Bragg.

'They only burn it. Did you see a lot of the flags being burned?'

'They weren't being burned by people from our country, or from people that love our country. People that burn the American flag should go to jail for one year.'
Millions of Americans have been told to stay out of the ocean over Labor Day weekend following a series of warnings.

Beachgoers in southern California are being urged not to enter the water due to unusually rough waves and strong rip currents.

But elsewhere across the country, authorities are warning certain beaches have abnormally high levels of fecal contamination meaning swimmers should avoid them at all costs.

In Los Angeles, a National Weather Service alert is in effect for Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast, Los Angeles County Beaches, San Luis Obispo County Beaches and Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches.

The most dangerous conditions were for south-facing beaches from Point Mugu to Malibu, as well as Port San Luis and Avila beach.

In San Diego, the NWS alert warned of 'elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet expected with sets to 7 feet along south facing beaches.'

The alert will be in effect from late Friday night through Monday evening for San Diego County Coastal Areas and Orange County Coastal Areas.

Rip currents can travel at speeds of up to eight feet per second and easily pull a swimmer under, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The National Weather Service is warning that beaches in southern California, specifically San Diego and Los Angeles, will have dangerously high waves and strong rip currents on Labor Day weekend (Pictured: San Buenaventura State Beach in Ventura, California)

Meanwhile, many popular beaches are closed and could remain shuttered through the holiday weekend because of unsafe levels of fecal contamination (Pictured: A beach near Ogunquit, Maine, which has been affected this week by this issued)

Swimmers caught in one are advised to swim parallel to the beach until free of the tide.

Elsewhere beach closures are in effect at some of the country's most popular hotspots due to contamination fears.

Keyes Memorial Beach in the Cape Cod village of Hyannis in Barnstable, Massachusetts; Benjamin's Beach on Long Island in Bay Shore, New York; a portion of the Imperial Beach shoreline near San Diego; and beaches near Ogunquit, Maine are all closed due to increased fecal matter.

In Hawaii, authorities are warning that of a high bacteria count at Kahaluu Beach Park on the Big Island.

This isn't a new problem, as tests done last year revealed that nearly two-thirds of beaches nationwide had at least one day when fecal contamination reached potentially unsafe levels, according to a report from conservation group Environment America.

According to the report, which was put out this summer, 84 percent of Gulf Coast beaches exceeded the standard at least once.

The number was 79 percent for West Coast beaches, 54 percent for East Coast beaches and 71 percent for Great Lakes beaches.

This is happening because of old sewage systems and an increasing number of severe storms that overwhelm those same systems with high levels of rainfall.

The bacteria in fecal matter can cause gastrointestinal illness, rashes and nausea, which has some Americans rethinking trips to the ocean, especially people with weakened immune systems

The bacteria in fecal matter can cause gastrointestinal illness, rashes and nausea, which has some Americans rethinking trips to the ocean.

One expert said people who have weak immune systems already should really think twice.

'Those storm drains carry everything,' said Erin Bryan-Millush, an environmental program supervisor with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. 'It could be really bad for someone who is immune compromised.'

John Rumpler, clean water director and senior attorney with Environment America, said this is a problem that needs to be addressed by public servants.

'These beaches are a treasure for families across New England and across the country. They are a shared resource,' he said.

'We need to make the investment to make sure that literally our own human waste doesnt wind up in the places where we are swimming,' he added.
Argentina planned to massacre hundreds of British and American citizens living in the country on the eve of the Falklands War, according to newly discovered CIA documents.

The declassified papers dated from April 1982 reveal Argentine dictator General Leopoldo Galtieri had advanced plans to 'disappear' 500 British subjects and more than 100 US Embassy staff, using an Argentine terrorist group as a cover.

The astonishing documents, unearthed by respected Falklands historian Ricky D. Phillips, shed new light on the war which claimed the lives of 255 British military personnel, 649 Argentinians and three Falkland Islanders.

The CIA documents are dated April 12, 1982  10 days after Argentina invaded the British islands in the South Atlantic. They help explain why Alexander Haig, then US Secretary of State, 'stalled' plans to openly support Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, thus giving British and US citizens time to flee Argentina.

Mr Phillips, who has written four best-selling books on the Falklands War, unearthed the documents while researching a new book. They were declassified in 2018 but have never been made public until now.

He said: 'I was researching my new book and suddenly found this incredible CIA file that nobody knew about. It showed the Argentines formulated a military run plan to snatch and 'disappear' hundreds of people in one fell swoop and to blame it on an Argentine terrorist organization called Montoneros.

'This would have been Argentina's equivalent to Adolf Hitler's Kristallnacht, where the Nazis rounded up thousands of Jews and sent them to concentration camps to be killed.'

The CIA report with the subject line 'Contingency plans for violence against US and British citizens', reads: 'As of the early evening of 11 April 1982 the 601st Intelligence Battalion, the operational arm of the Argentine Army Intelligence Service was making contingency plans to "disappear" US citizens in Argentina if the US government adopts the British position in regard to the dispute in the Falkland Islands.

The declassified papers dated from April 1982 reveal Argentine dictator General Leopoldo Galtieri (pictured) had advanced plans to 'disappear' 500 British subjects

Pictured: British paratroopers carrying out emergency medical treatment on wounded comrades whilst under fire on Mount London during the Falklands campaign

'In the terminology used by the 601st battalion "disappeared" does not mean "put in jail". "Disappeared" probably means "killed". (redacted name) did not provide any information on the identities or numbers of persons who would be "disappeared".

'However... it referred to intelligence and security personnel at the US embassy in Buenos Aires. Also on the early evening of 11 April, teams from the 601st battalion were moving into position to be ready to take immediate action to 'disappear' 500 British subjects in Argentina as soon as hostilities begin.'

Mr Phillips added: 'There has always been speculation about why the Americans appeared to stall in their support of the British invasion. This document shows they were stalling to allow innocent Brits and Americans time to get out of Argentina.'

The Argentines invaded the Falklands on April 2, 1982. Mrs Thatcher dispatched a naval task force of more than 100 ships on April 5, and victory was declared on June 14, 1982, following Argentina's surrender.
The controversy over Angela Rayners tangled financial affairs deepened today as it emerged that she employed the services of a company which specialised in wealth protection.

The embattled Deputy Prime Minister  already accused of flipping the designation of her main home to limit her liabilities for stamp duty and council tax  split the ownership of her 650,000 constituency home with a trust administered by blue-chip law firm Shoosmiths.

At the time of the deal, in 2023, the company boasted that it had a dedicated wealth protection team to help its private clients.

The legal manoeuvre would be consistent with Ms Rayner placing some of the houses equity in trust for her three children, one of whom has special needs  although the Deputy PMs office repeatedly declined to answer The Mail on Sundays questions about its purpose.

Today, the Tories demanded to know whether the arrangement with the Shoosmiths Trust Corporation offered any inheritance tax advantages for Ms Rayners family  a political point heightened by the fact Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering raising inheritance tax in her autumn Budget as part of a wider range of wealth taxes.

Conservatives have already called for an inquiry into claims Ms Rayner avoided 40,000 in stamp duty by telling the taxman that her new 800,000 property in Hove was her main home, having told the Cabinet Office that her primary residence was the constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne.

She is understood to have sold her stake in the Ashton house to fund the Hove flat.

Ms Rayner, who is also the Housing Secretary, has faced a barrage of questions about her living arrangements since The Mail on Sunday revealed last weekend that she had bought the seaside apartment, despite Labour turning the screws on second-home owners for pricing out locals.

The controversy over Angela Rayner's tangled financial affairs deepened today as it emerged that she employed the services of a company which specialised in wealth protection

The embattled Deputy Prime Minister  already accused of flipping the designation of her main home to limit her liabilities for stamp duty and council tax  split the ownership of her 650,000 constituency home (pictured) with a trust administered by blue-chip law firm Shoosmiths

The legal manoeuvre would be consistent with Ms Rayner (pictured) placing some of the houses equity in trust for her three children, one of whom has special needs

After stonewalling months of questions about where she had designated her primary residence for council tax purposes, sources close to the Cabinet minister were forced to state that it was Ashton.

This ensures that she avoids paying council tax on her third home, her grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House, central London.

Ms Rayner paid about 30,000 in stamp duty on the Hove apartment, a bill which would have risen to 70,000 had the flat been considered a second home.

The discrepancy is due to a punitive tax regime designed to discourage holiday home purchases which Ms Reeves extended last year.

Ms Rayners own department has also empowered councils to levy a 100 per cent surcharge on council tax for second properties.

Ms Rayner is facing accusations of hypocrisy because in the past she has called for Tory governments to build up resources to tackle tax avoidance because it was damaging our country.

Tory Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said Ms Rayner should come clean on the litany of accusations of tax avoidance  be it stamp duty, council tax or inheritance tax.

He asked: What implications does putting her Ashton-under-Lyne house into a trust have for inheritance tax?

Conservatives have already called for an inquiry into claims Ms Rayner avoided 40,000 in stamp duty by telling the taxman that her new 800,000 property in Hove (pictured) was her main home. Ms Rayner paid about 30,000 in stamp duty on the Hove apartment

Pictured: Ms Rayner's Hove apartment. She is understood to have sold her stake in the Ashton house to fund the Hove flat and is facing accusations of hypocrisy because in the past she has called for Tory governments to build up resources to tackle tax avoidance

Ms Rayner (pictured on Hove beach on Thursday evening), who is also the Housing Secretary, has faced a barrage of questions about her living arrangements since The Mail on Sunday revealed last weekend that she had bought the seaside apartment

Designating her primary residence for council tax purposes as Ashton means that Ms Rayner avoids paying council tax on her third home, her grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House (pictured), Central London

It has been reported that Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) is examining ways to raise more money from inheritance tax, including a cap on how much someone can donate as part of their tax planning

Tax avoidance may be entirely lawful  and many families will rightly want to minimise their inheritance tax to hand over as much as possible to their children and grandchildren, especially in the face of Labours cruel family farms and family business taxes.

But its the height of hypocrisy for a Labour politician who wants to hike property taxes for everyone else, and lectured others on tax avoidance, to appear to be doing the very same.

Ms Rayner needs to instruct the Land Registry to place all the documents in the public domain, including publishing the declaration of trust made in 2023 and all subsequent changes.

The independent adviser on ministerial standards should also investigate this matter as part of his sleaze inquiry.

Mr Hollinrake has already written to the adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, calling for him to investigate Ms Rayners tax affairs.

The Shoosmiths Trust, administered by solicitors at the firm, was first named as a part-owner of the Ashton house in May 2023.

It is not known which of the companys wide range of legal services were used by Ms Rayner.

Since her deal was struck, members of Shoosmiths wealth protection and trusts teams have been hived off to a separate firm.

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Tory Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake (pictured) said Ms Rayner should come clean on the litany of accusations of tax avoidance  be it stamp duty, council tax or inheritance tax. He asked: What implications does putting her Ashton-under-Lyne house into a trust have for inheritance tax?'

Pensions Minister Torsten Bell (pictured), who is helping draft the Budget, has previously called for radical reforms to stamp duty

Labour MP Graham Stringer (pictured) said that the row over Ms Rayners housing arrangements was a bad look for the party. He said: The optics of it, just before a Budget, doesnt look good. [Ms Rayner] needs to sort that out'

It has been reported that Ms Reeves is examining ways to raise more money from inheritance tax, including a cap on how much someone can donate as part of their tax planning.

This would mean that any large sums handed over decades before death  such as a contribution towards a childs property deposit  would count as part of an estate for tax purposes.

Pensions minister Torsten Bell, who is helping draft the Budget, has previously called for radical reforms to stamp duty.

Sir Laurie is able to instigate investigations where he believes there is evidence of a potential breach of the rules, but it would be for Sir Keir Starmer to decide what to do about any findings.

Labour MP Graham Stringer said that the row over Ms Rayners housing arrangements was a bad look for the party. He said: The optics of it, just before a Budget, doesnt look good. [Ms Rayner] needs to sort that out and be clear that what shes doing is genuinely in the public interest.

A spokesman for the Deputy Prime Minister said that she had paid her taxes in full and done nothing wrong.

Shoosmiths did not respond to a request for comment.
Three people have been killed after protesters set fire to a local government building in an Indonesian provincial capital.

The violence in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province left at least three people dead and five others hospitalized, officials said.

The blaze began on Friday night and television reports showed the provincial council going up in flames as politicians tried desperately to flee.

Rescuers retrieved three bodies on Saturday morning, while five people were hospitalized with burns or with broken bones after jumping from the building, said Fadli Tahar, a local disaster official.

And the violence has spread across the country with mobs in West Java's Bandung city also setting a regional parliament ablaze on Friday although no one was injured.

Protesters have grown increasingly angry over officials' pay but their latest violence has been provoked by the death of 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver.

A video on social media appeared to show Affan Kurniawan being run over by police during a rally relating to low wages and financial bonuses for government officials.

In Makassar pictures show protesters lighting fires inside the collapsing buildings and throwing Molotov cocktails as the office crumbles around them.

A local government building in the Indonesian provincial capital of South Sulawesi pictured going up in flames as part of protests that swept the country on Friday night

Police officers and protesters have been repeatedly clashing in Surabaya, East Java (pictured) with officers firing tear gas at crowds which have retaliated with wooden clubs

In Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, protesters stormed the regional police headquarters after destroying fences and torching vehicles.

A small battle broke out between police and crowds as security forces fired tear gas and used water cannons and demonstrators fought back with fireworks and wooden clubs.

Foreign embassies in Jakarta, including the US, Australia and Southeast Asian countries, have advised their citizens in Indonesia to avoid demonstration areas or large public gatherings.

The chaos appeared to have calmed down by Saturday as authorities cleaned up burned-out cars, police offices and bus shelters that were set ablaze by angry protesters.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto canceled his planned visit to China next week, citing escalating nationwide protests.

'This decision was taken with great caution while maintaining good relations with the Chinese government,' said Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi in a statement, adding that Subianto has conveyed his apology to Beijing.

Subianto was among several heads of state and government invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the Victory Day Parade in Beijing on September 3.

Protests in several regions have escalated into riots, with buildings and public facilities set on fire and even police headquarters attacked, National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo told a news conference Saturday evening.

'Such situations can no longer be considered freedom of expression, but rather criminal acts,' he said, adding that the police and the military 'would immediately act to restore public order.'

In Surabaya, East Java, demonstrators set fire to the governor's official residence (pictured)

Emergency workers firing water cannons during a clash between police and protesters in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Five days of protests began in Jakarta on Monday, sparked by reports that all 580 lawmakers receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) 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.

The protests grew wider and more violent following the death of 21-year-old ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan.

A video on social media apparently showing him being run over by a police tactical vehicle during a rally in the capital Jakarta on Thursday shocked the nation and spurred an outcry against the security forces.

Kurniawan was reportedly completing a food delivery order when he was caught in the clash. Witnesses told local television that the armored car from the National Police's 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.

On Saturday, hundreds of ride-hailing drivers and students in Bali staged a solidarity demonstration over Kurniawan's death in a rare protest on the tourist island. They called for police reform and the release of those arrested during the protests.

Police clashing with mobs in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia where protests have broken out following the death of a taxi driver

On Saturday morning police officers began clearing up burnt out cars left behind by the mobs after nationwide protests

Protesters marched to Bali's regional police headquarters and riot police fired rounds of tear gas at them to push back those who tried to reach the heavily guarded compound. Protesters responded by throwing rocks, bottles and flares.

Clashes between riot police and protesters erupted in multiple cities across Indonesia on Friday, including in Medan, Solo, Yogyakarta, Magelang, Malang, Bengkulu, Pekanbaru and Manokwari in easternmost Papua region.

Some 950 people were arrested in rallies in Jakarta alone by Thursday, according to the National Commission on Human Rights, or Komnas HAM.

On Friday hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the headquarters of the elite Mobile Brigade Corp (Brimob), the paramilitary police unit they blamed for the death of Kurniawan.

They threw firecrackers and other weapons and were met with tear gas by police.

Authorities said about 25 officers were hospitalized with serious injuries after being attacked by protesters in Jakarta. The Komnas HAM believed that the number of injured people on the community side is much bigger.
A teenager who died at a music festival in Belfast lived her life boldly and made an impact on everyone she met, her sister said yesterday.

Mourners at the funeral of Mia Keevan, 17, at St Nicholas' Church in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary, also heard a plea for young people to think about the choices they make and to look out for each other.

They were told Mia was the happiest she had ever been as she approached her 18th birthday.

Mia became unwell at the Emerge festival in Belfast and died in hospital last weekend.

Mourners at the church in her home town had been asked to wear bright colours at her funeral Mass.

Kyah Keevan said her sister was 'feisty, loving and full of life'.

Ms Keevan said: 'If she didn't like you, you would know about it. That honesty was part of her charm. She had this way of making everyone laugh.

'No matter how annoyed you were at her, you couldn't stay mad for long because she would already be on to her next plan, scheming about what she was going to do next. She ran her own race, always on her terms and we loved that. She had big dreams.'

Ms Keevan said Mia had recently bought her first car, describing it as her 'absolute pride and joy'.

Mia Keevan, 17, died at a music festival in Belfast was described by her family as 'feisty, loving and full of life'

She became unwell during the Emerge music festival at Boucher Playing Fields in the south of the Northern Ireland capital (Stock Photo)

She added: 'Over the past couple of months Mia was the happiest she had ever been. Everything was falling into place and some of her dreams had come true  her car, her boyfriend Jack, and she was so close to her 18th birthday.

'She loved deeply and when she loved you, you felt it. She lived her life boldly and she made an impact on everyone who knew her.

'What happened to her was tragic and there are no words that can make sense of it.'

Addressing young mourners, Fr Paul Waldron said : 'I just want you to be careful, to watch out for yourself, to be cautious, to think about the choices that we make, to be there for each other.'

Mia was rushed from the event - billed as Ireland's biggest electronic music festival - to hospital on Sunday but doctors could not save her.

A GoFundMe page to support her family during this tough time has raised an incredible 14,900 (12,869) in just 11 hours.

Sarah Roche, organiser of the fundraiser, led the tributes to the schoolgirl on the page and posted a picture of the teenager.

She said: 'We are heartbroken to share the passing of Mia. A bright, fun and much-loved girl who touched the hearts of anyone that knew her. Mia was such an outgoing person and lit up everyone room she walked into.

The teenager from Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary in Ireland was rushed from the event - billed as Ireland's biggest electronic music festival - to hospital on Sunday (Stock Photo)

'Her laughter and warmth will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to have known her.

'At this difficult time we are coming together to support Mia's family with the unexpected costs they face and to give them space to grieve without added financial worry. Any donation will make a difference and is deeply appreciated.'

Speaking on Wednesday, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Belfast District Commander, Superintendent Allister Hagan said: 'Police will continue to work closely with event organisers and the licensing authority to ensure that events remain safe and enjoyable for all of those who attend.

'During the event it was reported that a 17-year-old girl had become unwell. Sadly, she subsequently died in hospital. Police remained on the event site until Monday afternoon, 25th August.

'An investigation in order to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic sudden death of this young person is ongoing, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.

'Police will continue to work closely with event organisers and the licensing authority to ensure that events remain safe and enjoyable for all of those who attend.'

He also confirmed that seven people had been arrested at the music festival for disorderly conduct, assault on police and possession of controlled drugs.

Belfast councillor Micky Murray described the death of the girl as 'heartbreaking'.

He wrote: 'Heartbreaking news this afternoon of the death of a teenage girl who attended Emerge last night, and two others in hospital.

'I have some very serious concerns about this, and as a BCC asset, I'm requesting an urgent meeting w/ Council officers and Emerge reps.'
Tens of thousands of people are fraudulently claiming benefits from overseas and costing British taxpayers almost half a billion pounds a year, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) data shows that 423 million in benefits was claimed by fraudsters living outside the UK in 2024/25.

The shocking figures sparked calls for ministers to 'get a grip' on benefits cheats and are a blow to the Government after reports it had saved 17 million by stopping 2,600 people wrongfully claiming Child Benefit while living abroad.

Experts warn this is 'just the tip of the iceberg' and that a tougher approach is needed to address the scale of the scandal.

The DWP figures show that 178 million was lost to people fraudulently claiming Universal Credit (UC) while living abroad, with 108 million of Pension Credit pocketed by overseas fraudsters.

Other benefits exploited include Housing Benefit and Personal Independence Payments.

Claimants can still receive these benefits for up to a month after moving abroad, but many are doing so for longer than the rules allow. The 423 million DWP figure does not include the amount lost to overseas Child Benefit claims, as this is administered by HMRC.

Last week the Government said it had identified 2,600 people who had left the UK but continued to claim the benefit. This represented 1.3 per cent of the 200,000 claimants who were randomly selected for investigation.

File image: Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) data shows that 423 million in benefits was claimed by fraudsters living outside the UK in 2024/25

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall (pictured) has branded the new The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill the 'biggest fraud crackdown in a generation'

There are currently 6.9 million families claiming Child Benefit, meaning tens of thousands of people could be fraudulently taking the payments while living abroad.

Parents are meant to inform the taxman if they leave the UK for more than eight weeks, but investigators found large numbers are not doing so.

Officials matched Child Benefit records with 'international travel data' to look for claimants who appeared to have moved abroad.

HMRC then carried out checks on those suspected. Its team of 15 investigators is being expanded to 200 in the hopes of recovering as much as 350 million in the next five years.

It is understood that the Government is soon to target other overseas benefits fraud to see if more money can be clawed back.

Joanna Marchong, investigations campaign manager of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Hard-pressed taxpayers will be outraged that benefits are still being pocketed by fraudsters overseas.

'While ministers are finally starting to crack down on benefit fraud, this is clearly just the tip of the iceberg. With billions already being spent on welfare at home, every pound wasted on fraudulent or ineligible claims abroad is an insult to families struggling under the record high tax burden.'

Joe Shalam, policy director at think-tank The Centre for Social Justice, said: 'For the sake of those who depend on our welfare system, and Britain's ailing public finances, we must take a much tougher approach.'

Labour is planning new ways to tackle benefits fraud. The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill currently going through Parliament will allow the DWP to recover cash directly from offenders' bank accounts and it is hoped the measures will save 1.5 billion over five years.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has branded the new law the 'biggest fraud crackdown in a generation'.

A Government spokesman said: 'As with any other type of fraud, we robustly investigate any evidence that a customer might be claiming or receiving a benefit inappropriately from abroad.'
A bitter war of words was raging last night between Reform UK and the Conservatives after Nigel Farages right-hand man Zia Yusuf was branded a phoney over his former links to the Tories.

Conservative sources claimed that Reforms former chairman Mr Yusuf had only abandoned the Tories when his hopes of being a parliamentary candidate in a safe seat were dashed.

A senior Tory source accused Mr Yusuf of giving up on the Tories after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called an early election in 2024 and ruined his candidate hopes.

But last night Mr Yusuf, 38, insisted he had never applied to be a Conservative parliamentary candidate and branded the Tories dishonest clowns.

Mr Yusuf was at Mr Farages side last week at the launch of the partys flagship mass deportations policy on tackling the migrant small boats crisis in the Channel.

Former banker Mr Yusuf is seen as a key figure in Mr Farages drive for power despite his shock decision in June to quit as Reform chairman, claiming that getting the party elected was no longer a good use of my time.

The remark came shortly after Mr Yusuf, a Muslim, had criticised Sarah Pochin, the newly-elected Reform MP for Runcorn and Helsby, for urging Sir Keir Starmer to ban the burka.

Just 48 hours after his resignation, he returned to work for the party in a new role  running Reforms Doge team, which is modelled on US President Donald Trumps Department of Government Efficiency.

A bitter war of words was raging last night between Reform UK and the Conservatives after Nigel Farages right-hand man Zia Yusuf was branded a phoney over his former links to the Tories

Mr Yusuf was at Mr Farages side last week at the launch of the partys flagship mass deportations policy on tackling the migrant small boats crisis in the Channel

A senior Tory source accused Mr Yusuf of giving up on the Tories after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called an early election in 2024 and ruined his candidate hopes. But last night Mr Yusuf, 38, insisted he had never even applied to be a Conservative parliamentary candidate

However, yesterday the Tories questioned Mr Yusufs commitment to Reform by claiming he had given up on the Tories only after his hopes of being a Conservative MP were ended last year.

A senior Conservative source told The Mail on Sunday: Its a story as old as time. The one who shouts the loudest often has the most to hide.

Yusuf is a phoney and a fraud but people in Reform already know that.

Now its clear this guy joined the Conservatives hoping to become an MP last year then switched when Rishi took him and the country by surprise with an early election. Its laughable.

But Mr Yusuf dismissed the Tory claims and produced a warm welcome note dated May 2009 from then Tory leader David Cameron to show how long he had previously been a Tory member.

Yesterday the Tories questioned Mr Yusufs commitment to Reform by claiming he had given up on the Tories only after his hopes of being a Conservative MP were ended last year. A senior Conservative source told The Mail on Sunday: Its a story as old as time'

Mr Yusuf dismissed the Tory claims and produced a warm welcome note dated May 2009 from then Tory leader David Cameron to show how long he had previously been a Tory member. Mr Yusuf also insisted that I didnt leave the Tories

Mr Yusuf also insisted that I didnt leave the Tories  a reference to the fact his membership was revoked last August after the party learned that he was still a member while also being Reform chairman.

Asked to comment on his Conservative accusers, he replied: What a bunch of dishonest clowns.

Reform has soared to a 15-point lead over Labour in one opinion poll, with Mr Farages party on 35 per cent compared to Labours 20.

If repeated at a general election, the BMG poll result  for The i Paper  would take Reform from its current four MPs to 400 and put Mr Farage into No 10.
Sir Keir Starmer was accused of failing to slash passport queues abroad as it emerged that nine in ten EU airports still bar Brits from using e-gates.

Despite the Prime Minister boasting earlier this year that his EU reset deal would see Britons 'sailing through the e-gates', The Mail on Sunday can reveal that just 11 per cent of European airports allow British holidaymakers to use them.

Starmer hailed the e-gates change as one of the key elements of his deal with Brussels in May, stating at the time that 'instead of waiting in long queues at passport control, Brits travelling to Europe will now be able to use e-gates'.

But just 45 out of the 400 commercial airports in the EU had given e-gate access to British travellers by the end of July, according to figures obtained via a Freedom of Information (FoI) request to the Cabinet Office, seen by The MoS.

James MacCleary MP, the Liberal Democrat spokesman for Europe who filed the request, said: 'The Government presented their e-gate announcement as a done deal, but Starmer is yet to deliver on his promise. Thousands of British holidaymakers faced queues and delays due to those same technological barriers this summer.

'The Government's so-called 'reset' with Europe is once again coming up short.'

It comes after this newspaper reported in May that ministers were begging European countries to allow Britons to use e-gates before the summer holidays.

The deal states that, from October, there will be no legal barriers preventing EU states from offering access to e-gates. A new digital scheme, the EU Entry/Exit System, which gathers biometric data on those arriving in the EU from non-member countries, will come into force that month.

Sir Keir Starmer was accused of failing to slash passport queues abroad as it emerged that nine in ten EU airports still bar Brits from using e-gates

File image: But just 45 out of the 400 commercial airports in the EU had given e-gate access to British travellers by the end of July

But Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds wrote to representatives of European countries such as Greece, urging them to allow Brits to use e-gates 'now'.

Despite this, the FoI response shows that no Greek airport was allowing British citizens to use e-gates as of July 23. Neither were some of the EU's busiest airports, including MadridBarajas in Spain and Frankfurt in Germany.

The second-busiest EU airport, Amsterdam Schiphol in the Netherlands, only let Brits use e-gates when exiting the country.

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: 'The UK-EU Summit confirmed that there will be no legal barriers to e-gates use for UK nationals after the introduction of the Entry/Exit System, which will open up e-gates across the EU. In the meantime, we've secured further agreements for e-gates use in individual EU countries, including Germany for UK frequent travellers.'
Angela Rayner has been accused of plotting a 'chicken run' to a safer seat on the south coast amid fears she could lose to Reform UK in the next election.

Recent polling suggests the Deputy Prime Minister's seat of Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, which she has held since 2015, could fall to Nigel Farage's party.

To save her political career, there have been suggestions she may abandon the North for the much more secure seat of Hove, having recently added an 800,000 seaside apartment there to increase her burgeoning property empire.

The Housing Secretary's new seaside pad is in addition to the 650,000 house she owns in her constituency and a three-bedroom grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House, Whitehall.

It comes as the Mail revealed tonight how her property portfolio has been expanded with the help of a wealth protection firm, adding to the furore surrounding her housing affairs.

Richard Tice, Reform UK's deputy leader, said the Housing Secretary was giving herself the 'option' to flee the North by putting down roots in the seaside spot of Hove.

The Conservatives have also suggested the Ashton MP may be making the transition to the south coast for the next election.

Angela Rayner has been accused of plotting a 'chicken run' to a safer seat on the south coast, abandoning her Ashton seat in the North

Ms Rayner recently added an 800,000 seaside apartment in Hove (above) to her burgeoning property empire

Richard Tice (pictured), Reform UK's deputy leader, said the Housing Secretary was giving herself the 'option' to flee for the liberal seat of Hove and Portslade

Mr Tice told The Telegraph: 'Angela Rayner is so terrified of losing her seat to Reform at the next election, she is buying herself an option to take on the Greens in Brighton.

'The ultimate plant-based chicken run.'

The Mail has contacted the Deputy Prime Minister for comment.

Last night, the Mail revealed Ms Rayner split the ownership of her 650,000 constituency home with a trust administered by blue-chip law firm Shoosmiths.

The legal manoeuvre would be consistent with Ms Rayner placing some of the houses equity in trust for her three children, one of whom has special needs  although the Deputy PMs office repeatedly declined to answer The Mail on Sundays questions about its purpose.

The Tories have demanded to know whether the arrangement with the Shoosmiths Trust Corporation offered any inheritance tax advantages for Ms Rayners family  a political point heightened by the fact Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering raising inheritance tax in her autumn Budget as part of a wider range of wealth taxes.

The move appears to have been a bid to protect her new properties with the latest addition boasting sweeping views of the Hove seafront.

It also boasts a great location - in the heart of one of the safest Labour seats in the UK - currently held by Peter Kyle, the Science Secretary.

Ms Rayner purchased the three-bedroom Hove flat in May for use as a holiday home and has been spotted strolling around the area (pictured on the beach)

Ms Rayner's new flat in Hove boasts a spacious fitted kitchen

The living room of elegant Victorian terrace offers sweeping views of the Hove seafront

It comes amid mounting pressure for Ms Rayner to face a sleaze probe into her controversial property dealings.

Ms Rayner purchased the three-bedroom Hove flat in May for use as a holiday home and has been spotted strolling around the area with her on-off partner, Sam Tarry.

When she entered the Government, Ms Rayner designated her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency home as her 'primary residence', and her pre-Admiralty home  a rented London flat  as her second home.

That allowed her to claim back the 1,621 council tax bill on the London flat from the taxpayer as one of the housing costs reimbursed by Commons authorities.

She has declined to say if she is still designating Ashton as her primary residence.

Ms Rayner's large, airy flat is located on the second floor of an elegant Victorian terrace that leads down to the beach and is made up of two flats converted into one.

It has its own balcony and sash windows that look out onto the sea and a neatly maintained green.

One resident said: 'Everybody knows Angela has moved into our block. I've seen her recently and she was sipping a coffee while leaving the building with her entourage.

'She's got the biggest and nicest flat in the block and appears to be using it as a holiday home for short breaks because she's not there very often.

Ms Rayner bought her constituency home (pictured) in Ashton-under-Lyne in 2016 for 375,000, and previously stated it was her primary residence

Ms Rayner also has a three-bedroom grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House (pictured) - which used to be home to Winston Churchill

'It's a fantastic flat that has great views of the sea.'

Another neighbour said: 'She has her own security team but they don't make a big fuss and you wouldn't notice them.

'She's only at the flat on the odd weekend and most of the time doesn't appear to stay for very long.'

Following the revelation, the Tories lodged a formal request on Friday for an investigation into whether the Deputy Prime Minister broke the ministerial code in her purchase of the 800,000 second home.

The move comes after 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 previously said she had paid her taxes in full and done nothing wrong.

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But even those in her party are unconvinced and Graham Stringer, the MP for Blackley and Middleton South, said the 'optics' of Ms Rayner's actions did not 'look good', as the Government prepares for the autumn Budget.

Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Stringer said: 'I've no idea if she's broken any rules. I think it is always better for ministers to be transparent and to explain their financial dealings.'

He added it that it looked as if Ms Rayner was 'manipulating the tax system' for her benefit.

'We all have a right to adjust our financial affairs in our own interest. But the optics of it, just before the Chancellor is going to do a Budget, doesn't look good', he added.
Labour Ministers have been accused of a shameful plot to delay approval of a new Chinese super embassy in London till after Donald Trumps state visit.

They faced claims that to avoid the US president speaking out over the controversial plan while he was in the UK, a final decision had been deliberately postponed till weeks after he had left.

There were also suggestions that so desperate was the Labour government to agree to the embassy plan that they had covered up its potential use as a future Chinese spy hub.

That allegedly including Parliament being misled and Ministers being 'complicit' in the withholding of vital information on how the plans could involve sinister 'spy dungeons'.

Today, the Government dismissed the allegations of any such cover-up as completely inaccurate.

But former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told the Mail on Sunday: Their whole behaviour over this embassy has been shameful.

Its been a planning process that is being delivered on bended knee.

And the Americans dont like it one little bit.

So they have pushed the decision back to get it past the Trump visit.

Labour Ministers have been accused of a shameful plot to delay approval of a new Chinese super embassy in London till after Donald Trump s state visit

The Government dismissed the allegations of any such cover-up as completely inaccurate. But former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith (pictured) told the Mail on Sunday: Their whole behaviour over this embassy has been shameful'

Pictured: Royal Mint Court, the site of the proposed new Chinese Embassy in London. There have also been suggestions that so desperate was the Labour government to agree to the embassy plan that they had covered up its potential use as a future Chinese spy hub

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who is also in charge of planning, had been due to make a decision by September 9 on the new embassy on the site of the former Royal Mint buildings in the heart of the City of London.

But just over a week ago, her department sprang a surprise by revealing that that the deadline been put back to October 21 - a month after President Trump's visit scheduled for September 17-19.

Officials cited the need for more time 'for full consideration' of the plans, which is thought to refer to a continuing lack of detail on what some rooms in the huge embassy would actually be used for.

In April, this paper revealed concerns that they could be 'spy dungeons' for Beijing's intelligence services.

And today, the Tories claimed that the Government had been aware of the potential use for months and accused Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook of misleading the Commons over the issue.

Tory party chairman Kevin Hollinrake pointed to Commons' answers in which Mr Pennycook had insisted that all documents relating to a planning inquiry into the application were 'publicly available'.

In a letter challenging Mr Pennycook to correct the record, Mr Hollinrake said the Minister had repeatedly given a 'misleading public impression' that there was no hidden material about the embassy's use being withheld.

And he cited the damning privileges report which led to Boris Johnson's resignation as an MP in 2023 which said that 'misleading intentionally or recklessly....... impedes or frustrates the functioning of the House and is a contempt'.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who is also in charge of planning, had been due to make a decision by September 9 on the new embassy on the site of the former Royal Mint buildings in the heart of the City of London

Pictured: plans for the controversial embassy. In April, this paper revealed concerns that they could be 'spy dungeons' for Beijing's intelligence services. Today, the Tories claimed that the Government had been aware of the potential use for months

Tory party chairman Kevin Hollinrake (pictured) pointed to Commons' answers in which Mr Pennycook had insisted that all documents relating to a planning inquiry into the application were 'publicly available'. He said: 'It is obvious that this Embassy will be used as a spy hub'

Pictured: protestors gather during a demonstration against the new Chinese 'super embassy' on March 15. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) dismissed Mr Hollinrakes claims as completely inaccurate

Mr Hollinrake said: 'It is obvious that this Embassy will be used as a spy hub.

'Vital information on its sinister use has been hidden by Chinese Government, and Labour Ministers have been complicit in this cover-up.

'National security is under threat, which is why the planning permission should be refused.'

But the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) dismissed Mr Hollinrakes claims as completely inaccurate and said there is no record to correct.

As the Minister has clearly said, all documents submitted to the inquiry are publicly available.

In a statement last weekend, the Chinese Embassy insisted it had provided a comprehensive response to the MCHLGs request for more information on the plans and expressed our serious concern that a final decision had now been delayed.

A spokesman added: Both China and the UK plan to build new embassies in each other's capitals.

The Chinese side urges the UK side to fulfil its obligation and approve the planning application without delay.
Greta Thunberg has insisted she is not anti-Semitic as she sets sail on her second 'freedom flotilla' to Gaza - nearly three months after she was deported on her first attempt.

The Swedish campaigner was detained by Israeli forces along with 11 others in June after they attempted to sail from Italy to the under-siege Palestinian enclave to deliver a symbolic amount of aid.

Their voyage was described by the Israeli foreign ministry as a publicity stunt by 'celebrity activists', referring to their flotilla - named the Madleen - as 'the selfie yacht'.

Thunberg claimed that Israel had 'kidnapped' the group in international waters and 'taken them against their will', after security forces intercepted the Madleen some 100 nautical miles from Gaza.

The activists, including Thunberg, were banned from Israel for 100 years, according to the rights group that legally represents some of them.

Israel later accused the activists of being anti-Semitic, a claim which Thunberg has denied.

She told Sky News: 'It is not anti-Semitic to say that we should not be bombing people, that one should not be living in occupation, that everyone should have the right to live in freedom and dignity, no matter who you are.'

Dozens of boats carrying aid are set to embark from Spain today as Thunberg and her fellow activists have called on Israel to allow the vessel through its naval blockade.

Thunberg joined 11 activists in sailing to the Gaza Strip with a 'symbolic' amount of aid

The Madleen (pictured) was intercepted by the Israeli army in international waters on June 9 and towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod

A surveillance footage shows crew of the Gaza-bound British-flagged yacht 'Madleen', put their hands up as they are intercepted by Israeli boats early Monday morning

The blockade has been in place since 2007 and boats attempting to cross in the past have been blocked by Israel.

In 2010 a Gaza-bound aid flotilla was raided by Israeli special forces, killing eight Turkish activists and an American-Turkish teenager.

Despite the dangers, Thunberg said she was more concerned by the 'silence of the world' about what is happening in the region.

She added: 'I'm terrified to see that we seem to have lost all the humanity that we have, and there seems to be no compassion left in the world amongst the vast majority of people who are able to sit on the couch and watch the genocide unfold that I am terrified for.'

Thunberg claimed Israel's continuation of the blockade was a violation of international law.

The newest Freedom Flotilla is unlikely to be more successful on its newest voyage, with Israeli officials prepared to uphold the blockade.

In a statement, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said: 'The IDF enforces the security naval blockade on the Gaza Strip and is prepared for a wide range of scenarios, which it will act upon in accordance with the directives of the political echelon.'

The IDF also said that over two millions tons of aid has been delivered to Gaza, including from 9,000 aid trucks entering through land crossings in the past months.

It said 300 aid trucks were entering the region every day with food and medical supplies.

Activist Greta Thunberg sits aboard the aid ship Madleen in a photo shared on June 2

Greta Thunberg is pictured at the Israeli port of Ashdod after the Madleen 'freedom flotilla' ship was intercepted by Israeli boats

The Madleen, which sailed towards Gaza to raise awareness of the crisis in the territory

Thunberg was deported from Israel after her first aid mission in June.

The activists were intercepted in international waters off the coast of Egypt before being detained.

They were taken to Ashdod before Thunberg and some of the other activists were put on a plane to France.

After their vessel was intercepted, she was photographed receiving a turkey sandwich from a soldier.

She accused Israel of orchestrating a PR stunt following the action.

Despite her swift deportation, Thunberg was unrepentant. The activist vowed that they 'would not stop' trying to help and promised that 'this is not the end.'

Thunberg told journalists shortly after landing in Paris: 'What is certain is that we will not stop.

She accused Israel of 'kidnapping' her in international waters, a claim she made previously in a dramatic pre-recorded SOS message released shortly after her detention.

The activist described the experience as 'very dehumanising,' though she insisted: 'But of course, I have to stress nothing compared to what Palestinians are going through. I would prefer not to go into detail'.

Prior to her deportation, Defence Minister Israel Katz said he'd instructed IDF officials to show the activists the full, unedited footage of the October 7 attacks as recorded by Hamas terrorist body cameras.

'It is appropriate that the anti-Semitic Greta and her fellow Hamas supporters see exactly who the Hamas terrorist organization they came to support and for whom they work is, what atrocities they committed against women, the elderly, and children, and against whom Israel is fighting to defend itself,' he said.

The Israeli foreign ministry also derided what it called the 'selfie yacht' carrying 'celebrity' activists, adding that the aid onboard would be transferred to Gaza through what it called 'real humanitarian channels'

Israeli forces pictured intercepting the Freedom Flotilla activist ship which was heading towards Gaza

After the flotilla was intercepted, he told reporters: 'Greta and her flotilla companions were taken into a room upon their arrival to the screening of the horror film of the October 7 massacre... when they saw what it was about, they refused to continue watching.

'The anti-Semitic flotilla members are turning a blind eye to the truth and have proven once again that they prefer the murderers to the murdered and continue to ignore the atrocities committed by Hamas against Jewish and Israeli women, adults, and children.'

Katz and other Israeli officials have come under fire for branding Thunberg and her fellow activists 'anti-Semitic' for wanting to deliver aid to starving Gazans.

But Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said: 'This wasn't humanitarian aid. It's Instagram activism...

'Who's really feeding Gaza and who's really feeding their own ego? Greta was not bringing aid, she was bringing herself.'

The French government revealed that five of the six French citizens detained alongside Thunberg had refused to sign deportation orders, meaning they faced judicial proceedings.

Thunberg told journalists shortly after landing in Paris: 'What is certain is that we will not stop.

'We are going to continue try to do everything we can because that is the promise that we have given to to Palestinians.

Injured Palestinians, including children, are transported to hospital by ambulance after an Israeli attack on the Rimal neighborhood in northern Gaza

Palestinians hold search and rescue efforts for people injured in the attack on the region

A building destroyed by strikes from Israel in Rimal as residents search for casualties

'We are going to try every single day in every way that we can and keep trying to demand an end to the atrocities.'

After a brief stop in France, Thunberg landed back home at Stockholm's Arlanda airport.

She was greeted by around 30 cheering supporters waving Palestinian flags amid a large media presence at the airport.

Of the 12 people on board the Madleen carrying food and supplies for Gaza, eight were taken into custody after they refused to leave Israel voluntarily.

Four others, including Thunberg, were deported.
Sir Keir Starmers new economics guru has no experience of business, carries little clout in the markets and is a big fan of wealth taxes, it was claimed today.

Baroness Minouche Shafik is set to be hired as the Prime Ministers chief economic adviser in the latest revamp of No 10s top team as growth stalls and Chancellor Rachel Reeves lines up swingeing tax hikes in her autumn Budget.

In her new role Lady Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, will act as a bridge between Starmer and Reeves, who is lining up a tax hikes to fill a hole in the public finances of up to 50 billion.

Lady Shafik has previously worked with Torsten Bell, the pensions minister and former boss of the Resolution Foundation think-tank, who was last week promoted to play a key role in Budget preparations.

In 2023 Lady Shafik co-chaired a Resolution Foundation inquiry which called for the abolition of inheritance tax relief on farms and bringing pension pots within a dead persons estate.

Both measures were enacted by Reeves in her maiden Budget to the fury of farmers and savers.

Born in Egypt, Lady Shafik has spent much of her career in academia, the civil service and at the International Monetary Fund, where she oversaw its response to the Eurozone debt crisis in 2009.

Baroness Minouche Shafik (pictured) is set to be hired as the Prime Ministers chief economic adviser but has no experience of business, carries little clout in the markets and is a big fan of wealth taxes, it was claimed today

In her new role Lady Shafik (pictured), a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, will act as a bridge between Starmer and Reeves, who is reportedly lining up tax hikes to fill a hole in the public finances of up to 50 billion

Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith (pictured) said Sir Keir had hired an establishment academic with no experience of business'

Last year Lady Shafik quit as head of Columbia University in the US amid criticism of her handling of student protests in response to the Israel-Hamas war.

Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said Sir Keir had hired an establishment academic with no experience of business, adding: Any one of thousands of British businessmen and women could have educated him on the harsh realities of trying to tax your way to growth.

Last year Lady Shafik quit as head of Columbia University in the US amid criticism of her handling of student protests in response to the Israel-Hamas war.

Her recent failures in leadership in academia suggests she has difficulty engaging with the challenges of the real world, said Julian Jessop, a former Treasury economist.

Lady Shafik seemed even keener on wealth taxes and income redistribution than Reeves and Bell, he added. She has no business experience and little clout in the financial markets.

No 10 declined to comment.
Britain could be forced to pay for a new French maritime intervention force that escorts migrant small boats away from England.

The radical plan would see fast patrol craft surrounding the dinghies packed with passengers, who would then be guided back to French ports, in the safest manner possible, according to an emergency services source in Calais.

But Home Office sources said the idea had never been brought up in our conversations with the French and downplayed any suggestion that the UK would face a new bill.

It comes after French naval officers joined police in objecting to plans that would let them intercept small boats in open sea.

Currently, once boats are in the water the French authorities are not legally allowed to approach and make arrests, for safety reasons.

It is understood that Bruno Retailleau, Frances Interior Minister, believes that specialist boats and dedicated officers could be the solution.

It is said that the cost of the boats would be added to the near 500 million that the UK pledged to give France in 2023, in return for it stopping small-boat Channel crossings.

A source said: Low-sitting rigid boats would be used. At least three could get right alongside the dinghies, and guide them in the water, without causing them to capsize.

Britain could be forced to pay for a new French maritime intervention force that escorts migrant small boats away from England. The radical plan would see fast patrol craft surrounding the dinghies packed with passengers

Home Office sources said the idea had never been brought up in our conversations with the French and downplayed any suggestion the UK would face a new bill. Currently, once boats are in the water the French authorities are not legally allowed to approach and make arrests

It is understood that Bruno Retailleau (pictured), France s Interior Minister, believes that specialist boats and dedicated officers could be the solution. It is said that the cost of the boats would be added to the near 500 million that the UK pledged to give France in 2023

'Anybody who did fall into the water would be immediately rescued by the officers in the new intervention squad.

Frances Le Canard Enchaine (The Chained Duck) investigative news site, which revealed the plan, wrote: Its going to cost the British an arm and a leg again.

French police unions have decried the idea of turning their members into sea police. A senior source at union Alliance said: People dont seem to realise how dangerous it is to try to carry out arrests at sea, while attempting to force a boat to change course.

'If there are 80 people on an overcrowded boat, then it is extremely dangerous to try to stop them.

A senior French navy officer added: Disaster, including drownings, can easily happen.

More than 28,000 migrants have made the crossing so far this year.
Princess Diana tragically passed away in Pont de l'Alma Tunnel in Paris, France on August 31, 1997.

That afternoon, she and Dodi Fayed had made their way to the Ritz Hotel in the heart of the city.

Once settled into the Imperial Suite at the five-star hotel, the princess phoned an anxious Prince William who revealed he had been asked to take part in a photocall at Eton to mark the start of his third year.

The photocall was part of a deal between the press and the palace, according to Diana's biographer Andrew Morton.

Writing in the book Diana: Her True Story - In Her Own Words, Morton explained: 'In return for leaving the young princes in peace, the media would be given occasional official photo opportunities.

'William was worried that there was a danger this his younger brother, Prince Harry, was being overshadowed.

'It was a concern shared by Diana,' he added.

'As she had her hair done at the Ritz, she doubtless pondered on this conversation, her last with her eldest son.'

Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed in the lift of the Ritz hotel hours before they passed away

Diana arrives at the Ritz for dinner after spending a few hours at Dodi's apartment

In the meantime, Dodi had left Diana to speak to her worried son and visited a nearby jewellery store called Alberto Repossi.

There the British-Egyptian millionaire picked up the 'Tell Me Yes' ring that he had sent to be altered.

Diana had chosen the ring, estimated to be worth around 11,000, while shopping with Dodi in Monte Carlo during their Mediterranean cruise.

Dodi had also spoken to the Saudi Arabian millionaire, Hassan Yassin, the brother of his stepfather, who happened to be staying at the Ritz that same evening.

'It's serious. We're going to get married,' Dodi allegedly told him. Hassan later recalled: 'I was happy for him, for both of them.'

Later that evening, Dodi and Diana had planned to visit his apartment on the Champs-Elysees before having supper at Le Benoit restaurant near the Pompidou Centre.

'Was it here that Dodi planned to make a declaration of love, present the ring, which was later found in his apartment, and ask for Diana's hand in marriage?' Morton penned.

'Certainly their last conversations with confidants that night suggested that their brief affair was about to take a significant and perhaps permanent course.

Charles, Diana and Harry watch as Prince William signs the Entrance Book at Eton College in 1995

The princess made a point to have her boys pictured together so they could 'share the spotlight', according to her confidante Richard Kay

In her final hours, William called his mother to say that a solo photocall at Eton had been arranged

Both Diana and William were worried that was worried 'his younger brother, Prince Harry, was being overshadowed'

William and Harry pictured at Westminster Abbey for the funeral of Princess Diana on September 6, 1997

As well as William, one of the last people Diana called on the night of her death was none other than Richard Kay, the Daily Mail's Editor at Large.

He recalled that Diana was supposed to be back in London that night but bad weather had delayed her for 24 hours.

'The delay meant she would not arrive back at Kensington Palace until Sunday,' Richard explained, 'when William and Harry were due to join her after their three-and-a-half weeks with Prince Charles and the royals at Balmoral.

'Without doubt, she would have been utterly baffled at the criticism earlier this summer that somehow she had abandoned the boys to go off with Dodi.

'It had been carefully arranged that they would spend part of the summer with their father and an equal amount of time with her,' Richard wrote in an article for the Daily Mail to mark the 20th anniversary of Diana's death.

Richard also remembered Diana's 'dismay' that William was 'expected to face a photocall at Eton at the beginning of the forthcoming term without Harry'.

He wrote: 'Diana had established that, wherever possible, the boys should share the spotlight.

'It was a deal that Charles faithfully kept to throughout the following years.'

Just over a year after the first anniversary of his mother's death, Harry arrives for his first day at Eton with his father Prince Charles

The young prince takes part in a photocall on his first day at Eton College

In his bombshell memoir Spare, Harry alleged that William 'told me to pretend I didn't know him' while both boys were at Eton

The Wales brothers both attended Eton College (pictured). William started in 1995 while Harry started in 1998

Harry started at Eton in 1998 - three years after William started attending the prestigious private school.

But in his bombshell memoir Spare, he alleged that William 'told me to pretend I didn't know him'.

'For the last two years, he explained, Eton had been his sanctuary. No kid brother tagging along, pestering him with questions, pushing up on his social circle.

'He was forging his own life, and he wasnt willing to give that up.'
The Sussexes made headlines at the Time100 New York summit earlier this year after Meghan Markle said she was the 'happiest' she had ever been, just weeks after her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, was panned by critics.

At the time, the Daily Mail reported that Meghan took centre stage - leaving Prince Harry assuming the role of 'spare' once again.

A month after appearing at the summit to recognise the world's most influential people, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not named on the Time100 Philanthropy.

During the event, Meghan opened up about giving herself 'the space and the grace to make mistakes' and also revealed her son Prince Archie's first tooth is loose.

Upon their arrival earlier, Harry chaperoned his wife from their private car as she walked in - before also being around to greet her at the end of her stint on stage.

However, body language expert Judi James pointed out an 'awkward' dynamic between the pair.

She told the Daily Mail: 'This was a body language moment that appeared to define how Harry had swapped life as a royal "spare" for a life as a Montecito "spare", looking more like Meghan's security here than her high-status, regal husband.'

The body language expert said that as their car pulls up, Harry 'defines Meghan as the star' by sprinting around to reach his wife as she emerges.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Time100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center in Midtown on April 23, 2025 in New York City

The Sussexes made headlines at the summit after Meghan said she was the 'happiest' she had ever been, just weeks after her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, was panned by critics

During the event, Meghan opened up about giving herself 'the space and the grace to make mistakes' and also revealed her son Prince Archie 's first tooth is loose

She said: 'The angle of his legs defines the rush that is mirrored by what is possibly the real security guard behind him.

'Meghan climbs out elegantly, keeping her eyes on the greeter and initially her left hand extends in a rather gracious movement that looks like an intentional gesture to Harry to clasp it.'

Judi said that Harry appears to read this tie-sign and begins an appropriate response, lifting his right hand in a ritual of compliance.

But Meghan suddenly seems to flap it away at the last minute, choosing to hug the greeter with both arms instead.

'Left with his hand hanging, Harry turns it into a truncated gesture that he then converts into a detour ritual to avoid looking rejected,' she said.

'We can see him drop his hand but then go for alternative usage, awkwardly hiking the back of his pants with it instead while standing, watching with a shy-looking half-smile.'

Judi continued: 'Harry is used to preferential treatment and being the centre of attention as a royal and even to fawning responses in public.

'But this is clearly Meghan's moment and instead of introducing him to the woman she has just hugged in greeting, she turns her back on Harry to walk into the venue.

Upon their arrival earlier, Harry chaperoned his wife from their private car as she walked in - before also being around to greet her at the end of her stint on stage

The body language expert said that as their car pulls up, Harry 'defines Meghan as the star' by sprinting around to reach his wife as she emerges

'Left with his hand hanging, Harry turns it into a truncated gesture that he then converts into a detour ritual to avoid looking rejected,' Judi James said

'Harry is left faltering slightly, having to raise an arm to show he will follow Meghan, just as the greeter raises her to usher him along.

'It's a difficult-looking moment for anyone, and Meghan doesn't seem to hang around to make it go more smoothly for Harry, who then gets ushered in behind her.'

Meghan wore a Ralph Lauren silk-linen blazer worth 1,970 and 1,785 wide-leg trousers, which she paired with 650 Manolo Blahnik suede heels.

She also wore more than 35,000 of jewellery, including a 7,050 Cartier bangle and a pair of Tabayer gold hoop earrings worth 6,950.

The mother-of-two also had Princess Diana's 21,400 gold Cartier Tank Francaise watch, inherited by Harry.

During the event, the Duchess revealed her Archie's first tooth is loose, just as his cousin Prince Louis was pictured with two missing front teeth.

Meghan said it had been an 'incredibly busy' time as she launched her Netflix show, new podcast and lifestyle brand As Ever - but being a mother gave her 'perspective'.

Asked how she stayed 'focused' while being a high-profile individual who is under 'scrutiny', the duchess said she does not go online.

James wrote: 'This is clearly Meghan's moment and instead of introducing him to the woman she has just hugged in greeting, she turns her back on Harry to walk into the venue'

'It's a difficult-looking moment for anyone, and Meghan doesn't seem to hang around to make it go more smoothly for Harry, who then gets ushered in behind her,' said the body language expert

'Harry is left faltering slightly, having to raise an arm to show he will follow Meghan, just as the greeter raises her to usher him along,' wrote James

She continued: 'I've made a very, very conscious effort to create boundaries for myself and for my mental health, for my wellbeing, and certainly to role model that as well for my children.'

Asked what was 'next' for her, the duchess said: 'I think obviously, focusing on our family and our children is most important.'

It is not the only time Harry has been described as a 'spare' in his relationship with Meghan.

Speaking of the Sussexes' quasi-royal tour of Colombia in 2024 when Meghan and Harry took part in a drumming lesson, Judi James said: 'Harry is already looking a little like the Spare here, despite the way that this looks like a very traditional style of royal visit.

'It's Meghan appearing to take the lead and happily, confidently and excitedly immersing herself in the visit while Harry looks overcome by the heat or by his lack of talent on the drums.

'Meghan's body language is far more regal, with a very poised sense of elegance and a classic Duchess smile that she seems to retain throughout this visit.

'Harry looks across at Meghan as though looking to take his lead from her and she replies with a pit-bare gesture of confidence and power.'

Meghan said it had been an 'incredibly busy' time as she launched her Netflix show, new podcast and lifestyle brand As Ever - but being a mother gave her 'perspective'

This comes as one Hollywood insider described the guest stars for Meghan's second instalment of her Netflix show as 'underwhelming' and 'just a bunch of random people she knows'.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail: 'The total absence of A-listers from Meghan's second cookery series, as well as the first, can only mean one thing, a lack of pulling power which is embarrassing.'

This came as a contrast to Meghan's wedding, where A-listers included Serena Williams and David Beckham.

Writing in her bestseller Palace Papers, journalist Tina Brown explained that 'the celebrity guests were a portrait not of Meghan's intimate circle but of the friends she most wanted to recruit'.

But that mission to recruit stars failed, and instead, Meghan has been forced to rely upon her friends rather than major guest stars.
They remain two of the most monumental moments in modern royal history.

Tomorrow marks 28 years since Brits across the country woke up to the harrowing news that Princess Diana had been killed in a car crash in Paris.

The next major royal death would not come until September 2022 when Queen Elizabeth II passed away after 70 years on the throne.

On paper both tragedies could not be more different. While the Queen's death was a source of great sadness for many, the fact she was 96-years-old and died peacefully at Balmoral Castle.

While Diana's was just 36 and the sudden death took the public completely by surprise leading to a mass outpouring of grief.

But despite the differences a new documentary about the day Princess of Wales died has uncovered a remarkable similarity between how the public reacted to the death of the people's princess and then, 25 years later, the UK's longest serving monarch.

The documentary, which will air on Channel 5 this evening, will follow August 31 1997 hour-by-hour from the car crash - which also killed Dodi Fayed and Dodi's driver Henri Paul -in the early hours of the morning to when her body was taken to Chapel Royal in St James's Palace on the evening.

One particularly poignant scene is when the jet carrying Diana's body landed at RAF Northolt, in west London, before her coffin was placed in a hearse bound for a mortuary in London.

Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana together in 1993. A new Channel 5 documentary has revealed a striking similarity between the deaths of Diana and the Queen

Royal insider and journalist Tina Brown appearing on the new Channel 5 documentary - The Day Diana Died - set to air tonight

The journey should have taken 40 minutes but the sheer volume of mourners pouring out onto the street to get glimpse of the motorcade slowed it right down.

John Swain - who was a member of the Special Escort Group in the Metropolitan Police in 1997 - said: 'We were going to straight down the M4 but we ended up using the A40 because once we got to the Polish war memorial roundabout we couldn't go straight on because of the crowds.'

While former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter said he was 'flabbergasted' by how cars and people were stopped watching the car from the central reservation barrier.

Mourners then began throwing flowers at the hearse as it passed them by.

Jayne Fincher - a royal photographer who followed Diana throughout her life and was at RAF Northolt to photograph her coffin described the moment as the beginning of a 'pilgrimage'.

In similar scenes 25 years later the late Queen's hearse departed the same airbase to crowds of mourners.

It was a similarity which did not go unnoticed by the distinguished author Robert Hardman.

He said: 'That's when the first flowers started being chucked down. And it's very similar to the reaction when the Queen flew in to Northolt from Scotland on a fairly wet evening but that didn't stop the crowds and again people standing on the side of the road chucking flowers in vast numbers.

Pictured: Princess Diana's hearse (left) and Queen Elizabeth II's hearse (right) One striking similarity between both the death of Diana and Queen Elizabeth is the public's reaction where mourners poured out onto the street to throw flowers at the motorcade out of respect

Distinguished author Robert Hardman noted the similarity between the public's reaction to both deaths. He said: 'It's very similar to the reaction when the Queen flew in to Northolt from Scotland on a fairly wet evening but that didn't stop the crowds'

Princess Diana in June 1997. The Princess of Wales died in a car crash in Paris 28 years ago tomorrow

'Those are the moments I always find this is why monarchy is different.'

Indeed, royal insider and journalist Tina Brown goes on to explain why Diana's sudden demise had such a profound impact on the public.

She said:' The British people had really come to identify with this young girl which they had seen grow up they'd seen Diana through the years with all her ups and downs and she was still the people's Princess. Their representative in the monarchy.'

'Death of Diana was one of the greatest stories of the second half of the 20th century,' Brown continued.

Elsewhere, the documentary also uncovers other details about that now notorious day.

Such as that Queen Elizabeth was reportedly clutching a hot water bottle when she was woken up to be told the news and how she had every television and radio removed from Balmoral to shield the young Prince Harry and William.

On top of this, the documentary noted that as the National Grid recorded a large power surge on that Sunday morning as millions of Brits switched on the television and flicked on the kettle at the same time.

A young Prince William and Prince Harry with their uncle Earl Spencer and father King Charles and their mother's funeral. Diana's funeral on September 6 1997 was watched by estimated 32million people in Britain

'Typical British reaction is to put the kettle on console yourself and sit in front of the television.' Brown said.

Diana's funeral on September 6 1997 was then watched by estimated 32million people in Britain which was over half of the entire population at the time and made it one of the most watched events in UK history.

And once again as Diana's hearse made its final journey from London to Althorp crowds once again lined the street throwing flowers at the car.

The Day Diana Died will air on Channel 5 tonight at 9pm.
On Earth, we're constantly detecting signals from deep space.

Many of these radio waves and other forms of electromagnetic radiation can be attributed to natural phenomena such as pulsars, colliding stars and the sun.

But some, to this day, remain unexplained  and experts say they could be extraterrestrial in origin.

The 'WOW' signal

The most renowned is the famous 'WOW' signal that was first detected in 1977.

At the time, astronomers discovered a mysterious signal beaming from space that was so powerful it prompted astronomer Jerry Ehman to write 'Wow!' on the telescope's readout.

For decades, scientists debated whether the signal could have been an attempt at communication from a distant alien civilisation, as there were no known explanations for it.

Recently, a team of experts reexamined the signal's data with modern techniques and found that it was more than four times stronger than previous estimates. Although scientists believe the signal is likely to have natural origins, they say alien sources can't yet be ruled out.

For decades, scientists have struggled to find any natural process capable of producing the 72second burst which prompted astronomer Jerry Ehman to write 'WOW!' on the telescope's readout

The researchers say that the most likely cause of the Wow! signal is an intense beam of energy from a dying star hitting a cloud of cold hydrogen, causing it to produce a laserlike burst which hit Earth. However, they say alien sources cannot be ruled out

Dr Hector SocasNavarro, director of the European Solar Telescope Foundation, told The Daily Mail: 'While aliens aren't completely off the table, it seems that the signal may have originated by a natural astrophysical source.

'Our goal now is to find that source.'

ASKAP J18320911

Earlier this year, experts detected a cosmic entity called ASKAP J18320911 emitting joint pulses of radio waves and Xrays for two minutes every 44 minutes some 14,700 lightyears from Earth.

This was the first time an object like this, called a longperiod transient, had been detected emitting Xrays.

Currently, there is no clear explanation for what causes these signals, or why they 'switch on' and 'switch off' at such long, regular and unusual intervals.

Experts admit even their best theories do not account for what they're seeing, as it challenges the rules of physics.

And they said it could mean ASKAP J18320911 is an entirely new class of object that humans have never detected before.

An image of the sky showing the region around ASKAP J1832  0911, which is located around 14,700 lightyears away deep in the Galactic Plane

One possibility is that ASKAP J18310911 is a magnetar  the core of a dead star with powerful magnetic fields (pictured: an artist impression)

FRB 20220610A

In 2024, scientists announced they had identified the origin of a highenergy burst of radio waves that travelled eight billion years through space before reaching Earth.

The signal, also known as a fast radio burst (FRB), is one of hundreds of fleeting blasts of energy detected over the years that some astronomers have speculated could be alien life trying to contact our planet.

While scientists do not know the mechanism behind this extraordinary phenomenon, they have found that the FRB came from a cluster of galaxies that existed when the universe was only five billion years old.

Using NASA's Hubble Telescope, the team peered into deep space and snapped a clear image of the tightly packed galaxies.

These oddly bright flashes of light, registering in the radio band of the electromagnetic spectrum, appear temporarily and randomly from space.

Possibly originating from black holes, neutron stars or even aliens, they range from a fraction of a millisecond to a few seconds before vanishing without a trace.

The tightly packed galaxies spotted in the latest research would be easier for a growing extraterrestrial civilization to planet hop, astronomer Brian Lacki argued in Cambridge's International Journal of Astrobiology.

New NASA Hubble Space Telescope images have given the clearest images yet of the host galaxy of an exceptionally powerful fast radio burst, FRB 20220610A. Hubble's sensitivity and sharpness revealed that this distant galaxy is part of a 'weird' cluster of seven galaxies

Planet K218b

While not a direct signal, one of the strongest pieces of evidence for aliens emerged just a few months ago when scientists told the world about a distant oceancovered planet that is likely teeming with life.

Astronomers led by the University of Cambridge announced they had detected the most promising signs yet of life outside our solar system.

Using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the team identified huge quantities of chemicals only made by living organisms on Earth.

They have picked up the chemical fingerprints of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS)  molecules that are primarily produced by microbial life such as marine phytoplankton.

They have been detected in the atmosphere of exoplanet K218b, which is located around 124 lightyears from Earth in the constellation of Leo.

It is the 'strongest hint yet' of biological activity outside our solar system, with experts hailing the 'huge, transformational moment'.

The planet is orbiting a red dwarf star in what is known as the 'habitable zone'  considered the most promising location to find lifesupporting planets.

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An illustration of a Hycean world, which experts believe K218b could be, orbiting its red dwarf star

K218b is 2.6 times larger and 8.6 times as massive than Earth, and experts believe it is likely covered in an ocean  making it what they call a 'Hycean world'.

Professor Nikku Madhusudhan, from Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy, led the research.

'Given everything we know about this planet, a Hycean world with an ocean that is teeming with life is the scenario that best fits the data we have,' he said.

'Decades from now, we may look back at this point in time and recognise it was when the living universe came within reach.

'This could be the tipping point, where suddenly the fundamental question of whether we're alone in the universe is one we're capable of answering.'
Declassified CIA documents reveal a covert program that tested the behavioral and toxicological effects of drugs and chemicals on humans and animals.

The project, known as MKOFTEN, ran from the late 1960s into the early 1970s at testing facilities, including hospitals and prisons.

A successor to the infamous MKULTRA, which secretly dosed unwitting subjects with LSD to probe mind control, MKOFTEN was primarily focused on pharmacological research.

Some reports, however, have speculated that the program also dabbled in occult practices.

That claim resurfaced this month on the comedy podcast SundayCool, whose hosts asserted that the CIA 'went all-in on hiring Satanists and witches to see if they could weaponize the paranormal.'

While the podcast presented these ideas as fact, no official documents support such allegations.

Still, during the Cold War, secrecy and revelations about government experiments fueled pervasive fears of overreach and 'secret science.'

That atmosphere of distrust helped give rise to enduring narratives that linked CIA research with occultism.

A 1977 report by the Department of Defense revealed how the CIA secretly used the Army and Navy as a cover to conduct drug experiments without the participants' knowledge

MKUltra, an infamous CIA program, was led by chemist Sidney Gottlieb (pictured) to develop mind control techniques during the Cold War

According to a Department of Defense (DoD) report, MKOFTEN 'apparently began in 1968 and was completed by 1973.'

It was conducted at the Edgewood Arsenal Research Laboratories in Maryland, which housed databases on pharmacological products.

Officials first believed that the lab only housed data, but according to the report, it was 'testing a number of incapacitating agents in its own programs without CIA participation.'

One compound named 'EA#3167,' which the report noted was successful in animal testing. However, details of what it was were not provided.

Researchers also conducted testing on prisoners and military personnel at the Holmesburg State Prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

'It appears that all of the test subjects were volunteers and that stringent medical safeguards and follow-up procedures were used,' the document stated.

In 1971, the CIA joined the research at Edgewood and conducted experiments on mostly animals.

The primary effort was to determine whether EA#3167 could be used effectively if applied to the skin through a type of adhesive tape.

The DoD report revealed how payments to researchers were carried out in order to keep the agency's role a secret

The declassified report found that CIA experiments used LSD, marijuana, heroin, and a mystery chemical called EA#3167 during interrogation sessions (Stock Image)

'There was only one experiment that involved human subjects. In June 1973, two military volunteers were apparently tested using EA#3167,' the report shared.

The mysterious drug was developed a decade earlier to see if it could temporarily alter people's minds without killing them.

Reports from the experiments found it was incredibly strong, causing hallucinations, confusion, and memory loss that could last weeks with just a tiny dose.

The DoD report also showed that three CIA programs were executed by the Army, while five others involved the Navy, which primarily served as a conduit for CIA funds to contractors.

While many of these experiments took place in the US and involved volunteers from the military, at least one unknowingly drugged people attempting to flee the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Another MKULTRA experiment tested LSD in 1953, leading the family of CIA scientist Frank Olson to claim the agency unknowingly drugged and then murdered him during their secret project.

His son Eric Olson, now 81, told the Daily Mail: 'Frank's death was a CIA-authorized non-judicial execution. He was thrown out the f****** window.'

Dr Frank Olson, a biological warfare scientist, was covertly dosed with LSD at a meeting and died nine days later after falling out of his hotel room in New York City

In 1977, another report was released by the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Subcommittee on Health and Scientific Research.

That 173-page report exposed the CIA's leadership of MKULTRA and the DoD's role in channeling vast amounts of money to researchers working on mind control experiments for the intelligence community.

'The Central Intelligence Agency drugged American citizens without their knowledge or consent. It used university facilities and personnel without their knowledge. It funded leading researchers, often without their knowledge,' the report declared.

However, MKOFTEN and MKULTRA were not the only operations these reports uncovered. Four others were exposed in the DoD investigation in 1977.

MKDELTA was a CIA project, started in 1952, aimed at using drugs and chemicals in secret operations to control or influence people's behavior.

MKNAOMI was active from the 1950s to 1969 and focused on creating deadly or disabling devices that could be secretly delivered during intelligence missions.

MKSEARCH ran from 1965 to 1973 and followed up on the work of MKULTRA, focusing on developing drugs to predictably change how people think or act.

Finally, MKCHICKWIT was a part of MKSEARCH and aimed to find new drugs in Europe and Asia that could be used to control a person's mental state.
As I watch my 13-year-old son, Eddie, stroll beneath the palm trees by the pool with his autism 'buddy', I sit back in my sun lounger and try to relax.

Will he last the morning, I wonder?

We're here in the beautiful Caribbean island of Turks and Caicos, staying at Beaches resort to experience its autism programme.

Beaches is the world's only resort to have attained an Advanced Certified Autism Centre accreditation.

But what does that really mean? Kayanne Ajarie, the softly spoken Jamaican manager of the Kids' Camp, provides the answers, explaining that all frontline staff have undergone specialised training on how to support autistic guests.

This includes sensory awareness, motor skills, communication and social skills.

Childcare staff, including the buddies who offer one-to-one care, have also taken an additional qualification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global autism training centre.

Buddies are trained to oversee all activities, and there's an on-site culinary concierge who can create customised menus.

Georgina Fuller, pictured with her husband Dom and their three children visited Sandals, Turks and Caicos. They chose the resort on account of its dedicated autism centre, in the hope that the facilities offered might be of use to their son Eddie, who was diagnosed with the condition aged seven

Beaches is the world's only resort to have attained an Advanced Certified Autism Centre accreditation

All frontline staff at the resort have undergone specialised training on how to support autistic guests

Kayanne tells me Beaches introduced the buddy programme after recognising increasing numbers of children at their kids camps had an autism or ADHD diagnosis and that there was a need for more specialised care.

Eddie, for example, hasn't been able to go to a kids' club since he was about four as he cannot cope with the noise.

He was diagnosed, aged seven, with autism, sensory processing disorder (SPD) and demand avoidance (a condition that makes him overwhelmed when confronted with demands).

He is also visually impaired, and joined a specialist school in 2023.

We have been on a learning curve since Eddie's diagnosis, and along with our other two - Charlie, 16, and Jemima, 11 (who are not on the spectrum) - have tried to adapt our holidays.

Ahead of our trip, I complete a questionnaire to rate Eddie's needs. I'm also asked what forms of communication he prefers - some staff are trained in sign language - what his triggers are and what he enjoys most: swimming, Lego and Minecraft.

We spend much of the week working around Eddie's needs, which are, thankfully, quite simple.

But one of the things we struggle with, however, is the overwhelming choice - with 21 restaurants and more than five 'villages' (different themed accommodation), it's quite daunting.

There are 21 restaurants and five 'villages' (themed accommodation) available at the resort, although the choice proves a little daunting for Georgina and her family

Beaches introduced the buddy programme after recognising increasing numbers of children at their kids camps had an autism or ADHD diagnosis and that there was a need for more specialised care

We have a room in the Italian Village, which is the busiest part of the resort and not ideal for Eddie, who's not a fan of the steel-drum or the aqua aerobics classes.

We end up spending most of our time at the quieter Key West Village, which overlooks the beach and has smaller pools.

Eddie loves the breakfast buffets, and one of our highlights is an evening at a seafood restaurant, where we are given our own gazebo by the sea and Eddie discovers chicken nuggets on the menu.

Another night, we cautiously request a table at a Japanese restaurant.

We are offered noise-cancelling headphones on arrival, which Eddie turns down.

But the chef singing the Backstreet Boys proves too much, so Dom takes him outside until things have quietened down while the staff get Eddie some sushi.

We don't manage to get Eddie to join in many other activities, sadly, and we are punished for not preparing him enough for our island tour of Middle and North Caicos.

The ferry is packed and Eddie hates the noise.

The Fuller family end up spending most of their time at the quieter Key West Village, which overlooks the beach and has smaller pools

We are all sad to leave and, although Eddie is a bit old for the buddies programme, I know it would have been a godsend when he was a bit younger.

After braving the 12-hour flight home, I ask Eddie what he most enjoyed about our trip.

He thinks for a moment before settling on the sushi.

OTHER AUTISM-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS

DENMARK: Has a number of initiatives, including AUTISMGOTO, which provides autism-friendly guides to attractions, and the Hidden Disability Sunflower Programme to help those with conditions that may not be obvious.

NETHERLANDS: Efteling, a fairy-tale theme park, offers 'facility cards' to help guests with disabilities.

DUBAI: Recognised as the first certified autism destination in the Eastern hemisphere by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has also provided training for 70,000 tourism workers across 300 hotels and 15 attractions.

AMERICA: The US has a number of autism-friendly states, including Arizona, California and Florida. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida has become a Certified Autism Center, with clearly marked low-sensory areas, while Legoland, Aquatica Orlando and SeaWorld in Florida are all designated autism-friendly attractions.
As is the case with trains, buses and planes, cruise ships are legally allowed to leave you behind.

Clips on social media of so-called 'pier runners' have shown stranded cruise passengers sprinting in desperation after being left behind at port when their ship pulls away.

Instances of being left behind at port are rare and the most dramatic 'pier runs' are usually only in emergencies, such as during the tsunami panic in Hawaii this summer.

But being abandoned at port does happen - and here's the unexpected reason why.

Katie Jackson, a seasoned cruise passenger, revealed in Travel and Leisure that cruise ships are run on a very tight schedule and have to pre-pay large sums of money to dock into ports for a specified time period.

Not only that, another cruise ship might be booked in immediately after to take that ship's place.

The hiring of local pilot boats and tenders to take the ship and passengers in and out of port when they dock is yet another costly factor.

Therefore if a ship waited for late passengers to return, it could create a domino effect that could potentially affect thousands of people and cost thousands of pounds.

A video posted by @mandythecruiseplanner appeared to show a bus load of people who had missed a cruise in Hawaii

Videos posted on social media often show what have become known as 'pier runners' - a term used to describe passengers who sprint along the port to get back on board their cruise

Legally, the cruise ship is completely allowed to leave behind any stray passengers.

So what happens if you do get stranded?

Katie explained that most of the passengers who get left behind are not those who have booked excursions with the cruise line.

The cruise line is responsible for making sure those passengers all get back to port on time for departure - and are liable in this scenario if the excursion or tour, for example, is running late.

In this situation, they will communicate with the ship and the captain will wait for them.

But if you have made the decision to venture alone, then your fate is in your hands.

Katie said that most 'pier runners' are travellers who have decided to sightsee by themselves.

In 2024 for example, eight passengers on a Norwegian Cruise Lines voyage off the coast of western Africa found themselves stranded on the tiny island of Sao Tome and Principe when they didn't return to the ship on time after venturing out on their own.

The stranded Norwegian Cruise Line group has tried to make contact with the ship - to no avail

The group of stranded vacationers posed for a selfie amid their troubles in Africa

The cruise line at the time issued a statement that said: 'When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol.

'Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call.

'Given that these guests were on a private tour and did not return to the ship at the communicated all aboard time, they are responsible for any necessary travel arrangements to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call, per our protocol.'

At other times, cruise ships have left passengers behind during emergencies.

Earlier this year, British tourists in Hawaii were left behind as cruise ships abandoned ports amid tsunami warnings after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia.

Evacuations were ordered in Hawaii, Japan, Russia, Colombia and part of the U.S. West coast after the quake hit near Russia's eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, resulting in the cruise ship having to quickly move to safer waters.

One British tourist at the time, Rachael Burrows, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, rushed back to the cruise ship on Hawaii before it left for safer waters - but told BBC Breakfast at the time that about 600 passengers had been stranded on Big Island in Hawaii.

She said: 'We were on a tour around the volcanic area of the Big Island.

Visitors look on from their Waikiki hotel balcony waiting for the arrival of a tsunami at the Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii on July 29, 2025

Vacationers stood on balconies at the 'Alohilani Resort' looking towards Waikiki Beach after authorities warned of the possibility of tsunami waves, following an earthquake which struck off Russia's Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, in Honolulu, Hawaii

'Towards the end of the tour, as we were luckily heading towards the cruise ship, we started getting emergency warnings sign on our phones.

'The first one was tsunami you are in immediate danger, you need to move away from the coast to higher ground.'

The tour guide was at first dismissive of the warning, saying they happened all the time and that it 'won't be anything'.

Ms Burrows added: 'We started getting more through saying times when the tsunami would hit.'

She said they were suddenly told that it was time to go, with their outing being cut short and passengers hurrying back to the ship - which many didn't make.

Katie Jackson advises that the best way to avoid getting left behind is to stick with the excursions sold by the cruise line, or book with a third-party tour operator that has a guarantee that you'll be back on time.

If you do opt to solo sightsee, you should make sure your phone is set to the local time so you don't fall an hour ahead or behind and sign up to notifications from the cruise line.

If you do get left behind - do not panic.

Katie said the first thing panicking pier runners should do is find the local port agent on the ground and tell them the situation.

They will then contact the ship for you and try to reunite you with your passport.

While the ship won't be stopped in its tracks, the cruise line might make arrangements for you to meet them in the next port of call.

You should also keep travel receipts so you can either submit them for reimbursement to the cruise line or your travel insurer.
An eerie AI-generated parody video has plunged A Place in the Sun into controversy, depicting beloved presenter Lee Juggurnauth being murdered by his co-star Jasmine Harman in a chilling, fictional twist.

The widely adored Channel 4 show, famous for helping British buyers find dreamy property abroad, features its panel of hosts.

Among them is Jasmine Harman, 49, who has been with the programme since 2004, and the relatively new addition Lee Juggurnauth, 36, who joined in 2021 as a property expert and developer.

In a surreal eight-minute video uploaded to YouTube, fan creator Rafi Shor re-imagines the sunny series as a dark homage to Sunset Boulevard.

The clip begins with a digitally generated scene of a drowned Lee, face-down in murky water, as a violent surprise unravels in this twisted alternate universe.

Rafi explained the concept in the video description: What's real in reality TV? And when you run it through an AI blender, what if anything survives?

An eerie AI-generated parody video has plunged A Place in the Sun into controversy, depicting beloved presenter Lee Juggurnauth, 36, being murdered by his co-star Jasmine Harman in a chilling, fictional twist

The widely adored Channel 4 show, famous for helping British buyers find dreamy property abroad, features its panel of hosts - among them is Jasmine Harman (recreated here by AI), 49, who has been with the programme since 2004

'I took A Place in the Sun and re-cut it as a twisted homage to Sunset Boulevard: Jasmine Harman is the fading diva, Lee Juggurnauth the charming usurper. The coast is clear: for her, and her alone.'

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Rafi insisted there was no ill intention behind the parody.

He said he's a long-time fan and creating the video was 'painstaking work' - not something done with malice.

He recalled the spark of inspiration hitting him as he watched the show while scrolling, seeing a headline about Sunset Boulevard's 75th anniversary and instantly envisioning Jasmine as the faded star.

Pushing the AI to portray Jasmine as a tempestuous diva proved difficult - he described a painstaking process of 'endless poking and prodding' to achieve the dramatic effect.

Still, he hopes Lee and Jasmine will see the video as lighthearted fan fiction, a playful nod rather than an insult.

'I love Lee and Jasmine, hopefully they'll love it as the fan fiction that it is and enjoy seeing themselves in a different comedic light,' Rafi shared.

Jasmine Harman recently opened up about her worst ever experience while filming for the show.

In a surreal eight-minute video uploaded to YouTub , fan creator Rafi Shor re-imagines the sunny series as a dark homage to Sunset Boulevard

Rafi explained the concept in the video description: What's real in reality TV ? And when you run it through an AI blender, what if anything survives?

The parody's creator hopes Lee (pictured at the Television and Radio Industries Club Awards 2025) and Jasmine will see the video as lighthearted fan fiction, a playful nod rather than an insult

Jasmine Harman recently opened up about her worst ever experience while filming for the show

She revealed she once presented an episode which saw a house hunter find their dream home among the options she selected.

As fans of the show will know, finding the right property for the buyers - who often have big dreams and a specific vision - is not always a guarantee, so she was elated to have been successful.

But it all came crashing down when, as she helped the guest make an offer on the property, Jasmine was told the horrifying news it had already been sold to someone else.

Having not previously been informed about this, she said everyone - herself, the buyer and the whole Channel 4 team - was 'crushed'.

She explained: 'It was just absolutely awful.

'Can you imagine? You're just on the cusp of making that amazing life-changing decision and someone pulls the rug out from under you. It was horrible.'

While the buyer was the one hurt in that particular episode, Jasmine added they can sometimes be the ones who cause the hassle in other cases.

The host remembered some particular guests on the show who refused to even step foot inside a property she had chosen for them, in Co Mayo, Ireland.

Even after she then pointed out it was the only freehold property within their budget, they still refused to take a look.

A Place In The Sun airs on Channel 4 and is available to stream on channel4.com.
Good Morning Britain news presenter Will Godley has revealed he is leaving the ITV breakfast show after four years  amid sweeping cutbacks across the network.

The reporter, who has been a regular fixture delivering national news updates on the programme, announced on Friday that he will be joining GB News in a new role.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Will shared the news with followers, writing: 'JOB NEWS. Thrilled to be starting as a National Reporter at @GBNEWS in September!

'That means Im sadly saying goodbye to @GMB after 4 wonderful years. A huge thanks to the brilliant team, who even made the nightshifts amazing. Really excited to get stuck in at GB News!'

Will's departure comes as ITV faces a period of major restructuring as it attempts to shave 15 million from its budget.

Just months ago, US correspondent Noel Phillips was axed from his role on the programme as part of the cost-cutting measures.

Good Morning Britain news presenter Will Godley has revealed he is leaving the ITV breakfast show after four years  amid sweeping cutbacks across the network

The reporter, who has been a regular fixture delivering national news updates on the programme, announced on Friday that he will be joining GB News in a new role

Noel, who joined the show in 2021, covered high-profile stories including the US elections and wildfires in Los Angeles.

He later appeared on the show to speak candidly about being scammed out of his life savings - nearly $30,000.

Speaking on-air, Noel admitted: 'I'm still in disbelief. I remember two weeks ago, I was lying on the kitchen floor, numb, refusing to accept the fact I did something so stupid.

'I felt embarrassed, I felt ashamed, I felt worthless. On top of that, the excruciating pain of all of this is the mental trauma.

'How could someone like me, who reports stories like this, fall a victim? How could this happen to me?'

The exits come amid a wider shake-up of ITV Daytime's output.

Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, and This Morning will be relocated from their current studios in 2026 when ITV's contract at Television Centre ends.

Loose Women will stay in its usual 12:30pm to 1:30pm slot but will be scaled back to just 30 weeks a year.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Will shared the news with followers, writing: 'JOB NEWS. Thrilled to be starting as a National Reporter at @GBNEWS in September!

Will's departure comes as ITV undergoes major restructuring to cut 15 million from its budget. Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women (pictured) are all set to undergo changes

It comes after US correspondent Noel Phillips was axed from his role on GMB as part of the cost-cutting measures (L-R Richard Madeley, Noel, and Charlotte Hawkins)

Meanwhile, This Morning  now hosted by Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard  will continue airing from 10am to 12:30pm on weekdays.

Susanna Reid, 54, will remain at the helm of GMB, where she has been a lead presenter since the show's launch in 2014.

Sources say Richard Madeley, 69, Ed Balls, 58, Charlotte Hawkins, 50, and Ranvir Singh, 47, are all expected to continue in their roles  though Adil Ray, 51, is understood to be facing a reduced schedule.

Reports suggest ITV Daytime currently employs around 450 staff  but up to 220 jobs are said to be at risk amid the ongoing cuts.
Gordon Ramsay's fan-favourite TV series Hell's Kitchen is set for a major reboot - which could see him open even more restaurants following his skin cancer scare.

The no-nonsense talking chef, 58, hosted the UK version of the hugely successful format on ITV, which ran between 2004 and 2009.

However, Gordon starred in just the first series before Gary Rhodes, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Marco Pierre White took over.

Despite this, his foul-mouthed remarks and savage put down of the celebrity contestants are still shared on social media today.

He's remained on the US version, which launched after the UK's debut and has now been airing for 20 years, becoming a fixture on American television.

Now, it's reported the series is set for a major reboot on British TV that will see Gordon back at the helm.

Gordon Ramsay 's fan-favourite TV series Hell's Kitchen is set for a major reboot - which could see him open even more restaurants

The no-nonsense talking chef, 58, hosted the UK version of the hugely successful format on ITV, which ran between 2004 and 2009 - though Gordon presented just one season

Gordon is also believed to have trademarked the Hell's Kitchen name in the UK, paving the way for him to open a string of more restaurants on the back of the show

Gordon is also believed to have trademarked the Hell's Kitchen name in the UK, paving the way for him to open a string of more restaurants on the back of the show.

An insider told The Sun: 'Fans of the show will be doubly thrilled by the prospect of the competition coming back and being able to dine in a Hell's Kitchen restaurant over here.

'Business-savvy Gordon has watched as the popularity of Hell's Kitchen in the US has helped bring in thousands of customers to his restaurants.

'The programme is broadcast in more than 100 countries around the world so between tourists visiting Britain and developing a whole new audience for the telly contest in the UK, it's an incredibly smart move on his part.'

Daily Mail has contacted ITV and representatives of Gordon for comment.

The news comes as Gordon revealed to fans on Saturday he has undergone surgery to remove Basal Cell Carcinoma, a form of skin cancer.

He shared pictures of his stitched up face on Instagram on Saturday and said he is 'grateful' for removing the cancer fast.

Gordon also warned fans the importance of wearing sunscreen to prevent any form of skin cancer.

Gordon has remained on the US version, which launched after the UK's debut and has now been airing for 20 years, becoming a fixture on American television

A source told The Sun: 'Fans of the show will be doubly thrilled by the prospect of the competition coming back and being able to dine in a Hell's Kitchen restaurant over here'

The news comes as Gordon revealed to fans on Saturday he has undergone surgery to remove Basal Cell Carcinoma, a form of skin cancer

He wrote: 'Grateful and so appreciative for the incredible team at The Skin Associates and their fast reactive work on removing this Basal Cell Carcinoma thank you ! Please dont forget your sunscreen this weekend I promise you its not a face lift! Id need a refund.'

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, which develops in the top layer of the skin (epidermis). They usually grow slowly, and they rarely spread to other parts of the body.

As per the NHS, Basal cell carcinomas can occur anywhere on the body but are most common in areas that are exposed to the sun such as your face, head, neck, and ears.

Most Basal cell carcinomas are removed surgically, and the lesion is sent to the lab, to be examined under the microscope. It may take two to three weeks for the results of the biopsy to be sent back to the consultant.

If all the cancer has been completely removed or treated, you should view yourself as 'cured'.

Gordon's celebrity pals, friends and fans rushed to the comments to send their well wishes.

There are three types of skin cancer. Each can present itself in different ways. These include moles that are either asymmetrical or abnormal, scaly or dark patches and waxy bumps on the surface of the skin

Gordon has previously starred in travel series Gordon, Gino and Fred's Road Trip for ITV, alongside Gino D'Acampo and French maitre d'hotel Fred Sirieix



Dad-of-six Gordon previously revealed how he doesn't eat at any of his 34 restaurants in the UK.

In fact, he's only had dinner at one of his restaurants twice in 25 years - once for his daughter Megan's 16th birthday, and a second time for a dinner with Bradley Cooper.

Speaking to The Savoy Originals, he admitted that he finds the experience 'too posh' and says it's not his 'style'.

He said: 'Once was for Megan's birthday and the second time was with Bradley Cooper.

'Because it's not my style - it's too posh for me! It sounds weird right, you build the f***ing place. I can't sit there.'
He's the clean-cut Spanish heartthrob whose eight years of skillfully steering female celebrities around the dance floor have made him a Strictly Come Dancing stalwart.

Thanks to his self-effacing charm, Gorka Marquez, the baby-faced ballroom star, has won himself millions of super fans along the way, not to mention a fiancee.

Most importantly for bosses of the BBC dance show, the 34-year-old professional has also managed to avoid getting embroiled in any scandals  unlike his co-stars Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, who were accused of bullying their celebrity partners and have left the show.

So when he summoned Strictly chiefs to a meeting to discuss his appearance on the forthcoming series, which begins in two weeks time, they were rightly anxious because it was to deal them the ultimate blow - he wasn't going to have time to have a celebrity partner this year and was instead off to judge the Spanish version of the programme, Bailando con las Estrellas.

He will now only take part in the ensemble dance routines, some of which have already been filmed.

Gorka plans to return to Strictly for just the final weeks of the series to perform group numbers and support his fellow professionals and their celebrity partners.

His decision left Strictly with a staffing headache, and they had to quickly find a replacement - they opted for Australian star Julian Gallion - as they found themselves short of men following Giovanni and Graziano's departures.

As for Gorka, he is said to be relieved and takes the view that the timing of his exit could not be better, with friends of his coming forward to speak of his relief at not being involved in UK Strictly after years of turmoil over its stars' behaviour, not to mention the allegations of cocaine use and sexual misconduct that are already threatening to cast a shadow over this series - jaw-dropping details of which I'll reveal later.

Gorka Marquez plans to return to Strictly for just the final weeks of the series to perform group numbers and support his fellow professionals and their celebrity partners

The 34-year-old professional has managed to avoid getting embroiled in any scandals  unlike his co-stars

'Gorka loves Strictly and is so proud to be one of the longest-serving pros, but has said he'll be relieved not to be there during another fraught series while the show and its cast are accused of toxic behaviour,' said one source close to him.

'He's very excited to have been part of the group dances, which were pre-recorded, and loves everyone on the show. But this is the third series where they've faced questions.

'He told friends he can't deny the timing has worked out well and he's looking forward to spreading his wings on Spanish Strictly.'

Indeed, Gorka, who is engaged to former Strictly contestant, actress and presenter Gemma Atkinson, after they met while she was competing on the show in 2017, has steered clear of any sagas, including the Strictly 'curse', which has seen the break-up of marriages and relationships of those involved in the show.

Still, I hear Gemma, 40, was 'not exactly against' Gorka taking a step back from the show, which he competes on while she stays with their children Mia, six, and Thiago, two, at the family home in Cheshire.

'Gemma won't allow anything like the Strictly curse to happen to their marriage,' says one Strictly source. 'She adores Gorka and they have two lovely children together.

'The curse has split so many families up so the fact Gorka won't be around what has become a pretty colourful show like Strictly lately would be a relief for any wife.'

There is no suggestion that Gorka has ever cheated on Gemma, the no-nonsense Bury-born actress who catapulted to fame in the noughties as Lisa Hunter in teen soap Hollyoaks.

Gemma Atkinson (left) was 'not exactly against' Gorka (right) taking a step back from the Strictly, which he competes on while she stays with their children Mia, six, and Thiago, two, at the family home in Cheshire

Instead though, he has been a shoulder to cry on for fellow pro dancer Jowita Przystal, the beautiful Polish star who was rumoured to have enjoyed a romance with her partner, The Only Way Is Essex star Pete Wicks.

She was also linked to EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, who took part in the last series.

'Gorka and Jowita struck up a lovely friendship last year,' says a show source. 'Jowita really did go through the mill, as a single professional dancer she was linked to several men which at times very much overshadowed her role on Strictly.

'She is also comparatively new to Strictly, which is a hard job to navigate at times but with Gorka having had so much experience on there, he was invaluable to her.

'There were some unkind whispers that their friendship had the potential to evolve but that was quickly nipped in the bud and there is nothing to suggest that.'

Still, one star connected to the show observed of Jowita: 'She's beautiful, I'm not sure if I was Gorka's wife I would like that, even though he is doing absolutely nothing wrong.'

With the new Strictly series beginning imminently, bosses are desperately hoping that they can find a way to ensure that there is no trouble this time around. They have attempted to mitigate against this by choosing a celebrity line-up which 'doesn't scream trouble' according to one show insider.

Last March Giovanni was forced off of the show after his partner, the actress Amanda Abbington made a series of allegations about him, including that he bullied her during their partnership in 2023. Following a lengthy investigation by the BBC's legal department he was cleared of most of them  and all of the most serious ones.

Last year Amanda Abbington (pictured) made a series of allegations about dance partner Giovanni Pernice, claiming that he bullied her during their partnership in 2023

That scandal was then followed by Giovanni's fellow Sicilian ballroom star Graziano Di Prima who got the boot for, well, booting his celebrity co-star Zara McDermott, after he kicked her in a fit of rage during training for the same series. He was sacked immediately.

And then last year Wynne Evans, the former face of the Go Compare adverts and host of BBC Wales Breakfast show, left viewers disgusted when they noticed his 'wandering hand' on partner Katya Jones's waist and stomach - which they later insisted was just a private joke between them.

Wynne was then axed by the BBC in May after The Mail on Sunday exclusively called him out for making an abhorrent 'spit roast' comment about professional dancer Janette Manrara, at the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour.

Last month there was more bad news for Strictly's reputation as a family show when the BBC called the police in and launched their own external investigation after Wynne made a claim through his lawyers that he had witnessed a star of the show taking cocaine.

Although no arrests have yet been made, the police have confirmed they are investigating allegations of drug abuse. There is also much pressure being heaped on the accused person to be ousted from working on the programme, which has angered their friends on the show.

Strictly insiders are blaming Wynne for wanting to 'ruin' the show after he was axed by the BBC. My source describes him as a 'very bitter man'.

Then last weekend it was reported that a Strictly star has been arrested for rape. The suspect, who has not been named, is also being quizzed by police over allegations from a third party of 'non-consensual intimate image abuse'.

But I have some bad news for those BBC bosses who hope for a squeaky-clean series of their beloved show, which still pulls in more than 8 million viewers on a weekly basis.

I hear that there is a 'throuple' (a consensual romantic or sexual relationship involving three people), taking place behind the scenes, which has angered some Strictly stars.

The trio, whom I can't name for legal reasons, has raised many eyebrows backstage.

'It is, like, the best gossip ever,' says one source. 'It all came out during a night out, people were absolutely shocked.

'These are people who have many friends and many connections to Strictly and while nobody is actually doing anything wrong in the scenario, you can only imagine how it has become the talk of the show.

'You can't even begin to think what middle-England would make of it while they are watching at home on a Saturday night, so it's best it's never exposed.'
AFL star Curtis Taylor is looking to offload his inner-city Melbourne townhouse.

The former North Melbourne forward, who now plays for Collingwood's VFL team, has listed the three-storey Moonee Ponds home with a price guide of $1.68 million to $1.78 million.

Speaking to the Herald Sun, Curtis said he planned to buy a house with partner Hannah Ilhan using the proceeds from the sale.

The house, which Curtis purchased four years ago, is conveniently close to train stations, shopping centres and local cafe strips, which Curtis said made it 'the perfect home in the perfect spot for my first home'.

Located in one of the suburb's most prestigious streets, the house boasts four bedrooms as well as three fully tiled bathrooms, and a powder room.

With high ceilings and polished timber floors, the home features plush carpets and plantation shutters adorning the windows.

AFL star Curtis Taylor is looking to offload his inner-city Melbourne townhouse. Pictured with partner Hannah Ilhan

The former North Melbourne forward, who now plays for Collingwood's VFL team, has listed the three-storey Mooney Ponds home with a price guide of $1.68 million to $1.78 million

There is also an integrated ducted heating and cooling system as well as a ducted vacuum.

The home is an entertainer's delight with the tri-level floorplan featuring a light-filled open-plan living and dining area that opens onto a private alfresco terrace.

The designer kitchen is fitted with Bosch appliances, stone benchtops, an oversized island bench, and soft-close cabinetry.

All four bedrooms are fitted out with built-in wardrobes and two boast luxe ensuites.

The main bedroom is a true retreat, featuring a spa bath and a private, north-facing balcony with elevated views.

Other highlights include a dedicated home theatre room, video intercom, and a remote garage with internal access.

Curtis said it was the ideal home to spend quality time with friends and family.

'I got to host a family Christmas there once, that's a really good memory with my Dad's side of the family,' he said.

With high ceilings and polished timber floors, the home features plush carpets and windows adorned with plantation shutters

The home is an entertainer's delight with the tri-level floorplan featuring a light-filled open-plan living and dining area that opens onto a private al fresco terrace

All four bedrooms are fitted out with built-in wardrobes and two boast luxe ensuites

'A lot of other memories are having friends over and cooking dinners, that was something that I loved doing for them.'

He added that the home theatre was the ideal place to watch the AFL finals and NRL State Of Origin clashes.

Curtis made his AFL debut back in 2019, playing 76 games over six seasons with the North Melbourne Kangaroos.

He signed on with Collingwood's VFL team in 2025 after being delisted by the Kangaroos following a horror 12 months of back and calf injuries.

Curtis and Hannah, who is the daughter of the late Crazy John's mobile phone retail founder John Ilhan, went Instagram official with their relationship back in April 2024.
Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming insisted she is being 'judged quickly and unfairly' for the way she has been caring for him amid his dementia decline.

She recently revealed that the 'hardest decision' she took while looking after him was moving him into a separate one-story house away from their primary residence.

He lives there with a full-time care team, while Emma brings their daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, to visit him 'a lot,' including for breakfast and dinner.

'Bruce would want that for our daughters,' said Emma. 'He would want them to be in a home that was more tailored to their needs, not his needs.'

The couple made the revelation during a joint ABC special with Diane Sawyer entitled Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey.

Now Emma, 47, said she has received criticism from viewers over the choices she has made while helping Bruce, 70, cope with his illness.

Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming insisted she is being 'judged quickly and unfairly' for the way she has been caring for him amid his dementia decline; Bruce and Emma pictured in 2018

'Too often, caregivers are judged quickly and unfairly by those who havent lived this journey or stood on the front lines of it,' she wrote Friday on Instagram.

'Sharing openly may invite opinions, but more importantly, it creates connection and validation for those actually navigating the realities of caregiving every day.'

Emma concluded: 'Thats who I share for and so I can build a deeper connection with a community that understands this journey.'

Bruce's illness, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) does not cause memory loss at first, but rather attacks the parts of the brain in charge of language and personality.

In her new Instagram post, Emma said that the Diane Sawyer special 'did a beautiful job with amplifying FTD awareness, as well as shining a spotlight onto caregivers.'

The British-American model added: 'What I knew is that by sharing some of our intimate information that we would see these two camps, right? It would be people with an opinion versus people with an actual experience.'

She noted that what she had observed in 'the comment section' was 'people with an opinion and how quick they are to judge the caregiver, and that is what caregivers are up against, you know - judgment from others and criticism from others.'

Emma then read a passage from her memoir The Unexpected Journey about Bruce's dementia, which will hit the shelves September 9.

Now Emma, 47, said she has received criticism from viewers over the choices she has made while helping Bruce, 70, cope with his illness

She recently revealed that the 'hardest decision' she took while looking after him was moving him into a separate one-story house away from their primary residence

He lives there with a full-time care team, while Emma brings their daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, to visit him 'a lot,' including for breakfast and dinner

In the book, she remembers that a therapist once advised her: 'Nothing changes an opinion quite as powerfully as when you have an experience. Even if someone is closely familiar with dementia or the condition you are caring for, they aren't in your home, so they don't know how your person is behaving or your family dynamics.

'The truth is that the opinions are so loud and they're so noisy. But if they don't have the experience of this, they don't get a say, and they definitely don't get a vote.'

In response to Emma's video, Bruce's daughter Tallulah, 31, whom he shares with his first wife Demi Moore, leapt into the comments section and gushed: 'I love you so much. We love you so much. Thank you for all you do for us and our family.'

Bruce withdrew from Hollywood in 2022 after being diagnosed with the brain condition aphasia, which causes the patient's language abilities to deteriorate.

In 2023, his family announced that his illness had 'progressed' and he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Bruce has been surrounded by his close-knit blended family, who have rallied around him in order to help him cope with his health struggles.

He shares a friendly rapport with his ex-wife Demi, the mother of his elder three daughters Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31.

During the Diane Sawyer special, Emma explained: 'Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is in really great health overall, you know. It's just his brain that is failing him.'

She added: 'We have a way of communicating with him that is just a different, a different way, but I'm grateful. I'm grateful that my husband is still very much here.'
Naomi Watts shocked fans with her latest appearance at the Venice Film Festival this week, as she arrived at the red carpet with a bizarre fashion item.

The Australian actress, 56, put on a loved-up display as she attended the event on Thursday with husband Billy Crudup for the premiere of his latest film, Jay Kelly.

However, one accessory Naomi wore left many fans on Instagram scratching their heads.

The stunning dress, a custom Valentino gown designed by Alessandro Michele, was adorned with floral embellishments, including a silk bow which followers said looked like a 'fanny pack' at first glance.

'That black thing looks like a bum bag/fanny pack. Detracts from the gorgeous dress. Completely unnecessary - to the designers - remove it,' one fan demanded.

Another chimed in with a similar comment: 'Beautiful dress but I thought the black bow was a fanny pack at first.'

Naomi Watts, 56, shocked fans with her latest appearance at the Venice Film Festival this week, as she arrived at the red carpet with a bizarre fashion item

A third added, 'Stunning dress but what's with that bow?' while another summed up the sentiment with: 'The dress looks like it has an ugly fanny pack built in, not a good look.'

'Is that a fanny pack?' said one other user.

Nevertheless, most fans could agree Naomi's dress was gorgeous with its plunging sweetheart neckline and embroidered flowers.

The actress accessorised with diamond drop earrings and styled her blonde hair in soft waves as she posed for the cameras.

Meanwhile, 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.

The couple were not shy about showing affection during their red carpet appearance, happily holding hands as they posed for photographers.

Naomi was also seen placing her arm lovingly around her husband's shoulders while Billy stared into his wife's eyes with palpable adoration.

The actress put on a loved-up display as she attended the event on Thursday with husband Billy Crudup, 57, but fans were scratching their heads over the silk bow around her waist

The stunning dress, a custom Valentino gown designed by Alessandro Michele, was adorned with floral embellishments, including a silk bow which followers said looked like a 'fanny pack' at first glance

It was a fact not lost on fans, with many forgetting Naomi's odd fashion choice to swoon over the cute couple.

'Well, don't accept less than someone looking at you the way Billy is looking at Naomi, bless,' one follower gushed.

A second wrote: 'Two thoughts  you two look deeply in love and your skin is positively radiant! The love no doubt enhances the radiance!'

Naomi and Billy began dating in 2017 after they met on the set of the Netflix series Gypsy.

After making their red carpet debut together in 2022, they went on to tie the knot in New York the following year.
Kim Kardashian has been sharply criticized by the US Department of Homeland Security, after she slammed President Donald Trump's ICE raids despite a cordial relationship with the Commander In Chief, his wife Melania and his 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 in Venice.

'In the news you hear: "Oh, it's about people who have committed these crimes and they're trying to help out our country,"' said Kardashian. '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.'

Now, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has fired back at Kardashian for inveighing against the raids.

'Ms. Kardashian is misinformed and detached from the very reality of the operations in Los Angeles she has decided to opine on,' McLaughlin told TMZ.

'These are the violent criminals who Homeland Security, under President Trump and Secretary Noem's leadership, have removed from Los Angeless streets: murderers, rapists, gang members and child pedophiles.'

Kim Kardashian has been sharply criticized by the US Department of Homeland Security, after she slammed President Donald Trump's ICE raids; Kardashian pictured Thursday in Venice

She added pointedly: 'Why does Ms. Kardashian continue to do the bidding of criminals at the expense of innocent Americans and brave law enforcement?'

Kardashian has vigorously engaged in years of legal activism to get various convicts released from prison - all while studying to become a lawyer herself, following in the footsteps of her father Robert Kardashian, who was on O.J. Simpson's 'dream team.'

During Trump's previous term, she also visited the Oval Office to push for the passage of the FIRST STEP Act, a prison reform law that Trump ultimately did sign into law, resulting in the early release of tens of thousands of criminals.

Kardashian previously spoke out against Trump's illegal immigration crackdown in her native Los Angeles 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.

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.

The 44-year-old SKIMS mogul - who recently graduated from her law program - took aim at the 79-year-old native New Yorker in Venice; Trump pictured in January at the White House

Now, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has fired back at Kardashian for inveighing against the raids; McLaughlin pictured May at ICE headquarters in Washington

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

'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 and riots 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.
A glamorous Sydney socialite who recently crashed her SUV into multiple parked cars after a boozy lunch has apparently caught the attention of Married At First Sight producers.

Vanessa Jacobs Fennell, 54, was recently charged with refusing to submit to breath analysis, assaulting a police officer and property damage offences following the incident.

But that didn't seem to stop producers of the hit Channel Nine series from reaching out to the blonde beautywho was once shortlisted for Real Housewives of Sydneywith another chance at reality TV fame, Confidential reported on Saturday.

The publication claimed MAFS scouts, 'intrigued by her presence and charisma', contacted the socialite through social media to establish her interest.

It was suggested preliminary talks had shown promise, with Vanessa's confidence 'captivating producers'.

However, as the talks progressed, it became apparent Vanessa was not a good fit for the reality juggernaut.

A glamorous Sydney socialite who recently crashed her SUV into multiple parked cars after a boozy lunch has apparently caught the attention of Married At First Sight producers

The reason? A source claimed Vanessa's bar for finding her forever love was set too high for the producers' likingwhile those close to her reportedly said she would never want to appear on a show like MAFS.

'Shes the kind of person who lights up a room, but shes not someone you can just slot into a TV experiment. She wouldnt play by the rules,' the insider said.

Vanessa, a mum of two, is very much single after recently ending her relationship with prominent Melbourne businessman Nathan Sable.

The two are believed to have been a couple until a few weeks before Valentine's Day when things suddenly cooled.

Before dating Nathan, Vanessa was married to private equity banker Tom Fennell, who coincidentally lives a stone's throw away from the site where she crashed her car.

Daily Mail has reached out to Channel Nine for comment.

These claims come after Vanessa learned her fate following the boozy lunch which saw her crash her SUV into multiple parked cars and allegedly assault a police officer.

Vanessa was driving around Bellevue Hill in her black SUV when she allegedly crashed into a parked car, at about 7pm on Friday, March 21.

Vanessa Jacobs Fennell, 54, was recently charged with refusing to submit to breath analysis, assaulting a police officer and property damage offences following the incident

Footage from the arrest showed two officers frogmarching her from the scene.

The socialite had not yet been cuffed as police escorted her and, at one point, she appeared to try to free her arm from an officer's grip before allegedly slapping the officer.

Vanessa was taken to Waverley Police Station, where she was charged with refusing to submit to breath analysis, assaulting a police officer and property damage offences.

Vanessa appeared in Waverley Local Court on Monday, where she was ordered to pay $1,300 in fines and was disqualified from driving for six months, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

She escaped having a conviction recorded for assaulting the officer and was granted a conditional release order for one year.

She told Daily Mail she was 'profoundly remorseful and regretful' but said she 'remained dignified,' and that 'every human being should be allowed to make a mistake'.

Vanessa was due to be sentenced earlier this month but the matter was delayed when her lawyers applied to have her case dealt with under mental health provisions.

Presiding Magistrate Kirk Dailly rejected Vanessa's mental health request, known as a section 14 application, on Monday.

But that didn't seem to stop producers of the hit Channel Nine series from reaching out to the blonde beautywho was once shortlisted for Real Housewives of Sydneywith another chance at reality TV fame, Confidential reported on Saturday

Vanessa's lawyer previously told the court her client had experienced significant stress towards the end of last year and suffered dissociation.

The socialite is understood to have previously lost two young children and suffered a sudden break-up shortly before the incident.

Her legal team also claimed the mother-of-two had been prescribed antidepressants only three days before the incident, which they claimed contributed to 'increased intoxication' and other adverse reactions.

Vanessa was usually careful to avoid drink-driving but had become confused as a result of the medication, her legal team said.
Pip Edwards was all smiles this week as she was joined by a bevy of pals, dressed in saucy swimwear, during a launch event in Sydney on Friday.

The who's who of socialites turned out at swanky Bondi hotspot Icebergs to celebrate the unveiling of the Bond-Eye Swim X Pip Edwards capsule collection.

Pip, 45, looked every bit the humble host as she stepped out for the event in a form-fitting lilac one-piece bikini from the collection.

The bikini featured a U-bar support at the cleavage and clung perfectly to Pip's slender frame.

She also wore a pair of mesh flared pants that sat low on her slender hips.

The sheer pants finished just above Pip's feet which she paired with lilac-coloured heels adorned with ornate embellishments on the toe.

Pip Edwards, 45, was all smiles this week as she was joined by a bevy of pals, dressed in saucy swimwear, during a launch event in Sydney on Friday

The who's who of socialites turned out at swanky Bondi hotspot Icebergs to celebrate the unveiling of the Bond-Eye Swim X Pip Edwards capsule collection. Pictured with Nadia Bartel

Pip's best friend, Jackie 'O' Henderson, also attended, looking stylish in a tan miniskirt from The Attico.

The $1,200 skirt came complete with large cargo pockets and finished at the radio queen's thigh.

Jackie, 50, also wore a similarly coloured long-sleeve top that she tucked into the skimpy skirt.

She finished her ensemble with black leather heels and dark sunglasses.

Taking to Instagram to document the occasion, Jackie was full of praise for Pip.

'An incredible afternoon celebrating you @pipedwards. Always in awe of you and just so proud,' she wrote, augmenting the sentiment with a heart emoji.

Former AFL WAG Nadia Bartel was also there to support her pal and did so in her usual sartorial style.

She showed off her enviable form in a tight, sleeveless black and white striped top.

Pip very much looked the part of humble host, stepping out for the event in a form-fitting lilac one-piece bikini from the collection

The bikini featured a U-bar support at the cleavage and clung perfectly to Pip's slender frame. She also wore a pair of mesh flared pants that sat low on her slender hips

Pip's best friend, Jackie 'O' Henderson, 50, also turned out, looking stylish in a tan miniskirt from The Attico

The $1,200 skirt came complete with large cargo pockets and finished at the radio queen's thigh

Taking to Instagram to document the occasion, Jackie was full of praise for Pip

The brunette beauty, 40, tucked her top into a pair of black, sheer pants that cascaded to her feet.

Nadia finished her look with a pair of large black sunglasses.

Model Montana Cox kept the swimwear theme going in a black and white two-piece bikini.

The high-cut pants showed off Montana's lithe legs while the top offered more than a hint of cleavage.

Montana, 31, wore this under a sheer black mesh top and matching pants that also exposed a hint of midriff.

She left little to the imagination, showing off her pert derriere as she made her way into the event.

Also in attendance for the big day was fashion influencer Elle Ferguson, who looked over the moon to be in Pip's company, the pair playfully hamming it up for the cameras as they enjoyed the soiree.

Elle, 39, cut quite the chic figure in a skintight, chocolate brown mini dress.

The sleeveless dress showed off her enviably toned arms and shoulders while her trim pins were also on full display.

She finished her party look with a pair of beige heels and some chunky gold bling around her neck.

Former AFL WAG Nadia Bartel was also there to support her pal and did so in her usual sartorial style

Nadia left little to the imagination, showing off her pert derriere as she made her way into the event

Model Montana Cox, 31, kept the swimwear theme going in a black and white two-piece bikini

Also in attendance for the big day was fashion influencer Elle Ferguson, 39, who appeared over the moon to be in Pip's company, with the pair playfully hamming it up for the cameras as they enjoyed the soiree

Elle cut quite the chic figure in a skintight, chocolate brown mini dress

The sleeveless dress showed off her enviably toned arms and shoulders while her trim pins were also on full display

She finished her party look with a pair of beige heels and some chunky gold bling around her neck


Riz Ahmed has revealed he was hospitalized while filming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

The 42-year-old British actor made the shocking admission during Thursday's episode of Penn Badgley's Podcrushed podcast.

Riz said he had a hospital stint to treat an 'intense' and 'prolonged' illness, which inspired him to star in 2019's Sound of Metal.

'Around the time of taking on Sound of Metal, I had had a very intense kind of health-related experience myself, where I had to grapple with the grief but also the acceptance around that,' he reflected.

The Fingernails star continued, 'And basically, I was in the middle of filming Star Wars, and my body just kind of, like, gave up on me. I was extremely exhausted, I was hospitalized for a brief period. I had to really try to recreate my strength.

'It was like building myself up from scratch. It was super scary and intense and quite prolonged, actually.'

Riz Ahmed has revealed he was hospitalized while filming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

As he noticed he wasn't 'getting better quickly,' the actor's perspective shifted.

'For a minute, I was like, "Am I ever going to get my life back?" It really wasnt clear,' he said before adding he felt a 'deep kind of grief and fear and terror and, yet, also a kind of tremendous liberation and gratitude and acceptance.'

Riz philosophized, 'I always think that when youre brought to your knees, youre halfway towards praying.

'When youre kind of humbled in that way, when something is taken away from you, you become even more acutely aware of everything you have  and on a bodily level, on a health level, you realize, like, you dont control anything, man. You dont control a single thing. You dont even control your body.'

He also expressed feeling a 'trippy clarity' that made him realize 'everything you have is a gift.'

'In the most strange way, I never felt more grateful, more at peace, more content than when I felt like I was going to lose my whole life,' he looked back.

Following his health crisis, Riz deeply connected with the Sound of Metal screenplay, about a drummer who loses his hearing.

'When I read the script, I was like, "I know what this is, you know, and I need to tell this story."'

The actor said, 'And basically, I was in the middle of filming Star Wars, and my body just kind of, like, gave up on me'

The 42-year-old British actor made the shocking admission during Thursday's episode of Penn Badgley's Podcrushed podcast

'It was like building myself up from scratch. It was super scary and intense and quite prolonged, actually,' he recalled

The star emphasized, '"I need to tell this story for me. I need to make sense of this." And I think thats one of the greatest privileges that we get as storytellers: the story you need finds you at the right time.'

In 2021 Riz Ahmed made history when he became the first Muslim performer nominated for an Oscar for lead actor for his role in Sound of Metal.

He won rave reviews for his depiction of Ruben Stone, a rock-and-roll drummer and recovering alcoholic whose life goes into a free-fall when he loses his hearing.

The Hollywood fixture tweeted at the time: 'Wow! I'm honored to be nominated by my fellow actors alongside such inspiring performances, and am grateful to the Academy for their support and encouragement.'

He previously became the first Muslim actor to win a lead acting Emmy in 2017 for his performance in The Night Of.
Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne have reportedly 'discussed renewing vows' in a bid to strengthen their marriage following a brief split.

Soap star Jacqueline, 32, and former TOWIE star Dan, 34, went on a make-or-break getaway just months ago in a bid to save their marriage.

Former TOWIE star Dan had moved out of the family home in March this year when they briefly separated.

This week, the couple enjoyed a family holiday as they put on a united front in Gran Canaria.

Now, sources say the pair are thinking of renewing their vows to keep the romance alive and 'get things back on track'.

A source told The Mirror: 'Theres even been talk around them about whether they might renew their vows. Its been discussed before, but actually a lot of people think this might be the right time.

Jacqueline Jossa, 32, and Dan Osborne, 34, have reportedly 'discussed renewing vows' in a bid to strengthen their marriage following a brief split

Soap star Jacqueline and former TOWIE star Dan went on a make-or-break getaway just months ago in a bid to save their marriage

'Theyve put in the effort and Jac especially has worked really hard to get her head in the right place to learn to forgive him. Shes a tough cookie and will fight to keep her family together.

'Dan has grown up a lot over the last few years, and though he shouldnt have needed reminding about what a good thing he had, he wasnt the first and wont be the last person to maybe lose sight of that. But hes learned his lesson and is keen to wipe the slate clean and make her happy.'

Daily Mail has contacted Jacqueline and Dan's representatives for comment.

The Sun on Sunday revealed at the time that Dan had packed his bags and moved out with the couple uncertain about their future.

An official statement said: 'Jacqueline and Dan are handling things privately, choosing to keep their lives and relationship out of the public eye. They kindly ask for respect and privacy as they navigate this together.

'Their children remain their top priority, surrounded by love and care from both parents, something that will never change.

'Above all, Jacqueline and Dan have each other's and their children's best interests at heart. There will be no further comment.'

However, just a month later their union was saved following a family trip to Mexico.

sources say the pair are thinking of renewing their vows to keep the romance alive and 'get things back on track'

They enjoyed a romantic getaway at a luxury London hotel to mark their eight anniversary in June - despite previous reports that their marriage was 'over'

A family getaway to Mexico reportedly helped the couple mend their marriage just a month after they split (Pictured in 2021)

In June the pair celebrated their eight wedding anniversary, enjoying a romantic break at a luxury London hotel to mark the milestone.

Jacqueline took to her Instagram Story to show off their modern suite at the five-star Pan Pacific Hotel, complete with views of St Paul's Cathedral.

She also shared a snap of her husband Dan gazing out the window at the London skyline.

She captioned the post: 'Happy 8th wedding anniversary,' alongside an eyes welling up emoji and a love heart hand emoji.

The actress also posted a photo of a large bouquet of pink flowers next to a personalised bottle of bubbly that read, 'Cheers to you beautiful.'

Jacqueline married Dan in June 2017 and in July last year, she paid tribute to her husband online.

She wrote: 'Just realised I haven't even posted on the grid about Daniel's birthday or our anniversary and I just wanted to do a little appreciation post for my bestest friend in the world. Over 10 years and seven of them married. Love you more than ever. Crazy little world isn't it.'

The couple have faced their difficulties over the years, with their marriage plagued by cheating allegations against Dan.

Speaking about their woes, Dan said five years to The Sun: 'I've made mistakes, yeah. I've done things I shouldn't have done. Me and Jac have spoken about that and she has forgiven me.

'I know in the past I've denied things when they're not true, then when something has been true, I probably just kept my mouth shut. I was a different person.'
As George Clooney pulled out of Venice Film Festival this week due to a sinus infection, his previous health battles have been revealed.

The actor, 64, was forced to skip a press conference on Thursday for his brand new movie Jay Kelly after being advised by doctors to rest.

George 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: 'I'm 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 can't be here.'

George 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.

As George Clooney pulled out of Venice Film Festival this week due to a sinus infection, his previous health battles have been revealed

The actor, 64, was forced to skip a press conference on Thursday for his brand new movie Jay Kelly after being advised by doctors to rest (pictured that evening on the red carpet

In 2018 George suffered a horror motorcycle crash while travelling to a film set in Sardinia as he collided with a car

The Hollywood legend did attend the red carpet for his movie on Thursday night and on Friday morning was spotted with his wife Amal, 47.

As he recovers in the Italian city, George's health struggles have been laid bare - including a painful back injury that left him feeling like he 'couldn't live'.

In 2005 while filming action movie Syriana, George suffered an accident on set when the chair he was sitting on was knocked over.

The fall resulted in him tearing his dura mater, which is the protective membrane around the spinal cord.

George revealed it left him with fluid leaking from his nose and 'three or four months really laying into painkillers' while also considering suicide.

He previously explained to Rolling Stone: 'I was at a point where I thought, "I can't exist like this. I can't actually live'" I was lying in a hospital bed with an IV in my arm, unable to move, having these where it feels like you're having a stroke.'

Fortunately his condition was greatly improved after receiving treatment from a specialist.

In 2018 George suffered a horror motorcycle crash while travelling to a film set in Sardinia as he collided with a car.

In 2005 while filming action movie Syriana, George suffered an accident on set when the chair he was sitting on was knocked over

Just five years ago, George was rushed to hospital after drastically losing weight for a role in The Midnight Sky

The ER star was travelling at 75mph when he was launched into the air and revealed he initially thought the smash had resulted in all his teeth being knocked out.

He vividly recounted: 'I launched. I go head over heels. But I landed on my hands and knees.

'If you did it 100 times, maybe once you land on your hands and knees, and any other version you land, you're toast. It knocked me out of my shoes.'

George added to GQ: 'When I hit the ground, my mouth-I thought all my teeth were broken out. But it was glass from the windshield.'

In 2020, George went under the knife for surgery on his neck, which was related to the accident.

Just five years ago, George was rushed to hospital after drastically losing weight for a role in The Midnight Sky.

George 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

George was supported by his stunning wife Amal for the red carpet premiere of his new movie as he battled the sinus infection

George had agonising pain in his abdomen and was diagnosed by medics with pancreatitis, which can be fatal if not treated.

The actor - who lost a whopping two stone - was admitted to hospital for several days and suggested shedding the pounds so quickly could have triggered his condition.

He told The Mirror: 'I think I was trying too hard to lose the weight quickly and probably wasn't taking care of myself.

'It took a few weeks to get better and as a director it's not so easy because you need energy.'

George was flanked by Amal on Friday morning as they were pictured leaving Venice early amid his illness.
Savannah Chrisley has revealed politics may be in her future, but not right now.

The self-proclaimed MAGA Barbie, 28, revealed that while lobbying the White House to pardon her parents, there were secret discussions about her helping to further President Donald Trump's MAGA agenda.

"I had a meeting at the White House about potentially taking over a House seat in Tennessee, and I just knew that right now wasn't the time,' she told People while promoting The Chrisleys: Back to Reality.

'I didn't feel in my heart and soul that I could make the impact that I truly wanted to make because I just got my life back,' she told the outlet.

'I'm rebuilding and figuring out who I am and what I want out of life.'

The reality star said she would continue to pursue other ways to give back.

Savannah who spoke at the 2024 National Republican Convention said, 'I feel like you can implement just as much change on the outside with a very large platform and voice than you can on the inside, so, who knows?'

Savannah Chrisley has revealed politics may be in her future, but not right now; Pictured in Milwaukee, WI in July 2024

The Nashville based realtor said other opportunities for elected office will likely come around soon. 'Marsha Blackburn is going to run for governor [of Tennessee] and she will win,' Savannah asserted.

'So, who knows what happens to that Senate seat? I just say, like this whole pardon process, everything happens for a reason. Every relationship you make, every hand you shake.'

Savannah's parents Todd, 56, and Julie, 52, were sentenced to time behind bars after a jury unanimously voted to convict them on bank and tax fraud involving $30 million in fraudulent loans to support their lavish lifestyle.

The influencer spoke about the moment she began considering a career in public office on the August 5 episode of her Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley podcast.

She said the press conference she held the day Todd was released from prison, following his presidential pardon, gave her an idea of what it might be like to be a politician.

'There was, like, a 100 cars at least there, and people were just handing me their babies. Like, literally, I had, like, a naked baby in my arms,' she said of the adoration she received from the crowd.

'There was this little girl that kept wanting to hold my hand and stand with me. And I literally felt like Princess Diana in that moment.'

Chrisley told People the attention she received during her press conference on the day of her dad's release from prison gave her an idea of what a life in politics might be like

Savannah convinced President Donald Trump to pardon her parents, and even had discussions about furthering his agenda. 'I had a meeting at the White House about potentially taking over a House seat in Tennessee , and I just knew that right now wasn't the time,' she told People

Trump pardoned Julie, 52, and Todd, 56, who were convicted in 2022 on multiple counts of n bank and tax fraud involving $30 million in fraudulent loans to support their lavish lifestyle

The reality star said she would continue to pursue other ways to give back. 'I feel like you can implement just as much change on the outside with a very large platform and voice than you can on the inside, so, who knows?'

The reality star is considering her options. 'Marsha Blackburn is going to run for governor [of Tennessee]... 'So, who knows what happens to that Senate seat?' she said; Pictured in Washington DC in September 2022

'When I was standing outside the prison doing that press conference and seeing all the people who came up to me and hugged me and spoke to me, it really made me take a step back and say, like, "Maybe my future's gonna look different than what I had originally thought. Maybe I am gonna get involved in politics."'

Savannah says her parents' experience has prompted her to lobby for prison reform.

'Now I see all the broken things in the system where individuals have to be rehabilitated, where we need mental health treatment for these individuals, as well as giving them job opportunities and advocating for them when it comes to that,' she said in June on the ABC News Studios IMPACT x Nightline special The Chrisleys: Life After Lockup.

The family's new special, The Chrisleys: Back to Reality will debut September 1 and 2 on Lifetime, with the third and final episode dropping on September 16.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson looked almost unrecognisable as he hit the red carpet at the Frankenstein premiere during the Venice Film Festival on Saturday.

The actor, 35, shielded his move star good looks behind a huge bushy beard and dark shades, while his hair was worn in curls.

Aaron cut a suave figure in a white tailored blazer and smart black trousers, which were teamed with a crisp shirt and bow tie.

Slipping his feet into shiny dress shoes the actor also wore a huge wristwatch, after signing a deal with official 007 watch provider Omega.

Amid rumours he is the bookie's favourite to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Craig as James Bond, Aaron was recently replaced by Henry Cavill as the 'punters clear favourite' to play the iconic secret agent.

A host of other names have also been touted since the actor relinquished the role in 2021 after the release of No Time To Die.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 35, looked almost unrecognisable as he hit the red carpet at the Frankenstein premiere during the Venice Film Festival on Saturday

The actor shielded his move star good looks behind a huge bushy beard and dark shades, while his hair was worn in curls (Pictured right 2024)

According to new odds from Ladbrokes, Henry has been slashed from 10/1 to 3/1, making him the current second favourite.

The bookies also revealed he was punters clear favourite to be the next Bond in terms of bets placed.

However Aaron is still the frontrunner, with odds-on at 8/11, while Theo James is now out at 7/1 from 5/1.

Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: 'Just when it looked like it was running out of steam, the Henry Cavill-for-James Bond bandwagon has picked up again.

'Cavill seems perfect for the role, but would he make enough of a splash for new rights-holders Amazon?'

Elsewhere, Callum Turner is at 5/1 followed by Harris Dickinson at 8/1, Tom Holland with odds of 10/1 and Jack Lowden in at 10/1.

Footage of Henry's 'tremendous' audition for the role of James Bond resurfaced 20 years after he very narrowly missed out on playing the iconic character.

In the old tape, the actor did his best to impress the production team as he delivered some of the character's most famous lines in a bid to beat around eight other stars.

Aaron cut a suave figure in a white tailored blazer and smart black trousers, which were teamed with a crisp shirt and bow tie

Slipping his feet into shiny dress shoes the actor also wore a huge wristwatch, after signing a deal with official 007 watch provider Omega

Amid rumours he is the bookie's favourite to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond , Aaron was recently replaced by Henry Cavill as the 'punters clear favourite'

According to new odds from Ladbrokes , Henry has been slashed from 10/1 to 3/1, making him the current second favourite

The actor, 42, who very narrowly missed out on playing the iconic character to Daniel Craig (pictured in No Time To Die), has been in the running for the past few years

The Superman star, then 22, cut a laidback figure in a leather jacket and with his dark brown locks slicked back as he stared into the distance and said, 'Bond, James Bond', before ordering a 'vodka martini shaken not stirred'.

Henry channelled his inner Pierce Brosnan as he reprised the Irish star's performance as the spy in GoldenEye but it was not quite enough to land him the coveted role.

Daniel went on to play James in five instalments, bowing out in the 2021 thriller No Time To Die.

Ladbrokes' favourites to play James Bond

Henry Cavill - 3/1 Aaron Taylor-Johnson  evens Callum Turner  5/1 Theo James  7/1 Harris Dickinson  8/1 Tom Holland  10/1 Jack Lowden  10/1 Advertisement

His Jersey-born rival for the role of Ian Fleming's iconic protagonist has since gone on to have a glittering career, starring as Charles Brandon in The Tudors and Sherlock Holmes as Enola Holmes in a long list of critically-acclaimed appearances.

GoldenEye and Casino Royale director Martin Campbell, who was behind the impressive screen test, told the Express that Henry had come close to becoming Bond but his age had been a problem.

He said: 'He looked great in the audition. His acting was tremendous. And look, if Daniel didn't exist Henry would have made an excellent Bond.

'He looked terrific, he was in great physical shape very handsome, very chiselled. He just looked a little young at that time back then.'

Elsewhere, Aaron further fuelled rumours he could be the next James Bond after responding cryptically to a question about his upcoming projects.

At the world premiere of 28 Years Later in London in June, a Deadline reporter asked the Kick-Ass actor: 'What are you doing next?'

He replied, 'I can't talk about it', as he was pulled away by his entourage.

Some saw the curt response as a hint that his next project could be the 007 franchise.
1000-Lb Sisters star Tammy Slaton opened up on social media Friday for the first time since mourning the loss of her cousin Katie Slaton, who tragically passed away at 37.

The heartbreaking news was first shared by Tammys sister Amanda Halterman earlier this week.

Katie had been fighting stage 4 gastric adenocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer diagnosed earlier this year.

Fans of TLCs hit series may remember Katie, who made several appearances alongside Tammy and their sister Amy  most notably in season 5, when Tammy was released from a weight-loss rehabilitation center.

'It [is] with a completely crushed heart and spirit that I have to post this. My little cousin went to sit at the feet of Jesus yesterday. She was a force to be reckoned with and showed love that was accepting and given freely. She was the life of the party and my best friend,' Amanda wrote on Instagram.

Now, Tammy appears focused on staying positive, sharing a sweet TikTok of her dancing in the car with her fiancee Andrea Dalton.

1000-Lb Sisters star Tammy Slaton opened up on social media Friday for the first time since mourning the loss of her cousin Katie Slaton , who tragically passed away at 37

Tammy appears focused on staying positive, sharing a sweet TikTok of her dancing in the car with her fiancee Andrea Dalton

The clip captures the couple enjoying a private moment together, just two months after Tammy revealed their engagement on the Creative Chaos podcast.

Talking about how they like to spend time together, Tammy said, 'Me and my fiancee, we just kind of chill at home.'

The revelation shocked host Hunter Ezell: 'Hold on, you said fiancee?' before Tammy showed off her sparkling new engagement ring.

Fans also got a peek at Tammys 'Andrea' necklace, as she revealed the couple has been together for around three years.

Tragically, Tammy lost her husband, Caleb Willingham, in July 2023 at the age of 40.

In the TikTok, Tammy and Andrea couldnt hide their happiness, as Tammy said 'I love you.'

Smiling wide and throwing peace signs, the couple danced to Footloose, making it clear theyre just as in love as the day they met.

Fans went wild in the comments, and the clip has already racked up over half a million views.

The clip captures the couple enjoying a private moment together, just two months after Tammy revealed their engagement on the Creative Chaos podcast

Tammy revealed she was engaged to Andrea (left) just two months after the couple went public

Tammy and Andrea (pictured) reportedly dated for almost three years

Back in January, Tammy had asked fans to rally behind her cousin Katie as she began her battle with cancer, sharing a link to Katies GoFundMe page.

Y'all, I'm so sorry to be asking a big favor like this, but if anyone can help, even if it's a dollar would help my cousin out so much, Tammy wrote at the time.

She added, She has been on my show, but this is something new; our family just found out about her having cancer. Even if you can't donate, [all I] ask is for you to pray anything and everything is greatly appreciated not only by [my cousin], but myself and my siblings.

Katies longtime girlfriend, Natalie Gerrick Bailie, also kept supporters updated on her condition, revealing in January that she had started chemotherapy.

We are so thankful that her symptoms are improving, Bailie wrote in a February 19 Facebook post.

She continued, Both our families have been so great throughout this whole process. We could not get through this without you! Thank you everyone for the thoughts and prayers!

The devastating loss of Katie comes just over a year after the Slaton family endured another heartbreaking blow.

In July 2023, Willingham passed away from complications of super morbid obesity, according to his autopsy.

Katie (pictured) had been battling stage 4 gastric adenocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer, which she was diagnosed with earlier this year

'My little cousin went to sit at the feet of Jesus yesterday. She was a force to be reckoned with and showed love that was accepting and given freely,' Amanda wrote on Instagram

The couple had first met in 2022 while receiving treatment at the Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Center in Gibsonburg, Ohio.

Though they were separated at the time of his death, Tammy paid tribute to him in a heartfelt post, calling Caleb her sweet angel.

She wrote, You will forever be missed and loved so much. Thank you, Caleb, for showing me real love and happiness.

In April, Tammy opened up about being in her first relationship since Calebs passing, seven months after they had married.

A few years ago I came out as pansexual but after Caleb passing, I just don't want to be with men anymore, she revealed on her reality series.

I don't know how my family is going to react when I tell them I'm seeing a woman.

Tammy also spoke about the moment she learned of Calebs death.

During an interview with People, she recalled a friend texting her that Caleb wasnt doing good, only to follow up 20 minutes later to say he had passed.

At the time, Tammy was at her home in Kentucky, while Caleb was at the Ohio rehab facility they had attended together.

I was sitting in the fetal position, Tammy said. I got a text message from his friend up there and the text said, 'Caleb's not doing good. They're in there working on him.' 20 minutes later he texted me back and said he was gone.

Tammy, who has lost an astonishing 500 pounds during her weight-loss journey, first gained fame appearing on 1000-lb Sisters alongside her sister Amy back in 2020.
Weep not for Emma Willis.

What she has wrought is particularly ghoulish, even by Hollywood standards.

Ever since announcing that her husband, movie star Bruce Willis, was diagnosed with aphasia and, one year later, frontotemporal dementia, Emma has cornered the market on so-called 'compassionate care'.

Truly, the question must be asked  not that ABC's Diane Sawyer did so in her groveling hour-long primetime interview with Emma on Tuesday  just how compassionate is this spectacle, really?

It was galling to watch Emma, 47 years old to Bruce's 70, climb the stairs in a home her husband's work surely paid for, dressed like Meghan Markle in monochromatic quiet luxury, a no-makeup makeup look, to sit down for her close-up.

She was wearing glasses, perhaps to underscore her new seriousness. Yes, she was a model once, but now she is a writer and an activist.

Weep not for Emma Willis. What she has wrought is particularly ghoulish, even by Hollywood standards

Sawyer's voice-over introduction: 'This is Emma Willis, a lifelong self-described introvert, steeling herself to talk in front of cameras  something she never sought, and never planned.'

PLEASE.

The minute Emma signed her lucrative book deal for 'The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path', she knew she'd be out on the promotional trail.

So please, Diane Sawyer: Stop. Stop insulting ABC's dwindling audience.

After Diane introduces a clip reel of Bruce at his best, boldest, strongest and funniest, Emma lets the world in on her husband's inexorable decline  but not before Diane shows some clips of a younger Bruce flirting with her.

It's all so gross. So utterly distasteful, these two women sitting around and talking  really, it feels more like gossiping  about all the ways in which Bruce's motor functions and memory are failing him.

About a one-time icon of American masculinity being brought to his knees by an incurable disease, which Sawyer tells us is 'the black belt of dementias'.

But let's talk more about Emma.

'I was so panicked,' she says of hearing her husband's diagnosis. 'I was free-falling.'

How did Bruce react, Sawyer wants to know.

'I don't think Bruce ever really connected the dots,' Emma says.

How crass, vulgar and self-serving.

On Friday, Emma said that critics of hers don't know what they're talking about.

Well, unfortunately, I do. My mother has suffered with dementia for years, and it is a very small and select few who see her and know her condition.

We do not use her decline as the stuff of family text threads. When we take pictures of her, it's for health and medical reasons, and there is zero chance those images would ever find their way to peripheral family and friends, let alone to social media.

Dementia, in whatever form, robs the sufferer of everything  but the cruelest cut is the loss of personal dignity.

My family do all we can to ensure that my mother has hers. It would be unthinkable, to any of us, to bleat out how hard her condition is for us, let alone marinate in self-pity.

So to see Emma, and Bruce's grown daughters with his first wife Demi Moore, and Demi herself pose for photos with Bruce  whose eyes are vacant, who clearly doesn't know what is going on  and splash them all over Instagram is disgusting.

It serves one purpose, to my mind: To make them all look like the most benevolent, generous, patient, loving people on the planet.

It's all so gross. So utterly distasteful, these two women sitting around and talking - really, it feels more like gossiping - about all the ways in which Bruce's motor functions and memory are failing him

About a one-time icon of American masculinity being brought to his knees by an incurable disease, which Diane Sawyer tells us is 'the black belt of dementias' (pictured back in 2013)

As anyone with direct experience knows, it's profoundly frustrating and difficult to spend a sustained amount of time with someone whose dementia has advanced.

It's not helping the discourse for Emma or the rest of the Willis clan to pretend that this kind of caregiving is easy, let alone pretty and 'Insta perfect'.

Or that the dementia patient ever knows peace, as those images of Bruce with his eyes closed, Emma nestled into his neck, would have us believe.

Not so.

When a patient with advanced dementia is calm, it's usually because they're heavily medicated.

Now: Emma is selling her book as a public service  as enlightenment on this form of dementia and how caregivers can best give said care.

A thin premise, indeed. All forms of dementia are hardly understood. All civilian caregivers suffer burnout.

The difference here is that Emma's husband worked himself to the bone, even while sick, to make sure his entire family  Emma, their two children, and his three daughters with Demi  would be financially secure.

Not every family has a multimillion-dollar fortune to move their loved one into a private residence with round-the-clock, individualized care, as Emma has done.

There is zero reason for this book to exist, or for Emma's media tour, or for Bruce and Demi's daughter Scout to release her second album (who even knew there was a first?) on September 5, just days before her stepmother's book publishes on September 9.

Back to this primetime interview, replete with once-private family photos.

'Bruce is in really great health, overall,' Emma says. 'You know, it's just his brain that is failing him'.

Diane: 'But the language is '

Emma: 'Yeah, the language is going It's hard, but I'm grateful. I'm grateful that my husband is still very much here.'

I can only speak for myself and those closest to my mom, but trust me when I say we wish something else would take her, swiftly and painlessly, to end her suffering.

We don't feel grateful that she is still 'very much here', because she is not.

Perhaps Emma has good reason to feel differently, even though Bruce has progressed so far in his illness.

After all, her book is already a bestseller on Amazon.
A stalker who made Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas' life hell over a terrifying six-year ordeal was spared jail earlier this year - after a court heard he believed she was his aunt.

Now, Shirley, 64, has broken her silence on the ordeal, revealing how her stalker, Kyle Shaw, 37, from the Wirral, once followed and confronted her 87-year-old mother in a supermarket, leaving the family traumatised.

In a candid new interview the Strictly head judge opened up about the lasting mental scars the campaign of harassment has left and admitted she may never feel safe again.

She said: 'I will never feel completely safe again. I'm looking around and watching all the time. and life shouldn't have to be like that. That's what he's done to me and my family.'

In her new memoir, Best Foot Forward, Shirley details the scale of Kyle's chilling campaign - from sinister social media messages to confronting her vulnerable mother, Audrey, in a supermarket aisle.

She wrote: 'I didnt feel safe in my own home and had sleepless nights worrying about what he was going to do. Would he put a bomb through the letterbox? Or try to set the house on fire? I had smoke detectors installed everywhere.

Shirley Ballas has admitted she will 'never feel safe again' as she recounted the terrifying moment her stalker followed and confronted her 87-year-old mother Audrey in a supermarket (Shirley and her mother Audrey pictured 2021)

Kyle Shaw, 37, who made the Strictly Come Dancing star's life hell during a terrifying six-year stalking campaign, was spared jail earlier this year  after a court heard he believed she was his aunt (Kyle pictured in April)

'Hed shown he was prepared to follow a little old lady round the supermarket, what else was he capable of doing to frighten the living daylights out of my family,' she added, as per The Sunday Mirror.

The nightmare began in 2017, when Shirley joined Strictly as Head Judge, replacing the late Len Goodman.

That same year, Kyle began messaging her online, claiming to be the son of her late brother David, who died by suicide in 2003, aged 44.

At first, Shirley and her team dismissed him as a crank, but the messages soon turned sinister and graphic.

According to The Mirror, in one particularly disturbing message, Kyle accused Shirley of being responsible for her brother's death.

She eventually reported him to the police, who issued a warning - but it had no effect.

Shirley said that not only did he continue to harass and attack her, but he also began bombarding other members of her family, including her elderly mother, Audrey.

He allegedly sought out Shirley's friends and sent them horrifying messages, using language so graphic she said she couldn't bring herself to repeat it.

She said: 'I will never feel completely safe again. I'm looking around and watching all the time. and life shouldn't have to be like that. That's what he's done to me and my family' (Shirley and Audrey pictured 2017)

Fearing for her safety, Shirley was forced to install CCTV and additional alarms at her home, and she even stopped using public transport.

She was also given additional security by the BBC during Strictly and its nationwide tour.

Worryingly, the harassment would always ramp up in August, around the time publicity began for the new Strictly season.

Shirley revealed that Kyle once told her to 'look over my shoulder' and warned that he'd 'always be there.'

He also posted a photograph of her house and car on social media, threatening to 'ruin her life' and everyone close to her.

When Shirley's debut novel was released in 2023, Kyle sent a torrent of threatening messages, warning he might show up at one of the events on her promotional tour - which was an 'enormously distressing' experience for the star.

The final straw came when Kyle followed her mother in a supermarket in Liscard and confronted her. Shirley immediately moved Audrey into her home in London.

Despite frequent contact with police, Shirley said she felt let down by the system.

Kyle was arrested in December 2023 and initially pleaded not guilty to stalking, but changed his plea to guilty in February 2025. He was given a 20-month suspended sentence on April 1 and banned from contacting Shirley or her family (pictured in April)

She praised Merseyside Police for being helpful but said the legal system makes it very difficult for charges to be brought, leaving victims feeling 'trapped.'

She said it often feels like the law doesn't step in to offer protection until someone has already been physically harmed.

So, all she could do was continue collecting the evidence and forwarding it on to the police.

In December 2023, Kyle was finally arrested and later charged with stalking. Initially, he pleaded not guilty - meaning Shirley, her mother, and loved ones faced giving evidence in court.

Shirley admitted that the idea of a trial and her family taking the stand caused her immense anxiety.

But in February 2025, Kyle changed his plea to guilty. On April 1, he was handed a 20-month suspended sentence and banned from contacting Shirley or any of her family again.
The words 'low-key' and 'subtle' are rarely associated with anybody in Donald Trump's orbit.

After vice president JD Vance ruined the rural tranquility of the Cotswolds earlier this month, I can now report that the President's daughter has caused a similar stir in Notting Hill.

Ivanka Trump and her husband, the financier Jared Kushner, left chaos in their wake when they descended on an unassuming wine bar in the chic corner of West London earlier this month.

Until their arrival at the hip but unassuming Golborne Wine Bar and Deli, just off the Portobello Road, its customers had been enjoying a quiet night of alfresco dining.

Then came the couple's security detail, with whispers that snipers were lining the roofs of nearby buildings.

Their protection also included undercover bodyguards positioned around the joint. 'They were placed all around the area and would have been sipping their coffee like you and me,' an insider tells me.

The couple were recognised instantly, but fellow diners kept their cool  at least until they left when excited chatter, and more, broke out. One onlooker descred it as 'chaos'.

'It was a crazy scene,' they said. 'A group of girls were shrieking with excitement and a French influencer had to shout at them to be quiet.'

Ivanka Trump and her husband, the financier Jared Kushner, (pictured) left chaos in their wake when they descended on an unassuming wine bar in the chic corner of West London earlier this month

File image: The Mail can now report that the President's daughter has caused a similar stir in Notting Hill (pictured)

Until their arrival at the hip but unassuming Golborne Wine Bar and Deli, (pictured) just off the Portobello Road, its customers had been enjoying a quiet night of alfresco dining

Locals were bemused by the presence of the President's 43-year-old daughter at such a low-key establishment. 'It's an unlikely spot for Ivanka,' said one, 'as it's not super flashy.'

Indeed, there's not a tacky gold-painted fixture in sight!

Love is in the Air for Firehouse owner

Playboy Andre Balazs, 68, the hotelier behind Londons Chiltern Firehouse, is dating actress Donna Air, 46, I can reveal.

The notorious millionaire has romanced Cameron Diaz, Uma Thurman and Sharon Stone, while Air has a daughter, Freya, with conservationist Damian Aspinall and has dated the Princess of Waless brother, James Middleton.

I hear the Firehouse will have a big reopening party in October. Might the couple, right, use it for their official debut?

Pictured: Andre Balazs and Donna Air attending the Tate's Young Patrons Party

Playboy Andre Balazs, 68, the hotelier behind Londons Chiltern Firehouse, is dating actress Donna Air, 46 (pictured)

Dua and Callum bid to be double agents

She's been tipped as a frontrunner to record the theme tune for the next James Bond film  but that world is not enough for Dua Lipa.

For the pop queen also fancies her fiance Callum Turner to take the role of MI6's suavest spy in the long-awaited 26th 007 movie.

The Fantastic Beasts star is a bookies' favourite to take over from Daniel Craig. But he faces tough competition from the likes of 28 Years Later actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson and The Crown's Josh O'Connor.

However appealing having the couple's combined star power on board might be, producers at Amazon are still keeping their casting decisions a close secret.

Pictured: Callum Turner and Dua Lipa attending the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Stars know their place

More titbits from 'Operation Red Eagle', last month's secret 60th birthday bash' for 007 director Sam Mendes.

One of my spies snuck out the seating plan, with one table featuring heartthrobs Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Harris Dickinson and Joseph Quinn, who all star in Sir Sam's new Beatles films.

Elsewhere, Sir Nick Clegg and David Miliband were kept apart, while the birthday boy was sandwiched between model Liberty Ross and Nicole Kidman. Noticeably absent was his ex-wife, Kate Winslet.

Sir Nick Clegg and David Miliband were kept apart, while the birthday boy was sandwiched between model Liberty Ross and Nicole Kidman (pictured)

Lila's lookalike, Lady Lola

Model Lila Moss has long been likened to mum Kate  and understandably so.

But it appears she has another lookalike in the form of her new bestie, Lady Lola Bute.

The pair, right, have become close this summer, with the daughter of the late Marquess of Bute inviting Lila to her swanky Ibiza abode.

Lola, 26, calls Lila, 22, 'my little sister' and even dresses her in her own brand of skimpy lacy dresses, Debute.

Pictured: Lila Moss and Lola Bute. The pair, right, have become close this summer, with the daughter of the late Marquess of Bute inviting Lila to her swanky Ibiza abode

Is Vivian Wilson the world's poorest nepo baby?

The 21-year-old eldest daughter of billionaire Elon Musk said she skipped an event because she couldn't afford the taxi.

'It was $150 there and back. I can't spend that on a taxi, so I didn't go.' If only Elon had sent her a Tesla

Idris Elba has paid 6million for a Victorian building that used to be private members' club Laylow on Notting Hill's Golborne Road.

The 52-year-old Luther star is turning the venue  opposite the landmark Trellick Tower  into somewhere that celebs and locals will want to hang out.

'Idris is dead excited about the project,' says a friend. 'He wants to offer something for the entire community. One he knows very well.'

Emily in Paris? More like Emily in London!

I can reveal that series star Lily Collins has bought a multimillion pound mansion in Queen's Park.

The 36-year-old daughter of pop star Phil Collins has settled in the bougie West London enclave with her husband, director Charlie McDowell.

I'm told their new abode will be fitted out by trendy Swedish interior designer Beata Heuman, whose clients include Burberry model Adwoa Aboah.

I'm sure LA-born Collins will feel right at home in Queen's Park where she can count James Bond stars Thandie Newton and Daniel Craig as neighbours.
He became a father for the first time at 56  and now it appears actor Tom Hollander has fully immersed himself in domestic life by marrying fiancee Fran Hickman.

They sparked rumours they had married in secret after they were pictured the morning after his 58th birthday this week.

Tom  who at 5ft 4ins is nicknamed a 'sex thimble'  and Fran were wearing gold bands on their wedding ring fingers as they loaded a pram into their car outside Claridge's in Mayfair.

They held their two year-old son and kissed as they prepared to leave London after an apparent short break.

Tom, who starred in The White Lotus and sitcom Rev, and interior designer Fran  17 years his junior  have had a chequered romance since meeting two decades ago.

After an initial engagement, they split in 2010 only to rekindle their romance in the pandemic when they had dinner at Mayfair restaurant Scott's.

He became a father for the first time at 56  and now it appears actor Tom Hollander (pictured this week, seemingly with a wedding ring) has fully immersed himself in domestic life by marrying fiancee Fran Hickman

They sparked rumours they had married in secret after they were pictured the morning after his 58th birthday this week (pictured)

Tom  who at 5ft 4ins is nicknamed a 'sex thimble'  and Fran were wearing gold bands on their wedding ring fingers as they loaded a pram into their car outside Claridge's in Mayfair (pictured)

She then moved into his 2million West London flat and friends say she has 'never left'.

Two years ago they welcomed their son and Tom is believed to have proposed for a second time, before they swapped their Notting Hill home for Oxfordshire last year.

In his time apart from Fran, Tom dated Jemima Goldsmith, 51, ex-wife of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan.

In the early 2000s he had a relationship with Daphne Guinness, 57, daughter of peer Jonathan Guinness.

Tom gave a candid insight into his life in 2020 when an article he wrote for a Sunday newspaper went viral, just after he and Fran reunited.

He wrote: 'I wake at 3 or 4am. Not because I'm like Mrs Thatcher but because I need to pee. I pee in the darkness using my phone screen to illuminate the target.'

Bafta-winning Tom is in eight-part thriller The Iris Affair on Sky Atlantic later this year. A spokesman declined to comment on the couple's marriage.
After a screeching U-turn on its controversial logo, Cracker Barrel has now quietly scrapped a dedicated Pride page on its website.

'On behalf of Cracker Barrel's 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,'' Cracker Barrel's now-deleted Pride page read.

The URL now redirects visitors to its 'Culture & Belonging' page, revised to speak more broadly about company culture.

Cracker Barrel has also removed mentions of employee resource groups  including LGBTQ+ and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives  from other parts of its website.

A company spokesperson said the changes were part of website updates tied to refocusing of sponsorships toward corporate giving initiatives, such as addressing food insecurity and reducing food waste.

The move follows a firestorm over Cracker Barrel's first logo redesign in 48 years.

Cracker Barrel has a long and controversial history with LGBTQ+ issues This included a policy to fire employees who did not demonstrate 'normal heterosexual values.'

The chain only began celebrating Pride Month on social media in 2018, and even then, conservatives accused it of 'caving to the mob,' sparking backlash from some of its more traditional customers.

Social media users believe the fate of Cracker Barrel rests in Sydney Sweeney's hands. On X, this mocked up photo of her  which appears to have been created using AI  has also gone viral

Cracker Barrel launched a new logo on August 19, only to change it back days later

This latest website purge appears to mark another pivot away from publicly promoting LGBTQ+ initiatives.

It follows the logo controversy, which began last Tuesday (August 19) when the chain debuted a new logo for the first time in 48 years. The redesign removed the image of an old man leaning against a barrel and left just the name in a new font.

It also eliminated the pinto bean shape behind the name, a nod to one of the original side dishes offered when Cracker Barrel first opened in 1969.

Critics said the changes stripped away the brand's character and charm, and the backlash cost the company nearly $100 million in market value last week.

Some critics compared the rebrand to Bud Light's infamous Dylan Mulvaney campaign.

Memes showed Mulvaney alongside the 'new' logo, or with her Bud Light cans swapped for the barrels axed from Cracker Barrel's design.

Another viral edit put Sydney Sweeney in a T-shirt with the old logo, with captions declaring she was the only one who could 'save Cracker Barrel.'

Even President Donald Trump weighed in on the change, telling Cracker Barrel bosses to scrap the new logo.

Cracker Barrel quietly axed its Pride webpages following its logo redesign fiasco

The Pride webpages included information on LGBTQ+ and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging groups

CEO Julie Felss Masino claimed fans were responding positively to Cracker Barrel's modernization

Cracker Barrel ultimately capitulated, announcing a return to the classic design on Tuesday, a week after it was unveiled.

The controversy over the new logo comes as the company overhauls its 650 restaurants nationwide, swapping rustic southern-style interiors for a modern look.

The redesign  the chain's first in 48 years  removes the iconic old man leaning on a barrel as well as the pinto bean shape behind the name, a nod to one of the original side dishes offered when Cracker Barrel opened in 1969.

Critics say the changes stripped away the brand's character and charm.

President Donald Trump weighed in on the change, demanding the chain 'go back to the old logo' and 'admit a mistake based on customer response.'

The chain defended the revamp decision before scrapping it  leading to a 2.3 percent jump in shares.

'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.

The chain will continue to work on modernizing all its restaurants  which has also ignited backlash.

CEO Julie Felss Masino claimed customers and employees liked all the changes  and that managers in Florida repeatedly asked her when their restaurants could be updated.

Of the changes to its website, Cracker Barrel said: 'In connection with the company's brand work, we have recently made updates to the Cracker Barrel website, including adding new content and removing out-of-date content.

'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.'
As global coffee prices surge, Vietnam'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% 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.

A person holds coffee beans in Gia Lai Province in November 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Hoa

Last month, Vietnam's coffee export turnover reached more than $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%, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

The industry's growth is mostly attributed to the jump in global coffee prices.

Vietnam is the largest exporter of Robusta coffee in the world, accounting for about 40% 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 Vietnams stable supply, the country is in an advantageous position, he said.

However, to fully capitalise on this opportunity, Vietnam 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 Vietnams coffee exports still reveals significant limitations.

The share of deep-processed coffee, including roasted, instant and specialty coffee, currently accounts for only 12-15% 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%.

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 dong in capital. Not all businesses are financially capable of such investments.

Other reasons Vietnams 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam to compete in the premium segment.

Dinh Van Thanh, an agricultural economics expert, said that if Vietnam 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 Dong and Gia Lai are boldly building specialty coffee brands for markets like Japan and the Republic of 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 Vietnams coffee industry.

Vietnam 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 Vietnam.

Finally, Vietnam 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.
Indonesia protest blaze kills 3 as anger erupts over death of driver hit by police vehicle

A man holds a portrait of a driver who was run over by a police vehicle during a protest in Indonesia. Photo by AFP

A fire started by protesters at a council building in eastern Indonesia killed at least three people, a local official said Saturday, after demonstrations across the country following the death of a man hit by a police vehicle.

Southeast Asia's biggest economy was rocked by protests in major cities including the capital Jakarta on Friday after footage spread of a motorcycle taxi driver being run over by a police tactical vehicle in earlier rallies against low wages and financial perks for lawmakers.

Protests in Makassar, the biggest city on the eastern island of Sulawesi, descended into chaos outside the provincial and local city council buildings, which were both set on fire as demonstrators hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails.

Three people were killed as a result of the fire at the Makassar city council, its secretary Rahmat Mappatoba told AFP.

"They were trapped in the burning building," he said, accusing protesters of igniting the blaze.

"Usually during a demonstration, protesters only throw rocks or burn a tyre in front of the office. They never stormed into the building or burned it."

Two workers at the city council died at the scene and a third person, a civil servant, died in hospital.

At least four people were injured in the fire and were being treated at hospital, Rahmat added.

Hundreds of people were seen in footage posted by local media cheering and clapping as fire engulfed the building Friday with few security forces in sight.

One man was heard shouting: "There are people upstairs!"

In footage verified by AFP, smouldering debris was seen falling from the roof of the city council building surrounded by palm trees as charred cars flickered with flames.

Inside protesters lit several fires as parts of the building collapsed, while others smashed glass and chanted "revolution".

By Saturday, the building appeared to be a blacked-out wreck, with dozens of charred cars around it, as local residents inspected the scene, local media footage showed.

Windiyatno, South Sulawesi's military chief said in a statement Saturday that the situation in Makassar had "now returned to normal".

Makassar and South Sulawesi police did not immediately respond to AFP's requests for comments.

Prabowo test

Protests continued on Saturday in different areas of Indonesia's vast archipelago.

Hundreds of students and ojek drivers protested in front of the police headquarters in Bali, Indonesia's most popular tourist hotspot.

"Bali is the center of tourism in Indonesia, and we want to protest here to gain international attention about the legal injustice, corruption, and the impunity of police crimes," protester Narendra Wicaksono told AFP.

Hundreds of students in Surabaya also rallied outside the East Java police headquarters, according to an AFP journalist at the scene.

In Jakarta, hundreds had massed on Friday outside the headquarters of the elite Mobile Brigade Corp (Brimob) paramilitary police unit they blamed for motorcycle gig driver Affan Kurniawan's death the day before.

Protesters threw firecrackers as police responded with tear gas.

Police said they had detained seven officers for questioning in connection with Affan's death.

The protests were the biggest and most violent of Prabowo Subianto's presidency, a key test for the leader less than a year into his rule.

He has urged calm, and ordered an investigation into the driver's death and that the officers involved be held accountable.

Prabowo said on Friday the government was "committed to guaranteeing the livelihood" of the driver's family, posting images on social media with them at their home.

He has pledged fast, state-driven growth but has already faced protests against widespread government budget cuts to fund his populist policies including a billion-dollar free meal programme.
The United Nations has called on all parties to the conflict to urgently de-escalate and redouble efforts to create conditions for inclusive diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending hostilities and achieving a just peace, said Miroslav Jenca, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas.

"We renew the Secretary-Generals appeal for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. A ceasefire that results in a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in Ukraine  one that fully upholds Ukraines sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions," he said at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on "Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine" in New York on Friday.

Jenca stressed that the growing number of civilian casualties and destruction contradicts the diplomatic efforts of recent months. In total, OHCHR has verified that since the start of the Russian Federations full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, 14,054 civilians, including 730 children, have been killed in Ukraine. 36,164 civilians, including 2,263 children, have been injured. With at least 1,674 civilian casualties - 286 killed and 1,388 injured  July set a new, tragic record for monthly casualties since May 2022.

Jenca stressed that the "dangerously expanding geographic scope of this war " is demonstrated by recent strikes on regions far from the front line, in particular in Lviv and Transcarpathia.

According to him, the UN remains committed to supporting Ukrainian civilians. This year, 3.8 million people have received humanitarian assistance, and targeted support is being prepared for another 1.7 million people as part of the winter plan for 2025-2026.

"However, for us to be able to continue our life-saving work, scaled up and flexible donor support is urgently needed. We also continue to urge the sides to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law, and allow for the safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians in need  no matter where they are or who controls the territory," Jenca said.

He stressed that the UN condemns all attacks against civilians, wherever they occur. The organization also expresses concern about strikes on the territory of the Russian Federation, where civilian casualties have also been reported.
As many children in Louth return to Early Years and School Age Care settings this week after the summer break, over 950 children remain on waiting lists for a place. Early Childhood Ireland warns that without significant investment in the Early Years workforce in Budget 2026, efforts to expand capacity will fall short.

The latest figures from Pobal, the organisation which administers Early Years programmes, show that up to 997 children under the age of three are currently on creche waiting lists, highlighting the high demand for places in Louth.

The data reveals that there are 103 children under the age of 1 on waiting lists and no places available; 427 children aged 1 to 2 on waiting lists and two places available; and 467 children aged 2 to 3 on waiting lists and three places available to them.

Commenting on these figures, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, Frances Byrne, said, No child should miss out because of failures to invest properly in this vital workforce, yet thats exactly whats happening to hundreds of children in Louth. Without significant investment in Budget 2026, and a renewed focus on staffing, challenges to recruit and retain educators will continue to block efforts to expand access for families.

In its Budget 2026 submission, Early Childhood Ireland has urged the government to name a date to bring pay and conditions for Early Years and School Age Care graduates in line with primary school teachers, who are educated and trained to the same level. This would begin to reverse the average staff turnover rate, it said, which is over 16% in Louth.

Waiting lists like these would never be accepted in primary education, yet they remain a daily reality for younger children. As a first step to increasing capacity, Early Childhood Ireland is calling on the Government to announce, on Budget Day, a date for bringing Early Years and School Age Care graduates within public sector pay and conditions, in line with teachers, Ms Byrne said.

Currently, the government is mainly focused on reducing fees, and although we welcome proposals to increase subsidies for families, this will only create further demand for places. Providers in Louth will not be able to expand their capacity in settings unless they can recruit and retain qualified staff on appropriate terms and conditions. Naming a date to bring graduates into pay parity with teachers is a crucial next step, she continued.

Despite 76 per cent of adults backing guaranteed access to Early Years and School Age Care, according to Early Childhood Irelands 2025 Barometer, this is still far from reality for many Louth children. It said that local parents are left with no choice but to place the names of their unborn children on waiting lists, hoping to secure a place by the time the child turns two or three. Early Childhood Ireland added that with up to 427 children between the ages of one and two already waiting, many families know there is little chance of finding a place before then.

Its incredibly tough for parents trying to find a place for their child. At the same time, we hear from many of our 83 members in Louth about how they want to expand, theyre ready to grow, but they struggle to recruit and retain qualified educators.

We cant expand access for children unless we improve pay and conditions for those who deliver that care and education. You cant separate the two, and we hope the government sees that. Ms Byrne concluded.
Leading home care provider, Dovida, it to host a series of National Hiring Week events across the country as part of a major recruitment drive, and aims to hire 25 new Caregivers throughout Louth to meet growing need for its services.

Dovida Caregivers provide essential support to ageing adults and people living with disabilities in their own homes. Dovida says that its person-centred approach means that its Caregivers build meaningful connections with their clients and empower them to live fuller, more independent lives.

National Hiring Week is a great way for us to get out and about in the community to connect with people looking to start a rewarding career in home care, Allison Doggett, General Manager of Dovida Louth, said.

It provides us with an excellent platform to highlight what makes us an employer of choice in the sector and gives potential recruits the chance to meet local Caregivers and support team members to explore whether a career in care is right for them, she added.

Dovida National Hiring Week events in Louth

Friday, August 29th, 10am- 1pm : Hiring stand in SuperValu, Ardee.

: Hiring stand in SuperValu, Ardee. Monday, September 1st, 10am- 1pm: Recruitment morning at The Fairways Hotel, Dublin Rd, Haggardstown, Dundalk.

Dovida says that its Caregivers provide a range of vital services that empower people in their community to remain living as independently as possible in their own homes. Whether assisting an older person who needs some help around the house or supporting someone who has a disability to attend events in the community, Dovida says its Caregivers are there.

It offers both full and part-time positions as well as flexible hours in the mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends, allowing Caregivers to fit their work into their lives and balance it with other commitments, such as family life or study. The company also provides comprehensive training and support, as well as opportunities for personal and professional development.

People who need support from Dovida want to maintain autonomy over their life, to experience belonging, pursue happiness and find purpose. Our Caregivers are key to ensuring that as many people as possible can do just that, Allison concluded.

Dovida welcomes applications from people from all walks of life and says it is committed to supporting them every step of the way. For more information on life as a Dovida Caregiver and how to apply, please visit dovida.ie/hiring-week
Following the recent reporting, recovery and laboratory testing of a protected Red Kite (Milvus milvus) bird of prey and suspected poisoned bait, the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) are appealing to the public for information to assist in its investigation into a deliberate and unlawful persecution of wildlife incident in Louth.

A Red Kite was recovered from lands in the Dromiskin area in early August. Following laboratory testing by Regional Veterinary Laboratory and the State Laboratory under the RAPTOR protocol between these organisations and NPWS, the bird was confirmed to have a currently banned pesticide present in its system. NPWS interpretation of the test results worryingly indicates potential deliberate targeting and persecution.

The persecution of Irish birds of prey is unlawful under the 1976 Wildlife Acts, as amended, and the Birds and Habitats Regulations 2011, as amended.

The (Restrictions on use of poison bait) Regulations 2010 prohibits the use of poisoned animal based baits to target birds of prey and wildlife. Convictions under legislation can carry a fine of up to 5000 and 12 months imprisonment on summary conviction and a maximum fine of 500,000 and 3 years on conviction under indictment.

The reckless use of poisoned baits in the countryside also carries a threat to livestock, domestic pets and humans who may come in contact.
First-time buyers in Louth face major affordability challenges, with new analysis from Chill showing a single applicant would need to earn at least 83,942 to qualify under Central Bank mortgage rules  more than double the countys median income of 40,038.

Chills study compared median first-time-buyer home prices in every county with median local incomes, applying Central Bank limits of 90% loan-to-value and a maximum loan of four times gross income. The findings show that no county in Ireland is affordable for a single buyer on the national median salary of 43,221.

In Louth, the median first-time-buyer home price now stands at 373,075, leaving an income shortfall of 43,904 for a typical single buyer.

The affordability gap in Louth:

 Median price for first-time-buyer home: 373,075

 Median Louth income: 40,038

 Salary required under mortgage rules: 83,942

 Income shortfall: 43,904

Dublin, Wicklow, and Kildare remain the three least affordable counties, followed by Louth and Meath to complete the top five.

Read Next: Home commencement in Louth this year just a fraction of last year's

Ian OReilly, Head of Personal Lines Sales at Chill, said: The research highlights just how difficult it has become for first-time buyers in Louth. With borrowing limits capped, the gap between what buyers earn and whats needed under the rules is substantial. For many, the only viable path is to combine salaries, buy at a lower price point or seek a mortgage exemption.
Uisce Eireann has commenced a major infrastructure project to upgrade the wastewater network in North Drogheda, Louth representing a 22 million investment in the region. The company say the project will increase wastewater capacity to support the development of over 5,000 new homes.

Works underway involve the construction of a new wastewater pumping station off Twenties Lane and 2.3km of sewer pipeline. Uisce Eireann say the upgrade will enhance the capacity and resilience of the existing wastewater infrastructure, providing more reliable services for current and future residents and businesses.

Uisce Eireanns Padraic Fitzgerald welcomed the commencement of the project:

The North Drogheda Wastewater Network Upgrade project will not only address current capacity constraints but will also facilitate planned residential development, helping to unlock housing and economic potential in the area. We are working closely with developers to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support the delivery of much needed new homes for the community.

Read Next: Rents in Louth rise in second quarter

This project is being delivered as part of Uisce Eireanns national Growth and Development Programme and is being carried out on behalf of Uisce Eireann by GMC Utilities Group Ltd., with completion expected in 2027.

The works require localised traffic management at Ballymakenny Road, Listoke and Ashton Village. Crews on the ground will work to minimise disruption.

For more information on the Growth and Development Programme, please visit www.water.ie/growth

Uisce Eireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie